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WEDNESDAY 17 SEPTEMBER 2014

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Teachers redeployed

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Department’s decision does not sit well with Road Forum } Boipelo Mere THE decision by the Department of Education to redeploy teachers from the schools affected by the Joe Morolong school closure to other schools was not taken well by the members of the Road Forum.

According to the forum, this proves that they will not get their road and that government does not care about the well-being of the learners.

“They claim they are concerned and want the schools to open while in the meantime they send the teachers to other schools,” the forum members said.

According to reports, the head of department (HOD) of the Department of Education, Tshepo Pharasi, called a teachers meeting at Maropeng on Thursday where he made the announcement that the teachers would be redeployed to other schools around Kuruman and that they would be transported by the department.

Not all teachers had reported to the identified schools by Tuesday as they were still waiting for final instructions in terms of travelling costs.

The South African Democratic Teachers Union (Sadtu) says that the Department of Education had the right to redeploy the teachers to use their skills where they were needed.

“There was consultation from the department concerning the issue. The closure of the schools is unfortunate, but it is the prerogative of the employer to make the decision,” Sipho Mayongo, the provincial secretary of Sadtu, said.

Mayongo dismissed the allegations that Sadtu had sent out SMSs to its members in protest against the redeployment which some of the teachers, who wanted to remain anonymous, said they had received.

“I do not have knowledge of any messages that we are reported to have sent to our members,” he added.

Cosas, on the other hand, also raised concerns about the deregistration of the matriculants that

THE National Council of Provinces (NCOP) also failed to convince the community to allow the children to go to school during a recent visit to Bothithong in Kuruman where schools have been closed in the 49 villages.

Photo: Boipelo Mere was announced by the Department of Education. It was a concern to them that there would be no gr. 12 classes in all Joe Morolong schools next year.

Sydney Stander of the Department of Education said on Thursday: “We are now at a stage where it is not reasonably possible to provide any help to the 469 gr. 12 learners. There are 45 days left to the start of the final exam. The 469 gr. 12 learners have incomplete assessments. These learners have

not been part of a normal teaching and learning process since 5 June.”

The Northern Cape Department of Education (NCDOE) has therefore arrived at the following conclusion informed by current circumstances: 1. That all the gr. 12 learners of the affected eight high schools in Joe Morolong be deregistered and reregistered as part-time learners.

This will afford them the opportunity to prepare and write supplementary exams in February/March

2015.

2. That all gr. R to gr. 11 learners be allowed to redo their current grades in 2015 as they have been unable to complete a full academic year in the system.

“This position of the NCDOE is reasonable and should be supported because we have taken all steps necessary to protect our learners, but were not successful.”

The provincial coordinator, Tshiamo Mosimanyane, said that the PTT felt that the department

should be lenient towards the gr. 10, gr. 11 and gr. 12 learners and meet them halfway by giving them a second chance to repeat.

“The school closure is a tragedy to everyone. The learners deserve special treatment because they (government) are the ones to blame by not delivering,” he added. ) Log onto our website for pictures and videos of Lucky Kaibis giving the background of their protest and the experience of driving on the Joe Morolong roads.

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Employees must verify info } Boipelo Mere IN an effort to stop ghost employees, the Northern Cape Provincial Treasury urges all government employees to physically verify their personal information at biometric-aided headcount points in order to avoid suspension of an employee’s salary.

That after the Northern Cape Provincial Government, through the championship of the Provincial Treasury, embarked on a Biometric-Aided Headcount Project, which is a digital headcount with physical verification of all employees serving under the banner of the Northern Cape Provincial Government between 21 July and 21 August.

According to Mojalefa Mphapang, the provincial Treasury spokesperson, the pay roll system has already frozen the salaries of officials who did not submit themselves for verification, resulting in the affected employees not receiving salaries on Monday, 15 September. Some will also not get paid on 30 September in pursuit of eliminating ghost employees.

“The extension was already communicated to departments through Provincial Treasury circulars as well as interdepartmental communication platforms.

“Affected employees can only receive their salaries upon verification and once it is done, departments can raise a payment via a

supplementary run on Persal.”

He said four workstations would be opened at City Hall to allow affected employees to come for verification. The verification site was opened on 15 September and will stay open until today from 08:00 to 16:00.

To achieve the communication objective of the project, the Provincial Treasury held numerous workshops engaging nominated departmental human resources, union representatives, labour relations and communication representatives prior to the commencement of the project to ensure that information reached all employees; to ensure a seamless process. For the success of the project, the department with the assistance of provincial government communicators, radically communicated accurately and regularly in different languages spoken in the province in order to reach the targeted audiences.

