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WEDNESDAY 29 JANUARY 2014 WWW.EXPRESSNEWS.CO.ZA
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Cuba awaits students } Boipelo Mere IT was a dream come true for Tshepang Maribe (20) when she received the news from the Northern Cape Department of Health that she will be studying medicine in Cuba this year. She and 35 other students will be jetting off to Cuba in a few weeks’ time as part of the Mandela–Castro Medical Collaboration Programme which is aimed at increasing the number of doctors in the country. After completion of their studies, these students will work in their respective areas in an effort to increasing the number of doctors in the country. Maribe’s mother, Pinky, who was over the moon, told Express Northern Cape how proud she was when she coincidentally came upon her daughter’s letter that she had written when she was 12 years old. “In the letter she clearly states that she wants to become a doctor when she grows up. It just happened that I found my daughter’s letter when I was going through my filing system at home. It was very funny when I showed the letter to the rest of the family,” revealed the mother. She said Tshepang had stuck to her dreams and had kept focused throughout her school career. Tshepang’s father expressed his gratitude to the Northern Cape Department of Health for making efforts in bettering the health system. “She was so determined to be a doctor that she did not hesitate to re-apply in 2012 after she had been
THE group of students who will soon be jetting off to Cuba. Sitting in front are the MEC for Health, Mxolisi Sokatsha, and the MEC for Agriculture and Land Reform, Norman Shushu, and officials of the Northern Cape Department of Health. Photo: Boipelo Mere unsuccessful in 2011. We are so proud of our daughter because her efforts have really paid off,” he said. According to the Northern Cape MEC for Health, Mxolisi Sokatsha, the province has already produced 18 doctors from the programme
since its inception in 2002. “I am very excited about this programme because it has already produced 18 qualified doctors who are already placed in different departments and we have 13 more who are in the process of qualifying,” he said.
Sokatsha revealed that this was the second batch of students going on the extended programme because the department used to send only ten students per year. “In 2013 we managed to send off a total of 45 students, first 10 and then later 35. Now this year we
are sending another 46 students. All districts are represented, but the Frances Baard district has the highest number of students.”
) Visit our website at www.express-news.co.za to listen to Tshepang Maribe talking about her aspirations.
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Flying saves time } Boipelo Mere THE Northern Cape Premier, Sylvia Lucas, is confident that the launch of the Phakalane Air Transport Service route is a solution to the demand for fast, efficient access between the different towns in the province. The initiative is a partnership between Phakalane Aviation Company and the provincial Department of Transport, Safety and Liaison. The premier, however, hopes that the initiative will soon be a permanent feature in the Northern Cape’s transport landscape as the new flights will provide the people in the Northern Cape with a fast, reliable and safe air service and give travellers more options for travelling between towns. She stated that current developments such as road traffic congestion challenges, the condition of roads within the Northern Cape, especially in rural areas, economic growth and the importance of mobility and accessibility in the province are the issues that have highlighted the need for an efficient and reliable air service. It was revealed that the scheduled flights will be between Kimberley, Upington and Springbok only. There are no scheduled
NORTHERN CAPE Premier Sylvia Lucas waves to the guests as she checks out the plane during the launch of the IntraProvincial Flights Service at the Kimberley Airport. The airways will assist government employees to reach destinations across the province, which will cut down time.
Photo: EMILE HENDRICKS
flights between Kimberley, De Aar, Kuruman, Calvinia and Lanseria, which is in Gauteng. Lucas said that the air service is not only good for economic development of the province, but also important for the future growth of the aviation sector itself in a form of inspiring young people to become pilots.
During the launch, Lucas urged local business and the travelling public to support routes to various destinations in an effort to retain them. “I am confident that this new service will be loyally supported by the business and tourism sectors so that it grows in leaps and bounds throughout the province.”
