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WEDNESDAY 17 DECEMBER 2014
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Women turn the tide
FREE
New group tackles mining
} Boipelo Mere
SOME members of Kganya ya bomme, Nondumiso Like, Milicent Monyamane, Masego Rabakanyo and Kholiwe Mlambo.
THE deputy minister of Mineral Resources, Godfrey Oliphant, urged Northern Cape women at a high tea party at the Kimberley Country Club to brace themselves for delivering his bouncing baby in August next year. “I do not want this child of mine to be surrounded by gossip or politics,” he told the giggling women in the packed country club. The event, which was attended by elegantly dressed women only except for the jubilant Oliphant, Viljoen Mothibi, the head of department of the Department of Agriculture, the DJ and a video capturer, was hosted to start the journey of turning the tide of poverty in the province. The more than 50 women established a group in an effort to grab the available opportunities within the mining industry as urged by Oliphant during his series of workshops in the province in October. The former speaker of the Northern Cape Legislature, Connie Seoposengwe, then formed Kganya ya Bomme Investments, which is a 100% women-owned company. The investment company was formed after the deputy minister had urged women to change the tide of the male dominated mining sector without any fear. He said that he did not leave any room for disappointment in these women and expected them to deliver a bomb of success in nine months’ time. That was the child that he was referring to. Mothibi motivated the women by saying that groups of such magnitude were the ones that could break the monopoly with support from the Agriculture Department. “This should serve as an example to women in rural areas to do away with oppression and to learn from you.” Kedisaletse Williams, the provincial manager of Seda, also pledged her support to the group. “Groups usually start small and grow bigger. This is the first group of this magnitude I have seen. I therefore pledge to support you wherever I can to create a bigger space in the province for you,” she said. The women have been engaging in a series of workshops. The company was divided in 12 departments each with its own head. The women were encouraged to shine especially after their first committee was formed. The committee consists of the usual officials as well as the heads of the 12 departments. ) Go to the website www.express-news.co.za for more pictures.
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EXPRESS NORTHERN CAPE, WEDNESDAY 17 DECEMBER 2014
NEWS
FACILITATING the outing to the Big Hole for the gangsters were Ipeleng Motsamai of the Department of Social Development, Simphiwe Ntenetya of Atlegang in Nature and Yvonne Jones, an auxiliary social worker. Photo: Boipelo Mere
No quitting once trapped in a gang } Boipelo Mere
He is no longer afraid of anything in this life because he has been stabbed a few times and has never been arrested by the police for gang fights.
NOT all gangsters enjoy the dangerous lifestyle that they live. That was revealed by one of the gangsters from a local gang called Criminal Mapensele (CM). The gang member Isaac Phetho (not his real name) admits that he is part of the formation of the current CM gang and uses the media platform to plead his case. He would love to quit gangsterism but feels trapped because to leave the gang, he is expected to hurt one of his own gang members. He feels it not safe to stay a gangster because he will end up being killed anyway. Phetho was amongst the 34 gangsters living in Ward 17 who were invited to participate in the sports and youth activities by the Department of Social Services, Greenworld NGO, Soul City, the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture and the Atlegang in Nature NGO. Activity progamme Kickstarting the programme earlier in October, gangsters have been engaging with the stakeholders in meetings before the start of the formal three-day activity programme at the Kutlwanong Hall. The programme ended on a high note where they were taken on an outing to view the Big Hole, which was a first-time experience for most of them. In an interview with Express Northern Cape, Phetho opens up as to how he and his group of friends were forced to become involved in gangsterism. Former prisoners They were reportedly being mistaken for the notorious CM gang that was originally formed by former prisoners who recruited vulnerable youths from the township. He admits that he had no idea as to what had happened to the original CM gang. Looking much younger than the 20 years he claims to be, Phetho