“We call on all affected employees to come on board for verification, it is the right thing to do. We urge them to cooperate with verification officers to allow a smooth and quick process.”

Employees are requested to have in their possession their valid South African identity document or smart card, original or certified copies of highest academic qualification and proof of affiliation to or registration with a professional body.

Aspiring writer needs sponsor } Boipelo Mere THE young and out-going aspiring writer Noxolo Tshukela from Kimberley has come upon a great opportunity to grow and advance within the literary industry.

That is after she sealed an agreement with an international publishing company known to Express Northern Cape from London to fulfil her dreams of publishing and launching her book.

The company is willing to publish and launch her book for free, provided she pays for her travelling expenses to London.

Tshukela is ready to jett off to London to launch her book, which is already complete and ready to hit the book shelves.

The launch is scheduled to be on 10 October. All she needs, is a sponsor, with whom she is prepared to share her royalties.

The young writer urgently needs assistance in terms of sponsorship to buy plane tickets.

According to her, upon finding out earlier in June about the publishing deal, she relentlessly knocked on many doors and hosted events in a bid to raise the funds needed, but with no success.

Her efforts to find a sponsorship for her trip, have still not borne any fruits as she has still not even booked a plane ticket.

“I need help, a sponsor, and that is why I am calling out to all persons capable of assisting to come forward. My book is a highlight to my province as it will be able to put it on the map and attract more investments. I have already sent a draft of the final piece and it was approved,” she pleads.

Tshukela explained during the interview that her book is a compilation of short stories that elaborates on the many intricacies and complexities women deal with.

Growing up with many diverse ideologies and teachings, confusion and curiosity triggered the inception of her book titled Elements of a unique compound where she went on a journey of self-discovery of understanding what being a woman was about, beyond the body image and cooking and cleaning.

The young writer was expecting the big question as to why she had to jump the borders and launch her book in London. She explained that she got the confidence from the publisher, who showed interest in her book the first time they laid eyes on it.

“The arts in South Africa is a tough

THE aspirant writer Noxolo Tshukela from Kimberley is looking for an investor to assist her in launching her book in London.

Photo: Boipelo Mere

industry to get into. There is a lot of us trying, but only a few make it. Going overseas, is going to an audience that has a fresh perspective and new appreciation of our stories compared to local audiences that are already familiar with our stories, so overseas is fertile ground for me.”

She says that she approached them (publishers) back in 2010 and they liked her stories because of its different story-line. The book, which will sell at R120 per copy, will also produce audio and braille editions for impaired people.

Tshukela promises that if she finds an investor, it will benefit a lot from the book sales, including beyond money value.

“I have the support of a recognised company that has a great success rate; will they approach a lost cause and lose a lot of money by spending it on me? I know I will make money, because my stories are one-of-a-kind,” she said in a desperate tone.

A quote from the book: You are the element that completes the compound, the flavour in the meal, the colour in the sky, the life on earth. You are her . . . the mystery is uncovered, the equation solved, you are the fine print of humanity, the most important and binding component, you are the memory tucked away together in an album for a triumphant journey, the souvenir in itself.

The celebration is her; the celebration is you and I.

JOSEPHINE MODIPANE who is formally from Beaconsfield is currently at the Lethlabile Old Age Home in Brits in the North-West. She alleges that she left home many years ago and cannot remember the exact time. She believes that her children are still living in Beaconsfield and they are known as Engeline Modipane, Joseph Modipane, Peter Modipane and Johannes Modipane. The police are appealing to the family of Modipane or anyone who may know her to contact Const. Dineo Lucy Sekgotodi of the SAPS Namakgale on 073-4148-339 or 015-769-1530 or fax 015-769-1128 or on email.

Photo: Supplied

EXPRESS NORTHERN CAPE , WEDNESDAY 17 SEPTEMBER 2014

NEWS

ANCYL will fight for goals } Boipelo Mere THE current generation of ANC Youth League (ANCYL) members vow to continue taking over the baton from their forebearers and commit themselves to carry on the revolution towards the attainment of the national democratic revolution.

The league commits itself to carry on the fight against the socio-economic exclusion of young Africans, young blacks in particular.

This the league emphasised through a media release sent by its provincial secretary, Neo Maneng, in celebration of its 70th anniversary.

“We shall remain vigilant and militant just like the generations which came before us in pursue of our revolutionary goals and objectives. We will not confuse militancy with anarchy, we will remain disciplined at all times and subject ourselves to the culture and traditions of the ANC and ANCYL of Nelson Mandela, Oliver Tambo, Govan Mbeki and other heroes and heroines of our glorious movement,” stated Maneng.

