Platinum
Gazette
Seven distinctions for Tshegofatso Tshegofatso Shabalala is the Calvin College 2017 Matric Top Achiever with 7 distinctions and an average of 89%. The school principal Mrs L Britz and the teachers were all smiles as they acknowledged the hard work and determination Tshegofatso put in her work for her to achieve such outstanding results. True to the genius that she is, she is on her way to the University of KwaZulu Natal to pursue a career in medicine.
Beware of bogus institutions and colleges! The Department of Higher Education and Training is rolling out a countrywide public awareness campaign to warn the public about the presence of Bogus/illegal/fly-bynight Colleges.
The message to students is to verify if the private college, the programme they offer and the site or branch at which the programme is offered, is accredited with the Quality Council (QCs) and/or the Sector Education and Training Authority (SETA) and/or the Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO). Students can verify this as follows:
The good work continues Apart from the major make-over in Oorbietjie- and Eland Streets in Burgersfort, some of the other streets in town also started to get attention this week. Loose paving and potholes are taken care of. Watch out when you plan your route, especially this Friday on month-end!
1. Look for the certificate of registration from the DHET on the premises of the college; 2. The information on the certificate can be verified with the information on the Registers which are available on the Department’s website at www.dhet.gov.za, then click on Resources on the right hand side and then scroll down to Registers on the left hand side; 3. For SETA accredited qualifications, contact the relevant SETA directly; and 4. For QCTO qualifications, contact the QCTO directly at 012 003 1800. 5. Also see attached leaflet for contact details. Students also need to be wary of the following: 1. How long is the institution established? 2. How does the infra-structure look? 3. How professional are the staff in terms of engaging with students, responding to queries, maintaining records and the administrative and financial systems? 4. Are the lecturers qualified to lecture? 5. Do they make exaggerated claims and promises on jobs and salaries? 6. How many of the programmes they offer are accredited? 7. Are the fees too high or too low? Tips for students: 1. 2. 3. 4.
Fetakgomo Tubatse Burgersfort, Steelpoort, Ohrigstad, Apel
26 Januarie 2018
Tel Fax
Look at how other graduates are performing in the labour market; Speak to other students and graduates; Consult the HELLO Peter website; and Report any wrongdoing to the Regulator and warn other students as well.
0832719151 (Editorial) 0835431676 (Advertisements) 0865549031
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NEWS
Illegal mine closed The mining industry received a well deserved break last week as a provincial SAPS operation closed down an illegal mine near Marula Mine on Friday last week. The operation included members of the Public Order Police, Provincial Detectives, the Air wing, Organised Crime, Local Criminal Record Centre, Visitble Policing and officials from the Department of Mineral Resources (DMR). They arrested three mine managers (owners) aged between 47 and 60. They operated the Klipham Mine at the Madikana Village and had been operating with a fraudulent license for some time. Investigations by the Organised Crime Unit led to the arrestes and the subsequent confiscation of mining machinery worth millions of rand. During the operation the following was confiscated: 5 x Scania Trucks (horse and trailers); 2 x Bell trucks and a compressor generator. The following was escorted to the Polokwane compound: 4 x front end loaders; 2 x excavators, 2 x Tata Trucks. The following was escorted to the Modikwa shooting range: 1 x compressor generator; 1 x Diesel Tank (SAP13 80/2018 Mecklenburg SAPS); 1 x laptop and printer. The members involved in this sting operation was commended for their sterling performance by Provincial Commissioner Lieutanant General Nneke Ledwaba.
(Information & photographs: SAPS) Mining equipment worth millions of rands was confiscated during the operation aimed to rid the province of illegal mining activities. These items were confiscated from Klipham Mine near Marula Platinum Mine. Klipham had been operating with a fraudulent license for some time. Three people were arrested.