reveals how his gang always ends up on the battlefield fighting with other gangs like the DBC and Born to Kill (BTK). Impress the girls “We were just a group of normal friends who loved to dress up to impress the girls. That is why we even called ourselves Poverty Lives (PL’s). “One day, when I was on my way from Donkerhoek, I was attacked by members of the DBC gang who accused us of being the CM hiding behind the name PL. “When I told my friends, they decided that we should take revenge as a group and we assaulted some of the DBC group members in return, and that is how things got out of hand. That was four years ago,” Phetho says. According to Phetho, the CM is not as violent as other gangs because they are never the ones who start the fight. That is why it is difficult for all of them to quit the game because of the ground rules (hurting one of their own). That is how the rival gangs get the message. No inequality “In our gang, there is no protocol observed or inequality. We are all equal and respect one another. “We are not the ones who follow them, they are the ones who follow us. And when the fight starts, we fight back.” Regarding safety measures of the community and their families, Phetho says that there are rules that all rival groups observe due to the fact that everyone of them is human. To explain this comment he highlights that he has an almost two-year-old son, a strict father and a cool mother to protect. “I must admit that I am worried about my family’s concerns and their safety. But I know that our homes are off-limits whatever happens. “When I walk with my son and meet my rivals, I have to find a way to protect him like entering
the nearest yard. The rival is not allowed to take me on on private property. In this way we also respect other people’s property.” In response to incidents whereby ordinary community members’ property was damaged and windows smashed during a gang fight, Phetho responds that it happens by mistake when opposing gangs are fighting. “Even if one of the gang members runs into a yard, we don’t respond by damaging property.” Phetho feels it is time for him to grow up because his son’s mother has left him and he wants to protect his son. Lifestyle He has to date another girl in the gang as they live the same lifestyle. He says the girls who decide to join their gang are impressed by their habits and charmed. He is no longer afraid of anything in this life because he has been stabbed a few times and has never been arrested by the police for gang fights. According to the Ward 17 councillor, Nombulelo Modise, there is still room for change amongst the gangsters due to them still being young. She pledges her support to the children and promises to assist them wherever she can to reshape their futures. “It is not like they love what they are doing, thus they cannot be judged. We, as the community, have to accept them and give them a chance.” Recreational activities Modise highlights that building recreational facilities by government will curb this kind of behaviour as some of the children are driven to these activities by their poor backgrounds. “We have to encourage them to finish school in order for them to establish their own businesses with the available funds. That way they will be able to improve their families’ living conditions.”
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Time for DJ Nation’s annual bash } Boipelo Mere MORE than 10 000 people from different provinces, as well as other countries like Botswana and Swaziland, are expected to flock to the Taung Sports Grounds for the upcoming annual DJ Nation bash. According to the host and organiser of the event, DJ Nation, the annual bash, affectionately known as 28 December, started way back in 2007 in a village called Nhole in Taung with just 200 people in attendance. It is because of his sense of loyalty to his supporters that the event has managed to go from strength to strength. He says that the event, which has grown in leaps and bounds since its inception, is not only aimed at fun and entertainment, but to promote tourism in Taung, create temporary jobs and also to create HIV and Aids awareness. “I would like to advise my followers in advance not to drink and drive, as the flow of traffic is expected to increase. It is as much their responsibility as it is ours to party responsibly and avoid driving under the influence of alcohol,” advises DJ Nation. The event will also allow local DJs to show their talent. This year’s bash promises to be much bigger than in previous years where big names were part of the line-up – these events saw international acts like Monique Bingham, Ralf Gum from Germany and ROCCO from France. “My supporters know that I am a man of my word, that is partly because I am the one who personally plans and promotes the bash. I have always given them the assurance of the listed line-ups,” he adds. “This year’s line-up boasts of Portia Monique from London, Quentin Harris from America and national acts Casper Nyovest, Ready D, DJ Fresh, Black Motion,
DJ NATION is to host thousands at his annual bash at the Taung Sports Grounds on 28 December. Beatenberg and many more, which is value for money.” DJ Nation reveals that the main bash of 28 December is accompanied by pre-parties and after-parties which will be held around the North-West and the Northern Cape. Leading up to the main event, the first pre-party will be hosted in Capelo in
Kuruman where the entry fee is R50 on 26 December, followed by a red carpet event at the Taung Hotel School on 27 December for the fee of R70. More than ten local DJ’s will be given the platform to take the stage at the after-party on 29 December on free entry. Tickets for the event at the Taung Sports
Photo: Supplied
Grounds next to the Fire Department on 28 December cost R140 at Computicket. VIP tickets cost R500. Gates open at 17:30. For information call DJ Nation on 082-582-3593 or follow him on Twitter @MWM_28DECTAUNG, Facebook: twentyeight December Taung and Instagram @djnation.
