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WEDNESDAY 18 SEPTEMBER 2013 WWW.EXPRESSNEWS.CO.ZA
Cream of the crop
Mattanu receives award for the best tourism service
} Boipelo Mere THE Mattanu Private Game Reserve was announced the overall winner of the best Lilizela Tourism Service Excellence Award. The Northern Cape Tourism Authority (NCTA) reported during the award ceremony at the Flamingo Casino that the game reserve would be representing the province at a national level. According to Jaque Kriek, who runs the game reserve, the 2010 veld fire incident did not put them down, but has pushed them to work harder and stand together as a family. He added that they also put in more efforts in order to put their province on the map with what they could offer. The game reserve was hit by serious veld fires in 2010 that destroyed most of their land including their luxury tents. “I am very happy to be recognised and acknowledged as we really rose from the ashes. The incident is exactly the reason why we even started to work harder to build our business. We also realised that we had to offer our clients more by rebuilding our luxury tents and family units,” added Kriek. According to him, they are pleased to announce that their spa treatment services are active. “We are currently spending more on marketing. In 2011 we managed to scoop the award for the best small game reserve, with less than seven rooms. Then we won the best game experience, including the best Diners Club Platinum Wine List Award in South Africa,” he bragged. Kriek elaborated how proud they were to have created jobs, awareness and services that exceeded the best in South Africa. The game reserve is reported to have created 12 permanent jobs in all fields of the business. He further said that the game reserve was busy throughout the year as they also included in their services the tour of showing the guests their breeding projects. “We are very busy throughout the year. We accommodate within 200 guests around the province on weekends and mostly tourists during the week,” he continued. He concluded by revealing the helicopter trips where they fly the guests in and out for game capturing, safaris and weddings. “We try to have unique activities that exceed the guests’ expectations,” ended Kriek.
Northern Cape
THE Northern Cape MEC for Finance, Economic Development and Tourism, John Block, Jaque Kriek, who runs the game reserve, and the mayor of the Sol Plaatje Municipality, Agnes Ntlangula. Photo: Boipelo Mere
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EXPRESS NORTHERN CAPE, WEDNESDAY 18 SEPTEMBER 2013
Parolee beats the odds to graduate } Boipelo Mere
GCOBANI MAYOYO being congratulated by his teacher Hendrick Booysen.
Photos: Boipelo Mere
GCOBANI MAYOYO (23) had to rise above the challenges presented by crime in order to advance in realising his dream of becoming a chartered accountant. He was released on parole after serving three years and nine months of his eight-year sentence for rape at the Goedemoed Prison in the Eastern Cape. Last week, he was amongst the close to 600 offenders from the Free State and Northern Cape region who were awarded their graduation certificates for a variety of courses including skills development programmes. He achieved high marks in his June examination this year: an A symbol for Mathematics, an A for Biology, an A for Economics, an A for Business Economics and B symbols for English and IsiXhosa. He has been encouraged to apply to higher institutions soon, because his dream of becoming a chartered accountant could soon be realised. On the day of the handover at the Christian Revival Church (CRC) hall, the regional commissioner, Subashini Moodley, announced that the Department of Correctional Services would award Mayoyo a full bursary to study in any field of his choice, at any university.
“Mayoyo is the department’s pride, as he only served three years and nine months in prison. That is why we have awarded him a bursary, also to motivate other inmates to work hard,” Moodley said. An ecstatic Mayoyo could not help to smile from ear to ear when he spoke to Express Northern Cape. He shared his story about how he went to prison when he was in gr. 11. “I know that I was working hard, but I never expected to get such perfect results. “My biggest secret is a positive attitude. The rehabilitation programmes that we were part of on the inside motivated me to take my education seriously.” He said that he was continuously motivated by his teachers and elders in prison. Mayoyo also revealed that part of his reason for not applying in time was because of financial constraints, as his mother passed away soon after he was sentenced to prison. “Nothing can stop me now, not even my situation,” said the parolee proudly after hearing the good news. Moodley elaborated on the different partnerships that have been formed to provide more support to learners like Mayoyo. “It gives us hope to meet people like him, as he is a won-
derful example by showing such commitment. He utilised the opportunities that were available for him,” added Moodley proudly. Hester Forster, the acting manager of education and training at Goedemoed, said: “I have always known him as a positive and hardworking student. That is why I tried to be there for him as a mother as well, to give him full support. We wish him the best of luck.” The overarching objective of the certificate ceremony is to showcase the department’s interventions in the delivery of corrections, pockets of excellence as well as garnering support from all sectors of society to actively take part in the correcting, rehabilitating and reintegration of offenders into society for a safer and secure country. This is an initiative embarked upon by the department to try and ease the socioeconomic challenges offenders are faced with upon their release from prison. The event itself is aimed at recognizing the potential and great deeds achieved by these offenders. It will also resonate well with the aspirations of the department in raising awareness for and understanding of the work of the department in keeping all South Africans safe.
