MUNICIPALITY OFFERS BURSARIES HELP FOR NEEDY STUDENTS - WOMEN COMMISSION LAUNCHED
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M AY 2 0 1 2 V O LU M E 2 N O 4 O F F I C I A L N E W S L E T T E R O F T H E B O J A N A L A P L AT I N U M D I S T R I C T M U N I C I PA L I T Y
MUNICIPALITY
OFFERS BURSARIES
HELP FOR NEEDY STUDENTS
WOMEN
COMMISSION
LAUNCHED
BOJANALA HOSTS
GERMAN STUDENTS
Bojanala
the
REPORTER
Contents
Mayor’s introduction.....................................3 B O J A N A L A P L AT I N U M D I S T R I C T M U N I C I PA L I T Y
Municipal Manager’s tips ..............................5
What is good governance?............................7
Our new Internal Audit Manager...................9
German students & academics amazed by
Bojanala’s admin model ................................10
BDPM through the lens .................................13
Bojanala bursary comes to the rescue
of needy students .........................................14
Disability Lekgotla for active participation ......18
Technical Services Portfolio Committee
visits projects ................................................20
Practical advice to improve service delivery.....22
Two schools excell in renewable energy
competition ..................................................24
p14
Memorandum of understanding with
SEDA Platinum Incubator (SPI).......................26
Women Commission launched in
Manamela ....................................................28
Pride of Bojanala Platinum District
Municipality..................................................30
Bursary beneficiary student writes to us.........31
From the HR Desk .........................................31
p18
Design, layout & production by:
Editor-in-Chief:
Abbey Makoe
Editor:
Alameen Templeton
Editorial Director:
Archie Babeile
www.mpine.co.za Creative Director:
p24
John Ritchie
Bojanala Editorial Team:
Kea Malao
Attie Jansen
Kagiso Morapedi
Zodwa Du Toit
Photography:
Communications
Mayor’s introduction
B o j a n a l a P l a t i n u m D i s t r i c t M u n i c i p a l i t y E x e c u t i v e M a y o r,
C l l r. L o u i s R a m m o J o s i a D i r e m e l o
In the spirit of
co-operative
governance the
Bojanala
Platinum
B
District
Municipality will
continue to
work very ojanala spheres of
Platinum government in
closely with the District particular, the
other spheres of Municipality is Provincial
undoubtedly on the Department Of
government in road to achieving a clean audit Local Government and Traditional
order to achieve report in 2014 despite the Affairs, COGTA National and
numerous legacy challenges National Treasury and organs of
its desired facing the municipality. What will state such as the Auditor
objectives, says make the turn-around of this General’s office, to name but a
municipality to be a success is the few, in order for us to achieve our
Executive Mayor commitment that has been made desired objectives.
Cllr. Louis by the leadership of the However it should be
municipality as a collective, as well understood that this is a year old
Diremelo. as the positive attitude and the municipality with added
acknowledgement of our responsibilities and expectation
weakness in order for us to be which translate to more
assisted where possible, in coming challenges than there were
up with realistic and achievable before, and notwithstanding that,
strategies and mechanisms to as a responsible municipality we
overcome those challenges. will not wish away those
As a municipality, we are challenges, but rather we have
mindful of our target for a clean already taken ownership of all the
audit by 2014 and for certain, we liabilities and irregularities of the
will not leave that to chance and previous Council and made
indeed we will work tirelessly to serious commitment and
achieve that target before it is endeavour to remedy the
due. We also acknowledge that situation.
we are a government in our own
right, and that through the spirit Audit Committee
of cooperative government we appointed
will continue to work very closely To date, we identified capacity
and tirelessly with the other gaps that impeded any efforts to
the BojanalaREPORTER 3
improve the situation, and as a result we of economic activity, a site where entrepreneurs
managed to appoint an Audit Committee with a of various kinds, from farmers to small-scale
very reputable background and experience and informal traders converge to conduct business.
due to obvious backlogs, they have hit the FPM can play a major role in food security of
ground running. The critical positions of Manager households in two ways,
Internal Audit have been filled and the (i) As an outlet where farming households can
outstanding positions of Directors will be filled sell their surplus produce and earn income
within one month from now. The Municipal to buy food,
Public Accounts Committee is fully functional (ii) As a supplier to informal fresh produce
and playing its oversight role in the manner marketers or so called hawkers who earn a
expected of it. Furthermore, the municipality living by selling their produce in the cities
has imaged as one of the leading and townships.
municipalities in the expenditure of the MIG The establishment of a FPM would create a
grant as. conducive environment for agricultural
Overall, the performance of the municipality entrepreneurs. It would minimize the distance to
has improved remarkably and for certain the be travelled to places like the Joburg Market for a
environment that prevails is conducive to good small scale farmer that comes from our rural
working order and for that reason there can areas like Mabieskraal or Ga-Mmotla.
never be any reasons for failure. As a District Municipality, we are also studying
1. Rural Development a good model of this project by City of Tshwane,
2. Local Economic where they have similar project.
Development It has identified investment in
3. Services Delivery agro-processing facilities as a
4. Education mechanism to promote
5. Job creation development, improve food
6. Crime Prevention and security, create jobs and
Corruption generate additional income.
The District Fresh Produce
New name for the Market will assist small buyers
municipality to take the important step from
As the leader in the council of the informal sector to
the Bojanala Platinum District becoming viable and
Municipality, we have already engaged with a established formal businesses.
relevant process of the name change and the We all know that fresh fruits and vegetables
registration of the a new official coat of arms for are a crucial part of a healthy diet.
the institution.
A committee of five Councilors, has been Establishment of the
appointed to ensure that all technical and legal District Development Agency
aspects regarding this matter are addressed. The In another development within the Municipality,
Councilors are, Cllr, Khunou (Chairperson), Cllr the council is on course to establish a District
Tlale, Cllr Maguala, Cllr Manemule and Cllr Development Agency.