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EXPRESS NORTHERN CAPE, WEDNESDAY 17 DECEMBER 2014
NEWS
Groups unite to clean crime hotspot AS part of the closing of the campaign of 16 Days of Activism for No Violence against Women and Children, approximately 200 men, with the assistance of some women, embarked on cleaning the veld between the provincial legislature building and the provincial archives between Galeshewe and the West End area. Members of the community also got their hands dirty and joined in cleaning the areas that they claim are used as hideouts for criminals to commit acts of robbery and rape. The project was started with the aim of making communities safe and secure, thus the SAPS Men for Change, in conjunction with Partnership Policing and other stakeholders, made extra efforts. The area is reported to pose a great danger to the community due to its overgrown bushes with dense vegetation since the recent rains in Kimberley. The organisation’s concern is that these are factors that obscure the visibility of people frequenting the areas. Other stakeholders are the Sol Plaatje Municipality, Department of Correctional Services, Department of Transport, Safety and Liaison, Community Policing Forums, Safety Volunteers and the general public. They have identified open spaces that are deemed crime hotspots. Also commenting on the campaign of 16 Days of Activism for No Violence against Women and Children, the premier of the Northern Cape, Sylvia Lucas, highlighted in a press release how disturbing it was that very few people heeded the call to support and live the campaign. She said it was by no means as a result of a lack of will from the government. “The outstanding work done by
THE Men for Change that got their hands dirty in an effort to fight crime. government and civil society is overshadowed by a few gruesome incidences of abuse, neglect and criminality,” Lucas said. The premier added that government led in the fight of abuse and all available resources were made available to ensure that they
Safety tips for the festive season THE South African Police Service in the Northern Cape has sent out a few tips after reports showed that more crime related activities occur during this time of the year. The tips to take into consideration for vehicle safety are the following: ) Be familiar with your environment. Be constantly on the lookout for suspicious looking people or vehicles following you and do not hesitate to report them to the police. Also alert others by continuously honking on the hooter. ) Lock all your doors and shut all your windows before driving off. ) Do not talk on your cellphone while driving as it will distract you on what’s happening in your surroundings. ) Always alternate routes to and from work. ) Whenever possible do not travel alone after dark and if you do, make sure that when returning home that there is an outside light on, or have
Be constantly on the lookout for suspicious looking people. someone meet you outside. ) Do not leave bags, cellphones, cameras, laptops, cash and other valuables visible in the vehicle. Lock all valuables in the boot or behind the seat in a bakkie. ) Be wary of people standing at traffic lights or intersections. ) If you encounter obstacles in the road such as rocks or tyres, do not get out of your vehicle to remove them. Immediately reverse and drive off in the opposite direction. ) Do not withdraw large amounts of money from banks, rather do electronic transfers or do payments with your debit or credit cards.
