A FRESH APPROACH TO LOCAL NEWS IN LIMPOPO VOLUME 142/2014 LIMPOPO EDITION www.rise-n-shine.org.za 30 OCTOBER - 6 NOVEMBER 2014 FREE COPY 16 for M Unit Stan FMP starti dards ng fro m Per L (In-H earner In ouse cl. possi training ble) R4 56 00,- A FRESH APPROACH TO LOCAL NEWS IN LIMPOPO 16 for M Unit Stan FMP starti dards ng fro m Per L (In-H earner In ouse cl. possi training ble) MFMP COMPETENCY RTRAINING 4 56 00,-2014 OCT/NOV LIMPOPO SCHEDULE MFMP COMPETENCY TRAINING LIMPOPO SCHEDULE OCT/NOV 2014 16 for M Unit Stan FMP starti dards ng fro m Per L e a rn (In-H ouse er Incl. possib training le) R4 56 00,- Stranded Ben Evelyn Combined School pupils and parents are fuming after pupils were barred from writing their Matric examinations. By Chester Makana Seventeen Matric pupils enrolled in a private school were kicked out of the exam centre and barred from writing their final examinations after the school apparently defied the education authorities and offered Grade 12 without examination centre status. B en Evelyn Combined School pupils of Makgofe near Seshego were shocked and disturbed when they arrive at the exam centre only to be told they could not write. Only 35 part-time candidates were allowed to write, while the full-time pupils were removed from the exam room. According to confidential documents, which Rise ‘N Shine has seen, the school did not have accreditation from Umalusi, the quality standard assurance body. The documents also show that the school failed to provide the Department with a list of teachers LIMPOPO SCHEDULE registered with the Council for Educators, as prescribed by education policy. “The school is not yet accredited by Umalusi as a private service provider in terms of the GENFETQ Act,” said an inside report. One of the affected pupils said he was shocked and surprised, as he had already written trial examinations. He, like his fellow learners, had arrived at the exam centre eager to write his first Matric examination, hoping that this would open the way for him to take his studies to the next level in 2015. The rejected learners had already taken up their positions, with their ID documents, pencils, pens and examination appointment letters, when they were told that they would not be allowed to write. They were in total disbelief when told that their appointment letters were imitations. The school OCT/NOV blamed the Limpopo 2014 Education Department, saying they had done everything according to the book, but the Department insisted that it was not registered and had no examination number. “The school does not have an examination centre number and is not registered,” said Provincial Education spokesman Paena Kgalane. Parents claimed that department officials in the local circuit colluded with the school in deceiving them. School principal Mohatla Rawale, however, said that the school was registered. “There are some problems made by the Department, not us,” she said. MFMP COMPETENCY TRAINING 16 for M Unit Stan dards 1F6MP s for M Unit tSatratning f r FMP starti dardsom ng fro Per L m (In-HPer earner In o (In-HuLseeartnraeri Incl. pososuise t nincgl. possbibler)aining R4 56 R4 5600,00,le) SEKHUKHUNE DISTRICT MUNICIPALITY: GROBLERSDAL Although every effort will be made to adhere to this 13–17.10.2014 08–12.12.2014 02–06.02.2015 30.03–03.04.2015 schedule, in instances where there are less than VHEMBE DISTRICT MUNICIPALITY: THOHOYANDOU 10 learners per area, Kgolo SESSION 1 SESSION 2 SESSION 3 SESSION 4 Institute reserves the right to 20–24.10.2014 05–09.01.2015 02–06.03.2015 04–08.05.2015 Although every effort will be made to adhere to this schedule, in instances where there are less the thantraining/facilitation 10 learners per merge area, Kgolo Institute reserves the right to merge the training/facilitation for geographically suitable districts metros WATERBERG DISTRICT MUNICIPALITY: MOOKGOPHONG for geographicallyand suitable SESSION 2 SESSION 3 SESSION 4 districts and metros Course Fees Include:SESSION 1 SESSION 1 SESSION 2 SESSION 3 SESSION 4 MFMP COMPETENCYTRAINING TRAINING Training, learning materials, MFMP COMPETENCY LIMPOPO SCHEDULE OCT/NOV 2014 Although every effort will be made to adhere to this schedule, in instances where there are less than 10 learners per 03–07.11.2014 09–13.02.2015 13–17.04.2015 08-12.06.2015 area, Kgolo Institute reserves the right to merge the training/facilitation for geographically suitable districts and metros Although every effort will be made to adhere to this schedule, in instances where there are less than 10 learners per OCT/NOV 2014assessment, Course Fees Include: moderation, verification area, Kgolo Institute reserves the right to merge the training/facilitation for geographically suitable districts and metros LIMPOPO SCHEDULE materials, Kgolo Institute has helped many municipalities within South Africa to ensure that their staff and Training, certification as well as refreshments Course Feeslearning Include: assessment, moderation, Training, learning materials, and managers meet the minimum competency requirements of the MFMP. Our innovative and lunchtime meals.verificationverification assessment, moderation, revolving training approach ensures that we can provide training in every district throughout and certification as well as refreshments and certification as well as refreshments South Africa. and lunchtime meals. and lunchtime meals. CAPRICORN DISTRICT MUNICIPALITY: POLOKWANE SESSION 1 SESSION 2 SESSION 3 SESSION 4 06–10.10.2014 01–05.12.2014 26–30.01.2015 23–27.03.2015 SESSION 1 SESSION 2 OUR 7-DAY HOTLINE MOPANI DISTRICT MUNICIPALITY: TZANEEN 29.09–03.10.2014 