In salutation of the 1940 generation of pioneers like Anton Lembede, Walter Sisulu, Nelson Mandela and others, the generation which galvanised the ANC into a pragmatic path of active militancy against the colonial regime, the ANCYL promises to dip their banners in honour of all those leaders.

“We honour the youth of the 1976 generation, the ones who took to the streets to signal their rejection of the system of apartheid and all its laws and policies. We honour the generation of young combatants who skipped the country illegally to receive military training in the frontline states of Tanzania, Zambia, Mozambique, Botswana and Zimbabwe.

“We continue to salute the 1980s’ and 1990s’ generations led by Jackie Selebi, Peter Mokaba, Lulu Johnson and many others who came after them. A generation which re-organised the young people of our movement from in- and outside the country to come back and make a contribution to the transitional process from apartheid to the democratic order we all are benefiting from today,” continued the provincial secretary.

He continued to highlight how the generation of Mxolisi Majombozi, Robert Sobukwe, Dilizintaba Mji and Robert Resha fought for political freedom in our lifetime.

“Our generation has a mammoth task of fighting for economic freedom in our lifetime. The fight for economic freedom in our lifetime cannot be haphazard, full of political rhetoric and populist monotonous humdrums, but a scientific, clinical, yet militant approach.”

Maneng continued to urge the young people to commit themselves to self-capacitation by penetrating institutions of higher learning in order to champion the aspiration of the National Democratic Revolution, which was underpinned by amongst others the transfer of economic power to the people.

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Artists in the NC struggle to exist

RIGHT: The writing on the wall explaining the short history of Dr Arthur Letele.

LEFT: Visitors are attracted by the interesting menu at the entrance of the Ivuma Arts Centre.

} Noxolo Tshukela

Photos: Boipelo Mere

Ivuma gives artists a home } Boipelo Mere THE establishment of the Ivuma Arts Centre in the heart of Greater No 2, Galeshewe, came as a relief to local artists. They now have a permanent meeting place where they can showcase their talent.

Established as a Non Profit Organisation (NPO) in February, the art centre is run with the objective of exposing, promoting and networking the art landscape and its stakeholders.

The Ivuma Arts Centre will take part in celebrating Heritage Month by telling its stories through music, dance, storytelling, poetry, stage performance, crafts and visual art on 24, 26 and 27 September.

Many artists will display their work under the theme My African Dream: Telling your story that moves South Africa forward as a way of reflecting and celebrating 20 years of

democracy in the country.

Artists from all walks of life will be exhibiting. Among the local artist are Bokhutlo Makhale (actor, writer and director and painter), Mosekiemang Kola (painter, wood-carver and arts crafter) and Nosipho Mtabani (poet).

The arts centre was jointly established by Ikgopoleng NGO, Vukani Ma Afrika (business entity) and the Marcus Garvey Orthodox Movement NGO. It is managed by a committee of seven members with Thusho Mokolare as the chairperson. Both the social and economic development of the surrounding community and its artists rank high in the centre’s agenda. ) Visit www.express-news.co.za for a video of the local artist Seun Botake during a rehearsal at the centre. Also share your view or experience of the centre on the Facebook page at Northern Cape Express.

Mpho’s dream realised } Hendre Jacobs MPHO MAROANE’S dream was realised at last. The 2014 Tsantsabane Idol finally released her long-anticipated debut album on 5 September in the Postmasburg town hall.

It was a night of bliss as the petite singer went about delivering a five-star performance to a capacity crowd.

The first batch of the 12-track album, Yes, Lord, was sold out even before the end of the night. Mpho, a truly gifted soloist and composer, was stunning in her performance and delivered an excellent repertoire of dance, spoken word and gospel music. She was supported by a star-studded backing vocal team and gospel band. Hilton Appollis, a community leader in Olifantshoek, had high praises after the show.

“I am astounded by the depth of talent in the Northern Cape,” he said.

Mpho’s amazing vocal mastery was discovered when she won the 2014 Tsantsabane Idols, a talent-seeking competition in Postmasburg. She has since been performing at every major gig around town and fans describe her as a singing wonder.

MPHO MAROANE performing during the launch of her CD. Photo: Hendre Jacobs During the show, Mpho thanked the Postmasburg community for their support.

“May God bless everyone that made this project possible, especially the donor community. It is such an honour to be the first ever Tsantsabane Idol. Young people, as you listen to the album, remember God has not forgotten about you,” she said.

Mpho is available for singing or speaking engagements and can be accessed via Facebook.

The Tsantsabane Idols is an annual youth development programme brought to Postmasburg by the National Youth Development Outreach.