Makgutle. A team, which comprised both the political
It is the prerogative of Council to determine leadership and administration, was tasked with
which processes should be followed in order to the responsibility of visiting district municipalities
come up with a new name for the municipality, where their development agencies have been
including a consultative progress with the ruling successful. A detailed report was tabled before
party and all parties in Council, invite the public the Special Council which was held at
to submit proposed names, continue to hold Losperfontein Prison, near Brits, on the 30th April
competitions to submit names and new 2012.
designed. The purpose of the agency will be to
determine a suitable mechanism for growing the
Establishment of a economy of BPDM and those of the five local
Regional Fresh Produce Market municipalities.
In another initiative aimed at improving the lives My office, will continue to ensure that
of the communities in the district, as the communities in the District directly benefits to all
Municipality, we have conducted a feasibility these poverty alleviation initiatives by the
study on a possibility of the establishment of a municipality. l
Regional Fresh Produce Market. Councilor L.J.R Diremelo
The Fresh Produce Market, (FPM) is a lively site Executive Mayor
4 the BojanalaREPORTER
Municipal
Manager’s tips Bojanala Platinum District Municipality
M u n i c i p a l M a n a g e r, M r I n n o c e n t S i r o v h a
Municipal
Manager, Mr
Innocent
Sirovha, gives
tips on how, as
change agents,
staff can
cultivate a new Revenue
culture of good Enhancement
governance, Debt collection – a symptom and administratively available and
or a cause explore opportunities to diversify
professionalism its revenue where existing
Successful revenue enhancement
and passion for program implementation is revenues are inadequate to meet
the demands of change and
providing dependent on a structured
growth. It also means a
planning and management
quality services. implementation processes. commitment to put in place a
Revenue enhancement and wide-ranging series of
management does not only start improvements to its policies,
when the debtor defaulted, but procedures, staffing and
already early in the billing cycle organizational structure. The
when the consumer applies for intent is to use each one of its
services, meters are read and revenue sources to its fullest
accounts processed. If these potential in accordance with
processes are not in place, then District goals and priorities.
debt collection is the symptom Benefits to this strategy will
that is treated and not the cause. include but not limited to -
To curb these challenges, l Improves the potential for
Bojanala Platinum District offering new or improved
Municipality together with its service.
constituent local municipalities l Rejuvenates the culture of
adopted a strategy that treats the payment of services
cause of the problems and not the l Balances current and future
symptoms, which mean that it capital investment needs with
starts at the beginning of the revenue availability.
billing cycle with the process of l Increases accountability for
applying for municipal services. the staff who are responsible
As a collective, all municipalities for revenue generation and
are committed to optimizing the collection.
revenue sources that are legally l Develops
to next page
the BojanalaREPORTER 5
opportunities to make the overall revenue providers among other things.
structure more equitable and efficient The well functioning of the Bojanala Platinum
lReveals areas of future concern to assist in District Municipality is based on efficiency and
budgeting and forecasting. effectiveness of resources which include the
personnel and the equipment being used. By
Municipal Infrastructure Grant (MIG) observing the previous annual report for
Through the Inter Governmental Relations (IGR), 2010/2011 there are indications of a great
as BPDM we have embarked on a mission to improvement when comparing with other
improve our MIG expenditure for our previous years' reports. There was no magic in
constituent municipalities. We are achieving this but it was through becoming
encouraging the local municipalities to committed, dedicated and think positive for
Develop and Adopt a cooperate calendar for positive results.
Supply Chain bid committees for the entire The commitment was demonstrated by both
financial year. This will improve the turnaround officials and the political leadership of our
time for appointment of service providers hence institution. In our Municipality we strongly
improves the expenditure. We have agreed that observe the Municipal Finance Management Act
this strategy will be implemented by the first of (MFMA) which regulates the way in which
July 2012 moving into the new financial year of Municipality funds should managed.
2012/13 and beyond. Upon In ensuring that we fulfil our
implementing this, we will have to constitutional mandate as per
move the first step of carrying our chapter 7 of the Constitution of
local municipality towards clean the Republic of South Africa (Act
audit by 2014 and beyond. Performance 108 of 1996) and Chapter 4 of
Observing the MFMA as a whole Local Government: Municipal
Systems Act (Act 32 of 2000) we
As a municipality we are governed should be call community meetings in the
by the laws of the country which
in all respects are designed to
monitored form of IDP representative forums
and Budget Forums. These are not
create a platform for good to make just mere meetings but allowing
governance and as such, it would
be a travesty of justice if for
sure the public to chart the way forward for
our primary planning tool.
malicious reasons, any one of us targets are
subscribes to counterproductive What did our
tendencies motivated by greed
met.
municipality do to ensure
and other social ills. We need not it is developmental?
shy away from these things as our
silence could easily be misinterpreted to mean Bojanala Platinum District Municipality has
that we condone actions that compromise service become developmental in nature; it has changed
delivery. the way that it works. The following are some
Having put our administrative position clear, it tools that municipalities must apply to assist to
is important to understand that as administrators becoming more developmental:
we do not work in isolation but rather that we Working together with local citizens
provide advice to our policy makers and also
implement the decisions that they take and our
and partners
actions and results should be subjected to Building local democracy remains a central role of
continuous monitoring through oversight local government, and municipalities should
structures, to ensure that the intended outcomes develop strategies and mechanisms to
and desired objectives are achieved. continuously involve citizens, business and
Thus far, the municipality has just gone community groups in processes such as planning
through a very difficult transition phase of the and budgeting. One of the strengths of
previous leadership to a new phase of new integrated development planning is that it
leadership which for all intents and purposes has involves the community in development, delivery
high expectations on service delivery and democracy.
implementation in order to gain the confidence Community and activist organisations uses
of the electorate. mechanisms like ward committees, IDP and
The municipality’s cash flows are sound and development forums, budget consultation
assurance is given that the municipality will meetings and ward councillor public meetings to
continue to improve and to meet its financial influence the policies and programmes of local
obligations such as the payment of salaries for government. l
staff and councillors and the payment of service Innocent Sirovha, Municipal Manager
6 the BojanalaREPORTER
What is good
governance? Bojanala Platinum District Municipality
Chief of Staff, Mr Freddy Molotsi
In this article
Bojanala
Platinum
District
R
Municipality’s
Chief of Staff,
Mr Freddy
Molotsi, tries ecently the governance and
to explain terms local governance.
