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‘Drugs ruined my life’ Woman testifies about escape from addiction
} Boipelo Mere ANITA FISHER and her husband’s life has changed for the better. They are born-again Christians who left their complicated life in Johannesburg behind. Because of her husband’s drug addiction they packed their bags and came to the farm Highfield near Ritchie to make a new start. Fisher, a qualified chef, said they had been given a second chance. “My husband was so deep into drugs that he ended up stealing everything and selling it for a fix. I ended up so deep in debt that I could not pay my children’s school fees or even our rent of R400. “I could not bear seeing our friends and neighbours dying, marriages falling apart and the children suffering any more,” said a tearful Fisher. She gave her testimony in front of other women in Ritchie at a women’s conference held over the weekend. On Saturday, Fisher held her head high and shared her life story with the women who attended the conference that was hosted by the Late Harvest Ministries in Ritchie. She was not shy to show her emotions during the praise and worship session, where she testified how the Lord had pulled her out of her misery. The event was graced by the award-winning businesswoman Nerina Smith and Past. Marie Willemse both from the Western Cape. Smith, who is a survivor of cancer and who has been left partly deaf and partly disabled as a result, shared good business tips and motivated those attending by reminding them of their worth. Smith called Fisher to the stage and demonstrated the story of a woman covered in mud who was then transformed by God. She brought a green outfit she had made which she said was a sign of greener pastures. She then chose Fisher to wear the outfit. According to Smith, she wanted to tell the women, who mostly
THE women of Ritchie stand united against drug abuse thanks to Anita Fisher (left), who shared with them how drugs had almost torn her marriage apart. With her is Nerina Smith, who also shared some motivational tips with the women. Photos: Boipelo Mere came from a poor background, how God had called her to minister. She said she was also a prophetess. “Surviving cancer at 27 has made me a stronger woman, stronger than I thought I could ever be. “After my illness I started my own business from scratch. “Today my business has become a great success, and it has won more than one award,” she added proudly. Irene Farland, the leader of the women pastors at the Late Harvest Ministries, who is also the founder of the Women on the
Move Movement based in Ritchie, said that the event had been a great success and that it was expected to give the women in the poverty-stricken township a new lease of life. Farland is known for her empowering programmes for women including services such as counselling and motivational talks within the Ritchie community. She said she had met Smith and Willemse through Past. Dirk Venter of Deaf South Africa. ) Log onto the Express website at www.express-news.co.za for Fisher’s testimony, photos and related videos.
IRENE FARLAND (left), leading woman pastor at the Late Harvest Minis tries, shared with the guests how far they had had to travel to reach out and bring the Fishers closer to God.
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NEWS
Child rapist gets 20 years
THE presenters of Kurara FM.
Photo: Supplied
Radio station officially launched } Boipelo Mere THE John Taolo Gaetsewe Development Trust (JTGDT) celebrated yet another milestone. The trust sees itself as a trend-setter and a history maker in the district because it keeps on celebrating good results. On 31 July the JTGDT in partnership with Kurara FM hosted a Kurara FM business dinner and the official launch of the Kurara FM community radio station at the Eldorado Hotel in Kuruman. This was in an effort to encourage the business community to support the community radio station so that it could realise its full potential and to allow the station to occupy centre stage as a strategic marketing partner. Prominent mining houses and local businesses, including major banks, were part of the dinner. Kurara FM was launched in January 2012 and the trust gave it a helping hand. “As the trust we saw this as an opportune time to adopt and resurrect Kurara
FM and take it under our wing to bring about stability within the station,” said Tumelo Mpolokeng, the chief executive officer (CEO) of the trust. An amount of more than R1,9 million has reportedly been pumped into the station to upgrade it over the last two years. The dinner was used to motivate other businesses to follow suit in investing in Kurara FM for them to become financially stable. Mpho Malele, the chairperson of the board of directors, gave a presentation and there was interaction between the management of Kurara FM and business individuals. In his speech Mpolokeng highlighted how community radio stations survived. “We encourage the community to support this station. The exposure Kurara FM is enjoying is thanks to the JTGDT that continues with its commitment to community development which covers all spheres of life. We hope that the station will continue growing,” concluded Mpolokeng.
