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A hero has fallen Legendary Dr Tshiame Kenneth Mopeli dies } Tladi Moloi
QWAQWA. – A hero, Dr Tshiame Kenneth Mopeli, the founder of the Dikwankwetla Party of South Africa and former chief minister of Qwaqwa, has fallen. Mopeli, the son of Chief Charles Mopeli, died on 1 October at the Manapo Hospital in Qwaqwa following a long illness and years of struggling with colon cancer. This icon, who launched more than 500 schools, five colleges of education now called Further Education and Training Colleges and the Uniqwa university, will be laid to rest at the Maphiring Namahadi Village on Saturday. The funeral service will start at 08:00 and end at 11:30. His life celebration (memorial service) is will be held at the Tshiya Resource Centre in Phuthaditjhaba tomorrow at 11:00. The late Mopeli leaves behind his wife, Matseliso Judith (née Moru), one child, Shoeshoe, four grandchildren and three greatgrandchildren. He was born on 20 September 1930 in Namahadi and went to school in Namahadi (1937 – 1944), the Etembeni Farm School (1945 – 1946), Wilberforce in 1947 (form II and III in one year), Marianhill (1948 – 1951), matric (JMB) and did a post-matric teacher’s course. In 1974 he was chosen as leader of the newly established Dikwankwetla Party of South Africa, a position which he held until 1997. As leader of the governing party he was elected chief minister of the then Qwaqwa Homeland from 1975 to 1994. As mentioned, he was married to Matseliso and they were blessed with four children, but three have already died. In 1974 the apartheid regime issued Proclamation 203 of 1974 with the aim of lending legislative powers to the so-called self-governing territories. Although Mopeli was strongly opposed to the policy of separate
THE late Dr Tshiame Kenneth Mopeli. development, he and his co-founders decided to participate in the system and hoped to undermine apartheid from within. His position as chief minister gave him the authority to reject nominal independence for Qwaqwa, which rendered the grand scheme of apartheid untenable. He established the Dikwankwetla Party of South Africa for the prime purpose of giving black South Africans a political home and a platform from which internal black democratic opposition to apartheid could again be resurrected and made into a powerful instrument for liberation as black liberation movements were forced into exile and their leaders jailed. It was vital that an internal black opposition front was established at the time to continue to contribute to nation building by providing education to the masses. Indeed every black cloud has a silver lining. Moeketsi Lebesa, the leader of the DPSA, said Mopeli had rendered an unparalleled selfless service to mankind in a manner that was beyond description. “His retirement from active politics left a huge gap in the political and human landscape.
‘Twenty years down the line history has not judged him harsh ly nor has it punished him. Histo ry may very well remember him like this – a man who in human history bequeathed a living legacy to the future generation.’ – Moeketsi Lebesa Twenty years down the line history has not judged him harshly nor has it punished him. History may very well remember him like this – a man who in human history bequeathed a living legacy to the future generation,” he said. He said when the history of this area was re-written, Mopeli’s name would be written in golden letters. “Mopeli’s name will be revered and remembered with gratitude and treasured in history as an immortal name. That he certainly was. “He was also warm, gentle, compelling and kind, while fierce, tenacious and stubborn on points of principle. He had a wonderful sense of humour. He was deeply loyal, noble and brave. “I count it the greatest privilege of my life to have had him at my side, as my father and mentor. Let’s celebrate his life. A life well lived. Let us not mourn like those who have no hope, but as believers who know that a day is coming when death will be no more,” he said. ) Express Eastern Free State would like to send its heartfelt condolenses to the family of Dr Tsiame Kenneth Mopeli. May his soul rest in peace.
THE late Dr Tshiame Kenneth Mopeli, the founder of the Dikwank wetla Party of South Africa and former chief minister of Qwaqwa.
