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Council gets hightech
Sol Plaatje becomes techsavvy with iPads for councillors } Boipelo Mere ALL Sol Plaatje councillors will receive brand-new iPads as a measure of moving the municipality forward and becoming technologically driven. This was announced by Mangaliso Matika, the speaker of the Sol Plaatje Municipality, during the handover of the first batch of the devices to some of the 62 recipients on Monday. He said that the devices, which would be used to access mayoral committee minutes and agendas, would be fully equipped with internet access to the value of R300 on a monthly basis. According to Matika, the municipality’s process of migrating from the hard copy system will take them three months in an effort to allow the councillors to become familiarised with the new electronic system. In order to monitor the devices, all councillors will be expected to attend meetings with the devices. If not, they will stand to forfeit them. “This is also a cost-saving measure for the municipality, as we will be saving R800 000 per month with the new system. “The council has been spending R200 000 per month on paper, while with the iPad system we will be spending R1,6 million per year,” said the speaker. Rosy Ludick, Cope whip, said they supported the council’s motion, as it would equip councillors to work efficiently and become more professional in doing their job. She clarified that the devices would still remain the property of council for the next three years. “They (councillors) might only be afforded the opportunity of buying those iPads after that,” she stated. DA whip Ronald Morris also supported the motion and congratulated the municipality on moving forward in terms of technology. Zweli Mpampi, the ANC chief whip, commented on how the technology would develop and advance the councillors’ culture of learning and prevent the piles of papers in their homes and offices. “The gadgets will benefit the ward committees by bringing services to the communities, as they will now be able to respond to various issues respectively,” he said.
MANGALISO MATIKA, the speaker of Sol Plaatje, hands over one of the iPads to Agnes Ntlangula, a security and protection services committee member. Photo: Boipelo Mere
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School salutes teacher
} Boipelo Mere
MIKI GEORGINAH MOSES, a teacher at the Waterworks Primary School in Riverton, said goodbye to her beloved school and the community that had become like a family to her over the years. Ma’am, as she is called by everyone in Riverton, wished all the teachers well and encouraged them to strive towards the upliftment of teachers. She said she had experienced it all and had seen it all: moving from one farm to another and the constant changing of the syllabus by the Department of Education. “Rona ba ba mo diphaposi-borutelong re gadikilwe ke bo-OBE le bo-CAPS. Fela fa re nagana gore re tlwaela syllabus, go tla e nngwe (Us educators were being challenged by the continuous changing of the education syllabus. Just when we thought we were coping with a syllabus, another replaced it),” she said during her farewell party at the school. “Waterworks Primary has always had a special place in my heart because I started at the school when I was 23 years old and also retired here.” Moses met her late husband in Riverton and expressed how proud she felt whenever
she saw how her former learners had excelled in life. “Some of the children whom I taught even have grandchildren whom I also taught,” she added with pride. One of those attending, Michelle Mogoje (22), is proof of this. “Ma’am taught my mom before she left Riverton. With her return she taught my two older brothers and my younger sister at the same school,” said Mogoje. Moses also taught at other schools. “I started teaching at the age of 19 in Taung. This was from 1972-’74. I moved to Riverton in 1975. Then I was transferred to the Langdeel School in Belmond in 1976, then to the Broadwaters Primary School, before I got a position as a principal at the Solofelang Primary School in 1982. All these schools were in the area of Douglas. “By then I wanted to be closer to home in Kimberley and I accepted a transfer to Mauritzfontein in 1989 for a teaching position,” said Moses. She added that she had not even worked there for a year (1989) before being offered a principal position at Hill Farm next to Riverton. Moses continued and said in 1991 she took unpaid study leave and enrolled for a
THE Waterworks Primary School says goodbye. From the left are, front: Mieta Matiwane, Jane Mogoje, Georginah Moses and Pinky Mocumi; second row: Maria Raad, Michelle Mogoje, Jessica Mothelesi, Petunia Motaung, Lebo Tlhakodi, Johannes Jackson and Agnes Maphile; back: Wilfred Sell. Photos: Boipelo Mere two-year Commerce course on a full-time basis at the Moremogolo Campus, now known as the Northern Cape FET College. That was where she was offered a temporary job as a Communications and Deportment lecturer after she had completed her course. That was in 1994. “I can still recall how proud I was to be the first black lecturer at the campus, but I resigned because I had a passion for teaching small children. I always had Waterworks in mind,” she said with a smile. She immediately returned to the Waterworks Primary School after completion of her term at the college. “Mme jaanong ka gonne sengwe le sengwe se nale nako, ee ke nako ya gore ke sutele babangwe b aba santseng ba le mafolofolo (everything has a time, and it is time for me to hand over to the young and capable).” She said she could write a whole book about her life in Riverton, a place she had come to know and love. “I did not blame my children when they decided to pack their bags and spend their weekends in Riverton. I did not even bother to ask them where they would be sleeping because I knew they were home. The community here is like one big family,” she said. Wilfred Sell, the school principal, said he had learnt a lot from Moses on a professional and personal level in terms of growth.