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Party sets eyes on NC } André Botha
FROM the left are John Block (ANC chairperson in the Northern Cape), Cyril Ramaphosa (deputy president of the ANC) and Zamani Saul (provincial secretary of the ANC in the Northern Cape). Photo: Lecrecia Prins
More jobs promised } André Botha AN increased focus was placed on the Northern Cape by the national government, especially in terms of job creation, as promised by the deputy president of the ANC, Cyril Ramaphosa, to a few thousand ANC supporters over the weekend. Better infrastructure is also part of this. Unfortunately, Ramaphosa did not elaborate as to how when and where, except by saying that the province’s manganese and iron ore resources should be thoroughly explored for more job opportunities. The number of people gathered at the Galeshewe Stadium was nowhere near the 20 000 the ANC had expected. The crowd was augmented with people fetched by bus from as far as Namaqualand with the purpose of attending the ANC’s election manifesto launch. Ramaphosa said the ANC in
the province is ready for the election. He was especially concerned with recent changes in the political leadership of the Sol Plaatje Municipality, including the removal of the mayor, Agnes Ntlangula, from her position. “The ANC will get rid of corruption in the province and its municipalities,” he said. He also promised that John Block, ANC chairman, who has various fraud and corruption charges hanging over his head, will be fired if he is found guilty. “We are working to ensure that the residents are not without water, that there are no potholes in the streets and that the city is clean,” he promised. He said he heard about “the aunties’ of the Western Cape’s” (Helen Zille and Patricia de Lille’s) visit to Kimberley. “We are going to stay in control, the Northern Cape will never be blue,’ said Block.
SOUTH AFRICA is better off today than under apartheid, but still moving backwards under Pres. Jacob Zuma. Over the weekend Helen Zille, the national leader of the DA, told a group of supporters dressed in blue T-shirts that the ANC of Zuma is not the same as the ANC of Nelson Mandela. Andrew Louw, Northern Cape DA leader and the party’s premier candidate, Patricia de Lille, mayor of Cape Town, and Lindiwe Mazibuko, parliamentary leader of the DA, along with Zille and a large group of DA supporters walked through the streets of Galeshewe before they addressed the supporters. The group visited more than two houses when Louw was officially announced the Northern Cape premier candidate. Zille said it is due to Mandela that South Africa is a better country than under apartheid. “We must always be on guard. Under Zuma there is a decline. The voters must now say enough is enough. It must be done during the elections. The vote is more powerful than a stone. “People get the government that they vote for in a democracy,” she said. De Lille confirmed that she will have a big role to play in the DA’s election campaign in the province. “I love the Northern Cape. I want to come here to work with Andrew. We’ll paint the Northern Cape blue from now on until election day while Sylvia Lucas (premier) eats
HELEN ZILLE (left, national DA leader) announced Andrew Louw as the DA’s premier candidate in the Northern Cape. With them is Patricia de Lille. Kentucky,” she emphasised. “We are fed up. Give the DA a chance by lending us your vote for the next five years. The DA will bring the Northern Cape to where the Western Cape is. “The Northern Cape deserves better. The future of the Northern Cape is in your hands.” She said 41% of the people in the
Northern Cape receive grants. “We do not want grants, we want a job,’ she said to loud applause. Louw said he is excited and honoured to be the DA’s candidate. “We want to change the political landscape. I’ll be your servant. We want the blue wave from the Western Cape to hit the Northern Cape.”
