Platinum
Eastplats gets new board after ouster Eastern Platinum (Eastplats) is to review the “recently proposed transaction” to sell its Crocodile River mine for US$50m to a Chinese company following a board coup at the firm’s annual general meeting on Wednesday. The Eastplats board led by David Cohen, was ousted and replaced by representatives of the so-called ‘dissident’ shareholder, Ka An Development Company. A new interim CEO, Peter Clausi, has been appointed whilst the executive committee has been disbanded. George Dorin is Eastplats’ new chairman. - The Audit Committee was reconstituted to include Michael Cosic (Chair), George Dorin and Sam Wang - The Compensation and Corporate Governance Committee was reconstituted to include Sam Wang (Chair), George Dorin and George Pirie - The Safety, Health and Environment Risk Committee was reconstituted to include Douglas Perkins (Chair), George Pirie and Michael Cosic - The Executive Committee was disbanded - Peter M. Clausi was appointed interim Chief Executive Officer of the Company - Andrea Zhang was appointed interim Chief Operating Officer of the Company, with authority to assume operations and supervision of the Company’s South African operations - Anton Lubbe was appointed Vice President, South African Operations, reporting directly to Mr. Zhang. “We are pleased with the results of the Meeting and with the manner in which the Board, its committees and senior management have been reshaped”, stated Mr. Dorin, the newly appointed Chair. “We believe strongly that this Board, with the able assistance of the new senior management team, has the experience, knowledge and commitment to lead EastPlats forward at this crucial, turning point in its history.” The company says in a SENS annoucement that in the short term, the board intends to conduct a detailed review of EastPlats and its subsidiaries to determine what changes, if any, would be desirable in light of such review and existing circumstances. Among other things, the board will be carefully reviewing the company’s current care and maintenance program and its potential strategic alternatives, including the recently announced proposed transaction The Limpopo MEC responsible for Agriinvolving the sale of the Compaculture and Rural Development, Mme Joy ny’s South African subsidiary, BarMatshoge, was buried last week Saturday plats Mines Limited, which holds after dying in a car accident. On Friday the Crocodile River Mine. flags in the province flew half mast. The The board expects to report a municipal flag in Ohrigstad (what is left of number of material changes and it) maybe needs to be replaced ... developments in the coming weeks and months, as its review of EastPlats progresses.
Gazette Sad
Burgersfort, Steelpoort, Ohrigstad
8 July 2016
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Advertorial
8 JULY 2016
Dare to care and pick it up!
On Friday 1 July 2016 Modikwa employees and the management team parƟcipated in an Environmental AnƟ-LiƩering Campaign. Braving the early morning cold, employees could volunteer to parƟcipate and walked from their various shaŌs and work areas to the bus stop near the mine entrance while picking up liƩer. The iniƟaƟve came from the Environmental Leader, Mr James Ndou and his team with support from the mine’s management team. Modikwa PlaƟnum Mine is an ISO 14000 cerƟfied mine and part of this is that their environmental policies and implementaƟon thereof comply with internaƟonal standards. Taking pride in their workplace and creaƟng a safe and neat working environment brought together the volunteers who collected the liƩer on Friday. Mr Ndou encouraged employees to keep the mine clean because a clean mine is a safe and producƟve mine. The Business Leader, Mr Mtshengu praised everyone for their contribuƟon and told them that they should not only keep the environment clean at the mine, but also use the branded Modikwa bags every parƟcipant received to collect liƩer in the car, bus or taxi and not throw liƩer outside the windows. AŌer this clean start to their day, employees returned to work encouraged to keep Modikwa clean.
