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Dispute not resolved Protest due to subcontractors’ concerns entering fourth week

} Teboho Setena NO end is in sight to subcontractors’ revolt over unpaid monies which has led to an abrupt halt in construction work at the Merriespruit Community Residential Units Complex in Meloding, Virginia.

The protest is heading into its fourth week, with progress at a standstill. The multi-million rand venture is a Public Private Partnership (PPP) development emanating from a tripartite agreement between the Free State Provincial Government’s Department of Human Settlements, the Matjhabeng Local Municipality and the Harmony Gold Mines.

Express Goldfields & NFS reliably learnt that a crucial meeting was pending to resolve the dispute between the main contractor, Reder Construction, and subcontractors, including the workers.

The meeting would involve stakeholders, Harmony Gold Mines and the Department of Human Settlements.

Apparently a meeting last Wednesday (25/02) between Olly Mlamleli, Free State MEC for Human Settlements, Reder Construction and representatives of subcontractors did not materialise. Mlamleli apparently had to honour commitments that included attending the presentation of the national budget by Minister Nhlanhla Nene.

Zondani Noveld, the intervention officer for Mlamleli, said construction work was expected to resume soon – pending the availability of Reder Construction to provide feedback to the subcontractors’ grievances and end the four-week protest.

Express Goldfields & NFS has learnt that a number of workers from as far the Western Cape and Bloemfontein, including foreign labourers from Mozambique, have all returned to their respective destinations.

“The sooner we have a meeting with the main contractor, the better, to resolve the matter. Be it by Mlamleli or the department’s directorates, the dispute which prolongs the halt of progress in construction work at the site must be resolved,” said Noveld.

“Of the 27 aggrieved subcontractors, 14 have confirmed to have been paid what was due to them by the main contractor. We are awaiting the feedback from the main contractor on other disputes. The department’s auditors will in the process also verify payments.”

Noveld says assessment done at the site on the scope of work reveal there was still a lot of work to be done to successfully complete

ON­DUTY security guards and angry workers stand on either side of the locked gate of the multi­million rand housing site in Meloding, Virginia, as the dispute, as reported on in the Express Goldfields & NFS of last Wednesday (25/02), is still unresolved. Photo: Teboho Setena the project.

The multi-billion rand housing project is for people earning between R800 and R3 500 a month.

Efforts were futile to get comment from Meshack Reder, the representative of Reder Construction.

The expected due date for completion of

the housing complex, according to the department, is the end of March.

However, with the ongoing protest, it seems unlikely to happen.

According to the department, the main contractor could also be liable to penalties.

“According to the contractual agreement and project schedule, the contractor is

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EXPRESS, WEDNESDAY 4 MARCH 2015

NEWS

Ace’s address found lacking } Selloane Khalane

ABOUT 80 Cuban medical doctors and engineers are set to work in the various Free State municipalities.

The Free State Premier Elias “Ace” Magashule made this announcement during his State of the Province Address on Tuesday, 24 February.

This speech mostly highlighted his extravagant trips to Cuba and China. He said the provincial government had recruited 40 medical doctors and 40 engineers from Cuba to work in various municipalities throughout the province.

Magashule sealed the partnership with Cuba by announcing that he would be renaming the CR Swart Building the Fidel Castro Building.

The Lebohang Building, which houses his offices, will now be called OR Tambo House.

While Magashule explained that Cuban nationals recruited to the province would also transfer skills, he failed to divulge to the media on how much the treaty would cost the Free State tax payers.

Currently, the provincial government has about 526 students studying medicine in China (277), Cuba (212) and Turkey (37) – all of whom are said to be funded by the Free State Government.

Magashule did not give more details on other investments in the pipeline from partnerships with the three countries, China, Cuba and Turkey.

While Magashule in his speech did not delve much into the provincial Department of Health’s predicament, he said the province’s water crisis would be tackled through the installation of a water pipeline from the Gariep Dam (Xhariep District) to supply water to various towns in the Naledi Local Municipality.

The Xhariep District Municipality is faced with a water crisis. Magashule added that the Free State Government planned to implement Municipal Infrastructure Grant (MIG) projects amounting to R724 million in the 2015-’16 financial year. He said these projects would focus on water, sanitation, roads, storm water systems and pedestrian bridges.

Magashule acknowledged the unpleasant crisis in the increase in Eskom bills of the municipality, particularly the Dihlabeng and Maluti-a-Phofung Local Municipalities as well as the Thabo Mofutsanyana District Municipality, and

said the government was trying to find sustainable solutions to curb the challenge.

Magashule said while the Free State government continued to fight corruption by enforcing the Public Administration Management Act, which prohibits public servants from conducting business with the state, cadre deployment would continue in his administration.

A heroes’ park at the regional park in Thaba Nchu earmarked to host statues such as the likes of Nelson Mandela, Bram Fischer and Fidel Castro, is also in the pipeline.

The premier made it clear that the provincial government would invest more money into the production of soya beans and deciduous fruits like apples.

Roy Jankielsohn, DA leader in the Free State Legislature, rejected Magashule’s address, and said: “Magashule has failed to address the problems of the Free State; he has failed to table solutions. He has failed to inspire, nor did he deal with the challenges faced by the province, such as the Health Department. The province needs a clear strategy with marked deliverables to turn the financial situation of the provincial government around, especially within the Department of Health and Education.

