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WEDNESDAY 30 APRIL 2014
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Record April fool joke? FIRED?
Listeners still cannot believe their ears
} Boipelo Mere
IT is still not clear if it was an April fool joke that Motsweding FM presenter Peter Manzana is back permanently. Efforts by Express Northern Cape to get confirmation from the SABC as to whether Manzana is here to stay and whether he will pick up from where he left off, have not paid off. To the many listeners of Motsweding FM, it sounded like they were April fooled the minute the long forgotten, but unmistakable, voice was heard just after 21:00 on 1 April. Many even thought that the station was mistakenly playing an old recording. To date the unmistakable voice of Peter Manzana has been playing on since then, and, if the station is playing an April fool prank, to its suspicious listeners then this will go on record to have been the longest prank ever. The Rastafarian community in the six provinces in which Motsweding FM broadcasts, is keeping their fingers crossed that the man who coined the name ‘lefatshe la PRMVT’(only Manzana knew what that meant) while working for Radio Mmabatho, is really back. They are sure to enjoy the music, as Manzana was a reggae music fanatic in his days. In Kimberley Peter Manzana put Ras Rufaro on the map so much that the minute Manzana left the radio, Rufaro’s name also disappeared. Northern Cape HERE Rastafarian Rufaro explains that he is excited about Peter Manzana’s return to Motsweding FM, but is still confused Express visited as to whether he is here to stay. Photo: Boipelo Mere Rufaro, whose
real name is Rufus Mokonopi, in Galeshewe to hear his opinion on the sudden return of Manzana. “We are very happy for his return. Peter Manzana was very receptive to the idea of Rastafarianism – more than any other person in South Africa. “He had an open mind when Rastafarianism was new and people saw it as nothing but a ‘bunch of people smoking ganja’. Manzana took us by the hand and gave us an opportunity to tell the community what we were about,” said Rufaro. Rufaro continued by saying that Manzana did research on Rastafarianism and all its tenets, religions and ethos. It was easy to open up to him. “When he was fired, the whole community, not only the rastafarian community, suffered. “You know, we initially thought he was fired because of us, because he would invite us to Mahikeng and actually allow us to smoke ganja in his studio or wherever we were accommodated. “I felt so bad that I was afraid of calling him, until today I have not gathered the courage to call him.” After leaving Motsweding FM, Manzana joined North West FM in Rustenburg. He then went on to become a spokesperson for the Bojanala Platinum District Municipality, also in Rustenburg. When he rejoined Motsweding, Manzana, who is originally from Cokonyane in Taung, he had been the first manager for a NorthWest University Mahikeng campus radio station that broadcasts in and around Mahikeng. Let us wait and see if tomorrow, on 1 May, he will still be playing his music and giving the wrong time to the listeners.
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EXPRESS NORTHERN CAPE, WEDNESDAY 30 APRIL 2014
NEWS
Centre trains not only teachers } Boipelo Mere VODACOM, in partnership with the Department of Basic Education and the Department of Communications, unveiled one of its 31 new Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Teacher Centres in Kimberley. The national launch of the 31 centres was hosted at Kimberley’s Teachers Centre by the deputy minister in the Department of Communications, Stella NdabeniAbrahams, and the Northern Cape MEC for Education, Grizelda Cjiekella-Letsholo. At the renovated and equipped centre there are 30 laptops, printers, educational aids, a data projector, a training facility, interactive white boards and internet connectivity to provide ICT skills training to teachers and the greater community to integrate ICT. The deputy minister also encouraged the community to make use of the centre in order to use the internet and benefit from the e-learning content. The goal is to contribute to the transformation of teaching and learning through the use of technology. The aim is further the expansion of the nine Vodacom ICT centres to 40, which are located across the country. Only nine centres were launched nationally in the first phase, where teachers will be trained on the integration of ICT into the classroom. Through its mobile education programme, Vodacom has not only connected the ICT teacher centres, but has also equipped and connected a total of 893 schools country wide. Fitted with the latest ICT hardware and software, including interactive white boards, internet connectivity and access to a dedicated teacher’s portal (www.digitalclassroom.co.za), the programme seeks to improve learner performance in Mathematics and Science. It also provides a platform for creating a community of teachers who can communicate to share ideas and resources. Maya Makanjee, Vodacom chief officer: corporate affairs and chairman of the Vodacom Foundation, highlighted that the initiative focused on teacher development, one of the most critical elements in the education value chain. “This programme offers a model whereby South Africa can advance in the area of education through the effective use of communications technology,” she added. Motivating the teachers to make full use of the centre, the programme director Joe Mpuang
TEACHERS learning at the new Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Teacher Centre in Kimberley.
