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Wheels turning for roads Premier refutes claims that school closures led to increased urgency
} Boipelo Mere CONSTRUCTION of the Joe Morolong roads is to start as soon as the tenders have been advertised. This was promised by the premier of the Northern Cape, Sylvia Lucas, during a media briefing. She announced that consultants on the project had completed the environmental impact assessment and the design of the roads. The media briefing was held soon after schools were closed earlier this month in the area. The community accused government of poor service delivery. Lucas refuted claims that the closure of the schools was what led to the process of the construction of the roads to be sped up. According to Lucas, the Sishen Iron Ore Company will fund the road project, while the Department of Roads and Public Works will fund the remaining 73 km stretch, to complete the 130 km stretch in the 2015-’16 financial year. She elaborated on the more
than R250 million projects that government rolled out to improve the quality of life for the people of the John Taolo Gaetsewe and Joe Morolong district. The premier dismissed media claims that government had done nothing for the above-mentioned communities. The premier also raised concerns about the closure of 50 schools in the area and the burning of a government vehicle during violent protests. She said the closure of the schools was a violation of the Children’s Act by the parents, which could therefore not be tolerated. “The school closure has impacted negatively on the learners’ common exam papers and will cost taxpayers millions of rands. “Community protests should, as a rule, not be accompanied by violence. Genuine grievances should be tabled in a manner that is consensus-seeking and revolution-orientated. “As government, we are committed to work with all our people to address the challenges faced by our communities,” said Lucas.
Visit the Express website www.express-news.co.za for live newsstreaming of all the soccer action in Brazil.
Pillay a winner } Boipelo Mere “IT was totally unexpected. When my name was called during the award ceremony, I realised that I was the winner of the award in the catergory,” said George Pillay of the Media24 Kimberley office. Pillay was announced the best local news sales representative of the year during the Media24’s Legends News Awards that was held in Cape Town over the weekend. He had exceeded his sales goal by achieving 25% for the year. He said he could not describe how tough the competition had been this year, except that he had worked hard as usual. Pillay scooped the same Legends award for the best sales representative of the year in 2012. “That was my best year, but this time around I had to work harder as the economy has not been up to standard,” he said. The Legends competition recognises and rewards outstanding achievement of staff members in various editorial and advertising categories within Media24.
GEORGE PILLAY
Photo: Boipelo Mere
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PARTICIPANTS and youths at the youth motivational session organised by Kids Safety Haven and Adullam Assemblies. Photos: Supplied
MPHO MAROANE, Tsantsabane Idol 2014, singing a song during the Youth Day motivational session.
BISHOP HENDRÉ JACOBS delivering a motivational speech under the theme Putting spiritual freedom on the youth agenda.
Building a world-class diamond group Kimberley Underground Mines JV
Youth Day held } Hendré Jacobs
Kimberley Underground Mines JV is situated in the city of Kimberley in the Northern Cape. The Mine consists of 3 conventional slushier drift block cave mines.
Senior Human Resources Officer
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 tons 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.
Training Officer
(Ref.TO 118765)
The Training Officer is required to plan, conduct, develop, provide, assess or moderate training, induction, technical and competency-based training throughout the Mine. Minimum requirements (but not limited to): • Qualified Electrical or Mechanical Artisan • Matric with N3 or higher qualification • Registered with the MQA • Qualified Training Officer • ETDP SETA Accredited to perform various on-site training – Scope of work: * first aid * fire fighting * basic rigging * TMM Operator training * over-head crane * telescopic boom * mobi-lift * fork-lift * skid steer * scaffolding, and * working at heights • A minimum of five years’ relevant training experience • Registered MQA Assessor • Present coaching training • Sound knowledge of MQA and basic requirements • Effective communication and interpersonal skills • A team player. Responsibilities (but not limited to): • Ensure accuracy of submitted information to the Training Manager • Manage compliance to the Mine Health and Safety Act (Training Department and all other departments) • Benchmark and recommend suitable training providers • Participate in and attend to all relevant safety meetings • Identify required equipment, facilities and manpower to meet training requirements • Ensure that the required processes for grant allocations are in place by submitting relevant information to the Training Manager • Manage time and attendance • Ensure that departmental systems are adhered to • Provide performance management orientation training on the UMK process as required • Ensure compliance to the basic conditions of employment requirements (Training Department and all other departments) • Ensure accuracy of information • Verify prepared training material • Verify and review prepared assessment guides • Develop and manage training material • Arrange and manage employee training and development • Manage and conduct the shortlisting process for own section (learnerships) • Ability to do standby duties and shift work, if and when required • Ensure personal and coworkers’ adherence and compliance to the Company’s Health and Safety policies and procedures. Key performance areas: • Prepare for and participate in formal coaching sessions with the line manager and execute the coaching agenda as agreed • Adhere to safety acts, policies, procedures, COPs and agreements • Manage assets/equipment • Enforce training policies and procedures • Manage and conduct the shortlisting process for own section (Iearnerships). 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: 16 July 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 118765