24–28.11.2014 FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT: 081 4696097 6097 081 469 FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT: OUR FOR7-DAY MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT: 081 469 6097 OUR 7-DAY HOTLINE HOTLINE Kgolo Institute is endorsed by National Treasury and LGSETA-accredited (LGRS-836-110920), 20|09|2012–30|12|2016. Terms and Conditions apply. SESSION 3 SESSION 4 19–23.01.2015 16–20.03.2015 Tel: 012 770 3646 | Fax: 086 245 Treasury 8810 | [email protected] | www.kgoloinstitute.co.za Kgolo Institute is endorsed by National and LGSETA-accredited (LGRS-836-110920), 20|09|2012–30|12|2016. Terms and Conditions apply. PUBLIC SECTOR SKILLS THROUGHOUT SOUTH AFRICA. Kgolo Institute is endorsed by National Treasury and DEVELOPMENT. LGSETA-accredited (LGRS-836-110920), 20|09|2012–30|12|2016. Terms and Conditions apply. Tel: 012 770 3646 | Fax: 086 245 8810 | [email protected] | www.kgoloinstitute.co.za Tel: 012 770 3646 | Fax: 086 245 8810 | [email protected] | www.kgoloinstitute.co.za PUBLIC SECTOR SOUTHAFRICA. AFRICA. PUBLIC SECTORSKILLS SKILLSDEVELOPMENT. DEVELOPMENT. THROUGHOUT THROUGHOUT SOUTH Page 2 Rise N Shine Communities in Polokwane breathed a collective sigh of relief when the Capricorn District Municipality took services to them during Batho Pele Day. The Independent Electoral Commission says it is ready for by-elections taking place in two wards in the province. I EC provincial chair Nkaro Mateta said the elections in Bela Bela and Thulamela will take place as planned, and that there will be no special votes. “We are ready for the by-election. We don’t have special votes, because we did not receive any applications,” said Mateta. In Thulamela’s ward 29, two independent candidates registered for the contest, and will contest the ward with ANC and Cope candidates. The independent candidates are Azwifarwi Justice Ratshibvumo and Rudzani Edward Mmbulaheni. The candidate for the African National Congress is Mafela Patrick Ramashia and Thizwikoni John Nenungwi is the candidate for the Congress of the People. The ward was previously represented by the African National Congress and became vacant as a result of the death of the councillor. In Bela Bela, the Ward 3 contest will be between Lerato Rachael Mpete of the African National Congress and Mmasamoele Elizabeth Ledwaba of the Congress of the People. The ward was previously represented by the African National Congress and became vacant as a result of the resignation of the councillor. CAPRICORN DISTRICT MUNICIPALITY District International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction Date : 04 November 2014 Venue : Happy Fighters Football Ground Montz Village, Blouberg Local Municipality Time : 10H00 For more information contact Lebogang Mosotho @ 071 687 7025/ Phuti Rampya @ 071 686 5005 Re Šoma le Setšhaba JOURNALIST / SALES MANAGER VACANCY Job description: Primary responsibilities will be to sell advertising space and to collect and write suitable, high quality and industry related articles for a community newspaper. Requirements: • Qualification in Journalism • At least 3 years experience • Computer Literate • Excellent written and spoken communication skills • Social media literate • Interest in digital media • Eye for detail (subbing skills) • Good research skills • Passionate about news • Driver’s licence and own vehicle mandatory • Inquiring/curious • Must be from Waterberg Region • Check for accuracy of facts and correct spelling and grammar • Good sales record Please send CV to [email protected] or Fax 086 241 5648. 30 OCT - 6 NOV 2014 H eld at Ga-Chuene outside Polokwane last week, the day attracted a massive response from the elderly, the disabled, youth and other people with special needs eager to access a wide range of services and to receive an update on service delivery programmes. The purpose of the event was to provide a number of different government services, such as enabling citizens to apply for IDs or correct them, to apply for social grants, to lodge labour disputes, to get business advice/ funding, and to access information on government bursaries, tax returns, RDP houses, water, electricity, sanitation and many other services. Community members were also given an opportunity to ask questions and obtain more clarity on various issues relating to government’s performance. By Glacier Nkhwashu Tzaneen Mayor Dikeledi Mmetle has won what ANCWL insiders call the battle of the Mayors. She has however vowed not to stand for re-election in the next ANCWL regional conference after being re-elected to another three-year term as Mopani ANCWL regional chairperson during a watershed conference held at Karibu Leisure Resort over the weekend. M metle, who is also the Limpopo SALGA deputy chairperson, has retained her position as regional chairperson of the ANC Women’s League in Mopani despite a challenge spearheaded by Mopani ANC Regional Treasurer Nkakareng Rakgoale. She scored a convincing victory against Ba-Phalaborwa ANCWL sub-regional chairperson Alina Peta, a staunch supporter of Makoma Makhurupetsi in a hotly contested election held late on Saturday evening at Karibu. Makhurupetsi, who is ANC provincial deputy secretary and MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlement and Traditional Affairs is a known opponent of Mmetle in the ANCWL. In the results announced by the electoral commission on Sunday: Mmetle beat Peta by 140 votes to 74; The Capricorn District municipality has called on residents to safeguard their water infrastructure, saying vandals are helping themselves to water pumps