“Magashule repeatedly mentioned Cuba and China in his speech in a desperate attempt to justify his luxury holidays to these two countries. The Free State is almost R8 billion in the red,” said Jankielsohn.

“Magashule chose to blame apartheid exclusively for the inability of municipalities to deliver services, rather than accepting responsibility for appointing inexperienced and unqualified cadres into senior management positions.

“The people of the Free State want jobs, they do not want hand-outs, but hand-outs is all they will get from this premier.”

Wouter Wessels, Freedom Front Plus (FF+) leader in the Free State Legislature, also accused Magashule of failing to implement promises made in previous years.

“We should rename the Free State province ‘Chuba’ since its entire survival depends on the China and Cuba partnerships,” Wessels said.

Opposition parties have criticised the premier for failing to give direction on sustainable jobs by creating a conducive environment for the private sector.

FROM the left are the winners Sello Terrence Vinger, Mpho Elizabeth Vinger, Tsietsi Victor Vinger and Maleepile Rebecca Vinger Photo: Frikkie Knapp

Vingers loving world cup } Sidwell Guduka THE picture says it all about the mood of the Vinger family who are having the time of their life at the 2015 International Cricket Council World Cup underway in Australia and New Zealand.

The Vinger family from the Goldfields town of Welkom are on cloud nine after they won themselves an all-expenses paid trip to watch the Cricket World Cup in a competition by a fast-food chain.

“We have never as a family travelled together and now we received an opportunity of a lifetime to travel together all the way to Australia,” Mpho Vinger told Express Goldfields and NFS. “We feel so blessed and can’t wait to support our boys Down Under. I hope the Proteas will do us proud during the World Cup,” said the teacher of the Tlamanang Primary School in Hoopstad.

The Vingers jetted off to Australia on Friday, 20 February, and they watched the Proteas as they were beaten by India at the Melbourne Cricket Grounds on Sunday, 22 February. South Africa lost by 130 runs.

The Free Staters watched the Proteas as they took on the West Indies at the Sydney Cricket Grounds last Friday (27/02) at 05:30.

Apart from soaking up the great cricketing atmos­ phere, the Vingers will also get an opportunity to en­ joy a number of breath­ taking experiences such as a a trip to the amazing Ta­ ronga Zoo in Sydney.

Apart from soaking up the great cricketing atmosphere, the Vingers will also get an opportunity to enjoy a number of breath-taking experiences such as a tour of the iconic Melbourne Cricket Grounds (MCG), lunch overlooking the stunning Bondi Beach and a trip to the amazing Taronga Zoo in Sydney.

The Johannesburg-based Coetzee family were also announced as lucky winners of the competition.

This competition was launched in December 2014. The passionate cricket fans were asked to correctly answer the Proteas family trivia question which then put them in line to win big.

FOR more photos and news visit www.express-news.co.za.

Here you can also page through previous issues online.

Artist wired for the future with toy cars } Tladi Moloi PAUL ROUX. – Any truck or car manufacturing company looking for innovative designers to take their companies into the future will do themselves a big favour by looking no further than Sonnyboy Lehlwenya (38) from Fateng tse Ntsho, Paul Roux.

Lehlwenya is an unemployed artist with big dreams.

He is an expert in designing hand-made wire toy cars.

He has designed and made a Scania-replica wire truck complete with indicators and headlights.

Not only is the electric-powered truck visible in the dark, but it is also strong enough to ride while his two-year-old son, Tshepang, stands on the wheel axles.

Lehlwenya says he has been designing cars since 1998 after realising he could make money and a living from of it.

“Every young boy in my neighbourhood grows up driving wire cars and obviously not all of their older brothers could make the cars for them.

“I saw an opportunity and charge between R150 and R300 per car,” he says.

The father of three says he was inspired by the late Abraham Matli, a local resident, who used to design the cars.

“I am proud of him. He left me with a diamond. I just need a little help from our government to make this a big thing,” he says.

He says he has big dreams, but they are at a standstill currently as he does not

have enough material to design more cars.

“I need to start a company that designs toy cars.

“The problem is, I don’t have the required material to do all the work. I am hoping that our government can see what I am capable of and offer a helping hand,” he says.

Lehlwenya, who is also a gospel singer and plays keyboard at the New Testament Apostolic Church, says he once partnered with a friend to manufacture and sell cars, but the business relationship did not last long.

“We were selling them in bulk to a man, but after he stopped coming we could not get money,” he says.

Eager to show off their father’s work, his two young sons volunteered to assist with the demonstration to Express Goldfields and NFS. “We normally play with the cars here in the yard, but now that it has rained and the ground is soft, the wheels are digging into the ground,” eight-year-old Tiisetso says. ) Share your opinion with us on our Facebook page Express Goldfields and NFS or visit the Express website at www.express-news.co.za.

BRILLIANT: Sonnyboy Lehlwenya (38) from Fateng tse Ntsho, Paul Roux, shows how he operates his replica wire truck while his young boy, Tiisetso, stands behind it.

Photo: Tladi Moloi

EXPRESS, WEDNESDAY 4 MARCH 2015

3

NEWS

A total of 70 acts make the cut }

Teboho Setena

WELKOM’S GOT TALENT is set for an interesting closing chapter with a total of 70 hopeful acts going through to showcase their talent during the call-back auditions scheduled for March.

