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Miracle or curse? Talking baby shocks notorious village in Pampierstad
} Boipelo Mere ITIRELENG VILLAGE in Pampierstad is fast becoming notorious as a place of strange things. It is claimed that a child born three months ago started to talk on the day she was born. People from all over started streaming to the humble RDP house in an area better known as Mashatareng. According to the mother of the child, Maria Chacha, she first heard words coming from the one-day-old baby’s mouth when she was crying and saying ‘eina mama.’ She said that on their arrival home, the baby told her how she hated papers. Chacha said that she had not been sure if she had heard correctly but her fear had been confirmed when the child had answered a greeting from a boy sent to ask for cigarettes from the father of the child. The father said that while he and his wife were preparing to answer the greeting, the baby, Botshelo, spoke first and said ‘Ee’ (yes). “This jolted me to my feet and the boy and I ran out,” he said. “It is only then that my husband took me seriously and he suggested that we go for help,” said the mother. The mother, who looks stressed and ill, pointed to the miracle of a speaking child as the cause of her frail figure. “We managed to keep this a family secret for the first two months. Then we decided to go public when she turned three months. I cannot sleep at night because I fear what could happen to us and the fact that people constantly stream in here to see the child,” said the mother. In the three hours Express Northern Cape spent at the house, the child was constantly crying and never spoke a word. However, a faint ‘mmm’ was heard after the reporter had asked her to say something. However, the baby looks a bit more mature as compared to a family friend’s three month old and she can slide on her back. The mother revealed that she could not take the child to the clinic for her routine check-up for fear of her speaking in front of people. The clinic arranged to do home visits instead. Neighbours also confirmed that they had seen the mobile clinic at the Chacha home. “I sometimes feel like it is too much when so many people visit us, especially the media, because they can speak on our behalf. But on
Northern Cape
BABY BOTSHELO and her elder sister Sisi Maarman. Photo: Boipelo Mere the other hand I feel relieved and healing because it sounds like I am mad and am telling lies when I say my baby speaks. I have lost so much weight because of the fear to sleep with my baby,” said Maria in a weak voice. She added that Botshelo can hold a conversation when she was in the mood and that some people would exaggerate and blow the rumours out of proportion. Express Northern Cape could not get comment from the Pampierstad Health Centre after being referred to them by the family. The head sister, Conny Nero, said they would not comment on the specific issue. However, at the other local clinic, E.N Mothibi, the nurses were very helpful and were surprised at the enquiry. They responded that medically it was impossible for a three-month-old baby to speak. By chance Express was overheard by a close relative of the baby’s father when speaking to the health-care workers. He revealed that the family had concluded that the baby was a blessing or a message from the ancestors. “You see, the father of the child is my relative. I can tell you that he is from a long line of traditional healers. Everybody in the family knows that he was supposed to have taken over as a traditional healer after his father, and he refused. The wife also has a long spell of refusal to practise her calling as a sangoma. Now I believe they are suffering the consequences of their refusals. For instance the wife used to
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MARIA AND CHARLES CHACHA with their threeyearold daughter Onthatile. Photo: Boipelo Mere
draw her child support grant in Hartswater. She stopped a long time ago and now draws money in Pampierstad, allegedly for fear of passing by the river.” His part in short was that “both the husband and the wife know that they owe the ancestors”. One of the traditional doctors who visited the family told Express that such miracles are possible even today. “The ancestors are trying to send a message to the family. That child has a special gift. It
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is possible that the ancestors decided to use her instead because her parents refused to follow their calling,” said the traditional doctor who wanted to remain anonymous. Meanwhile Botshelo is her father’s 40th child and her mother’s sixth child. “Where have you ever heard of a man stopping to have children,” laughed the father when Express asked him if this would be his last child. ) Go www.express-news.co.za to listen to Maria Chacha telling it all.