and electrical transformers. his heinous crime has become a serious and perpetual challenge across the district, which contributes to water shortages and further creates new delivery backlogs. “The Municipality spends millions a year on replacing pump engines and electrical transformers as a result of theft, but the judicial system treats this as petty crime,” said CDM spokesman Moffat Senyatsi. The district said it had noted a sharp escalation in theft over the past months. “This seriously inhibits the social development and economic growth of the district and we have to find ways to combat it. We don’t want to see communities losing their livelihood and businesses suffering as they can’t cope with water supply interruptions as a result of this,” T The day showed CDM’s commitment to transformation priorities, among which basic service delivery is the key to meeting the primary needs of all citizens and optimizing their access to basic services. CDM mayor Gilbert Kganyago has appealed to communities to make use of the opportunity to access services without the inconvenience of having to travel long distances. “We are happy to be here today to report on delivery about achievements recorded thus far,” he said. Kganyago further outlined the CDM’s commitment to Batho Pele Principles, saying CDM managed to achieves “access” to services by reducing backlogs in water services to the 11% of people who do not currently have water, while poverty relief programmes continue to benefit the indigent through free basic water and electricity supplies. He said despite underlying challenges in service delivery, the latest 2013/14 service delivery status quo report showed that the municipality is firing on all cylinders to meet people’s expectations and change their living conditions for the better. Kate Bilankulu, who was deployed to the National Assembly after the May general election, beat Festina Makhurupetsi by 139 votes to 74 for the position of deputy chairperson; Rosina Ramalatswa beat Maditaba Matlou by 140 votes to 7 for the position of Secretary. In the battle of the Mayors, Ana Sono, the Mayor of Ba-Phalaborwa Local Municipality beat Nkakareng Rakgoale, the current Executive Mayor of Mopani District Municipality for the position of deputy secretary by 132 votes to 80. Magdelene Lewele defeated Sassie Mathebula for the position of Treasurer by 138. Mmetle was destined to retain her position from the onset, judging by the number of delegates who sat on her side. When officials from the Electoral Commission entered the room, delegates continued to dance jubilantly. Mmetle, Bilankulu, Ramalatswa, Sono and Lewele all retained their positions which they were elected to in December 2010.In her acceptance speech, Mmetle called for unity and cohesion in the Women’s League, urging those who were defeated to accept the results and to rally behind the new leadership. The conference took numerous resolutions, which included the hosting of conferences in all five sub- regions as well robust campaigning for the ANC in the upcoming 2016 local government elections. he said. The main headache is in rural settlements, where communities are not vigilant about this kind of crime. “This is not only costing ratepayers money, but it is also causing devastation in communities,” said Senyatsi. “These criminals steal our infrastructure and they dismantle water pump-houses to get their hands on engines – an asset that leaves communities without water.” He said that water pumps and transformers appear to be targeted because there is no domestic supplier for them. “Replacing these assets takes longer, and communities unfairly bear the brunt. Stealing pump engines is stealing water from our people and this is serious criminality, an act of sabotage that should not be tolerated. No village is immune to it. The inherent culture in communities of turning a blind eye should be changed. Report it - municipalities alone cannot win this battle,” concluded Senyatsi. The Rise ‘N Shine Pledge Rise ‘N Shine newspaper is committed to bringing you news you can trust. We spend a great deal of time researching our stories and we put them through a series of accuracy tests, in accordance with the highest standards of journalism as set out by the Press Code of South Africa.Mistakes may sometimes be identified in our stories, however; so if you spot any please do let us know so we can fix them. If you feel we have breached the Press Code, complaints can be directed to the office of the Press Ombudsman, which seeks to resolve disputes between the press and the public as speedily as possible. TEL: 015 291 1093 Office 103 Library Gardens 61 Hans van Rensburg Street Polokwane 0699 A FRESH APPROACH TO LOCAL NEWS IN LIMPOPO Rise N Shine 30 OCT - 6 NOV 2014 Glacier Nkhwashu A group of Limpopo farmworkers is continuing to search for the body of a young Zimbabwean farmworker who allegedly disappeared in a local river while fishing. P olice divers stopped their search on Sunday after the farm managers alerted them to the threat posed by huge and dangerous crocodiles lurking in the river. Unable to summon up the courage to face the deadly creatures, the police left the scene on Sunday but promised to return. The farmworkers, however, are still searching for their friend and colleague Jeremiah Sithole, hoping at least to recover his Page 3 remains. Sithole, who was an illegal immigrant, was a regular fisherman and it has been alleged that he was dragged away by crocodiles while fishing with friends over the weekend in a river at his workplace. According to his fellow fishermen, they waded into the