A HAIL STORM towards the end of the event did not stop the proceedings.
THE deputy minister of Communications Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams, encouraged the guests to use the centre.
THE Vodacom chief officer: Corporate Affairs and chairman of the Vodacom Foundation, Maya Makanjee.
pointed out that teachers now need to be renovated teachers. “This manifesto is an effort to turn you into 21st century teachers. This centre is for you and your performance has to change for the best. There is also a library to allow you to deliver quality curriculum at schools. You have to change into learning organisms,” he emphasised. Reminding the audience of Pres. Jacob Zuma’s promise to make education his apex priority on his first presidential address in 2009, Ndabeni-Abrahams said that government had to find its own niche in that. She shared a few words of wisdom, quoting Bible verses concerning “loving one another”
market”. Ndabeni-Abrahams however warned that the centres should not be misused. Cjiekella-Letsholo expressed her confidence that teachers would use the centre to reshape and sharpen their skills to be able to compete and practice at the highest level. “The centre will also be an integral part of our new university designed to be a vibrant communal space with educational programmes that will benefit all.” The centre will support teaching and learning goals and contribute to a rich and holistic learning experience for its students. “Many more centres of learning aspire to become research-inten-
sive and to make an impact beyond their campuses,” said Cjiekella-Lecholo. She added that this gesture by Vodacom was important and commendable because of the current globalised, more connected, and informationintensive world, “where changes in one part are transmitted rapidly to another”. “In teaching, technology is beginning to take centre stage. Globalization and technological advances and the information revolution have created and are continuing to create new challenges and opportunities in all spheres of our lives. “In education, internationalisation is now the norm,” CjiekellaLetsholo concluded.
before she delivered her speech. She continued to elaborate on the important role of a teacher, stating the importance of their skills being upgraded. Calling on those who complain about teacher performances, Ndabeni-Abrahams said: “If you complain about the performances of teachers, then why do we have these professionals? We need to build an information society. “Through centres like these, access to information is brought about to make you become a better person.” She added that the question that needed to be asked concerning the increasing number of unemployed graduates, was “whether the skill that they had did respond to their
Doctors trained in sexual assault
} SAnews.gov.za MORE than 170 nurses and doctors in Gauteng have been trained to respond appropriately to the health needs of survivors of sexual assault. The Gauteng Health Department said the training has been done to ensure efficient medical/legal examinations are conducted when gathering forensic evidence. Through the training, the health professionals are able to respond appropriately to the health needs of survivors, including attending to their physical injuries, immediate and long-term psychological support, prevention and treatment of STIs as well as HIV counselling and prevention, since the inception of the post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) in 2004. Currently, there are 47 centres across Gauteng, which provide PEP treatment to survivors of sexual assaults. These include 24 clinical forensic medical service facilities plus 23 centres based in
Photos: Boipelo Mere
hospitals, community health centres and clinics. A further 83 doctors and social workers were trained in trauma containment to enable them to understand trauma and how to manage patients in crisis. This training also raised awareness about the law, especially in relation to domestic violence, rape and child abuse. Health MEC Hope Papo said the department’s efforts have made meaningful strides in the fight against sexual assault incidents. “The training has improved negative attitudes, including blaming and disbelieving victims who report sexual assault. It has improved respect for the rights of patients to self-determination and reduced discrimination to survivors,” said Papo. He also added that the health care provider’s knowledge and confidence in clinical care for victims of sexual assault has improved as a result of the training. “The department has also seen
an increase in the number of people benefiting from the post-exposure prophylaxis to prevent the spread of HIV following sexual assault.” Sister Sally Mbolayeni, who now has a Diploma in Forensic Nursing, said the patients they saw were vulnerable because of the ordeal they had been through. Well-trained nurses, doctors and social workers help in their journey to recovery. “The training ensures that I do not only assist victims physically and mentally, but I represent them with facts in the justice system,” said Mbolayeni. From 2007 to 2012, the number of people accessing the service and qualifying for PEP (those who report rape within 72 hours and test negative for HIV) has been increasing every year. A total of 8 509 patients accessed the service in 2007-’08 and this grew to 9 992 in 2011-’12, indicating growing public confidence in the service.
