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Culture on the airwaves
Learners voice their opinions during live radio debate } Boipelo Mere A GROUP of local learners recently proved rumours wrong that residents of the Northern Cape do not take notice of their culture on Heritage Day. Five learners of the Thabane, Vuyolwethu, Tlhomelang and Emang Mmogo High Schools accepted an invitation to participate in a Setswana debate live on Motsweding FM. The debate was aired on the Kopa dilalelo programme and hosted by GoitseModimo waga Seleka at the Mayibuye Centre. The learners, Moedertjie Keameditse, Rebaone Akkers, Olebogeng Lerakong, Thabiso Mogorosi and Mpontshang Mosepele, used the opportunity of speaking on national radio for the first time to highlight their wish of being taught subjects like Mathematics and Physical Science in Setswana. “But it is too late for us. It will be better if learners are taught those subjects in Setswana at foundation phase,” suggested Thabiso. The debate also focused on different topics such as traditional and Western doctors and the kind of services they provide, arranged marriages, taboos, traditional wear and initiation schools. The debate became more heated and interesting as it progressed, as the learners seemed a bit tense and showed a lack of confidence in the beginning. All the learners seemed to be on the same page that it was not a problem to tell others when having consulted Western doctors, unlike when having consulted a traditional one. “It is best not to tell anyone, because you never know who is bewitching you. “At times you will find out that the exact person whom you told your secret to turns out to be the jealous one,” Mpontshang commented. On the topic of arranged marriages, mostly the girls argued that the act was an abuse of the girl’s or the bride’s rights by the parents. “But it worked out better for some of the couples, because they looked at the other family’s background first before they hooked them up. They would also not allow their daughter to marry an ill-mannered boy whose trousers hung all over the place,” commented Rebaone, who seemed to be leading the panel on this specific topic. About the taboos, the students agreed with
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LIVE ON AIR: From the left are GoitseModimo waga Seleka, Sello Molelekeng (technician) and the learners Moedertjie Keameditse, Rebaone Akkers, Olebogeng Lerakong, Thabiso Mogorosi and Mpontshang Mosepele. Photo: Boipelo Mere one another about the importance of respecting traditional taboos although they all worried about the exact reasons for those taboos. A member of the audience who attended the debate, Mooketsi Isaka, pointed out that parents lost opportunities to teach their children about their traditions and culture.
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The boys felt it would be good for them if they had to wear traditional outfits like before to show pride for their Setswana culture, but the girls raised the concern that it was unsafe for them because they stood the risk of being raped. “All boys want to become men, but we are afraid of what is happening at initiation
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schools. I would prefer to rather perform the circumcision process at hospital, and then go to the bush to be taught manhood,” said Olebogeng, when Seleka asked whether they believed in going to initiation schools. The debate was organised by the Provincial Department of Sport, Arts and Culture in conjunction with the Department of Education.
Editor
Boipelo Mere
Sales Manager Johan Rossouw
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Passion for his heritage } Lerato Sebe
THOZAMILE SAM MOOI, who was born and bred at Malay Camp in De Aar, is one individual who knows about his heritage. Having learnt a lot about the Northern Cape heritage through art, this passionate poet, musician and theatrical artist has been going strong since 1976. Among other things, Mooi is also an author of various books. Mooi revealed that he had joined the Dramatic Cultural Society in 1976. That is also where his love for the arts spiralled as he became involved in school choirs, writing poems and making music using instruments that he had made using recycled rubbish. “I use recycled rubbish to make my own instruments. In this way, I don’t spend my money buying expensive instruments,” said Mooi. He also mentioned that he helped local primary schools as well as two high schools around De Aar, NGOs and various departments with musical performances or social events. This jack-of-all-trades is also a member of the Northern Cape Arts and Culture Council and was one of the trainers at the newly built skateboarding park in De Aar, training
the new skating coaches. “I am also an events manager and was a supervisor in the construction of the skateboarding park.” Having travelled to various places in the Northern Cape, Mooi highlighted his experience of seeing the Khoi San lands, which he believes are being destroyed and are owned by illegal immigrants. “Heritage to me is very important. It is about everything that carries meaning towards our history and that has a symbolic meaning regarding our heritage,” Mooi explained. He also mentioned the memorial wall at the De Aar cemetery which portrays a symbolic meaning concerning the Anglo Boer War. “The wall separates the Italians and the Afrikaners (Dutch) as well as the Jews,” he said. “The youth do not know about these things. “They should learn more about our heritage.” He shared with Express Northern Cape his most memorable places where he had performed artistically: Bethlehem (Karoo Highway), the University of the Free State (UFS) on several occasions, the Zilanda Zombili Festival at the Northern Cape Theatre and also at the World Cup Countdown held in Kimberley.
