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Your ride OK? -p3
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Making us proud An incredible comeback saw Thinus Labuschagne from Tubatse Chrome Golf Club soar from position 21 to number 3 in the Sanlam Cansa Golf Challenge this week. Thinus was placed third overall, as well as in the A-division of the competition. The competition is considered the ultimate competition in amateur golf and is played in a 36 hole individual Stableford format. It is the 24th year that this competition is played and the final at Sun City is always a highlight. Players competed on the Gary Player course that is currently in peak condition in preparation for the Nedbank Golf Challenge in three weeks’ time. A very thankful Thinus spoke to Platinum Gazette on Wednesday morning. “It is still kind of unreal. I cannot say how much I appreciate all the support I’ve gotten from everyone” he said. On Monday things were not looking good for him. He ended in position 21, but on Tuesday things turned around. At the prize giving ceremony his comeback was mentioned as probably the most memorable in the history of the competition. On Tuesday he led the pack until the last two holes when he was overtaken. De Villiers Uys was the eventual overall winner of the competition. Tubatse Chrome Golf Club was also mentioned as the Club that had the smallest field of players, but raised an astounding R21 000 for the Cancer Association (in relation per player much more than the bigger clubs). Through this competition a total of R4,1 million was raised for Cansa. “I would like to thank God for the talent I was given and for His guidance along my journey. I would also like to thank my wife and family and friends for their support, motivation and encouragement. Also a big thank you to the company I work for and to all the players at Tubatse Chrome Club who encouraged and wished me well” Thinus added.
Greater Tubatse/Fetakgomo Burgersfort, Steelpoort, Ohrigstad, Apel
14 October 2016
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14 OCTOBER 2016
NEWS
Joy at Leboeng Wednesday this week saw scenes of much joy at Leboeng at the Thusong Service Centre when the Department of social services handed over school uniforms and other equipment to lerners who are in need. The Department identified five children from 12 schools each who are the beneficiaries of the school uniforms. The handing over ceremony took the form of a substance abuse campaign and various speakers took the stand to address the children and their parents. Drama, speech and song also formed part of the celebrations and especially the drama proved to be a big hit amongst the crowd. Apart from the Department of Social Services, home based care, SASSA, VEP and Departments of Health and Education also took part at the event.
Uniforms for 60
Proverbs 6:6-11 (NIV) 6 Go to the ant, you sluggard; consider its ways and be wise! 7 It has no commander, no overseer or ruler, 8 yet it stores its provisions in summer and gathers its food at harvest. 9 How long will you lie there, you sluggard? When will you get up from your sleep? 10 A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest— 11 and poverty will come on you like a thief and scarcity like an armed man.
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No tolerance for crime
Dagga bust
On Monday 10 October the Burgersfort SAPS Cluster launched its festive drive. Various police stations from the Cluster, Local Traffic Officers, Department of Home Affairs, Youth Against Crime, Pastors Against Crime and the Community Policing Forum joined hands for the first of many crime awareness and prevention campaigns leading into the 2016 festive season. General Maepa said: “We will not tolerate any crime. Our people are active and will be conducting road blocks and other activities. We are appealing to the public to join hands with us. Report suspicious activities. If you are at a tavern and you see someone open a bottle with a 9mm - report it”. They will clamp down on illegal firearms, drugs and theft, including theft of copper cables. Road blocks can be expected both day and night and on any of the roads in the area. The launch campaign included a roadblock on the R37 and distribution of pamphlets with crime prevention
On 7 October 2016 the Burgersfort SAPS caught suspects dealing with dagga at Apiesdoorn Village just outside Burgersfort. The suspects were arrested and the dagga confiscated. The Burgersfort SAPS is appealing to anyone with information on drug dealers to contact them. (Information & photographs: Const. V. Maluleka).
tips in Extension 10.
Contact the SAPS on: Station - 013 231 0200; Station Commander - 082 958 0208; Visible Policing Commander - 082 729 0272; Detective Commander 082 449 0273.
Stolen property recovered
On Monday morning the Burgersfort SAPS recovered suspected stolen property and arrested suspects who was in possession of the suspected stolen property. This success is part of the ongoing intensification of the Burgersfort Cluster’s attempts to clamp down on crime before the festive season starts.