"governance" Since
what and "good governance is
"governance" governance" are being the process of
increasingly used in decision-making
and "good development literature. Bad and the process by which
governance" governance is being increasingly decisions are implemented, an
regarded as one of the root causes analysis of governance focuses on
means. of all evil within our public sector. the formal and informal actors
financial institutions are involved in decision-making and
increasingly basing their aid and implementing the decisions made
loans on the condition that and the formal and informal
reforms that ensure "good structures that have been set in
governance" are undertaken by place to arrive at and implement
particular organisations. the decision.
This article tries to explain, as
simply as possible, what Good governance
"governance" and "good Good governance has 8 major
governance" means. characteristics. It is participatory,
consensus oriented, accountable,
Governance transparent, responsive, effective
The concept of "governance" is not and efficient, equitable and
new. It is as old as human inclusive and follows the rule of
civilization. Simply put law. It assures that corruption is
"governance" means: the process minimized, the views of minorities
of decision-making and the are taken into account and that
process by which decisions are the voices of the most vulnerable
implemented (or not in society are heard in decision-
implemented). Governance can be making. It is also responsive to the
used in several contexts such as present and future needs of
corporate governance, society.
international governance, national
to next page
the BojanalaREPORTER 7
Participation historical, cultural and social contexts of a given
Participation by both men and women is a key society or community.
cornerstone of good governance. Participation Equity and inclusiveness
could be either direct or through legitimate
A society’s well being depends on ensuring that
intermediate institutions or
all its members feel that they
representatives. It is important to
have a stake in it and do not
point out that representative
feel excluded from the
democracy does not necessarily
mainstream of society. This
mean that the concerns of the
requires all groups, but
most vulnerable in society
Participation particularly the most vulnerable,
would be taken into
have opportunities to improve
consideration in decision
making. Participation needs to
by both men or maintain their well being.
be informed and organized. This and women Effectiveness and
means freedom of association and
expression on the one hand and
is a key efficiency
cornerstone Good governance means that
an organized civil society on the
processes and institutions
other hand.
of good produce results that meet the
Rule of law governance. needs of society while making
Good governance requires fair the best use of resources at
legal frameworks that are enforced their disposal. The concept of
impartially. It also requires full efficiency in the context of good
protection of human rights, particularly those of governance also covers the sustainable use of
minorities. Impartial enforcement of laws requires natural resources and the protection of the
an independent judiciary and an impartial and environment.
incorruptible police force. Accountability
Transparency Accountability is a key requirement of good
Transparency means that decisions taken and governance. Not only governmental institutions
their enforcement are done in a manner that but also the private sector and civil society
follows rules and regulations. It also means that organizations must be accountable to the public
information is freely available and directly and to their institutional stakeholders. Who is
accessible to those who will be affected by such accountable to whom varies depending on
decisions and their enforcement. It whether decisions or actions
also means that enough taken are internal or external to
information is provided and that it an organization or institution. In
is provided in easily general an organization or an
understandable forms and media. institution is accountable to
those who will be affected by its
Responsiveness Transparency decisions or actions.
Good governance requires that means that Accountability cannot be
institutions and processes try to enforced without transparency
serve all stakeholders within a
information and the rule of law.
reasonable timeframe. is freely Conclusion
Consensus oriented available and From the above discussion it
There are several actors and as directly should be clear that good
many view points in a given governance is an ideal which is
society. Good governance requires accessible. difficult to achieve in its totality.
mediation of the different interests Very few organisations and
in society to reach a broad societies have come close to
consensus in society on what is in achieving good governance in
the best interest of the whole community and its totality. However, to ensure sustainable human
how this can be achieved. It also requires a broad development, actions must be taken to work
and long-term perspective on what is needed for towards this ideal with the aim of making it a
sustainable human development and how to reality. l
achieve the goals of such development. This can Freddy Molotsi
only result from an understanding of the Chief of Staff
8 the BojanalaREPORTER
Our new Internal
Audit Manager
The Bojanala
Platinum
District
Municipality
recently
M
appointed Mr
Gabriel
Ramorwesi as
its new eet the entities. My learning
recently experience was
Manager of appointed Manager different from the norm as it
Internal Audit. Internal Audit of Bojanala exposed me to areas that were not
Platinum District Municipality, covered by my university studies.
He obtained his Gabriel Ramorwesi, who hails I joined Bojanala Platinum
BCom degree from Phokeng in Rustenburg. District Municipality in January
Gabriel is a performance and 2012 and it has been an incredible
from the deadline driven manager, and fulfilling experience thus far. I
University of passionate about his work and am excited about the future. My
people orientated. job is not to know everything but
Cape Town, his Gabriel considers himself well- to create an environment where
BCompt Hons grounded due to a childhood in a we all feel accountable to our
village in the then small town of
(CTA) from Rustenburg. He is a product of the
municipality, our stakeholders and
above all the community. I
UNISA and is a University of Cape Town where he celebrate success and learn from
attained his Bcom degree,
registered University of South Africa where
my shortfalls.