GEORGINAH MOSES says her goodbyes. “At the end of the day we are losing out on such vast knowledge. It sounds like a cliché, but we’ll miss her. We wish her well because she deserves to rest,” said Sell. Jane Mogoje (73), a community member, said she wished Moses could continue being a teacher. “My husband and I saw her come and go. We welcomed her with open arms when she returned. She taught my children and my great grandchildren. May God continue to bless her.”
Caught at border post A 63-YEAR-OLD Namibian businessman, Paul de Wit, was arrested at the Vioolsdrift border post after being found in possession of white mussels and squid on Monday at approximately 01:00. A total of 11 400 white mussels and 20 kg of squid was found in De Wit’s vehicle. The suspect was travelling from South Africa en route to Namibia. Police confiscated the goods and the vehicle. The mussels and squid are protected species and De Wit did not have an export permit in his possession. The estimated value of the marine products are R14 000. De Wit appeared in the Springbok Magistrate’s Court and received a fine of R6 000 or three months imprisonment and a further R6 000 fine or three months imprisonment suspended for five years.
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Sport against crime
FOR the first time ever, learners of the Wrenchville High School won the prestigious award for the 2014 National Empowervate Youth Citizen Action Programme (YCAP). This is the first school ever from the Northern Cape to receive this award. The learners received this title for their Standing Together Against Rape campaign. They are, in front: Wilfred Marais (provincial coordinator); from the left, middle: Lerato Mooko, Mathapelo Bodukane, Refilwe Molale, Ontiretse Mosala and Tshireletso; back: Roxzanne Brooks, Amanda Blankfield-Koseff (founder of Empowervate), Tsepo Kgatlhane, Tlaleng Ketumile, Kgalaleo Seekoei, Motlagomang Gasenamore and Omphile Mfana. Photo: Supplied
THE Northern Cape Department of Transport, Safety and Liaison gathered well over 300 youths to participate in sporting activities on the backdrop of Youth Month. The department hosted Sport Against Crime programmes in commemoration of the 16 June 1976 uprising over the weekend at the Boitumelo Special School in Kimberley and participated at the Rietvale High School activities in Ritchie. The Sport Against Crime project, a programme unfolding throughout the year in the department’s calendar of events, serves as an alternative to criminal activities by getting communities involved in sports. Sport Against Crime aims to discourage idling minds in communities and instead fill open gaps of leisure time with sporting
activities as sport can be used to curb crime, substance abuse and other social ills. During the event, youths get introduced to various ways of utilising their leisure time constructively. The event made the participating youth aware of the dangers of crime and substance abuse. Sporting activities included various sporting codes and indigenous games such as volley-ball, soccer, netball, rope-skipping, hula-hoop and gumboot-dance. Participants from NGO teams and community members who formed teams to participate in activities received certificates after the games. The South African Police Service (SAPS) and safety volunteers also took part in the programme.
Learners bring home first prize Ilse Watson LEARNERS of the Wrenchville High School discovered their mission on the weekend of 27 to 29 June when they were announced as the 2014 National Empowervate Youth Citizen Action Programme (YCAP) champions. The competition was decided in Durban. They received this prestigious title for their Standing Together Against Rape (Star) campaign. These ten learners are the first winners ever from the Northern Cape. Over 80 learners of schools from across South Africa took part. They were joined by 30 teachers, district and provincial officials, five judges and three motivational speakers. “The YCAP changes the lives of many young people. “It allows them to put forward their
ROBBERY SUSPECT
Photo: SAPS
Police looking for suspect THE police in Kimberley are still looking for this slender-built male suspect who is light-brown in complexion and believed to be about 26 years old in connection with a bicycle robbery. According to the police, the robbery took place on 26 March at around 17:30 when a 13-year-old boy was robbed of his mountain bike in Rosedene, Kimberley, by two suspects. Anyone who can recognise the suspect can contact Detective Constable Moshotloa on 083-421-6316 or 053-838-4208.