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Boipelo Mere
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EXPRESS NORTHERN CAPE, WEDNESDAY 9 OCTOBER 2013
NEWS
Be more vigilant over festive season
LETLHOGONOLO MADUO, Tsholofelo Molekwa, Tebogo Montshiwa and Lydia Montshiwa during the matric farewell. Photos: Supplied
THE South African Police Service (SAPS) in the Northern Cape would like to warn people to be wary of their surroundings when visiting banking malls and institutions. As we approach the last quarter of the year, companies will start paying out bonuses to their employees, therefore proactive measures must be in place to ensure that everyone enjoys a crime free holiday. The SAPS would like to warn the public to take heed of the following tips when making a trip to the bank. Beware of confidence tricksters. These people usually pick out their victims leaving an ATM or bank. There are many ways which they use to con you out of your money. In some cases, money is dropped in front of the ‘victim’. The con artist would then let the victim know that he (the victim) had dropped the money. When the latter replies in the negative, he is taken aside and an offer is made to share the money. The victim is then persuaded to place his money into an envelope together with the so called found money. Being the experts that they are , the unsuspecting victim is later left red faced and penniless while the con man is far gone. People are warned not to make unnecessary conversation with strangers at ATM’s. Never agree to accompany strangers to quieter spots and out of the public eye. Do not offer to or be assisted by anyone at an ATM. Should anyone request assistance, politely refer them to seek assistance from inside the bank. Never offer to show anyone how to use the ATM, demonstrating with your bank card and PIN number. Should you feel uncomfortable, cancel the
transaction and leave. The police alerted that criminals would in other cases be following the victim from the banks in two or three pairs. They would approach the victim and offer to double his/ her money and once again very convincingly and skillfully take the money from the victim. Some sort of business is conducted and the victim is assured that his/her money has been doubled. He/she is then requested to open the envelope once they are gone. When the victim opens the envelope, blank pieces of paper is found inside. The police is appealing to the public not be naïve and believe these confidence tricksters. There is no way they can double your money. They request community members to work together and be proactive in safeguarding their possessions, thus minimizing the risk of becoming statistics of crime. Always be alert and observant when carrying large amounts of cash. Should you feel uncomfortable with a stranger, divert your route into a busy area or alert other people if the person is persistent. Avoid parking your vehicle far from the bank/ATM. Try to park as close as possible so as to reduce the risk of being robbed. Take note of your surroundings when getting into your vehicle. Never leave large amounts of cash in the cubbyhole of an unattended vehicle. If you suspect that you are being followed, rather drive to a police station or divert your route but never get out of the vehicle. The police further urges people to avoid carrying large amounts of cash as people are always watching when the wallet or purse is taken out.
The mountain tops of September } Dimakatso Lechwenyo
RTS FUNEKA LOUW and Saadie Moosajee escorted Tsholofelo to the matric dance.
TSHOLOFELO arrived at his matric dance in style.
TSHOLOFELO’S FATHER, THABO MOLE KWA, and his mother, Moyamongwe.
} Lerato Sebe
ents, since his parents could not afford to pay for his matric farewell as they are both unemployed. “I am at a loss for words for what RTS did for our son. God is good to those who believe in Him and those who pray,” said Moyamongwe Molekwa, his mother. Tsholofelo unfortunately decided to go to his dance alone. “The girl I wanted to be my date is now based in Johannesburg but I don’t mind going alone. I’m just happy that I’ve been given a chance to attend my matric farewell with my fellow matriculants.” said Tsholofelo. Tsholofelo’s mother describes him as a very obedient boy who does not give them any trouble at home. “I’ve never been called to hear about my son’s misbehaviour out in the streets. He is a good boy,” said his proud mother “I am very happy that RTS made this possible. Their generosity shouldn’t end here; they should help more kids like they did with Tsholo,” said the overwhelmed father.