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Burgersfort Cluster hits hard against drugs Burgersfort - In an effort to fight the mushrooming of illegal drug related crime within the Burgersfort cluster, a joint operation comprising the Burgersfort Crime Intelligence unit, Provincial Drug unit, Provincial Detectives and Burgersfort Dog unit has yielded results when a 43-year-old male suspect was nabbed and a large quantity of drugs were seized last week. The operation was conducted on Wednesday 2018-01-17 at Mareseleng village outside Burgersfort town, focusing on hard drugs.During his arrest the suspect was found in possession of the following: * 1130 sachets of hard drugs (Nyaope) valued at R56000 * 67 sachets of dagga valued at R1500 * Hard cash of the amount of R7640 The arrested suspect was scheduled to appear in the Praktiseer Magistrate Court on Friday 2018-01-19 on charges of possession and dealing in drugs. The cluster commander of Burgersfort, Major-General Masipa Joseph Maepa has expressed his happiness in this arrest and has commended the various teams within the SAPS for the sterling job they had done. (Information: Sgt Kholofelo Phokane, Burgersfort Cluster)
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NEWS
26 JANUARY 2018
Should only black owned funeral companies Platinum Gazette’s reporter set out to do the opinion page for this week on Wednesday afternoon. The question? Should people have freedom of choice of which transport they use and do you know of someone or have experienced being forced by some taxi operators to make use of specific services? The question came after a major rise in complaints regarding illegal ‘road blocks’ and vehicle searches often happening on the R37 near Aloe Ridge. Reports of vehicles being stopped, drivers and passengers being ‘fined’ to continue on their route and passengers sometimes being forced to get out of a vehicle and make use of transport provided by these illegal ‘traffic officials’, are rife. A set of questions on how the taxi industry (both the Quantum taxis and the small Avanza ones) are being regulated and why these illegal road blocks are being tolerated by the municipality and local traffic department went unanswered for weeks. So at ‘question time’ this week the reporter found herself in a situation where this problem is only discussed off the record. “I am sorry, I will not be able to take a taxi again if I tell you anything”, “I will become a victim if I say anything about this” were just some of the answers that were given. The fact is that the problem seems to stretch much further than just Aloe Ridge. Tales of assault and people taking money from innocent drivers and passengers are common. Fear of intimidation and claims that authorities (including some traffic officials, municipal officers and some members of the SAPS) have a vested interest in these operations by owning taxis and therefore not doing anything, give people a sense of helplessness. That is when ‘the question’ turned to something with the potential to touch just as many people – a bid by the National Funeral Practitioners Association of South Africa (Nafupa-SA) to prevent white and indian owned funeral companies from providing funeral services within mainly black communities. This group has been warning that they want to get all white and indian owned funeral companies out of black communities by 1 February. Currently their focus is mainly on KwaZulu-Natal. In a statement by the group’s Secretary General, Nkosentsha Shezi they say that black owned companies are not being given work by white or indian people and therefore that market is reserved. “This portion of the market is “reserved” for Indians and whites only, therefore it is not fair for these companies, who have a reserved market, to also come in our areas and compete with us,” said Shezi. “Black families who have claims must take cash from these companies and hire services
of black funeral service providers. Should families find difficulty in claiming cash from these companies, they must call us for help,” he said. Nafupa-SA is however including the Doves Group in their actions despite this company being fully black owned since 2006. Minki Rasenyalo, the Chief Executive Officer of Doves Group, said “Whilst we can fully align with the aspirations of black business, we do not think the route being taken is sustainable even for black business. The actions of Nafupu-SA in preventing white business from trading in townships by force is illegal”. “We do not subscribe to the use of force and coercion against white business as it is both illegal and will not result in sustainability. We should reflect and begin to change the industry in a manner that will make all operators successful,” he said. The National Funeral Parlour Association (Nafupa) has distanced itself from the threats being made. Nafupa-SA is a group that was formed after a group of disgruntled members of Nafupa) broke away from the organisation in 2015. Nafupa public relations officer, Mlungisi Chiliza said: “They went as far as saying they will burn the vehicles of these businesses and, as Nafupa, we cannot allow this to happen”. So Platinum Gazette asked readers what they think about this. Do they think only black owned funeral companies should be allowed to conduct funerals within mainly black communities or not?
Mr Sipho Mankaba said: “Everybody must be able to choose who they want to use. We don’t want to be told what and who to use. No matter what colour you are, we should all be able to do business everywhere”.
Mr Danny Mosome said: “This will be bad for the economy. This thing about white must be here and black must be there is bad. We should all be able to use service providers we like and do business with whom we want. White need black and black need white. These people will be causing big trouble. Why should we allow the Guptas from outside our country to come and do things here and then turn the white and other people from South Africa away from certain areas? White people are paying tax here!”