Spreading Easter joy
BOIPELO KGARANE spread Easter joy and Easter eggs to children visiting the Kathu Village Mall on Easter weekend. Photos: Benneli Olivier Van der Walt
MACQUELIN OLYN was one of the lucky shoppers to receive an Easter egg.
EXPRESS NORTHERN CAPE , WEDNESDAY 30 APRIL 2014
NEWS
Littering a big problem
Show respect, don’t litter IMAGINE it is your turn to do the dishes. No-one at home puts the dirty dishes in the sink, but leave it lying around. You have to go round and collect each plate, dish, cup, knife, fork and glass before you can wash up.
It is still your job to do it, only it takes longer and takes more effort because no one helps. Street cleaners and garbage collectors will still have their jobs even if we do not litter. So, show some respect and put your litter in the bin.
DOES it really matter if we litter? As we look around our beautiful country, we all too often see plastic bottles, cans, glass bottles, polystyrene containers and cups, plastic paper and rubbish littering our streets, our parks, our highways, our neighbourhoods, our shopping areas, our rivers and many other places in the environment. No waste company or service can keep a town or city clean when residents litter and dump illegally and randomly. If residents join in in cleaning up their environment and then keep it clean, we win because we have a cleaner, safer and more hygienic city or town. With so many other important issues such as crime and violent crime, Aids, child abuse and unemployment, should we care about whether we put our litter in the bin (or recycle where possible)? Should we care if South Africa and the environment in which we live are kept clean? A social issue Littering is an environmental and social issue: ) it is unsightly; ) it reduces the aeshetic appeal of public places; ) it costs the community huge sums of money and time to clean up; ) it causes blockages of the drainage system and flooding; ) when it gets into the waterways, it can kill aquatic life; ) it decreases oxygen levels when it decays in water; ) it can be dangerous to people; ) it harms birds and other animals; ) it creates a culture of lack of caring; ) it costs the council a lot more money to clean up the litter than it costs them to empty bins. ) it breeds rats that carry diseases and chew electrical and telephone cables. ) Source: www.greenworks.co.za
Respect lacking WHY do people litter? ) They lack self-respect – they do not care about themselves and therefore do not think it is important that they live in a clean environment. ) They lack respect for others – they do not care how their actions and behaviour impact on those around them.
) They lack respect for the environment. ) They do not want to take responsibility for cleaning up and taking care of the environment. ) They are lazy and think it is someone else’s job to clean up. ) Sometimes they just do not know any better and should be educated about this.
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EXPRESS NORTHERN CAPE, WEDNESDAY 30 APRIL 2014
NEWS
‘Tax’ helps those in need MORE than 180 local welfare organisations are reported to have benefited from the 2013 Tekkie Tax proceeds in November. Reports that the national campaign made a whopping R2,4 million in its first year is a sign that Tekkie Tax 2013 exceeded all expectations. The C stickers, representing Children is reported to have been the most popular, chosen by 34% of those participating. Members of the public are asked to buy a R10 donation Tekkie Tax sticker for 30 May from any of the participating welfare organisations, or order what they need directly from its website. So, where did the hearts of the people lie in 2013? One of the beneficiaries, Bev Seabourne, manager at Highveld Horse Care, is very grateful to the organisers of the campaign. She is grateful that there is finally a national fundraising campaign where animals can also benefit. “We are delighted to be part of it. By caring for the horses and donkeys in the townships and rural areas we do so much more than looking after the animals. “By educating the owners to keep the animals healthy we ensure that the family will have an income, children can get to school and water and coal can be carted. Viva, Tekkie Tax.” Depending on where your heart lies, you can choose any of the five sectors you would like to support when buying your sticker(s). You may also choose more than one sticker. The choices are animals, basic family care, children, disability or education. On Tekkie Tax Day you simply wear the big sticker on your lapel and put the small one on your cellphone to stay there for the rest of the year. You can also wear your tekkies with whatever outfit you choose. There is also the opportunity to spiff up your tekkies by getting a pair of their funky shoelaces called “Tekkie Tags” for R30, including your sticker of choice.