Photo: Tladi Moloi
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EXPRESS EASTERN FREE STATE, WEDNESDAY 8 OCTOBER 2014
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Centre to rehabilitate youngsters } Tladi Moloi PHUTHADITJHABA. – The Free State Provincial Government, led by Premier Ace Magashule, officially opened the Thabo Mofutsanyana Secure-Care and One-Stop Child Justice Centre in Qwaqwa on Thursday. The aim of the two state-of-theart Secure-Care and One-Stop Child Justice Centres in the same precinct is to provide corrective, rehabilitative justice by keeping young offenders away from hardened criminals in South Africa’s mainstream prison system. The facilities are intended to provide them with a real chance at rehabilitation, while at the same time adequately preparing them for life outside of crime. The Secure-Care and One-Stop Child Justice Centre, which was a befitting way to launch Social Development Month, will provide integrated services to children in conflict with the law, thereby enhancing effective management of service delivery to children in conflict with the law. The Secure-Care and One-Stop Child Justice Centre houses a dedicated court (Child Justice Court) with dedicated social workers, social auxiliary workers and child- and youth-care workers who will be responsible for the care and development of arrested children. Sisi Ntombela, the MEC for Social Development, said she was happy that they had launched Social Development Month in a special way by launching the Thabo Mofutsanyana Secure-Care and One-Stop Child Justice Centre. She said it would serve as a
ACE MAGASHULE, the Free State Premier, cuts the ribbon during the recent official opening of the Thabo Mofutsanyana SecureCare and OneStop Child Justice Centre in Phuthaditjhaba, Qwaqwa. At the back is Vusi Tshabalala, the executive mayor of the MalutiaPhofung Local Municipality, and Sisi Ntombela, the MEC for Social Development. Photo: Tladi Moloi rehabilitation centre for children starting from a day old to 18 years old. “We have everything at the centre. The police will arrest and keep you at the centre. Afterwards the offender will appear before court, then from there they will be taken to the social workers
‘School will not close’ } Tladi Moloi BETHLEHEM. – Khulu Mgonzo, the principal of the Khanyeng Intermediate School, said Khanyeng would not be closed down any time soon and that those who say the school would be closed, knew nothing. He was responding to the rumours that the Free State Department of Education wanted to close the school because of the dwindling number of learners at the school. The school has about 380 learners registered for the current year. “Those who keep on saying the school will be closed down don’t know me and have never even come to this school. That will never happen. This school is the monument of Bohlokong. It is the mother of all the schools around here,” he said. Mgonzo spoke during the recent 76-year anniversary celebration of the school. The school had invited the community and former teachers and learners of the school to celebrate with them on the day. He said it was the first time that the school had hosted that kind of celebration. “I’m honoured that the school is turning 76 during my time as a principal,” he said. Mgozo said the celebration was not just about enjoying the food, but also to develop the school. He said they would have a meeting
KHULU MGONZO, the principal of the Khanyeng Intermediate School. Photo: Tladi Moloi soon to discuss the future of the school. “We will meet before the end of the month with some of the stakeholders to map a way forward in developing the school,” he concluded. Morobane Mofokeng (70), a former school teacher, said he was happy to be part of the celebration and added that he had also been a student at the same school. “I know the history of this school, because I had a chance to be taught by the person who had built it, Wilson Manye. He was always sharing the history of the school with us. He said the school had been built in 1938, but before that they had used different schools as classes.” Mofokeng said the celebration should have taken place last year, but it never went through because of some problems.
who will make sure they talk to them. They will then visit the parents to get the children’s history,” he said. Ntombela said it would be their responsibility to see that those children studied at the centre so that when they left, they would be able to change the world.
“Some of the children are there because of peer pressure and we will make sure that we show them the right way. We’ll teach them some skills,” she said. She said about 35 children would be kept there from now on. “We only have one girl. I had a chance to talk with them and, let
me tell you, most of them don’t know their fathers. “We appeal to all the men out there to take care of their children because they are their role models. “When you listen to them you realise they need a father figure,” she said.
Summit informative PHUTHADITJHABA. – A student of the University of the Free State (UFS) Qwaqwa Campus is back from an international leadership summit in Boston, America. Motsotuwa Msimango, a post-graduate student, recently attended the International Leadership Summit that was convened by the Golden Key International Honour Society. “The summit was educational and the environment conducive to learning,” said Motsotuwa. He said they had been taught leadership skills where they learnt that as a leader, one should be humbled, empowering and optimistic. “Leaders are not always in front and sometimes take a step back and let other people lead. To be a leader is not to always be correct, but rather to admit when you are wrong. “The workshop taught me that
THE University of the Free State (UFS) Qwaqwa postgraduation student Motsotuwa Msimango (second from left) with twins from Texas who are also Golden Key members. With them is a Golden Key advisor. Photo: Supplied a good leader is the one that makes sure that the structure still functions even in his or her absence. “A good leader is the one that grooms others for the future,” he said. The Golden Key International Honour Society is the world’s
largest honour society that connects high-achieving individuals locally, regionally and globally with lifetime opportunity, reward and success. The society focuses on academic excellence, leadership development and community service.
Police still looking for information about unknown man KESTELL.– A man who was run over by vehicles on the N5 near Kestell has not yet been claimed by his next-of-kin or family. Sgt Mmako Mophiring, police spokesperson, said the body of an unknown person was found 13 km
on the N5 road between Kestell and Harrismith on 28 September at approximately 21:00. “It is suspected that the person was hit by motorists on the road during the night. The deceased was wearing brown boots known as
BOVA SWAT, a green windbreaker, dark blue trousers and black rubber bracelets. He has no fourth finger on his right hand.” Anyone with information about the deceased or his family can call the Kestell police on 082-466-8809.
