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WEDNESDAY 5 MARCH 2014
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Strike turns dirty
DIRTY PROTEST: Piles of rubbish were left across Kimberley last week following a strike by members of the South African Municipal Workers Union (Samwu). Express Northern Cape wants to get your view regarding this trend of “dirty protests”. SMS your views to 45533. See more photos of this march on p. 6. Photo: Emile Hendricks
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UFS probe welcomed THE Portfolio Committee on Higher Education and Training has welcomed the parallel probes into the alleged racist incident at the University of the Free State (UFS) by the South African Police Service (SAPS) and South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC), the key custodian of human rights in the country. The committee believes the involvement and investigations conducted by the two agencies will assist in finding a long-lasting solution to these persistent acts of intolerance and hatred among racial groups. Adv. Ishmael Malale, the committee’s chairperson, says they believe these parallel probes will help to restore the image of the university and the academic environment in general. “As a country we still have a long way to go to eradicate these traumatic racial discrimination practices, unless we join hands as a society to say enough is
enough,” he says. Meanwhile, the committee also welcomes the announcement by the University of KwaZulu-Natal to overturn their earlier decision and reinstate two medical students whose applications for admission were marred by technical errors on their race. “As much as we say no one should be financially or racially excluded, the committee equally maintains that no student should suffer the consequences of the administrative errors or blunders committed by the institutions. “We are also proud to mention that through our intervention this year at the Rhodes University, which admitted a number of late applicants who performed well in gr. 12, but are financially needy, the NSFAS has heeded our call and allocated an additional amount of R4 million to ensure that students are provided with all necessary academic support,” says Malale.
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THE DA hung their first election poster in front of the Northern Cape Legislature. Pictured are Harold Mcgluwa (left) DA MPL, and Andrew Louw, DA leader and premier candidate. Photo: Lecrecia Prins
Poster sends clear message } Lecrecia Prins THE DA intentionally hung their first election poster right in front of the Northern Cape Legislature. Andrew Louw, DA leader, says they symbolically hung it to let the people know that the DA is moving in. According to Louw, 54 000 posters will be hung across the province. “The voters need to see who the people
are who take them seriously. They deserve better than the criminals who sit in court everyday. “The premier, who is ill-mannered, does not listen to the people’s messages. We take people and their problems seriously.” Louw is adamant that the DA in the province will win the election this year. “We are going to show people that they have better choices they can exercise. We will leave no stone unturned.”
EXPRESS NORTHERN CAPE , WEDNESDAY 5 MARCH 2014
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NEWS
Sparks and remarks fly at debate } Charné Kemp SPARKS and personal remarks flew between Premier Sylvia Lucas, who represented the ruling ANC party, and Cope during the response of the debate on the Premier’s State of the Province Address. Lucas was not impressed that the “good story” presentation of the ANC governments did not affect the opposition parties at all. Lucas accused Fred Wyngaard, Cope leader and former ANC MEC, of distributing food parcels. “He who was a bra (underwear) inspector in a factory,” she said sarcastically. “And she was a liquor store worker,” said Wyngaard in retaliation. The speaker, Kenny Mmoeimang, cautioned all the rules to be obeyed as an intervention. The rest of the sitting’s attendants smiled over the many witty remarks and comments made in the house. “Where is the Hon Andrew Louw and his rent-a-crowd today? I want to respond to his questions,” Lucas said. The dozens of ANC supporters in their ANC t-shirts in the gallery agreed. Louw apparently had to leave the meeting due to personal commitments. Wyngaard said earlier that the “good story” speech that Lucas gave was written by other people for her to read. She could not announce the strategy to combat the province’s problems. Andrew Louw, DA leader, said the Northern Cape is only a better place for some of the people, as in 1994. “The Honourable Premier is telling a true story of unemployment. It’s definitely not a good story. For most residents living in the province it is still difficult and it is characterized by especially poverty, unemployment, crime, corruption and
Northern Cape Premier Sylvia Lucas emphasised that she had a good story to tell during her response to the State of the Province Address debate. Photo: Emile Hendricks/Photo24 fewer opportunities.” Lucas said her story should be seen as good, as compared to the horrible past of discriminatory apartheid laws. “The DA boasts good government but it has its own problems with corruption and protests in the Western Cape,” Lucas said. “It still remains better to live in a squatter camp in the Northern Cape than in the Western Cape. We deliver services.” Lucas was also criticized for her praises of the short-term successes of the extended
public works programme, but said nothing about actual job creation. “How dare the opposition say it is offensive work? Is the extended public works programme in Western Cape also not offensive?” Lucas had just one sentence to read over corruption. “The ANC respects the law, which is why MEC John Block and Alvin Botes are in court and not in the Legislature at the moment. The ANC does not hesitate to
admit mistakes and to hear the recommendations of the Auditor-General. There are currently task teams to assist poorly performing municipalities to improve. “We do not wash dishes with dry hands. There are many overseas enterprises who invested in sun plants and mines in the John Taolo Gaetsewe region. Government has just given R270 million to invest in houses. Northern Cape inhabitants are certainly better off than 20 years ago. It is our good story and we will tell it.”