Offering a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, the talent search initiative saw a huge turnout for the final public auditions staged at the Goldfields Casino in Welkom and at the Brandwag Primary School in Odendaalsrus this past weekend of 27 and 28 February.

The auditions were jam-packed as aspiring acts pitched in the hope of making the grade.

Tanya Lloyd, general manager of the Goldfields Mall , is impressed with how the event has unfolded since the first leg of auditions, adding that both the rounds on Friday and Saturday were extremely successful and a total of 70 acts have received tickets to perform at the call-back auditions.

The chosen ones will be expected to pull out all the stops to reach the final where the 2015 Welkom’s Got Talent winner will be crowned.

The winner walks away with R20 000 in cash, R5 000 in fashion vouchers sponsored by Just Property Group Goldfields Mall, as well as the opportunity to perform as

SOLO singer Kabelo Ramakoae.

Photos: Teboho Setena

an opening act at one of the Goldfields Casino’s scheduled concerts within six months after winning the contest.

All sound requirements for this performance will be arranged by the casino, as well as any other costs relevant to the performance.

Lloyd stated this year’s auditions have provided a fresh breath of talent from the Goldfields towns of Hennenman, Odendaalsrus and Welkom.

Auditions even reached Welkom’s township of Thabong and saw about 60 acts show up at the host venue at the Lephola Secondary School.

The grand finale is scheduled for 23 May when the winner will be announced.

Another highlight of the final round will be a performance by Vincent Bones, the winner of last year’s South African Idol.

For answers to any queries, contestants may call Judy Moran at the Goldfields Mall Centre Management Office on 057-352-4251 during office hours. Also keep a close eye on the newspaper as we will provide you with detailed information on a weekly basis or go to https://www.facebook.com/pages/ Goldfields-Mall to stay up to date with the latest happenings regarding Welkom’s Got Talent.

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EXPRESS, WEDNESDAY 4 MARCH 2015

NEWS

Actors needed for drama about TB

Elect new leadership during AGM MEMBERS of the DA in ward 27 in the Matjhabeng Local Municipality elected a new leadership at an annual general meeting (AGM) held recently (01/02) in Welkom. The new leadership comprises the chairperson, deputy chairperson, secretary and treasurer. The new leadership’s mandate includes making the party more visible and responsive to the needs of the community in the build­up towards the 2016 local government elections.

Photo: Supplied

THE drama raising awareness that tuberculosis (TB) is beatable, is set to return during the school recess with performances in the greater Thabong township.

Pioneered by Saduma Miya, the drama’s title is Thibela TB, Stop TB. A series of performances by the local Success Cultural Group will be at various health facilities such as clinics and hospitals.

This forms part of the Easter holiday schools programme.

Miya said this year they would also host health expos (expositions), where people who were on TB treatment would be further enlightened about the significance of completing their treatment, while also encouraging the public to test for TB.

He said this would be to highlight World TB Day, which is celebrated on 24 March annually.

The proceedings will get underway on 27 March with the hosting of a health expo at the Bophelong Clinic.

“We are targeting the youth aged 8 to 20 years old, who are interested in the arts for roles as actors.

“The drama is a platform for aspiring actors to showcase their talent.

Training will be offered to those interested,” said Miya.

Miya added that rehearsals were already underway to prepare for when the drama started on 27 March.

Those interested to be part of the drama can call Miya on 061-369-5528 or Peggy Tilo on 082-959-5653.

Officers’ death mourned We need teams we can pin our hopes on THE current South African Football Association (Safa) national u.20 men’s team, (Amatjita), is on form and could be relied on to produce a medal at the 2020 Olympic Games.

The team was guided by Ephraim “Shakes” Mashaba, who has since taken over the reigns at the senior men’s team, Bafana Bafana, as head coach. The last time the South African football team qualified for and competed in the Olympics was in 2000 in Sydney, Australia. Matthew Booth captained the men’s u.23 side, affectionately known as Amagluglug, which did well in their debut despite coming home without a medal.

That team featured star players like Steve Lekoelea, Benni McCarthy, Abram Nteo and Daniel Matsau (from Odendaalsrus and Allanridge respectively).

The majority of the players were sourced from the u.20 team – hence I strongly believe the same formula can be applied with the current South African u.20 team which last month (January 25) won the Commonwealth Cup in Russia.

The average age of the present u.20 players is 18 and they will be eligible to play in the u.23 team which must be nurtured for the 2020 Summer Olympic Games.

This will be staged in Tokyo, Japan.

This time around, the future for South Africa’s junior football team looks bright.

In 2016, in Athens, South Africans are expected to do well in the athletics track and field events. Medals will be won and records are expected to be broken. They could even outshine the athletic sporting code’s best effort since the country returned to global sports in 1992.

South Africa collected two silver medals at the 1992 Olympic Games in Barcelona (Elana Meyer – athletics, women’s 10 000 m and Wayne Ferreira and Piet Norval – tennis, men’s doubles).

Those on whose shoulders the country will rest their hopes in 2016 are Cornel Fredericks (400 m hurdles), Wayde van Niekerk (400 m), Godfrey Khotso Mokoena (long jump and triple jump), Zarck Visser (long jump), Anaso Jobodwana (200 m) and also the men’s 200 m relay team.

My view

Moeti Molelekoa Social observer We hope God will be kind to us and that all medal prospects. including Rushwal Samaai (long jump), Suzette Viljoen (javelin), Victor Hogan (discus), Johan Cronje (1 500 m) and veterans like Caster Semenya (800 m) and LJ van Zyl (400 m hurdles) are available.