Ms Pinky Makofane said: “We must be able to choose. It does not matter what colour the owner is. The good customer service is what matters”.
Mnr Paulus Makomane and Mnr Mohammed Sebulela sê: “Ons wil hê dat die swart mense en die wit mense se besighede oral kan wees. Ons is equal. Dalk as hulle bymekaar kom om oor die probleme te praat sal dit goed wees. Miskien kan hulle saamsmelt en kan al die mense wat begrafnisse doen deel word van Avbob”.
Mr Frank Malepe said: “No, everyone should be able to do business everywhere. We share the power. We should not discriminate because of colour. We look at the delivery and not the colour of the owner when we choose a service provider”.
Mr P. Tshililo said: “People are interested in the service and not the colour of the owner. The black owned funeral services are in line with the black market. White or black owned should be able to do business provided they know the market. If you understand the tradition of your client I don’t care whether you are green or blue. The last important thing is how you communicate with your client. We all have various ways and we need to respect each other’s culture”.
Me. Michelle Wolmarans sê: “Almal moet ‘n keuse hê. Daar moenie onderskeid gemaak word tussen wit en swart nie. Kompetisie is goed en dit gaan oor wie die beste diens lewer. Ons bly tog in ‘n demokrasie waar elkeen ‘n reg het”.
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do business in mainly black communities?
Ms Mathilda Mokgotho and Ms Beauty Makofane said: “They should understand the black culture when operating in black communities. We want to be able to choose whoever we like. It should not be regulated”. Mr Marcus Malapane said: “Everyone should have a choice. They are not right to force this. We depend on the best service and price. They should not try to control us. If those black owned businesses give good service at good prices they will do well”.
Pastor Charles Serokolo said: “Business is about competition. You must have the best price and services. I’ve seen many black businesses doing well against white owned businesses. If there is no competition it will not work. Above all, everybody has a right to do business anywhere. You must just do the business the right way. People will come if you do it right.
Ms Conny Maphanga and Ms California Malepe said: “It doesn’t matter if the owner is white or black, as long as they give good service and we are satisfied. They should not tell us who to use – that will be for us to decide”.
Mr Mokwala Mathunyane said: “I would like to choose who I use. It is wrong to try and regulate it like that”.
Mr Alpheus Mongala said: “It is unfair. We got our policies long ago. I want to choose. I did not choose according to the colour of the owner, I chose on the service of the business”. Regs: Me. Mariaan Jacobs sê: “Dis onregverdig en bevorder rassisme. Mense is nie dieselfde nie. Elke ou moet kan kies van wie hulle gebruik maak. Die verskillende kulture moet kan vra wat hulle wil hê”.
Mr Lawrence Mamabolo said: “It is not good to isolate with colour as denominator. It is every individual’s right to choose according to the service they want. If you are black and not giving a policy I like, I will not want it. These people are promoting xenophobia. We are living in a democracy where everyone has a right”. Right: Mr Edwin Moela said: “It is wrong to choose based on race. We are in a democracy in order to bring us all together. We must have equal opportunities”.
Mr Surprise Malapane said: “This is wrong. We should work as a rainbow nation. You cannot force people to support black owned business. What if the black owned business’ service is poor? What if they just want to make profit but don’t give proper service? In our democracy we want to make our own choice regardless of who the owners of the business is”. Left: Mr Abram Mphogo said: “It is not right. People should be allowed to choose the funeral company of their choice. What is important is the service. It is more important than the talking. The idea behind this is taking us back and that is not where we want to go. They want to take us back to apartheid. Apartheid has been dead according to me. Instead of denying people the privilege of operating, they must continue spending more on marketing their businesses”.
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NEWS
26 JANUARY 2018
Celebrating 100 years of life On Monday 22 January 2018, Mrs Phillistus Mogananna Maepa celebrated her 100th birthday. She was surrounded by her family and friends and proud to
have reached this milestone. She is currently staying with her daughter at Ntshwaneng Village next to Twickenham Mine. Mrs Maepa was married to Mr Ben Maepa, who is part of the Matlolo area’s royal family. She has been blessed with 6 children, 58 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren. Mrs. Maepa says that her secret to growing old is keeping away from alcohol and eating healthy. She is believes that keeping yourself very clean is part of the secret. Her family and friends are planning a surprise party for her towards the end of this month. They wished her a very happy birthday and many more to come. (Information and photograph provided by the family).