achieved what they set out to do. What was needed, was the full participation of citizens to ensure that the programmes were lasting and effective. “We have always placed great emphasis on the abuse of women and children and it is heart-
Photo: Supplied
wrenching to learn that the very women we seek to protect are guilty of one of the greatest injustices – child abuse and neglect.” Lucas highlighted the latest tragedy that shocked the city where two children had died in a
horrific shack fire while they had been left in the care of their 11-year-old sister. The parents of the children were both absent at the time. “This child is in need of care and protection. As a mother, my heart goes out to the surviving sibling and as a community we should stand firm and provide our full support to this little girl. It is particularly disturbing to note that when the tragedy unfolded, both the mother and father were absent. They have both absconded and failed horribly in their duty to love, nurture and protect their children. We, especially mothers, are entrusted with not only a moral obligation to protect our children with our own lives, but we have a maternal instinct to do so. We have been granted this wonderful gift of being able to bring forth children and it is our duty to take care of that great favour to the best of our ability.” The premier elaborated on how many took that privilege for granted and chose instead to abuse and neglect what God had entrusted to them. Quoting that “it takes a village to raise a child”, Lucas called upon all communities to stand together and take a stand against not only the abuse of women and children, but also to report cases of child neglect. “Parents and caregivers must know at all times where their children are and ensure that no harm comes to them. Similarly too, fathers have the responsibility to protect their children with life and limb. We have seen too many children suffer at the hands of monsters that abuse, rape and murder them. The sad reality is that many a time the monsters present themselves as parents of these innocent and fragile children. It has to stop.”
Victim centres friendlier THE South African Police Service (SAPS) in the Northern Cape received a donation of R15 000 to make the Victim Empowerment Centres (VEC’s) at police stations in the Kimberley Cluster more accessible. The donation, received from Edgars and Jet, came at a time when the nation is commemorating the 16 Days of Activism of No Violence against Women and Children. These funds were used to purchase items such as blankets and pillows to enhance the friendliness, warmth and accessibility of the VEC’s. The Kimberley Cluster management conducted a thorough assessment to determine the most needy VEC’s for this purpose to ensure that the items were utilized where people really needed them. The police believe that the VEC’s should be as friendly as possible for the victims of crime, especially for the most vulnerable groups like women and children. Various station commanders will be handed the items to distribute to their respective stations. Maj. Gen. Jean Abrams, the Kimberley Cluster commander,
THE station commanders are from left, front: Capt. Graige Jafta from Campbell, Const. Katlego Morake and Maj. Gen. Jean Abrams, the cluster commander of Kimberley; back: Brig. Dennis Fourie from Kimberley, WO Barnard Cediax, acting station commander of Plooysburg, Lt. Col. Alfred Matatsane from Douglas, Capt. Kabelo Thebe from Modderrivier and WO Anthony Wildt, acting station commander of Griekwastad. Photo: Supplied
indicated that victims of sexual crime (both male and female) should feel at ease when they come to police stations to open such cases. She added that the
VEC’s were established to make the environment victim-friendly so that valuable and critical information could be obtained from victims.
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THE head of department of the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture, Faizel Aysen, pledged his support to the 858 learners who left to participate in the 2014 National School Sports Championships. Photos: Boipelo Mere
THESE boys and girls are ready to make the province proud.
Kids wished well for championships } Boipelo Mere AT least 858 learners from schools across the Northern Cape will be joining the 10 000 learners from across the country in the 2014 National School Sports Championships starting in Pretoria today. The learners left with their teachers, coaches and technical team to participate in the 14 sporting codes including indigenous games. The learners were given a deserving send-off by the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture last week Tuesday and the Department of Education before the five-day championships at the City of Tshwane. Faizel Aysen, the head of department at the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture, encouraged the learners to make the best of
this opportunity and make as many contacts and friends as possible. “Take advantage of this opportunity as some of you are going to be identified by talent scouts from across the country,” he said while calling out his cellphone number to be used by the children whenever the need arose. “I want you to return as a bunch of winners,” emphasised Aysen. Poppy Mlambo of the Department of Education urged the technical team, coaches and teachers to take care of the children as if they were their own. “These children’s parents have put their trust in you to take good care of them. “I would also like to thank the parents for availing their children as the number
of sporting codes has increased to 14 this year as compared to the 12 in 2013.” She also highlighted that the coaches who helped in nurturing the learners did it for the love of sport. Mlambo also warned the coaches and teams not to make any decisions regarding the children without consulting the relevant people. “Keep us up to date and consult us. We do not want our children to miss out on the bursaries that are available,” emphasised Mlambo. To motivate the learners she said: “You are our dynamite, go and explode when you get there. “We do not want you to return as number nine like you did in 2013. We expect you to do better this year.”