FROM the left are Sipho Manqele, area commissioner: Goedemoed, the regional commissioner, Subashini Moodley, Gcobani Mayoyo, Hendrick Booysen, a teacher at Goedemoed, and Hester Forster, acting manager of education and training: Goedemoed.
‘Hunting is my passion’ } Lerato Sebe IN the midst of a small town called Vanderkloof in the Northern Cape is a man who spends most of his time among the wild. Francis Heroldt Mynhardt, also the owner of the NC Professional Hunting School, has been hunting for more than 20 years now. Having collected almost all of the 36 species that one can find in the arid bushes of Vanderkloof and those around
South Africa, Mynhardt continues to hunt for wild animals even after so many years. Amongst his collection of trophies is an elephant, kudu, eland, springbok and a rhinoceros. He said that besides being a hunter himself, he also trained upcoming hunters at his professional school. According to Mynhardt, a trainee would have to undergo a 12-day hunting course. This is then followed by two years of practical training
FRANCIS HEROLDT MYNHARDT, the owner of the NC Professional Hunting School. Photo: Supplied
with a valid hunting licence which will expire after three years. “Professional hunters only hunt for about six months in a year of which permission should be granted by the government to do so,” highlighted Mynhardt. He also added that the premier of the Northern Cape, Sylvia Lucas, had done a lot towards supporting and promoting hunting in the province. “It is important that government is hunting-friendly. Hunting should benefit the community as a whole and you have to have a passion for it,” he added. The passionate hunter also said that tourists from Spain, Canada, Serbia, Germany and America have visited treasured territory this year. “The international market is more lucrative around here,” he adds. He also pointed out that the black market was rapidly growing in the hunting profession. He believes it actually is a good thing in improving tourism not only in the Northern Cape, but also in South Africa.
EXPRESS NORTHERN CAPE , WEDNESDAY 18 SEPTEMBER 2013
NEWS
Vanderkloof a tourist attraction } Lerato Sebe
VANDERKLOOF was the host for this year’s tourism celebrations which took place at the town’s local caravan park. This event took place on the final day of the 4-days media itinerary of the Northern Cape. Since September is tourism month, the celebrations were to create an awareness of the various tourist attractions in the Northern Cape and about how they should be respected and taken care of. Local businesses were also there to showcase the input they bring towards tourism. Various local guesthouse owners, restaurant owners and those who rent out boats or give boat cruises on the Vanderkloof dam were also there. A kayaking instructor was present to
offer kayaking lessons on the dam and a skateboarding facility was available for the kids to learn skating. The learners who were present at the celebration were given free skateboards by the tourism officials. This was to promote not only the upcoming Kimberley Diamond Skateboarding Cup that will take place towards the end of September, but also to prepare them to make use of the new skating park that’s being built in De Aar. A representative from the Department of Water Affairs was given a chance to educate those present about the importance of water and how the community should get involved in keeping the dam clean and attractive. Gradus Teseting, an official from the Vander-kloof Water User Association said, “Our role as Water Affairs is to engage the community about the water
process and to get the kids involved in becoming ‘friends’ of the river.” The Mayor of Renosterberg municipality, Arthwell Kwinana, highlighted Vanderkloof was selected as the host of the tourism month launch because of the potential it has to be the best holiday destination in the province. “With the activities that one can participate in at the dam, this place is definitely the place tourists should visit,” he said. The event was attended by different departmental officials, officials of the Northern Cape Tourism Authority, Arthwell Kwinana and the municipal manager of Renosterburg municipality, Gladwin Niewenhuizen, local residents, businesses, learners from schools in and around Vanderkloof, as well as the media were all invited to these celebrations.
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THE sunrise view of Vanderkloof Dam.
Photo: Supplied
ARTHWELL KWINANA, the mayor of the local municipality of Renosterberg.