Focus on under performing local schools As part of the Provincial Executive Committee’s back to School Campaign and bid towards improving the quality of education in the province, MEC s from various departments in the province visited schools to address students during back to school campaigns. The Limpopo Department of Economic Development, Environment and Tourism (LEDET) MEC Seaparo Sekoati were deployed to Fetakgomo Tubatse Local Municipality and he was joined by the Speaker of the Local Municipality, Cllr Naume Phala at Selatole Secondary School and Serokole Secondary school in Ga Phasha Selatole and Atok respectively. Sekoati said during his address that discipline and commitment are key fundamentals to success and there is no magic in obtaining seven distinctions. Responding to the challenges raised by the School Principals, he said that the issue of parents’ non-involvement in their children’s
education should be taken seriously. He stressed that conditions such as lack of proper school buildings, equipment and furniture should not hamper academic excellence or be used as an excuse for non-performance. Selatole Secondary School obtained a 40.5% pass rate last year. Fetakgomo Tubatse Local Municipal speaker, Cllr Phala encouraged extra lessons during afternoon and weekend classes to the learners to help improve the matric results. The municipality also visited Morwaswi Secondary School where Acting Mayor, Cllr Maria Mashego motivated the learners, teachers and school governing body. The school’s results slipped to only 30% pass rate last year. They also visited Nyaku Secondary School who achieved a 20,3% pass rate last year. (Information & photographs: FTLM Communications Unit).
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Platinum Gazette
Tubatse Masters face off with Londen Home Sweepers On Thursday 18 January, Tubatse Masters visited London Home Sweepers in Ga Madiseng for a friendly soccer match. Tebogo
Letsoalo’s two goals gave Tubatse Masters a win by 2-1. (Information: Jerial Mvundlela; Photographs: Judas Motswiane)
Psalm 91:14 NIV “Because he loves me,” says the LORD, “I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name.”
Support Steelpoort Academy’s Family Fun Golf Day Steelpoort Academy will have their Family Fun Golf Day on Saturday this week. The day is organised to raise funds for the school and everyone is invited to come and join in the fun. The day’s format will be confirmed before play. Entry fee is 200 per player and this includes a halfway lunch. Registration will take place at 08:00 and tee
of time is set for 09:00. Anyone who would still like to become involved with sponsorships or would just like to enter to play on the day is welcome to contact any of the following people: Maureen van der Merwe on 076 061 6615 or Jan Grobler on 076 419 9736. Come join the family fun for a really good cause!
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
Advertise here/Adverteer hier: Notice of application for a Basic Assessment Application Applicant: Imerys Refractory Minerals South Africa (Pty) Ltd – Annesley Andalusite Mine (Havercroft Operation) Location of the activities: The farm Streatham 100 KT, and the farm Havercroft 99 KT, Sekhukhune District Municipality and Greater Tubatse Local Municipality, Limpopo Province. 5km from the old Penge mining town, 5km from Ga Malepe, and approximately 31km north of Burgersfort town, on the R37 road towards Penge Nature of proposed activity, applicable legislation, and listed activity applied for: Decommissioning of Havercroft mining infrastructure. Activity 22(ii) of GNR 983 of 8 December 2014 (as amended) in terms of National Environmental Management Act, 1998 (Act No 107 of 1998) - The decommissioning of any activity requiring (ii) a prospecting right, mining right, mining permit, production right or exploration right, where the throughput of the activity has reduced by 90% or more over a period of 5 years excluding where the competent authority has in writing agreed that such reduction in throughput does not constitute closure. Competent authority and relevant reference number: Limpopo DMR: LP30/5/1/2/3/2/1/(73) EM Additional information: A basic assessment procedure wil be followed. Letters will be send to all I&APs and stakeholders on or before 26 January 2018. Site notices will be placed at the mine and two other places in the area on 26 January 2018. You are invited to attend the public meeting to be held on 28 February 2018 at 11h00 at Annesley Mine. To register as an I&AP of this project, to obtain more information, or submit comments, please request a Registration Form from BECS and return it to the details provided below, on or before 28 February 2018. BECS Environmental (Pty) Ltd, Salome Beeslaar, (Cell) 072 191 6074, (Fax) 012 361 0645, Salome@becsenv.co.za, PO Box 72960, Lynnwood Ridge, 0040
1. Sport Klubs /Sport Clubs 2. Betrekking/Vacancy 3. Dienste/Services 4. Oornag Akkommodasie/ Overnight accommodation 5. Troeteldiere/Pets 6. Persoonlik/Per-
sonal 7. Allerlei/ Miscellaneous 8. Finansies/ Financial 9. Te Huur/To Rent 10. Te Koop/For sale 11. Birthdays/ Verjaarsdae
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).