Nothing beats time spent with
chartered he attained his Bcompt Hons
family, my wife and son, good
(CTA) and is a Chartered
accountant. Accountant registered with the
friends, good food and visiting
new places. People along my
South African Institute of
journey took time to build me into
Chartered Accountants.
an individual passionate about
After studies I served my articles
education and performing to the
at the Office of the Auditor
General of South Africa (AGSA) best of my ability. The role played
where I received an opportunity to by my father, late mother, sister
learn and grow into public sector and two brothers, into raising the
accounting and auditing. I humble and success - driven
departed as an audit Manager in individual I am is highly
December 2011. I obtained vast appreciated. I want to inspire
experience in all spheres of public people and leave them better than
sector having been involved in I found them.
audits of national departments, I look forward to a fulfilling,
provincial departments, provincial productive and happy career at
legislature, district municipalities, the Bojanala Platinum District
local municipalities and public Municipality. l
the BojanalaREPORTER 9
German students
& academics amazed
by Bojanala’s
admin model
Visiting
German
T
students &
academics
were amazed
hey came. They saw. students of Tukkies, as the by the strength
And, yes, they were University of Pretoria is of the Bojanala
impressed! This, in short, affectionately known. The recent
is a total summation of the views visit, therefore, is part of the Platinum
of top academics as well as wonderful spin-offs from the District’s
visiting students from both the strategic collaborations that
University of Pretoria and “MM”, is Sirovha is also known, administration
Germany who recently visited to has begun to build and cement as model and
the HQ of the Bojanala Platinum well.
District Municipality (BPDM) in From Tukkies’ School of Public promised to
Rustenburg. Management and Administration build closer
In a globalizing world, where (SPMA) were fourteen students
the 21st century’s amazing who paid the visit to the Bojanala ties.
technological development HQ. The students were
ensures that any number of accompanied by two staff
people can be at different places members from the University of
at same time, “twinning” of Applied Sciences for Public
international cities and
municipalities has become
the latest trend. In other
words, a way to go, if
development objectives of
South Africa’s growing
local municipalities are to
reach their full potential.
The BPDM is indeed
fortunate to have at its
administrative helm one
Innocent Sirovha, the
Municipal Manager, who
is academically suave and
recently delivered an
exciting lecture to the
10 the BojanalaREPORTERAdministration in Kehl (HK), Germany. that lie behind the success of the
Prof Jörg Meuthen and Ms Pia Kipp, who Municipality.
is the Head of the HK International
Office, headed the group from Germany. Faculty of learning
The students were taken through the The students were also exposed to the
model of administration practiced in the implementation of public management
BPDM. An elated Mr Sirovha, who said and administration, bringing the gap
aside valuable time for the day in order between theory and practice. It was an
to ensure nothing but success, regaled important insight to expose the students
the group with the current state of the to, particularly in the light of frequent
municipality regarding its performance, complaints and concerns that are raised
particularly in the area of public financial by the Auditor-General of the Republic of
management and overall administration. South Africa, Terrence Nombembe.
Sirovha also shared with the students the Financial management is one of the rare
success of the institution particularly the skills plaguing the post-apartheid public
inter-personal and collective dynamics administration. It is therefore doubtlessly
wise to expose tertiary students to this
faculty of learning,
knowing very well that
such an investment will
bear fruits in the medium
and long term periods.
One of the visiting
students, Felix Losinger,
opined as follows: “With
the current administration
approach in place, the
Bojanala District
Municipality will reach its
goals of delivering its
mandate to the people of
this country.” Sirhova
retorted: “We have to set
the BojanalaREPORTER 11the trend. Knowledge acquisition is hardly an was the acting Executive Mayor for the day.
event, it is an on-going process and interaction The additional purpose of the visit was also to
with others, especially academics and students, is expose the students to the practical
a key to a bright future.” implementation of public
The BPDM has happily management and administration
cemented a proposed by bridging the gap between
exchange programme with theory and practice. The students
the municipalities in
Germany. These exciting
The BPDM has received a thorough tour of the
various departments within the
ties will be effected and cemented a municipality where they were given
bolstered through the detailed information on what each
current special
proposed department is mandated to do and
relationship that the exchange exactly how they reach their
BPDM has with the objectives.
University of Pretoria.
programme In the end the students left the
The students also believe with the BPDM HQ fully informed on how
that the Bojanala Platinum
District Municipality is in a
municipalities South African local government
operates and what its challenges,
unique position to provide in Germany. threats, opportunities and
them with an overview of the strengths are.
South African local At the tail-end of the tour the
government, its landscape students were presented with
and the dynamics. The visit to the BPDM branded Bojanala Platinum District Municipality
municipality by the students provided them with 2012 diaries. In marketing terms, the gesture, it
an excellent opportunity to showcase the is hoped, will enable them with the “top of mind
collaboration between academics and brand recall” as they see the beautiful Bojanala
practitioners in the field of Public Management logo every time they page through their valuable
and Administration. presents. In typical ubuntu/botho fashion, the
visitors were treated to a true South African
Tour of departments lunch!
The students further had an opportunity to be An elated Professor Jörg Meutkers of the
welcomed inside the plush Municipal Council University of Applied Sciences in Germany has
Chambers and got a taste of the ambience of the promised to link the Bojanala Platinum District
venue where political discourse take place Municipality with municipalities back home in
regularly. There, the visitors received a more Germany. He was of the view that focus and
detailed presentation which covered the encouragement to cement working relations as
structure, functioning and vision of the well as exchange programmes were the only way
municipality by an enthusiastic Cllr Ratlhaga, who to go. l
12 the BojanalaREPORTERBPDM through
the lens
Congratulations to Municipal Manager Innocent Sirovha,who received his Masters in Public
Administration specialising in Local Government from the University of Pretoria, and
Tsholofelo Dikgole, who received her National Diploma in HR Mangement from UNISA.
Below: Crazy Entertainers
performing at the Bojanala
Music Festival.
Right: BPDM Executive Mayor
Louis Dirimelo and Speaker
Gugulethu Mtshali joining the
Losper Fontein Prison Choir.
Below: Acting CFO Abueng Tolo and
Communications Manager Archie Babeile
celebrating their birthday (9 May), with
Tebogo Matlala, PA to the Executive
Mayor, and Moitse Lekhafola, Manager in
the Office of the MM.