Photo: Lerato Sebe
LEARNERS were given free skateboards to prepare them to make use of the new skating park that’s being built in De Aar and to promote not only the upcoming Kimberley Diamond Skateboarding Cup. Photo: Supplied
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EXPRESS NORTHERN CAPE, WEDNESDAY 18 SEPTEMBER 2013
NEWS
Local artists encouraged to grab opportunities } Boipelo Mere “I WILL not sleep until those children get their toys. I am still greatful to the Lord and those who made the event a success.” This was the words of Puleng March from Joyous Celebration after her high tea women’s event that was recently held at the AFM church in Phomolong, Kimberley. It was praise worship for the women who pulled their best dresses out of their wardrobes to join their local star, Puleng, for the high tea for charity. The event was aimed at raising funds to buy educational toys for the kids at a local orphanage in Galeshewe. According to March, she was very touched when one of the workers at Sinothando revealed that they are in need of educational toys. “It was during one of my annual Christmas parties that I host at the end of the year for different children’s homes. I made a promise to God that I do not have the gold and silver but I will make a difference. Even though the event did not meet my expectations, I will keep my promise and deliver. There were not thousands of people, but they were there and I felt satisfied and blessed. She said the event went well, except for the challenges that she encountered with local artists who were given an opportunity to showcase their talent.
March encouraged local artists to take events like these serious because “in life you have to give in order to receive. Our local artists have the tendency of looking down at charity events, without knowing who important will show up. They must learn to grab such opportunities with both hands in order to build their profiles. I myself did sacrifice a lot in order to get where I am. You never know who will sot you and uplift you at that moment. I feel like they are still not confident enough,” she advised. She further admitted that, although none of the guests complained about the programme being minimised, she said it was due to time constraints. “We all got caught up in the excitement of the entertainment and worshipping that we lost track of time. March fulfilled her promises by bringing to their guests another one of her fellow singer in Joyous Celebration, Buhle. Buhle also gave a sermon as to how the woman has always been going through abuse, mostly by men, and nothing was done about it. She quoted a few verses that highlight how various women were abused and belittled. She highlighted the role and purpose of a woman. “There is nothing that happens under the sun that has never happened in the Bible. The bitterness, rejection, down looking
of a woman was never dealt with. It is stated even in the Bible what they had to go through. Today’s women focus only on the beauty outside and forget to beautify themselves inside. Let us take off the weaves and nice clothes and be your authentic selves. You will see what you are dealing with,”
emphasised Buhle. According to Buhle, women have a die-hard spirit because many were abused by men. Although it seemed a bit unreal for the two celebrities to perform on a smaller than usual stage, they had their female guests eating out of their hands.
WOMEN: Remembering the pride of a women.
“I have learnt a lot from this event, as I am also looking forward to host another one in Johannesburg this year. It is already announced and a lot of people are looking forward to it. I wanted to start at home, at my roots, to give my province a taste of the honey.
Photos: Boipelo Mere
SWEET BUHLE had the guests eating out of her hand.
THE two celebrities proved to everyone the love that they share as a joyous team.
LORATO NQUMASHE, Nonofo Mtibe, Lealeboga Shupi and Pabalelo Swarts were on their feet most of the time, singing and praising.
PULENG MARCH also launched her T-shirt that is labelled ‘I’m a Proverb 31 woman. She explained that the message is supposed to refer women to Proverb 31, a verse that explains what a woman is.
EXPRESS NORTHERN CAPE , WEDNESDAY 18 SEPTEMBER 2013
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EXPRESS NORTHERN CAPE, WEDNESDAY 18 SEPTEMBER 2013
School receives computers } Boipelo Mere LEARNERS of the Pniel Primary School can now smile with pride after their school was handed ten new computers to invest in future leaders in rural areas. This is after the Northern Cape MEC for Finance, Economic Development & Tourism, John Block, and the head of the Treasury Department, Sello Mokoko, and the employees fulfilled their promises of committing to extend their hand of generosity to the rural and disadvantaged community of Pniel. Previously, the department initiated the conversion of the storeroom into a library, contributed a cash donation from Treasury employees to procure school uniforms, toiletries and amongst others the school jackets which were bought by the department. The MEC said that the dona-
tion served as an important tool to improve the lives of the vulnerable children and the youth. “The Treasury Department is not a line function department, but we decided to invest in cementing the foundation of building the leaders of tomorrow, and it is important to encourage our youth from early ages to concentrate on issues that will brighten their future. We encourage our young generation to focus more on Science, Technology and Mathematics; courses that will produce future engineers, accountants and scientists, et cetera. This is a clear indication that we are one government that deliver on its promises. Although it cannot happen overnight we need to plan, budget and prioritise hence we are here today,” said Block. “Our learners were not familiar with computers/internet, but from today they will be able to do their projects, Goog-
le and research. We are going to start with computer classes during this season’s school holidays. In future we will be proud to send our learners to secondary schools with the skill of how to operate a computer. We are glad that the department opened a new world of technology in our rural area. We sometimes feel left out, but we are aware that government is trying hard to assist in meeting people’s needs and we understand that it is not possible for the government to meet all the needs at once,” said the school principal, Trienie le Roux. The MEC committed himself that they would come back with more than 20 computers to make it 30 to accommodate a big enough number of learners. He also pleaded with parents to continue to play a role in developing and guiding their kids.