DARRYL WOEST (32) from Van Wyksvlei will spend the next 20 years behind bars. After the Carnarvon Regional Court recently found him guilty on nine charges relating to the Sexual Offences Act. The charges that Woest was found guilty of are: Count 1 – rape – sentenced to 18 years’ imprisonment. Count 2 and 3 – both sexual assault to an 11-year-old child. Count 4 and 5 – both causing a child to witness a sexual offence. Count 6 – sexual assault to a 15-year-old child. Count 7 – Causing a child to witness a sexual offence. Count 8 and 9 – both possession of child pornography. According to the police, the accused befriended his two victims (aged 11 and 15 at the time) and often invited them to his residence at the old school hostel in Main Road in Van Wyksvlei in 2012. Due to the victims’ poor background the accused offered them food and drinks to lure them to his place. “On one occasion the accused and the victims watched a movie and due to the fact that it was late, he requested that they sleep over. It is then that he raped the 11-year-old boy. He offered money to his victims for their silence,” stated the police. It is further reported that the caretaker, who became suspicious and approached the two victims, is the one who later reported the matter to the police after the victims had confessed.
Woest, who later pleaded guilty to all charges, has been in police custody ever since he was arrested until the finalisation of the case. For count 1 of rape he was sentenced to 18 years’ imprisonment. Sentences on count 2, 4, 5, 6 and 7 of four years’ imprisonment are expected to run concurrently with count 1. Two years’ sentence on count 3, whereby the accused got a three-year sentence, are to run concurrently with count 1. Two years’ sentence of counts 8 and 9 of which he got 18 months imprisonment on each count are to run concurrently with count 1. The commander and investigating officer of the Carnarvon Family Violence Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit (FCS) welcomed the sentencing. DWO Johannes Pelzer expressed his appreciation to the Cyber Unit in Pretoria and his dedicated team of detectives at his unit. While the sentence may serve as a deterrent to potential rapists, the police, through it is FCS units, are leaving nothing to chance. The provincial commissioner of the Northern Cape , Lt Gen. Janet Basson, applauded the sterling work done by DWO Pelzer and his team. “This outcome is one of commitment and hard work of dedicated investigation officers within the specialised units of the police. The sentence is welcomed because the combating of crimes against women and children is a priority for the police and such a sentence will definitely be a deterrent to other people from committing such crimes.”
Help stop drownings THE police appeal to parents to be vigilant in taking precautionary measures by safeguarding their children against drowning during the upcoming summer. It is expected that temperatures in the Northern Cape will soar to extreme levels, resulting in children going to dams to cool off during the hot weather. The police would like to issue a warning that dam drownings are not unfamiliar and parents are warned to make sure that their children are safe and are under adult supervision. Police members noted that children are rarely supervised by an adult and often get into trouble when swimming, resulting in them drowning. “Always keep the gates to the swimming
pool locked; it is important that swimming pools be enclosed or covered with safety nets. “Parents must know where their children are at all times and should never give permission to their children to swim in dams that are not safe and unsupervised,” warned Colonel Priscilla Naidu from the police. People are also cautioned to refrain from swimming while they are under the influence of liquor as many of past drownings occurred while people were under the influence of intoxicating substances. The police are appealing to the public to take heed of these warnings so as to prevent the loss of lives which can be avoided.
Safety issues discussed at Saiosh meeting THE South African Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (Saiosh) is hosting a meeting on 28 August at the Free State Residential Care Centre, Bloemfontein. Topics which will be discussed, are emergency response regarding incidents and accidents in the workplace and emergency
spill response. The meeting starts at 13:30. Registered Saiosh members will earn 1 Continuing Professional Development (CPD) point. For bookings (before 25 August) and more information contact Johan van Wyngaard on 083-534-2377 or at fsbranch@saiosh.co.za.