Above: Clean-up Campaign during the recent
BPDM Water Week.
the BojanalaREPORTER 13Bojanala bursary
comes to the rescue
of needy students
At a bursary
award
ceremony
earlier this year
the Executive
R
Mayor, Cllr
Louis Diremelo,
was upbeat
ustenburg – Access to earnings can barely make about the
education, particularly educational ends meet, are often awarding of
at tertiary level, is often helpless and never know where to
too arduous and for many look for help. the Bojanala
impoverished South Africans, No wonder education is one of bursary to 25
including around the sprawling president Jacob Zuma’s
Bojanala areas, a near administration’s key priority areas. deserving and
impossibility. And, as a result, the Bojanbala qualifying
Educational funding therefore Platinum Distric Municipality
becomes one of the most dire (BPDM) has allocated more a students.
needs for post-matric learners million and a half rand toward
who dream of entering university. alleviating the plight of many
Many parents, whose meager pupils who are eager to study
14 the BojanalaREPORTERbeyond matric. The Executive Mayor of the as well as hordes of municipal officials and
BPDM, Cllr Louis Diremelo, was upbeat well-wishers. “Seeing is believing. This is
following the awarding of the Bojanala too good to be true. I wanted to be here to
bursary to 25 deserving and qualifying witness this emotional and wonderful
students areas. “We’ve given them the event. This is evidence that our municipality
wings. We hope they will fly,” Cllr Diremelo is facing in the right direction,” said
said during a recent interview, his joy too woman who could not be identified.
obvious to read from tone.
The bursary award ceremony took place Reach for the sky
at the beginning of the year at the Also at the ceremony Cllr Diremelo was
Rustenburg Civic Centre. The winning accompanied by the Speaker of the
students were there, accompanied by their Municipality, Cllr Gugulethu Mtshali, who
proud parents, the leadership of the BPDM was visibly over the moon for the students,
several of whom
were overcome by a
deep sense of
disbelief. Indeed,
the students were
acutely aware
about their rare
opportunity to
reach for the sky. As
the saying goes:
“Lightning never
strike twice.” Hence
the smart students
were conscious of
the fact that they
have to grab their
chance, knowing
that it might never
come again!
the BojanalaREPORTER 15The BPDM has over several recent years and make optimal use of this opportunity.”
exhibited its propensity to embrace educational The Executive Mayor further encouraged the
support as one of the fundamental outlets students to choose their friends wisely and
through which many of its constituencies can warned them that the Municipality would stop
escape the trap of under-development and sponsoring their education if they fail their
poverty. It was therefore unsurprising to see studies. “We are giving you these bursaries but
other BPDM leaders accompanying both the if you fail we will take our money back. We are
Executive Mayor and the Speaker. These bragging about you and everyone is talking
included the MMC for Corporate Support about you so please do not disappoint us. “You
Services, Cllr NF Ratlhaga and MMC for should choose your friends wisely.
Agriculture and Rural Development, Cllr F. Next time when we meet, hopefully, it will
Sthemba. be during your graduation ceremonies. I hope
Cllr Diremelo undoubtedly has bigger plans that you will invite us to share your joy with
about the bursary scheme and foresees a you when that days comes,” he said. The
future where a lot more needy and deserving Executive Mayor also assured the students that
pupils would be assisted financially. Cllr their bursaries would remain secure even if he
Diremelo explained: “We should involve the was no longer in office. “Therefore, be not
corporate sector with the aim to increase the afraid,” he said matter-of-factly.
R1.6 million we’ve already invested and try very
hard to raise it to at least R5 million through Roll-up sleeves
public/private partnership by September this Prior to the well-received mayoral address
year,” he said, before adding:. “Parents should Martin Lottering, a reputable motivational
also encourage their children to work hard, speaker, advised the students to “always focus
16 the BojanalaREPORTERon achieving their goals and become
successful”.
He went on thus: “You should aim for the
sky. You should tell yourselves that you can
do it. Nothing will stop you as long as you
work hard. Stay focused and remain
committed to your work at all times.” The
25 jubilant students were awarded
bursaries mainly towards studying
political science, mining and
accounting. Through the BPDM’s strive
to empower pupils through education,
none of the dreams of the 25 learners
shall be deferred any longer. Theirs is now
to roll up their sleeves, and acknowledge
that indeed hard work has
just begun. Above all, they
shall forever appreciate that
when their Municipality
exhibits such conscientious
understanding of the plight
of their plight, especially the
most vulnerable, and in fact
goes further to see them
through tertiary education,
the future, as Cllr Diremelo
observed, “can only be
brighter for us all, especially
for our future leaders”. l
the BojanalaREPORTER 17Disability Lekgotla for
active participation
“Nothing about us without us”
A two day
Disability
Lekgotla was
held recently at
Omaramba
Resort to
discuss the
T
status, re-
enforce local
and district
he Bojanala disabity
Platinum
District Municipality, held by the Office of the Executive structures, and
its Disability Lekgotla under the Mayor- Special Projects Directorate seek active
theme, “nothing about us, aiming to get facts finding and
without us”, with participation strengthen relations with participation
from all five local municipalities as between the municipality and in local
well as other stakeholders such as Disability Forums in the district,
the Phokeng School of Excellence, also to give PD what is rightful government
Legae la Rona home based care theirs for people
among others. MMC of Special Projects in the
This Lekgotla was called as the Office of the Executive Mayor Cllr. with
BPDM, under the special projects Virginia Tlhapi firstly thanked all disabilities.
unit headed by MMC Virginial Councilors, institutions, disability
Tlhapi, to engage formally on forums, officials and everyone
challenges and on how the who worked unconditionally to
municipality
should mainstream
issues of disability
across all
departments.