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Teachers livid about unpaid salaries } Charné Kemp TEMPORARY teachers are outraged and perplexed after some received no salary for a second consecutive month. A teacher from a school in Kimberley who wishes to remain anonymous, says she feels like walking out of the classroom with her books and months of preparation, never to return. “How do you tell the bank and the municipality that you did not get paid? How can I not pay my loans, electricity and water? Why do I need to fight for my salary at my age?” she asks. “I love my job, but it is not easy to teach these days. There is less discipline. Boys who are bigger than I am curse me and make foul remarks. “I can handle it because it matters to me that I make a difference for at least one child. “I do not want another job. But the department’s excuses discourage me. It is outrageous to think that the last time I got paid was last year, not this year.” She said she always ensures that her paperwork is in order. “I have been doing so for years. I know exactly what documents they want. The excuse that something is wrong with my paperwork does not hold water.” Johan du Toit, the provincial secretary of the South African Teachers’ Union (Satu),
says the union is irritated by the excuses. “The department acknowledged that there are hitches. It sounds like there are now 43 problem cases. “In January there were 1 437 teachers who were not paid. “The latest excuse is that the Persal system was closed for tax purposes. This means that teachers may only get paid later in March. “We also hear the centralisation and decentralisation of administration is problematic. “Some district offices are more efficient than others. “However, it still remains tragic that after January’s problems in the department things have still not been completely resolved.” Sydney Stander, the spokesperson for the department, says they understand the anger and frustration of teachers and unions. “It is important to know that the documents of those who are not paid, will be returned to the districts for corrections. “We have already spoken to the unions. We will work with them to solve the matter quickly. “Teachers have to talk to us to expedite matters as soon as possible. The Persal payment system cannot execute payments if there are incorrect or incomplete documents.”
Exciting Career Opportunity Kuruman United Manganese of Kalahari (Pty) Ltd (UMK), a leading empowerment company intent on sustainable mining and socio-economic development, seeks specialists to join its fast growing manganese mine. UMK has been awarded a Mining Right over 15 000 ha of land to the north of a dynamic Kuruman. Why not become part of the team that plans to mine an output of between 1,5 million and 2 million tonnes of manganese each year? With a life of mine in excess of 30 years, this well-poised company will be able to unlock your talents.
Shift Electrician
(Ref. SE 117167)
The Shift Electrician is required to provide technical and hands-on support throughout the Process Plant. Minimum requirements: • Electrical Trade Test Certificate • Minimum of 3 years’ relevant experience • Experience in PLC’s (Siemens S7) • Experience with VSD’s and Soft Starters (Danfoss) • Experience in working on Screens, Crushers Reclaimers and Stackers. Experience in the field of logistics will be an advantage • Strong preventative, breakdown and shutdown maintenance experience • Ability to work shifts • Willingness to participate in further training • Able to demonstrate strong commitment to safety practices • Strong problem solving skills • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills • A valid Code 08 driver’s licence. Responsibilities: The main functions will include, but is not limited to: • Daily maintenance of the plant and all the plant equipment • Responsible for both preventative and corrective maintenance in the plant • Ensuring that the equipment in the plant is well maintained • Daily maintenance and testing of 12; 220 ; 380 and 525 Volt equipment • HT switching. Key performance areas: • Faultfinding on electrical circuits • Repair of all electrical breakdowns • Ability to take ownership of your role and lead and work within a team • Punctual and reliable • Result orientated • Customer focus • Self driven. Please note that the reference MUST be quoted on your application. Please note the following: • Successful candidates will be required to provide a valid medical certificate and may be required to undergo certain medical assessments • Psychometric and other assessments may be used as part of the selection process • Verification of all credentials may be done • Must be in possession of a valid driver’s licence.
