The minister of water and sanitation, Gugile Nkwinti, says in our area Jane Furse Waste Water Treament Works (WWTW), Groblersdal WWTW, Tubatse WWTW, Motetema WWTW and Moroke - Mecklenburg WWTW is some of the 46 ‘critical’ sewerage plants under close watchby the department for non-compliance with minimum standards. In response to a Parliamentary question posed by DA MP Mike Waters, Nkwinti said the department prioritises sewerage plants found to be “critical”, and monitors them quarterly. Based on inspections conducted in the previous quarter, from July to September 2018, Nkwinti said 46 plants were on this “critical” list. Right: The stinky, slimy water in the Spekboom river in Burgersfort towards the end of last year.
Platinum
Gazette
The responsibility af the state and parents were thrust to the fore agin this week when millions of learners flocked to the country’s schools at the start of the school year. For a large number of the first timers (almost half of them) school will be a drab affair if they do not get the privilege to write their matric exams. The answer to that problem will prove critical to the country’s future. These Grade R pupils of Laerskool Ohrigstad sing a hymn on the first school day together with the other grades. More first school day photographs an pages 5 and 6.
Fetakgomo Tubatse Burgersfort, Steelpoort, Ohrigstad, Apel
11 Januarie 2019
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0832719151 (Editorial) 0835431676 (Advertisements) 0865549031
email: adverts@platinumgazette.com editorial@platinumgazette.com
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Local schools boast 100% pass rate
Isaiah 45:5-6 NIV “I am the LORD, and there is no other; apart from me there is no God. I will strengthen you, though you have not acknowledged me, so that from the rising of the sun to the place of its setting men may know there is none besides me. I am the LORD, and there is no other.”
Many local schools did the area proud with their 100% matric pass rate. There are however many that still need some major improvements. Calvin College and St. Thomas College both achieved a 100% pass rate. These two schools are dedicated to deliver the best education possible. Calvin College boast 68% of their candidates receiving a pass rate with qualification for further studies towards a Bachelor’s degree, 23% for studies to a Diploma and 10% qualifying for studies to a Higher Certificate. The school’s top performer was Modirwadi Sekhukhune with an average of 87%. She received 7 distinctions in English Home Language, Afrikaans First Additional Language, Mathematics, Life Orientation, Accounting, Life Sciences and Physical Sciences. Ketumile Thobejane received distinctions in Sepedi, Accounting, Life Science, Life Orientation and had an aggregate of 78,7%. Mfumo Hathlane had 4 distinctions in Mathematics, Accounting, Life Sciences and Physical Sciences and an aggregate of 75,4%. Keabetswe Thokwane also had 4 distinctions in Life Orientation, Accounting, Business Studies and Economics and achieved an aggregate of 76,7% Calvin College also boast a 100% pass rate in the following subjects: English Home Language, English First Additional Language, Sepedi Home Language, Geography, Mathematics Literacy, Economics, Life Sciences and Life Orientation. Many local learners attend Hoërskool Lydenburg in Mashishing. This school falls under Mpumalanga and achieved the third best academic achievement in the province. They achieved a 100% pass rate and 143 learners qualified for further studies towards a Bachelor’s Degree. 33 Learners qualified for further studies towards a diploma and 4 towards higher certificates. The school’s top learners was Emma Neethling, CJ Barnard and Claudia Olivier with 7 distinctions. Dries Els and Ray-Anne Williams achieved 6 distinctions and Armand Aucamp, Baudine Brummer, Kganya Maapea, Ruach Burger and Simuné Matthee all achieved 5 disctinctions. Top achievers for Hoërskool Lydenburg from left are Emma Neethling, CJ Barnard and Claudia Olivier.
Traffic Blues continue in 2019 It seems that keeping to the law and taking fellow drivers into consideration was not high on the priority list for many truck drivers as 2019 started. In Steelpoort trucks were photographed in the first week of the year driving into the line of oncoming traffic, blocked slipways and simply cut in front of oncoming traffic.
