Vaal times launch

LAUNCH ISSUE

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# 1 Volume 1 | AUGUST 2013

VAAL METRO DA threatens legal action page 3

20 Years of Community Radio in Mzansi

Football development

page 9

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VAAL RIVER CARNIVAL LAUNCH FAILS TO IGNITE THE EXPECTED ADRENALIN inside

Struggling on the smallholding & Kasi

EXCLUSIVE

Page 2

NYAOPE DESTROYS OUR YOUTH

addicts speak out Page 11

2 VAAL TIMES | LAUNCH ISSUE | AUGUST 2013

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Struggling in a smallholding and in a township The untold stories of poor whites in South Africa

VAAL TIMES TEAM Editor In Chief: Motseki Mabuya Sub Editor: Steve Rampako Distribution: Meshack Mpoti Feature Writer: Frank Trimbos Feature Writer: Reginald Nhlapo CONTRIBUTORS Prof. Goodfriday Mhlongo Jacob Khawe Ndumiso Hadebe

Miriam Beetje (32) is sitting on the ground where she's sleeping

Story and Photos by Frank Trimbos

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BOIPATONG - The family Beetje is one of the few Afrikaner families living in a township. “We had to, we didn't have a choice,” mentions Ian Beetje (44).

“When I lost my job, we didn't have the financial resources to stay in town. We also couldn't pay for our service delivery to the municipality.” After this setback the Beetge family decided to move to the township. “At the moment it just better suits our financial situation. The rent is lower than in town and the service delivery is free,” Ian adds.

The Beetje family consists of Ian (44), Miriam (32), little Kevin Johnson (4) and their six young kittens. Kevin has lived most of his life in the township and has adapted well. He has a lot of playmates in the neighbourhood and he can already speak words in Afrikaans, English and Sotho.

Unfortunately, moving to a township doesn't mean that their difficult situation has come to an end now. Although Ian has found another job at a chemical plant where he is working night shift, their budget is still very tight. In addition, he has just heard that the renting contract of the house may not be renewed for them, which means they may be forced to move again to another place.

BARRAGE – Magie Breedt (56) is living with her daughter Anna- Marie Pretorius (30) and her family of eleven in a rented house at Rosahof smallholding. Their financial budget is tight as they are struggling selling their farming products. They have to compete with the large agricultural companies that can sell the products more cost efficiently.

In the meantime, feeding and taking care of the farm animals costs money, which makes their budget even tighter. Magie and her family keep struggling to make ends meet.

In addition, life is difficult on the smallholding as they are far away from other people. They are especially struggling when they have to go to the clinic. As they don't have any means of transportation, they have to walk very early in the morning to go to the clinic. They have to wait there for hours- sometimes even the whole day - until a nurse comes to do the check-up. “I was suffering from chest pain, heart failure and weight loss,” Magie explains.

“The nurse tested me for TB, but the results were negative. However, the complaints remained. When I went all the way to another clinic, it turned out I did have TB. My perseverance saved my life.”

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After living for more than two years in the township the Beetje family is getting pretty well settled in their environment and don't want to go back to the suburbs.

3 VAAL TIMES | LAUNCH ISSUE | AUGUST 2013

cover story

THE PROPOSED VAAL METRO The Democratic Alliance threatens legal action

Story by Reginald Nhlapo

VEREENIGING - The decision to merge Midvaal and Emfuleni local municipalities into a metropolitan city which is under review by the Municipal Demarcation Board (MDB) seems to have the Democratic Alliance (DA) on the edge.

Previously the party had objected to the amalgamation citing new metros as being much more expensive to run as officials, councillors and mayors are paid much more than in local municipalities as well as that property, water and electricity rates are likely to increase as a result of the merger.

The party has also not run short of accusing the ruling party of dirty tricks in trying to win the area which is the only municipality in Gauteng that is led by the DA. DA, MPL John Moodey said, “The DA continues to oppose the establishment of a metro in the Vaal, simply because the proposal does not meet the criteria for such establishment. We have submitted objections to the relevant body; we have not ruled out taking legal action in whatever form that is most appropriate.”

WHAT DOES A DECISION BY THE MUNICIPAL DEMARCATION BOARD MEAN OF GIVING MIDVAAL AND EMFULENI MERGER A METRO CATEGORY “A” STATUS? The proposed merger between ANC-run Emfuleni and DA-led Midvaal into a “category A” municipality has been on the cards since November last year.

A total of 157 municipalities, including the Midvaal and Emfuleni merger, fell in the category of boundary re-determinations.

When the Municipal Demarcation Board determines a municipal boundary its objective must be to establish an area that would enable the municipality for that area to fulfil its constitutional obligations, including the provision of democratic and accountable government for the local communities and the promotion of social and economic development.

An area must have a single category “A” municipality if that area can reasonably be regarded as a conurbation featuring areas of high population density; extensive development and multiple business districts and industrial areas. This also includes a centre of economic activity with a complex and diverse economy; as well as having strong interdependent social and economic linkages between its constituent units.

MDB chairman Landiwe Mahlangu said after the list of re-determined municipal boundaries were published in the Government Gazette, objections should be filed within 30 days.

He further lambasted a group people who were bussed supposedly from Midvaal to picket and deliver objection letters at the Municipal Demarcation Board offices about the proposed amalgamation of the Midvaal and Emfuleni local municipalities into forming a metropolitan municipality which is being considered by the Board.