THOZAMILE SAM MOOI has been a passionate poet, musician and theatrical artist since 1976.
Photo: Supplied
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Heritage has its tasty side
} Boipelo Mere
THE public were treated to a foodtasting session during the Cultural Arts and Crafts Day at the Galeshewe Post Office. The event saw local caterers preparing different traditional dishes in honour of their heritage for the community to taste. It was organised by
the Diamond Fields Awareness Campaign under the Frances Baard Municipality on Heritage Day. The event proceeded to the social centre, where there were poetry and more cultural performances. Local entrepreneurs also used the opportunity to display their creations. According to Norman Thompson, a member of the Francis Baard or-
ganising team, the programme is an effort by the municipality to allow the different local municipalities to come up with domestic tourism ideas and market their areas. He said the Sol Plaatje Municipality came up with the food-tasting and cultural performance idea as the Department of Social Services. The SAPS was also part of their pro-
JOSEPH NKAELANG, Neo Brandt, Thabang Goeieman and Joseph Mongale did not miss the opportunity to have a taste of the stir-fried rice and briyanie for the first time in their lives. Photos: Boipelo Mere
SAM MKUCHANE was the owner of the architectural miniature that he built from recycled material. Amongst his creations were these historical church buildings and a guest house that impressed everyone, especially children, with a dish attached. He said that in an effort to develop art amongst his community, he taught children at home how to use recycled material. “I teach them that nothing should be wasted,” he said proudly.
grammes. “There were different marketing ideas for different areas, although one would always see the other areas’ programmes more successful like the dikgatlong one,” said Thombson. He emphasised that heritage was supposed to be admired and observed by every person. People should stop the tendency of expect-
ing government or municipalities to observe it for them. “Charity begins at home. Parents should take the responsibility of teaching their children their background. The fact that children are taken to multi-racial schools should not be an issue because it is for their education only,” concluded the organiser.
HMMMM! Digging into a combination of kabu, morogo, lerito and samp with your hands was heaven for Mpho Dichake. She did everything, including eating out of a pot lid, just to compare her cooking with the real traditional style.
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Kumba boasts girl power KUMBA IRON ORE’S SISHEN MINE now boasts even more girl power in its operator team. A group of 11 female trainees recently started their training at Mining Training. The women are looking forward to being trained by the female instructor, Tshepang Tshethlo, who teaches them to operate Sishen’s powerful water and secondary haul trucks. According to Kumba, the team’s training comprises a theoretical and practical component for a three month period. “This is the first all-women group that I have trained, but it is not really different from training men. I do, however, enjoy training women because they are passionate and determined to prove that they can be as good as men.” The women all feel the notion of “it is danger-
ous to be a woman in mining” is a common misconception. “Most women are scared of mining because they think they might be injured or unable to bear children. That is not true. Kumba provides us with excellent safety equipment, and if you work safely, it is no more dangerous for a woman operator than for a male operator,” says Lesego Baepi. “Safety begins with each individual, and if you pay attention to your training and practice, the work place should not be a dangerous place,” Oratile Mosimanyane agrees. These women see this job as the chance of a lifetime. “I feel so privileged to have this opportunity. Thank you Kumba for believing in us! I am proud to be part of the Anglo family and I know I can make a difference,” says Boitshepo Mokoduane.
FROM left are Refilwe Molale, Masego Stuurman, Keitumetse Mereotlhe, Oratile Mosimanyane, Lesego Baepi and Kenalemang Morena; back: Mogomotsi Baotlwaeng, Nozimbo Nyembe, Keaoleboga Kgalidi, Tshepang Tshetlho (Instructor), Botshepo Mokoduane and Katlego Botsime. Photo: Supplied
EXPRESS NORTHERN CAPE , WEDNESDAY 2 OCTOBER 2013
NEWS
Fun at the Gariep Festival
OTLOTLENG MASIKWE (4) and Didintle Tlhakudi (3) at the recent Gariep Festival.
NKOSANA (3) AND SIYAVUYA MAKIWANE (6) displayed brotherly love.