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Heavy rains bring relief Earlier this week Platinum Gazette received a letter from a concerned resident in the Leboeng area. For those who don’t know, Leboeng, Phiring and Echo Caves (Mokutung village adjacent) are situated in a triangle with a gravel backroad between Phiring and Leboeng if you do not want to travel the long way on tar. Next to this road a small dam, California Dam is situated. Long story short, the letter complained about the new road contruction that is going on between the the R36 route to the derelict Leboeng community hall which is non-functional as such at the moment. Platinum Gazette visited the area on Wednesday, saw that heavy rains fell and that water was for the first time in months flowing into the Californa Dam. Rivers were flowing again in villages like Mokutung and the waterfall at Strydom Tunnel was one big brown stream from the mud in the water. On the road between Leboeng and Phiring (the gravel one) a team was busy building a gabion to prevent the road form washing away in weeks to come. The road contruction project in Leboeng has on the face of it, been abandoned. A home owner next to the road, Mr Jackson Mohlaba complained that the abandoned project left him without access to his house after the rain turned everything into a muddy mess. Police vehicles and other vehicles such a normal bakkies and bread delivery trucks struggled to negotiate the deep mud on the detour next to the project road. As far as could be determined the prjoect started in February last year, the contract price was about R12,3 million and the 4,2 kilometer interlock road project should have been completed by the end of October 2018. Equipment is stored at the derelict community hall and it is alleged by the letter writer that workers were also not paid before the project was abandoned. Whatever the case may be, Platinum Gazette is still trying to get clarity on the whole issue and will report on the matter as more detail becomes available.
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Local entrepreneurs produces ‘WhiteGold’ with a bunny soft quality WhiteGold Bunny Soft Quality Tissue is one of those local companies that prides itself on its friendly service and quality products delivered to customers. WhiteGold Bunny Soft is situated in Burgersfort and if you are looking to buy toilet paper from a local producer, look no further. The owners of the business, Mr Carl Lourens and his wife Mrs Alida Lourens partnered with Mr Nick Faure to manufacture and supply quality tissue at competitive prices. The factory can produce toilet paper rolls with different grades of tissue that provides a variety of options to customers. It can also cater for custom orders that requires different sheet counts on the rolls as well as bigger sizes, if required. Through a process of tissue pressing and rolling, the toiletpaper rolls are created and then cut according to size. After this the rolls are packaged according to customer requirements. They do bulk sales to large corporate companies and smaller local businesses also take advantage of the competitive prices and a chance to support local products. The team at WhiteGold Bunny Soft will gladly provide you with a quote. Contact Carl - 079 011 7354 or 082 257 8082, Nick - 072 287 5031 or the office on 084 623 2111.
The owners of WhiteGold Bunny Soft Quality Tissue are personally involved in the production process. This ensures that the best quality product will reach the customer at the end of the day. To them the personal touch makes all the difference. That is why their involvement only ends when the product is safely delivered to their satisfied customers. During a visit to the factory this week they explained the whole process from start to finish.
Local Community Supplier Process Fraser Alexander is embarking on a campaign to establish a database of enterprises located within the Tubatse and Thabatshweu District Municipalities. The purpose is to identify and select qualifying entities for participation in Fraser Alexander procurement opportunities. Fraser Alexander therefore wishes to invite all enterprises located within the Tubatse and Thabatshweu District Municipalities to register on the Fraser Alexander Local Community Enterprise Database. A team of researchers will assist enterprises with the registration process at the venue and during the dates highlighted below.