“I am really surprised by this action. I acknowledge the democratic right of stakeholders to raise issues with the Board but that right has to be exercised within certain parameters. We are aware that the issue of municipal boundaries is an emotional one however, in executing our responsibility we are guided by legislation that provides guidelines on how to go about in re-determining boundaries.

“Decisions of the Board on the redetermination of municipal boundaries are not only influenced by one particular grouping but it is a combination of quality inputs including our own investigations on the proposal at our disposal,” said Mahlangu.

WHY DID NAST RESIGN AND SUDDENLY ACCEPTS AN OFFER IN THE PREMIER'S OFFICE? Timothy Nast's sudden resignation as the Mayor of Midvaal and his swift move to the Premier's office is deemed as a “no surprise” and anticipated by opposition parties.

Nast, who has allegedly taken up a post at the Gauteng Planning Commission became mayor of the Midvaal in 2009 and was re-elected to the post in 2011.

“Midvaal municipality had been troubled by various allegations of corrupt officials in the past, and the Public Protector also referred to corrupt actions within the municipality. Although service delivery was good in Midvaal, the DA did not act when its members reported the alleged corruption years ago to both Provincial and National leaders,” says COPE spokesperson, MPL Hermène Koorts.

In a statement issued by the FF Plus, Midvaal Cllr. Corrie Pypers claimed Nast had no choice but to resign. Pypers said Nast's resignation left the DA council divided and will have an effect on how management will be handled in the future.

“Nast was involved in the name change of a predominately Afrikaans school and instituted proceedings for the changes of various street and place names, similar to actions usually instituted by ANC controlled municipalities. It is therefore widely expected that Nast will be joining the ANC in due course,” concluded Pypers.

Moodey maintained that Nast's resignation as Mayor has not affected his affiliation to the DA. He went on to say that Nast informed the Party that he was looking for opportunities that would meet his long term aspirations. The opportunity presented itself and he took advantage of it.

Trade union federation Cosatu has condemned Nast's appointment to the Gauteng planning commission. “We wish to indicate that this has not been canvassed with us or our views solicited on this matter. We will leave no stone unturned in ensuring that the decision is reversed and for it to represent the interest of the poor and the working class than for it being the project of the elite and advantaged in our society,” said Cosatu Provincial Chairperson, Phutas Tseki.

WILL NEW MAYOR-ELECT BONGANI BALOYI BE ACCEPTED BY THE MIDVAAL'S WHITE FRATERNITY AND WHAT DOES THIS MEAN TO BLACK PEOPLE IN THE AREA? “The DA is a multiracial party, there has been no claim of racism on the part of the DA that has ever been proven or substantiated. I do not believe that the Mayor Elect, Cllr. Baloyi's race is reason for him not to be acceptable to any citizen of Midvaal. I have no doubt that he will prove to be a very competent Mayor. The majority of members of Electoral College, through a democratic process, elected him as the preferred candidate on the strength of his merits and not his race,” concluded Moodey.

Meanwhile Sedibeng District Municipality, Executive Mayor Mahole Mofokeng outlined plans by the municipality as they await the 30-day grace period by MDB for objections for and against a metropolitan.

“We appreciate the fact that finally the MDB has come to agree with us that this area must be a metro but what is important is that the process towards a metro has not been an event thing, it was a culminating process.”

“During the transitional local municipalities, the area of Sedibeng was declared a metro and I think by declaring it a metro during the interim it was based on the fact that originally as far as industrialization was concerned immediately when South Africa moved from being an agricultural to an industrial country, Vereeniging was one of the highly industrialised areas which was forming a part which we refer to as the metropolis.

“This is where the population was growing very fast and the sanctions issue saw plenty of industrial factories close down. The thinking was still there hence it was upheld, however we lost that status due to laws that we were mainly depending on the steel industries which were in decline. “ B et we e n n o w a n d t h e d ate o f t h e announcement by the MDB, we are going to submit a document that will be outlining our consultation with business to being critical decision makers in the region.

Secondly, we will be consolidating the financial modelling because working as divided municipalities we don't have a strong financial base.

With the finance of the district including local municipalities consolidated under metro then we can make the region to be financially viable. Thirdly, we're looking at the economic viability; with four municipalities in the region planning on their own, the situation is not productive let alone viable as such will not create jobs.

Lastly it's through marketing that will make it easy to attract investors; we have a strong heritage and we want the area to be a tourism attraction,” said Mofokeng.

5 VAAL TIMES | LAUNCH ISSUE | AUGUST 2013

Arcellor Mittal donates R13m for HIV/Aids Clinic

Orange Farm finally gets its own mall

Report by Vaal Times Staffer

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rcelorMittal donates a R13m HIV/Aids clinic to Sebokeng hospital Steel giant ArcelorMittal South Africa is committed to uplifting and improving the quality of life in the communities within which they operate with special reference to previously disadvantaged communities through the investment of time, knowledge and skill.

The company's Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is in accord with their value of sustainability and facilitates closer engagement with stakeholders in ensuring a sustainable contribution to the development of local communities.

ArcelorMittal South Africa's Corporate Social Investment strategy is underpinned by the following principles: * Addressing socio-economic imbalances. * Contributing to meaningful transformation. *Aligning objectives with government programmes such as ASGISA (Accelerated & Shared Growth Initiative for South Africa). * Empowering historically disadvantaged communities to become self-sufficient. * Promoting employee participation in social projects.