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14 OCTOBER 2016
NEWS
Clients win cash back at Midas Customers at 1 Stop Midas Steelpoort and 1 Stop Midas Burgersfort were all smiles reently when they did not only score on quality, service and value for money, but also won cash in the Give Back competition that ran in the stores. They had to spend R300 or more in store and could win their share of R6000. The photographs on this page are just a few of the winners who walked away with cash back.
Ms Leani Havenga on behalf of the stores thanked all their loyal customers for their support and encouraged them to put the 1 Stop Midas stores to the test as they will beat any written quote.
Leerders skitter by HTS Matriekafskeid Op 30 September het Hoër Tegniese Skool Middelburg (HTS) hulle matriekafskeid gehou. Van die plaaslike hoërskool leerders het tydens die geleentheid geskitter op die rooi tapyt. Die aand se tema was Franse Flair.
(Photographs & iinformation: Leani Havenga).
Duan Hartzer en Faith Nompumelelo glimlag vir die kamera.
Clarize Coetzee en Wiehan Davel het die aand saam geniet.
Juan Ludick en Anel Bezuidenhoudt op die rooi tapyt.
(Foto’s en inligting: Theresa Hartzer & Lizelle Coetzee).
Erik Erasmus en Karla Hattingh vier die geleentheid.
14 OKTOBER 2016
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Your opinion on the charges against Pravin Gordhan On Tuesday South African’s fragile economy had to handle the news that Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan will be criminally charged by the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA). He together with Ivan Pillay and Oupa Magashule will face charges of fraud pertaining to the early retirement of Ivan while all three were employed at the SA Revenue Service (SARS). The case relates to R1 million, 147 thousand, one-hundred-and seventy-eight rands and eleven cents which was paid by the organisation into the Government Employees’ Pension Fund (GEPF) at the time of Pillay’s early retirement. A special press conference was convened by the NPA where Shaun Abrahams, head of the NPA, announced the charges. He was not able to tell journalists whether anyone has been prosecuted in South Africa on the same issue before. There are allegedly more than 3000 similar cases of early retirement where the relevant employer will be paying money as a liability to the GEPF – these are not being criminally prosecuted. When it came to answering questions from journalists one from Karyn Maughn went unanswered, but sent the so-called fox into the henhouse. She politely asked: “In a situation where 783 charges against President Zuma have not been reinstated, and where the High Court has said that the 2009 decision to drop those charges was completely irrational, and given that the NPA has never disputed that it has a very strong case of corruption against President Zuma, but then decides to go after the Finance Minister for R1.1 million, do you (Abrahams) understand that in a country where early retirement is regularly granted, it will be very hard for the South African public to accept that it was not politically motivated?” Her question came after Abrahans reacted with the following to a question about possible political interference in the case: “What if this decision was made by a judge? What if this decision was made by the Public Protector? Would your reaction have been the same? The days of disrespecting the decisions of the NPA are over. The days of looking at the NPA in such a light are over. The days of non-accountability and not holding senior government officials accountable are over”. After her question the press conference was over. Gordhan said that he would comply with the legal requirements but expressed his perception that the timing of the charges against him was designed to damage the economy. He is due to deliver his Medium-Term Budget Policy Statement within two weeks. The Treasury reacted to the NPA decision by saying: “Since his appointment in December last year, Minister Gordhan has worked hard to build confidence in the future of the South African economy, establish consensus on measures to re-ignite economic growth and affirm sound fiscal management. The minister wishes to assure the South African citizens that he will continue to serve the country and advance these objectives as long as called to do so by the president.” President Jacob Zuma (who was not in the country at the time of the announcement) urged the NPA to handle the matter with “dignity and respect” and acknowledged that the timing of the decision to prosecute the three came “at a most sensitive time”. Gordhan’s lawyer, Tebogo Malatji, expessed concern that the fraud charge is something totally different to matters the Hawks have been wanting him to answer to. “It defies all logic for us on what basis the minister could possibly have been guilty of fraud given the facts that are in the public domain relating to all the matters that the Hawks would have been investigating,” he said. “We do not believe they’ll be able to establish the elements of a crime.” Gordhan, Pillay and Magashula must appear in court on 2 November 2016. Political parties have reacted with concern to the news with EFF Leader Julius Malema calling for the public to take to Pretoria’s streets on Gordhan’s court date of November 2 “in support of our democracy”. Platinum Gazette asked readers what they think about the NPA’s decision to charge the Finance Minister with fraud.