8 JULIE 2016
Protests should be a last resort
Lawlessness continues When one of the previous station commanders at Burgersfort SAPS declared that Burgersfort is one of the most lawless towns he has ever seen, he did not exaggerate. Crime varies, but a very prevalent crime is not obeying the road rules. With massive taxi industry in town and often tense relations between the small intercity taxi’s and their larger quantum counterparts, competition for business is strife. This means they more often than not, simply ignore safety factors and stop anywhere without warning or taking safety of themselves, their passengers or other drivers into account. This photograph was taken in Dirk Winterbach road when one such a taxi simply stopped in peak traffic to pick up a passenger.
This week protest action heated up again in the Greater Tubatse Municipality. Reports of protest action by communities living near Steelbridge, Kalkfontein, Tukakgomo and even as far as Moroke surfaced. Some business people had to deal with truck and bakkie drivers being intimidated and threatened while roads were blocked with tyres, rocks and old burned wrecks. This came at the same time that Minister of planning, monitoring and evaluation in the Presidency Jeff Radebe said that there have been a number of violent protests in various parts of the country. “The reasons for the protests vary, but inevitably the legitimacy of protests get undermined by lawlessness and looting”. When viewed in a vacuum, a case could be made to excuse such behavior depending on the prevailing circumstances. However, that argument falls flat given the many avenues that are available in our democracy for people or communities to address any grievances. Communities and individuals who are unhappy can express their dissatisfaction through a number of constructive platforms. These include public participation forums, Izimbizo, public hearings and other processes. These platforms and others are part of government’s commitment to an open society which values and relies on the input of its citizens. We are a caring society that guarantees the rights of all through the Constitution and the Bill of Rights. The government needs your support in building stronger communities and ensuring that we work for communities. All South Africans should play an active oversight role in their communities and hold government to account. Public oversight will ensure that government works for the people and that services reach those they are meant to, especially persons living in rural areas, the poor, women and children. Thus, locally communities are also asked to not resort to violence and rather follow the proper channels when it comes to airing your grievances.
It is all systems go for the election The Chairperson of the Inter-Ministerial Committee of Elections, Minister Des van Rooyen, says it is all systems go for Local Government Elections to be held on 3 August 2016. “With a successful elections registration process done, the announcement of the election date and its proclamation and the decision of the Constitutional Court now known, as government we can definitely say that it is all systems go towards the local government elections,” said Minister van Rooyen. The Minister also noted that all South Africans have the responsibility to strengthen democracy by voting in the coming Local Government Elections, and urged them to make their voices heard by going out in numbers to choose the local government leaders of their choice. “We are confident that the 3 August 2016 polls will definitely be free and fair and we are happy that all political parties have signed a code of conduct agreeing that they will strive to ensure the existence of a free and fair local government elections. He further urged South Africans not to disenfranchise themselves and go out to vote in the coming Local Government Elections because “Local Government in in your Hands and each and every vote contributes to strengthening our democracy”.
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Patience please While Steelpoort town is still undergoing major changes residents should please be patient with temporary blockages to ensure safe construction in areas that are affected. Currently the new Pick n Pay is under construction and large scale stormwater drainage system and other infrastructure has been done. Last week saw traffic being redirected around town to reach the centre while construction of the taxi rank is in process.
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NEWS
8 JULY 2016
No respect, no rules, no safety “Name and shame them!” that was the request from a reader tired of struggling with Burgersfort’s traffic. “Let the traffic cops then fine them because you’ve got the evidence”. Simply pushing in front of vehicles, no matter where is a major problem and contributes to the slow movement of traffic at peak times.
The driver below skipped the line waiting at the traffic light to simply try and push in front of everyone. In the process also blocking the turn-off to the left.
1 John 4:10 (NIV) 10
This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.
R37 clearing controversy A recent decision by Sanral to improve safety on the national roads included proper clearing of vegetation next to the roads. This saw teams working along the R37 between Burgersfort and Polokwane clearing bushes and trimming overhanging trees. Local residents were however very upset when this clearing and trimming also included simply chopping off trees that are 30 or 40 years old and up to 50m away from the road. Bakkies collecting wood has collected most of the bigger pieces of wood but many branches remain and rather block than improve visibity. The Lydenburg based company clearing bushes between Burgersfort and Lydenburg referred the newspaper to Sanral, saying their mandate comes
from them and all is being done according to prescribed standards in the name of safety. Sanral did however not confirm that the section between Lydenburg and Burgersfort is part of the directive and will be investigating.