Their key focus areas are Education, Health & Safety and Social upliftment. ArcelorMittal has found out that poor education and a lack of skills is perhaps the biggest and universally recognised stumbling block to a prosperous future. With the skills market now effectively globalised, the shortage of domestic skills is exacerbated by international completion for a limited pool of skills.

To remedy this, the company is focusing on education, more specifically mathematics and science education, as a priority. One of ArcelorMittal South Africa's innovative plans to address the skills shortage is to provide centralised facilities for teaching mathematics and science to both learners and educators in the areas which the company operates. This project runs in partnership with the Departments of Education of various regions.

The objective is to provide facilities and resources, such as laboratories and computers, which are not normally available at many of the schools.

This has given rise to Sebokeng Science Centre which was opened in July 2006. Here, 1200 students in 2009, aged between 14 and 17, from schools in the region, spent one day per week at the Science Centre, as part of the normal curriculum.

The company has also funded the upgrading of the Bophelong Police Station that is used by the police to provide a service to the local community.

The old building did not allow the community members to report their complaints with any privacy. The building also accommodates several NGO's for disabled persons.

For the communities where the company has operations, their goal of “transforming tomorrow” requires that they take an active interest in their health and wellbeing. Thus the company according to Themba Hlengani, Manager, Corporate Communications and Branding, is spending a whopping R13m to build a state of the art clinic at the Sebokeng hospital meant for HIV/Aids patients as part of fighting the disease. The official launch is scheduled for October this year where the clinic building will be handed over to the provincial health department.

Report by Reginald Nhlapo

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onstruction of the new R400 million Eyethu Orange Farm mall has commenced with major retailers already securing 27, 000m² of retail space and transport infrastructure upgrading is underway.

Scheduled to commence trade in September 2014, the mall is designed to act as an economic catalyst for the area and is located adjacent to the busy Stretford Station, the core of the new Town Square.

The idea for Eyethu Orange Farm Mall came with businessman Vusi Tshabalala nearly two decades ago, who saw a future where the community of Orange Farm could benefit from its own spending power by developing a shopping mall in which the community owned a stake.

However the much anticipated mall which has been marred by controversies and dissatisfaction from disgruntled community and business forum members seems to have finally got to a good start but only just.

“I can confirm that we had members of the business forum who are not happy with how we run things in particular certain service providers that are contracted to the mall but one needs to look at the expertise sought. Much as this is the community project, we need not enrich ourselves but seek professionals wherever possible” said Community Liaison Officer, Thando Ngoma.

The Orange Farm Community Trust which was formed to hold shares on behalf of the community is said to hold 10% stake of the entire mall. This trust will fund community needs, encourage investment and the development of Orange Farm.

Pick n Pay, Shoprite, Edgars, Jet, Foschini, Mr Price and Clicks are among the confirmed tenants.

Chairperson of the Stakeholders Forum, Cllr Simon Mlekeleli Motha said this mall was a dream come true for Orange Farm residents.

“Currently 75 local people are employed on the construction site and we expect more. Upon completion roughly 3 000 permanent jobs would be created with 75% earmarked for the youth as this will help eradicate poverty.”

Motha maintained that there is no political interference on the project whatsoever.

“We hardly come on-site and when we do, it's only for monitoring.

This is a huge investment that will sustain Orange Farm, we'd like to challenge other private investors to come and invest. Jodan and WBHO constructors are tasked with earthwork and building of the mall respectively” he concluded.

The National Empowerment Fund (NEF) through its Rural & Community Development Fund is providing R50 million on behalf of the Orange Farm Community for the 10% equity stake.

Once the mall is finished, it is estimated that 60 to 70 percent of cash will be retained in the township and only 30 to 40 percent will leave.

6 VAAL TIMES | LAUNCH ISSUE | AUGUST 2013

Sasol Techno X contributes to South Africa's skills development

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he Executive Mayor of Metsimaholo, Cllr Brutus Mahlaku, District Mayor of Fezile Dabi Municipality, Cllr Moeketsi Moshodi and District Director of Education of Fezile Dabi, Vusi Chuta, amongst others attended the official opening of Sasol's flagship career exhibition, Sasol Techno X 2013.

The expo started on Monday 19 August at the Boiketlong Sport Centre, in Sasolburg and will end on Friday 23 August 2013. It is a premier career exhibition in South Africa, profiling mathematics, science and technology.

Cllr Mahlaku said, "Sasol Techno X sparks a desire for mathematics, science and technology amongst students. It stimulates them and drives an eagerness for them to do better. In addition, the week-long expo brings investment to the province."

Mr. Daniel Mafojane’s Centenary Birthday

District Director of Education of Fezile Dabi, Vusi Chuta, emphasised that there is an alarming skills shortage in the country, especially in the field of engineering.

He said, "There are modern ways of working and as technology progresses, it is required that we meet the demands. Mathematics, science and technology serves as building blocks, allowing our country to compete favourably with others.

However, we still need to do more to increase our skills base. We need to lay a solid foundation from a school level."

According to the Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA), South Africa currently has one engineer for every 3 100 people, compared to Germany with one engineer for every 200 people. In countries like Japan, U.K. and U.S.A., this ratio stands at about 1:310.

courtesy of FLIGHT CONNECTOR

You nominate and choose the winners too

Sasol Techno X 2013 themed “ C u r i o s i t y f u e l s t h e f u t u re ” celebrates its 13th year of existence and provides a dynamic and interactive way for learners to discover career opportunities in these three fields. The exhibition is aimed at grade 7 to 12 learners who are exposed to interactive displays, workshops, site visits, talks by experts in the respective fields and hands-on activities.