RTS makes a dream come true A LOCAL Kimberley matriculant was given a chance to have the matric farewell of his dreams. Emang Mmogo’s, Tsholofelo Molekwa was sponsored by the Radio Teemaneng community radio station (RTS) with an all expenses paid matric farewell. The learner, who had lost all hope of attending his matric farewell due to a lack of finances, was thrilled to learn that his wish had become true. This dream was made possible by Tsholofelo’s father, Thabo Molekwa who was listening to the radio one day and heard about the competition. It required of him to write a motivation letter, stating why the community radio station should assist them in paying for their child’s matric farewell. His dad wrote the letter and Tsholofelo was surprisingly contacted in July to inform him that he was the lucky learner whose dream had become a reality with the assistance of the staff of RTS. That was amazing news for him and his par-
I WAS born on the mountain tops of September A time when God was sending out heaven’s angels into the world I was born at a time when the footprints of our ancestors coloured the full page of our wisdom. A time when these footprints were the opening balances that were written and marked to accommodate the journals of our deeds. I was born at a time when history was a blessing and being black had a sense of pride, Even though it was a burden, a liability with high interest rates and no dignified returns. I was born on the belly strings of an ancient guitar. A time when music was more than entertainment but an instrument of learning. I was born on the hips of mothers who have learned to forgive and find flowers in their hearts to plant on the graves of their children. Mothers whose pain is the expense that they had to pay not only because of the colour of their skin but because their offspring had a voice. I was born at a time when culture was not an excuse that curbed and hampered the empowerment of women. A time uktwala still had decency and old men had no intimate interests in young girls. I was born at a time when young men only had to sing an ancient tale of love to steal the hearts of their women. Young men who knew and understood that a man ready for the sacred pie is he who can provide, protect and love his family. I was born at a time when a woman did not marry a man but she married into a family A time when people understood that lobola was not a woman being sold yet it was her womb being valued. It was known that her children would bare the clan name of their father and she too would be the better half to her man. I was born at a time when children were taught how to sing their clan praises before they learned how to speak English. I was born at a time when it was necessary to sing these ancient praises when a child was born and when a soul returned home. I was born at a time when black men understood that we bury before midday for it is a dishonour to a chief’s word to be at the graveside. Ka sethoboloko no matter how rich or how important you were . . . I was born around the same time that Biko died so to me being black conscious was not a choice. It was a birth right. I was born at a time when Papa Hot Sticks tunes would be heard from the one street corner house right through to the other
A time when artists were voices of an honourable nation and not copycats of American songwriters who scream f*ck at the end of every sentence. I was born around the time when Brenda Fassie wrote Weekend special. A time when afro’s were fashionable and our identity was not overshadowed by weaves and lip-liners that tend to be the reason why Dimakatso and you, sister-friend can no longer define your African beauty. I was born at a time when mother’s did all that is possible that their children knew who they were. A time when fathers never missed an opportunity to teach his children right from wrong. I grew up to be one of those city-girls who knew how to fetch water from a stream. Le go rwalela ka kgathi Ke godile goba mmoki wa bo Tholo ba ba dinaka mochopo Barolong ba ba gatang bojang bo bo robega . . . Ka nako eo kgomo tse thataro dia tsamaya, ngwana wa mosetsana a tsalwa Lechwenyo a thuntsa moladi, Barolong bare ke Dimakatso . . . I was born on the mountain tops of September A time when God was sending out heaven’s angels into the world I was born to witness transformation Yet I was built to be strong enough to never be withered. To be true to my truth and to be the African I was destined to be . . .
EXPRESS NORTHERN CAPE , WEDNESDAY 9 OCTOBER 2013
NEWS
GoitseModimo a legend } Boipelo Mere
GOITSEMODIMO WAGA SELEKA
Photo: Boipelo Mere
Correction Express Northern Cape erred in the article titled Donation welcomed that was published on p 3 of the edition dated 25 September 2013. By accident we referred to the organiser of the
event, who is also a teacher at Vuyolwethu, as Segami Molusi instead of Segametsi Molusi. She was, however, correctly quoted in the picture caption. We apologise for any inconvenience caused.
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THE much admired radio voice of Kopa Dilaleo presenter GoitseModimo waga Seleka did not have to be changed or trained for radio. That was revealed by the owner of the voice himself, GoitseModimo, during an interview with Express Northern Cape, when he was in Kimberley on Heritage Day. “I never had to change my voice at any time,” he said Seleka said he had been born in Batho location in Four Ways, Bloemfontein, where he had also attended school. He stated that he had started his primary school career at the Merafe Primary School, “ko digarteneng”, and then the Sehunelo High School. “My first experience of working for radio was in 1995 when I started at a local radio station called BBT stereo. “My love for radio landed me a job at Motsweding FM in 1997.” He said he had been inspired by radio personalities of the time Olehile Serasengwe, Aubrey Motloung and the late Thabang Ramphorwane of Lesedi FM who had also motivated him. On his arrival at Motsweding FM, Seleka said he had
been trained by Snyman Rankane, who had also been his mentor. “And from then on it was all systems go for me,” he said and laughed. “My first programme was Iketleng, aired between 12:00 to 15:00 for five months. Then I moved to Kopa Dilalelo between 18:00 and 21:00. Then came Mahube which aired from 03:00 to 06:00. This became the most popular show.” Seleka further revealed that between the years 2000 and 2002 he had started working as a spokesperson for the Mahikeng Municipality. He ventured into becoming a news reader when he had been uncertain about job security at the SABC. “I just picked up the phone and spoke to Eazy Matjila, who fortunately told me to attend auditions in three days time. “I made it through the auditions and got a stop gap in sports,” said Seleka in response to whether he had experienced the challenges of being jobless. When asked whether it had been a big change in presenting style when he had changed shows, he said: “When requested to, you should be able to do any programme when you are a reporter.”