GAOLATLHE MOEMEDI also shows a bit of colour.
Photos: Boipelo Mere
Science lab brings new excitement } Boipelo Mere
THE mayor of Magareng, Elisabeth Monnapule, Northern Cape MEC for Finance, Economic Development & Tourism, John Block, and mayor of Francis Baard, Kgadi Moloi. Photo: Supplied
TYEBAKAZI MADIBA, a gr. 11 learner of the Emang Mmogo High School, is confident that she will fulfil her dream of becoming an astrophysicist after completion of matric. That is after she saw no reason to be concerned about her Physics and Science subjects deteriorating thanks to the South African National Parks (SANParks). SANParks donated a fullyrefurbished science lab to the Emang Mmogo High School through its Corporate Social Investment Programme. The handover came as SANPark’s way of establishing a mutual beneficial partnership between local people and the neighbouring national parks to address issues at the interface between conservation and communities. This programme is also an attempt to address issues like the high level of unemployment, low levels of education and insufficient infrastructure programmes where their parks are located. Madiba and almost 360 learners from gr. 9 to gr. 12 at her school can now perform all kinds of experiments and practical work, ranging from Natural Science, Chemistry and Mathematics subjects. SANParks donated the lab, dry and liquid chemicals, lab coats for the teachers and learners, cupboards to keep the equipment and materials safely locked away and different activity kits, sheets and guidelines with chemical safety data, face masks and safety
goggles. They also donated two air conditioners to the school hall. According to the Emang Mmogo principal, Hilton Brooker, the day when SANparks approached the school to sell the idea of refurbishing the science lab came as a blessing. “Our lab has been under-resourced and incomplete since the school was built in 1998. “This lab will definitely improve the performance of our Physics and Mathematics learners as the frustrations of the unavailability of a science lab did affect the learners,” said Brooker. He added that the school’s pass rate was average. “The school’s performance was average as we did not have the ability to do practicals in order for the learners to improve their marks. The Science teacher could not stop raving about how SANParks made their and the learners’ lives easier. “It was difficult to continue properly with the practicals with a lack of resources. There are also safety measures to consider. It is much easier to work in a complete science lab. “We are able to set up and prepare for the next day’s lesson, come and do our practicals the next day, clean up the mess, and then the learners can go to their next class without any hassles. “You should also see the sparkle in their eyes as they get excited when they do their experiments. This lab brings out the passion in them that
they have for science,” said the excited teacher. The deputy principal of Emang Mmogo, Ketsepile Raadt, who also comes highly recommended as a Physics teacher in the province, stated that initially everything in their previous lab was very unsafe. “There are usually spills that are dangerous to the teacher and learners. This lab will definitely upgrade teaching and learning in our school because Life Science learners will also benefit,” said Raadt. He revealed that learners in the same field would also benefit from the school as they could make arrangements and book to utilise the lab. He sent out a warning to criminals that they did not stand a chance in stealing the school’s equipment because the place was highly secured. “This is hands-on practical, unlike the work we used to do. We used to use micro-kits, where everything is in small scale. “Now we use genuine things of the real standard. These will also motivate the learners and prepare them for university level, as they already feel important in their white lab coats,” he laughed. “I must mention that it really feels good as a teacher as well to stand in front of the learners in a lab coat. We are planning on calling the parents in order for them to come and see their children doing experiments. That is a way of involving them in their children’s education as we expect them to give them support,” concluded the deputy principal.
YOUNG gr. 11 scientists of Emang Mmogo High such as Tyebakazi Madiba, Katlego Sehemo and Tlotlo Sehako busy doing experiments.