river to check their lines when he was allegedly taken by the crocodiles. Although his two friends said they did not see him taken, they heard “a scream” and, after turning around to look for their friend, noticed some splashing in the river, but never saw him again. Jeremiah Sithole was a seasonal orange harvester at a local farm known as Madzividzivi in Letsitele outside Tzaneen. One of the farm managers, who only identified himself as Marius, said: “The farmworkers are aware of the crocodiles in the river and were also warned about the dangers of illegal fishing. When the divers arrived for the search on Sunday, a day after Jeremiah vanished, we had to alert them as well. That’s when they decided to stop the search.” Marius said such a thing had never happened before on the farm. According to local police spokesman Colonel Moatshe Ngoepe, an inquest has been opened. THE DEPARTMENT URGES ALL CITIZENS TO JOIN HANDS FOR SUSTAINAINABLE HUMAN HABITATS AND SOIL CONSERVATION October every year is a month to raise environmental awareness on World Habitat Day. This is the day for everyone to recognize the basic right of all humanity to adequate shelter; and taking of action towards ending poverty housing. (www.habitat.org). Limpopo Economic Development, Environment & Tourism has in taking action towards habitat for humanity, engaged municipalities in the province to participate in the Greenest Municipality Competition. The competition focuses on sustainable development. Municipalities are assessed on 6 elements namely: 1. waste management, 2. energy efficiency, 3. water management and conservation, 4. landscaping, tree planting and beautification, 5. public participation and community empowerment and lastly 6. leadership and institutional arrangement Position Capricorn District Mopani District Sekhukhune District Vhembe District Waterberg District 1 Lepelle Nkumpi Greater Tzaneen Ephraim Mogale Mutale Lephalale 2 Blouberg Greater Letaba Elias Motsoaledi Thulamela Mogalakwena 3 Molemole Ba-Phalaborwa Fetakgomo Musina Bela-Bela In addition, the 5th of December every year is World Soil Day. The aim of this day is to raise public awareness of soil and how it contributes to humanity and the environment (www.globalsoilbiodiversity.org) Great North Transport driver Andile Herbert Gumede has won the International Driver of the Year Professional Heavy Truck Drivers Competition held in Poland. T he bi-annual championships were organized by the Union Internationale des Chauffeurs Routiers (UICR) – and focussed on safe driving for trucks and buses. Gumede claimed an overall third place in his category, competing against the best drivers from fourteen countries including Germany, Poland, Croatia, Italy, Netherlands, Slovenia, Serbia, Switzerland, Finland, Belgium and Zimbabwe. To participate or be eligible to win, participants had to win district, provincial, and national Driver of the Year Competitions which included both practical and theoretical road safety driving challenges to be solved with as few errors as possible. GNT acting CEO Tom Nkoana said their participation in the competition was good for Brand South Africa. “We are delighted and inspired by the fact that one of our drivers has won the competition, which is indicative of GNT’s globally competitive technical expertise,” said Nkoana. “As management we envisage intensifying the acquisition of similar skills and know-how throughout our driver development programmes – and having more representation in the 2016 competitions in Finland.” Rise N Shine Page 4 China’s Jidong Development and its partner Wiphold China Africa Development and Conticem have agreed to train locals in manufacturing. The two partners are establishing a R2 billion cement manufacturing plant in Thabazimbi. They will also understudy the Chinese systems of the industry within the many cement plants existing in China and benchmark the best practices. Capricorn FM Breakfast Show Host: Mon to Fri 6am – 9am In her matric year in 2003, the young South African girl was crowned Public Speaker of the World in England, beating all other contestants in the entire world. It was a great moment for the outspoken,assertive and self confident lass who that SAME year was South Africa’s Public Speaker of the Year. It was no insignificant achievement by any means. There is no doubt that being a world champion spurred the young lady to greater heights. Today Keneilwe Palesa Mohapi is a foremost celebrity presenter for CapricornFM and anchor of its breakfast show. Popularly and affectionately known as Khenzy, which misleadingly gives an impression of a Shangaan girl, Keneilwe is what one would call a crossbreed between a Mosotho father and a Zulu mother. She was born in Umlazi township in Kwazulu and bred in Gauteng before taking the country by storm until getting the top job at Capricorn FM, “Limpopo’s hottest frequency. By Chester Makana Keneilwe Palesa Mohapi was born to Mr and Mrs Mantsi and Nokuthula Mohapi in 1985. She started her education at Brooklyn Primary School in 1992 in Pretoria and Matriculated at Lyttelton Manor High School in 2003. She then proceeded to the Univeristy of Pretoria to study. It was while studying law at Tukkies that the radio bug infected her. She abandoned her law studies to take a job at Yebo Radio as presenter in what she call “an opportunity I wouldn’t let pass me.” Since then she has been a radio animal and has never looked back. SA National Roads Agency Limited (Sanral) will spend at least R3,9 billion over the next four years to ease traffic congestion, improve road networks and rehabilitate the neglected 