Platinum
Gazette
SASSA, SAPO ready to pay 5.7 million social grants from April • The South Africa Social Security Agency (SASSA) and the South African Post Office (SAPO) have announced their readiness to commence the payment of social grants to more than 5.7 million social grant beneficiaries from 1 April 2018. • We are pleased to announce a significant state of readiness for SAPO to commence payments of social grants and assure South Africans that social grants will be paid from 1 April 2018, Acting SASSA CEO Pearl Bhengu said last week. • Bhengu said SASSA has implemented a pilot project that began in January through direct payments into commercial bank accounts – and this has gone well so far. • Testing for direct payments to beneficiaries, who receive money through the SASSA payment card, was done for 100 000 beneficiaries for the March 2018 payment period, Bhengu said. • In a joint media briefing with SAPO CEO Mark Barnes, Bhengu assured that payments will be made without major interruption. • Beneficiaries who prefer their grants paid directly into their bank accounts should complete a Request for Bank Payment form available on www.sassa.gov.za , any SAPO outlet or SASSA office. • The agency has reiterated that all SASSA cards will continue to work. • Beneficiaries using the old SASSA card may continue to do so until 30 September 2018. We will soon introduce the new SASSA cards via the Post Office and beneficiaries will be informed about the process to be followed, said Bhengu.
Not a success story
Hawkers’ stalls in Burgersfort remain empty
Despite all the fanfare that accompanied this projects of several year in Burgersfort, that is, the hawkers’ stalls and recently completed flea market, it seems that the success of this ventures are not guaranteed. At this stage the flea market stalls are still empty because, according to some hawkers “applications for the spaces had been handed in, but now a meeting between the hawkers committee and the municipality must first take place before spaces can be allocated. Next door, where the hawkers’ stalls are located, most of the stalls are in a dire
• The new card will be progressively introduced over the period from April to 30 September 2018, when it is expected that the current SASSA card will no longer be in circulation at all. • In the meantime, Bhengu urged beneficiaries to ignore anybody offering them any alternative card. For clarity on this matter, beneficiaries may contact SASSA on 0800 60 10 11 or visit the nearest SASSA office.
state of upkeep and empty. A few hawkers, notably barbers ply their trade, but otherwise it is very quiet. Across the road more people sell their goods or make food under the trees. Asking them about the empty stalls they answered from one mouth “the problem is, business in Burgersfort has shifted mainly from this dying centre of town towards the bigger malls on the other side of the town. People do not come here anymore, also because of transport costs and heavy chaotic traffic, while a large number of formal shops in the Morone Centre had closed as well”.
Fetakgomo Tubatse Burgersfort, Steelpoort, Ohrigstad, Apel
16 Maart 2018
Tel Fax
0832719151 (Editorial) 0835431676 (Advertisements) 0865549031 / 013 231 7147
email: adverts@platinumgazette.com editorial@platinumgazette.com
2
NEWS
‘Economic artery’ almost severed
Drought also a local crisis
16 MARCH 2018
The D737 road between the R555 at Steelpoort and the R37 towards Lydenburg / Mashishing is one of the economic arteries targeted by Roads Agency Limpopo for rehabilitation. Weeks after a meeting about this and other bad roads in the area, no noticeable work on the rapidly deteriorating road has been done yet. What Platinum Gazette observed is a small team that are partching potholes by hand, and they progress a few paces a day. meanwhile even trucks, bakkies and 4x4 vehicles become more and more hesitant to use this so-called road. One of the results is that truck traffic in Burgersfort itself is rapidly on the increase, with in some cases arrogant truck drivers far exceeding the speed limit, bullying smaller vehicles and ignoring the freshly planted stop signs in Dirk Winterbach street as the R37 route exits town towards Lydenburg / Mashishing.
Drought is not only a crisis in other places and provinces, but also a problem that is starting to hit very hard this season. Although the veld is green, rivers stay low and crops, animals and humans suffer. These photographs were taken on Wednesday to illustrate the current low level of the Olifants River at Penge.