TLHALEFO (8) AND TSHIAMISO SEEKOEI (2) during the Gariep Festival. Photos: Boipelo Mere
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Project restores people’s sight } Lerato Sebe BLACK MOUNTAIN MINING, a subsidiary of diversified miner Vedanta Resources, has a project that will see 400 people in the Siyanda and Namakwa Districts receive cataract operations this year. As stated in their reports, it is now in its second year following last year’s successful pilot phase, that the project will run for a period of five years. “Cataracts are a major cause of blindness in these areas, alongside glaucoma. While glaucoma is irreversible and can only be controlled we can tackle cataracts through a simple operation,” says Anton Lubbe, general manager of Black Mountain Mining. “It is these two diseases, plus overall eye care and hygiene that Black Mountain Mining is actively promoting in association with the South African National Council for the Blind (SANCB), African Vision and the provincial government. When considering that the difference between being partially sighted or even totally blind is something that can be rectified for about R2 600 per operation, the decision to support the SANCB Bureau for the Prevention of Blindness and African Vision was an easy one for us as a responsible corporate citizen committed to promoting sustainable healthcare,” added Lubbe. After partnering with the government in order to meet the needs of these communities, the mining organisation believes that this enables both parties to participate in what is truly a life-changing programme. “The partnership with Black Mountain Mining helps the province achieve an important health goal, that of eradicating preventable blindness caused by cataracts, which the department would take far longer to achieve on its own,” says Gugulethu Matlaopane, head of department at the Northern Cape Provincial Department of Health. According to the mining organisation, the SANCB’s eye care programme is made
“We support the objectives of this ambitious project. By tackling the problem of pre ventable blindness in the Northern Cape, however, our objectives are simpler.” – Anton Lubbe available to communities through four mobile eye care units that go to the people living in remote rural settlements or townships where there are limited services available. The organisation says that the simple, 20-minute operation has a major impact by restoring the sight to patients almost immediately. Black Mountain Mining has committed to supporting five tours to reach out as far as possible across the district and benefit the most remote communities. It is said that providing mobile healthcare facilities to the people is the only way of combating cataracts in a sprawling region that has just over a million inhabitants who, according to Black Mountain Mining, are currently served by only one optometrist and two surgeons in public health facilities. Black Mountain Mining is also then participating in the Vision 2020 global initiative launched by the World Health Organisation in 1999 aimed at eliminating avoidable blindness as a public health issue by the year 2020. “We support the objectives of this ambitious project. By tackling the problem of preventable blindness in the Northern Cape, however, our objectives are simpler,” said Lubbe. They completed the first set of operations in Aggeneys in Upington. Then will follow sessions in Springbok, Alexander Bay and Calvinia.
PATIENTS in the Aggeneys Clinic awaiting cataract surgery.
Photo: Supplied
EYE surgery on a patient at the Aggeneys Clinic.
Photo: Supplied
‘ANCYL should continue to build on firm foundations’
OJ FOURIE, YCLSA National Committee member: THE ANCYL within the province has been crafting away in rejuvenating our beloved Youth League that has produced leaders like Cde Oliver Tambo, Cde Walter Sisulu, Cde Nelson Mandala, Cde Anton Lambede, Cde Robert Sobukwe and Cde Peter Mokaba. Key to these inspirational leaders in their youth was that they valued education and discipline as the foundation for future action and success. As the youth we must emulate these former youth leaders and respect our fellow community members, elderly and leaders.