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NEWS
Prostate cancer a deadly reality } Tladi Moloi PHUTHADITJHABA. – Prof. Riana Bornman of the Department of Urology at the University of Pretoria (UP) says men should stop believing that they are not vulnerable and start going for regular check-ups because they are running the risk of developing prostate cancer. “Men are really reluctant to go to the doctor and often do not understand that they have a prostate. They understand very little of the possibility of developing prostate cancer. “They don’t want to admit that something is wrong with them and always want to be in control. We know they become hesitant the moment they pick up that there is something wrong with them. They will not see a doctor, unless somebody else is concerned about them and demands that they go.” Bornman spoke to Express Eastern Free State at the launch of the Phakamisa and Movember projects at the Thekolohelong Welfare Centre in Phuthaditjhaba, Qwaqwa, on Tuesday. She said the event was aimed at creating awareness about prostate cancer in the general sense of addressing men’s health in South Africa. “We know that men do not go to the doctor as frequently as women. We have to make younger men understand that they have to undergo regular check-ups because they are running the risk of developing prostate cancer as they grow older,” she said. She said they were trying to make men understand that they could also get cancer. “There are certain risk factors for prostate cancer, including African ancestry, family history and increased age. The Phakamisa Prostate Cancer project is similar to the initial effort to assist women in the community with breast cancer.
FROM the left are Gavin Kestek (national manager of Cansa), Prof. Riana Bornman (Department of Urology at the University of Pretoria), Leon Spamer (commercial project manager: oncology and medicine access) and Lerato Sekhosana (Cansa) who attended the launch of the Phakamisa and Movember projects at the Thekolohelong Welfare Centre in Phuthaditjhaba, Qwaqwa. Photo: Tladi Moloi “They have volunteers at the clinic and when a woman is diagnosed with breast cancer, the volunteers can assist with follow-ups. “They are always there for them, and they care for those who are suffering from cancer. “Cancer is deadly if not treated. Sometimes it is impossible to remove a cancerous growth, and the testis has to be removed because it will produce testosterone that will increase the growth of the cancer.”
Bornman said that cancer could be beaten but that everyone had to take hands to do fight the disease. “We need to test men regularly from an early age onward. “We need them to understand that they might have a problem and that we can help them. “The message is simple: Have yourself examined and if cancer is detected at an early stage and treated your life expectancy can improve. “It is sad if someone is diagnosed and if
the cancer is in an advanced stage and cannot be treated,” she said. Motlalepula Khokho (36) said he had learnt a lot during the launch and added that he would advise other men to go for regular check-ups. “Cancer kills. It is true that we are very reluctant to go to hospital, but I have learnt how important it is to visit the doctor regularly. “I’ll make sure that I tell others who are close to me to visit their nearest clinic on a monthly basis,” he said.
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EXPRESS EASTERN FREE STATE, WEDNESDAY 8 OCTOBER 2014
EXPRESS EASTERN FREE STATE, WEDNESDAY 8 OCTOBER 2014 5
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Tips to prepare yourself for your matric examination THE matric class of 2014 is entering one of the hardest, most challenging and important periods of their lives – the build-up to their final examinations. In these last few weeks it is important that learners have a solid strategy to assist them in preparing for the biggest test of their school careers, which will allow them to perform to the very best of their ability, says Dr Felicity Coughlan. Coughlan, director of the Independent Institute of Education, South Africa’s largest private higher education institution, says having a plan allows learners to focus on the
content of their work rather than the mechanics of mastering the work. She says everyone who is preparing to sit their final exams, will do well to follow this simple five-step plan: 1. Organise: Yourself, your time and your work. Having a neat working environment and a clear plan for what you need to do and study every day, as well as having the relevant materials, will go a long way to reduce anxiety and optimise your learning. 2. Prepare: Look at all your subjects and at all the materials you need to study. Once you know what you have to work with and what
you need, you can better sort your planning. 3. Plan: Draw up a study roster which allows time for a second round of revision. Your planning should include writing past papers and example questions in addition to reading. When studying, use visualisation methods such as colour and mind maps which allow you to use more of your brain. 4. Look after your health and wellbeing: Refresh by making sure you are eating, sleeping and exercising enough, but do not use this as a reason to procrastinate. 5. Focus: You should be devoting all your energy and attention to one of the most
important examinations you will ever write. There will be plenty of time for parties and chilling once you’re done. Coughlan warns learners to be ready to push until the end and not start relaxing until the very last paper is written. “Every paper – even the ‘easier’ ones – counts, and you have to give your best right until the end. The end of November will arrive in due course, and with it the end of your school career. Right now the only thing that should matter, is that you earn the best marks you can right until you put down your pen after writing your last paper.”