16 MAART 2018
3
NUUS
Community warned to stop violence The Limpopo Police this week again warned community members to stop acts of violence and vigilantism during protests. This warning follows the protest actions which erupted in the Tubatse Policing area outside Burgersfort on 13 March 2018. This led to the torching of a bus. The damage caused during this incident is estimated more than a million rands. The R37 road near Riba Cross was barricaded with debris, rocks and burning tyres but the Public Order Police managed to contain the situation.
Cases of malicious damage to property and public violence were opened. The SAPS Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Nneke Ledwaba has reiterated his earnest call that members of the community must embrace and respect the laws of this country in all aspects. “When you exercise your democratic rights during protests, you must do so responsibly. Protesters must respect the rights of other people including freedom of movement. This tendency is also damaging the spirit of Community Policing which prevails
since the dawn of Democracy in this Country. You cannot engage in violent protests to raise your complaints or concerns and further by damaging other people’s properties. This is pure criminality and it will be dealt with mercilessly and without compromise”, concluded General Ledwaba. During the course of the week 3 arrests had been made and these suspects were due for appearance in court. Anyone with any information which can lead to the arrest of
Roadside becoming an illegal dumping site Illegal dumping is against the law, yet people continue to dump a variety of rubbish next to the road to avoid paying for proper disposal or going through the effort of having it collected. The photographs on the left was taken this week as the bakkie which is seemingly from Gauteng was used to take rubbish to be dumped at the Tjipapodi Bridge just outside Burgersfort. The men were requested to remove the rubbish they’ve dumped, but by the time of going to press this has not happened. The photographs were submitted by a local businessman who caught the two red handed while dumping boxes filled with rubbish.
additional perpetrators, may contact Colonel Lazarus Ngele at 082 573 3645 or the Crime Stop number 0860010111 or the SMS Crime Line at 32211 or Tubatse Police Station at 013 2168 500 or the nearest Police Station.
Luke 14:7-11 (NIV) 7 When he noticed how the guests picked the places of honor at the table, he told them this parable: 8 “When someone invites you to a wedding feast, do not take the place of honor, for a person more distinguished than you may have been invited. 9 If so, the host who invited both of you will come and say to you, ‘Give this person your seat.’ Then, humiliated, you will have to take the least important place. 10 But when you are invited, take the lowest place, so that when your host comes, he will say to you, ‘Friend, move up to a better place.’ Then you will be honored in the presence of all the other guests. 11 For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”
4
16 MARCH 2018
NEWS
Remembering why we commemorate Next week Wednesday, South Africa will commemorate Human Rights Day as a public holiday. Human Rights Day is historically linked with 21 March 1960, and the events of Sharpeville. On that day 69 people died and 180 were wounded when police fired on a crowd that had gathered in protest against the Pass laws. According to Wikipedia, a group of between 5,000 and 10,000 people converged on the local police station in the township of Sharpeville, offering themselves up for arrest for not carrying their passbooks. In 1948 segregation was formalized in a succession of laws that gave the government control over the movement of black people in urban areas. The Native Laws Amendment Act of 1952 narrowed the definition of blacks with permanent residence in towns and cities. Legally, no black person could leave a rural area for an urban one without a permit from the local authorities, and on arrival in an urban area, the person had to obtain a permit within 72 hours to seek work. The Reference Book, or Pass, included a photograph, details of place of origin, employment record, tax payments, and encounters with the police. On 21 March 1960, attempts by the SAPS to disperse the crowd was unsuccessful and an outnumbered police force fired live ammunition, killing and injuring many, including women and children. After the bloody 21 March protest there was an uproar amongst South Africa’s black population and the following week saw demonstrations, protest marches, strikes, and riots around the country. On 30 March 1960, the government declared a state of emergency, detaining more than 18 000 people 21 March 1960 marked an affirmation by ordinary people, rising in unison to proclaim their rights. It became an iconic date for many in the country’s history. After 1994 as South Africa entered democracy, Human Rights Day was instituted as a reminder of every South African’s rights and the cost paid for these treasured human rights. Platinum Gazette asked readers if they think the day is still remembered as intended or is it now just being treated as another public holiday.