Three arrested for murder THREE suspects, Thato Pasman (20), Siyanda Mxoli (23) and Randy Hoogstander (22), appeared before the Galeshewe Magistrate’s Court on Monday on charges of the murder of Dichaba Mabija (22).

It is alleged that the three suspects approached the victim on Friday, 5 September, at about 22:30 when he was walking home with his friend from a local tavern.

The suspects allegedly started to harass the two friends.

That is when Mabija was fatally stabbed in his neck while his friend was stabbed in his hand. Mabija stumbled a few metres and fell, where he died. The suspects, who were known to the witnesses, were arrested the Saturday by the police in Kagisho at about 02:30. The murder weapon was also confiscated from one of the men and they were

FROM the left are Thato Pasman (20), Siyanda Mxoli (23) and Randy Hoogstander (22).

Photo: Supplied

charged for murder and assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm. They remained in police custody and their next court appearance is on 22 September.

WHEN we compare the success rate of other provinces to that of the Northern Cape, we rank very low. Artists in the province are having it difficult. The few who brave adversity and try to host shows, sessions and so forth to familiarise themselves with local audiences often find themselves having to spend more than they profit because there are too few people in attendance.

The question is why. Why do audiences not support the arts in the province so that artists can make a living from their craft?

Well, for me it is pretty simple. The majority of the audience is swept up by the night club wave which does not help the artistic movement to advance.

There is rarely an influx of audience members and the province is not often considered within the national artistic movements, and this leads to more problems.

I am not bashing the night club movement; it is about preference and personal choice.

This leads to another point: Is the night club movement to blame for the struggles of local artists, and should audiences be selected for the type of entertainment?

Absolutely not.

How can we promote the artistic movement in the province?

There is an enormous lack of funding for groundlevel artists (governmental and corporate), which forces them to cough up their own money; which is very little in most instances. They then produce low-grade craftsmanship (poor delivery of artistry), which is primarily disappointing and embarrassing and which causes the most talented and ambitious artists to procrastinate to showcase their talent.

This in turn deprives audiences of unique experiences and growth when it comes to new ideas and discovering new frontiers.

I am very passionate about artistry, craftsmanship and breaking new ground towards making the Northern Cape a formidable city, a city to be reckoned with.

That is why I am writing this, to in a sense, break new ground. Many artists have a plea to make. They would like to make their struggles known and see a change take place to better conditions and to create more opportunities so that a new and refreshing breed of artists can take to the stage.

EXPRESS NORTHERN CAPE , WEDNESDAY 17 SEPTEMBER 2014

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NEWS

No worries for geen stress } Boipelo Mere DRIVING from Kuruman to Bothitong proved to be a sure way of learning how unequal communities are, given the terrible conditions of the roads in which the rural communities on the Joe Morolong Municipality travel.

The pain of travelling on the bad roads is easily eased once one meets a group of young musicians calling themselves Geenstress Records.

Geenstress Records is made up of four local guys whose musical gifts remained hidden until discovered by Express Northern Cape.

According to the group, they strutt their stuff with the hope of seeing government tar their roads, so that it can be easy for producers and big record labels to travel to Bothitong and discover their hidden talent.

They continue to highlight how there has never been a time when their villages have been more popular and visited by different government officials, including ministers.

The group, Geenstress, meaning no stress, has come of age even though they have many problems.

In the absence of two of the members, Fanny “Mkay” Thobega and Otshepang “Candyboy” Mokomele, the two remaining members, Agisanang “Delicate” Modise and Amogelang “Aka DJ Ngamla” Thupayagale, are honoured to take Express Northern Cape through their experience.

“We all had our own small recording companies, even though they were not efficient and registered. We came together as home boys with some drums and the love for music and plotted a better path of forming one formidable record company to avoid working in silos,” says Agisanang “Delicate” Modise, looking at Thupayagae to take over the interview.

‘Our parents believe in us.

They have funded the equipment with the knowl­ edge that we will make money with them. We had to make strong business proposals to our unem­ ployed parents.’’ – Ag­ isanang “Delicate” Modise

MEMBERS of the Geenstress Record Company based in Bothithong, Kuruman, in their make-shift studio in a bedroom. They are Agisanang “Delicate” Modise (left) and Amogelang “Aka DJ Ngamla” Thupayagale.

Photo: Boipelo Mere “We agreed to work together and produce our music as a team so as to add value to our product,” adds Thupayagae.

He says that they have no problem working together “hence we have become a formidable force in our region”.

Counting on the close to R50 000 that they spent on buying their musical equipment, the boys are adamant that they are facing a bright future.