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THE solar park in progress.
Photos: Boipelo Mere
The NHI Hospital in progress.
Education, employment critical
BOIPELO MERE has been researching the phenomenon of HIV/Aids for the International Women’s Media Fellowship (IWMF), basing her research on De Aar in the Northern Cape, seeing as it is a pilot project site for the National Health Insurance Scheme. The aim of the fellowship is to identify the hidden truths and myths concerning HIV and Aids and report on them in an informative and truthful manner. WOMEN are generally more vulnerable to HIV infection. In fact, just like with other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) women are reported to be at least four times more vulnerable to infection than men. There is a reason for this: For a start, women’s bodies have larger mucosal surfaces, and micro-lesions may occur during coerced intercourse, providing possible entry points for the virus. To make matters worse, sperm contains a higher count of the virus than vaginal secretions. The presence of untreated STIs just raises the risk for HIV infection through the roof. Women are also constrained by social, cultural and economic power relations. For instance, many women are still not expected to discuss or make decisions about sexual matters; they are not expected to request that a condom be used; let alone insist that a condom be used or any form of protection. If they do, they could be beaten up. If they refuse sex, they could be beaten or even accused of infidelity. Or both. And yet, they ought to, because for married and unmarried men multiple partners are culturally acceptable. During my research I met Sr Delores Connor. She heads the Nightingale Hospice. The hospice used to be operated from the Eastern Cape, but opened a branch in De Aar. The hospice doesn’t just provide needy services for terminal patients, it also provides a public platform to share information between individuals, private and state health organisations, not only in De Aar, but in the surrounding area. Connor has been managing the hospice since 2000 and has seen about 900 and 1 200 children and adults respectively since then. The hospice didn’t just sit back and wait for the terminally ill to knock on its door. Staff went out into the nearby Nonzwakazi township and started community education on the dangers of substance abuse. The aim of the hospice’s activities has been to change the stigma associated with being an institution for the terminally ill and instead be seen as a place of hope and healing. “We do this with the little money we have as a hospice, mindful of the high rate of poverty
in our area,” says Connor. “We collect the patients in the morning for different activities, sessions, art and craft. In this way we are able to open them up to talk and share experiences and to monitor their adherence to their medicine intake. “We do home-based care for the terminally ill patients too. Most of our patients are neglected and rejected at home and we have become their only hope.” The hospice staff consists of Connor, a professional nurse, an assistant nurse and 26 homebased care givers, servicing the whole of De Aar. Their patients range from the elderly to orphans, vulnerable children, people with chronic illnesses and those with HIV/Aids. “At the end of the day we do not discharge patients, they do it themselves when they are ready. We always visit them after three months to check on their progress. We are lucky to have a good working relationship with government departments, Masakhane which is an old-age home centre in De Aar and Child Ministries, which caters for children between the ages five and six. The three serve as good support structures for us,” says Connor. Those who use the hospice are divided into three categories: people who are capable of taking care of themselves, people who aren’t capable and finally those who are bedridden. Those capable of taking care of themselves are collected every day for various activities – including helping the bedridden imprisoned in their various homes. “It is important for us to conduct home visits regularly, because people on treatment default due to alcohol abuse and are afraid to return to the clinic for fear of facing the nurses. Others default on purpose because they completely depend on the disability grant and if they get better they are scared they will possibly be struck off the grant roll, so the art is to keep themselves ill. Once they relapse they have to restart the treatment. It helps sometimes to threaten them in order to keep them on their toes,” says Connor. De Aar has been a continual focal point of research by sociologists and medical academics, because of its long association with Foetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) – the often tragic effects of uninhibited abuse of alcohol by pregnant women, particularly the consumption of what is known as late wine harvests and other cheap home-brewed concoctions referred to as nxabshushu. The lack of education and a lack of recreational amenities for the youth and the community at large are just two reasons for the high rate of alcohol abuse. Alcohol abuse is a trigger for unplanned pregnancies, infidelity, casual and multiple sexual encounters and ultimately HIV/Aids. This is borne out by the Northern Cape Provincial Department of Health’s figures which show that the rate of HIV/Aids prevalence among antenatal women rose from 12,6% to 15,1% between 2009 and 2011.