‘Take advantage of this opportunity as some of you are going to be identified by talent scouts from across the country.’ – Faizel Aysen, Sport, Arts and Culture head of department
Economic Development & Tourism Department: Economic Development & Tourism NORTHERN CAPE PROVINCE REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA
Festive Greetings
Notice is hereby given that the offices of the Department of Economic Development and Tourism will be closed from 22 December 2014 to 2 Jan 2015. Offices will reopen on Monday, 5 January 2015. We regret any inconvenience this may cause.
“May you and your family enjoy safe and pleasant Festive Season”
As elected members of the legislature we will persist to serve our people with eagerness and commitment as we continue on this historical
Wishing everyone a blessed journey of building a Christmas and a prosperous 2015. better life for all.
Speaker: Kenny Mmoiemang X1PJRH89-NE171214
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EXPRESS NORTHERN CAPE, WEDNESDAY 17 DECEMBER 2014
NEWS
Mine thanks workers MORE than 100 employees of the Kolomela Mine were lauded for their loyal service and hard work. Anglo American, Kumba Iron Ore’s Kolomela Mine, recently gave recognition to employees who started their career with Kumba Iron Ore five years ago. These employees have not only given years of dedica-ted service, but also shared their own personal qualities. The Kolomela Mine’s general manager, Aart van den Brink, mentioned in his speech that he was proud of being a part of this winning team of dedicated and loyal individuals who worked with purpose and passion at the Kolomela Mine.
SOME of the Kumba Kolomela Mine’s employees who were recognised are from left, front: Ferosa Neels, Eric Beukes, Analine Fielding and Zenodene Itwelengon; back: Gerhard Brand, Davey Mthe, Madeleine Britz, Clive Bezuidenhout, Rowan Cloete, Le Roux Buckle and Aart van den Brink, general manager. Photo: Supplied
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Steps to help you save money ONE needs to start living beneath one’s means. In order to build wealth, don’t spend everything you earn. That is what most people do, they spend right up to their limit each month. Standard Bank highlighted that most people feel like millionaires on pay day, and only start taking a slow stroll back to reality when those debit orders start rolling out. Sugendhree Reddy, head of Personal Banking at Standard Bank, says: “The biggest payoff of adopting a moderate lifestyle is peace of mind. People who have plenty of room in their budgets for error, live with far less anxiety than those who go into ‘the red’ each month. “Living beneath your means has a serious ring to it, but it’s not about going to extremes to save money. Rather, it is about budgeting and spending sensibly to make sure that your future is financially secure and stress-free.” Planning a budget and sticking to it can help you resist the urge to spend needlessly on impulse buys and things that you don’t really need. The money saved can be used to open a savings account for emergencies or luxuries, or for valuable investment opportunities, such as saving for your retirement. “Imagine if you were investing R5 000 per month during a 12-month period and earning interest of R2 573 during the year on that investment. The financial freedom and security would be incredible,” says Reddy. It’s also a good idea to regularly relook the organisation of your finances in general; having the wrong type of bank account, not using your own bank’s ATM, doing your banking the traditional way through branches rather than embracing online channels, mismanaging funds, and having inappropriate insurance products can also leak money from your pocket. It takes time to streamline your finances to ensure every cent is building your financial wealth, but it is time well spent. The key to living beneath your means lies in deciding what purchases are necessary and which ones are driven by desire, says Reddy. The bottom line is, the more wants rather than needs that you hold on to, the less financial freedom you will ultimately enjoy. Here are some tips to help you live beneath your means: ) Avoid buying premium brands, especially when the product performs a basic function. ) Taking your own lunch to work can save you thousands in the long-term, and it will be healthier. ) Keep your car as long as you can. Today’s cars are built to last well over 200 000 kilometres if serviced regularly. ) Using your credit card can be an effective tool as you get 55 days interest-free, but it needs to be managed carefully and paid in full. Reward yourself for victories. If you settle a debt, treat yourself; living beneath your means is about self-control, but you can still enjoy yourself. ) Keep a money diary. Whenever you spend money, jot down the date, the cost, and the item. You may not capture everything, but it can give you an eye-opening view of where your money goes. ) Using rewards programmes can be very beneficial in the long run. It allows you to get something back and an opportunity to treat yourself for your everyday spending. ) Using online channels is cheaper than going into the bank. Become technology savvy and use your tablet and mobile banking app to do your banking.