This position requires an energetic and dynamic individual to support the HR Manager and all stakeholders in the provision of a high-quality and professional HR Service through advice and guidance on a range of HR matters. Tasks and responsibilities: • Coordinate the recruitment and appointment of employees to ensure procedural compliance and fairness • Coordinate the implementation of employee benefits • Ensure Conditions of Employment and pay practices comply with payroll or salary administration directives and are accurately and timeously planned and executed • Maintain and ensure compliance with employee separation process according to agreements and Company policies • Manage the application of different conditions of employment • Perform position analyses and compile or amend job descriptions for grading according to client needs • Implement transparent incapacity processes • Ensure application of and compliance with Company policies, procedures and legislative requirements • Provide correct data for VIP System and ensure that HR administration is applied effectively within the section • Ensure the Company’s Compensation Management strategy is applied and adhered to • Develop HR staff to fulfil their duties • Build and maintain relations with stakeholders; attend scheduled meetings and employee onboarding events • Advise line management on relevant legislation and Company policies and their impact on conditions of employment. Minimum requirements: • A diploma in Human Resources Management • Recruitment experience (preferably in the mining sector) • 2 years’ supervisory experience • A Code EB (08) driver’s licence and preparedness to use own vehicle for business purposes • Experience in application and management of Conditions of Employment • Computer literacy in the MS Office suite • Knowledge of HR and Payroll Information Systems. Other skills/competencies: • Knowledge and application of the full employee life cycle • Organisational and mining industry-specific knowledge will be an advantage • Proven application of labour legislation: Basic Conditions of Employment Act; Employment Equity Act; and Labour Relations Act • A high level of attention to detail • Excellent time management, planning, coordinating and prioritising skills • Excellent negotiation, liaison and administrative skills • The ability to work well under pressure within set guidelines, and adhere to deadlines. (Ref. KUMJV064) Applications: E1-Recruitment@petradiamonds.com or fax: 086 692 2442
Senior Training Officer The successful candidate will plan, implement, ensure quality and maintain the training system according to the organisation’s needs. Tasks and responsibilities: • Implement the training cycle in the operation, ie identify training needs, compile training plans, oversee the implementation of training plans and evaluate effectiveness of training • Perform annual budgeting activities for area of responsibility • Oversee annual skills planning progress in accordance with relevant legislation • Ensure in-house training materials are updated • Ensure the implementation of training and development according to plans and budgets • Facilitate training to employees/learners as and when required • Conduct on-the-job training as and when required • Evaluate training standards, materials and practices • Ensure team members are appropriately trained to fulfil their roles • Support and participate in the development of official Company documentation • Conduct and manage administrative tasks, and manage time and attendance of training personnel • Ensure adherence to and compliance with Security and SHE objectives/legislation as well as Company policies and procedures • Participate in incident and accident investigations as and when required • Support and participate in the performance management process. Minimum requirements: • A Grade 12 • An Occupational-directed ETDP Certificate Level 4 or relevant skills programmes (Facilitator, Assessor and Moderator) • A Trade Certificate or Blasting Certificate • A Code EB (08) driver’s licence • Supervisory experience • Skills Development Facilitator training or experience will be advantageous • At least 2 years’ training experience in the mining industry. Other skills/competencies: • Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English • Working knowledge of the Skills Development Act and related processes • Good computer literacy with proficiency in MS Word, PowerPoint and Excel • Excellent administrative and recordkeeping skills. (Ref. KUMJV065) Applications: E2-Recruitment@petradiamonds.com or fax: 086 659 1334 Kimberley Underground Mines JV is an equal opportunity employer. Preference will be given to suitable candidates from the designated groups in line with the Company’s Employment Equity Policy and Plan. Pre-screening, profile testing, on-mine assessments, medical and security clearance form part of the recruitment and selection process. Shortlisted candidates will be required to attend a panel interview. Employment of the successful candidates is subject to the aforementioned criteria. Preference will be given to candidates who reside within our host labour sending area of Frances Baard District Municipality (proof of residence may be requested). Please complete an application form (available on http://www.petradiamonds.com/ careers/current-vacancies) and forward this, together with your résumé, qualifications and ID, to the contacts mentioned at each post before or on 2 July 2014. Please note that incomplete application forms and documentation will not be considered. If you have not heard from us within 30 days of the closing date, please regard your application as unsuccessful. Please note that Petra Diamonds does not at any time require any form of payment for recruitment purposes. If you are approached in this regard, you should report the incident immediately via one of the following hotlines: South Africa 0800 22 22 00 (toll-free from an RSA landline) or international +27 12 305-2711. http://www.petradiamonds.com/careers/current-vacancies www.humanjobs.co.za