‘We do this with the little money we have as a hos pice, mindful of the high rate of poverty in our area.’ – Sr Delores Connor
SR DELORES CONNOR Since Aids is primarily spread through sexual transmission, the majority of people will be infected during periods of peak sexual activity in their late teens and early twenties. They will fall ill and die in their late twenties and early thirties. The concentration of HIV/Aids in these age groups has important consequences. HIV-positive pregnant women might infect their newborn children during delivery or breast-feeding. Infant and child mortality rates will increase since most of these HIV positive infants will quickly develop Aids and, almost without exception, die within five years of birth. A glimmer of hope Organisations such as loveLife and other NGOs are all present in De Aar. There is also I-ACT, the government’s Integrated Access to Care and Treatment, which has been extended to hospices for them to roll out to the communities. Facilitators and trainers are establishing support groups in different areas. “Thanks too, to the continuous support and help of the South African Bishops Relief Services,” says Connor. “There are scheduled programmes in which we all participate. We have vulnerable children and it is only helpful if we all put our hands together to support and educate these children who are our future leaders,” she says.
Life expectancy Chris van Kratenburg, a development worker, says: “Saturdays in De Aar are when people go to bid farewell to loved ones. In the old days the funerals would be far less and the bodies in the coffins far older. Today seven out of ten burials will be young adults between the ages of 24 and 35. The life expectancy has dropped so drastically it threatens the local economy – for those who have jobs. For those who don’t, the sense of hopelessness is all-prevailing.” Poverty “There has always been poverty in De Aar, even when the town was a railway hub. Today people are full of hope when they see new solar parks being put up by Siemens around their area as this has brought a temporary reprieve to some of the unemployed,” continues Connor. “A new hospital and several government buildings are also being built. But the unspoken question is: What happens when the buildings are finished? Because the work that will be done in these buildings will need highly skilled people and professionals. There’s also the issue of the relationships and children born out of relationships between the migrant workers brought in for the projects and the local women. “The people of De Aar need education and employment if they are ever to break this vicious spiral.”
EXPRESS NORTHERN CAPE , WEDNESDAY 9 OCTOBER 2013
NEWS
Number of gr. R learners to increase in 2014 } Boipelo Mere THE Department of Education in the Northern Cape has vowed to increase the number of gr. R learners to enrol by 2014. This is according to a press release by the departmental spokesperson, Lehuma Ntuane. Ntuane revealed that the number of gr. R learners in the Northern Cape would increase to more than 18 000 learners by next year as opposed to the present figure of 16 557 learners. Grizelda Cjiekella, the MEC for Education, has repeatedly emphasized the importance of gr. R level enrolment in the province as the foundation for learning. The department also pointed out that the highest enrolment in gr. R was in the Frances Baard District with 98% of its ordinary primary schools offering gr. R. The John Taolo Gaetsewe District has the lowest gr. R enrolment with 76%. About 88% of ordinary schools within the province offer gr. R education. According to Ntuane, Cjiekella said enormous steps had already been taken to improve the level of gr. R, but more needed to be done as there was still room for improvement, especially with regard to minimum teaching
requirements for gr. R teachers. The MEC further said that provincially they still had 51 primary schools that did not offer gr. R. “Indeed, the majority of schools are eager to increase their gr. R classes, but the major challenge remains a shortage of infrastructure. Collectively these challenges illustrate the extent of work still required to expand access, but more importantly, improve the quality of learning and teaching in gr. R in both ordinary public schools and community-based centres,” said Cjiekella. “For the 2013-’14 financial year, we are investing a total of R86,064 million collectively for gr. R in public schools and in community-based centres, which is an increase of 37% from the 2009-’10 financial year. “Investment in gr. R will increase to an estimated R115 million over the 2013-’14 MTEF period.” Due to the high number of gr. R enrolment, school infrastructure has also become a focal point for the department: R316,934 000 for infrastructure in the 2013-’14 financial year, this budget marks an improvement compared to the R307,609 000 allocated during the 2012-’13 financial year.