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Issues debated at conference } Boipelo Mere
CRITICAL debates and discussions were presented at the Protea Hotel to channel and determine a clear programme of action in going forward provincially to advance, promote and protect different languages, cultures and religions for embracing their unique heritage and diversities. It was during the Social Cohesion and Nation–Building Miniconference organised by by the Religion and Linguistic Rights Commission (CRL) in collaboration with the Pan South African Language Board (Pansalb). The conference, which was held in the form of a consultative process, was aimed at creating a platform for information sharing, public awareness and education with key stakeholders and strategic partners to advance and deepen constitutional democracy through the promotion of cultural, religious and linguistic rights for social cohesion and nation-building. Invited to participate in the conference were political parties, the youth, traditional leaders, traditional healers, inter-denominational religious groups, cultural groups, different church ministers, civil society organisations and responsible state departments, chapter 9 institutions, language, Arts and Culture teachers and practitioners. Interestingly, the dialogues also touched on eye-opening discussions relating to current challenges facing cultural institutions
Police confiscate tik from dealers THREE people were arrested with drugs during a sting operation by Postmasburg police members assisted by the Kuruman K9 Unit. The operation reportedly yielded success after police followed up on information and raided some houses where suspected drug dealers resided. A house was searched where two suspects, known as Earnest Chukwuere (39) and his wife, Genevive Chukwuere (27), were arrested. According to the police, they found approximately 480 g of tik on the premises, which they confiscated last Monday at about 09:50 in the Postmasburg Central Business District (CBD).
The next day, at approximately 08:45, another 40-year-old man, known as Benjamin Odezuko, was arrested with tik. That is after the police raided his house in Biochoko, Postmasburg, and found 20 g of tik stashed in his vehicle, together with R59 000 cash which was hidden behind the front number plate of the vehicle. The police also confiscated the white Opel Corsa as it was allegedly used in the crime. The total street value of the confiscated drugs amounts to approximately R165 000. The three suspects appeared in the Postmasburg Magistrates’ Court and all were remanded in custody as the case was postponed.
MATHEW GOPANE (right), the manager of the Religion and Linguis tic Rights Commission (CRL) in Gauteng, also graced the event with his presence. Photo: Boipelo Mere and traditional leaders, noting bad practices that were happening at initiation schools, traditional marriages, clashes between religion and cultural practices. The aim was to encourage the spirit to respect and tolerate other people’s cultures, religions and languages. According to Pansalb, the sessions proved to be an eyeopener for the province because an in-depth analysis of the progress, achievements and challenges for promoting social cohesion and nation building was looked into. The conference was conducted under the theme Consolidating Outcome-Based Programme of Action in Advancing Social Cohesion. Boichoko Moremi, the provin-
cial manager: Pansalb in the Northern Cape, told the delegates that the conference was not just a complaint platform. He said that some of the complaints, especially concerning the language issue, were being addressed by government. “Some of these issues have been debated for the past 20 years. We as CRL and Pansalb are here to ensure that government addresses the issues that are raised during our sessions,” said Moremi. The way forward after the miniconference will be the formation of a community council that will consist of four community members including the councillor from each community and one representative from all government departments.
Protests sign of desperation ANDREW LOUW, DA provincial leader: THE Northern Cape has once again been rocked by recent protests which were all sparked by the ANC-led provincial government’s failure to provide the services our people are entitled to. The school shutdown in Kuruman, the bus protests in Ritchie and the ongoing land invasions in Kimberley all come from a real need in communities to have their rights respected. It is sad that, three months after the election, people are driven to such desperation. Communities feel they need to burn down
schools and deprive children of their right to education before the government will listen to their complaints. In 2012, when the first round of school shutdowns hit the province, the provincial government promised that a stretch of road would be built. So far, they have only done the environmental impact assessment and approved of the road design.
That is the only work done in two whole years. The DA does not condone any form of violence. We do, however, know that communities need services and we sympathise with their needs. It does seem that government only pays attention to you if you have a rock in your hand. We want to remind communities that governments can be voted into power, but they can also be voted out of power. If you are unhappy with service delivery, you can change your circumstances without using violence. Use your vote. Participate in ward and council meetings.