The Lekgotla
was graced by
various
government
departments,
private sector and
civil society who
made presentations on how are make sure that this Lekgotla takes
they working towards the place as it was long overdue for it
implementation of laws to happen,
concerning PD. “My office is open and l will
The Lekgotla was coordinated make it to a point that we work
18 the BojanalaREPORTERwith other departments to achieve our goals. the following factors:
Bagaetsho we are not here to fight, yes we know l Social attitudes which have perpetuated
that people with disability have been failed in stereotypes off disabled people as
many ways, but to together find ways dependent and in need of care
(resolutions) to drive us, let us work together and l A discriminatory and weak legislative
once more l personally pledge to go all out to framework which has sanctioned and
support and implement programmes of people reinforced exclusionary barriers barrier
with disabilities,” added MMC Tlhapi. l of the Apartheid system
On behalf of the Hon. Executive Mayor of It is critical to recognize within the
Bojanala Platinum District Municipality, the disabled community sectors which has
Acting Mayor Cllr. Francis Ratlhaga-MMC of experienced greater levels of discrimination
Corporate Support Services officially opened the than others from economic environment
Bojanala Disability Lekgotla, saying that Bojanala The rights of people with disabilities are
Platinum District Municipality saw the importance enshrined in the Constitution.
to address the challenges faced by people with
disabilities, he promised that the resolutions Purpose
taken by this Lekgotla wont be put aside, they The purpose of this Lekgotla was for all
will be taken into consideration and the Council stakeholders and role-players to engage and plan
will work with all Local Municipalities and with all the resources at our disposal- legislation,
disability structures formed by all stakeholders to more humane to ensure that we better the lives
implement, integrate and put in action all of people with disabilities- MOTTO – “NOTHING
recommendation taken by this Lekgotla, the ABOUT US WITHOUT US” which simply translate
Provincial Government and Provincial Disability to that we can come up with the strategies to
Structure must also play a role. Time frames and address the plight of this constituency but if
targets must be taken seriously. there is no involvement on all sides, it will never
The Acting Mayor also acknowledged that work
employers including the Municipalities, have Delegates reflected their experiences and
failed to implement the employment equity act, situation in relation to themselves an
which makes them noncompliant with the law. organization. The Lekgotla was also expected to
Count how many people with disabilities are generate practical recommendations that will
working within our system? Asked Cllr. Ratlhaga. ensure mainstreaming of the outlined objectives.
MMC Ratlhaga also indicated that many of our The overall intention was to engage and consult
buildings and other systems like transport do not through moving forth.
accommodate or have accessibility to people with Cllr. Virginia Tlhapi, noted in the SDIP, covering
disabilities, lastly he said that the hope of the all stakeholders within this sector to come and
Council at the end of the Lekgotla will produce engage , taking into consideration the
greater results which will benefit people with environment , legislative and policy imperatives
disability, I thank you all for coming he said that we have in mapping a way forward in terms
before leaving the podium. of mainstreaming all matters of disability
The historical context of people living with
disabilities is embedded in old practices within
Aims
our communities, eg 1. To examine progress made by government
if a woman were to towards the commitment of improving
bear a disabled child, quality of life for persons with disabilities
that child would not 2. To present challenges and possible solutions
see the time of the 3. To provide guidance to the Municipality on
day, if a child was matters of people with disabilities
born with condition 4. To establish a District forum on people with
of Albinism, that disability with Data
child would have to 5. To come up with a Municipal Disability
be protected as he or Action Plan with timeframes
she would be seen as 6. To come up with strategy to enhance the
a powerful ingredient to concoct “Umuthi”. This Role of Organizations for People with
behaviour or norm took a place across the race Disability
divide, weather it was within your white, Indian, Resolutions
black communities, this era was characterized by
exclusion in all forms. 1. The Lekgotla resolved on BPDM to adopt
The exclusion experienced by people with disability policy.
disabilities and their families has been a result of 2. resuscitate district fora. l
the BojanalaREPORTER 19Technical Services
Portfolio Committee
visits projects
O n the 13th
March 2012,
the Portfolio
Committee of Technical
Services visited the projects that are under construction in
Madibeng and Moretele Local Municipalities. Projects that were
visited were only those which are funded and implemented by
Bojanala Platinum District Municipality through Technical Services
Department.
The delegation was lead by Cllr Jacob Garekwe, (MMC Technical
Services) and Acting Director: Technical Services, Mr Sydwell
Maluleke. Below are the projects that were visited.
Moretele LM
In Moretele LM, The portfolio committee visited two water projects
in the current financial
year 2011/12 which are
being implemented by
the BPDM as follows;
1. Construction of
Internal Water
Reticulation in Skirlik
Madibeng LM
Paving of Internal
Roads
1. Sonop
2. Muthutlung
3. Makau
4. Hebron
BPDM constructed and upgraded the internal roads to internal
paving blocks for 1km at each area. l
20 the BojanalaREPORTERInstallation of Water Meters in Maubane which
includes water reticulations.
The pictures above show labourers finishing up the backfilling of the
internal pipelines in the internal reticulation in Maubane. The project
started on the 10th October 2011 and is expected to be completed by
the end of May 2012.The scope of the project includes installation of
881 water meters and extension of the internal reticulation in the areas
of Green Side and Honey Dew.
The pictures above show laborers on site offloading panels of the steel
reservoir in Skirlik / Tshwene village. The scope of the project includes
internal water reticulation, installation of communal stand pipes,
equipping of boreholes and erection of the elevated reservoir. The total
number of labor employed is 26. The project commenced on the 4th
August 2011 and it is expected to be completed by the end of May
2012.
The pictures above show the construction of the internal roads in
Sonop and Hebron in Madibeng LM. This roads program created
employment for 58 people.
In Sonop 25 people were appointed. The project commenced on the
7th November 2011 and it was completed on the 31st March 2012.
Hebron, showing pictures before and after constructions.
the BojanalaREPORTER 21Practical advice to
improve service
delivery
MEC Mabe
gives practical
“P
advice to
Bojanala
councillors on
ublic Accounts and can only make informed oversight improving
Finance when they are knowledgeable service delivery
Committees in about the provisions of the acts
municipalities must intensify their that govern municipal operations. at the Bojanala
oversight roles as the province She said that, “it is time that District Budget
needs to have functional councilors take their rightful place
municipalities. These are the only and unite in guarding the public Day in
committees that can turn the resources made available to deliver Rustenburg.
wheels of service delivery around”. services to the people. Be objective
Mabe said this while and independent in monitoring
addressing councilors at the performance.”