"In the last two years, the number of students taking mathematics and science has increased in our district.

There is no better company in this world who can introduce mathematics, science and technology to our youth, other than Sasol. They understand the shortage of skills and we will always partner with these types of expos," Chuta concluded.

Vusi Cwane, General Manager Public Affairs: Group Marketing and Operations, Sasol said, "Choosing a career is an important part for a student. The Sasol Techno X therefore exposes them to jobs and professionals who have excelled. The expo breaks the stigma that mathematics and science are for a selected few."

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Sasol is also proud to partner with gove r n m e nt a n d e d u cat i o n a l institutions to ensure that Sasol Techno X's impact and reach is maximised to benefit learners, teachers and the local Sasolburg community.

At Sasol Techno X, learners have the o p p o r t u n i t y t o e n ga g e w i t h universities and other industry stakeholders on the practicalities of moving through course studies and bursary options.

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7 VAAL TIMES | LAUNCH ISSUE | AUGUST 2013

Woman of Worth 2013 In the wake of Women's month former actress now turned business woman and sign language interpreter, Ivy Tshabalala was recognised for her tireless work in the community when she was presented with a 2013 Woman of Worth award by SABC Radio Lesedi FM on Friday night.

The sultry 33-year old, single mother of one welcomed Vaal Times into her home a day after her memorable achievement.

Tshabalala couldn't hide her excitement and visible attraction to the statuette which she devotes to the almighty god. “This came as a surprise to me given the circumstances under which I received the award, I was not even aware, all that I was asked was to come and celebrate with other women since it is our month or so I thought. I must admit that it feels good to know that finally my contribution for better cause has been noticed. “This is the first award I've received in all the work that I have done by far and I'm hoping many more will follow, you can imagine how I feel; I still cannot believe it. Having born from parents who are physically challenged this taught me that within them there is potential frankly within disability there is ability. From here onwards I hope young people will partner with me as we continue to do well in our call for bettering the lives of those who are less fortunate�, expressed Tshabalala.

Among initiatives taken by Tshabalala includes a walk from Sasolburg to Kroonstad to raise funds to send two kids to a deaf school where they would be with children like themselves and feel free to express themselves.

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8 VAAL TIMES | LAUNCH ISSUE | AUGUST 2013

MY

View

Vaal River Carnival 2013 Launch fail to ignite

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e are in a point in time in our history whereby the voices of young people need to be heard more than before. With the current climate of poverty, inequality and unemployment that exists in our communities, young people are the hardest hit.

At the Steve Biko Memorial Lecture in 2012 Prof Ben Okri who is a Nigerian author and poet expressed the following sentiments:” No one will hand us the destiny that we want. No one will carry us to the future that our bones and our history crave for.” I share the same view. I ask myself, how did the generation of Oliver Tambo, Nelson Mandela, Solomon Mahlangu, Steve Biko and many others manage to be vanguards of this democratic dispensation that we are enjoying today as young people? What is it that the youth of 1976 possessed that as young people today are finding so difficult to master?

I came to this deduction, the youth of 1976 and the vanguards of our democratic dispensation had a clear understanding of what it is they believed in, the hardships that they underwent, the vision of a better future for their children and their role in effecting that change!

They had a clear identity and a clear cause!

Consider this- there is a ship in the ocean, on this ship there are masters and slaves. This ship encounters a heavy storm and the masters of the ship need more man power to pour in more coal faster in order to move the ship out of the storm. The masters request that the slaves assist in this regard. One of the slaves asserts to say that they will only help under two (2) conditions. One, they should become common owners of the ship; and two (2) they should release of the elders. The masters agreed and the ship was led safely out of the stop. Three(3) months past while sailing and one of them posed the question: “ but friends, where are we taking this ship?”

You see the challenges of the people on the ship were different and once they all became common owners, their challenges were different and diversified. As a result, this required a thought-filled solution orientated approach.

Likewise with young people today. We lose ourselves in buying and abusing alcohol with money that we do not even have, we drop out of school and disrespect our parents and educators when we are presented with the opportunity to better ourselves, our families and our community through this very powerful tool. There is no better time than now, for young people to stand up as solution orientated vanguards for a prosperous South Africa.

I obsess over of the notion of; for every societal problem, provide five (5) solutions. That is what the greatest leaders of all time do.

You see, when our ability and agility to learn becomes slower than the rate of change, it is then that we become irrelevant. The youth of 1976 and our great heroes understood this very well. Madiba expressed that it would be impossible for them to conquer the oppressive government of the day if they do not understand the language of the oppressor. They learnt the language. Likewise, as young people in the Sedibeng community we need to consistently learn and understand the nature of the challenges that we are facing and respond to them by being solution-orientated like our former struggle icons.

Will all of that being said, it would be almost impossible for us to do so unless we have a clear identity of who we are, what we represent and respond to our challenges while giving hope to our nation's aspirations. The challenge in the past was to overcome the apartheid government and the vision was to live in a non-racial, nonsexist free democratic society. Presently, our challenge is to overcome the triple threat challenges that currently exist. Our vision? To live in a country where we all have the opportunity to work, the youth with a

By Ndumiso Hadebe

From Left: MMC Khulu Malindi, Executive Mayor Greta Hlongwane, MMC Shaka Radebe

Report & Picture by Vaal Times

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his year's Vaal River Carnival media launch that took place at Thabong Shopping Centre on Saturday failed to live up to expectation and left a lot to be desired as to whether it wouldn't be wise to hand over such events to be staged by relevant companies.