Human Communications 110193
THE management of Kids Safety Haven and Adullam Assemblies, a community church, organised an inspirational Youth Day event in Haakbosdraai, Newtown, on 16 June. The 16 June 1976 uprising that began in Soweto and spread countrywide profoundly changed the socio-political landscape in South Africa. When Afrikaans and English were made compulsory as mediums of instruction in schools in 1974, black students began mobilising themselves in a protest march. On their way they were met by heavily armed police who fired teargas and later, when things got out of hand, live ammunition on demonstrating students. In line with its stated objective of being a community-centric church, Adullam Assemblies have put together an exciting line-up of performers, poets and inspirational speakers to entertain the youth and to commemorate 16 June as an important date on the South African calendar. The sensational vocalist and Tsantsabane Idol, Mpho Maroane, motivated the youth to sobriety. She and Boitumelo Maoko, also from Tsantsabane Idols fame, delivered entertaining performances to a youthful Haakbosdraai audience. Sanna Jacobs and Fytjie Witbooi, affiliated to Kids Safety Haven, treated the youth to a nice hot meal. Haakbosdraai is a community plagued by social ills, including prostitution, drug abuse and teenage pregnancy.
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Gazar’s story
SIZWE MOLOKWE(23) and Quinton Olyn(22) enjoying their supper prepared for them after they were handed their warm jackets, shoes and blankets. Photo: Supplied
MEC reaches out to those on streets
} Boipelo Mere
“HE is the man who will never give you only 50 cents in a parking lot.” That is the reply of one member of the group of street kids and adults who operate as car guards when he was asked about the MEC for Social Development, Mxolisi Sokatsha. The Department of Social Development invited them for an interaction with the MEC during the announcement of the extension of the department’s winter relief programme. According to the department, the extension of the winter relief programme is a temporary measure to provide assistance to children living on the streets. The department is in the process of re-uniting them with their families. They received a pair of shoes, a warm jacket, a blanket and a beanie from the department to protect them against the bitter cold. They were also served warm soup and bread for supper. Sokatsha said it was the department’s effort to reach out and reintegrate those children and adults on the street back into their homes and families. According to Sokatsha, Kimberley has over 120 children on the streets, some of whom beg at robots. When he addressed the seemingly obedient group Sokatsha, who is also reported to be a pastor, shared the script of Luke 15:11-52 with them. He elaborated on the “Prodigal Son”, who went back to his father to seek his forgiveness after leaving home. “We are here to help you as you remain our children, brothers and sisters. We are all God’s children. We are aware that some of you are driven from home by bad circumstances, but home is home. No matter what a drunk your father or mother might be, there is no place like home,” he said. In an effort to show them that running
LLEWELLYN GAZAR (26) rendered a short prayer where he thanked God for the Department of Social Development and to give them the strength to carry on the good work. away from home was never a solution, Sokatsha shared his childhood experience of his father who drank a lot. “But that was no reason for me to run away from home.” Sokatsha also stated that children living and working in the streets were a manifestation of the problems which children and families experienced in communities as a result of social and economic factors, leading to their marginalisation. Amongst the street adults addressed by the MEC was Eugene Alexandra (24) who shared his story. “I don’t really have a valid reason why I am living on the streets, because I don’t have a problem. I grew up on the streets, because my friends and I have freedom to do naughty things. I stay with my sister and my grandmother at home. My sister looks after my grandmother. Sometimes I do go home,” he said.
LLEWELLYN GAZAR (26), who was supposed to be rehabilitated after being saved from the streets, shared a different story. “I have been living on the streets for 14 years after I had been driven from home by my abusive stepfather. In 2013 I was saved by a man of God, who booked me into a rehabilitation centre. After I was booked out of rehab I went back to the streets, because I found the conditions at home still the same,” he revealed. Gazar says he has learnt about the grace of God in rehab and will continue teaching his fellow street adults, but he will never go back home, because there is nothing to go back to for him. “I do go home, but only to visit. My aunt wants me to stay with her, but I feel like I will be a burden for her since I am an adult, I have to contribute something, wherever I stay.” Llewellyn is ready for a fresh start where he can be treated with respect. He says he is on the streets for survival.