Bojanala District Budget Day in Mabe raised concern over
Rustenburg. 2009/10 auditor general’s report
Mabe advised the gathering and said municipalities need to
that it is key that politicians learn have practical measures in place
to empower themselves by to address the report with the
understanding provisions of the view of improving services. It is
law and administrative processes upon councilors to ensure that
in the running of municipalities. they interrogate the plans that
She emphasized that politicians officials have put in place to
22 the BojanalaREPORTERaddress exceptions raised in the report. She said suppliers are blacklisted from delivering services
that officials must be made to account on with all levels of government and minimizing the
financial management of municipalities. use of consultants.
Mabe informed the councilors that they have However, the MEC pledged continued support
the right to visit projects to be able to analyse to municipalities and informed the gathering that
allocated budget, spending and progress on site. Provincial Treasury has appointed officials that
In ensuring that corruption is rooted out, will capacitate municipalities on auditing to
Mabe indicated that politicians need to have ensure that they are equipped with relevant
knowledge in supply chain management skills. l
procedures; ensuring that non performing
the BojanalaREPORTER 23Two schools excell in
renewable energy
competition
The Bojanala
Platinum
District
Municipality
hosted the
‘Schools
R
Renewable
Energy
Competition’
ustenburg – Zinniaville exposure to the environmental at the
and Thulare Secondary management and science field. Rustenburg
Schools came out tops The projects were in a display
in the ‘Schools Renewable Energy kind of a setup with a Civic Centre on
Competition’ hosted by the demarcation between rural Friday, 30
Bojanala Platinum District participants and urban
Municipality at the Rustenburg participants. March 2012.
Civic Centre on Friday, 30 March The adjudication team consisted Zinniaville and
2012. The Municipality held the of a representation by different
competition in partnership with stakeholders for a broader input Thulare
the Department of Education. and extensive capacitation to Secondary
The competition aims to learners.
Schools won.
capacitate schools on the aspects They were from Eskom, NECSA,
of renewable energy and also Sci-BONO, Department of
taking into consideration the Education and Bojanala Platinum
effects of climate change, its District Municipality.
adaptation and mitigation The event was also graced by
measures. Furthermore, this officials from Moses Kotane Local
competition also seeks to ensure Municipality, Madibeng Local
that learners pursue science and Municipality and Rustenburg Local
technology careers and are given Municipality.
24 the BojanalaREPORTERThe department of education team was led by Avoid peer pressure
Mrs Mohubi (Chief Director). The event was graced by the Department of
The competition is in line with the vision of the Education Chief Director, Ms. D. Mahube, acting
Executive Mayor of the Bojanala Platinum District MMC for Health and Environment in the Bojanala
Platinum District Municipality and Cllr M
Sepotokelo, accompanied by Acting
Director for Health and Environmental
Services, Ms. Amanda Bubu
amongst other guests. After Cllr
Sepotokelo welcomed everyone,
Ms. Amanda Bubu said, “The
competition is the fruit of a
partnership between Bojanala
Platinum District and the Department
of Education.”
“We would like to urge students to excel
especially in Science Subjects,” she added.
In her speech, Ms. Mahube also
encouraged the students to work hard at
realizing their full potential and avoid
being influenced by peer pressure. “We
need scientists, physicists and engineers to
assist in developing our district.
I am glad that projects such as these
encourage learners to realise their potential
Municipality, Cllr Louis Diremelo, who always in science subjects,” she added. Last but not least,
encourage students to excel in science subjects to Thabang Kotsokoane, who was one of the
benefit the district. The categories that the schools adjudicators, urged the other schools not to lose
competed in were “urban” and “rural” and a panel heart. “Please do not be discouraged by the results.
of adjudicators selected the best projects that were Be the best that you can be,” he exclaimed. The
displayed. In the urban schools category, Zinniaville aims and objectives of this competition are in line
were awarded the top prize while Thulare excelled with Executive Mayor Cllr Diremelo’s IDP document,
in the rural schools category. Both schools were which emphasizes education as a vital tool in the
awarded bursaries, 100 fluorescent bulbs and quest for economic development within the
R5 000. Bojanala Platinum District.
Geelhoutpark and J.M Ntsime secondary schools
were second and third respectively in the urban What is renewable energy?
l Renewable energy is an
energy from natural
sources that replenish
themselves over short
period of time such as
wind, water, radiation
from the sun etc.
l Renewable energy has
minimal to non adverse
environmental impacts as
compared to conventional
electricity generation.
schools category. They were also awarded with Renewable energy sources
three laptops, digital cameras, 100 fluorescent l Wind
bulbs as well as R5 000. l Sun
Rakoko and Batleng Senior Secondary Schools l Hydro energy
were second and third respectively in the rural l Wave and Tide
school category. They were also awarded with three l Geothermal
laptops, digital cameras, 100 fluorescent bulbs as l Biomass and Bio fuel
well as l Fuel cells l
R5 000.
the BojanalaREPORTER 25Memorandum of
Understanding
with SEDA Platinum
Incubator (SPI) An MOU was
signed recently
by the Bojanala
Platinum
District
Municipality
and SPI to
make funds
1. What does this MOU areas. An 80 : 20 empowerment
available for
between BPDM and SPI entail? approach would be followed. 80% local economic
towards girls and 20% for boys.
A formal agreement jointly development
implemented by BPDM and SPI to Whilst FET College will be offering
empower the emerging the NQF Level 3 in Jewellery design and the
entrepreneurs through skills and manufacturing, the student sustainable
transfer and up skilling in will then be assisted by SPI to
sustainable business establishment establish their own jewellery promotion of
in the platinum groups metal businesses. small business.
beneficiation.
