Gumbu families in a place of safety

By Kaizer Nengovhela

The families from Gumbu village, accused of being involved in the assassination of the traditional leader, Vhamusanda Vho-Takalani Andries Gumbu at his home on Sunday, 12 February, are being kept in a place of safety in Polokwane after their houses and cars, as well as a police van, were burnt down by some community members.

Gumbu was ambushed when entering his home on the day of the incident and shot several times. After his funeral on 18 February, some of the residents ran riot, setting fire to the suspects’ houses and cars.

Altogether nine families were left destitute and were traumatised by the events. Their belongings were also destroyed. They are pleading with the community to open their hearts and help them with any form of donation, so they can start to rebuild their houses.

One of the victims, Mr Mahwasane Mudzweda, said he had thankfully not been home when the angry crowd came to his house. He believes his house was simply burnt down out of spite and jealousy because he was progressing in life.

“They would have killed me for nothing if they had found me,” he said.

Another victim, Ms Eunice Mukwevho, who is a local farmer, was terribly upset about the mob’s actions, saying they had had no reason to burn her house down. “My family and I had lost everything in the fire, and by everything, I mean that we are left with only the clothes we are wearing,” she said.

The media liaison officer for the Department of Social Development, Mr Joshua Kwapa, confirmed that his department is keeping the victims in a safe place, with social workers who work closely with them.

Provincial police spokesperson Brig Motlafela Mojapelo condemned the incident and confirmed the arrest of 19 suspects, who were charged with malicious damage to property and arson. He said that 17 of these suspects had been released on R1 500 bail, while two had been released on R3 000 bail.

The case was postponed to 12 April for further investigation.

Kensani Corrections Management (Pty) Ltd

Kutama Sinthumule Correctional Centre, Sparrow Road, P.O. Box 3477, Makhado, 0920. Tel: 015 519 4571/4676, Fax: 015 516 6346. Registration No.: 98/000634/07

Operating at Kutama Sinthumule Correctional Centre, a prison in Makhado, invites applications from suitably qualified persons for the following positions:

Academic Instructor X 2

ANNUAL SALARY ALL

INCLUSIVE:

R283 200.00

Participate in the assessment and classification of offenders at the admission stage. Ensure that educational programs are developed and updated and to ensure that training programs comply with DCS, Department of Education, NSA, NQF and SAQA guidelines. Ensure that offender training interventions are delivered. Ensure that offenders’ progress is evaluated on an ongoing basis and that corrective measures are taken as appropriate. Assist with the development of the offender Individual Case Plan. Ensure that the external timetables are obtained in time and to invigilate during tests and examinations. Ensure strict compliance with the structured day program. Establish external liaison with appropriate professional bodies. Maintain accurate classroom attendance records. Give clear oral and written instructions to learners. Undertake self-development activities. Maintain comprehensive and accurate record keeping. Submit reports as required

REQUIREMENTS:

Successful candidate must be in possession of relevant teaching degree or diploma from a recognized tertiary institution

Post 1: History and English

Post 2: Business Studies and Xitsonga / Sepedi Home Language

The incumbents will be expected to offer lessons from Grade 10 – 12. Demonstrate a high level of good communication, negotiation and consultation skills, both oral and written. Knowledge of SA-SAMS and Computer Literate is an added advantage.

Academic Instructor X 1

ANNUAL SALARY ALL INCLUSIVE: R283 220.00

Participate in the assessment and classification of offenders at the admission stage. Identify learning competencies of learners. Maintain accurate classroom attendance records. Give clear oral and written instructions to learners. Plan learning activities according to individual offender’s needs. Offer teaching services to offenders with special needs and AET offenders. Structure and update training programs to comply with the guidelines of the Department of Correctional Services, Department of Education, Department of Labour, National Skills Authority, the National Qualification Framework (NQF), the South African Qualification Authority (SAQA) and the Education and Training Quality (ETQA) as well as the needs of the labour market.

REQUIREMENTS:

Successful candidate must be in possession of AET teaching degree/diploma or related teaching qualification from an accredited institution. The incumbent will offer Human and Social Sciences and Wholesale and Retail learning area.. Demonstrate a high level of good communication, negotiation and consultation skills, both oral and written. Computer Literate is an added advantage.

All applicants will be required to undergo a criminal record check before being appointed.

If you meet the above requirements, please post your applications with a comprehensive CV to the Assistant Director: Programs, Kensani Corrections Management, P.O. Box 3477, Makhado, 0920 or hand deliver to the institution at Sparrow Road, Makhado on or before Friday 17th March 2023. No faxes will be accepted.

NB: If you do not hear from us within 21 days after the closing date, accept that your application was unsuccessful. Only suitable qualified and experienced applicants will be considered. Short listed applicants will be notified telephonically. The Centre receives the right not to appoint should a suitable applicant not found.

Young pharmacist and her fiance die in tragic car accident on N1

By Elmon Tshikhudo

Twenty-four-year-old Phathutshedzo Tshigomana, a promising young pharmacist from Thohoyandou Block J, was laid to rest at the local Muledane NTK cemetery on Saturday. She died in a tragic car accident that claimed the lives of both her and her fiancé.

Phathutshedzo had only worked at her new job as pharmacist at the Bela Bela Hospital for three weeks. As fate would have it, she was on her way back home with her fiancé, Murendeni Tshitimbi, on 11 February when the accident happened on the N1 at Mookgophong.

Tshitimbi was declared dead at the scene. Phathutshedzo was seriously injured and rushed to hospital. She had been in the intensive care unit at the Bela Bela Hospital since the accident but succumbed to her injuries on 25 February.

Her funeral followed a memorial service held at the Back to Creator Worship Centre at Tswinga, where her mother is a pastor, the previous day. Mourners from all over came in their numbers to pay their last respects. Among them was the revered musician, Dr Irene Mawela. The burial service was conducted by Dr William Madzinge, the founder of the Christian Worship Centre (CWC) in Thohoyandou.

Phathutshedzo was described as a loving person who made everyone around her feel at ease. Her mother, Pastor Murunwa Tshigomana, spoke fondly of the love she had for her daughter and the last days they had spent together. She said Phathutshedzo had been appointed at another hospital, but insisted on being moved to the Bela Bela Hospital, so she could be closer to her mother.

Phathutshedzo was the third-born child of Mr Makana Tshigomana and Pastor Tshigomana. She started her schooling at Mvudi Primary School and later attended Mbilwi Secondary School, where she matriculated in 2016. She started her studies at the University of Limpopo in 2017, where she completed her degree in pharmacy. Phathutshedzo started her career at the Netcare Hospital in Sandton, Johannesburg, as an assistant pharmacist, and continued her professional journey at a Clicks store in Waverly Pretoria, also as an assistant pharmacist. Phathutshedzo is survived by both her parents and her siblings Thendo, Bongi, Uapfa and Maduvha.