3. Dienste/ Services Visit your local professional art and décor framer in Steelpoort. 23 Years experience in framing. Visit Esmé Framers in Steelpoort next to Wimpy or contact Esmé on 079 100 9643.
9. Te Huur/ To Rent 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. TE HUUR 2 Slaapkamer woonstel in klein sekuriteitskompleks naby Tubatse Crossing Mall in Burgersfort. Beskikbaar 1 Februarie 2018. Billike huur sluit water en elektrisiteit in. Skadunet afdak vir voertuig. Kontak Mike by 082 357 1954
10. Te koop/ For Sale Erf 3615 & 3616 Motaganeng Eco Estate Next to each other. Individually R150,000 each. Make an offer on both. Contact Martin 079 895 4267
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26 JANUARY 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
Soccer masters keeping fit with friendly games On Sunday 21 January, Tubatse Masters visited Rossenekal Masters for a friendly soccer match. The two teams played two matches. In the first match
Tubatse Masters won 7-4. Pitso Sehlabela x 3, Phillip Kgapane, Lekgotla Motswiane, Mashudu Netshilindi and Judas Motswiane scored for Tubatse Masters.
Pulana Maroga Soccer League results Pulana Maroga Soccer league results for 20 January 2018: Batau Ground:Kampeng United: 4 vs Mighty Rovers: 2. Tearing: 1 vs Madrid: 1. Batau: 4 vs Maruleng: 1. All Stars Ground: Mohlophi Jnr FC: 2 vs Barcelona: 3. Mathipa Jnr FC: 1 vs Moisele FC: 1. All Stars Jnr FC: 1 vs Real Touch: 1. Bullbull ground: Driekop FC: 2 vs Young Dribblers: 0. Mangabane: 2 vs Happy Stars: 3. Bullbull FC: 1 vs Mighty Bucks: 1. Arandis ground: Bafaladi: 3 vs Lenareng: 2. Stonebreakers: 1 vs Mighty Blues: 2. Arandis Jnr: 3 vs Golden Spears: 1. REsults for 21 January 2018: Real Touch ground: Maruleng FC: 1 vs
All Stars Jnr: 4. Fast 11 Jnr: 3 vs Stonebreakers: 3. Real Touch: 2 vs Madrid FC: 1. Mathipa ground: Barcelona FC: 0 vs Batau FC: 2. Lenareng FC: 2 vs Tearing Lions: 2. Happy Fighters: 2 vs Happy Stars: 1. The Blues ground: Mangabane FC: 2 vs Young Dribblers: 5. Bafaladi FC: 2 vs Moisele FC: 2. Mighty Blues: 2 vs Kampeng United: 0. Rovers ground: Driekop FC:0 vs Bullbull FC:1. Golden Spears: 2 vs Mighty Bucks: 3. Mighty Rovers: 4 vs Arandis Jnr: 1. (Information and photograph: Pulana Maroga Soccer League).
The final score for the second match of the day was Tubatse Masters 2 and Rossenekal Masters 2. (Lekgotla Motswiane and Thomas Lubisi were on the scoresheet for Tubatse Masters). On Saturday 20 January, Ledwaba/ Makotse Masters visited Mphahlele Masters for a friendly soccer match. The match was played in Makurung village. Final score for the day: Ledwaba-Makotse Masters 3 vs Mphahlele Masters 3. Johny Ledwaba x 2 and Ponto Ledwaba were on the scoresheet for the Ledwaba/Makotse team.
(Information: Jerial Mvundlela; Photographs: Judas Motswiane & Jerial Mvundlela)