Addressing the media Emfuleni Local Municipality Executive Mayor, Cllr Greta Hlongwane said, “The activities around the Vaal River Carnival are designed to celebrate talent, people, culture and the rich heritage which the area possesses.

“This is the moment in the course of the year where we look inwards with a view of identifying what we have in our area of cultural resources and using it to promote culture and tourism within the municipality” The annual event which is usually led by the Vaal Commando Bikers to draw the crowd through the riveting noise and create awareness to the public about the upcoming events was compromised as they were not present as a result it was all doom and gloom with members of Vaal Injectors VW, Club BMW and Mini Coopers taking over the convoy.

Evaton Plaza became the first stop with procession trailing on Moshoeshoe road quietly; mind you it was weekend pedestrians, drivers and bystanders probably assumed it's a funeral motorcade making its way to the cemetery.

To rub salt into the wound on arrival at the Palm Springs Mall there was a promotion other than that of the municipality ongoing, sound was heard blaring and that overpowered attempts to engage the public, and one wonders if it wouldn't have been wise to have audio on Masia Sound Productions' trailer which was part of the tour.

A number of changes to this year's VRC line-up include the omission of the prestigious Miss Emfuleni, Street Parade and moving the programmes from Emfuleni Local Municipality's Sports, Recreation, Arts and Culture (SRACLIS) department to that of Local Economic Development (LED) and Tourism in the region.

SRACLIS MMC Shaka Radebe said, “Note that the department for which I am responsible for has been running the VRC for all these years, as the council we took a resolution that there are issues that are embedded in the programme we are now transferring the programme from Arts and Culture into the department of LED and Tourism as it's a major aspect of that”.

Radebe rubbished reports that Miss Emfuleni has been canned due to sponsors pulling out and lack of persuasion on their part to lure sponsor therefore there are no prizes for the winner.

“We started late with the VRC arrangements because we had to take a decision as council resolution on where to position the carnival so those discussions took long for us to engage on Miss Emfuleni, we did not want to host the event just for the sake of doing it. We also couldn't have a prestigious Miss Emfuleni with the type of budget which the council have.

“The reason why we don't have street parade is that when we looked at our finances as the municipality we then realised that there's much that needs to be paid, we reviewed our budget and prioritised hence we replaced it with Drum Majorettes and the Fun Run”, explained Radebe.

On the other side of town, the “Spring Beer Festival which took place concurrent to the launch was however a success. The event which was hosted at Stonehaven-on-Vaal maintained its momentum with various artists setting the stage alight and sending music lovers into frenzy.

ELM's employee who spoke on condition of anonymity said, “It baffles me as to why the Beer Festival takes place at the same time as the VRC launch and this has been happening for two years in succession now. Look at the support it gets, it is so immense and I can hardly spot men in blue which is something that will be a complete opposite at the Beach Party. The partition submitted by Three Rivers Home Owners Association is a clear indication that they don't acknowledge the “black noise” hence I don't get it why we still persist on taking it (Beach Party) to the white predominantly communities.

9 VAAL TIMES | LAUNCH ISSUE | AUGUST 2013

20 Years of Community Radio in Mzansi Report by Reginald Nhlapo

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his year marks the 20th anniversary of community radio since inception back in 1993. The National Executive Committee of the National Community Radio Forum (NCRF) because of this has resolved to dedicate the remaining six months of the year from June to December as a period of activities through-out the country where you find community radio stations. The sector is now accounting for 8.7million listenership across the country which is above 25 percent of the industry.

This journo caught up with local radio personalities Phakisi Mokoena, Motseki Mabuya and Nicho Mojalefa Ntema to relive the milestone and share experiences, opinion and knowledge about this fascinating medium.

“Community radio has changed lives and is seen as a feeder for mainstream radio, however the 20 years of community radio existence is a mess and lots of talent has been thrown out of the mainstream, how does one explain the newly launched Power FM opting for retired on-air personalities instead of those groomed by our own community radio stations?

“Internal fighting within community radio stations contribute to its downfall and it so sad that loyal listeners are often left in the dark, optimal training needs to be given to radio presenters on how powerful and influential they can be once behind the microphone.

“We need to host a Vaal community radio indaba which will be developmental and debatable that will facilitate matters such as business models, management and sustaining community radio station,” says the out-spoken Ntema.

NCRF now boost of 120 Community Radio Stations as members and have build NCRF Provincial Structures in all the nine provinces of the Republic of South Africa".

Mabuya fondly known as “Letona la Bacha/Ntate oa Mafahla” said, “We've got above 150 community radio stations in the country yet we still expect certain stations to cater for a specific ethnic group, the emergence of news channels and mainstream stations won't even give that a second-look. For instance speaking the queen's language on a community radio may have its consequences despite it being the universal way of communication. Community radio faces another challenge of sense of belonging from presenters and management alike, one need to understand that four or five years in the helm is enough and as such must pave way for others.

“The demise of a station makes one wonder how does its competitor fail to capitalise on that. As presenters we've got a tendency of blaming lack of resources for our inability to execute our work. Look, I believe content plays a major role in programming and producing a one hundred percent local content is expensive but then again it's surprising that we can bring you national and international news on local platform why don't we use the same resources and localised content for our target market,” asked Mabuya.

Mokoena, a product of community radio who now plies his trade for a national radio station believes a lot is still needs to be done in order to uplift the standard of local radio.