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Mechanics get upgrade } Boipelo Mere VICTOR ANDERSON (41), owner of Vico’s Prestigious Repairs in Kuruman, realised that the majority of backyard mechanics was afraid of facing the outside world. He said that was the reason backyard mechanics continued to remain at the same level of activity resulting in a delay towards becoming a successful entrepreneur. “Greed and your own insecurities are the things that make you not refer a client to a relevant neighbouring mechanic, which leads to providing unsatisfactory service to the client. That further results in the clients underestimating us. We as mechanics are our own undoing as we allow our skills to be questioned,” he emphasised during their certificate hand-over ceremony at the Recreation Hall. Anderson was one of the 93 trainees who were awarded certificates of completion after their three weeks’ Enterprise Development Programme through Filpro. He was also amongst the six mechanics who were further awarded with a toolbox for their best performances throughout the programme. Funded by Metso, the first phase of the programme was completed by backyard mechanics from Kimberley, Kuruman and Postmasburg. On the day, the mechanics tossed aside their overalls, wore their brightest formal shirts and went to be awarded by Filpro and the provincial Department of Economic Development and Tourism for their hard work. According to Anderson, the only problem that leads customers and car owners to taking their cars to well-developed businesses should be lack of resources and equipment, not poor service. Unemployed Matshidiso Motseki (26) from Kuruman was amongst the three females on the training course. She is looking forward to utilising the ongoing mentorship incubation programme and the basic bookkeeping benefits of the programme. “I have always had a problem with managing my budget, even during the period when I was temporarily employed. From here, I will keep contact with my mentor and use all the information that I got to run my oil collection business,” she said. Johannes Letsie (56), who runs his automechanic business in John Daka, Kimberley, managed to register his business on the programme. He felt ashamed to admit that he did not know the importance of budgeting. “I used to just keep the money in my pocket and spend it carelessly. Now I know the importance of keeping petty cash and keeping money in the business account,” he said shyly. Jimmy Olyn, who owns Jimmy’s Vehicle Entrepre-
VICTOR ANDERSON (41), owner of Vico’s Prestigious Repairs in Kuruman, motivates and shares some tips with fellow mechanics on how they can succeed as a team.
neurs in Kimberley, suggested that all mechanics should follow business management practices and possess a database where all mechanics are listed in order to make referrals. “I quit my teaching job for a good reason, because there is money in this industry. And due to the reason that I am confident that I provide quality service, I do not under-charge because I know that I am good at what I do,” stated Anderson with confidence. Johan Streudest of Filpro expressed his pride at his completion of the first phase of the programme and revealed that another R1,2 million was being pledged by Metso for phase two of the programme. The next phase will cater for the Northern Cape and the Free State. To those who have not started using technology yet, Victor Anderson urged them to start making themselves familiar with the upgrade. “Wake up and get used to technology if you do not want your business to fail. You must realise that those old Toyota Corollas are fading away as the new cars are introduced. Do not fear to grow your business due to the South African Revenue Service (SARS), it is here to make us successful. “From here we are going to face the challenges of technology in order to sleep good as a result of running successful businesses,” said Anderson in conclusion. Mboweni Magada, Filpro’s operational general manager, could not stop raving about the amazing success of the Northern Cape programme. She said that they were planning to expand the programme to other parts of the province with the above-mentioned budget. “The enthusiasm in the Northern Cape is the one thing that motivated us to continue with the
NELICK MOHLOMI of Mohlomi Motor Mechanic and Spray in Postmasburg was awarded with a toolbox for being the best participant. The participants are pictured with Mboweni Magadaand and Lesedi Komane of Filpro. Photos: supplied programme. The skills will give you confidence not to hesitate to compete with big business,” she told the graduates. Mduduzi Mahlalela, the project coordinator, said that they had to drive around to identify the mechanics and had assistance through referrals. “Before we kickstart the next phase of the training programme we would greatly
appreciate it if more mechanics who would like to take part in the programme could contact us and leave their contact details to be invited,” he requested. Mechanics can contact Mduduzi Mahlalela of the Department of Economic Development and Tourism on 083-279-0430. ) See more pictures at: www.express-news.co.za.
‘We as mechanics are our own undoing as we allow our skills to be questioned.’ – Victor Anderson (41), owner of Vico’s Prestigious Repairs in Kuruman
FREDDY MORENG of Freddy’s Auto Mechanic in Postmasburg was also awarded with a toolbox from Filpro.
THABOSHO NJOBE was awarded for being the most participating student during the workshop.