3. Where does the SMME
2. Who are the beneficiaries? feature in this agreement?
The plan is to empower the youth, The SMME feature in a sense that
being Girl child biased in our BPDM will be providing financial
support especially those from rural and non-financial support to SPI
26 the BojanalaREPORTERto enhance beneficiation and economic development in the entire district.
4. What is the period of the MOU?
3 years and it will be reviewed annually.
5. How many incubator do we have in the District, Province, the
Country???
There is one incubator in the North West Province and it is the only Platinum
beneficiation incubator nationwide ( Seda Platinum Incubator). We have 30
incubators in South Africa supported by the Department of Trade and Industry.
6. Are there any opportunities for these Incubators outside the
boarders of this country?
Yes, there is an opportunity for the Incubators to work with other incubators
outside the boarders of SA by doing exchange programs on technology. l
the BojanalaREPORTER 27Women Commission
launched in
Manamela The District
Women
Commission
was launched
in Manamela
Village, Moses
Kotane on 22
March 2012. It
M
will address
gender
mainstreaming
anamela – Women Local Government Summit. within Local
leaders in Bojanala met Among some of the guests at Government as
under the umbrella of the occasion was Acting Mayor of
the South African Local the Bojanala Platinum District well as to
Government Association (SALGA) Municipality, Cllr Gugu Mtshali, effect the
in Manamela Village, Moses Cllr Asnath Molekwa, Cllr Virginia
Kotane on 22 March 2012 to Tlhapi, Cllr W. Moleko and other resolutions of
launch the District Women government officials. Cllr Moleko the Women
Commission. It is the South took the lead as programme
African Local Government director and the opening prayer Local
Association’s, (SALGA) mandate to was done by Thuli Mbokazi. Mme Government
ensure that in each Local Mmakgosi Maimela warmly
Municipality there are Woman welcomed everyone who attended Summit.
Commissioners to address gender and Cllr Nketu Nkotswe of Moses
mainstreaming within Local Kotane Local Municipality
Government as well as to effect introduced the VIP’s, Outlining the
the resolutions of the Women purpose of the event, Cllr Tlhapi
28 the BojanalaREPORTERwomen to be
confident and have
the courage to
face tribulations
that might cross
your way in
life. “You have
the potential
to unlock all
doors. Each and
every one has a
purpose in life. The
sky is not the
limit,” Mrs.
Wolmarans said.
“Dont be afraid to
take a risk as a
woman. Move
away from your
comfort zone. Get
involved. Your
work must not
pointed out that women should participate stop. Gender issues in government should be
more in local government and should strive to addressed. Woman put into positions of
assist each other so that they can speak with power must take care not to sit back and
one voice. relax! They must make their mark on every
No more comfort zone level. And ladies, remember - Salga is not
there to break or bring down woman, it is
During a passionate motivational speech, Mrs. there to assist woman” she added.
G. M. Mogamisi of the organisation Women During his keynote address, Cllr Mtshali
in Business, elaborated around the different encouraged women to take part in issues that
roles woman play in modern society. “Tasks of empower women. “Women are not
women go beyond being a wife, mother or participating fully in government structures.
being a housewife. Don’t just have a dream, We must advocate for building and
go for it! “The reason why we are here is to strengthening these structures. As women, we
encourage people to wake up. If you want to must be united so that we can speak with one
start a business, take the first step,” Mrs. voice. “You should not attend women
Mogamisi said. Mrs Lillian Wolmarans, who caucuses that focus on gossip,” Cllr Mtshali
also gave a motivational speech, encouraged said.
The following Commissioners were
elected:
l Commisioner Chongo Monnakgotla
(Moses Kotane Local Municipality),
l Commissioner Margaret Rambawa
(Moretele Local Municipality),
l Commissioner Beverley Mantsho
(Rustenburg Local Municipality),
l Commissioner Pontsho Selolo
(Kgetleng Rivier Local Municipality),
l Commissioner Girly Segodi (Bojanala
Platinum District Municipality).
The elected Chairperson of the Bojanala
District Women’s Commissioners is
Commissioner Girly Segodi. l
the BojanalaREPORTER 29Pride of the
Bojanala Platinum
District Municipality
B ojanala
Platinum
District
Municipality Chief
Fire Officer Fanie
Mogale, stationed
at Mogwase Fire Station situated in the Moses Mogale’s brief profile
Kotane Local Municipality, has been rewarded l Started as a trainee fire-fighter in 1981 at
for his endless efforts in his workplace. the Sun City International resort group,
Feel proud l Promoted to Station Officer in 1990,
Mogale, who turns 50 later this month, was l Moved to NW Emergency Service in 1993,
awarded a 30 year long Service Award under the l Joined BPDM as a Station Officer
auspices of the Southern African Emergency responsible for training in 2000,
Services Institute during its annual general l Moved to Fire safety in 2006, and spent 19
meeting held in Kimberly (Northern Cape) years as a Station Officer,
recently. l Transferred to Kgetleng Local Municipality
“I feel proud of myself, very few of us are able as Assistant Fire Chief Officer,
to reach this milestone. Particularly considering l Promoted to Chief in 2012 in the BPDM,
the unbearable conditions we are exposed to, on
Achievements
a daily basis. Casualties are order of the day, but
perseverance kept me going from day one till l 1985 Fireman of the year,
today. I also feel proud of Bojanala Platinum l Best Student fire fighting, (Eskom Training),
District Municipality for providing me with a l 20 year long service award, (SAESI).
platform to showcase my skills and talent in fire
Educational background
fighting”. Says Mogale after receiving an award.
l BTech (TUT) Fire Technology,
A family man l Completed a variety of short courses in
A proud of father of two, (Kegomoditswe and Emergency and Fire Sercives,
Cavin) Fanie Mogale says he dedicate the award
to his lovely wife, Keneilwe, for her Hobbies
unconditional support over the years. l Jogging,
A soft speaking Mogale says, he is looking l Gym,
forward to receive more awards in future. l Soccer. l
30 the BojanalaREPORTERYou can also read