Many of the youth of today are distracted by materialism and greed, instead of being focussed and geared towards Ubuntu and to improve the lives of the poor and the less fortunate. The ANCYL should continue to build on the
foundations that were laid by the youth of the past - foundations of non-racism, non-sexism, democracy and unity. The youth of today should therefore not focus on building their own wealth structures, but be instruments in building a better life for all. Our generation must not allow the gains of the past to be lost; we cannot degenerate back to a society of racism, exploitation and oppression. In order to ensure that our generation can emulate the leaders of the past we must raise skilled, disciplined, committed, well-capacitated, with high morals and integrity, respectful and competent youth leaders. In doing so we will ensure that the ANCYL will have strong
structures and vibrant branches. The capacity and success of the ANCYL are directly related to the quality of its leadership. The successes of the leaders become the successes of the Youth League. In the absence of raising such leaders – we will only sit with “politicians” in the near future. A politician is interested in being seen; whereas a leader is interested in giving vision to others. A politician is interested in position; whereas a leader is interested in purpose. A politician is interested in power; whereas a leader is interested in empowerment. A politician is only interested in the next election; whereas a leader is interested in the next generation as well. A politician is interested in deployment for self; whereas a leader is interested in employment for others. The ANCYL therefore needs to ensure that while we are in a process of re-establishing branches we must also establish leaders for the future. The future of the country rests on the ability to produce leaders that will have the character to take it upon themselves to lead the process in overcoming the challenges of poverty, unemployment and inequality. Leadership will ensure the future of the Youth League. The ANCYL has recently celebrated its 69th anniversary and I’m fully convinced that the ANCYL will usher in a new generation of true leaders come the 70th anniversary of the young lions. Let us ensure that there will be continuous learning, producing and fighting for a better life for all. As we are busy rebuilding the ANCYL let us be inspired by the youth of the past, the class of 1944 and the class of 1976, to overcome our challenges. Let the class of 2013 be remembered for having given back the heart and soul of the ANCYL! Let the class of 2013 be remembered for having raised leaders like Cde Tambo, Cde Sisulu, Cde Mandala and Cde Mokaba. “The youth should have a great sense of duty, a sense of duty towards the society we are building, toward our fellow men as human beings and toward all men around the world. And along with that: deep sensitivity to all problems, sensitivity to injustice; a spirit that rebels against every wrong, whoever commits it; questioning anything not understood, discussing and asking for clarification on whatever is not clear, always being open to new experience.” – Che Guevara
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NEWS
Lunch with Pres. Jacob Zuma } Lerato Sebe TWO ELDERLY WOMEN from Kimberley were filled with mixed emotions after they had been told about their trip to lunch with Pres. Jacob Zuma. The luncheon took place at the Sefako M. Makgatho Presidential Guest House in Pretoria on the eve of International Day for the Elderly. The day recognizes the contributions of older people and the issues that affect their lives. Rachel Notlharo (85) and Mabel “Mama Adie” Adams (92) were among the 11 elderly people in the province who had been selected to go on a trip to Pretoria. They are members of the Thebe ya Kgomotso Association for the Elderly located in Galeshewe. The luncheon with the president brought together older persons from all nine provinces to discuss issues relating to them and served as a platform and opportunity to recognise and acknowledge that older persons are and have always been incredible assets to the nation. The Northern Cape delegation of older persons was led by officials of the Department of Social Development and the chairperson of the Northern Cape Older Persons Forum, Don Jacobs. “I am happy and feel so loved for being chosen to meet Pres. Zuma. I asked my church to pray for my trip and I believe I’ll have a good journey,” said Notlharo on the day before her departure. Notlharo, who had joined the association in 2008, could not stop thanking God for the op-
portunity granted to her. She kept on quoting Bible verses and praising God for having kept her alive until now and allowing her to meet the president for the first time at her age. “This will be the first time that I travel by aeroplane and I am nervous beyond imagination, but as a woman of prayer, I trust that God will be with us,” said he overwhelmed Notlharo. “I haven’t been sleeping well ever since the day I found out about this trip that was two
MAMA ADIE broke out in song, It is well with my soul, in a surprisingly powerful voice, which left everyone clapping with excitement. Photo: Boipelo Mere
MEMBERS of the Thebe ya Kgomotso Association for the Elderly held a farewell lunch for their friends Rachel Notlharo (85) and Mabel Adams (92) on the day before their departure to Pretoria. Photos: Boipelo Mere
Community’s help wanted in apprehending suspect } Boipelo Mere THE Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit and SAPS implore communities and those in responsible positions to act and “be the eyes and ears of the police and South Africa will be a safer place to live in”. This follows after the rape of women, children and the elderly has become a national problem and the communities’ role cannot be overemphasised. A number of cases are already being investigated across Kimberley in which the police need the assistance of communities to arrest the perpetrators. On 6 July a 29-year-old victim was allegedly raped by a suspect calling himself Thabo in the Homevale field. It was reported that the victim had been walking home alone to Roodepan from the Kimberley Hospital on that night. The victim alleged that the guy had been friendly and never looked suspicious until they had reached the veld. According to SAPS reports, the suspect suddenly covered the victim’s mouth and threw her on the ground where he allegedly raped her and then ran away. He is suspected to be in his late
twenties, about 1,5 m tall and of medium build. He is also described to be of medium complexion. The police call on anyone to assist in locating this suspect, and circulated his ID kit. Members of the public can call Det. WO Melande on 053-807-6161 or they can call the Crime Stop number on 086-0010111. Community members can also send their SMSs regarding this investigation to 32211. The investigation continues.
months ago. “My other name is Kgakgamatso which means ‘a miracle’, and I’d like to believe that my name speaks for itself now because it is truly a miracle that I was asked to have lunch with the president of the country at my age,” said Adams. Adams, who mentioned that she was the last surviving sibling in her family, cannot express the joy she has in her heart. Although her sight has deteriorated in the past few years, she says that she cannot wait to meet
Zuma and to eat at the same table with him. “When I meet him, I just want to thank him for giving us (the elderly) this opportunity.” The rest of the members of the association also expressed their excitement at having their own members meeting the president. They praised “Mama Adie” for her singing as she is known as the singer of the group. Adams then broke out in song, singing It is well with my soul, saying that this particular song put her at ease that God would keep them safe through this journey.