Eighteen months ahead of the Olympics, the future looks bright for South Africa.

The International Amateur Athletics Federation (IAAF), the athletics world body, scrapped A and B standards in favour of a single criterion; A was tough and B was for promising athletes trying to graduate to that level of excellence. It will, therefore, be a challenge for the up and coming athletes.

The draft standards seem to be favouring South Africa’s best athletes.

Meetings will be held by the federation and perhaps more changes will be implemented as time goes on. It is, therefore, up to Athletics South Africa (ASA) to choose whether it intends using A and B standards in the original sense or whether they will use B standards if there are A standards.

It is on these athletes and the future u.23 soccer team (current u.20 or Amatjita) that we, as a country, will pin our hopes. ASA needs to blood as many young athletes as possible in order to have depth at their disposal. ) To comment or express your views about the issue highlighted in the column, go to www.expressnews.co.za. Express Goldfields & NFS welcomes anyone interested in contributing to the weekly column as public observers or citizen journalists. There is no payment for writers.

Send your opinion piece (not exceeding 500 words) to teboho.setena@volksblad.com.

THE police in Hennenman are mourning the tragic death of two officers who were killed instantly in an accident which involved three vehicles last Wednesday (25/02). The deceased officers were WO Molato Alexis Sitole (46) and Const. Lebohang Shadrack Ntsia (37). The accident involved a Volkswagen Polo the deceased were travelling in, a truck and van belonging to a furniture shop.

Sgt Mamello Mokhuoane, spokesperson of the Thabong police, said the two officers had been off duty when the fatal accident occurred at an intersection of Beyers Street and the R70 road in Hennenman. She said the deceased had been travelling together in a Polo which collided with a truck carrying iron rods heading in the Ventersburg direction. Mokhuoane said the Polo the officers had been travelling in, allegedly

spun out of control causing it to collide with a van heading in the opposite direction of Welkom. She said the two officers were from Hennenman heading in the direction of the township of Phomolong.

Mokhuoane said the truck driver had escaped unharmed while the three employees of the furniture shop sustained minor injuries and were admitted to a hospital in Welkom.

“The cause of the accident will be investigated. A case of culpable homicide was registered at the Hennenman Police Station, pending further investigation,” said Mokhuoane.

Lt. Gen. Thabethe Mpembe, Free State provincial police commissioner, sent condolences to the families of the deceased police officers on behalf of the Free State Police.

CRACK­DOWN ON CRIME: Const. Mapit­ so Mathibedi with some items, including a firearm, which were confiscated during the arrest of five suspects.

The items included a Norinco firearm, one magazine, six live rounds, five cell­ phones and a brown envelope. This was aft­ er the police had searched the vehicle the suspects were travelling in on the Welkom­Kroonstad road last Wednesday (25/02). Photo: Supplied

Farmers warned about illegals THE police within and around the Goldfields strongly warn farmers to not employ illegal immigrants as shepherds to look after their livestock.

This is after the discovery of stolen cattle at the Ventersburg Auction Kraal on 19 February and the arrest of seven illegal immigrants from Lesotho.

Sgt. Mamello Mokhuoane, spokesperson of the Thabong police cluster, said eight farmers owning the auction kraal had been taken for questioning following the discovery of respectively three and five stolen head of cattle with tempered markings. She said three head of cattle had been positively

identified by owner Roma Badenhorst, who reported the livestock as stolen. Following investigations she said seven illegal immigrants from Lesotho employed as shepherds had been arrested.

Mokhuoane said this had led to the discovery of two head of cattle at one of the farms in Ventersburg. She said the animals were not marked in terms of the Animal Identification Act 6 of 2002 and the owners had not yet been traced.

Anyone with information regarding incidents of stock theft in the Ventersburg area must contact WO Francois Odendaal on 082-388-9813.

EXPRESS, WEDNESDAY 4 MARCH 2015

5

NEWS

Group demands MEC’s resignation } Tladi Moloi PHUTHADITJHABA. – The Treatment Action Campaign (TAC) in the Free State is adamant that the MEC for Health, Benny Malakoane, must resign.

The organisation gave reasons for the call for Malakoane’s resignation, among them the apparent deterioration of the health system under his leadership.

“One of the challenges that we continuously face, is the closure of, among others, the Nketoane Regional Hospital in Reitz,” said Patrick Mdletshe, TAC national convener, adding that resigning was the best thing Malakoane could do.

Mdletshe spoke to Express Eastern Free State during their protest at the Phuthaditjhaba Hall, which culminated in them marching to the offices of the Department of Health near the Setsing Shopping Complex in Qwaqwa on Wednesday (25/2).

“We’ve got no personal vendetta against Malakoane. We have a problem with him as the MEC for Health.

“He is a South African official, not just an official, but MEC for that matter and that means he holds a very important position in the country,” he said.

“We cannot allow it to happen that we are led by people who are accused of corruption.

The corruption charges that he is facing are hampering the delivery in one way or another,” Mdletshe pointed out.

Malakoane is amongst seven people facing over 100 charges of fraud and corruption.

The charges stem from his tenure as municipal manager at the Matjhabeng Local Municipality in 2008.