‘Indeed, the majority of schools are eager to increase their gr. R classes, but the ma jor challenge remains a short age of infrastructure.’ – Grizelda Cjiekella
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Malema confident of victory } Tladi Moloi
JULIUS MALEMA, the Economic Freedom Fighters’ (EFF) commander in chief, is adamant that his new political party will be in government next year after the 2014 national elections. Malema said that during an interview with Express Eastern Free State during his recent visit to Qwaqwa. When asked how many seats he was targeting in parliament Malema said they did not target seats because the EFF would be in government next year. “Our benchmark is that we are the government in waiting. We don’t aim at seats. Those who aim at seats are the opposition. We are not the opposition. We’ll be the government next year. We can’t talk about seats. Whatever the number required to get government, that is the number we are targeting.” Malema said they wanted to be in power because the ANC had failed the people. He said it was time they changed the lives of South Africans. “The longer you stay in power the more you adjust to wrong things. The ANC has overstayed its welcome. We are almost 20 years into our democracy, but many of you are unemployed and some have given up on getting jobs,” he said. Malema said people should not vote for the DA because it was not a solution. “The DA is a white ANC and the ANC is a black DA. They are
JULIUS MALEMA, the Economic Freedom Fighters’ commander in chief. pushing for the same policy. They both built toilets without shelters. The DA in Cape Town and the ANC did the same in Moqhaka. “If the ANC was forced to go for a coalition government, the party would surely go for the DA. They will not go with the party that proposes that idea, they would prefer to be the ones to propose it to the DA. Why? They are all serving one master. Who is the master? The master is the white monopoly on capital,” said the outspoken Malema. Malema said the EFF policy would not be found anywhere else because it included the redistribution of land
‘What has been stolen from you must be re turned, then you can forgive them.’ without compensation, nationalisation of mines, free, quality housing and education, anti-corruption, sanitation, accountable government and leadership, industrialisation, investment in the African economy and building state capacity in order
Photo: Tladi Moloi
to eradicate tenders because they outsourced things that should be done by the state to the private sector. He said the youth had looked at their policies and realised that there was potential in the party. He said they also realised that their future could look better. Industrialisation, nationalisation and the country would create more jobs. “We want land and mines. Land made the people who they are, if they did not have land, they wouldn’t have had the best education and best facilities because they all came from the land. We are in this state because
we don’t have the land,” he said. He said their leadership was genuine and it would liberate people from the state of poverty. “The EFF does not pretend to be caring whereas everybody else is sleeping with white landowners for the means of production,” he said. He said the ANC had brought shame to the people of South Africa and that was why they were walking like a defeated nation. He added that even 1994 had not brought glory to South Africans as they remained defeated. “We are even worse off than in 1994. At least before that year we knew we were defeated. When we say we want the land we want to restore your confidence. No one can tell you that you cannot have a farm. Children of Afrikaners have inherited this stolen land. “Most of them have not been to school. No one asks them how they will maintain a farm without any education. When we say they should give the land back to the blacks they say they are not educated. But truth be told, black people are the ones working there,” he said. “Anybody who is fighting with the Boers, they say that person is a problem. They are saying there should be reconciliation and peace. What peace before we get what belongs to us? There will never be reconciliation and peace without justice. Justice must happen first. What is justice? What has been stolen from you must be returned, then you can forgive them. Then we can say to them we forgive you. We’ll say to them: ‘We don’t want you to leave with nothing, take this portion.’ We are failing to do so because they are still holding on to what belongs to us. “They should give us back the mines and farms.” To listen to the audio clip, log on to www.express-news.co.za or expresspaper.mobi.
Student loans ‘an investment’ AS the 2013 academic year rapidly draws to a close, many students and their parents should consider their financial planning for the coming year. Student loans open the doors to a good tertiary education even when access to bursaries and funds are limited. “Student loans are a sound investment in the future and a convenient way to pay for student fees, computers, books and accommodation. These loans are easily accessible providing the student’s parent or guardian earns more than R6 000 a month and the application meets NCA criteria. A pre-requisite for an FNB Life Start Student Loan is proof of registration in an academic institution,” says CEO of FNB Personal Loans, Pieter du Toit. The FNB student loan offers a six-month payment holiday on the capital portion of the loan from the date of graduation. Interest payments must be made from the date of taking the loan. “For FNB customers, access to a Life Start Student Loan is easy and can be completed via online banking, an FNB branch or the Call Centre. We require an ID book for the student and the guardian/parent and loan amounts
start from R4 000. We require additional documents from customers of other banks and for larger amounts. Students can re-apply for additional amounts at any time after the loan has been granted,” adds Du Toit. FNB is already noting strong demand for student loans, mostly from matriculants who are starting to register at universities and technikons for 2014. The bank notes that demand for student loans increased by almost 5% last year, due largely to increased tuition fees and families placing a much greater emphasis on post-matric qualifications. Loan values have also increased by more than 13%. “A tertiary education is critical to your child’s future employment and career opportunities. This is not limited to typical academic qualifications, but includes growing numbers of students seeking diplomas in high-demand areas such as trade skills and specialist computer skills. “Very often these students and their families struggle to purchase laptop computers, specialist equipment and books. Loans can be used for any student requirements,” adds Du Toit.