Me. Alida Botha sê: “Hulle moes beter ondersoek ingestel het voor hulle publiek gegaan het hiermee. Ek dink dis mense wat nie hulle sin kan kry nie wie dan hulle poppe uit die pram gooi deur sulke aantygings te maak. Ons in Suid-Afrika sukkel al klaar so en kyk wat doen hulle nou weer met die land se ekonomie”.
Mr Kleinkie Mametja said: “This is affecting us a lot. I think these politics are very bad for our country. Mines are closing and we are losing jobs. I think Gordhan is not guilty. The focus must be on the other millions in government being lost to fraud”.
Mr Lekgau Molepo said: “It is good that everyone is subjected to the law. The way the NPA is handling it is not giving a good impression of our country. It is only through answering that the truth will prevail. It looks like it may be politically motivated in the way it is handled”.
Mr Richman Moses Moraba said: “They must charge him. If he is found guilty het must pay back that money involved. I also think that politics may be interfering in this”.
Mr Skhumbuzo Gumede said: “I’ve always trusted Gordhan. If he did indeed commit a crime, the justice system must go after him. Nobody is above the law. It also goes for the president. Everyone must be treated fairly”.
Mnr Steve Mosoma sê: “Ek dink dis sommer net politieke inmenging. Gordhan is onskuldig. Dis sleg vir ons land dat die rand nou weer verswak het. Hulle moet eerder op daai ouens wat baie geld by die government steel focus. As Gordhan aangekla word dan moet Zuma ook hof toe”. A local reader who asked to remain anonymous due to fear of being victimized said: “This has wiped out R50 billion off our economy! Look at the stock exchange this morning. I fought with the ANC against apartheid and was in exile for 10 years. Now they do this to someone who is actually good for the country?! It is all politics. Yes, nobody is above the law, but timing is a wonderful thing and with our economy at the moment you have to be careful. What about these others like the R400 million Motsoeneng is allegedly involved with? I helped fight for freedom, but today we are still not really free.“
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Mr Sandros Rampadi said: “That is politically motivated. If you don’t agree with Zuma there are underground people who will take action against you. Now everything is going down in our country. I don’t believe Gordhan committed fraud. I trust him. He is a wise man and will not involve himself with crime”.
Right: Mr Charles Matsimela said: “I think he is guilty. Now they must charge Zuma as well”.
Me. Vallery Pieterse en Me. Natashia Snyman sê: “As hy skuldig is, is dit goed dat hulle hom aankla, maar indien nie is dit net sleg vir ons land wat skade kry oor mense se politiekery. Hoe werk dit dat sommiges met alles wegkom en ander soms onskuldig aangekla word?”
Ms Ledy Lekwadu said: “If you do wrong you must be charged no matter if you are the president, a minister or a contractor with government. The law must be enforced”.
Me. Elina Mnisi sê: “Die mense wil net politiek speel met hom. Ek dink nie hy is skuldig aan iets nie”.
Mr Given Mafadza and Mr Pontsho Mohubedu said: “We think he is not guilty. They should charge Zuma as well if they charge Gordhan. Perhaps someone just have a personal problem with Gordhan”.
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14 OCTOBER 2016
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 conditions). ORYX GAS refill exchange for 9kg, 19kg or 48kg bottle. Contact: 074 565 6231 or 082 072 0051.
9. Te Huur/ For Rent Lang en kort termyn verblyf beskikbaar op plaas 10km buite Burgersfort op Lydenburg pad. Kontak Miena op 082-960-3689 of (013) 231-7899. 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. TO LET Accommodation in Mashifane Park - 3 Bedroom, two bathroom house to let. Double Garage. Water included, with prepaid electricity meter. R5500-00 per month. Available immediately. Contact: 082 461 1381 or 073 115 1405.
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Contact her on 013 231 7147 / 083 543 1676 or adverts@platinumgazette.com (Advertising deadline - every Tuesday at 17:00.)