THE 7de Laan team supported Tekkie Tax. The campaign is endorsed by 15 of our biggest and most accountable national NGOs in the country, representing more than 1 000 local organisations. The national beneficiaries include Epilepsy South Africa, Child Welfare South Africa, SOS Children’s Villages, the Childhood Cancer Foundation (CHOC), Special Olympics South Africa, Endangered Wildlife Trust, Hospice Palliative Care (HPCA) South Africa, Pet Welfare South Africa, Imisebeyelanga Services, Meals on Wheels, Afrikaans Christian Women’s Movement (ACVV), VVA, the Highveld Horse Care Unit, Cheshire Homes South Africa and the SAVF. “Saving money is always an important issue, but saving money in a fundraising campaign is vital. With 15 national welfare organisations working together we are able to keep the costs of the project lower than any other campaign of its kind. We are not reinventing the wheel, but we are changing the
Photos: Supplied
RHYTHM CITY’S Itumeleng Bokaba also supported the Tekkie Tax campaign. face of fundraising in South Africa,” says Annelise de Jager, national project organiser. According to Tekkie Tax, all the beneficiary organisations render a service in South Africa.
They have been selected, handpicked and carefully checked out to ensure that no matter which sector you choose to support, your donation will be used in the best possible way.
Win a weekend getaway for four
THE luxurious chalets at the Basotho Cultural Village in the Golden Gate Highlands National Park imitating the style of an 18th century Basotho village (left) and the breathtaking early-morning view from the chalets. Express and SANParks are running a competition in which one lucky reader who enters before 20:00 tonight stands a chance to win a weekend stay for a family of four at the Cultural Village. All you need to do to win, is to visit the Express mobi site (www.expresspaper.mobi), login and enter by answering an easy question. If you have not yet registered, now is your chance. To register, go to the mobi-site by opening your phone’s internet browser, type in www.expresspaper.mobi and enter. Follow the instructions to register. Directions on how to enter the competition will be on the site. The winners will be announced in next week’s edition. Photos: Christo van Staden
Safer roads a priority GOVERNMENT has made headway in reducing road carnage based on preliminary road safety campaign figures, said Dipuo Peters, the minister of Transport, last Wednesday. Briefing journalists at the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) offices in Hatfield, Peters said while this was no cause for celebration, the country should pat itself on the back for the reduction in fatalities on the roads over Easter. Peters said this after the Easter weekend where the major freeways – the N1, N2, N3 and N4 – were under pressure due to an increase in the number of vehicles travelling towards various destinations across the country. “The figures for this past Easter long weekend indicate that our efforts in law enforcement are yielding positive outcomes. It also shows that our message is reaching the target audience and that road users too are heeding our call to make road safety their personal responsibility,” she said. Peters announced the preliminary figures compiled by the Road Management Traffic Corporation (RTMC) and said the agency had recorded a total of 148 crashes resulting in 193 fatalities. These figures were based on figures captured between Thursday, 17 April, at midnight and Monday, 21 April, at midnight. “In 2012 we recorded 181 crashes resulting in 217 fatalities and in 2013 we recorded 201 crashes resulting in 241 fatalities. “We have, therefore, made headway in reducing the number of crashes in general and fatalities in particular. This despite the growth in both the population size and fatalities.” She said the decline in crashes and fatalities was an indication that government was making progress in achieving the 2020 global target of halving road fatalities. The minister also said that she remained concerned at the high number of pedestrian fatalities that were recorded, which accounted for 40% of the total fatalities. She said going forward, the RTMC, in conjunction with provinces and municipalities, would usher in a new National Rolling Enforcement Plan as part of the Make Roads Safe Campaign. She said traffic law enforcement officers across the country will stop and check no less than one million vehicles and drivers