In response to how they managed to buy the expensive material in their unemployed state, they reveal how their parents had assisted them financially.

“Our parents believe in us. They have funded the equipment with the knowledge that we will make money with them. We had to make strong business proposals to our unemployed parents,” adds the ever talkative Modise.

He proudly says that they (the group) do not starve themselves from enjoying life like their peers. ) Log onto thr website www.expressnews.co.za for a video of the group’s first song.

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EXPRESS NORTHERN CAPE, WEDNESDAY 17 SEPTEMBER 2014

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Middendorp under fire } Sidwell Guduka

THE Bloemfontein Celtic coach, Ernst Middendorp, might not be facing the wrath of angry fans baying for his blood, but he is under pressure to overturn his team’s poor start to the season.

After an encouraging opening day 1-1 draw against Mpumalanga Black Aces, followed by another 2-all draw against Orlando Pirates, Celtic lost 1-0 to high-riding Kaizer Chiefs – before registering a 2-0 victory over Amazulu, which was followed by a scoreless draw against Platinum Stars.

Middendorp, who is skating on thin ice, watched the game from the stands as his side were taught free football lessons by Mamelodi Sundowns at the Free State Stadium on Sunday. The Brazilians deservedly won the match 1-0 courtesy of an Elias Pelembe tap-in.

MiddenDraw, as the German mentor is nicknamed for specialising in draws, is in dire straits and needs a convincing win over Supersport United in Pretoria next Saturday to buy himself more time in charge.

Celtic lie sixth from the bottom of the log and they might drop to the basement of the table if they fail to notch up a win against United, and all the teams behind them register victories in their next league encounters.

The arrogant Middendorp must be wary of any pink flyers in his post of late, having picked up a meagre six points – with a single win – in six matches since the beginning of the current season. His days are said to be numbered at the Bloemfontein outfit.

The highly-rated but under-performing mentor joined Phunya Sele Sele to replace Clinton Larsen in October last year after the latter had resigned following a string of poor results.

The beleaguered coach has not delivered yet for his new employers since taking over

The under­fire coach has not delivered yet for his new employers since taking over al­ most one year ago and will be cognisant of the fact that Celtic have fired Mich D’Avray, who has since joined Chippa United as the technical advisor. He held the same position at Celtic for as many years.

GIMME GIMME SOME WINS: Ernst Middendorp is under pressure to get positive results.

Photo: Sidwell Guduka

almost one year ago and will be cognisant of the fact that Celtic have fired Mich D’Avray, who has since joined Chippa United as the technical advisor. He held the same position at Celtic for as many years.

The sooner Middendraw realises that his defensive approach doesn’t win games, the better.

According to our reliable source, Middendorp met with the team management on

Monday to “map a way forward”.

“He is close to the exit door,” the source says.

Efforts to talk to Max Tshabalala, Celtic chairman, about Middendorp’s future at Siwelele Park proved futile. ) We want to hear from you: Should Celtic keep Middendorp or hire a new coach? Send your view to sidwell.guduka@expressnews.co.za.

Let us know if you are good at sport ARE you good at sport, or is someone in your school or place of education good at sport? Are you motivating or training others to be good at sport?

Are you getting people active at your school, community or gym?

Express Northern Cape wants to hear from you.

SuperSport and Let’s Play, in association with Express Northern Cape, has launched a special initiative. Express Northern Cape wants to find and give recognition to learners at either primary or high school level who excel in sport, or helping others to be more active.

The SuperSport Let’s Play Sports Star of the Month is a competition for anyone aged 6 to 18.

You can nominate yourself or be nominated by a friend or teacher, lecturer or coach at your school

De Villiers a stalwart } Sidwell Guduka JEAN DE VILLIERS (33), the Springbok captain, celebrated his 100th test appearance this weekend.

He achieved the milestone with a 1014 defeat to New Zealand in Wellington on Saturday.

“Jean’s contribution to South African rugby and the Springboks over such an extended period has been immense,” said Oregan Hoskins, president of the South African Rugby Union (Saru), on Monday.

“He is held in high regard as a player, captain and person.”

or place of education. You can even be nominated by a family member or friend who knows how good you are. From all the entries received each month, one will be chosen as the SuperSport Let’s Play Sports Star of the Month. The monthly winner will receive a Let’s Play hamper. At the end of the year one entry from all the monthly winners will be chosen as the SuperSport Let’s Play Sports Star of the Year.

Your nomination must include your name, age, contact details and a short paragraph (less than 200 words) about your achievements. ) You can email your nomination to supersport@zpr.co.za or send a fax to 086-552-4922. ) For more information call Lynne or Juanré at Z PR on 051-522-9574.