EXPRESS NORTHERN CAPE , WEDNESDAY 17 DECEMBER 2014
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U.9 players given a fair chance
} Boipelo Mere
WHILE parents were hard at work to put food on the table and prepare for the Christmas holidays, the South African Soccer Masters and Legends Football Association was hard at work in keeping the young boys busy and off the streets. The association held soccer
clinics for u.9 soccer players at the Galeshewe artificial pitch, the Frank Roro Cricket Grounds in Retswelele, the Greenpoint and Roodepan Stadiums. According to Jerry Tshazibana, who is the deputy secretary of the association, this was the second round of their school holiday programme. They had one earlier during the
September school holidays as well. He said that it had always been a problem for u.9 soccer players to be given a fair chance at school. “We will be extending the programme to schools in an effort to assist in preparing these children in time. Soccer can assist them in terms of discipline and building them up.
“We soccer legends want to start them at an early stage and include some discipline in our training, because the schools only look at other levels,” said Tshazibana. “Our aim was for the programme to cover the whole of Kimberley, and spread to other regions if they can get funding.” According to him, the Masters
THE boys were working hard to impress the coaches with their skills.
Photo: Boipelo Mere
Transport given to aid education ANGLO AMERICAN, Kumba Iron Ore’s Kolomela Mine, and the service provider Benleg assisted learners from Newtown by providing transportation to the Blinkklip High School. For Kolomela education is not only one of the key focus areas, but also the most important foundation for any child. The learners have in the past regularly experienced challenges with transportation to and from school, which could have led to an adverse impact on their education. This unfortunate situation led to the learners protesting by burning tyres and marching with posters on the Beeshoek Road.
and Legends Association is working in association with Safa, where they utilise their coaches. Thanking the South African Football Association and local football association for assistance with its coaches, the Legends invite the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture to come on board in building South Africa’s children.
The temporary assistance with transport was put in place for the remainder of the 2014 academic year to ensure that learners were not deprived of access to education. This assistance was to allow the Department of Transport enough time to put proper transportation measures in place for 2015. “Kolomela Mine’s objective for education is to create an enabling learning environment in partnership with key education stakeholders, and it is our belief that through this initiative this objective has been met,” said George Benjamin, public affairs manager.
Stuck in the mud THE Sol Plaatje Fire Brigade had to dig out their truck after it had become stuck in the mud in Platfontein. That was during the launch of the 16 Days of Activism of no Violence against Women and Children by the Northern Cape Department of Land Reform. The event was held in an open field where the tents were set up. The sand was wet due to the rain. THE bus with which the learners were assisted.
Photo: Boipelo Mere
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GWK becomes even bigger stakeholder in meat industry
GWK MEAT has announced the acquisition of an interest in the Cavalier Group, which forms part of GWK Limited’s strategy to invest downstream in the food value chain. As a full subsidiary of GWK Limited, the South African agribusiness, with its head office in Douglas in the Northern Cape, GWK Meat is a large stakeholder in the South African meat industry with interests in cattle
and sheep abattoirs. It also reports to being the largest sole distributor of lamb meat with the Karoo Meat of Origin certification mark in South Africa, which is supplied exclusively to Food Lover’s Market and the Wallmart Group. According to the company, it also supplies certified niche market mutton with full traceability to Pick n Pay and Woolworths under different protocols, inclu-
ding lamb for Shoprite Checkers’ Certified Natural brand. Wim van Rooyen, GWK’s general manager, stated that they have been supplying auctions, meat markets and supermarkets for Cavalier Foods, the South African-based Cavalier Group, with whole lamb carcasses, which is then cut, packaged and distributed, for some time. The Cavalier Group owns an established, integrated meat
packing plant which offers an expansion opportunity in the meat packaging environment. Cavalier has also recently broken ground on a new plant in Cullinan, outside Pretoria, to increase its current production capacity. The plant is designed to pack various lamb and beef cuts by using the latest technology. “In the light of our established business relationship and strategic
alignment, the parties saw it fit to acquire an interest in Cavalier’s business and thereby become part of the value which can be unlocked further down the chain. GWK has, therefore, acquired a minority interest in the Cavalier Group,” said Van Rooyen. The Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) is a business partner of GWK and the Cavalier Group and provides loan financing for the project.