What are your rights? In terms of the Bill of Rights everyone has a right to life, equality and human dignity. All persons have a right to citizenship and security. Persons and groups are entitled to freedom of assembly, association, belief and opinion, and expression. They have the right to demonstrate, picket and petition; everyone has the right to be free from forced labour, servitude and slavery. All persons have a right to privacy and to exercise political rights; all have a right to access to information and just administration action. They have rights when arrested, detained and accused, and must have access to courts. All have a right to freedom of movement and residence and of trade, occupation and profession. In the workplace everyone has a right to engage in trade unions and labour movements. Anyone has the right to purchase property anywhere, and to a basic education. They have a right to language and culture and communities; and not least, freedom of religion and belief. The Bill of Rights also specifies the rights of persons belonging to cultural, religious or linguistic communities and the rights of children. In addition, there are specific laws to safeguard women and protect children. Protected rights include a healthy environment; housing, health care, food, water and social security. (Information: www.parliament.gov.za)
Ms Shirley Marebane said: “Our government should do more to create awareness about Human Rights Day. I don’t know where it comes from, but I will enjoy the holiday”.
Mr Johannes Phiri said: “People are now just taking it for a holiday, especially the young ones don’t really know what happened and why we have the day. Me and my family will see what is on the TV to show the kids as the programmes should align with the day being commemorated”.
Mr Ecliff Kgwete said: “We struggled for democracy so we have to remember why we have the day. We are free to do everything for our future now. I’ll be at home with my wife and family on Wednesday”.
Mr Solly Ramogayana said: “In the past we had an understanding of why we have Human Rights Day. Now the young people go out and drink. The money government is supposed to use for these days are going to waste. We don’t have any impact on the youth. I normally call young kids together on these public holidays and teach them how we should treat each other and care for each other. We need to teach the young generation”.
Mr Sipho Mashego, Ms Linky Mokoena and Mr Isaac Mahlanga said: “No, most people don’t really remember why we have Human Rights Day. We need to go back to basics. These days it is all about the alcohol. We will be working next week on Human Rights Day”.
Mr Melton Malatji said: “I don’t really remember anything about Human Rights Day’s origins. I just know it is a holiday. I plan to take my girlfriend for a picnic”. With him is his girlfriend, Ms Enny Makofane.
Right: Ms Itumeleng Phelane said: “I don’t think people know why we have this holiday. I don’t know either. I just celebrate a holiday. I’ll probably be at home doing laundry next week Wednesday”. With her is Blessing.
Ms Queen Maphanga and Ms Poppie Sekome said: “We just celebrate it as a holiday, but we’ll be working on the day”.
16 MAART 2018
5
NUUS
Human Rights Day in South Africa
Mr Headman Mametja said: “It is a normal holiday now. What the youth is doing now is not what our elders fought for. They now just burn and is destructive, drinking beer. They should be educated on the importance of days like Human Rights Day. I’ll be at home on the day next week”.
Mr Andries Manyaka said: “I think it is just a holiday now. I’ll be with my family next week on the public holiday”.
Mr Oupa Shingange said: “People still celebrate it remembering the day of the Sharpville massacre. I’ll be at work and then afterwards with my family at home making sure they know what the day is about”.
Ms Mamokoena Mafereka said: “I think most people think it is just a holiday. They have time to rest and visit friends. I also don’t remember why we have the day. I’ll just be at home with the kids”.
Mr Davis Mashego said: “I remember why we have the day. Black people struggled a lot under the apartheid government, that is why we have this day. I’ll spend it with my family next week”.
Mr Sipho Komane and Mr Abram Selwane said: “Now people just think Human Rights Day is for fun. Many people don’t even know why there is a Human Rights Day. We now have a young generation knowing nothing of our history. They just enjoy not going to school and work. It is important that we should know where it comes from. We’ll be at work on the 21st March this year”.
Mr Sandros Rampedi and Ms Audrey Maimela said: “It is just a holiday, having fun day. We cannot celebrate, we still struggle and we are not free. Maybe it is different in the urban areas, for us here in the rural areas, we still struggle”.