For more news and photos or to page through previous issues of Express Northern Cape go to www.express-news.co.za.
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Kgaswe: An ode to a radio legend } Dr Thapelo Thipe
TOURISM role players still have until Sunday to enter their establishments for this service excellence award. Photos: Christel Liebenberg
Closing date for awards almost here
} Boipelo Mere TEN Northern Cape establishments have already entered the prestigious 2014 Lilizela Tourism Awards and tourism role players still have until Sunday to enter their establishments for this service excellence award. Members of the public then have until 13 July to vote for their favourite tourism business.
The Lilizela Tourism Awards was established in 2013 and celebrate global excellence in tourism focusing on service excellence, emerging tourism entrepreneurship and sustainable tourism development. This joint initiative between South African Tourism and the Tourism Grading Council honours and celebrates those who make a remarkable impact on tourism in South Africa.
The Lilizela Awards cover several categories, including accommodation awards, visitor experience of the year, tourist guides, sustainable development and entrepreneurship. Entry is free and can be submitted online at www.2014.lilizela.co.za. Members of the public can vote for their tourism favourites online and entrants are encouraged to canvas for votes amongst their clients.
PAGIEL KGASWE joined the Setswana Radio Station of the SABC in 1977. Pagiel and I joined the station at the same time and were dubbed broadcasting twins by the late chief announcer, Gertz Komane. The man had an amazing appetite for the airwaves. You would hear him in the early morning show Mosalagae and that same evening you would hear his voice bellowing through the airwaves in the late-night slot of Maitsiboa Isong. He had an enormous sense of duty and diligence. His formal education training as a teacher gave him the ability to relate well to listeners. He possessed common sense of the highest order. His rural background of Tlhakong stood him in good stead in vocabulary and the appropriate use of idioms in the Setswana language. His forte was live football commentary. Like all of us he was mentored in the general work as an announcer. The work entailed research work, news translation and presentation, interviews and story writing, translation and presentation of documentary programmes, music compilation, presentation of continuity programmes and live events broadcast. Kgaswe possessed the ability to make listeners, in particular football fanatics, eat from the palm of his hand. Gravid and eloquent in figure of speech, he closed the gap only live television broadcasts could fill. This is how artistic and narrative his abilities were. These were indeed rare qualities coupled with reliability and character consistency. He was a well-groomed radio personality and his popularity did not go to his head. Many looked up to him as a role model, mentor and coach. He espoused the industry credo to the best of his ability. Many in broadcasting today are
DR THAPELO THIPE not ashamed to make mention of his name as such. It is worth noting that young broadcasters who went through his hands are proud to mention his impact on their professional and broadcasting careers. We pick this up from their profiles captured in Wikipedia in which they mention him as trainer, mentor and coach. His death is a great loss to the broadcasting industry. He left at a time where he played a major role in his industry. Our nation faces a crisis of honouring experience. There is a propensity to discard and dispose of the old and forget about them. How quickly we forgot the contribution and sacrifice made by those who came before us. How we fail to honour and recognise the toil and sweat of our predecessors. At the time of his death, Pagiel Kgaswe had left broadcasting and was doing voluntary work for the Tlhakong Tribal Authority. May his soul rest in peace.
MEC urges youth to seek opportunities to improve lives } Boipelo Mere THE Northern Cape MEC for Safety and Liaison, Martha Bartlett, urged the youth to quit having babies, drinking alcohol and being glued to TV channels and to rather seek opportunities to improve their lives. She said this during the launch of the Social Crime Prevention Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) of Ward 30 in Roodepan. There are 40 youth members who are registered for the programme. They will help clean the streets, residential areas in Roodepan, Homevale, Homestead and Lerato Park. The members will get incentives for the cleaning. “If you don’t have money to improve your lives, approach the government. We have bursaries available. “I grew up in Roodepan and did not have money, but I did not commit crime. You can become a better person without substance abuse.” Bartlett urged them to work hard on the programme and to strive to become a good example to other youths. The group sang the song Thank you Jesus Amen to the MEC after she had given them a motivational speech. One of the youths, Kamogelo Lebowa (23) from Roodepan, counts himself lucky to be amongst the selected group. Given the high rate of crime in Roodepan and Lerato Park
‘If you do not have money to improve your life, approach us as gov ernment. We have bursaries available. I for one grew up in Roodepan and did not have money, but I did not commit crime. You can become a better person without substance abuse.’ – Martha Bartlett, Northern Cape MEC for Safety and Liaison
THE MEC for Transport, Safety and Liaison, Martha Bartlett (right). Seated next to her are Voughn Settley and Japie Thompson of the CPF surrounded by some of the volunteers. The team visited the residents of the Roodepan Council Flats. Altogether 40 youth members signed up for the state EPWP workers project whereby street and residential areas are cleaned and incentives are paid. Photo: EMILE HENDRICKS/Foto24 especially, Lebowa is positive that they are a good team to communicate with the police to fight crime. After finishing his gr. 12 in 2010, it has always been a concern for
him and his family as to whether he will join his peers in sitting on street corners without anything constructive to do. “At least this is a start for me. I
will find something useful to do while I earn a stipend. The stipend will also allow me to help out at home, while I save something to study,” he said happily.