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EXPRESS NORTHERN CAPE, WEDNESDAY 17 DECEMBER 2014
Teams collect annual awards } Boipelo Mere
“NOW is the time for the Bushbucks team to step up their performance.” These were the words of Tokelo Tshekiso, the Bushbucks’ coach, after the team had scooped five trophies at the Sol Plaatje Local Football Association (Salfa) award ceremony. This year Bushbucks won the u.11 division for the third time in a row and also claimed the u.13 trophy, u.15 trophy, u.13 and u.15 Coach of the Season and Top Goal Scorer Awards. Leaving the award ceremony at the Mayibuye Centre with five trophies, Tshekiso said he wanted to use his initiative to take his players to yet another higher level. He bragged that he was not surprised that his players had won their leagues given the hard work, commitment and discipline that they had been displaying throughout the season. “This was a much better year for me. I have achieved more than I expected over the five years that I have been running this club. I have won many leagues, tournaments and side-game tournaments,” said the proud coach. Highlighting his achievements throughout this season he mentioned one of his players, Obakeng Lephoi, who was selected to attend the FNB Festival during the year. Tshekiso further pointed out that he was ready to expose his players to the outside world and prepare them for academies and bigger teams. “I realised that some players as young as ours are not really used to travelling so I also wanted to prepare them to acclimatise to the weather so that they can adapt to the climate in other provinces when the time comes for travelling when they reach higher levels.” According to the Hope United team coach, Junior Blood, it was difficult to win the u.17 league due to the fierceness of the competition. Hope United won both the u.17 and u.19 league for the second time in a row and they won the u.15 top 8 tournament. “What made us win the league was the depth of our team spirit. “When things did not go well, our u.15 players stepped up their performance and helped in defending the trophy that we had won last season. “The u.19 league was already secured in the first round because we did not suffer any losses. “That gave us a chance to use younger players to see if they are ready to play at that level. “We won the league with 55 points with a lead of 15 points and only one loss.” Blood added that they expected the coming season to be a difficult one because they had two trophies to defend. The coach of Tshwaragano All Start, the runners-up in the u.13 and u.15 divisions, congratulated the league winners but promised to reposition themselves better this coming season. “This was not our season. We have to go back to the drawing board and correct our mistakes in the coming season,” said Semeri. Amongst the things that he highlighted that his team needed to concentrate on were to encourage more dedication amongst his players and to source for some new players. Thabo Namisa, the Salfa development officer who said the presentation was a success, thanked the parents for encouraging and availing their children for the games and also the players for their hard work throughout the year. He also showed his appreciation towards the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture, the Sol Plaatje Local Football Association (LFA), Legends and coaches and officials for their sponsorships and efforts in making the event a success. “I would also like to thank Double Action Milan Masters for sponsoring the u.15 Top 8 tournament this season,” Namisa concluded.
HOPE UNITED won the u.17 and u.19 league this season.
THE Sol Plaatje Local Football Association officials are from the left Thabo Namisa, the development officer, Winston Mondela, the chairperson, and Tony Martin, a committee member.
THE Bushbucks soccer team won the u.11, u.13 and u.15 leagues during the recent 2014 Sol Plaatje Local Football Association presentations at the Mayibuye Centre. Photos: Boipelo Mere
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