ANC: ‘Fresh allegations’ old } STONE SIZANI, ANC PARLIAMENTARY CHIEF WHIP: THE office of the ANC chief whip notes the DA parliamentary leader’s announcement today (last week) that she will be tabling a resolution requesting parliament to establish an ad hoc committee to investigate the so-called “fresh allegations” that President Jacob Zuma was involved in the unauthorized landing of the Gupta family aircraft at Waterkloof Airforce Base. The DA leader also indicated that she will report these “fresh allegations” to the public protector for an investigation. There is absolutely nothing fresh in the socalled “fresh allegations” she refers to in her statement. The team of directors-general who investigated the incident, which the ANC condemned at the time, looked at these same allegations she talks about and found that names of senior government leaders were dropped by certain individuals to facilitate the unauthorized landing. The story of a colonel alleging to have been instructed by another official who claims to
have been instructed by a government leader to act in a certain manner is a typical namedropping narrative that the investigation has already dealt with. Only the DA’s obsession to make news at whatever cost could rehash such an old story and sell it as a “fresh allegation” worthy of an investigation by parliament and the public protector. It is entirely up to the public protector’s wisdom and independent discretion whether her institution gets drawn into such political games of the leader of the opposition. However, as the ANC, we will not allow parliament to be dragged into what is clearly a figment of one MP’s overzealous imagination. For her to expect the entire parliament to expend its energies on such a matter is illustrative of how little she regards this institution.
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NEWS
Butler bags men’s race } Boipelo Mere RYNARD BUTLER was declared the winner of the gruelling 105 km men’s race during the 2013 Kumba Iron Ore Classic in Kathu after beating Johan Rabie and Nicholas Dougall who came in second and third respectively. The Kumba Iron Ore Classic is reported to be a seeding event for both the National Classic and Cape Argus Pick n Pay Cycle Tour. As per promise, local radio presenter Boitumelo Korogo and singer Izak Davel were spotted on the cycling scene partaking in the 50 km race, testing their pedalling skills against some of the country’s leading amateur and professional cyclists. Well-known model and international movie star Vanessa Haywood participated in the 105 km race The women’s race was more closely contended which saw Anriëtte Schoeman in front to claim first prize in the 105 km followed shortly by Maruska Matthee and Erna du Toit. First place for the men’s 50 km race went to Maurice Moller with the 50 km women’s race gold going to Muriel Richards. The overall team winner was Team Westvaal. Although it turned out to be a cold and windy day in the traditionally hot Kalahari, a total of 253 cyclists are reported to have participated in the official races. A further 120 family and youngsters took part in the fun and kids races, of which the entrance money of these fun races served as a fundraiser for the nominated charities, which included Kathu Cansa Cluster, Sunflower Foundation and Mpelega ECDC. Kumba Iron Ore later revealed that a total of R15 000 was paid out to the charities. Other entertainment for the day included spinning classes, clowns, mime artists, food stalls, a beer tent and entertainment by both local artists and musical star and ambassador Izak Davel. Speaking as the Kumba Iron Ore Classic ambassador, Haywood said that she was delighted
FOR more information call Lynne at Z PR on 0514303027.
Nominate sports stars ARE you good at sport, or is someone in your school or place of education good at sport? Are you a young coach working with future stars? The SuperSport Let’s Play Star of the Month is a competition for anyone aged 6 to 18. You can nominate yourself or be nominated by a friend, teacher, lecturer or coach at your school or place of education. From all the entries received each month one player will be chosen as the SuperSport Let’s Play Star of the Month and will receive a Let’s Play hamper. At the end of the year one player from all the Star of the Month winners will be chosen as the SuperSport Let’s Play Star of the Year. Send us your nomination today (nominations received before the 20th of every month will be included in that month’s selection. Nominations received after the 20th of every month will be carried over to the next month’s selection). Your nomination must include your name, age and a short paragraph (less than 200 words) on what you have achieved, as well as your contact details. You can email your nomination to supersport@zpr.co.za or SMS 072-3117716 (no phone calls will be accepted; normal cellphone rates apply) or fax 086-552-4922, or deliver your entry to ZPR at 22A Reid Street, Westdene, Bloemfontein. For more information call Lynne at Z PR on 051-430-3027.