Accused on similar charges are the MEC for Sport, Arts and Culture, Mathabo Leeto, former mayor of the Matjhabeng and Lejweleputswa District Municipality, including other municipal employees, former Matjhabeng chief financial officer, Louis de Bruin, his personal assistant, Leona Nel, Oupa Molete, Hendrik Burger and two companies. The charges stem from alleged irregular procedures in the awarding of tenders and the accused persons allegedly having received substantial kickbacks. They were arrested by the Hawks in July 2013, after a year-long investigation.

Mdletshe said the ANC in its manifesto stated they were going to decisively deal with corrupt officials that were defrauding the government.

“So we want that in action. The ANC

THE angry Treatment Action Campaign (TAC) members who marched to the Department of Health offices near the Setsing Shopping Complex in Qwaqwa on Wednesday (25/2).

Photo: Tladi Moloi

should be doing serious work here to implement one of these resolutions,” he said.

Mdletshe said they would not budge from demanding the resignation of the embattled Malakoane. “We want better service for our people on a daily basis.

“We know that inland provinces have got problems recruiting nurses, but that is no longer a problem, specifically in the Free State. We have a lot of institutions that are training nurses. Last year in Welkom there were student nurses that were enrolled but the programme was cut short. This year they enrolled new ones.

“Where is the logic in that? We are facing a serious challenge. If we are not investing

correctly in health-care systems, specifically in human resources, we are going nowhere,” Mdletshe stressed. ) Mondli Mvambi, the acting spokesperson of the Department of Health and also the Free State government spokesperson, confirmed that the MEC was facing charges of fraud and corruption.

“He is facing those charges in his personal capacity. However, he remains innocent until he is proven guilty,” Mvambi said.

He also rubbished allegations that the charges against the MEC were affecting services. “The MEC is always at work and he has never missed a day in parliament,” Mvambi said.

Hearing loss requires team approach WITH the new educational year well underway, many a parent or guardian will have had contact with their child’s teacher(s) during parent evenings and the like. Every parent, however, dreads being told that their child is not performing as he or she should be.

“Before labelling your child incorrectly, it is important to be aware of the fact that children who experience hearing loss, often present with many of the same signs as children with learning difficulties,” says Tally Sherban, a client relations executive at Oticon South Africa, a leading hearing aid manufacturer. “These can range from a lower academic achievement than their age, background or IQ scores would predict, or even inattention that is frequently related to frustration and fatigue,” she adds.

Tell-tale signs to look out for in a learner with a hearing loss: ) Inappropriate responses to questions; ) Watching other pupils to see what they are doing; ) Articulation problems – speech difficulties; ) Fatigue, especially at the end of the day; ) Academic failure; ) Poor self-image; ) Day-dreaming; and ) Apparent laziness.

If your child exhibits any of these signs, it would be wise not to assume that your child has learning or behavioural problems. “The first step to helping your child is to rule out hearing loss by taking your child to an audiologist who will look at any history of hearing loss or ear infections, and perform a hearing test to establish what your child’s hearing ability is,” explains Tally.

“If your child has hearing loss, it is vital to inform your child’s teacher(s) of the situation as they have a tremendous impact on the learners’ learning, self-image and social adjustment,” Tally explains. “Working with learners who have hearing loss requires a team approach from the parents, classroom teacher, speech and language therapist and audiologist to determine the individual needs of each learner and to develop an appropriate educational plan,” she adds.

Self-image and social adjustment Focusing on the child’s self-image is crucial throughout the process, as he or she will most likely perceive themselves as being different, especially if they are wearing hearing aids and/or using an FM system (wireless communication) in the classroom. “Help your child to accept how their hearing impairment makes them different, while emphasising that hearing loss is not the only thing that defines them. Focus on positive aspects and facilitate an understanding of what your child’s hearing loss is and how it affects their everyday lives. Classmates will also

TALLY SHERBAN, a client relations execu­ tive at Oticon South Africa. benefit greatly from this knowledge,” suggests Tally.

Hearing instruments and FM in the classroom The primary function of amplification in the classroom is to provide access to speech information and facilitate learning. In most cases, hearing aids will benefit the child with a hearing loss, but in specific listening situations, such as in very noisy classrooms, hearing aids alone may not be enough.

“FM systems work with a child’s hearing aids to enhance the speaker’s voice for better speech understanding and immediate relief in the classroom. It typically consists of a microphone or transmitter worn by the teacher and a receiver that hooks on to the hearing aid worn by the child. If this is an option that you are considering, it would be advisable to discuss the matter with your child’s teacher(s) in order to enlist their support,” says Tally.

“An FM system will allow your child to sit anywhere in the classroom and hear the teacher’s voice as if it were only a few centimetres away. By reducing the distance the teacher’s voice has to travel, the effects of background noise and echo are dramatically reduced.

“Many children and teachers who use FM systems report less fatigue at the end of the day, as the teacher does not have to raise his or her voice to be heard and the child hears better with less strain,” explains Tally.

FM systems are not only for children with hearing loss. They can also be used by children with normal hearing who present with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Auditory Processing Disorders, language-learning difficulties,

HEARING problems can be managed. and so forth. Research has shown that children with these difficulties present with improved academic performance through the use of these FM systems.

Classroom tips for teachers ) When addressing the learner say his/her name first and identify the topic you are covering ) Seat the learner for optimal listening and visual cues within the classroom.