every month. A minimum of 10 000 drivers will be screened for alcohol per month as part of operation Tshwara-Setagwa (meaning arrest drunkards). “We are establishing a new multi-disciplinary task-team to compile road traffic statistics. The team will include the Department of Transport, the RTMC, provincial heads of transport departments, departments of Health, Statistics South Africa, CSIR and SALGA. She commended law enforcement officers in all spheres of government for their tireless efforts during the Easter long weekend. “To those who are still refusing to comply: your days are numbered. It is just a matter of time before we catch you and remove you from our roads for you are a danger to yourselves and the society at large.” – SAnews.gov.za
EXPRESS NORTHERN CAPE , WEDNESDAY 30 APRIL 2014
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NEWS
LEARNERS of the Kuruman Primary School attentively listening to Elizabeth Wasserman. She was telling them how important it is to read books. Photos: Ilse Watson
Authors visit schools
Ilse Watson
QUAD BIKES and two-wheelers competed in their own classes during the Windsorton 400 Off-road Race near Kimberley. Photos: Tourism Authority
Off-road stays on track in NC } Boipelo Mere
COMPETITORS from across the country attended the recent Windsorton 400 Off-road Race which forms part of the National Off-road Motorcycle Championship for two-wheelers and quad bikes in Windsorton near Kimberley. The event, hosted in conjunction with the Northern Cape Tourism Authority, was the first senior national off-road event of its kind to take place in South Africa’s largest province (Northern Cape). The event is run under the auspices of Motoring SA by the Central South Africa Racing (CSA), which was established in 2009 when Kimberley Off-road Club amalgamated with five other motoring clubs in the province. Fierce competition was witnessed as several current and former champions battled it out to strengthen their ranking in the series. The full race distance was 360 km for the OR1, OR2, OR3, Q1, Q2 and Senior Class competitors, while the other classes completed the required amount
of loops relevant to their classes. The MEC for Economic Development and Tourism, John Block, said this national event is set to strengthen the province’s growing reputation as the destination of choice for motorsports in the country. “The Northern Cape is becoming increasingly popular with motorsport enthusiasts and we definitely have the necessary infrastructure to support local and national events. For the past two years, the province has successfully hosted the Kalahari Desert Speed Week at Hakskeenpan, which has been the first of its kind on the African continent. “In addition, the Monster Mob Raceway in Kimberley has become the mecca for legal spinning, drifting and drag racing competitions and will once again see adrenaline pumping. Furthermore, the province will also attract global media attention as the venue for the Bloodhound Supersonic world land-speed record attempt, which is set to take place on Hakskeenpan in 2015,” mentioned Block.
GERT VAN DEN BERGH competing on his KTM motorbike.
LAST week two authors, Elizabeth Wasserman and Gillian D’Achada, embarked on a book tour in the Northern Cape in celebration of World Book Day on 23 April. They visited different schools in Postmasburg, Kuruman, Kathu and Daniëlskuil. In Kuruman they visited he Kalahari High School, Seodin Primary School and Kuruman Primary School. They then proceeded to visit the Wrenchville Primary School and Daniëlskuil Combined School. During their visit to the Kuruman Primary School, Express Northern Cape observed how the guests explained the value of books to the learners. “It is very important that children read books. The reason why we are on this tour is primarily because today’s students do not read that many books anymore,” said Wasserman. She has written many books for children which some primary and secondary school learners use as prescribed books.
THE authors Elizabeth Wasserman (left), Gillian D’Achada and the publisher Elana Bredell (of NB Publishers). Elana is the regional marketing manager of schools in the Northern Cape, Free State and coastal regions. Wasserman is a professor and head of the Department of Medical Microbiology at the University of Stellenbosch Tygerberg Campus. She and her family live in Welgedacht outside Cape Town. “I have an abundant and rich imagination. This is where my stories come from.”