“Hosting a radio show without a producer is a definite no; in most instances you find three co-hosts spending roughly fifteen minutes on-air talking senseless stuff among themselves. Bear in mind that radio is all about information,” lamented Mokoena.

The CEO of Media Development and Diversity Agency, Lumko Mtimde said, “Community radio has grown from where people were not optimistic about its chances of survival. Sustainability in many respect is still a challenge faced by many radio stations and that demand training.”

“To a large extend we have had stations encountering financial problems even at times we don't give them the funds all at once and that has assisted in making sure that the funds are not used for what they were not meant for,” Mtimde pointed out.

This coming weekend, various contributors in the Sector will be honoured at a Chapter Gala that will be held in the Western Cape.

"I would also like to reject the RAMS released last week which are hell-bent to take the Community Radio Stations figures backward. We reject them with the contempt they deserve. We are not sure what are the agendas of attacking our figures.

Community Radio Stations are here to stay!" concluded NCRF Chairperson, Sonnyboy Masingi.

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The launch of Women's Month 2013 in Sedibeng The Sedibeng District Municipality held a fittingly glamorous media launch for women's month on the 1 August 2013. The launch was held at the Lord's Signature Hotel in Three Rivers, Vereeniging, where a cross section of women from various stakeholder groupings gathered to witness the launch of this year's Women's Month and the associated month's long programme. As usual the month-long celebration also commemorates the sacrifices made by women during the liberation struggle.

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Mama Adelaide Tambo was born in “Top Location” in the Vaal Region

This year's commemoration will be associated with Mama Adelaide Tambo who was born in “Top Location” in the Vaal Region. In her opening speech the Speaker of Sedibeng, Cllr. Busisiwe Modisakeng said: “The late Mama Adelaide is one of the most renowned heroines of the struggle; her sacrifices for this country's liberation are an utmost expression of selflessness and it is therefore appropriate that we use this stalwart's name and image to communicate our gratitude for her sacrifices and the sacrifices of women in general.”

“The Sedibeng District's commitment to the liberation of women is not only communicated in the month of August but is echoed through the policies and practices that are in place to ensure that a level of gender equality is reached and maintained. Such policies as the Equity Policy are amongst the best in municipalities nationally,” said the Executive Mayor of Sedibeng Cllr. Mahole Simon Mofokeng during his speech at the launch.

The program is headed by the Sedibeng District's Office of the Speaker and Sedibeng District Speaker, Cllr Busisiwe Modisakeng was amongst the municipality's representatives that made a presentation on the events that are expected to characterise the month-long celebrations. The events are aimed at “capacitating and empowering women to become politically, socially and economically independent.”

The Speaker also added that these programs are instruments that will stamp the already substantial authoritative stature of South African women's contributions to society.

“Although there isn't a formal or standard measurement that can be used to calculate the proportional contribution made by groups or individuals during the struggle for the emancipation of our people - It is with great humility that we recognise and show gratitude to the women of this country that waged war against the apartheid regime. Wathint' abafazi, wathint' imbhokodo, she concluded.”

10 VAAL TIMES | LAUNCH ISSUE | AUGUST 2013

We have a right to Dream Big Looking at horizons and asking a hypothetical question about the future of our region. I find hope in what is called “River City”. As I write I hear OR Tambo's words saying “The future is bright. The end is glorious; it is peaceful” Sedibeng ANC regional leadership must be commended for taking a bold decision to drive an agenda of a single municipality. The process of the demarcation was inclusive and promoted public engagement. I followed all public hearings and meetings, democracy was in action. In the future region we should embrace to the latter the principles of democratic and developmental local governance. The dream of a Metro must be understood not only as a structural change for political and managerial outlook. It must not be a possibility of powerful positions for individuals and a base for business corruption. It must be peaceful and glorious. It must bring prosperity in the region.

The people of Vaal and those opposing the dream of a single municipality must understand that this is a continuation of an agenda to build a united, inclusive, democratic and developmental state for all citizens irrespective of their colour, class and gender.

The River City must be a tourist destination where people across the province and country find reasons to drive to the Vaal. Those with big pockets should land their private jets in Rustervaal airport. Even though this airport is not an international but a Cargo type where heavy loads and heavy vehicles will be safely stored. Hospitality industry should grow big with government support. The tourism industry, the spatial development framework and the developers/investors should tell us of opportunities on the river beds. The entertainment industry together with arts and culture practitioners should develop a sustainable, developmental approach for vibe and fun in the region. A plan to have Sharpeville/Boipatong as a heritage site must be implemented. KwaDlomo dam development should be such a way that it connects with the river. Sebokeng /Evaton renewal project have to offer development where entrepreneur opportunities are harnessed. The two towns Vanderbiljpark and Vereeniging must have a 35 floor towers for multi-corporations with beautiful view of the township and the river.

This is but one part of the dream you the people of Vaal have more thoughts. Let's talk.

The National Development Plan, the Gauteng vision 2055 and our dream as outlined in the Growth and Development Strategy (20 year plan) must speak the same developmental perspectives. All spheres of government and the private sector must have a shared vision. This dream demands leadership from all sectors as a matter of principle.

Without political rhetoric, this region deserves a future as articulated by OR Tambo in 1981 at the funeral of Cde Joe Qabi when he said “The future is bright. The end is glorious; it is peaceful, but the intervening period is dark, bitter and finds its glory in the act of struggle”. It may seem dark, we may despair but united by the shared vision, struggling side by side for development, the future is bright.