RYNARD BUTLER crossing the finish line. to have participated in the race since she was a hugely passionate cyclist. “I’ve always conceded myself as a seasoned cyclist, but today I realised that no one can compete against the scorching sun of Kathu,” she laughed. “The cycle challenge has been such a highlight for this province; it is wonderful that Kumba Iron Ore is bringing all the communi-
Photo: Supplied
ties in the Northern Cape together. This is definitely a good initiative as it promotes a healthy lifestyle.” Anglo American’s Kumba Iron Ore business CEO, Norman Mbazima, explained that the event served as more than just a cycling challenge. “At Kumba, we strive to build and take care of communities where we operate and initiatives such as the Kumba Classic are a testa-
ment of this commitment. “ We do a lot of work with the communities of the Northern Cape so it is always good to see families and members of the community coming together and share this day with us. As a company we understand the impact that these events have and are therefore proud of our association with the competition,” said Mbazima.
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EXPRESS NORTHERN CAPE, WEDNESDAY 9 OCTOBER 2013
Boxing team return as victors } Boipelo Mere
THE Northern Cape Open Boxing Organisation (NCABO) takes pride in bringing home nine medals from the South African National Boxing Organisation (SANABO) junior and youth national championships that were held in Bethlehem last month. The team of 11 boxers won 1 gold medal, 2 silver and 6 bronze medals during the tournament. One of their female boxers, Lulu Smith from Bushy Boxing Club in Beaconfield, was declared the Youth Champion for 2013 in the 64 kg category after defeating L. Gxogxo from Eastern Cape (Mdantsane) in the first round with an RSC decision. According to the president of NCABO, Archie Jack, no national team was selected during the tournament due to the SANABO’s suspension by the International Boxing Association (AIBA). He revealed that it was too late for SANABO to register a team for the 2013 Youth World Championships to be held in October/November 2013. SANABO has to wait for the new elective conference to take place on 27 October in order for their provisional suspension to be uplifted by the AIBA. The National Youth and Junior championships will therefore be in March 2013 in order to select a team for the Youth Olympic Games to be held in August 2014. The same team will be prepared for the 2014 Youth Common Wealth Games. Lulu Smith and at least one male boxer stands a good chance of making the national team, said Jack confidently. “Our only predicament is funding. We are not sure as to whether we will have the necessary funds as a federation to take this team to the nationals next year March. We are appealing to the business fraternity to make our dream and especially of those boxers come true. At present the team is training at the Mayibuye Centre, which is a high performance centre preparing for next year March. The way the team is determined, they went to the nationals without provincial colours. We are calling out to any person to acquire the provincial colours for this team,” concluded the president. Anyone willing to sponsor is encouraged to contact Archie on 084507-4281 or Malusi on 074-572-4619.
THE Northern Cape Open Boxing Organisation team.
Photo: Boipelo Mere
Soccer girls bring back gold } Boipelo Mere
THE u.15 girls team that were crowned the winners during the FNB Lucas Radebe Football Festival at the University of Johannesburg.
Photo: Supplied
THE long-term development plan worked perfectly well for assistant coach Wendy August, who led her two Sol Plaatje Municipality boys and girls u.15 teams to the FNB Lucas Radebe Football Festival at the University of Johannesburg. This time the girls team returned with gold after being crowned winners after beating Thohoyandou 2-0 in the final round. A satisfied August, who smiled from ear to ear, buried her stress of the preparatory season when they did not have access to a soccer pitch. In Johannesburg they played against four other regions – Pietermaritzburg, Thohoyandou, George and Umtata. “We were not that well prepared, but at least my preparatory plan did the trick of using all my players who were experienced. I
have been with my current team for three years now. They grew up in the programme, and some of them also play in SAFA leagues,” added the assistant coach proudly. August admitted the programme is becoming more tense and tougher as everyone looks forward to the u.17 selections. Kagisho Matile, the coach, said he was not surprised because his team had been preparing for three years. “This is the third year that we went to the tournament with the same team. Last year we lost in the finals and were beaten by Natal. This year we were technically and tactically superior to all the girls teams.” He added that they played close to 12 games against the boys as preparatory games before they left. “The tournament was actually low resistance because we were already used to playing tougher games,” he bragged.