1 628 km of road it has inherited from the authorities in Limpopo. Before arriving in Polokwane to take her job at Capricorn FM, she had worked at Yebo and OFM in the Free State. It was in the Free State she really established herself as a radio personality after rocking the airwaves for four years there. “At OHM I had serious challenges as my job description compelled me to quickly learn Afrikaans and speak it on air in a short space of time and be understood by Afrikaans-speaking listeners,” said Khenzy, unwittingly emphasizing her natural aptitude for languages, a very important prerequisite in radio. The agency’s northern regional manager Ismail Essa, revealed their plans last week in Polokwane after meeting stakeholders. However, the agency said the costs will escalate, because they have to cover 1 628 km of pothole-riddled surfaced road which was transferred from Road Agency Limpopo (RAL) in July this year to Sanral. For the future Keneilwe Palesa Mohapi dreams about being a force in the media Industry and maybe running a media academy. Her message to all women in Women’s Month is that “as a woman be yourself and stop pleasing other people at your own expense. You are much stronger than you think. Go for it and live your dreams.” Social Media Facebook : CapricornFM breakfast Twitter : Kenzyvinco Sms ‘CFB” to 33812 known for,” said provincial government spokesman Phuthi Seloba. “The Mission has thus far proven to be a huge success and most of the potential investors will be expected in Limpopo by December this year.” The Premier believes that this is a move in the right direction to ensure that indeed today is better than yesterday and that tomorrow looks brighter than today. Premier Stan Mathabatha signed with Hoimor and Chec CADF as well, for the R458 billion metallurgical base projects, which are earmarked for the Musina Special Economic Zones in Limpopo. It is estimated that the project will create 17 000 permanent jobs when running at capacity. “These projects will go a long way in enhancing the economic situation of Limpopo by creating more sustainable jobs for the people of the province and also ensure that the province benefits through the advanced technological expertise that the People’s Republic of China is Keneilwe’s journey of self discovery is one of a few in which a young girl followed her passion by chasing her dreams, crisscrossed South Africa, and ended up in the Great North to claim her place in the sun in a province with sufficient talent to also claim the position she holds today. Oh yes, she now commands a huge personal following in the highly popular province’s first black owned and black managed commercial radio station. At her age, the journey has just begun. It was while she was speaking Afrikaans in the Free State when Limpopo beckoned. Looking for a change of scene and new challenge, Khenzy made her bid for the job at Capricorn FM and made it. She seems quite comfortable in Polokwane and asked how she felt about the city and the province Khenzy is clear: “ I love the people here and this work has given me the opportunity to learn more languages and meet more people in a lovely province of diversity. This I really appreciate.” 30 OCT - 6 NOV 2014 Motorists in the province repeatedly complained about pothole-riddled roads in the province and poor workmanship on other roads where millions were wasted, with some projects rehabilitated less than five years after completion. Some of the projects already under construction include the Boyne-Moria interchange which features traffic lights to divide traffic destined for each of the two ZCC synagogues east of the province’s capital Polokwane. Other projects include two new interchanges on the R37 and R81 Roads scheduled to start early next year near the Ultra City south of Polokwane at an estimated cost of R700 million. The agency said that in July next year a R450 million project for a 20-km stretch of road will be kick-started in Musina to reduce pressure on the N1 Road that currently faces a high volume of truck traffic. The project will include two pedestrian bridges, two interchanges and three new over-pass bridges. In 2016, the agency said R460 million will be spent on the construction of a new 20km road to the highway to divert mine and industrial trucks from pressurising the road as mine investment increases. “With mining development, there is a lot of heavy truck traffic that currently goes through the town and we need to divert it, especially the platinum that needs to be transported to the smelter in Polokwane,” said Essa. He said the N1 Botlokwa improvement is underway; however, it is still facing objections from a smaller group that demanded money to construct the road. Asked if e-toll or additional toll-road will be introduced, Essa said: “No toll gate or e-toll is planned in Limpopo.” Meanwhile, the agency is in talks with National Treasury over the funding of the recently transferred kilometres. According to Essa, repairs are needed immediately, but SANRAL will start by focusing on the “worst” sections, saying it will take six years to reshape the affected roads. “We will evaluate the roads and start by prioritising the worst ones. Many of these roads have been neglected for a long time. There is no pointing of fingers, but the issue is insufficient maintenance was done on them for whatever reasons. It will take us three to six years to get the road right again,” he said. Essa blamed some of the expenditure on poor town planning, arguing that poor town planning was costing the agency a great deal because of the need to modify the road network. Botlokwa and Musina, according to Sanral, are examples of how poor town planning has forced government to spend. 