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EXPRESS EASTERN FREE STATE, WEDNESDAY 8 OCTOBER 2014
NEWS
CELEBRATION: Members of the Gospel Church in Christ of South Africa at Thaba Bosiu during the Heritage Day celebrations at the church.
Photo: Nkareng Moloi
Heritage, culture also celebrated at church } Nkareng Moloi THABA BOSIU. – The Gospel Church in Christ of South Africa held Heritage Day celebrations at the church’s building in the Letsatseng Village, Thaba Bosiu, last Sunday. The church went forward with plans for the celebrations despite the cold weather. Congregants dressed in cultural attire,
leaving their church uniform at home. Teboho Moloi, the arch bishop of the church, explained the purpose of the event. “We are an indigenous church, so we did not replace our culture with religion. We still know and value our traditions. Our traditions are part of us,” Moloi said. He said that was their way of appreciating what their forefathers had done for them. “We must embrace our cultures despite
religion.” When asked if they only celebrated by wearing cultural attire, he explained that they did much more. “No, it’s not only the attire. We have also prepared traditional food like mala-mohudo, dipabi and drink like motoho (soft porridge) and mqombothi (traditional beer). After church we will serve this traditional food.” Margaret Mphuthi, one of the congregants,
said she was happy to be part of the event at their church. “I am happy to be part of this event, as it is the first time we are celebrating our heritage in our church,” Mphuthi said. “This event is very important for our youth. They are happy about knowing more about their respective cultures. Their presence means the future of our church and our country.”
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EXPRESS EASTERN FREE STATE, WEDNESDAY 8 OCTOBER 2014 7
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‘Forward ever, backward never’ ALFRED MOSIA, Bohlokong, Bethlehem: I HEREBY wish to declare that by the power vested in me by the rightful beneficiaries of the Vulindlela Extension on the Vogelfontein Farm, I, Alfred Mosia, will soon set a date in the near future when I’ll be allocating sites to the desperate, destitute residents of Bethlehem. Do not miss your issue of the local newspaper for the said date. We, the residents of Dihlabeng, have for too long been taken for a ride by some ruthless, heartless councillors, not excluding the premier of the Free State, Ace Magashule, who is outspoken in dividing ANC members, as well as ANC councillors and members of the legislature. A waiting list has been drawn up every year since the reign of our honourable mayor Edward Khabane for the Vulindlela Extension. But when the ward councillor loses favour with the faction of the premier the list for that ward is thrown away. A new waiting list will be compiled. This fruitless exercise has been recurring ever since Vogelfontein was earmarked for development. There are some council officials and
Refine the ward system MBUSI MUSAWENKOSI RADEBE, Bohlokong, Bethlehem:
some ANC ward councillors who, when asked about the allocation of sites, say: “The council is waiting for Mosia, because he is the one who is holding back the process.” Now I would like to inform the community of Bethlehem – whether they are saying that for good or bad – they must know one sure thing: The wheels have been set in motion and there will be no turning back. We, the bona fide residents of Bethlehem, and the rest of Dihlabeng will never allow these disillusioned ANC members to build another black township in Vulindlela. We should make it a suburb without any discrimination. By the way, Vulindlela means “open the way” (for all to enter). We must have an open, multi-cultural area in Vulindlela. To the ward councillors of the other parties who have been wilfully left out of the process. I’ll delay the process slightly to accommodate your good selves. Bring your lists, time is against us. Forward ever, backward never.