ideas, and steers their dreams and observations in the right direction. “The prizes are nothing compared to the experience they gain through this project,” says Mbuso Gcwensa, a former YCAP participant. The learners of the Wrenchvile High School walked away with a R10 000 cash prize. This will be used to expand their project. They also received gold medals, and as a surprise, each of the learners received a tablet. Tsepo Kgatlhane, the Northern Cape YCAP project manager and a teacher, says his learners fulfilled their mission by winning the championship. “It is my hope that other young people in South Africa will follow their example and overcome today’s challenges by finding creative ways to address them,” said Kgatlhane.
CHILDREN dancing with hula-hoops, one of the games of the day.
Photo: Supplied
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Plan promotes growth potential
A TOURISM entrepreneur from Colesberg, Mbulelo Kafi, explains the purpose of an indigenous plant to a tourist. Photo: Tourism Authority
Kafi an example for NC tourism } Boipelo Mere
A TOURISM entrepreneur from Colesberg in the Northern Cape is living proof that a quest for education can be the start of a life-changing journey. Inspired by the New Youth Venture Initiative of the Department of Economic Development and Tourism, Mbulelo Kafi started his tourism business, Sakhisizwe Tours, in 2009. This initiative was aimed at developing and supporting young tourism entrepreneurs in the province and Kafi’s innovative business concept was awarded with a R25 000 start-up prize for office equipment and the latest technology. With the assistance of the Department of Economic Development and Tourism, and the Northern Cape Tourism Authority (NCTA), he completed various tourism and business-related programmes as well as a tourist guide training course. His business received a significant boost when he was included at the tourism marketing destination agency’s stand at the prominent Indaba Travel Expo. Sakhisizwe Tours specialises in heritage tours, including Anglo-Boer War commemorative sites, architectural tours and township and nature tours. Using traditional donkey carts have added a special authentic touch, which appeals to local and international visitors. Part of their customised itineraries included guided hikes to rock art sites and rubbing stones and lessons in playing traditional instruments like the rock gong. Some of their distinguished guests have included the British High Commissioner and Paralympic swimming champion, Natalie du Toit. Kafi continued his quest to improve his business offering and service standards and enrolled for his Advanced Customer Care qualifications through
the Education and Training Authority for the Culture, Arts, Tourism, Hospitality and Sport Sectors (Cathsseta). On completing his level 5 NQF training, the success story of Sakhisizwe Tours and its owner caught the attention of the training authority and Kafi was selected to star in a television documentary. The documentary crew accompanied Kafi as he took a group of learners from a local high school on a tour and then interviewed his family to discover what impact Sakhisizwe Tours has made in their lives. “The business has changed our lives completely and has helped me to put bread on the table and support my whole family,” says Kafi. According to Sharron Lewis, CEO of the NCTA, the story of Sakhisizwe Tours is a true victory for the tourism entrepreneur development programme. “We have been committed to developing and supporting tourism entrepreneurs in the Northern Cape. We are convinced that this is the only way of achieving real and sustainable tourism growth in the province. Operations such as Sakhisizwe Tours also lend an authenticity to the travel expe- rience of visitors to our province. Cultural tourism has indeed become increasingly appealing, but tourists are expecting meaningful engagements with local communities – and that is something that only someone like Kafi with his roots entrenched in his community can offer,” says Lewis. She further commended Kafi on his dedication to improving his business. “Kafi constantly strives to enhance his business offering and to further develop his skills. We have numerous programmes in place to support entrepreneurs in the tourism industry who are willing to commit to hard work and delivering exceptional service,” says Lewis.