8 JULIE 2016
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Performance Fords in FOCUS The editor of Platinum Gazette looked at the e-mail from McGee Ford in Lydenburg inviting the newspaper to a Ford Performance Day at the Boekenhoutkloof Traffic Training Centre in Pretoria. Mustang – a car the editor always wanted to drive was on the menu with the new Focus RS, Focus ST and Fiesta ST. Needless to say, the invitation was accepted and he remembered an incident in Standerton almost 15 years ago. As he just left a café on a Sunday afternoon, a pitch black Ford Mustang with V8 engine came screaming past. It was left hand drive with a woman behind the wheel. It swept around the corner with a wisp of smoke from the tires as the rear started to break away on the live rear axle and then it was gone. The woman later became a colleague and is still a good friend. Platinum Gazette’s editor phoned her up, asking her what she remembers about the car? “That Mustang was a 1969 model. It just begged to be driven, it did not feel like and ordinary car, more like something to race with. The manual gearbox was terrible, no sync and you had to double clutch it all the time. It was a brilliant car”. Not much have changed. “This a brilliant car, I wish a could have one” was the first comment from Platinum Gazette’s Beánnla Celliers when the editor brought the new (right hand drive) 5 litre Mustang GT to a halt after a session on the open road on
Saturday. The six-speed gearbox was very slick and precise. The sound of the V8 was glorious and it whisked to the red line almost without the driver noticing. Later in the morning on the track with an instructor the V8 auto was driven. Balanced an poised on the track and the short straight only allowed for 180 km/h before braking for the sharp left pit lane. The 4-cylinder mustang convertible was also driven. It looks good, but it does not sound nearly as good as the GT. Much more performance from the new Focus RS, the big news of the day with its more powerful engine, innovative four-wheel drive modes and a big hit amongst the younger attendees. This car could be compared on the track, on the open road and on a skid pan (in driftmode) with the Focus ST and Fiesta ST. In the end there was no comparison. This is Ford’s current pride and joy destined for the world market. It is an amazing car with amazing performance at a more affordable price than it’s competitors. Very good. And then there were also the more expensive options on display. We could touch and sit, but not drive. The Roush conversion for the Mustang gives you a supercharger on that V8, upgraded suspension and the likes, as well as nothing left in your bank after acquisition.In retrospect it was a successful marketing day for Ford and a day full of thrills for customers and media. Thanks McGee!
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NEWS
8 JULY 2016
‘Censorship’ and local music content - your views The South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) COO Hlaudi Motsoeneng has recently been facing a fresh onslaught of criticism for decisions regarding content and editorial policies. In May the SABC announced that all 18 their radio stations will play 90% local music and only 10% international music. When this was announced Motsoeneng explained that language barriers will not be a problem and that cross-pollination of music is very important. This means that RSG which is mainly an Afrikaans radio station could end up playing Zulu and other language songs and the same applies to other language specific stations. The music focus will fall on genres such as Kwaito, Jazz, Reggae and Gospel. This decision elevated Motsoeneng to hero status with many local musicians – to the point where a group of South African artists picketed outside the broadcaster’s offices in Auckland Park to show support while an anti-censorship protest was taking place this week. Tebogo Sithathu, President of the Musician’s Association of South Africa said “an attack on Motsoeneng is an attack on artists”. The anti-censorship protest came after Motsoeneng’s controversial decision to stop airing footage of violent protests. In the wake of this the SABC’s acting CEO Jimi Matthews also resigned due to the “corrosive” atmosphere at the broadcaster. At a media briefing Motsoeneng however claimed that censorship is an English concept and he “doesn’t know it”. He dismissed the statement that by not airing footage of violent protests, the broadcaster