EXPRESS NORTHERN CAPE , WEDNESDAY 18 SEPTEMBER 2013
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EXPRESS NORTHERN CAPE, WEDNESDAY 18 SEPTEMBER 2013
WINNERS: The Kakamas High School, winners of the Copa Coca-Cola u.15 Northern Cape provincial finals, at the Langverwagt Sports Complex in Kakamas.
Kakamas wins regionals again
} Boipelo Mere THE Kakamas High School did it again. They smoothly made their way through the Northern Cape u.15 soccer regional finals and will again represent the province in the upcoming Copa Coca-Cola National Soccer Tournament. Copa Coca-Cola is now in its seventh year, with tens of thousands of South African teens having competed to date. The initiative recognises that there is not only the technical side of soccer, but also an active lifestyle that makes you realise your dreams. Kakamas beat the Iketletetso High School five goals to two during the provincial finals. These two schools battled it out with three other schools, Rietvale High, Orion High and Okiep High School, for a place in the nationals. The national tournament is expected to be held in Cape Town next month. The teams will be amongst more than 30 000 learners who will be provided the opportunity to showcase their talent in front of a team of scouts who will be looking for those special gems who show potential to be able to go on and make a career out of soccer. An All-Star Invitational Team is expected to be scouted from the pool of up-and-coming foot-
ball heroes of this year. The All-Star Invitational Team provides aspiring footballers the opportunity to fast-track their way into the final phase along with the most promising players from around the provinces. This team will be scouted during the provincial phase of the competition, and will then compete against the remaining nine provincial team winners in the four-day Copa CocaCola national finals. One man who is reported to have starred in the Copa Coca-Cola event as a youngster and enjoyed the benefits thereof is Orlando Pirates’ and Bafana Bafana’s right-back, Happy Jele. “There is no greater feeling than being out there on the pitch; I still get a thrill from it today. Working hard to keep your body at an optimum performance level is about discipline and that is another important lesson for these learners. To be fit and healthy, and playing the sport you love, is a great achievement and Copa Coca-Cola is an excellent starting point for these youngsters,” Jele says. The tournament provides the platform for learners to inspire their friends, family and their greater community to lead a more energetic and healthy lifestyle. Daily exercise has shown over the years to improve the develop-
‘There is no greater feeling than being out there on the pitch; I still get a thrill from it today. Working hard to keep your body at an optimum performance level is about discipline and that is another important lesson for these learners. To be fit and healthy, and playing the sport you love, is a great achievement and Copa Coca-Cola is an excellent starting point for these youngsters.’ – Happy Jele ment of healthy bones, muscles and assisting with weight management. According to Intune Communications, the tournament is also a way of assisting learners who face a number of challenges to release energy and build dreams for tomorrow in an enjoyable way, irrespective of their backgrounds. “Coca-Cola encourages physical activity as part of an active, healthy lifestyle through many different stages. This tournament is a fun environment for youngsters to get exercise, enjoy themselves and feel part of a team. We want to grow healthy bodies and minds so that the learners can lead a more balanced lifestyle in the future,” said Fetsi Mbele, Coca-Cola South Africa’s marketing assets manager.
Drotské annouces Cheetahs team today to tackle Sharks } Sidwell Guduka THE Toyota Cheetahs will make a few changes to their team that defeated the Golden Lions by 26-23 in Bloemfontein last weekend, when they face the Sharks at the Kings Park Stadium on Saturday. Kick-off is at 15:00. Philip van der Walt and lock Lood de Jager will make their return to the starting line-up for the visitors after missing Friday’s fixture due to an assortment of injuries.
They will replace Davon Raubenheimer and Waltie Vermeulen respectively. Wing Ryno Benjamin, who has also been declared fit to play, might return to the substitute bench if he is included in the team travelling to Durban. Naka Drotské, the Cheetahs coach, said he was happy the trio would be available for selection this weekend. “It’s never easy losing guys, especially Philip and Lood because of their vast experience. “They will definitely be back when we square
off against the Sharks. “Obviously Ryno is also returning to the team,” Drotské said. “It’s going to be a tough match. “I’m confident that we’ll get a good result. If we play well and concentrate for 80 minutes, we have a good chance to win,” he added. In their first-round Currie Cup match last month, the Sharks held off the Cheetahs by 18-15 in Bloemfontein. Drotské will announce his team today and it is expected to be the strongest side.
Photo: Petri Oeschger