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Confusion over land Premier now denies giving nature reserve to church
} Selloane Khalane and Paddy Harper FREE STATE premier Ace Magashule giveth – and he taketh away. Ten days ago, Magashule told congregants of the Tyrannus Apostolic Church – one of the country’s biggest – that they now “owned” land in Bethlehem. Magashule was speaking to a packed Botshabelo Stadium during a church service. The church has been trying to secure the Wolhuterskop Nature Reserve in Bethlehem as a permanent home and has already been given permission by the Dihlabeng Municipality to use this site for services. Magashule’s rapturously received statement – which Express’s parent paper Volksblad witnessed last Sunday – suggested the church’s battle was at an end. But now he has backtracked, telling sister publication City Press over the weekend that he was merely announcing the “arrangement” that allowed the church to use the reserve for its services. Magashule said: “They have been requesting to use the land. I was told that, in my absence, there is a process to let them use it while we are looking at whether it is possible to finally give them the land as a church. “There isn’t anything tangible that has been signed. There will be further discussions among all spheres of government. They don’t want it for free. I don’t understand what the big fuss is about.” He said part of the land was municipal and the rest was owned by the Department of Public Works. “All the time people make different requests. We also assist them. This church deals with issues of women abuse and poverty. We are in partnership with not only them but the Zion Christian Church, the Muslims and the Methodists.” He confirmed making the announcement last Sunday, but said:
THE Free State Premier, Ace Magashule (right), addresses congregants of the Tyrannus Apostolic Church at a service in Botshabelo last week. Magashule was wildly cheered when he told the congregation that the church now “owned” land in Bethlehem. With Magashule is the church’s leader, Apostle Simon Mokoena. Photo: Conrad Bornman “I simply announced the arrangement. We haven’t signed anything. Any land disposal has to come to me as premier.” Dihlabeng Mayor Tjhetane Mofokeng said he was not aware of any ownership deal with the Tyrannus Apostolic Church. “I can neither confirm nor deny
whether the municipality has sold the land to the church,” said Mofokeng. “I didn’t attend the church event (last Sunday).” Magashule, a number of Free State MECs and Public Enterprises Minister Malusi Gigaba were among those who attended the event, which
formed part of the church’s threeday youth conference. Magashule, Lesotho Prime Minister Tom Thabane and the church’s leader, Apostle Simon Mokoena, were seated on gold-encrusted chairs on the stage. After the sermons, fireworks were set off from the stage.
Magashule used his time at the podium for a spot of politicking as well as land matters – he encouraged the congregation to vote ANC in next year’s national election. Mokoena, clad in a blue and gold suit, thanked Magashule for his sterling leadership and support of the church.
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NEWS
Honour the righteous in your community Karen Herbert UNASHAMEDLY ETHICAL is working hand in hand with Exposed 2013 on exposing corruption. Members of the community can nominate individuals or organisations known for an unashamedly ethical lifestyle before 26 August. Lynette Bezuidenhout of Unashamedly Ethical says this project, Exposing the Righteous, recognises people and organisations who make a stand for ethics, values and clean living on a provincial and national level. Anyone can nominate a person or organisation by writing a motivational story with referen-ces no longer than an A4-page. The categories are: ) youth; ) sport;
) health professionals; ) business; ) government; ) church/religious organisations; and ) non-profit organisations. Unashamedly Ethical Free State will be hosting an event on 15 October in the City Hall in Bloemfontein where five finalists from every category will be honoured and a winner in each category will be announced. The winner from each category will represent the Free State at a national event. This event will take place during February 2014 in Cape Town where an overall winner in each category will be announced. This will be an annual event. For more information call Bezuidenhout on 084-702-0310 between 08:00 and 16:00 or send an email to unashamedlyethicalfs@gmail.com.
CHEETAHS GIRLS: Moipone Mahlatsi (wearing white top), the public relations officer of the Toyota Cheetahs, is flanked by some of the newly-recruited Cheetah cheerleaders during the official launch of the union’s Absa Currie Cup at the Free State Stadium on Wednesday. They are from left Nthabiseng Letutla, Charlotte Segopolo, Moipone, Mpho Sephoko and Siya Mfenyane. Photo: Sidwell Guduka
Demarcation Board scraps merger of municipalities } Sidwell Guduka THE Municipal Demarcation Board (MDB) has withdrawn its proposal to merge the Metsimaholo Municipality in Sasolburg with the Ngwathe Municipality near Parys in the Free State, SAnews reported on Wednesday. According to SAnews, Landiwe Mahlangu, MDB chairperson, made the announcement during a press conference held in Pretoria. Mahlangu said after consultations and in-
LISTENING ATTENTIVELY: Prof. Pieter Nel (standing) gives advice to students.