30 OCT - 6 NOV 2014 Life sentence for killers Rise N Shine Poacher 104 arrested in KNP Kruger National Park rangers arrested a 33-yearold man inside the park on Tuesday afternoon after the suspected poacher was found in possession of an impala carcass. W By Chester Makana Three suspects accused of kidnapping and murder have been sentenced to life imprisonment by the Polokwane High Court. T he suspects, Mati Moloto (37), Lazarus Mashabela and Jan Kgatla Mahole (41), were found guilty of kidnapping Seboko (27) and Morapedi (31), both citizens from Lesotho from Mhluzi near Emalahleni, on 20 July 2009. They took the men to Ga-Mathabatha Village at Malipsdrift, where they assaulted and strangled them and then dumped their bodies in the veld. Two of the suspects were arrested a few days after the incident; and the rest, shortly after that. Three more suspects who were involved in the kidnapping, but not the murders, were also arrested. Police spokesperson Colonel Ronel Otto said: ”On the two counts of murder, the three men were all sentenced to life imprisonment, while they were also sentenced to a R6 000 fine or six years imprisonment on the kidnapping charges, which will run concurrently with the life sentence.” The three other suspects were acquitted on the charges of murder, but found guilty on the charges of kidnapping and were also sentenced to a fine of R6 000 or six years imprisonment – they are Kabishi Makgopa (47), Maskolle Moloto (31) and Leonard Sekgweng (39). All the suspects are originally from Middelburg, Mpumalanga. Ex-cop released on bail By Glacier Nkhwashu A case of fraud against a former intelligence policeman who attempted to steal over R1 million using fake documents has been postponed until 4 December for further investigation. T he 40-year-old ex-cop Jack Mathiva and his 28-year-old partner in crime Doreen Thamage were each granted R2000 bail in the Tzaneen Magistrate’s Court on Monday. The two were arrested a week ago for attempting to steal more than R1,2 million in Tzaneen, Limpopo from a Cape Town businessman’s account. The Limpopo police have confirmed that the two were with another unknown man when they approached a manager of Nedbank at the Tzaneen Crossing with the aim of transferring the money into two different accounts. At the time of their arrest, the Limpopo provincial police spokesman Brigadier Hangwani Mulaudzi said the woman suspect was in possession a fake identity document for the account-holder, claiming that she had signing powers. “Without making the suspects aware, the manager contacted the account-holder who informed him that it was fraudulent transaction,” said the Brigadier. “The police were contacted immediately and the two suspects were arrested at the scene. The arrant Officer Sam Matsimbi of Saselamani Police said: “A suspected poacher was arrested by game rangers inside the park on Tuesday afternoon. I can confirm that the suspect was found in possession of an impala carcass. He is now behind bars at the Saselamani Police Station in Limpopo and will appear in court soon.” The Kruger National Park’s William Mabasa said: “We are warning these poachers that we will not spare anyone. Even if they are rhino poachers with highcalibre rifles, we will arrest them, take them to court and make sure they get heavy sentences.” In a joint operation on Friday last week, the SAPS and SANPARKS arrested five suspected poachers in the Tshokwane Section of the iconic Kruger National Park. The five were arrested after two vehicles suspected of being involved with rhino poaching activities in the KNP were stopped and searched. A .375 hunting rifle, silencer, and ammunition and other poaching-related equipment was recovered in the successful operation. The arrest of the five suspects brings the total of those arrested inside the KNP in connection with poaching activities this year to a record 104. Page 5 By Calvin Mathye Page 6 Rise N Shine 30 OCT - 6 NOV 2014 By Calvin Mathye Velly Chauke (40) makes beautiful braai stands from steel. He makes them with passion and dedication, and every day he makes them in Makuleke Village in Limpopo, his braai stands attract more customers. A ccording to Velly, “About ten years ago, I resigned from my job after five years because I wanted to be my own boss. My resignation was fuelled by the fact that I generated a lot of money for a private company I worked for in Joburg. My job was dealing in welding and I made gates and doorframes among other things.” Velly, who is taking care of his wife and three children, added: “I then started my business in 2004 and it is now growing every day. I get orders from various villages such as Maphophe, Salema, Xigalo and Malamulele. I also sell my products on credit.” His braai stands cost between R300 and R600 each, depending on the pattern and size. His prices for gates and door-frames range from R800 to R9000, also depending on pattern and size. Asked about his dream, he concluded: “My wish is to build a big factory in Limpopo so that I can employ local people. “I also want to supply markets with my products nationally.” Velly Chauke with one of the braai stands he makes and sells to his customers. (Photo : Calvin Mathye) CAP 9X6M 1 7/9/14 12:01 PM Page 1 C M Y CM MY CY CMY K Continuous misunderstandings and a somewhat acid relationship between the unions (organized labour) and the Department of Labour were finally put to bed during a vigorous educational session held in Polokwane Royal last week. T he session saw