So is unemployed Anita Fourie (20), who reveals that at least she will be able to support her three-year-old child for the 12-month period. She says she could not go back to school after dropping out in gr. 10. “I am really happy for this opportunity. Maybe we can also use the reference to look for employment one day,” she added. “This is a very important reason for us to be here and to add you to this list. Do not be afraid of learning new things. You have to make us proud with this project. We, together with the community, will mentor and monitor you to work yourselves up,” Bartlett said. She assured the community of Roodepan that the programme would be extended to other wards as well. “Mommies must also support and pray for these youths to make this programme a success because it will benefit us all. Prayer can conquer everything,” she told the audience. “You look very disciplined to me. Grab this opportunity with both hands and use it wisely. You must quit smoking and drinking immediately and become role models for this place.” Japie Thompson, the chairperson of the Community Policing Forum (CPF) in Ward 30, said: “We cannot take this opportunity for granted. We are honoured to have a Roodepanner as MEC. We are aware that all these wrongdoers are children that we taught,” concluded Thompson.
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Scouts celebrate day } Boipelo Mere DIFFERENT scout troops belonging to the Kimberley Country District gathered at the Hulana Circle in commemoration of Youth Day on 16 June. According to Troop Scout Kereeditse Mogorane, the troops attending the celebrations were from the Tetlanyo, Isago, St Francis, Kim-kgolo, Sol Plaatje and Reakgona schools in Kimberley. “We were celebrating Youth Day where the troops participated in sports activities, then one of the youth rovers (leaders) delivered a
motivational speech and taught the young troops about the significance of 16 June and discussed other general topics. “We had a drilling session on our programme,” said TS Mogorane. ) Visit our website gallery at www.express-news.
ALL troops stood to attention when Thapelo Mberere of the Sol Plaatje Primary School and Refilwe Morebudi of the Isago Primary School lowered the troop flags as a sign of closure of the event. Photos: Boipelo Mere
BOITUMELO RABEL of the Tetlanyo High School handing the scout flag to Troop Scout Kereeditse Mogorane.
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School receives new court } Boipelo Mere “I DO NOT want to see anyone wearing ordinary shoes on that court. You all have every right to come and borrow the key to utilise the court, as long as you are wearing the appropriate shoes. We all have a responsibility of looking after this new multi-purpose court of ours.” That was a quote from Snead Monyobo, the HOD of the Molehabangwe Primary School in Galeshewe when he encouraged the learners and teachers to look after their new tennis court and protect it from vandalism. On the day, the school held a special assembly to re-open its new multi-purpose court that was donated to them by the National Lottery Board. According to the school principal, Dira Phillips, the donation came after the schools’ governing body had sent an application to the National Lottery Board for a new court in 2010. A sense of pride was evident on the netball team’s faces when they were the first to be afforded the opportunity of practising on the court, on the day it was re-opened. Encouraging the learners to participate in at least one sporting code, Phillips said the multi-purpose court had given the school the pride and status of participating at all sports
‘We all have the responsibility of looking after this new multipur pose court of ours.’
levels, including international competitions. David Lesetedi of the Department of Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation also encouraged the learners to be active. “So that we (department) can meet you halfway by donating the relevant equipment as we do to other poor schools.” Lesetedi continued to applaud the school for making the effort of applying for a donation.
HOCKEY TEAM READY TO PLAY: Lebogang Mosimanewakgomo (14), Charles Hafiza (12), Tlotliso Matsinyane (12), Aobakwe Motebe (13) and Tshenolo Mokgoro (12) cannot wait to start playing on their new multi-purpose court. Photo: Boipelo Mere