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EXPRESS NORTHERN CAPE, WEDNESDAY 30 APRIL 2014
NEWS
New Madiba bust for parliament FREEDOM DAY celebrations continued on Monday with President Jacob Zuma unveiling a bust honouring the first democratically elected president of the country, Nelson Mandela. The 2,28 metre-high statue of the smiling Mandela is looking towards the gates of parliament – opposite the steps of the National Assembly in Cape Town. A bust of Mandela will be unveiled at parliament later this month. Unveiling the bronze bust on a granite plinth, which also coincided with the launch of the 20 years of a democratic parliament programme, Zuma said the statue shows how far South Africa’s democracy has come and that parliament has now been transformed. “The unveiling of this bust confirms that our parliament, which was once a symbol of white domination, has now been transformed into a progressive institution that upholds the values of unity, equality, freedom and the dignity of all South Africans,” said Zuma. The statue, he said, was also an affirmation that parliament would continue to promote Mandela’s legacy. “By unveiling this statue, parliament is declaring that we will continue to walk in Tata’s footsteps, that we will continue to draw lessons and inspiration from his exem-
plary life and that we will continue to honour his memory,” he said. Zuma also paid tribute to the former president FW de Klerk who also attended the unveiling. According to Zuma, as the last president of apartheid South Africa, De Klerk put the country first and played a pivotal role in averting a disaster in South Africa. “Through him we were able to make a breakthrough to create the conditions for our new democracy.” Zuma also used the occasion to urge South Africans to be inspired by Tata’s spirit and to celebrate democracy and freedom by voting in the general election on 7 May. “May the spirit of Tata Madiba continue to inspire us all as we continue to build a truly non-racial, non-sexist, democratic and prosperous South Africa, one nation, and one people . . . “We urge our people to come out in their millions to celebrate democracy and freedom by casting their votes.” The unveiling ceremony, which was attended by the Mandela family members, was followed by a mass thanksgiving and prayer meeting at the Good Hope Centre.The former statesman passed away in December last year. -SAnews.gov.za
KELEBOGILE AND OTLOTLENG MORUTINYANA, assisted by Rrabotho Sehemo, load their share of feed onto their van. Photos: George Mutloane
Farmers welcome aid } George Mutloane FARMERS in the John Taolo Gaetsewe, Namaqua and Frances Baard District Municipalities were exuberant after Norman Shushu, the MEC for Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development, had announced that the government had set aside R50 million as relief for farmers in the three districts of the Northern Cape. The MEC made this announcement in the Deerward Village. Shushu said the allocated money was aimed at helping farmers who had suffered livestock loss as a result of the drought. The department identified 7 000 farmers of which 5 000 are in the John Taolo Gaetsewe District and the rest in Frances Baard and Namaqua. Shushu said R46 million would be allocated to John Taolo Gaetsewe while the Namakwa and Francis Baard Districts would each receive R2 million. Thousands of bales of hay and
bags of feed were distributed to the beneficiaries at the ceremony with the promise that more would come in due time. “What is happening today is part of the 2009 ANC manifesto in which rural development was an aim,” said Shushu. Shushu reminded residents that in 2009, just two months after the present administration had taken over, he and other community leaders visited every village in the John Taolo Gaetsewe District on a fact-finding mission. “In many of the meetings people said that they needed water, camps, cattle and land,” said Shushu. The MEC had earlier reminded the community of the struggle for freedom led by the ANC and the role played by the chiefs before 1912. He was referring to the fact that prior to the formation of the ANC, it was traditional leaders like Kgosi Galeshewe, Kgosi Montshiwa and Kgosi Toto who had died in Robben Island who had waged a war against
colonial dispossession. “Those who started the ANC ensured that all Africans participated. The ANC continued where the chiefs had left off,” he said. Kgosi Bogosing Mahura said the drought had nearly destroyed them. “Some of us kept going in difficult circumstances. The help came timeously and things could have gone very wrong,” said the chief. Mahura said his community focused more on animal husbandry than crops. They also took up gardening at their school and elsewhere. Moatlhodi Tonyana, the district manager for agriculture in the John Taolo Gaetsewe District, said that although he had just been appointed he would ensure that the community preserved their grazing land by doing away with unproductive animals and bush. Tonyana expressed his joy and advised them that since it had rained enough, those who were benefiting had to ensure they stored their feed for a rainy day.