over 90 shop stewards from the Congress of South African Trade Unions (Cosatu) and its affiliates in Limpopo being coached on various pieces of legislation, including recent amendments and decentralisation of Compensation Fund (CF) services. Albert Tshidavhu, Head of the Department in the province, said, “We fully agree that there is a greater need for organized labour to be thoroughly coached on many aspects of our work,” adding that “aspects such as enforcement procedures, variation processes, application processes on Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) & Compensation for Occupational Injuries and Diseases Act (COIDA) as well as migration policies, form part of a pool of aspects to be relayed on these two days.” Tshidavhu said, “This initiative will help us sort out these ‘not so good’ relations we often have with one another and also help minimize misunderstandings because sometimes where there is misunderstanding, unnecessary fights ensue. We are of an extreme view that organized labour - ‘shop stewards in particular’- are more at the coal-face, as they are better able to interact regularly with the employers and employees than we are; therefore empowering them with necessary skills and knowledge will enable them to influence the level of compliance at their workstations and also help the employees to have a thorough understanding of our processes and procedures.”Adding to the above, Carol Mthethwa, Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Specialist in the department, said, “Apart from all these, we also want to educate shop stewards on legal requirements in terms of our legislation and remind them of their roles in representing the rights of the employees. We want to proactively prevent incidents that may have negative effects on health and safety of employees due to lack of knowledge or due to the ignorance of employers, though ignorance of the law is never an excuse. We also want to emphasize that their focus should not only be on wages, but should, to a larger range be on the well-being of the employees because safety is primary,” Mthethwa said. Composite 30 OCT - 6 NOV 2014 Page 7 Rise N Shine President Jacob Zuma’s cabinet has approved the appointment of Fundisile Mketeni as the CEO of SANParks on a five-year contract. T he former deputy Director-General responsible for Biodiversity and Conservation in the Department of Environmental Affairs is not new to the conservation industry. “We are looking forward to working with Mketeni as he moves SANParks into the future. In the face of the ongoing challenges of rhino poaching, we have faith in Mr Mketeni’s abilities to address the scourge head-on,” said Environmental spokesman Albi Modise. “I welcome the confidence placed in me by the SANParks Board, the Minister and the country as a whole,” said Mketeni. “I am looking forward to serving the country and committed to continuing with the good work and also to positioning the organization as a leading agent in conservation nationally, regionally and globally.” Mketeni brings with him a wealth of experience in the development and management of protected areas, tourism development and management, conservation of biodiversity and public sector management. He leads the South African negotiating teams to the Convention on the International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) between 2004 and 2012. Mketeni also played a leading role in the development and implementation of the country’s Elephant Management Policy. He is presently the chair of the South African National Committee of the International Conservation Union (IUCN), the current chairperson of the African Group under the UNCCD and the Bureau Member for Africa of the Intergovernmental Platform for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES). DTI calls for local company to lobby India The Department of Trade and Industry (the DTI) invites South African companies to apply to participate in the sixth Investment and Trade Initiative (ITI) to the Indian cities of Kolkata and Hyderabad from 23 to 27 February next year. M inister of Trade and Industry Dr Rob Davies says the ITI is part of the DTI’s objective to create market penetration for South African value-added products and services in India and to promote South Africa as a trade and investment destination. “The invitation is open to manufacturers and exporters in the agro-processing, chemicals, mining and minerals and capital equipment aiming to do business in India,” said Davies. The ITI is also open to companies seeking to attract foreign direct investment and project owners seeking joint venture partnerships in pharmaceuticals, mining beneficiation, infrastructure and renewable energy. The South African companies applying to participate in the mission will be screened and selected in line with the DTI’s Export Marketing and Investment Assistance Scheme (EMIA) requirements. The total trade between India and South Africa was worth R80.9 billion in 2013, with a trade balance of R22.9 billion in favour of India. According to the terms and conditions on the letter from the Department, “The approved companies will receive a subsistence allowance, an economy-class return airfares and excess baggage allowance for display material and samples.” DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH • If you have been coughing for more than two weeks, having night sweat, loss of weight and fever please go to your nearest clinic for a FREE TB test. • We want to encourage every person to go for TB screening and testing and HIV Counseling and Testing at least once a year at the