How to apply: Interested applicants can forward an abridged CV to: recruitment@umk.co.za or fax: 086 236 1188. The onus is on you to ensure that the reference number is reflected on your application. Closing date: 20 March 2014. If you have not been contacted within 30 days after the closing date, kindly deem your application as unsuccessful. PREFERENCE WILL BE GIVEN TO EMPLOYMENT EQUITY CANDIDATES IN LINE WITH THE COMPANY’S EMPLOYMENT EQUITY PLAN. Only candidates who meet the stated requirements will be considered. APPLICATIONS RECEIVED AFTER THE CLOSING DATE WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED. www.ayandambanga.co.za 117167
DR MICHAEL LE CORDEUR, language lecturer.
Mother-tongue schooling is key } Dr Michael le Cordeur
‘In the absence of the gov ernment adequately com municating the benefits of delivering foundation skills to primary school children in their mother tongue, many capable children embark on primary school learning in a language that they do not understand – and that their teachers often cannot speak properly.’
THE principle that children should be taught in their mother tongue for at least the first six years of their schooling life is universally acknowledged. But sadly, 20 years on from our birth as the rainbow nation, we have still not resolved the issues that hamper delivery of mothertongue instruction to primary school children across South Africa. Can, and will, we ever solve this crisis? Internationally, the 1996 Hague Recommendations Regarding the Education Rights of National Minorities proposed that “in primary school, the curriculum should ideally be taught in the minority language (mother tongue)”. Our own Constitution unambiguously states that our 11 official languages should all enjoy parity of esteem and that “everyone has the right to receive education in the official language or languages of their choice in public educational institutions where that education is reasonably practicable”. Nearly eight years ago the former national Education minister, Naledi Pandor, acknowledged that “study in the mother tongue should introduce a diversity of learning opportunities that have been unavailable in South Africa in the past”. The policy recognises that past policy and practice has disadvantaged millions of children and it also promotes the effective learning and teaching of the previously neglected indigenous languages of South Africa. Why, under these circumstances, have we made so little progress with the implementation of mother tongue educa-
tion for our children – and why are the many schools that continue to provide it under such pressure? At the heart of the problem is the belief held by most black South Africans that their home languages are of subsidiary educational value. In the absence of the government adequately communicating the benefits of delivering foundation skills to primary school children in their mother tongue, many capable children embark on primary school learning in a language that they do not understand – and that their teachers often cannot speak properly. The unwitting result, despite the wellmeaning intentions of parents, is that these young children go through the schooling system and emerge with cognitive development that may be seriously impaired. Naturally the social problems these children have to face become exceedingly challenging and disadvantageous to their future success. Mother-tongue education at primary school level provides an essential basis for sound education at higher levels. The challenge is for the government to commit more towards engaging parents and gaining their confidence and trust that their children will receive a better education if they are taught – at least at primary school – in a language that they can understand. ) Dr Michael le Cordeur is the chairperson of the Afrikaanse Taalraad (ATR) and the Western Cape Language Committee. He is also a lecturer in Afrikaans Education at the Stellenbosch University where he manages the BEd Programme.
EXPRESS NORTHERN CAPE , WEDNESDAY 5 MARCH 2014
NEWS
Urged to join prayer } Boipelo Mere THOUSANDS of community members from in and around the Tsantsabane municipal area are requested to heed the call and attend the much anticipated 3 km prayer corporate praying session on Saturday. The masses are expected to start their service with an approximately two-hour prayer walking session from the traffic department to the Postmasburg hall on the day. According to one of the organisers of the event, Evangelist Hendre Jacobs, the objective is to unite as a spiritual collective, to come together as a community, irrespective of age, denomination and faith to reclaim the streets back. “Prayer walking is simply walking and praying at the same time. “It provides you with the opportunity to pray in your community as well as for your community,” he explained. Jacobs revealed that they saw the need to have this service due to the sudden social changes that are attributed by the growth the Postmasburg town through the mines. The session is an inter-denominational and inter-faith service that will also minimise if not prevent divisions from different political parties. “This will be a purely spiritual and worshipping process. It is purely community driven and there will be no political speeches delivered,” emphasised Jacobs. Members from different congregations are encouraged to clock in their different religious prescribes to show the diversity of their congregations. “The Bible says: If my people, who are called by My name, humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways – then will I hear from heaven, forgive their sin and heal their land (2 Chronicles 7.14),” continued the evangelist.