To register, each enterprise will need the following documentation (mandatory): • Proof of Local Community Residence (Water & Lights Bill or Telephone Account or letter from the local Tribal Office) • Certified Copy of ID Document(s) for all Members or Shareholders • Tax Clearance Certificate • Original VAT Certificate (if applicable) • Copy of Company Registration Documents (CK2 or CM27) • BEE Certificate or Affidavit • Proo f of relevant industry or professional registration and affiliation (CIDB, NHBRC, PSIRA etc.) (if applicable) • Company Profile
The registration process is scheduled as follows: Form of Registration
Where
When
Time
Manual
17 Viljoen Street, Lydenburg
21–25 January 2019
09:00–15:00
Online
https:/network.b1sa.co.za/system/Product/Opportunities/fraser/Default The completion of this process does not guarantee the applicant business from Fraser Alexander.
fainfo@fraseralexander.co.za _ South Africa: +27 11 929 3600 www.fraseralexander.co.za
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First day for 2019 This year the schools started early and on Wednesday it was back to school for many. It was also the first day of Grade R for many learners starting their educational journey. It was an emotional day for parents and while some tears were shed as the parents said their goodbyes, the kind teachers and excited fellow learners quickly ensured that everyone settled in.
Laerskool Ohrigstad se leerders het in die skool se saal bymekaar gekom om die jaar reg af te skop. Die Graad R leerders staan heel voor. Left: Taking the first steps in a journey of Below: Bogmore than a decade washa Primary to complete their enrolled 130 primary and high Grade R learnschool education. ers this year. Two friends support “This is where each other while walking to their class we lay a strong foundation. at Steelpoort AcadCompliments to emy on Wednesday our supportive morning. educators” said Steelpoort Academy the principal, Mr enrolled 133 Grade MD Moshoana. R learners for the year. There was very few tears and mostly smiles as proud parents left the youngsters for their first day of ‘big school’.
At Steelpoort Academy the new Grade R learners was quick to dig into one of the classrooms’ toy boxes while their parents completed some forms.
Left and below: At Calvin College some little hearts needed an extra caring hand when Mom and Dad left. Luckily the teacher and support staff were ready with some tender loving care.
By Laerskool Burgersfort se Afrikaanse Graad R klas was die kos wat Mamma en Pappa ingepak het een van die dag se hoogtepunte. Die groep het sommer lekker gespeel en mekaar leer ken op die eerste dag.
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Taking the first steps in Grade R Grade R learners this week took their first steps towards formal educaiton. This is some of the moments captured this week Wednesday as they started ‘big school’.
Thumbs up for education from the new Calvinites. Learners at Laerskool Burgersfort are ready for the school year. Many parents took time off from work to bring their children to their first day at school. Left is a group at Steelpoort Academy on Wednesday this week.
Going to Grade R at Steelpoort Academy.
Fun at Calvin College as they learn to colour some pictures.
Nuwe onderwysers vir Steelpoort en Burgersfort
By Steelpoort Akademie was sommige meer oortuig van dié groot stap om te begin skoolgaan as ander.
Groot glimlaggies by Laerskool Burgersfort se Afrikaanse Graad R klas.
By Steelpoort Akademie is Bianca Hattingh en Zelda Ludick die nuwe onderwysers. Zelda gee vir Graad 1 klas en kom van Burgersfort. Bianca gee vir Graad R klas en is ‘n Steelpoorter.
Laerskool Burgersfort spog met ‘n hele klomp nuwe onderwysers. Agter is Moleboheng Sefali wat vir Graad R E klas sal gee. Sy het van Bloemfontein verhuis. Milandri van Loo gee vir graad 2 klas en het vanaf Pretoria na Burgersfort getrek. Yvonne Mohlala will teach Grade 1 E and is from Burgersfort. Onicca Mohlala will teach Grade 4 E and moved here from Polokwane. Benita Schoeman gaan vir Graad 2 E klas aanbied. Sy het van Pretoria na Burgersfort getrek. Front: Thabang Khanye is the new teacher for Grade R E and he moved here from Kwaggafontein. Marcelle van der Merwe is die nuwe rekenaaronderwyser. Hy kom van Sabie af.