SOUTH AFRICAN small and medium-sized businesses need mentorship, experience and financial support in order to grow into sustainable enterprises. This is exactly the focus of the Sanlam Enterprise Development (ED) Programme, a partnership formed with the Association of Savings and Investment South Africa (Asisa). The programme invests in the sustainability of small and medium-sized enterprises in South Africa and aligns with the government’s drive for job creation and economic growth. Francois Adriaanse, head of Corporate Affairs at Sanlam, says the Sanlam/Asisa ED Programme is unique, because it recognises that the real hurdle for sustainable growth for many entrepreneurs is a lack of experience and a need for mentorship. The focus of the programme is on incubating and developing small and medium businesses that show potential for future growth, rather than simply supplying grant money and expecting business owners to achieve growth on their own. Adriaanse says a strong entrepreneurial sector is critical for the success of South Africa’s economy. “By helping a few existing businesses, we know the effect can be immeasurable in terms of job creation, skills transfer and revenue creation.” For the launch phase of the Sanlam/Asisa ED Programme, five predominantly blackowned businesses with high impact potential were selected by Sanlam’s implementation partner, the Asisa Enterprise Development (ED) Fund. These businesses are either part of the Sanlam Group’s supply chain, or may be considered as suppliers in the future. The Asisa ED Fund is also responsible for providing financial and business development skills to these SMEs. Adriaaanse says the Sanlam/Asisa ED Programme goes a step further than many ED programmes. It combines investment funding and business development into a
single package. SMEs require more than just financial support in order to grow and their programme offers tailored business development support, followed by financial support timed according to the specific needs of SME’s. Those that qualify for funding are provided with a further seven years of SME growth support through the Asisa ED Fund.” The first five businesses were chosen based on their growth potential, value chain alignment, commitment to the programme, transformation, need for assistance, entrepreneurial ability, leadership capacity and geography. The programme aims to unlock their revenue growth, profitability, job creation, skills development and sustainability. “Liquid Thought, a digital strategy and innovations agency that supply web and mobile technology solutions, has been provided with business growth support and mentorship, scaling the enterprise to investment readiness. It receives financial support through the Asisa ED Fund in order to sustain growth,” says Adriaanse. He emphasises that the real power of the joint enterprise development is not about money and is also not a quick-fix project that hopes to achieve long-term goals by pumping grant money into fledging small and medium businesses. It’s about creating sustainable businesses that are able to apply their newly gained knowledge and skills to expand. The Sanlam Enterprise Development Programme is managed by enterprise development specialists, Edge Growth, and will conclude in July. It will be followed by an extensive measure and evaluation process to determine the level of impact and growth achieved. Sanlam is the sponsor of the seminar for the Forum for Community Journalists which takes place on 5 September. The Express editorial team are members of this forum.
Warm hearts donate blankets } Boipelo Mere THE Keep Me Warm, Keep Me Safe Blanket Drive is reported to being one of the biggest charity drives campaigned in the Northern Cape. The campaign has accumulated 22 000 blankets worth R880 000 thus far. It was started in 2011 by the project team, which is the Diamond Pavilion Shopping Mall in partnership with SAPS Kimberley and PEP Stores. Its successes is due to the help of several NGOs, schools, government organisations and the community. The project envisaged to collect 34 106 blankets, which, if converted into square metres, is the approximate size of the Diamond Pavilion Shopping Mall. The project team stated that this project is truly a project from the community to the community. The blankets are distributed to the underprivileged, faith-based organisations, orphanages, the SPCA, homeless people and hospitals. They are also distributed in disastrous situations as far as the Free State and Lesotho areas. The distributions run concurrently with safety campaigns where the blanket recipients are informed on how to keep them and their loved ones warm and safe during the winter. The blanket drive team uses sporting events to market their campaign and collection and drop-off points are set up at these events. Bi-weekly blanket drives are also held at the Diamond Pavilion Shopping Mall with the assistance of the SAPS Men for Change and the Women’s Network. A local school in Kimberley, the Christian Brothers College (CBC), recently donated 368
LEARNERS of the Christian Brothers College (CBC), Marno Willemse (left) and Nardus Bosman (right), with warrant officer Micheal Frans during the school’s contribution towards the drive. Photo: Supplied second-hand blankets. The Diamond Pavilion Shopping Mall is also reported to have started off the winter with a contribution of R25 000 towards the drive. The mall and CBC challenge other schools, religious institutions, government departments and businesses in and around Kimberley to beat their contributions. PEP Stores at the Diamond Pavilion Shopping Mall sell blankets at the low cost of R39,95. The blankets are stored at a facility in the mall and anyone wishing to donate blankets can contact Amanda Barra (Diamond Pavillion Shopping Mall marketing manager) on 053-832-9200. The project team extend their gratitude to all who have supported this worthy cause by making a difference in the community.