During the service, religious leaders will pray over peace during the upcoming elections. Jacobs went on to motivate that prayer walking groups are a great way to build community and spiritual growth, as well as physical stamina, as it is expected to feature a combination of corporate and private prayer experiences. He said this is not the first kind of prayer service that they will be having. They usually hold a small event at a certain spot. But now they are going bigger because the population size has increased. During the service, religious leaders will pray over peace during the upcoming elections, the proliferation of prostitution, alcohol and substance abuse, violence against women and children, rape and domestic violence in particular, a cure for HIV-Aids, poverty, with special reference to high levels of youth unemployment, high accident rate on our roads, the escalating crime in our community, which are the social challenges that invaded their growing town. “The 3 km walk will start at 06:00 and will proceed in the direction of the Postmasburg town hall where a prayer service will take place. “Community participation is emphasised as it will help you and our nation to embody the love of God, love of neighbour, and love of yourself,” concluded Jacobs. For further enquiries regarding the service Jacobs can be contacted on 078-4713030.
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THE protestors make their point.
Making a mess
A MAN empties a rubbish bag while another prepares to do so.
MORE rubbish bags are dumped in protest.
Photos: Emile Hendricks
RIOT police can only stand and watch as Samwu members dump rubbish bags in front of the municipal building.
MUNICIPAL WORKERS belonging to the South African Municipal Workers Union (Samwu) took to the streets of Kimberley to show their disapproval of the Sol Plaatje Municipality council not employing some workers full time.
SAMWU MEMBERS listen as union leaders address the strikers.
EXPRESS NORTHERN CAPE , WEDNESDAY 5 MARCH 2014
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NEWS OSCAR PISTORIUS, Mogaka wa mabelo yo o itsegeng lefatshe lotlhe o goroga kwa kgotlatskekelo ya Tshwane ka letsatsi la ntlha la tshekelo. Ba ba bapileng le ene ke mmagwe moswi Reeva Steenkamp, June Steenkamp. Pistorius, o lebaganwe ke ditatofatso tsa polao ya ga mokapelo wa gagwe Reeva ngwaga oo fetileng gape ke ditatofatso tse dingwe tse dimabapi le tiriso e e seng ka fa molaong ya dithunya. Photo: Herman Verwey
Oscar o simolotse go ora molelo } Boipelo Mere BANGWE ba e bitsa diserekisi tsa bobega kgang, fa bangwe ba e bitsa go tuka ga mollo oorra Pistorius. Nnete ke gore go feta makgolo a mararo a matlo a bobegakgang go tswa mono Aferika Borwa le lefatshe ka bophara bo phutaganetse ko tshekelokgolo ya Gauteng e e ko motse moshate, Tshwane. Mogaka wa mabelo yo o itsegeng lefatshe lotlhe Oscar Pistorius o tlhagelela mo pele ga Moatlhodi Thokozile Matilda Masipa go arabela ditatofatso tsa polao ya mokapelo wa gagwe mabontle Reeva Steenkamp. Pistorius o lebaganwe gape ke ditatofatso tse dingwe tse dimabapi le tiriso e e seng ka fa molaong ya dithunya. Leso la ga Reeva Steenkamp e nnile le le botlhoko go feta ka le tlisitswe ke motho yo o ikanang ka gore one a morata la o ka swa, nka ikepela. Ba ba itseng botshelo jwa ga Pistorius le Steenkamp ba re lerato la bone e ne e le le
bopilweng ko legodimong. Bokamoso jwa baratani ba bo ne bo pakasela ka ntlha ya fa ba ne ba na le ditiro tsa maemo, tsa ditalente tsa bone. Pistorius ka bo ene ke rradimilione mo e bileng anang le dithoto dietsa matlo, dikoloi tsa mabaibai le di peeletso tsa dimilione mo Aferika Borwa le ko moseja. Pistorius ga a ipone molato mo melatong yotlhe e a phariwang ka yone. Le gale ba bo tshotshisi ba nale dipaki difeta lekgolo le fa gone boorra Pistorius ba thapile ba bueledi ba ba tlhwatlhwa le gonna diphatsa ka dipotso. Le gale Motswana o na le seane se se reng; O seka wa e buwela lengopeng, magakabe a a go bona, ba boe gape bare o se bone nong go rakalala go dimo go ya tlase keg a yone. Dibeke tse tharo tse re leng mo go tsona di beetswe ko thoko go sekisa Pistorius, mogaka yo o o bogale, yo o itsegeng lefatshe lotlhe ka go taboga ka legare, moo ebileng a bitswa setabogi sa legare.