Vacancies/ Betrekkings A well established, fast growing company that is based in Steelpoort operating at Glencore Lion Ferrochrome is actively seeking the services of a qualified Diesel Mechanic with a minimum of 3 years experience that will manage and maintain company vehicles and machinery. The successful candidate must have: • • • • • • • •
Be fully qualified Available for all emergencies and breakdowns Look after a fleet of machinery Be honest and reliable Computer literate (Word, Excel, Outlook) and good record keeping abilities Must have traceable references and Willing to work shifts and weekends when required. TRADE TEST CERTIFICATE IS ESSENTIAL – (SECTION 13 RED SEAL)
Remuneration: NEGOTIABLE Qualifying candidates must forward their CV to Mrs. Sakhile Mogowane E-mail: sakhile@mlphadima.co.za Fax: 086 568 4624
Get your hard copy of the newspaper here: * Pick n Pay Tubatse Crossing * Shoprite 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
Platinum Gazette contact details: Editorial: William Zwart Tel: 083 271 9151 E-mail: editorial@platinumgazette.com 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).
14 OKTOBER 2016
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AMMSA Eastern District Charity Golf Day a massive success ‘With the sponsorships of numerous Eastern district mines, small businesses and contractors, R200 000-00 was raised’ On September 30th, Booysendal Platinum, Mototolo & Two Rivers Platinum Mine hosted the Annual Association of Mine Managers South Africa (AMMSA) Eastern District Charity Golf Day on behalf of AMMSA Eastern District at the Highland Gate Golf Estate in Dullstroom. With the sponsorships of numerous Eastern district mines, small businesses and contractors, R200 000-00 was raised that will again be contributed to various organisations as determined by AMMSA district and council members. At 09h00, 100 golfers took to the tees. Amongst them were well-known rugby players Jannie de Beer, Doppies la Grange, Ethienne Reynecke & South African music artist Dozi. Refreshments and tasty snacks were served on most of the tees. At 17h00 all the players were back at the clubhouse for the prize giving and wonderful curry dinner served by Highland Gate. Jannie de Beer was the Master of Ceremonies for the evening and made sure everyone was entertained with some old SA rugby funny stories. Sing-along voices made their appearance and joined in as Dozi played some old and new songs unplugged. AMMSA Eastern District would like to thank all the organisers, generous sponsors, golf players, Highland Gate and the guest players who made this event such a tremendous success and look forward to 2017’s victory. (Information & photographs: Amelia van der Merwe)
Dirk Hattingh and Andre Cloete receive their trophies and prizes from Willie Theron (GM Booysendal) & JJ Joubert (GM TRP)
Willie Theron (General Manager Booysendal Platinum), Dozi, (South African music artist), Jorge Ferreira (CEO SSG Security) & Mark Kane (General Manager Sales SSG Security)
Johan van Tonder (General Manager Mototolo Mine), Fanie Archer (Mototolo Mine), Doppies la Grange (Former SA rugby player) & Pieter Combrink.
Dave Betton, Tertius van Niekerk, Tony Hofmeyer & Alistair Hodgkinson (DRA Projects) Beneficiaries of last year’s Charity Golf Day: Kwokwaneng Mogokane Disabled Group, Ngwaabe Community Home Base Care, Estralita School: Institution for Special Needs, Barberton Mines Transformation Trust, Friend in Need, Wenakker, Lydenburg Rusoord, Bosfontein Primary School, Enkeldoorn Primary School, Kiwi Primary School and Shaga Primary School.
Jannie de Beer (South African former rugby player), JJ Joubert (General Manager TRP), Richard Aucamp, Quintin Stander (Precrete), Mark Lee (Precrete), Dries Barnard (Precrete), Hennis van der Sandt (Precrete) & Ian Murgatroyd (Nutritional Foods)
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NEWS
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14 OCTOBER 2016
Platinum Gazette
SPORT Greenkeeper’s revenge is sweet On Saturday 8 October the annual Greenkeeper’s Revenge golf day took place at Tubatse Chrome Club. This fun day see players facing a variety of unusual challenges on the course. Putting is not easy when the hole is not where the flag is waving. At one hole players had to use a cricket bat to tee-off and at another hole a specially fitted club with hosepipe where a metal rod should be is used to tee-off. The day was filled with hilarious incidents and players had great fun competing against each other (and the greenkeeper).