I THINK it is time for our local citizens to think about better ways of making changes in our residential areas. There is a system in our wards regarding how demarcations are made effective and thought through before being finalised. Geo-politics locally have somewhere disadvantaged the democratic rights of people. The “gerrymandering” system was applied by the year 2000 when officially the ward elections or demarcations came to existence in democratic South Africa. This is where a boundary of a ward is designed to dismantle the strength of those in opposition politics. The politicians use the word diversity in order to justify this process if questions arise. Let us not be too partisan on demarcation, because some local representatives cannot even understand the dynamics of certain parts of their wards. For example: With Ward 15 of the Dihlabeng Local Municipality, the other half of the ward is in Mautse in Rosendal. Others remain in farm areas and when the centre, which is a councillor and ward committee, cannot hold the people they govern, accountability becomes a problem. If the method of ward demarcations is not reviewed, we expect still more prob-
lems. The South African Local Government Association (Salga), the Municipalities Demarcation Board (MDB) and the executive members in legislation should look at this. It is also uncertain and unsure whether demarcation board members know the area thoroughly, or if they do research before reaching final drafts. South Africa needs improvements in the accountability of ward reports in terms of councillor duties. Until that time, however, they should be officially formed in regard to form the top to downward model of local ward councillor sections. The powers of ward councillors must also be held accountable by elected units or section reps. For instance, if Ward 1 has 4 000 people, it must be divided according to number of unit and population and reps should be part of local government structure, but exchanging performance with a ward councillor and including the ward committees. Geo-politics at ward level will improve the service delivery and hold governance of councillors and parties accountable. This method will also improve the context and capacity of local government. By 2021 our country can be able to practice this, even though more debates are needed from analysts and stakeholders concerned in politics and local government ethics or dynamics. More ballot papers in future will add value to our politics. Power is necessary in the hands of the masses.
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EXPRESS EASTERN FREE STATE, WEDNESDAY 8 OCTOBER 2014
Nteo takes over at Warriors
EASTERN FREE STATE
For more sports news and photos go to www.express-news.co.za
} Tladi Moloi
QWAQWA. – Abraham “Waya” Nteo has taken over as a care-taker coach at the National First Division (NFD) outfit African Warriors after David Vilakazi was sacked last week Saturday. Dr Balekile Mzangwa, managing director of the team, has confirmed that Vilakazi has been given the boot. “Yes, it is true that he is no longer our coach. We amicably parted ways and we wish him all the best in his coaching career,” Mzangwa said. Vilakazi’s contract was going to end in June after he had secured an 18-month deal toward the end of last season. Mzangwa said they were not happy with the team’s performance and pointed out that it was not too early to take the decision that they had taken. “We did not only judge him on the five games that was played this season. We looked at all the games in which he had guided the team since he arrived. Out of 12 games, he had only managed to win two and believe you me, that was not a good record.” He said Nteo would remain the care-taker coach until they announced a new coach. Nteo is no stranger to driving this team, as he was in charge of a few games after the departure of Thami Ngubane.
IN HIGH SPIRITS: The Maluti FET College FC players warm up ahead of their league game against Highland Park FC at the Charles Mopeli Stadium on Sunday. Photo: Tladi Moloi
Maluti FET claim first win } Tladi Moloi PHUTHADITJHABA. – The Maluti FET College FC have registered their first win of the National First Division (NFD) season by narrowly beating Highlands Park FC by 2-1 at the Charles Mopeli Stadium on Sunday. Tumelo Mokwa and Tumelo Tsoanyane netted the two goals to steer their side to victory, while Lerato Mosopa scored a consolation goal for the visitors. Maluti came into this encounter knowing that they were the only team in the league yet to register a win. That meant one thing to them: Losing was not an option. Standing on the touch line while the two teams were warming up before the game, the players kept on saying: “re tsoha ka bona,” (it is a turning point) and one could tell by the determination on their faces that they were hungry for a win. They had regained a little bit of confidence after coming home with a point when they played to a goalless draw against Cape Town All Stars in Cape Town a week
before. Prior to that they went five games without a win nor draw. They are still rooted at the bottom of the league with four points in seven games. The home team started the game at a low pace, with the opponents pressing them into their own half in search of an early goal. While everyone in the stadium thought it was the visitors who would score first, it was Maluti who opened the scoring with a well-placed curler from Mokwa’s boot at the half-hour mark, 30 minutes into the game. With just seven minutes left, Tsoanyane made the score read 2-0, following a defensive blunder that saw him going one-on-one with the goalkeeper, Pule Konopi. Morena Ramorebudi, the Maluti head coach, introduced Lucky Mokoena, who was loaned from the Absa Premier League outfit Free State Stars. The visitors who came out stronger and they were rewarded in the 70th minute after Mosopa run faster to beat Maluti’s defence to reduce the deficit to 2-1.
Highlands Park kept pushing in search of an equaliser, but they failed to beat the Maluti defence that kept discipline at the back line. Ramorebudi said he was happy with the maximum points and added that had boosted the confidence of the players. He pointed out that going five games without a win was not a true reflection of what they were capable of, but said that luck was not on their side. “We played very hard in all those games that we lost. The problem was we conceded unnecessary goals and in the end we had to pay for that. We did not play well today, but we won the game. We were not passing the ball with confidence like we did in our last games,” Ramorebudi said. He said after losing five games in a row life was difficult in the camp with some of the players starting to lose hope. “I had to motivate the players at all the times, because as the captain of the ship I have to give hope even when things were not going well.”