Left: Mr Karabo Masha said: “People no longer have a sense of why we have this day. They just celebrate it as a holiday. I’ll talk to, and motivate the young people about their rights on Wednesday next week”.
Mr Gumane Mulaudzi said: “People have now forgotten the meaning of the day. It should be a day of remembrance instead of celebrations. I’ll be with the family on Human Rights Day”. Ms Boledi Boshego said: “Human Rights Day is there because some people died when a big march happened. I think other people don’t event know that is why we have it. To them it is just a holiday”.
Left: Mnr Stefano Liquori sê: “Nee, die mense weet nie meer waaroor dit gaan nie. Die rede vir die dag het al heeltemal vervaag. Deesdae gee mense meestal om oor die parties and braaie wat gehou word op die dag”.
Mr Katlego Moloto said: “These days people have a celebration day, but they don’t celebrate it as intended. They still abuse human rights in our country – even on the day marking human rights. Government should do more to create awareness. Perhaps they can open an office in one of the malls to give guidance and where people can go to learn about these things. I’m working in retail, so next week I’ll be at work, but will share with my friends and family what the day is about as education is not only at school”.
6
16 MARCH 2018
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
Betrekkings/ Vacancies
Advertise here/ Adverteer hier: 1. Sport Klubs / Sport Clubs 2. Betrekking/ Vacancy 3. Dienste/ Services 4. Oornag Akkommodasie/ Overnight accommodation 5. Troeteldiere/
3. Dienste/ Services
BETREKKING: Kantoordame Vereistes: • Matrieksertifikaat en rekenaarvaardig. • Vorige ondervinding van debiteure en kundigheid met Microsoft Excel sal ‘n besliste aanbeveling wees. • Persoon moet betroubaar en hardwerkend wees, en soms onder druk kan werk. • Moet bereid wees om te help met algemene kantoorwerk soos deur die werkgewer bepaal. • Tweetaligheid en goeie menseverhoudinge sal ook voordelig wees. ‘n Volledige CV met opvolgbare verwysings kan by Supa Quick Burgersfort ingehandig word of gefaks word na: 013 231 7659 of e-pos na admin3@burbande.co.za
Visit your local professional art and décor framer in Steelpoort. 24 Years experience in framing. Get the option that fits your taste and budget! Small gifts and crafts available in store. Printing, photocopies and much more. Stockists of EPA! Chilli and other sauces. Visit Esmé Framers in Steelpoort next to Wimpy or contact Esmé on 079 100 9643.
Pets 6. Persoonlik/ Personal 7. Allerlei/ Miscellaneous 8. Finansies/ Financial 9. Te Huur/ To Rent 10. Te Koop/ For sale
9. Te Huur/ To Rent TO RENT 3 bedroom House with Large garden available for rental at an upmarket security estate in Burgersfort, R10 000 available immediately Contact Linda @ 076 834 3457 TE HUUR 3 slaapkamer huis met groot tuin beskikbaar vir verhuring in ‘n sekuriteits- kompleks in Burgersfort, R10 000 onmiddellik beskikbaar Kontak Linda @ 076 834 3457
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).