Ideally, this should be with the learner’s back to the window, seated a third of the distance of the room from the teacher, not in the front row directly beneath the teacher. ) Be aware of possible misunderstanding – avoid idioms, sarcasm, slang (if you use them, explain). ) Sometimes ask other learners if they have heard or understood rather than always focusing on the child with hearing loss. ) Speak in an ordinary tone of voice, without exaggerated lip movements, and at a normal rate of speaking. ) Make sure your lips are clearly visible.

Face the class, not the blackboard, when speaking.

Make sure that the room does not have bright lights shining directly in the child’s face. Back-lighting is ideal. ) Be aware that the learner is unlikely to be able to lip read or fully hear during a film or slide presentation. Either use a captioned film or provide information

(transcript) in advance. ) Institute a buddy system – such as a classroom helper or official note taker. ) Provide an opportunity for the pupil to share information with the class about the hearing aid and/or FM system and how it works. ) Keep extra batteries on hand for your FM system. ) It is important not to have a preconceived notion of function based on the degree of the child’s hearing loss.Remember always to speak naturally and clearly.

If using exaggerated mouth movements, extremely fast or slow rates of speaking or overly loud speech, the learners may have difficulty understanding. ) Be careful not to chew gum or eat while talking to learners, so as to make lip reading possible. Remember always to make a recognisable transition when moving on to a new subject. ) Consider passing around a written copy of the day’s or week’s assignment for all learners, or writing assignments on the board. Confirm your child’s hearing ability before making any decisions relating to your child’s education.

“Be cognisant of the fact that many children with hearing loss are often incorrectly labelled as children with learning difficulties.

Make an informed decision that will allow your children to claim the best possible future for themselves,” concludes Tally.

6

EXPRESS, WEDNESDAY 4 MARCH 2015

NEWS

Relaunches programme A BIRDS’ EYE VIEW: From the shade of their umbrellas from the top of the school building, this group of learners of the Lekgarietse Secondary School watched the proceedings of the relaunch of the school’s recycling programme last Friday (20/02).

Photos: Teboho Setena

THESE three learners of the Lekgarietse Secondary School are from the left Tshepang Hanyane, Tshediso Makhoali and Thabi­ so Manese. They had fun during the re­launch of their school’s recycling programme by the Amalgamated Beverage Industries (ABI) last Friday (20/02) in Thabong, Welkom.

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SAPS asking for assistance

ATTEND EVENT: These women representing the Goldfields FET College attended the Welkom branch of PwC’s breakfast function on the 2015 budget analysis last Friday (27/02). From the left are Mapaseka Lebambo, Mannuku Ramakhele, Carly Mahlatsi and Sibongile Baartman.

Photos: Teboho Setena THE trio of Henine Jordaan, Alfred Tau and Reme Wheelers also attended the breakfast function.

Jordaan and Wheel­ ers are from the Central University of Technology (CUT), Free State’s, Welkom Campus and Tau is from Sparta Beef. Dr An­ dré Mellet, an Eco­ nomics lecturer of the Northwest Uni­ versity’s Vaal Trian­ gle Campus, was the guest speaker.

THESE representatives of different private business sectors are from the left Koketso Sekonyela, Magriet Ramafot­ hole, Teboho Nteo and Connie Bovungana. They also attended the budget analysis breakfast function.

POLICE looking for witness The Welkom police are appealing to Bongiwe Molahluwa from Kutlwanong in Odendaalsrus to contact them.

Molahluwa is a possible witness regarding the rape of a 17-year-old girl on 16 December last year and the police would like to question her regarding the matter.

Apparently, on the day in question at about 17:02, Molahluwa witnessed three African men armed with knives overpowering the victim and sexually assaulting her in a park in Doorn, one of Welkom’s suburbs. The men took turns at raping the victim and afterwards fled the scene.

Det. WO Juan Jansen of the Welkom Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Crimes Unit, is investigating the case.

Anyone who might know the whereabouts of Molahluwa, or can help in tracking her down, should call Jansen on 057-3916189 during office hours or on 084-538-5909.

MAN charged with possession Sam Qache, a suspected drug dealer, appeared in the Welkom Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 23 February, facing a charge of possession of drugs.

This was his second appearance. The first was on 16 February.

This came after 19 Mandrax

What’s on

tablets were found in Qache’s possession.

Sgt Mamello Mokhuoane, spokesperson of the Thabong police cluster, said the arrest of the suspected drug dealer followed a tip-off. She said the 26-year-old Qache was busted at his place of residence after the police had searched the house.

POLICE looking for next of kin The Welkom police are appealing for help in tracking down the family of a deceased elderly African man whose body is still at the Welkom Government Mortuary.

The deceased was found on the Nooitgedacht farm between Welkom and Odendaalsrus on 18 August last year.

The cause of the man’s death is still unknown.

The deceased is estimated to have been about 60 years old. He was wearing a pair of brown trousers, a blue shirt and a black windbreaker.

He is of dark complexion with greyish hair and beard, and approximately 1,6 m tall and of average build.

Anyone who can help to find his relatives or identify the deceased must call Const. Tjodi Tamane of the Welkom Detective Services on 057-391-6274 during office hours or on 079-511-3211.

hood centres, private and public, in Welkom’s township Fax information to: 086-676-3805 of Thabong, are invited to the Email: teboho.setena@volksblad.com plenary meeting of Before 13:00 on Wednesdays the annual Child Protection Week.