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Platinum Gazette
Kennisgewings/Notices INTEGRATED ENVIRONMENTAL AUTHORISATION PROCESS FOR ANGLO AMERICAN PLATINUM RUSTENBURG PLATINUM MINES LIMITED’s DER BROCHEN MINE AMENDMENT PROJECT, LIMPOPO PROVINCE
INVITATION TO REGISTER AS INTERESTED AND AFFECTED PARTY AND ANNOUNCEMENT OF AVAILABILITY OF SCOPING REPORT FOR REVIEW The Der Brochen Mine is a platinum project owned by Rustenburg Platinum Mines Limited (RPM), a wholly owned subsidiary of Anglo American Platinum (AAP), and is located approximately 25 km south-west of the town of Steelpoort and 40 km west of Mashishing (Lydenburg), in the Limpopo Province. The mine falls within the Fetakgomo Tubatse Local Municipality, under jurisdiction of the Greater Sekhukhune District Municipality. It is the intention of RPM to amend the Der Brochen Mine’s approved Environmental Management Programme (EMPr) and associated Environmental Authorisation (EA) together with updating their existing Water Use Licence (WUL) to include the following: • The development of a buttress wall at the existing Helena Tailing Storage Facility (TSF) under emergency circumstances, as well as the development of an additional filter press plant at the existing Mototolo Concentrator Plant, as agreed by the Department of Mineral Resources (DMR) in October 2017; • The updated topsoil management plan of the Der Brochen Mine; • The development and operation of the following additional mining related infrastructure as part of the mine’s development strategy: - Two new decline shafts (North and South shafts) to access new underground mining operation areas to be mined through the bord-and-pillar mining method. RPM intends to locate the North decline shaft within the previously approved footprint of the North Open Pit area, and the South decline shaft within the previously approved South Open Pit area; - Six up-cast ventilation shafts (three ventilation shafts per new decline shafts); - A central ventilation area will service both proposed decline shafts; - A Dense Medium Separation (DMS) Plant within the existing Mototolo Concentrator area; - A DMS Stockpile area and associated pollution control dam; - An additional Chrome Plant within the existing Mototolo Concentrator area; - Additional Run of Mine stockpiles and silos; - Change houses and office complex to be located at each of the decline shafts; - An explosive destruction bay area to be located near the proposed South decline shaft; - Additional linear infrastructure, i.e. conveyor systems, access and haul roads; and - Staff accommodation facilities to be located near the Der Brochen Dam. The proposed infrastructure and mining related activities will be located on the farms Der Brochen 7 JT (Remaining Extent), Helena 6 JT (Portion 3 and the Remaining Extent) and Mareesburg 8 JT (Portions 1 and 7). Majority of these farms and farm portions fall within the mining and surface rights area of the Der Brochen Mine. Before RPM may commence with the development of the additional mining related activities, the following environmental authorisations and licence amendment need to be undertaken in accordance with the relevant national legislation: • A Scoping and Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) in terms of the National Environmental Management Act (Act No. 107 of 1998) (NEMA) and the National Environmental Management: Waste Act (Act No. 59 of 2008) (NEM:WA) including an amended Environmental Management Programme (EMPr) in terms of the Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development Act (Act No. 28 of 2002) (MPRDA), for submission and approval from the Limpopo Province’s DMR; and • An updated Integrated Water Use Licence (IWUL) and accompanying Integrated Water and Waste Management Plan (IWWMP) under the National Water Act (Act No. 36 of 1998) (NWA), for submission and approval from the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS). RPM appointed SRK Consulting (South Africa) (SRK) as the independent Environmental Assessment Practitioner (EAP) to undertake the integrated environmental authorisation and associated public participation process for the above mentioned applications and amendments. Interested and Affected Parties (I&APs) are invited to register and comment on the Scoping Report that is available for public comment for a period of 30 calendar days from 25 January 2019 to 25 February 2019. The Scoping Report will be made available on the SRK website: http://www.srk.co.za and at the following public places during the review period: Public Place
Locality
Tel No
Mapodile/Eerstegeluk Public Library
735 Kgahlanong Street, Mapodile
013 237 0039
Burgersfort Public Library
Cnr Kort & Eddie Sedibe Str, Burgersfort
013 231 7815
Kalkfontein CPA offices
Kalkfontein (Nokaneng)
Pakaneng Community Trust Office
Schaapkraal Farm
Gamawela Community Centre
St George Farm
Due date for comments on the Scoping Report is 25 February 2019. For more information, kindly contact: Ms Aphiwe-Zona Dotwana Stakeholder Engagement Office SRK Consulting, P. O. Box 55291, Northlands, 2116 Tel: (011) 441 6105 Fax: 086 503 6825 E-mail: adotwana@srk.co.za
Speak to us! Forward your news and invitations to editorial@platinumgazette.com
The deadline for submissions is on a Wednesday 17:00 Platinum Gazette contact details: Editorial: William Zwart Tel: 083 271 9151 E-mail: editorial@platinumgazette.com
Platinum Gazette Beánnla Celliers will see to it that your advertisement in the Platinum Gazette meets the highest standards with regards to design and reproduction.