nearest Clinic. • If you are found to be having TB , you will be given FREE TB treatment for six months and your TB will be cured • If you are HIV positive, you will be linked to treatment care and support. HIV treatment is FREE in all public health facilities • Always covering your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze • If it happens that you use your hands to cover your mouth when coughing, please wash your hands immediately with soap and water. • Please do not spit on the ground to prevent the spread of TB • Open windows and doors to allow fresh air to come into the house, churches, buses and taxis 8 Rise N Shine 30 OCT- 6 NOV 2014 A FRESH APPROACH TO LOCAL NEWS IN LIMPOPO By Roedolf Walker Bafana Bafana and Orlando Pirates captain Senzo Meyiwa was shot in Vosloorus on Sunday 26 October and tragically declared dead upon his arrival at hospital. S even people were reportedly in the house of Senzo Meyiwa’s girlfriend, Kelly Khumalo, at around 20:00 when two suspects entered the house while a third waited outside. Meyiwa was shot protecting Khumalo from what appears to have been a botched robbery. He was shot in the upper body, with the suspects firing first at him and then discharging two more shots randomly in the house. The suspects used a .38 revolver, so no casings were recovered from the scene All three suspects fled the scene. No arrests have been made to date, but investigations are ongoing. The police have offered a reward of up to R250 000 for information that could lead to the successful arrest of the suspects. According to Pirates chairman Irvin Khoza, “This is a sad loss whichever way you look at it – for Senzo’s family, his extended family, Orlando Pirates and the nation.” Khoza also made the statement on Monday 27 October that Meyiwa’s number will be permanently retired in honour of the contribution he made to the Pirates team. Noone, he said, will ever wear Meyiwa’s number 1 again. “ He is irreplaceable,” said Khoza. Bafana coach Ephraim “Shakes” Mashaba gave an emotional tribute to Meyiwa, lauding his contribution to the national team. He said that Meyiwa would be missed not only for his goal-saving ability, but also for his contribution to a positive team. “Senzo was a kind person. He was a leader and peace-maker in the camp,” said Shakes Mashaba. Not many people may know this, but goalkeeper Senzo Meyiwa began his football career as a striker for London Cosmos in his hometown of Umlazi in KwaZulu-Natal. S hortly after his conversion to goalkeeper, Meyiwa went to represent his province in the Transnet u/14 and Coca-Cola u/17 Inter-Provincial tournaments in 2000 as a 13-year-old. It was through one of these competitions that the young Meyiwa was identified by scouts who referred him to try out with the Orlando Pirates Development Academy. He was discovered by Pirates Head of Development Augusto Palacious, and trained for years in the development team before he joined the first team. Augusto described Meyiwa as humble and a commander in the field who always had a “never-say-die” attitude. After impressing at development level and earning the tag of best keeper of the Academy, Meyiwa earned his big break to play for the first team in the 2005/06 season, following a meeting between the late Brand Manager Zodwa Khoza and his father Sam. Khoza promised to look after the young Meyiwa and help him to adjust to life as a professional player. Meyiwa travelled with the team for the whole of the 2005/06 season, but it was only in 2007 that he made his official mark on the club. In that season Meyiwa cemented his place as Pirates’ first choice keeper, making a total of 24 league appearances for the club, far exceeding his record of one appearance in the previous campaign. Following a successful 2007/08 season, the former South African u/23 international faced stern competition with the arrival of Bafana Bafana goalkeeper Moeneeb Josephs in the Bucs stable. Senzo played number two to Josephs for a couple more seasons until his big break in 2012, when Josephs was benched in a league game due to injury and Rodger De Sa handed Meyiwa a starting berth against Mamelodi Sundowns, an opportunity which Meyiwa took, never looking back. The 27-year-old was instrumental in Orlando Pirates’ campaign in the 2013 CAF Champions League. When it came to defining moments, Meyiwa was, literally, always on hand to make that all-important save. His heroics at Lubumbashi will be remembered for years to come. This is where he saved not one, but two penalties, to secure the Buccaneers’ path to the group stages of the Champions League against the much fancied TP Mazembe. In that same season, with Senzo in the goals, Pirates went on to reach the final of the CAF Champions League, the final of the MTN8 Cup, the final of the Telkom Knockout Cup, as well as the final of the Nedbank Cup - playing a club record of 51 matches. For Pirates, he was a regular starter this season, playing in all 15 league and cup matches of the 2013/14 season; and for Bafana Bafana, he had played in all the 2015 African Nations Cup qualifiers – against Sudan, Nigeria and Congo, keeping a clean sheet in all four matches. In his final match as a Buccaneer, the night before his senseless killing, Senzo led his team-mates to an emphatic 4-1 victory over Ajax Cape Town in the quarter-finals of the Telkom Knockout Cup. At the time of his untimely death, Senzo Meyiwa was captain of Bafana Bafana and Orlando Pirates. Photo: Courtesy of Orlando Pirates By Orlando Pirates, additional reporting by RNS Sports reporter.
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