Learn to manage } Prophet Godfrey Thomas THE first principle God gave Adam was management. The main assignment given to mankind is dominion over earthly resources. Dominion is the responsibility to manage resources in the physical realm. The divine role of God for us is to extend His culture of abundance to earth, but we must do it through management. This was God’s First Commandment to humankind through Adam and Eve (Genesis 2:4-5). God can prosper you right now, but He is holding back. Why? He is looking to see if you can manage what He has given you. The only way that we are going to survive today is to understand this divine strategy of God: Management through work. The word “work” is the Greek word “ergon” which means, “to become”.
God wants you to use earthly resources to add value to yourself. The more valuable you become, the more resources are attracted to you. What is management? It is the effective use and efficient application of resources. It is also the effective coordination of resources for the successful fulfilment of a predetermined goal. God does not allow growth until He sees management. God will only entrust you with what you can manage. When God sees managers who are managing effectively, He will add to their resources (Matthew 25:24-29). ) Prophet Godfrey Thomas is a multi-gifted writer and speaker. His aim is to transform followers into leaders and leaders into “agents of change”. For more details call 074-210-4096 or send email to ministryrht@gmail.com.
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Take on Brazil READY FOR WAR: Bafana Bafana say they are looking forward to playing against Brazil at the FNB Stadium in Soweto tonight. Kick-off is at 19:00. Photo: Backpagepix
GORDON IGESUND, the Bafana Bafana coach.
Team will tough it out
} Sidwell Guduka
BAFANA BAFANA have suffered a major blow: captain Itumeleng Khune and midfielder Kagisho Dikgacoi have been ruled out of the squad to face Brazil in an international friendly match tonight. The Bafana Number One got a knock during the pre-match warm-up ahead of his club’s CAF Champions League match in Durban last Saturday. He’s got a sprained ankle and will be out for two weeks. Khune has been replaced by Orlando Pirates shot-stopper Senzo Meyiwa who joined the squad on Monday. Former Bloemfontein Celtic skipper Thabo Nthethe is expected to lead the side today. Coach Gordon Igesund was dealt another blow with the news that his side will be without Dikgacoi. The Brandfort-born has sustained a back injury, but he will not be replaced as Igesund believes he has enough cover in that position. “I expect the players to put a good performance. We did so against Spain and I believe the players will give nothing less. It is surely going to be a tough match but I am certain the
players will be competitive against the five-time world champions. “We need these kind of games to gauge where we are and this is one match where you don’t need to motivate the players as they know what is expected of them,” Igesund says. “Even though these are two different matches I am confident that my players will be able to deal with the might of Brazil like they did with the Spaniards. We are playing a fantastic team, favourites to win the 2014 World Cup which they are hosting. “I hope the supporters will get behind the team because every game we play we want to win, and with their assistance we can get positive results. I want my players to show hunger, commitment and determination in this match,” the coach adds. The players are also looking forward to the match. “It feels good to be back, and it will be exciting to play against Brazil as it will be my first time. We will fight for a win even though it is going to be a difficult match. “As players, we don’t have to be motivated because just being in the squad to play Brazil is enough motivation. We did well against Spain because we were
Photo: Backpagepix
playing as a team and if we continue with the same mentality we will do well again,” says Belgium-based Andile Jali. Meanwhile, Nthethe says every player in the Bafana camp is excited to play Brazil. “We are all hoping to be in the starting line-up for such a big occasion. All the player who are here know how Brazil plays, and I believe we have all been studying their moves as to how we can counter them. “In fact I even have a picture in my mind of how to face a world-class player like Neymar, but we all know it will not be easy. We have done some homework on them and we know what to expect,” “Should I be captain on the night, it will be another exciting chapter in my career. We urge the supporters to come in numbers as it is very motivating to play in front of big crowds because it gives us that extra boost. We hope not to disappoint them, but aim for a win to put some smiles on their faces.” Tickets for the match are available at Computiticket outlets and at Shoprite, Checkers and Shoprite/Checkers stores countrywide. They are going for R50, R100 and R200.