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POLICE members are from the left Sgt Niklaas Papier, Const. Tefo Ma khete, Sgt Libby Bosch, with suspects, and kneeling is Det. Sgt Raneo Molelekeng with drugs and money confiscated. Photo: Supplied
Association holds meeting THE Alzheimer’s Association of the Northern Cape hereby invites members and friends to attend their upcoming annual general meeting. The meeting is scheduled to be held in the library of the ACVV Kimberley (corner of Long Street and Holland Street) tomorrow at 09:00.
The meeting is very important as a new committee is to be elected, followed by a talk on communication with a person suffering from dementia. For more information contact the Alzheimer’s Association on 053-831-5815 or email ncape@alzheimers.org.za.
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EXPRESS NORTHERN CAPE, WEDNESDAY 13 AUGUST 2014
NEWS
THE guests were welcomed by the marimba band at the entrance.
Photos: Boipelo Mere
Elegant in agriculture } Boipelo Mere WOMEN in agriculture found another reason to dress up in their most elegant clothes on Friday. That was when they attended their own awards ceremony that was hosted by the Northern Cape MEC for Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural
Development, Norman Shushu, in an effort to advance the empowerment of women. Guests and participants were hosted at the Mittah Seperepere Convention Centre where Shushu, together with other MECs, bestowed the honours at the gala awards ceremony.
GLADNESS NTWAGAE (left) and Norah Modise were amongst the aspiring women who also consider a career in ag riculture. They hope to also collect a tro phy during next year’s award ceremony.
RAYNETTE DIBECO (left) and Mirriam Mbanga in their traditional gear.
NALEDI (LEFT) AND NOEKSIE MTONGA looked stunning when they attended the event to support other women.
SHARON BLOCK did not mind gracing the evening on a cold night.
SEITEBALENG SEGWAI in her traditional dress.
BIANCA (LEFT) AND JANICE BEZUIDEN HOUDT’s positive attitude worked for them as Janice was awarded the Youth in Agricul ture Trophy on the night.
FOOTSOLDIER MOGOROSI (right) was proud to take a picture with his fellowcom rade Bonolo Makwati.
THE band that entertained the guests.
EXPRESS NORTHERN CAPE , WEDNESDAY 13 AUGUST 2014
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MPHO MAKHETHA, the plant manager of Droogfontein Solar Power, doing a demo on how energy is generated with a solar jar. Photo: Supplied
Plant gives uniforms LEARNERS at the Waterworks Primary School near Kimberley have received school uniforms donated by Droogfontein Solar Power. The donation, valued at around R25 000, included both winter and summer school uniforms for gr. R to gr. 7 learners. According to Droogfontein Solar Power, the school comprises 110 learners from the local Riverton area, as well as surrounding farms, many of whom have never owned uniforms before. “This donation will not just have an impact on the learners from the surrounding farms but also on the local learners, as most of their parents are unemployed and rely on social grants to provide for their families,” explained Wilfred Sell, head principal of the school. During the presentation to the school,
Droogfontein Solar Power’s plant manager, Mpho Makhetha, demonstrated to the learners how electricity is produced from the sun. “We are thrilled that the school’s curriculum covers the importance of energy saving and the basics of renewable energy,” said Makhetha. The Department of Education attended the event. The departmental officials who attended, were Palesa Thulo (director: ECD Curriculum), Ntombi Mashodi (director: Curriculum Support Programmes) and Basie Mathane (director: GET Curriculum). According to the school’s principal, the donation will also enhance the learners’ school pride. The school is also appealing for assistance in improving their very limited internet access which is at times non-existent.
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PRESENTING the award to Maria Matonga (third from left) were from the left Grizelda CjiekellaLecholo (MEC of Education), Norman Shushu (MEC of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development) and Sylvia Lucas (premier of the Northern Cape).