The week will be SANBS meeting held observed from 27 May to 2 The annual general meeting June. of the South African National The meeting is for organisaBlood Service (SANBS) will be tions in Thabong east and will held on Thursday (05/03) at be held on 11 March at the 17:30 in the boardroom of Shop Thabong 2 Library, starting at 36, The Strip, Stateway, 10:00.

Welkom.

The meeting is open to all The meeting is open to the organisations interested in general public. Local business being part of events for Child people and donors are welcome Protection Week. to attend.

Call Saduma Miya on For more information and to 061-369-5528 or Mary Mkhele on confirm attendance, call Alta 072-293-8941.

Pienaar on 057-352-22174 during ) The deadline for What’s office hours.

On entries is Wednesdays at Child Protection Week 13:00. Send information to planned teboho.setena@volksStakeholders of early childblad.com.

EXPRESS, WEDNESDAY 4 MARCH 2015

7

SPORT

VICTORIOUS: The players of the Harmony FC team are from the left, front: Nakeli Tshita, Tamsanqa Mnanzana, Teboho Moeketsi, Kleinbooi Taaibos and Donald Hlabahlaba; back: Tsokolo Mkumbeni, Pheello Machabane, Bafokeng Moabi, Tankiso Pholosi, Mandal Olifant and Phindile Mkhunjulwa.

Photo: Teboho Setena

Harmony claim derby victory } Teboho Setena

THE return derby clash between Dinonyana FC and Harmony FC saw the latter scoring a double following a narrow 1-0 win in the ABC Motsepe League tie fixture played on Saturday (28/02) at the Bronville Stadium in Welkom.

Saturday’s defeat blew the chance of the hosts, Dinonyana, to avenge the 0-3 hammering at the hands of their rivals in the first-round derby played last December.

The morale-boosting result saw the victorious Harmony reclaim the fifth spot on the log table with 26 points, replacing Mangaung Unite who suffered a crucial 1-2 defeat in a local derby involving clubs from Bloemfontein.

Despite the poor result on the weekend, Dinonyana have improved their position on the log and have managed to steer away from the dreaded relegation zone.

They are currently in tenth position, needing at least six points in two league

matches to cement a place in the top half.

They can only hope to pick up the pieces against a wounded Mangaung side in a tough match set for Saturday (07/03) in the Bronville Stadium. Mangaung lost 1-2 to Hunters in the derby of the Bloemfontein clubs.

Inspired by the result in the derby in the Goldfields, Harmony can hope to continue the good run in another league fixture set for Saturday against the struggling Bloemfontein Young Tigers.

Both the visitors, Tigers, and the hosts, Harmony, are equally desperate for maximum points to improve their standing on the log.

Another crucial match at the Bronville Stadium on Saturday will see the Sibanye Golden Stars battle Roses United from Bloemfontein at 18:00. Boasting a blend of former professional players, Roses suffered a 1-2 defeat to the Free State Academy while Stars drew 2-all with Clarens Galaxy in matches played on Saturday.

Cycling televised SUPERSPORT has secured the rights to a number of international cycling classics, many of which will feature South Africa’s own Team MTN-Qhubeka.

The deal comes in time ahead of arguably the most important season in the history of South African cycling.

The South African team will be using a number of these events to fine-tune their preparation for their debut – the first by a South African team – in the biggest race of them all, the Tour de France.

These include Paris-Raubaix. This is followed by La Flèche Wallonne, the Belgian cycling classic, which the team hopes to compete in.

Team MTN-Qhubeka will also contest the Tour of California and, a month later, the Criterium du Dauphine, renowned for its massive climbs.

Former Olympian Douglas Ryder, now team principal of Team MTN-Qhubeka, is delighted that South Africans will be able to watch the team go through its paces ahead of the Tour de France.

“SuperSport does an amazing job in building sports in South Africa and across Africa through the exposure and hours of broadcast they dedicate on their channels.

Cycling has benefited significantly, which has helped grow the sport across the African continent,” says Ryder.

“The number of events that SuperSport has acquired rights for in support of the team’s racing programme is incredible and has helped motivate our riders to greater achievements knowing that their performances will be seen back home.

“The Tour de France invitation this year is the biggest motivator of them all,” says Brandon Foot, acting chief executive officer of SuperSport, adding that the

team’s participation has proved integral to the acquisitions.

“Cycling is enjoying unprecedented growth both in South Africa and across the continent,” says Ryder.

“With a number of riders from both South Africa and the continent on this team, it is an opportunity to showcase our cycling excellence. SuperSport is only too happy to go along for the ride, so to speak.”

In addition, the Absa Cape Epic prologue will be broadcast live on SuperSport on 15 March, followed by daily highlights packages.

Broadcast details: ) Seven-day Tirreno-Adriatico: 11 March ) Milan-San Remo: 22 March ) One-day Dwars door Vlaanderen: 25 March ) One-day Gent-Wevelgem: 29 March ) One-day De Ronde van Vlaanderen: 4 April ) One-day Scheldeprijs: 8 April ) Paris-Raubaix: 12 April (SS6, 13:00) ) One-day De Brabantse Pijl: 15 April ) One-day Amstel Gold Race: 19 April ) La Flèche Wallonne: 22 April (SS6, 15:00 to 17:00). ) Liege-Bastogne-Liege: 26 April (SS6, 14:15 to 17:00). ) Tour of California: 10 to 16 May (SS6, 23:00); stage 8 (SS6, 18:00). ) Giro d’Italia: 9 to 31 May ) Criterium du Dauphine: 8 to 15 June ) Tour de France: Team prologue and race presentation, followed by first stage, 1 to 26 July (SS6) ) Seven-day USA Pro-Challenge: 17 August Check listings for times and channels.