is censoring the news. This decision regarding news policy led to journalists being suspended after showing their disagreement with the decision. The Independent Communications Authority of SA (Icasa) also held a hearing to investigate why the decision was taken. At the hearing the SABC defended the decision saying they don’t want to encourage people to burn things and be violent for the sake of the camera. They added that it could give impressionable viewers the wrong idea about doing things. They explained that verbal reports about the violent protest action will still be given. Gilbert Marcus who acted on behalf of Media Monitoring Africa, Save our SABC Coalition and the Freedom of Expression institute told the hearing that the SABS had not considered other ways of reporting on violent protests. He said that these could include warning viewers before airing the footage or providing context. His argument is that a report can be misrepresented by a journalist without the context of the footage as background. “TV is a visual medium. That what distinguishes it from radio and print mediums. It is intended to depict truth and reality. “ He said that by not airing the footage “The viewers are kept ignorant. They are treated by the SABC much as the apartheid regime treated them. We thought that was a matter of the past”. Icasa has no power to reverse the decision taken about the protest coverage. Platinum Gazette asked readers what they think about the whole controversy.
Left: Mr Thokozane Masilela said: “There should be changes. It should go back to what it was. People are oppressed with freedom of speech. The ruling party should sponsor the SABC 100% as the ANC is always interfering and speaking on behalf of the SABC like now again with the resignation of Jimmy Matthews. The people have a right to know and see all the news. There is no transparency now. The music is also limiting the country. They are taking away people’s ability to think and be inspired by international artists”.
Ms Noorbibi Mia, Ms Razia Mia and Ms Naeema Mia said: “It is oppression of freedom of speech. We want to see all the news. Management should be changed and things should not be censored. We have a right to be exposed to all that is available”. With them is Safiya Mia.
Mr Patrick Simelane said: “The SABC should report on everything. It is like in apartheid now. They should not choose what issues they like to report. They report good things on the ruling party and not much opportunity is given to the rest of the parties in South Africa”.
Mnr. Riaan Eksteen en Me. Maria Eksteen sê: “Dit gaan oor vryheid van die pers. Hulle neem dit weg en ‘n mens wil weet wat aangaan. Hulle moenie doekies omdraai nie”.
Ms Suzan Shabangu and Ms Precious Paile said: “It is not right that they don’t want to show and properly report on protests. We want the news. The radio stations should play more international music – we like it more than the local music”.
Ms Modiegi Mohoaduba said: “People have to know what is happening where and when it is happening. We need to make informed decisions based on the news we get. The SABC radio must play all international music. The manager (Motsoeneng) should review these decisions”.
Mr Tebogo Maapoga said: “At first I thought it won’t work when it comes to the local and international music content of radio stations. But now it is interesting. I am actually listening to my radio now. Local is lekker! When it comes to the news we should however get it all. If we don’t know what is happening, how can we make informed decisions? If I go to Malamulele and I cannot see that they are burning things and don’t know the risks, I can put myself in danger. The problems at the SABC should be addressed and solved”.
Mr Elvis Komana said: “It is worse now than in apartheid. We need to know what is happening. The top boss should resign. If they employed me I would stop this nonsense”.
Me. Rika Fourie sê: “Hulle moenie die nuus sensor nie. Ons soek al die nuus. Dis hoe ons elke dag weet wat aangaan. Ek sal ook graag meer internasionale musiek wil hoor”. By haar is Zian.
Mr Andries Ndebele and Mr Tebogo Mokgotho said: “We have to know what happens in the news. The way they do it now is not right. They are taking away our right to access of information. The public have a right to know what is happening. When it comes to the music. If they play 90% local music it is still good, but we mostly watch the music channel on DSTV instead of listening to the radio”.