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Learners get help } Boipelo Mere ANDREW LOUW, the leader of the DA in the Northern Cape, donated 20 school uniforms to learners of the Boitumelo Special School in Galeshewe, Kimberley. The effort was reported to be a small token of goodwill from the DA to lend a supportive hand where it is needed. “This is just a small gesture from the party to help previously disadvantaged learners with disabilities whose parents cannot always afford school necessities. We would like to reach out a hand of help to such children and put a smile back on a child’s face,” he said. According to Louw, he has personal experience and knows the feeling of not having all necessities for school as a learner. “The DA believes in the importance of education as a cornerstone to
‘To equip our youth for education and provide them with an education for their future, we are building a better Northern Cape and a better South Africa together.’ – Andrew Louw opportunities in life for our youth. “To equip our youth for education and provide them with an education for their future, we are building a better Northern Cape and a better South Africa together,” said Louw.
HAPPY in their new school uniforms. From the left Boitumelo Shuping, Daniel Mothibi, Andrew Louw, provincial leader of the DA, Mpho Marope and Kgomotsho Mathebula. Photo: Supplied
Do you want to buy a house? BUYING a house is a long-term commitment to your own and your family’s future. Before you lose your heart on a property it is advisable to first do a credit check. After this you can apply for a pre-qualified home loan. This will give you an indication on what your instalments will be. It is important to have a good credit record. First-time home buyers who have no credit are advised to open an account and pay it off diligently in order to build up a credit record. On the other hand if you have access to a lot of credit your credit score will be lower and it is advised that you close all unused accounts. You can use the affordability calculator on the GWK Properties website to determine what type of home you can afford. You should not pay off more than a third of your income on your bond Visit www.gwkproperties.co.za for more
information. OOBA home finance experts recommend that the following documents are required when applying for a home loan: ) payslips for the last three months (income to be verified against bank account); ) if in receipt of allowances or variable pay (for example commission or overtime), then payslips of the last six months; ) a detailed income and expenditure statement, signed by applicant(s); ) bank statements of the last three months, stamped by the bank (not internet statements); ) a statement of assets and liabilities; ) if the applicant is not a South African citizen, a copy of their passport, residence and work permits; ) rental contracts in respect of rental income to be used in affordability assessment; and ) identity document(s).
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FAN-TASTIC! The local fans mixed with Ghana national team fans.
Photo: Voight Mokone
Ghana likes local fans } Sidwell Guduka
MAXWELL KONADU, the Ghana national team coach, has urged local fans to continue throwing their weight behind his side. He admits his side faces a tough challenge in their 2014 Championship of African Nations (CHAN) semifinal clash against Nigeria at the Free State Stadium in Bloemfontein tonight (20:30). “It is going to be a difficult match against Nigeria, but one that we have to win at all cost. They are one of the powerhouses of African football. So we’ll have to be at our best to beat them. We’ll plan well for them. I think the whole of Africa will enjoy this match,” Konadu told Express. “I urge the people of Bloemfontein to rally behind us when we take on Nigeria. We’ve been enjoying their support since we arrived in South Africa for the tournament. Their support for Ghana has been amazing. We are in the semifinals because of the great support that we continue to receive from
‘We are in the semifinals because of the great support that we continue to receive . . .We are very thankful to the people of Bloemfontein.’ – Maxwell Konadu them. We are very thankful to the people of Bloemfontein,” he said. “We’ve been received very well here. The local people are very friendly and they love us. We are happy to be playing our games here. Generally, I think the people of South Africa love Ghana,” he added. The Black Stars edged DR Congo with a 1-0 victory to reach the semifinals-stage of the tournament. Before that, they humbled
both Congo and Ethiopia by a goal to nil, and drew 1-all with Libya in the group stage matches. Konadu says it was not his side’s game plan to go out and score only one goal in every match they played. “We don’t take to the field to score only one goal. We plan our games according to the strengths and weaknesses of our opponents. But it happens that we score one goal and we defend it very well. That for me is a plus for our team. We’ll try to convert all the chances that we create during the match,” Konadu said. In the other semifinal fixture today, Zimbabwe will battle it out against Libya for a final spot in the competition. The match kicks off at 17:00. The winners in today’s games will meet in the final at the Cape Town Stadium on Saturday at 20:00, while the losing teams will fight for third place at the same venue three hours before the final. ) Tickets for the matches are available at all Computicket outlets.