Advertising: Beánnla Celliers Tel: 083 543 1676 E-mail: adverts@platinumgazette.com Fax: 086 554 9031/013 231 7147 Postal address: P O Box 2208, Burgersfort, 1150 Website: www.platinumgazette.com Printers: Printed by Lowveld Media, 12 Stinkhout Crescent, Nelspruit. Copyright: All rights concerning any advertisement and / or other material contained in the Platinum Gazette are expressly reserved in terms of Section 12 (7) of the Copyright Act (98 of 1978).
“Stopping advertising to save money is like stopping your watch to save time.” – Henry Ford
Contact her on 083 543 1676 or E-mail to adverts@platinumgazette.com
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
Kennisgewings/ Notices NOTICE OF A SCOPING & ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORTING (S&EIR) PROCESS AND A PUBLIC MEETING
Notice is hereby given of a Public Participation Process, specifically a Public Meeting to be held, as required in terms of the provisions contained in inter alia the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Regulations, GNR 982 of 04 December 2014 (as amended 07 April 2017) published in terms of the National Environmental Management Act, (Act No 107 of 1998) as it relates to an Application for Environmental Authorisation(s) to which a Scoping and Environmental Impact Reporting (S&EIR) Process has to be applied. Environmental Authorization(s) in terms of the provisions of the National Environmental Management Act (NEMA), the National Environmental Management: Waste Act (NEMWA) as well as the National Water Act (NWA) will be required for the proposed activities. Based on the nature of the proposed activities, the necessary applications have to be supported inter alia by a S&EIR Process as defined in Regulation 21, 22, 23 and 24 of the EIA Regulations, 2014 - GNR 982 of 04 December 2014 (as amended). In terms of the Public Participation Process, the following topics will be discussed during the Public Meeting: • The Legal Environmental Authorisation Requirements relevant to the project; • The Draft Scoping Report; • The way forward in the S&EIR Process. Applicant: Glencore Operations South Africa (Pty) Ltd – Lion Smelter Process Description: Glencore Operations South Africa (Pty) Ltd – Lion Smelter wishes to add and/or upgrade Water and Waste Management activities at the Lion Smelter Plant. These proposed activities require Environmental Authorisation (EA) in terms of the provisions of the National Environmental Management Act (NEMA, Act No. 107 of 1998), the National Environmental Management: Waste Act (NEMWA, Act No. 59 of 2008) as well as the National Water Act (NWA, Act No. 36 of 1998). In this regard, the NEMA Application for an EA will be made to the Limpopo Department of Economic Development, Environment and Tourism (LEDET) as the Competent Authority (CA), a NEMWA Application for a Waste Management Licence (WML) to the Department of Environmental Affairs (DEA) as the CA and an Integrated Water Use Licence Application to the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) as the CA. Project Location: The Lion Smelter site falls within the Fetakgomo – Greater Tubatse Local Municipality (FGTM) which is located within the Greater Sekhukhune District Municipality of the Limpopo Province. Consultant: Rene Wolmarans, JMA Consulting (Pty) Ltd Tel: (013) 665 1788 Fax: (013) 665 2364 Email: rene@jmaconsult.co.za Postal: P.O. Box 883, Delmas, 2210 Date of Publication: 10/11 January 2019 Public Participation: In accordance with the EIA Regulations (2014) as amended, you are hereby then cordially invited to attend the Public Meeting scheduled for 10:00 on 16 January 2019 at the Lion Smelter Plant (at the Bus Terminal next to the Training Centre). In order to ensure that you are identified and registered as an Interested and Affected Party (I&AP) please submit your name, contact information and interest in the matter, in writing, to the consultant, Me Rene Wolmarans as given above by means of fax, e-mail or post. If any further information is required please do not hesitate to contact us.