Photo: Johan Roux
No more paper THE first major steps towards a paperless lecture environment for the School of Medicine at the University of the Free State (UFS) was launched last month with the presentation of laptops to all first-year medical students. The aim is to have the entire undergraduate Medical programme computer-driven within a few years and to get rid of paper in the classroom. Prof. Pieter Nel, programme director: Health Sciences at the school in the Faculty of Health Sciences, said: “As far as we know, this action is the first of its kind in any medical school in South Africa whereby an entire class are supplied with computers for this purpose. “We also have no knowledge of anything similar in any programme within any other faculty at any university in South Africa.” All first-year medical students received laptops. The UFS is facilitating the process to provide students with computer access via their own
laptops. “The reason for this is that the undergraduate health sciences programme will be completely computerised from now on. Students will therefore utilise their laptops in all their contact sessions.” The entire building where teaching takes place is equipped with Wi-Fi. The students buy the laptops at a much lower cost than the commercial price. Nel said the printing costs of study material during a student’s undergraduate study years could amount to as much as R5 000. In future, first-year students will receive laptops, computerising the entire undergraduate health sciences programme within a few years, Nel said. During the presentation of the first laptops, Prof. Gert van Zyl, dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences, referred to this action as a big step forward in modernising the undergraduate training of medical students in the faculty.
vestigations, the board had been convinced that the proposal did not comply with the criteria set in the legislation. “The board has taken a decision not to further pursue the merger of Metsimaholo and Ngwathe, and various local municipalities,” he was quoted as saying. In January, residents of Zamdela outside Sasolburg protested over the proposed merger of the Metsimaholo and Ngwathe Municipalities.
International stars set to rock this year’s Macufe } Sidwell Guduka TOP American acts Keri Hilson and Anthony Hamilton will form part of this year’s Macufe line-up. The Mangaung African Cultural Festival (Macufe) will kick off on 4 October with the main festival expected to take place at the Loch Logan Rose Garden 12 days later. “South Africa. Guess what? I’m coming to Macufe in October. I can’t wait to see you guys again!” Hilson tweeted on 30 July. Her debut performance at Macufe will be on 11 October at the Divas Concert in the Dome at the Old Grey’s sports grounds. She will be sharing the stage with Zonke, Thandiswa Mazwai and the rising Sama winner, Maleh. Dan Kgothule, MEC for Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation, said: “The vision of the Department of Arts and Culture is to develop and preserve South African culture to ensure social cohesion and nation-building, to develop and promote arts and culture in South Africa and mainstream its role in social development.” Afro-pop giants Mafikizolo, who are once again on top of the music charts with the
hit song Khona, will be descending on the City of Roses. Other top-notch South African musos such as Hugh Masekela and Sipho “Hotstix” Mabuse have been confirmed for the mother of all festivals. Meanwhile, the Civic Theatre will be buzzing and alive with one of the biggest productions in this year’s Macufe. The internationally acclaimed and long-running musical stage play Umoja – The Spirit of Togetherness – will be staged from 7 to 11 October at the Civic. Macufe will not be complete without the daily craft market, held during the course of the festival, at the corner of Markgraaf and Elizabeth Streets in Bloemfontein. Some of the next big stars from Mangaung and around the Free State can be seen at the development performances including theatre, drama and poetry – all staged at the André Huguenot Theatre in studio 1 and 2. The Macufe Boxing tournament will be held on 5 October in the Bloemfontein City Hall, followed by a Gospel Concert on 6 October in The Dome at Old Grey’s, while Macufe’s comedy show will take place on 9 October in the Sand du Plessis Theatre.