Jacob Khawe

on my individual capacity

LAST WORD Prof. Goodfriday Mhlongo “There are always three sides to every story.....”

Greetings fellow residents of Sedibeng!

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n the interest of encouraging the much talked about active citizenry I have accepted the challenge to write a weekly political commentary focus on our region and its issues. It is my desire that this column be used to enriching debates and to raise awareness in our quest to answer the question “what is to be done”?

As an academic and an ex-military practitioner/ex-student leader as see my role in our society and our region as not confirmed to the auditoriums and to the knowledge thirsty students I have a privilege of interacting with daily from the length and breadth of this our beautiful land, but as wide enough to reach your eyes and mind wherever you might be reading this piece from.

And naturally my role will be to ask questions and not necessarily to provide solutions. I will problematise problems so that the readers of this column, both individually and collectively can debate around whatever issue(s) that will be raised and find solutions by themselves.

As per the mandate given to me by the creative geniuses of this newspaper, my approach to the issues raised herein will be to get closer to the truth – whatever the costs. This means there are not going to be any holy cows and nothing and no one who matters (particularly in our region) will escape my magnifying glasses as I dig for the truths...

I need to state from the onset that I have a natural bias towards the downtrodden, the poor and the marginalised in our mist – irrespective of their race, creed, colour, religion, language or sexual orientation. I will endeavour to stand for justice, honesty and truth in my weekly writing. I need to declare that I hold no brief from any political grouping in the country and/or in our region.

And I have no intention of doing so this side of heaven!

Having said all the above I must also hasten to mention that I am not naive of the history our country, struggle and people both pre-and post 1652.

This history and the sacrifices made by our forebearers for us to be where we are today will be constant torch as we seek the ever elusive truth week in week out.

Good people of Sedibeng – looking forward to good healthy discussions, and to growing both intellectually and politically from your engagement....

Kealeboha, Ndiyabulela, Ngiyabonga,

NB: Comments on any discussion raised in this column should be directed to the author hereof at: Goodfriday.Mhlongo@gmail.com. I shall this column write.

Disclaimer Although I am an academic stationed at the North West University's Vaal Triangle Campus and have associations (albeit on a time to time basis) with Wits, Unisa, VUT and Southern Business School, I write this column in my private capacity and all the ideas expressed herein do not represent those of any of the prestigious institutions mentioned above.

11 VAAL TIMES | LAUNCH ISSUE | AUGUST 2013

NYAOPE DESTROYS OUR YOUTH Addicts speak out

Report and Pictures by Frank Trimbos

SEBOKENG – In a filthy corner, privately located behind the Sanca offices and clinic in Sebokeng, I observe how four local youngsters inject themselves with the highly poisonous drug Nyaope. It strikes me how someone can inject himself with a mixture of heroine, anti-retrovirals (ARV) tablets, and Rattex. It also strikes me how easy it is for them to get this drug. Just before they showed me their hide-out, they purchased 0,5 grams of Nyaope for R40 from their local dealer.

The procedure is an everyday routine for the youngsters. They put the drugs in a bottle cap before they boil it into a liquid substance. With a shoe lace tied around their upper arms, their blood veins appear. When the veins are clearly visible, they inject the Nyaope with a syringe in their veins. All four use the same syringe to inject themselves with the drugs.

One can get easily addicted to nyaope, as it is a highly toxic and very addictive substance.

Once addicted to this dangerous drug, nothing else seems to matter. Addicts don't seem to care much anymore about their education, their future, their family, their friends and their health. How to score drugs and the addictive thrill of getting high becomes the most important thing for them and it will take over their lives completely. All the other aspects in their lives that used to be important will fade away to the background.

This will have devastating effects on their future, as they don't care for their education anymore and they'll be willing to sell items from their homes in order to purchase the drugs. They will be so desperate, that they are even capable of stealing. They will do anything, as long as they can achieve their goal: getting the drugs.

What is interesting though is that these boys come from different background and as they relive their past I could sense potential but with their current situation what does the future holds for them?

According to them SA National Council on Alcohol and drug dependence (SANCA) is the last place they would want to be admitted at due to ill treatment they allege to receive when they are admitted there.

The four youngsters, Thato Mokone (22), Mandla 'Mo-fire' Nkosi (19), Seun Mbele (23) and Lehlohonolo Mokoena (20), say they have been addicted to Nyaope for years.

The addiction to this drug is so severe, that the craving will not stop.

“When the rush of the drugs wears out and slowly fades away, I want to stop so badly,” claims Thato Mokone. “But then my body aches again and starts demanding for the drugs, and my mind also starts to crave for the drugs to escape from the mess I am in, and then I start looking for money again to buy drugs. I can't seem to stop, although I really want to.”

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One can get easily addicted to nyaope, as it is a highly toxic and very addictive substance.

Mo-fire Nkosi adds: “Look at the filth we are in. We realize how dangerous this is. Of course we want to stop using drugs, we want to stop hurting our families. We want to stop violating our bodies. But we don't know where to start.”

These youngsters claim that they want to be role models for their brothers and sisters and that they want to do good at school and for their community and that they want to work on a better future. But they won't be able to face these challenges alone. Quitting drugs is extremely difficult, especially when temptations arise at every street corner.