Te Huur/ To Rent TO LET 3 Bedroom house in small security complex close to Tubatse Crossing Mall in Burgersfort. Deposit upfront. Contact Mike: 082 357 1954 VIP RENTALS BURGERSFORT We have 2 and 3 bedroom units available for viewing after hours. Please call 082 578 6113
Dienste/ Services Visit your local professional art and décor framer in Steelpoort. 25 Years experience in framing. Small gifts, photo printing and enlarging. Unique gifts available. Commission a creative gift for someone - speak to Esmé about framing your idea. Stockists of EPA! NOW BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND - SWEET ANGELS BOUTIQUE FUDGE variety of flavours! This is the ideal sweet gift for birthdays, anniversaries and special moments celebrated at home or with friends. Visit Esmé Framers in Steelpoort next to Wimpy or contact Esmé on 079 100 9643.
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Platinum Gazette
SPORT Masters get a flying start to 2019 The Ledwaba/Makotse Masters started their soccer games early in the year. The first was played on 4 January 2019 against Chuene Masters. This game was won by Chuene Masters 2-0. The game was played at Ga-Chuene Thogoaneng.
On 8 January 2019 they played against Motletlane Masters at Moletlane. This time the Ledwaba/Makotse Masters won 4-2. (Information and photographs: Jerial Mvundlela)
Teams play in Benjamin Blessing Maroga Soccer Tournament Teams played in the Benjamin Blessing Maroga Soccer Tournament during December. The event took place at the Maroga Tearing Sports Ground. The following results were submitted: Play for 15 December 2018: Maruleng FC (0) vs Mathipa Happy Fighters FC (3). Bafaladi FC (0) vs Mooihoek Real Touch FC (3). Driekop Academy FC (1) vs Morethe FC (2). Play on 16 December resulted in: Barcelona FC (0) vs Chakanya Rovers FC (1). Golden Spears FC (2) vs Legabeng Stone Breakers FC (2). Stone Breakers won (3-2)on penalties. Tearing Lions FC walk-over Mighty Bucks FC. 17 December results: Happy Stars FC (2) vs Mighty Blues FC (0). Lebalelo FC (0) vs Zacharia Lenareng FC (4). Bull Bull FC and Mohlophi FC was stopped by the rain and a replay was due on Saturday 22 December. The tournament served to honour and celebrate the lives of the heroes who put the community in the spotlight through football. It was also to encourage and remind the youth about the likes of Blessing Maroga,Thomas Madigage and Tsheledi Malapane. “Our
youth will be inspired by the fact that all these people were playing in the professional level. Through sports and recreation, we have managed to overcome many challenges such as gangsterism, alcohol abuse, teenage pregnancy and school drop-out” the organisers said. (Information and photographs: Pulana Maroga Soccer League).
Come play some golf this weekend All golf players are invited to join the fun on Saturday 12 January 2019 when Chrome Golf Club will kick-off the year with a Bonus Bogey Golf competition. The morning’s play at Tubatse Chrome Golf course will start at 07:30 and it will be IPS
format. Competition fee will be R150 per player. Come and start the year with this fun day. The Chrome Golf Committee is also wishing all their members a happy and prosperous 2019!