Mr Phoku Tinner and Mr Sidwell Sibiya said: “The SABC must get a new boss. We are poor when it comes to South African music. The international music is good. Here we only have a few good artists in especially the Hip Hop genre. In South Africa they take one line and speak four minutes about one thing. International artists talk about a lot of things. They should also not hide the news. They now hide the fact that the people in South Africa are unhappy”.
8 JULIE 2016
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Platinum Gazette
Klein Advertensies • Smalls Place your small advertisement via e-mail or fax or contact Beánnla Celliers on 083 543 1676 or 083 271 9151. E-mail: adverts@platinumgazette.com • Fax: 086 554 9031 Adverteer/Advertise hier/here: 1.Sport Klubs /Sport Clubs 2.Betrekking/Vacancy 3.Dienste/Services 4. Oornag Akkommodasie/Overnight accommodation 5. Troeteldiere/Pets 6. Persoonlik/Personal 7. Allerlei/Miscellaneous 8. Finansies/Financial 9. Te Huur/To Rent 10. Te Koop/For sale
3. Dienste/ Services PRET LIQUOR Gas and Ice for sale. Ice available to individuals and wholesale. Delivery available (terms and condi-
tions). ORYX GAS refill exchange for 9kg, 19kg or 48kg bottle. Contact: 074 565 6231 or 082 072 0051.
9. Te Huur/ For Rent TE HUUR Ten volle toegeruste 2 slaapkamer Rondawel 10 km uit Burgersfort op plaas. Geen troeteldiere toegelaat. R5500.00 per maand. Kontak Drienie 084 461 8808 TE HUUR Twee slaapkamer woonstel in klein sekuriteitskompleks naby Tubatse Crossiing Mall in Burgersfort. Kontak Mike by 082 357 1954.
Lang en kort termyn verblyf beskikbaar op plaas 10km buite Burgersfort op Lydenburg pad. Kontak Miena op 082-960-3689 of (013) 231-7899.
Submit your stories and invitations to the Editor at editorial@platinumgazette.com or fax: 013 231 7147.
“Doing business without advertising is like winking at a girl
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in the dark. You know what you are doing but nobody else does” - Stuart Henderson
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Get your hard copy of the newspaper here: * Pick n Pay Tubatse Crossing * Temba Garage * Dunlop * Supa Quick Burgersfort * Boxer Khadima Centre * Phelo Pharmacy Khadima Centre * Cheap Cheap #2 * Tubatse Superspar * Greater Tubatse Municipality Burgersfort * Toyota Burgersfort * Choppies Burgersfort * Magaba Filling Station * Burgersfort SAPS * Aloe Foods * Praktiseer SAPS * Ohrigstad SAPS * Pick n Pay Steelpoort * Winterveld Village * Tubatse Village * Dwarsrivier Mine * Mototolo * Morena’s Tavern (Steel Bridge) * Glencore Eastern Limb Training Centre * Madiba’s Mini Market Kalkfontein * Modikwa Platinum Mine * Twickenham Platinum Mine * Dr. Lorna’s Surgery Burgersfort * Pret Liquor * Pret Butchery * CTM Burgersfort * Madeleen Willers
Attorneys * Lebowa Panel Beaters * Hendrk’s Panelbeaters * Department of Education Circuit Office Burgersfort * Laerskool Ohrigstad * Laerskool Burgersfort * Supa Save * Build It Tubatse * A1 Food Store Twin City * Tiezers Meat Pantry * Bronrich Slaghuis * 1 Stop Midas Burgersfort * Tubatse Build It * Vyfster Slaghuis Steelpoort * Burgersfort Pharmacy *Dr Fouché’s Surgery Burgersfort * Mooifontein Kafee *Supa Save Burgersfort * Hawker stalls Eddie Sedibe Street Burgersfort * 1 Stop Midas Steelpoort * Calvin College Burgersfort * Tingeling Kleuterskool Steelpoort * Sasol Garage Steelpoort * Total Garage Steelpoort * Ohrigstad Handelshuis * Leboeng SAPS
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LEBALELO WATER USER ASSOCIATION
PUBLIC NOTICE
Established in terms of Section 92(1) of the National Water Act, 1998 (Act No 36 of 1998) Government Gazette No. 89/23053