THE 2,28 metre-high statue of the smiling Nelson Mandela is looking towards the gates of parliament opposite the steps of the National Assembly in Cape Town. Foto: Liza van Deventer
BAGS with different feeds were distributed amongst farmers.
THE Matlhaolangwao Cultural Group entertained the guests.
THE MEC for Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development, Norman Shushu, delivering the good news.
EXPRESS NORTHERN CAPE , WEDNESDAY 30 APRIL 2014
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SPORT
Juventus wins silver Ilse Watson
THE Juventus soccer team of Kuruman participated in the annual Easter Football Tournament hosted by the Tsantsabane Local Football Association (Tsalfa) in Postmasburg. They surprised everyone as they demolished every opponent they had played against all the way through to the finals. Their campaign started on Saturday when they played against Tigers FC from Postmasburg and won 2-1. On Sunday they faced Maremane FC and won 3-1. Their Monday game was a touch and go contest as they had to play three games. Their first was the preliminary game against Hungry Lions FC and they beat them 1-0. They then played against Chuck United FC in the semifinals and won 3-2. The last game was against Birds United of Postmasburg where they lost 2-1 to claim a second prize of R25 000 and silver medals.
THE Juventus soccer team participated in several games in Postmasburg and walked away with the second prize.
NEWTOWN community members and children with Peace Ntuli, George Benjamin, the mayor, Elroy Phete, and Lebogang Daniels (chairperson: Tsalfa).
Photo: Supplied
Photos: Supplied
Grass is now greener for Newtown soccer youths ANGLO AMERICAN’S business unit, Kumba Iron Ore, continues to make a real difference in the lives of the Tsantsabane community. The unit built a new soccer field for the youth at the historical Newtown soccer field, one of the oldest sports facilities in the town. Having previously played on a dirt field in Newtown, the newly developed fields now provide local clubs a place to play and the youth of the area an opportunity to develop their soccer skills. Kumba’s Kolomela Mine partnered with the Tsantsabane Municipality and Tsantsabane Local Football Association (Tsalfa) as part of its integrated development plan to promote sport and recreation, which has the ability to effect social change. Joseph Dingashe, a 67-year-old popular community leader from Newtown, notes that the new sports field is a dream come true and has very sentimental value to him, particularly as a former soccer player who played on the old dirt field for many decades. “Through the years I grew from being a soccer player to being the team coach and retired at age 59 as the team manager. During this transition in my lifetime, the
FROM the left are Peace Ntuli (communityengagement and development manager: Anglo American Kumba Iron Ore Corporate Public Affairs), Lebogang Daniels (chairperson: Tsalfa), Elroy Phete (mayor: Tsantsabane) and George Benjamin (public affairs manager: Anglo American Kumba Iron Ore Kolomela Mine) cutting the ribbon to officially open the stadium. conditions of the soccer field only got worse but we continued pleading for assistance and hoped for the best. We have been waiting
for this day since 1971 and today I am very pleased that our passion and patience has paid off. “Thanks to Kolomela for making
this possible; our children will not experience the hardships through which we had to train in our time. As parents and the commu-
nity we are very humbled because this touches our hearts as we look back where we come from and see the bright future of our children through this facility,” said Dingashe. The project, which costs R4 million, was completed in only six months by local contractors and consists of a fenced grass soccer pitch, an irrigation system, goalposts and high nets. There is also an ablution facility with changing rooms, showers and a referee room for two teams, as well as two sixty-seat pavilions and two substitute benches. Norman Mbazima, chief executive officer of Kumba, said the soccer field is part of the company’s ongoing involvement with its neighbouring communities. “As a mining company, we believe that we should leave a lasting legacy in the communities where we operate. Building the soccer field forms part of this commitment to inspire young people to be engaged citizens. We recognise that sport has the ability to bring about socioeconomic advantages that will benefit the community and it provides the capacity to stimulate social change by providing a safe and professional sporting facility.”