EXPRESS NORTHERN CAPE , WEDNESDAY 9 JULY 2014
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Attend farewell function for Northern Cape FET College interns THE Horseshoe Motel was the venue where the Northern Cape FET College recently held a farewell function for its interns who completed their internship at the college. The students were placed in the programme for 18 months after completion of their N6. This was an intervention effort by the college to allow its students to gain experience in their specific field of study. Photo: Supplied
Student off to youth summit in Australia Ilse Watson KAGONTLE BARNETT will be attending a youth summit in Australia in correlation with G-20 from 12 to 16 July. She is 22 years old and currently a student at the Rhodes University in Cape Town. Barnett attended school at the Kuruman Primary School and then at the Kalahari High School. She finished matric at the Ferdinand Postma High School in Potchefstroom.
She is currently doing her honours degree in Political Science and International Relations. “One day I want to be a diplomat. I find politics very interesting,” says Barnett. She will be representing the South African youth at the summit in general issues and concerns that they want the G-20 to address. Twenty countries belong to the G-20 and their goal is to contribute to world global health. Her main focus at the summit will be youth unemployment, lack of education and the quality thereof, as well as youth apathy in citizenship and
pro-activity. “I am very concerned about youth issues.” She loves reading and takes part in netball and athletics. She received North West provincial colours in netball. Barnett has an older brother and sister. Her mom is a teacher at the Gamohane Middle School near Kuruman. Her dad is deceased.
KAGONTLE BARNETT will travel to Australia to attend a youth summit.
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Learners bag a brighter future KUMBA IRON ORE, a business unit of Anglo American, fulfills its role as social partner wherever it can. At Kolomela, an operation of Kumba based in the Northern Cape, the mine reached out to neigbouring provinces and rewarded 280 learners from schools in four provinces for their hard work by presenting them with school bags loaded with stationery kits. This is a result of fruitful discussions between the special projects office of the Department of Mineral Resources and the Kolomela Mine. The presentation was done at a function where the Department of Mineral Resources rewarded top performing learners in gr. 10, gr. 11 and gr. 12 from the Free State, North-West, Mpumalanga and Limpopo with study bursaries to continue their studies at university level in the minerals and mining fields. The awards ceremony was part of the department’s 11th annual Learners Focus Week Career Guidance Programme in Ventersburg in the Free State. The programme is part of a national project hosted in conjunction with the provincial education departments and mining companies. It is aimed at exposing high school learners from historically disadvantaged communities to career opportunities in the minerals and mining sector. Supporting the learners in this way
forms part of Kumba’s commitment to education and is a contribution to developing the skills of learners. These learners can ultimately join its workforce and add to the skills base in the country. Kumba has a history of involvement in education that includes early childhood development for children up to gr. R and primary, high school and tertiary education in communities around its operations. This included teacher and learner interventions and science laboratory buildings, mobile laboratories and technology kits. “One of the four pillars of Kumba’s organisational strategy is to create and leave a positive legacy in the communities in which we operate; striving to become the partner of choice for the broadest range of stakeholders through our commitment to corporate social investment. One issue that is central to our development as an economy and as a nation is education. “Through education destinies can be changed for the better, strong communities built and a self-sustaining economy created. We acknowledge that the kind of education delivered during this phase impacts on an individual’s whole educational journey. Our intervention therefore in this regard is aimed at ensuring that the basics are in place for the learners,” said Yvonne Mfolo, the public affairs manager of Kumba.