Female farmer reaps benefits } Boipelo Mere MARIA MATONGA from Magogong could still not believe that she was the overall winner of the 2014 Annual Female Entrepreneur of the Year. She was recognised by the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development in conjunction with the National Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (DAFF) for being the best female entrepreneur in the agricultural sector and the top entrepreneur smallholder in the province. The award ceremony was hosted in an effort to invest more in female farmers to ensure food security within the province and the country. Sobbing her way to the stage to receive the award for her project, Motonga was at a loss for words when she was escorted by her colleagues to the stage. Her project, Motswedi Women, won a whopping R375 000 for the two different categories in the competition. According to her she has always dreamed of extending her current hectares on her farm in order to create more jobs. She says that winning the award is an indication that nothing is impossible for women. “My hard work, passion and perseverance for farming has paid off. If you do not love farming, you will never succeed in this industry. Every day when I leave for the farm I always ask God to give me strength to succeed in my dream,” she said. Matonga reveals that she managed to reach her dream of becoming a female farmer, even after three of the members that she started the project with dropped out after 2005. “I really appreciate all the support that I received from the Department of Agriculture. After we approached them, they gave me and my partner, who also left after finding a job, training, mentorship and tangible material to work with. “I can still remember the tough times when we were forced to approach a neighbouring farmer to assist us in making our ten hectares of land productive. We still continued to survive on a mere R1 000 stipend”.
‘I can still remember the tough times when we were forced to approach a neigh bouring farmer to assist us in making our ten hectares of land productive. We contin ued to survive on a R1 000 stipend.’ – Maria Matonga
IT took a while for Maria Matonga to believe that her project won the award.
Photo: Boipelo Mere
She adds that it was a good decision for them to have approached the department because they could still not benefit from their farm after other farmers deducted their dues after harvesting. The Northern Cape premier, Sylvia Lucas, highlighted during her keynote address that agriculture is about all the agricultural input, provision, farming, processing and distribution activities that add value to agricultural activities. “Our awards this evening seek to recognise all the role players within the sector. We also recognise the significant role played by farm workers who are the mainstay of any agricultural activity. Agriculture is an important engine for growth and poverty alleviation given its infinite nature and its ability to re-engineer itself with good management of natural resources and good management and conservation of this resource,” emphasised Lucas. ) Go to our website on www.expressnews.co.za for more pictures and videos.
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THE u.13 girls’ soccer team of the Rooiwal Primary School from the Namaqua District were crowned the provincial champions in Kuruman this weekend. Photos: Supplied
THE Theron High School from the Pixley ka Seme District celebrates their u.17 girl’s soccer championships victory following their convincing 31 win against the Bosele High School. They will also represent the province in the national championships.
Rooiwal girls NC’s soccer champs THE Rooiwal Primary School’s u.13 girls’ soccer team from the Namaqua District will represent the province at the national soccer championships in Pretoria later this year. This follows their scintillating victory at the provincial girls’ soccer championships that were held in Kuruman this weekend. The Kuruman sports grounds were abuzz this past weekend with u.13 and u.17 girls of ten schools from across the province. To be crowned the provincial champions, the Rooiwal girls had to overcome stiff competition from their opponents, the Kareeville Primary School. Meanwhile, in the girls u.17 championships, it was a different ball game. The Theron High School from the Pixley ka Seme District won the u.17 edition following their convincing 3-1 win against the Bosele High School. They will also represent the province in
the national championships in Pretoria. There were also awards to players who produced outstanding skills with five players from each age group selected for the national squad trials. The president of the South African Schools Football Association (Sasfa) in the Northern Cape, Dickson Moleko, emphasised the importance of the tournament as the breeding ground for players to be scouted for the national women’s team. “Girls must be more involved in soccer to realise their dreams of representing the country. These games are a platform to stand a chance of donning the national colours. Many great names of women’s soccer like Mpumi Nyandeni and Portia Modise started in this tournament before they were recognised internationally,” said Moleko. He also called on parents to support their children who were interested in women’s soccer.
‘Girls must be more involved in soccer to realise their dreams of representing the country.’ – Dickson Moleko