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EXPRESS, WEDNESDAY 4 MARCH 2015

Club wants bigger race } Teboho Setena

Ready for athletics championship THIS group of the Real Lions Athletics Club will compete at the Free State Athletics Championship starting on Friday (06/03) and ending on Saturday (07/03) in Bloemfontein. From the left are, front: Ditaba Machachamisa, Khumbulani Khoarai, Motsapi Phafudi, Thabang Jantjie and Xolisa Quliso; middle: Lettie Dhlamini, Kebileng Mahloko, Boikanyo Setshego, Mamosuwe Lephaila, Mavuso Xaba and Thabiso Thebeko; back: Willem Radebe, Reanetse Lephaila, Jonas Soke, Sibusiso Mculwani, Tshepo Kalane, Mosuwe Lephaila, Hans Mojahi and Ditsietsi Morigitlane.

Photo: Teboho Setena

Griffons start season } Teboho Setena

THE Down Touch Griffons Team starts the 2015 season in the First Division with a tough away Vodacom Cup clash against one of last year’s semi-finalists, the Steval Pumas.

Set for Friday (06/03), it will be the two sides’ opening fixture of the championship which features 16 clubs, split into two – North and South sections, eight teams per section.

Both the Griffons and the Pumas are in the North section, following a draw conducted in February. It saw the Griffons drawn to play four matches away and three on their home turf in Welkom.

The Welkom-based sides’ away fixtures are against the Welwitschias (27 March), Vodacom Blue Bulls (17 April) and the Leopards XV (2 May).

The Griffons’ home fixtures are against the Valke (10 April), Assupol Limpopo Blue Bulls (25 April) and the

Xerox Golden Lions (8 May).

The Griffons had a poor run in the 2014 season, failing to qualify for the quarterfinal.

The local lads finished poorly, third from the bottom, in position six, with 12 points.

They lost the battle for a spot in the top four to the Pumas, Blue Bulls, Golden Lions and the champions, the Griquas of the Northern Cape.

The Griquas were crowned the Vodacom Cup champions – their fifth title – after demolishing the Golden Lions 30-6 in the final in Kimberley in May last year.

Oersond Gorgonzola, the Griffons coach, can hope for a complete change of fortune this year if the form that saw the team win the 2014 Currie Cup First Division is anything to go by.

In addition, he can hope that newlyenlisted players click in time and gel as the tournament progresses, and achieve a top-four spot in the tournament.

DIESEL-ELECTRIC

Stars look set to finish at top } Teboho Setena

THE high-riding third division Thabong Young Stars look set to finish the season unchallenged in a bid to qualify for the promotional play-offs for the ABC Motsepe League. They still top the table of the South African Football Association’s (Safa) Lejweleputswa Castle League on 54 points.

The Welkom-based outfit has drawn and lost one game of the 19 league matches played thus far.

The goalless draw was against Beatrix Umlilo in a fixture played on Sunday (15/02) with the defeat against Mphatlalatsane Stars, 2-1, on 8 February.

The winning form of the log leaders, Young Stars, is set to be tested in the second round of the league, with the 18 clubs intensifying the fight for the top spot.

Potential challengers in the race to finish in the top at the end of the 2014-’15 season are Bothaville-based Barcelona Academy, in second position on 42 points, and rookies, the Virginia Sports Academy, in third place on 37 points.

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THE Real Lions Athletics Club’s annual 10 km marathon and 5 km fun run are scheduled for 21 March to coincide with Human Rights Day. This year’s event is the third edition of the race, which has seen local businesses come on board as sponsors. This will help grow the stature of the race.

The start and finish point will be at the Welkom Technical High School (THS). The category winners will receive gold, silver and bronze medals.

German Ditshoane, the Real Lions Club’s manager and coach, is optimistic they will attract a bigger number of participants than the previous years.

“The race is open to all interested participants, including learners.

Logistics are in place and some of the club members will on the day of the race also be on hand, working to ensure the event’s success,” said Ditshoane.

“Funding has been our main challenge up until now. This has resulted in us not being able to stage the marathon annually, as we had planned. We are, however, hopeful the marathon will grow in stature.”

The race’s first edition was held in 2003. Its chief objective is to continue encouraging participation in athletics and promoting the sport in the township.

“While also continuing to encourage participation, this year part of the race will be to raise funds for the club in order for it to help members with basic requirements,” said Ditshoane.

He said the marathon had proven to be significant in terms of enabling talented athletes to unleash their potential and for them to rise to prominence. Among the athletes are long- and middle-distance runners, and the likes of boys such as Xaba Mavuso, Frans Thipe, Boy Soke and girl, Palesa Nthongoa.

They have all represented South Africa internationally: Thipe in the 8 km cross-country, Soke in the 5 000 m and 10 000 m and cross-country and Mavuso in the 10 000 m, while Nthongoa represented South Africa in the 1 500 m and 800 m, respectively.

Entry is R40 for the 10 km race and R20 for the 5 km fun run. Registration is set to start at 06:00 until 07:45 with the actual races starting at 08:00.