FROM the left are Sgt Joseph Mokoamotse, Sgt Moshe Sebobo, Const. Neil Jacobs and Col Alexia Robertson with illicit tobacco molasses that were confiscated. Photo: Supplied
How do we end rape? Dealings up in smoke PERSONS found in contravention of the Tobacco Act can receive a fine of R20 000 or three times the value of the confiscated goods. If this person is found guilty he can also be sentenced to up to five years’ imprisonment. Government also has the right to confiscate the non-compliant stock and the seller can be liable for a penalty of up to R1 million upon conviction. This warning was issued by the police after illicit tobacco products (cigarettes and hookah pipe tobacco) with an approximate value of R50 000 were confiscated during a recent raid on businesses in the Kimberley CBD, De Beers, Colville, Greenpoint and Beaconsfield. The raid was conducted by the Kimberley Cluster SAPS office, tactical response team, K9 Unit and Kimberley Crime Prevention Unit at more than 30 business premises in the Kimberley CBD and surrounding areas
} Noxolo Tshukela IN South Africa rape has become a prevalent problem. Statistics show that South Africa is the country in the world that has the highest occurrence of rape. The plague has taken charge and possessed the world all around us. It is crucial that we stop this. It is no longer the time to strategise, to plan and attempt to put an end to this problem but rather to end this once and for all. Children, grannies and women are no longer safe. Who in their right mind can do this to an infant, to a frail old woman, or any woman for that matter, without their consent? Incest is also becoming more common in our households. What makes it even worse is just how mothers offer their children to these monsters, how no one seems to be standing up for old women and vulnerable children. We ought to protect our children. Homes and families are supposed to be the places and people we can run to for protection. We are no longer secure; we no longer have a sense of family, dignity and general respect. Our police must protect us; not further expose and exploit us to these perpetrators. Our healthcare professionals must assist us without prejudice or judgement; not endanger us by ill-treating us when we come forward. I am not judging or pointing a finger of guilt to anyone, but this is a general plea from those who do not have the courage to speak for themselves. This causes more self-infliction to the victims already which can easily become abuse of substances and suicide. That becomes an unfortunate thing for us all. The news have been bombarded with reports of abuse and harassment; from the newspaper, the TV, radio, social media, the internet and magazines that report on rape, sexual harassment, child molestation and murder. I, like a few others, can no longer watch the news or read the papers. I have a question. What is so attractive and appealing about rape and child molestation? Does it have such a great niche; is it such a fetish that we keep doing it unapologetically? Who should children and the victims run to when reports say that mothers are the pimps that give them to these men?
on 1 July. This action forms part of the tri-lateral cross-border crime prevention operation involving interaction between the Western Cape, Eastern Cape and Northern Cape. The operations started on 30 June. Fines were issued to 13 business owners for allegedly contravening the Tobacco Act as well as the Customs and Excise Act. The illicit cigarettes are usually identified with the absence of the South African diamond stamp. The cigarettes have incorrect health warnings and the quit-line number is usually also not available on the cigarette packs. “The Kimberley Cluster commander, Major General Jean Abrahams, commended the team for the excellent results delivered due to the operation. May this be a warning and deterrent to other traders who may want to attempt the commission of similar crimes.”
Albertus a true sports star
NOXOLO TSHUKELA There is no manhood in raping anyone; no satisfaction in doing this deed and no pleasure in perpetuating this. Reports state that the concept of rape is a disease in the
psyche of the person. The world has become so evil that they (perpetrators) cannot differentiate between what is wrong and right, but act on their impulses and the pictures in their minds which translates to them as right. The question arises, are all the reports we hear and see in the news in all forms of media encouraging and motivating this monstrous act? Is the reporting with priority to all the rapes fuelling this fire that has destroyed so much already? But if we don’t report this, how will others be aware and take measures to protect themselves without knowing what is happening? For me, silence is a killer also, but how are we to tread, how do we treat this without fear or favour? Turning a blind eye isn’t the solution; covering over this with a plaster won’t heal the wound. So what must be done to put an end to this mutating disease in our backyards?
ALBERTUS HUMAN (13), a learner at the Adamantia High School in Kimberley, has been selected as Express Northern Cape’s SuperSport Let’s Play Sports Star of the Month for his achievements in amateur wrestling and athletics. This active young sports star can boast of an array of achievements, which include: Amateur wrestling (2014) ) Gold medal at the Gauteng Open. ) Gold medal and trophy at the Sand du Plessis Wrestling Open. ) Gold medal and South African colours at the South African President Championships. ) Silver medal in South African Greco Roman Championships. Athletics (2014) ) Three gold medals at the Sarel Bester Open. ) Three gold medals at the East Gauteng Open. ) Three gold medals at the Cheetah Open. In 2013 he also competed at the Northern Cape Wrestling Trials in Postmasburg, the South African President Championships, as well as the South African Championship and won gold on all three occasions. Albertus also took part in the South African Youth Championships and Alte Feste Open in Namibia, walking away with two gold medals in his weight group. He wrestles at the Indlovu Wrestling Club.
ALBERTUS HUMAN (13) of the Adamantia High School is Express Northern Cape’s SuperSport Let’s Play Sports Star of the Month for June. Photo: Supplied He lives by the motto: Enjoy what you do and do not let anything get you under. When life pushes, push harder. Send your nomination for learners between the ages of 6 and 18 today. You can email it to supersport@zpr.co.za or fax it to 086-5524922. For information call Lynne or Juanré at Z PR on 051-522-9574.