VACANT POSITION: ELECTRICIAN The Associations’ main operational and administrative offices are situated at their Havercroft / Olifants River bulk water supply utility, approximately 120 km southeast of Polokwane and 80 km northwest of Burgersfort in the rural village of Modubeng. The Association currently have a vacancy for a suitably qualified and experienced electrician. Principle accountabilities will include: • Planned maintenance & fault finding on all electrical installations (High & Low tension)(High tension switchgear (11-5.25kVA) • Planned maintenance on all electronic equipment • Plan and implement maintenance schedules • Solve complex technical/electronic problems • Ensure continuous availability of equipment and plant • Set standard work methods & procedures • Identify training requirements • Assist in the practical training of apprentices & operators • Promote safety in workplace • Assist in budget control
The Mayor of Greater Tubatse Municipality Cllr Ralepane Mamekoa invites members of the community, business, youth formations, civil society and all interested parties to be part of the following activities to honour Nelson Mandela Month: DATE
ACTIVITY
VENUE
TIME
12 July
Handing over of Praktisser Hawkers Stalls
Praktiseer
12H00
Requirements of Position:
14 July
Handing over of Burgersfort Stalls
Burgersfort
12H00
• Qualified Electrician (Olifantsfontein); • Wireman’s Licence • Competence to perform Simmer code Fault finding: Siemens S7 systems • Experience on Telemetry & Field Instrumentation: PLC & Scada • Preference: Win CC programming & communication systems
15 July
Pass out parade of Traffic Wardens
Tswelopele Sports Ground
10H00
16 July
Handing over of Ohrigstad Sports Complex
Ohrigstad
12H00
• Computer literate • Sound knowledge of effective planned maintenance • Logical reasoning & numerical fluency • Distinct ability to adapt to remote living conditions.
18 July
Cleaning Campaign
Steelpoort, Dresden, Riba Cross
10H00
Please indicate experience in CV
19 July
Handing over of Moeng Community Hall
Ga-Maroga
12H00
In the event that you do not hear from the Company within a period of 21 days after the closing date, your application shall be deemed unsuccessful. The CV’s of unsuccessful candidates shall not be returned unless requested.
21 July
Graduation Ceremony of YES Learnership
Batubatse Primary School
12H00
26 July
Handing over of Maphopha Access Bridge
Ga-Maphopha
11H00
Competencies/skills required:
Interested candidates are invited to forward a detailed CV to: The HR. Manager, PO Box 2075 POLOKWANE 0700 or facsimile on (013) 216 8003 Tel.: (013) 216 8000 or mail to: alb@penta-net.co.za Closing date for applications: Friday, 29 July 2016
Mohlala JNT Municipal Manager
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8 JULY 2016
It‛s child‛s play to read your Platinum Gazette online Visit www.platinum gazette.com or subscribe to get it on e-mail by sending us your request to adverts@ platinumgazette. com
Platinum Gazette
SPORT
Killers live up to their name On Saturday 2 July a soccer tournament took
place at Leboeng. Killers F.C. slaughtered the other
teams to become the champion. Participating teams were Killers F.C., Mates F.C. and Makgalane F.C.
The final was between Killers F.C. and Mates F.C. and the match ended 3-2 in favour of Killers.
(Information & photograph: Willy Matjie)
Kom ondersteun die Ratels Die Laeveld Ratels speel hierdie Saterdag op Ohrigstad in die semi-finaal van die liga. Die publiek is welkom om hulle te kom
ondersteun. Die wedstryd word by Laerskool Ohrigstad gespeel en begin om 15:30. Ingang by die hek is R10 per persoon. Kom kuier en skree saam.