HOUSE TO LET Two bedroom house available from R4500. (Full time security). Three bedroom house available from R5500. Aloe Ridge East and Aloe Ridge West. Viewing available after hours. Please call on 082 578 6113. TO LET BURGERSFORT 2 and 3 Bedroom houses to let. Warehouses and shops to let. 300 + 400 SQ. Contact Ina: 082 888 9672
Get your hard copy of the newspaper here: * A1 Food Store * Bronrich Slaghuis * Tubatse Build It * Vyfster Slaghuis *Fouché Medical Practice * Mooifontein Kafee * Mahlasedi Health * Health Zone Gym * Cheap Cheap * CTM * Boxer Steelpoort * Tubatse Build It * Themba Filling Station * Supa Dry Cleaners Burgersfort * Dr Phetla Medical Practice * Platinum Petroleum Filling Station * Shoprite Tubatse Crossing Mall * Pick ‘n Pay Tubatse Crossing Mall * Stax Video * Aloe Spar * Department of Education Circuit Office Burgersfort * Fastfit Burgersfort * Total Filling Station Steelpoort * Sasol Filling Station Steelpoort * Winterveld Bottom Village gate * Tubatse Village Entrance Gate * Laerskool Steelpoort * Laerskool Burgersfort * Laerskool Ohrigstad * Fetakgomo Greater Tubatse Municipality Offices Burgersfort * Pick n Pay Steelpoort • Supa Save • Old Burgersfort Toyota & Filling Station * Build It Praktiseer • Praktiseer
16 MAART 2018
7
NUUS
Countdown to Comrades is on It is now less than days to The Ultimate Human Race on Sunday, 10 June 2018 and runners have been urged to submit their qualifying details and secure their space on the start line of the 93rd Comrades Marathon. Comrades Marathon Association (CMA) Race Director, Rowyn James has called on all athletes to get their qualifying details to the Comrades Marathon Entries Team by Wednesday, 2 May 2018. Qualifying races must be completed between 27 August 2017 and 2 May 2018 within the stipulated qualifying standards and the details thereof submitted to CMA by no later than 2 May 2018. Qualifying races must be ASA technically compliant and appear on the national or provincial fixtures list. International Comrades athletes are reminded that qualifying races outside the borders of South Africa must likewise be compliant with their host country’s national federation requirements. Meanwhile, CMA Chairperson, Cheryl Winn has issued an urgent appeal to all those runners who were lucky enough to have secured an entry, but have since either changed their plans, failed to qualify or
experienced an injury which might preclude them from participating on 10th June to please make their entries available for Substitution. “As organisers we experienced an unprecedented demand resulting in our quota being filled and therefore entries closed in less than three weeks this year, leaving some would-be entrants disappointed. We are therefore appealing to anyone who is unlikely to actually utilise their entry, in the true spirt of Comrades, to offer it up for Substitution in order to allow some other runner to achieve his/her dream.” The 2018 Comrades Marathon Substitution Process opens on 26 March and closes on 25 April 2018. The 93rd Comrades Marathon will be a Down Run, starting at the Pietermaritzburg City Hall and finishing 12
Pulana Maroga results The Pulana Maroga Soccer League results for last weekend were: Games played at Mathipa ground: Golden Spears: 0 vs Tearing lions: 0. Barcelona: 1 vs Morethe Young Dribblers: 1. Mathipa Happy Fighters: 1 vs Stone Breakers: 0. Games played at Arandis ground: Tshakanya Mighty Rovers: 1 vs Mighty Blues: 2. Madrid: 0 vs Mighty Bucks: 5. Arandis Jnr: 2 vs Bafaladi: 2. Games played at Moisele ground: Real Touch: 2 vs All Stars: 0. Lenareng: 0 vs Batau: 0. Moisele: 1 vs Mohlophi Fast 11 Jnr: 1. Games played at Driekop FC ground: Bull Bull: 1 vs Mangabane: 1. Kampeng United: 2 vs Maruleng: 2. Driekop FC: 2 vs Driekop Happy Stars: 1. (Photographs and results: Pulana Maroga Soccer League).
Photo submitted
hours later at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in
Durban on Sunday, 10 June 2018.
8
16 MARCH 2018 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
New Club Champions crowned Last weekend the Tubatse Chrome Golf Club’s Club Championships took place. This is one of the most important competitions annually and very competitive. It stretches over two days with 18 holes being played on each day. This year the results were: Thinus Labuschagne - winner of the Club Championships A-Division and overall net winner. Gross score was 146, 2 above par. The net score was 140. Loralyn Botha won the ladies division with 60 points. Derek Ackerman won the B-Division on a countout with Bertus Swart of 144 net. Louis Ludike won the C-Division with 54 points. Dean van Staden was the junior winner. The Club thanked every player who participated in the championships and encouraged everyone to keep playing to improve their game.
The senior Tubatse Chrome Golf Club winners for the annual Club Championships were from left: Derek Ackerman, Loralyn Botha, Louis Ludike and Thinus Labuschagne. Thinus was crowned the Club Champion. (Photo above: Thinus Labuschagne)