Nyaope is a very dangerous and highly toxic drug. It is highly addictive and extremely dangerous. One mistake in the mixture can have disastrous consequences, even result in death. It is shocking how easy these youngsters can get access to these drugs, and how the drugs dealers can get access to the ingredients. All involved organizations and authorities must work together in order to put a halt to this poison that infects the future of these youth, and of their families.

Mzwakhe Msibi, founder of Toughest Young Minds (TYM), an organization that deals with drug substance abuse among other things maintains quitting is not easy and needs support from family.

“With the help from the department of social development we try our level best to be accessible to the community through a mobile clinic where we offer out-patient treatment, however we often encounter problems with users as a result of relapse. We urge parents to lend a helping hand and support their children in their efforts to stop using drugs,” explained Msibi.

Maggie, a SANCA Vaal Triangle employee who refused to divulge her surname said, “It is beyond our control to make sure that patients who are admitted quit using the substance. Nyaope is an addictive drug that is hard to quit and we mostly get out-patients who are willing to undergo treatment which takes two weeks, as for relapsing it is unfortunate because we don't provide after-care.”

12 VAAL TIMES | LAUNCH ISSUE | AUGUST 2013

sports Football development in Sedibeng in the rut Report by Reginald Nhlapo

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t is often said that 'it takes a village to raise a child with a hope that in future he might end up being celebrated' but what about a living legend who has defied the odds to set a trend and put his area on the map but neglected and possibly forgotten?

Simon “Bull” Lehoko is a renowned name in the football circles not only in our region but across the country.

Born in Vereeniging in 1951, Lehoko always had a hunger to learn. After attending school at Lekoa Shandu, he enrolled for a teacher's diploma at Wilberforce Training College in Evaton where he met former Kaizer Chiefs midfield star, the late Ariel “Pro” Khongoane.

Lehoko's football debut at Real X20 launched him on a successful career path, one which may not have materialised if his father had not owned a soccer club.

Lehoko's father Shadrack was what people in the township commonly referred to as “preza” (president or club owner). His brother Joseph nicknamed him “Bull” because of his tough defensive style.

He rose through the ranks and when he turned 16, his prowess developed in the colours of Real X20. Lehoko was among Real X20 players who featured prominently in the Sharpeville Invitation X1.

Lehoko's impeccable performance at Vaal Professionals caught the eye of the Phefeni Glamour Boys who started negotiations for his services. However a nagging injury ended his ambitions to continue playing at Chiefs.In the early 90s Lehoko became head coach of the now-defunct Vaal Professionals.

'Setla' as they were known was one of the most feared teams in the old national soccer league, winning the BobSave Superbowl (now the Nedbank Cup) in 1994, becoming the first South African team to play in the Mandela Cup – the African Cup winners' cup – and being a founder member of the PSL in 1996.

Soccer development in our region has gone to the dogs despite the success we had in the past. It's high time we develop our own and resurrected a professional team within our football fraternity, we need change in the Vaal.

Lehoko and several of his former Vaal Professionals colleagues have their hearts set on top-level football returning to the area. They are also squarely behind efforts at grassroots level to develop not only the football skills of youth in the area but also their life skills and ability to handle the tremendous social challenges they face.

“Bull's” efforts to resuscitate football development in the region have been washed down the drain as funders failed to honour their promises time and again.

“Soccer development in our region has gone tothe dogs despite thesuccess we had in thepast. It's high time we develop our own and resurrected a professional team within our football fraternity, we need change in the Vaal.”

This is how Mojekisane, “Bull” Lehoko's son sees the state of football in the region and he pleaded with the community at large to come onboard and rescue fading careers of prominent future stars.

“It is uncalled for to have municipalities running football, whatever happened to former players; why is it that the legends are not given that opportunity? Our region is richly blessed with abundance of football talent but it is absurd to note that only a handful ply their trade in the elite Premier Soccer League (PSL).

“We call upon the powers that be to reconsider and give soccer development a thought. Yes, we acknowledge that the plan might be there but it is only on paper.How long will our cries fall on deafears, how exciting would it be to see not only the return of Vaal Professionals but also the grassroots growth of the game in the area being put under the control of professionals like the Soccer Legends”, he asks?

Mojekisane also made it known that the much anticipated Simon “Bull”Lehoko Sports Foundation will be launched at a gala-dinner that will be held next month and this is in partnership with soccer giant Kaizer Chiefs Football Club. In attendance will be football greats such as Johannes “Ryder” Mofokeng, Joseph “Banks”Setlhodi and Kenneth “Continental” Kubheka to name but a few.

This will serve as a channel to outline plans and raise funds for the foundation.

The launch which was scheduled to take place early last month was postponed as a result of internal politics.

“It is saddening to have promises made by decision makers and only to renegade on them. To those who failed us we'd like to say we are aware and have learned”, concluded Lehoko jnr.

Lehoko Foundation in conjunction with Made in the Vaal and Sheila and Mapule Commemorative Welfare Centre will also host a soccer tournament which will pinpoint individuals who are skilful and willing to quit drugs but are faced with different struggles.

The event which coincides with the Vaal Uprising will be aimed at drug abuse which has become a scourge in our lives.

Pule Nteso said, “With this initiative we're hoping to open our own rehabilitation centre as the current ones are not effective, most of the drug users are prepared and motivated to quit but it goes back to saying what if they relapse.

“We are open to work with everybody. On the day there would be awards which are earmarked at recognizing and honouring women in sport, supporters who are inspired by the likes of the late Johannes “Mzion” Mofokeng and promoting leaders among us”, added Nteso.

Photo: Bull Lehoko