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NEWS
Soccer teams participate in day } Boipelo Mere
THE final match between Young Achievers (red and white) and Platfontein.
Schools must abide by Act THE National Prosecution Authority (NPA) says initiation schools must abide by the Children’s Act when performing circumcision on boys. Those who fail, could face criminal charges in line with the Children’s Act, the NPA spokesperson, Nathi Mncube, said. Section 12 of the Act stipulates that only boys over the age of 16 may be circumcised, unless there is a religious or medical reason to do otherwise. It also stipulates that the circumcision must be performed by either a medical practitioner or a person who has been trained to perform circumcisions and who has knowledge of the child’s social and cultural practices. Furthermore, the circumciser must
perform the circumcision in a sterile environment and ensure the proper disposal of human tissue. “Any person guilty of contravening this section will be liable to a term of imprisonment of up to ten years, a fine, or a fine and imprisonment. A repeat offender may be liable to a term of up to 20 years imprisonment, a fine or a fine and imprisonment,” Mncube said. In instances where death happens due to negligence, Mncube said the responsible persons will be charged with culpable homicide. The total number of young boys that have lost their lives since the start of the initiation season has risen to 26. – SAnews.gov.za
THE chairperson of the National Council of Provinces, Thandi Modise, says she will cooperate fully with the SPCA which is investigating the neglect of animals on her farm outside Potchefstroom. In a statement on Monday, the former North-West premier said she had been under the impression that the farm was being run under the supervision of a replacement manager after her farm manager had requested leave to attend an urgent family matter. She said it came as a shock to learn from the SPCA that the replacement manager had deserted the farm. The footage on television also shocked her. This comes after the media had reported that the SPCA had raided the land following a tip-off and had found animals either dead or starving. The 100 pigs, sheep, chickens and goats appeared to have been without water for a week or more. Modise said she was saddened by the abandonment and trauma that the livestock had suffered after workers on the farm had “unceremoniously left without notice”. She further welcomed the assistance offered from farmers who had volunteered to
assist her in bringing the situation on the farm to normality. “For the past three years I have been visiting the farm on a fortnightly basis and I have taken a personal interest as to what is happening on the farm and in my absence I have made the necessary arrangements for the livestock to be well looked after and fed until this tragic and unfortunate incident.” Modise said she had appointed a vet to assess the condition of the remaining animals and an environmentalist to assist in removing the carcasses in an appropriate manner. She said an interim farm manager had also been appointed. Furthermore a team, including a team of lawyers, will visit the farm to enquire as to who or what caused a veld fire that affected neighbouring farms and why the water and electricity to the farm had been cut off. The attorneys were also mandated to consider the offer from a farmer who had proposed to enter into a lease agreement with Modise. She was in the process of leasing the farm out to allow her to focus on her new responsibilities after her relocation to Cape Town. – SAnews.gov.za
Modise will cooperate fully
Heaven has received a little angel KUTLWANONG COMMUNITY CRÈCHE: IT is with much regret to find ourselves burrying one of the lovely kids we have in our crèche. We sadly buried seven-month-old Akanyang Thebe yesterday after she had succumbed to a short illness. She was loved by all at the crèche as she was the tiniest and like a baby doll to the staff and other children. As we all know, God’s will is never questioned nor can it be challenged. She has acquired a lot of respect from the staff of the Kutlwanong Community Crèche
for her bravery at that age. To her mother, Tiny, and the whole Thebe family, we will keep you in our prayers and hope that you find it in your heart to sing praises to the Lord to have given you the opportunity to have loved such an angel. May her soul rest in peace.