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EXPRESS NORTHERN CAPE, WEDNESDAY 30 APRIL 2014
FROM the left are Modise Letselebe (boxing coach: Tetlany Secondary School), Archie Jack (president: NCOBO), Sibongile Tyhoko (a learner boxer) and Thusi Riet (sports master: Tetlanyo Secondary School) during the hand-over of boxing equipment by the Northern Cape Open Boxing Organisation (NCOBO). Photo: Boipelo Mere
For more news and photos visit www.express-news.co.za
Fighting for fun
} Boipelo Mere
THE Tetlanyo Secondary School welcomed the donation of new boxing equipment from the Northern Cape Open Boxing Organisation (NCOBO). The excited school principal, Galerekwe Semau, said the introduction of another sport other than soccer to their school is an answer to their prayers. “At least now we will not only concentrate on soccer where we are always beaten. We will be able to focus on other sports too. Especially for those who love to fight on the school grounds. Now we have gloves for those who love to fight,” Semau said jokingly to the cheerful learners during a special assembly for the handover. The hand-over was done by the NCOBO president, Archie Jack, where he encouraged the learners not to be afraid to participate in boxing. According to Jack, the donation of boxing equipment to schools is part of their mandate to support and promote boxing in schools. They are also encouraging schools in order for them to partici-
pate in the 2015 Schools Mini Olympics held in the Eastern Cape, which will include boxing as an event. “As a federation we decided to pilot school boxing in the Frances Baard District and later move to other districts. In August, when we will have a schools boxing tournament in Kimberley, five other schools will receive boxing equipment.” Jack said that three other primary schools and three other high schools benefited from the programme and that the Vuyolwethu Homevale Secondary School and now the Tetlanye Secondary School have also received equipment from the federation. “We have trained more than ten teachers as judges and coaches in our effort to implement the National Strategic Plan to bring boxing to the schools.” Jack explained the difference between amateur and professional boxing to the learners. “They are both safe. Amateur boxing is controlled by the constitution, while professional boxing is controlled by an Act of parliament. It is, however, not called
amateur boxing anymore but open boxing. In amateur boxing, when you bleed, the referee immediately stops the fight,” highlighted Jack. Emphasising the high level of safety in boxing, he added that amateur boxers, apart from boxing gloves, are provided with protective headgear and mouth guards, and that girls are provided with boxing vests during fights. “Boxing is one of the sports that can take you places,” he said. Semau promised not to disappoint the federation by allowing the equipment to gather dust in his office. “We are grateful for what the federation has done for us. This equipment will afford the learners the opportunity to display their God-given talent.” The principal promised that his learners will be part of the Schools Mini Olympics that was introduced by the Minister of Sports, Fikile Mbablula. “With these equipment my school will represent the province at the National Schools Olympics because with these boxing equipment their skills will be sharpened.”
Search on for sports stars ARE you good at sport – or is someone in your school or place of education good at sport? Are you motivating or training others to be good at sport? Are you a young coach who is coaching future stars? Are you getting people active at your school, community or gym? Express Northern Cape wants to hear from you. SuperSport’s Let’s Play identified the need amongst the youth to become more sport active. With this in mind SuperSport and Let’s Play, in association with Express Northern Cape, has launched a special initiative. Express Northern Cape wants to find and give recognition to learners at either primary or high school level who excel in sport or who are helping others to be more active. 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 or any teacher, lecturer or coach at your school or place of education. You can even be nominated by a family member or friend who knows how good you are. The winner is chosen from all the nominations received for that month. The
monthly winner will receive a Let’s Play hamper filled with goodies. From all the entries received each month, one player will be chosen as the SuperSport Let’s Play Star of the Month. At the end of the year one player from all the monthly winners will be chosen as the SuperSport Let’s Play Sports Star of the Year. Send 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 send a fax to 086-552-4922. For more information, call Lynne or Juanré at Z PR on 051-522-9574.