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EXPRESS EASTERN FREE STATE, WEDNESDAY 14 AUGUST 2013 3
NEWS
Woza Albert! to show at Pacofs
} Sidwell Guduka
PACOFS, in collaboration with the Market Theatre, brings the celebrated production Woza Albert! to the André Huguenet Theatre from 20 to 24 August as part of the Market Theatre’s country-wide tour of regional venues, thanks to the Department of Arts and Culture’s Mzanzi Golden Economy funding. “I am delighted that the department has made it possible for the Market Theatre to tour this amazing production. This is reminiscent of an era in which productions were staged in church halls, school halls and community centres and it allows communities to engage with
theatre in their spaces,” Annabell Lebethe, CEO of the Market Theatre Foundation, told Express. “Woza Albert! is one of the plays for which South African theatre is best known internationally. Its physical style of storytelling is to inspire and influence theatre companies around the world, and it is one of the best examples that define South African theatre in all its vibrancy, innovation and humanity,” Lethebe said. “This celebrated and much-loved South African classic asks what would happen if Jesus Christ (Morena) came back to South Africa during apartheid. This lively satire of the
absurdities of apartheid provides a showcase for the talents of two dexterous actors, who play a range of ordinary characters on the street,” she explained. Written by Percy Mtwa, Mbongeni Ngema and Barney Simon, the first part of the play sets the scene, attacking the pass laws that prevented black South Africans from moving and working freely. Similarly, it sketches in a few short minutes the semi-slavery that was imposed on manual workers by bosses who could fire them if they got too independent. The second half of the play becomes considerably darker and more resonant. Now Jesus is in the country and his life is replayed in the
apartheid context. He is first welcomed then imprisoned. When he is taken to Robben Island, his escape is easy as he walks back across the bay to Cape Town. This retelling of a familiar story in a new context becomes devastating by the end, shedding light on both the Bible and apartheid South Africa. Cast members of the play are well-known Mncedisi Baldwin Shabangu and Peter Mashigo. The show is a must-attend to all theatre lovers as it is very educational. It is directed by Prince Lamla. Bookings are made through Pacofs. Tickets range between R30 (pensioners and learners) and R60. Call Pacofs on 051-447-7772.
V Show times: 20 August - 18:30; 12 to 22 August - 14:30; 23 August - 18:30; 24 August - 14:30 & 18:30.
STARRINGS: Mncedisi Baldwin Shabangu and Peter Mashigo. Photo: Ruphin Coudyzer
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EXPRESS EASTERN FREE STATE, WEDNESDAY 14 AUGUST 2013
NEWS
Workshop motivating THE free entrepreneurial workshop and competition, Pitch & Polish, will be held again in Bloemfontein this year. The popular event will take place this Saturday from 08:00 until 16:00 at the President Hotel. Are you a hopeful entrepreneur? Do you have an innovative idea you would like to see flourish into a business or do you have a new business that needs guidance to grow to the next level? If you answered yes to any of these questions, Engen Pitch & Polish is the solution for you. You are part of the solution of job creation in South Africa as entrepreneurs create employment, drive and shape innovation and contribute to productivity. The world is looking at South Africa to step up to the challenge so Engen Petroleum Ltd has partnered with business incubator, Raizcorp, and media partner SAfm make it happen. Engen Pitch & Polish is a free workshop and competition held across the country. Winners from round one and two join the SAfm Wild Card winner to the semi-final, and the winners compete at a glitzy final event held in Johannesburg later in September. These events intend to unearth the entrepreneurial talent and innovation believed to be in abundance within South Africa. This is your opportunity to have access to expert training on entrepreneur-
ship. The workshop is interactive and you will leave enriched and with a deeper understanding of your idea or business, your abilities, strengths and weaknesses and will even leave with a greater knowledge of business in general. This will shift your perspective and the valuable business lessons learned will have a lasting impact, when applied. Your city, Bloemfontein, will be hosting hopeful entrepreneurs and needs your participation to polish their pitches and help your community grow economically. Steps to be part of the free Engen Pitch & Polish programme: ) Register as a delegate where you’ll participate and receive training in the workshop throughout the day. Register online at www.pitchandpolish.com or SMS PITCH and your name and city to 45982 (charged at R1,50 per SMS) or email pitch@raizcorp.com or call on 011566-2000. ) Arrive on the day at 08:00 at the President Hotel, 1 Union Avenue, Bloemfontein to sign in and enjoy a full, fun day of learning. ) Refreshments will be provided. This unique experience-based form of training makes Engen Pitch & Polish a one-of-a-kind entrepreneurial programme which aims to empower and motivate budding entrepreneurs. Advance registration is essential as seats are limited.
HOPEFULS: Hundreds of entrepreneurs attended last year’s event in Bloemfontein. Photo: Supplied
New system introduced } Lesego Ditheko A NEW parking system is now in operation in Bloemfontein’s central business district. Announced by Mangaung metro mayor Thabo Manyoni on 24 July, the system’s brightly coloured parking marshals have already started working at the beginning of this month. Manyoni said he expected the system to assist the city in reducing crime and theft from parked vehicles and to eliminate informal parking attendants who often harassed motorists. An added benefit, Manyoni said, was the expected increase in free traffic flow in the CBD. Galebotsa Seekoei and Tebogo Mphatseng are two such marshals who operate in Charlotte Maxeke and St Andrew Street. The pair told Express that before the new system had been introduced, they had already spent 13 years working as parking marshals in the Bloemfontein CBD. “At times over the years we would make just enough in a day for the taxi ride home,” Mphatseng said. He said given the fact that they would now be receiving a salary, they foresaw their lives changing for the better. “When it comes to motorists, some are cooperative, while some display a negative attitude towards us. “We’ll now be getting salaries at the end of the month and thus will be able to provide for our families,” Galebotsa said. Mphatseng said he was excited to be one of the people who had been recognised by the municipality after doing what he had
THE parking rates as displayed on the new parking signs.