Photo: Boipelo Mere
Diamonds explored THE Geological Society of South Africa (GSSA) Professional Programmes Committee, in conjunction with John Bristow and Mike de Wit, is once again running the Kimberley Diamond Symposium and Trade Show in Kimberley from 10 to 13 September after a similar one was held in 2007. The 2014 Kimberley Diamond Symposium will provide a platform to highlight and discuss changes and trends in the local and international diamond industry. It will also showcase new technological developments in diamond exploration, geophysics, processing and recovery equipment, present new scientific information relating to the origin of diamonds and the formation of diamondbearing deposits, and provide an opportunity to debate other developments noted above. The symposium will comprise a day and a half of technical presentations and poster sessions, indoor and outdoor exhibitor displays, as well as two days of mine visits, including underground visits and field trips. The field trips will have tour guides with specific knowledge of the areas, geology and activities to be seen on these trips. The reprocessing of old tailings dumps is also increasingly providing further
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SEVEN soccer teams comprising teams for girls and boys from Roodepan, Lerato Park and Platfontein braved the cold weather and participated in a day of education, sport, music and fun at the Lerato Park soccer pitch on Saturday. The event formed part of the Roodepan Police School Holiday Programme which included team building, educational and fitness activities. The police also spoke to the teenagers and the community about safety during the holidays and encouraged them to participate in protecting one another. The tournament kicked off with the first match between the u.9 boys teams from Lerato Park. This was followed by the round-robin knock-out tournament which saw the Lerato Park Young Achievers walking away with the trophy after beating Platfontein. All the participants received certificates of participation as well as warm soup and rolls which were sponsored by Roodepan and Galeshewe businessmen. The theme for the day was A child in sport is a child out of court. The SAPS Roodepan Sector Policing in partnership with the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture, the Roodepan Community Policing Forum, the Roodepan Safety Volunteers, loveLife and the Lerato Park community initiated a sport against crime awareness day.
sources of gemstone diamonds along with the recycling of old diamond jewellery. Currently there is also lively debate about the role and place of synthetic diamonds in diamond jewellery. Looking forward, the world diamond market is facing declining production and a steadily increasing demand. Consequently new discoveries, mine expansions and additional production will be required to fill the growing gap between supply and demand. To date registrations have been received from Australian, Brazilian, Canadian, United Kingdom, Russian, African and local companies, individuals, researchers and service providers. Space is filling up fast for the symposium, field trips and trade show and interested parties are advised to register early. The symposium is being organised by RCA (Pty) Ltd, which also helped organise the 2007 Kimberley Diamond Symposium. Interested parties can contact Robbie at robbie@rca.co.za or on 011-4873819/2260, John Bristow at jwbdia@mweb.co.za, or Mike de Wit at dewit@icon.co.za. Visit www.gssa.org.za or www.rca.co.za for information.
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Twice the top talent
} Boipelo Mere
THE identical twins Thabisho and Thabang Mojanaga from Galeshewe were proud to show off their newly acquired soccer skills to their home team mates, Bushbucks. These two started their 2014 academic year at the Transnet School of Excellence. It was a coincidence that the twins, belonging to the same club, were selected during the national trials in November 2013. They were among the 16 hopefuls who were chosen for the gr. 8 class of 2014 out of the 80 players from different provinces. Five more players were selected in the province, hailing from Upington (2), Kuruman (2) and Olifantshoek (1). According to Tokelo Tshekiso, the Bushbucks team coach, it is the first time that two players were selected from the structure. “It is also an achievement for us as a team, as it proves that our hard work is paying off. This encourages the other players to not look down on their ability. It is proof that you do not need to join a successful team to be recognised,” Tshekiso said. “I wonder how they cope with these two naughty ones – even I still have difficulty in telling who is who. And they are aware of it,” said the coach jokingly. Tshekiso expressed the team’s appreciation towards Percy Manuel, their local football association secretary, and coach Delux Morekisi for not letting the opportu-
EXPRESS NORTHERN CAPE could only distinguish the two boys from each other by the colour of their pants. Here Thabang and Thabisho are displaying their talent. Photos: Boipelo Mere nity pass them by. “They really strived to make the trip a success, as we did not have transport to attend the trials. During that period our u.19 girls team were taken to Klerksdorp for their Absa tournament with the only bus that the structure has. “We were late for the trials one day, as the programme was already in process. Our players’ performance started at a slow pace
because they did not have enough time to overcome the stage fright. But they managed to make a success of it.” The two boys, who are both quiet by nature, did not say much about the academy. Thabang, who is a staunch Kaizer Chiefs fan, highlighted that the Academy was the same as at school where you have to work hard. “We are both doing the same subjects like
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SIMILAR faces and clubs.
Social Science, Life Orientation, Economic Management Services, Afrikaans, Maths, Natural Science and Arts and Culture. Thabisho said he was crazy about Orlando Pirates. Unlike his twin brother, who will not go anywhere alone, he wants to become an overseas soccer player. To keep fit over the school holidays, the two spend most of their time playing batch-ball the township style.