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LEFT: Skater Andy Macdonald in action. Photo: Rudi Jeggle
Fourth place for Kby skater } Lerato Sebe THIS was yet another year for Kimberley to boast a successful event that not only put the Northern Cape, but also Africa as a whole, on the map. The three-day Kimberley Diamond Cup, formerly known as the Maloof Money Cup, set the city abuzz during the past weekend. The event, that is aimed at encouraging the youth to become familiar with the sport of skateboarding, also saw older people attending the event and cheering for their favourite skaters. The Kimberley skateboard plaza was packed to capacity, with young and old cheering as the competitors from around the world did their best to impress their fans. The skateboarding event has brought fireworks to Kimberley as many locals have become familiar with the sport and are showing an interest in learning how to become professionals. Warrick Delport, a local skater from
Kimberley, booked himself a spot in the fourth place in the South African Amateur Street Finals. He walked away with R1 000. The winner of the Amateur Street Finals, Braxton Hane from Durban, walked away with R20 000. Jagger Eaton (12) from Arizona, America, scooped the first place in the Big Air Best Trick Championship Finals. The young lad, who was competing against his brother, was proud to have won the finals. “I feel pretty good about my performance,” said an out of breath Eaton. “I would advise upcoming scaters to never give up and keep trying. “I love competing with my brother; we compete against each other all the time.” John Block, the honourable Northern Cape MEC of Economic Development and Tourism, expressed excitement about the success of the event. “I am happy to see so many families here. Next year it is going to be bigger and better,” said Block.
“I am proud of our fourth-place winner from Kimberley and I hope that in the next five years we are going to have more winners from Kimberley.” Block mentioned that in assisting children to participate in this sport, more skate parks were being built in Upington, De Aar and in the John Taolo Gaetsewe and in the Namakwa regions. In the Street World Championship Finals, which was the last event for this year’s Kimberley Diamond Cup, the crowd went wild and roared with excitement to see the pros battle it out to be crowned the world’s champion. Last year’s fifthplace winner, Felipe Gustavo from Brazil, went up against the likes of Ryan Decenzo (Canada), Evan Smith (Pittsburgh), Manny Santiago (Brazil) and Nyjah Huston (California) and was crowned second-place winner for this year. “I’m not disappointed for not winning the overall prize, but I am pretty hyped up for moving
up to second place since last year I just made it to fifth place,” said Gustavo. The R1 million winner of the Street World Championship Finals, Nyjah Huston, wowed the crowd with his outstanding performance and spectacular tricks. The crowd went crazy when he did his final trick which made him this year’s champion. “It’s my first time in South Africa and I love it. When I heard about the competition, I thought: Why not give it a shot?” said Huston. “I plan to pay off the house that I just bought back home with my prize money and the rest of it – I’ll just see what I do with it. “I’ve been competing a lot this year. In Brazil, Germany and other places around world. It feels good to compete with people of such high standard.” In third place Louie Lopez (18) from California also said that it was his first visit to South Africa and also his first time competing in these championships. “I compete quite a
lot on a professional level and I’ll be coming back next year to try and win the ultimate prize,” said Lopez. Pro Street Finals results and cash prizes 1. Nyjah Huston – $100 000 2. Felipe Gustavo – $40 000 3. Louie Lopez –
$15 000 4. Manny Santiago – $15 000 5. Alec Majerus – $4 500 6. Trevor Colden – $4 500 7. Matt Berger – $4 500 8. Ryan Decenzo – $4 500 9. Micky Papa – $3 000 10. Evan Smith – $3 000 11. Yuri Facchini –
$3 000 12. Tommy Fynn – $3 000 14th to 20th – $1 500 21st to 24th – $1 000 Big Air Best Trick results: First place ($5 000): Jagger Eaton Second place ($3 000): Jono Schwan Third place ($2 000): Andy Macdonald