TEBOHO MPHATSENG (left) and Galebotsa Seekoei are two of the Mangaung Metro’s new parking marshals. Motorists must pay upfront and insist on a receipt. Photos: Lesego Ditheko loved to do for over a decade. “I’m excited because now not only will I be officially
working for the municipality, but I’ll also be able to put food on the table for my family,” Mphatseng said.
Motorist Molehe Mosala said he would cooperate with the marshals. “The system is working. It
looks professional and I believe my car will be safer compared to before the system was introduced, as
the previous marshals used to break into our cars and nobody could be held accountable,” Molehe told Express. When a motorist parks their vehicle, the licence plate will be scanned and when the motorist leaves, it will be scanned again and will automatically count the time. Motorists can insist on a receipt. Qondile Khedama, spokesperson for the Mangaung Metro, advised motorists to adhere to the new traffic regulations in the city. ) According to the municipality the system is due to be rolled out to Botshabelo and Thaba Nchu soon.
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EN MASS: A Tyrannus Apostolic Church service was held in Botshabelo last week Sunday.
Photo: Conrad Bornman
WINNIE MADIKIZELA-MANDELA (right) is handed the first copy of her new book 491 Days: Pris oner Number 1323/6, due for release tomorrow, by co-editors Sam Venter (left) and Swati Dlamini. Photo: Felix Dlangamandla
LISTEN COMRADE: Pres. Jacob Zuma listens attentively to Apostle Simon Mokoena, leader of the Tyrannus Apostolic Church during the church’s service in Botshabelo last week. Photo: Conrad Bornman
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NEWS
DA calls on Public Protector Pule probed by Parliament over tender procedure STONE SIZANI, ANC chief whip in Parliament:
THEO COETZEE, DA constituency head: Fezile Dabi: THE DA has lodged a complaint with the Public Protector requesting her to investigate tender procedures in the Mafube Local Municipality with regards to electricity supply to consumers. They will be investigating how the tenders were requested, how they were awarded, and whether the tendering processes and procurement policies were followed for the period 1 April 2011 to 31 March 2013. The Public Protector confirmed that they were busy with the investigation and that
the following would be included: The manner and process in which the Mafube Local Municipality had outsourced their responsibility to provide electricity to consumers and the accounting and collection of this debt with regards to the Local Government Municipal Systems Act, Section 78, amongst other laws and by-laws, to Rural Maintenance (Pty) Ltd, and if any councillor benefited from tenders awarded by sub-contractors directly or indirectly. The DA is committed to ensuring that government entities comply with set policies.
Sanction step in right direction to fight corruption JULI KILLIAN MP, Cope communications portfolio committee spokes-person: BY handing down the maximum sanction following the investigation into misconduct by former Communications Minister Dina Pule, the Parliamentary Ethics Committee affirmed its commitment to eradicate corruption and reinforce institutional credibility. In addition to the strongest possible sanction of Pule’s conduct, the committees’ resolution to refer the matter for criminal investigation is a further step in the right direction to clean up unethical behaviour, not only by office bearers, but also those
who collaborate with them. Cope is also pleased that they have recommended disciplinary action against public servants who colluded with the former minister. The developments vindicate the efforts of brave whistle-blowers and persistent investigative journalists who worked with opposition parties to pursue the matter to conclusion at parliamentary level. Prof. Ben Turok, chairperson of the Ethics Committee, and his members are commended for their thorough investigation and conclusive deliberations on the matter, although Cope remains concerned that the matter was allowed to drag on for more than a year.
For more news and photos go to www.express-news.co.za
THE Office of the ANC Chief Whip notes the report of Parliament’s ethics committee on the allegations relating to the former minister of communications, Dina Pule. The report, which contains the committee’s findings and recommendations, would be considered by Parliament for a decision. We commend the committee for extensively
probing the allegations faced by the former minister and reporting comprehensively to Parliament. We also commend the former minister for subjecting herself to the authority of the committee and using the opportunity to present her side of the story. We will await the decision of Parliament on the report and its recommendations. The ANC will never condone any act of ill-discipline, misconduct and impropriety.
SA must unite against crime ADV. SEPHIRI MOSHODI, Free State CPF chairperson: AS the Free State Community Policing Forum (CPF) we wish to join Pres. Jacob Zuma, the premier of the Free State and the entire South African Police Service (SAPS) management in condemning in the strongest terms the scourge of crime happening in our communities. The killing of vulnerable, defenceless elderly people and women and children needs to be dealt with head-on and we call upon all the people of the Free State to heed the clarion call by the premier Ace Magashule and Butana Khompela, MEC for Police, Roads and Transport, in exposing these ruthless criminal elements that are hell bent on hijacking our townships and streets through the victimisation of innocent communities. The emergence of gangsters in areas such as Botshabelo, Kutlwanong, Meloding and Thaba Nchu cannot be left unchallenged. The Free State CPF calls upon all our communities to join CPF structures in their localities so as to make it difficult for criminals to operate. The recent merciless killings, rapes and molestation of the elderly, women and children must be confronted with the might that displays a high level of public participation in all CPF-related activities in the Free State.
The recently held Provincial Crime Prevention Summit graced by Police Minister Nathi Mthethwa and national police commissioner, Gen. Riah Phiyega, as well as Magashule and his entire cabinet, demonstrates the seriousness with which the government views crime in our country. The launching of the Provincial Crime Prevention Strategy in the Free State by Magashule in July is a further indication of how serious and determined the Free State government is in tackling issues relating to crime in the province. The mere presence of both Maggie Sotyu, the deputy minister of Police, and Phiyega serves as a further demonstration on the part of the national government and its strategic stakeholders that fighting crime in partnership is the most viable strategy to eradicate crime in our communities and neighbourhoods. The Free State CPF therefore calls and extends a hand of invitation to all our traditional leaders, church leaders and the business community to join government in the fight against crime and also condemns the recent killing of Teboho Kapoko at an initiation school in Kutlwanong, Odendaalsrus. Those who wish to work for a safer, crimefree environment in the Free State are urged to visit their nearest police station to enquire about CPF-related activities including its programmes and to obtain information about joining the CPF.
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EXPRESS EASTERN FREE STATE, WEDNESDAY 14 AUGUST 2013
EASTERN FREE STATE
‘We believe that soccer is a te a m s p o rt a n d t h a t teams build better schools. Our dream is to provide resources for playing soccer in townships and rural schools across South Africa,” – John Perlman, radio per sonality and Dreamfields founder
For more news and photos go to www.express-news.co.za IN ACTION: The youngsters playing soccer at AJC Jooste Combined School in Petrusburg on Tuesday.
Photo: Supplied
Boost for FS schools soccer } Sidwell Guduka
THE Chevrolet Ute Force last week announced its partnership with Dreamfields, a soccer development project focused on uplifting communities across South Africa. As part of their marriage, the Indestructible Spirit Project was born and it was officially launched at Petrusburg and Botshabelo on Tuesday and Thursday respectively. Altogether 20 schools, 300 primary school pupils in gr. 4 to 7 and 35 teachers will benefit from this project inspired by the global One World Futbol Campaign. “We believe that soccer is a team sport and that teams build better schools. Our dream is to provide resources for playing soccer in townships and rural schools across South Africa,” John Perlman, radio
personality and Dreamfields founder, said. The AJC Jooste Combined School in Petrusburg will be home to a 13-school Intra Soccer League that will see 160 boys and girls from the local community participating in regular training sessions and matches. Further support will be provided by an additional nine teachers being part of a soccer coach training course. This training will enable them to mentor and groom the young players to become South Africa’s future soccer champions and leaders. The second leg of the project included the support of the 8-school, 210-pupil Intra Soccer League managed from the Phano Intermediate School in Botshabelo. “It is essential that the project is 100% sustainable and supported by
the local community. The purpose of the Chevrolet Ute Force initiative is to lend assistance and build communities via youth focused projects – they are after all the future leaders, soccer champions and change-makers of our country,” Tim Hendon, brand manager of Chevrolet SA, said. Perlman said he believed that sport helped create better schools and build stronger communities. “The schools that will be home to the two leagues have principals who are truly committed to providing a nurturing environment for their pupils to learn and play in spite of the budgetary constraints they face,” reiterated Perlman. Meanwhile, the budding sports stars from both leagues were given access to donate soccer kits such as soccer balls, boots, clothing and training equipment to their communities.