Teen Author Publishes Book 2 - FREE COPY - Semphete
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
FREE COPY
JUNE 1 2018
THE OFFICIAL BOKONE BOPHIRIMA GOVERNMENT NEWSPAPER www.semphetenews.co.za @semphetenews Semphete Bokone Bophirima
Teen Author Publishes Book 2
READ helps local farmers
auction livestock Page 7
Province hosts a spectacular
Africa Day Page 8 and 9
Sebona defends FNB
Magalies Monster Page 16
TOGETHER WE MOVE BOKONE BOPHIRIMA FORWARD
2 June 1 2018
@semphetenews Semphete Bokone Bophirima www.semphetenews.co.za
ANC needs more time to find new Premier
Nthusang Lefafa
A
fter a three-day National Ex-
ecutive Committee (NEC)
meeting, the African National
Congress (ANC) said it still
requires more time to look for a new Pre-
mier to replace former Bokone Bophirima
Premier, Supra Mahumapelo.
The ANC NEC held its regular meeting
at the St Georges Hotel and Conference
Centre in Irene in Pretoria last weekend.
In a media briefing at Luthuli House,
ANC Secretary General, Ace Magashule,
said the party has not finalised a list of
possible replacements for Mahumapelo.
According to a resolution taken at the
Former Bokone Bophirima Premier Supra Mahumapelo (Left) and fellow ANC NEC members attending the
ANC’s 52nd National Conference, the meeting last weekend.
Provincial Executive Committee (PEC) Photo by ANC
should recommend names of not more
than three cadres, in order of priority, rumours that had been doing rounds that ourselves, more so that when we come in the province in April. He remains ANC
who should be considered for the posi- the NEC had rejected a list of names that with a name we have taken everybody on Bokone Bophirima Provincial Chairper-
tion of Premier. The NEC will then make the PEC has submitted to the committee. board. We will resolve this matter as soon son.
a final decision on who to deploy. “There is no truth in the fact that we as as possible”. Previous Premiers of Bokone Bophirima
“We feel that we need more time to look the ANC have rejected any names which MEC for Finance, Economy and Enter-
include current Transnet Board Chairman
at the names which have been submit- were given to us by the ANC of Bokone prise Development (FEED), Wendy Nel-
ted by the province. Various stakeholders Popo Molefe (1994 -2004), Environmen-
Bophirima. The three names were pre- son, is currently Acting Premier of the
and alliance partners will need to be con- sented to us. We did not adequately en- province. tal Affairs Minister Edna Molewa (2004-
sulted regarding this matter before a final gage on that item because of time,” Ma- Mahumapelo announced that he was 2009), Maureen Modiselle (2009 - 2010)
decision is taken,” said Magashule. gashule said. taking an “early retirement” following and National Council of Provinces chair-
The ANC Secretary General dismissed “We have agreed that we want to satisfy sporadic, violent protests that took place man Thandi Modise (2010 -2014).
Workers one step closer to improved
minimum wage
Semphete Correspondent wage per hour. to provide their financial information, some employers won’t be able to afford
Other sectors such as the farming and household income, commercial balance the higher wage bills.
domestic ones are governed by their sheet, working hours and motivation. The National Minimum Wage was ini-
Sectoral Determination that is revised Government has launched an online tially meant to be introduced on 1 May,
S
outh African workers will soon every year and sectoral wage determina- tool for employers to apply for an exemp- but an agreement was reached to allow
earn no less than R3500 per tions will continue. tion and only after a thorough audit of the MPs time to consider more than 40 pub-
month. This after Parliament According to the National Minimum company will the Department of Labour lic submissions that were received on the
passed the National Minimum Wage Bill, the farm/forestry sector’s min- determine the granting or rejection of draft legislation.
Wage Bill on Tuesday. imum wage is R18 an hour, which is 90% such an exemption. When he was still Deputy President,
This brings the Bill one step closer to of the R3500 set minimum wage. The Though Parliament successfully passed
current South African President, Cyril
domestic sector stands at 75%, which the National Minimum Wage Bill on Tues-
being signed into Law. Ramaphosa, spearheaded the process
amounts to R15 per hour, EPWP workers day, it was passed by just 201 votes of
The National Minimum Wage Bill seeks for the country to have a National Min-
will get 55% or R11 per hour, while the the 400 in the House after the Democrat-
to improve the lives of the lowest paid imum Wage. Ramaphosa said having a
wage for learnership agreements are set ic Alliance (DA) and Economic Freedom
workers in the labour market and carries out in Schedule 2 of the National Mini- Fighters (EFF) walked out on the process minimum wage for the country means
the promise of addressing the challenge mum Wage Bill. in protest because they do not agree with that the lives of over six million South Af-
of inequality and poverty in South Africa. These amounts will, however, be adjust- the amount set for the minimum wage. ricans earning less than this level would
In terms of the Bill, all workers who do ed within two years of the implementa- Those who support the minimum wage be improved and this will help reduce in-
not fall under the farm or forestry, do- tion of the National Minimum Wage. Em- believe it will reduce inequality and stim- equality and poverty.
mestic sectors, Extended Public Works ployers who cannot afford the minimum ulate economic growth because workers The Bill will now be sent to the Nation-
Programme (EPWP) and learnerships wage will be exempted provided they fol- will spend more as their income increas- al Council of Provinces for confirmation
should not be paid less than the set low the available processes to apply for es. But some argue the minimum wage and then to President Ramaphosa to be
R3500, which is equal to R20 minimum the exemption, in which they are required would lead to more job losses because signed into Law.
would like to hear from you. Send us your views on the stories we have covered or make a
contribution to our content by writing to us on:
@
editor@semphetenews.co.za www.semphetenews.co.za @semphetenews Semphete Bokone Bophirima
June 1 2018 3
@semphetenews Semphete Bokone Bophirima www.semphetenews.co.za
Government to assist Stella families
with burials
MECs Mpho Motlhabane (Community Safety and Transport Management),
Sello Lehari (Education and Sport Development) and Hoffman Galeng
(Social Development) during a visit to Stella High School where two girls
were found murdered
Photo by Mpho Bilwane
“What happened here is very bad and we
are worried as the department. However,
going forward, we are going to intervene in
terms of security. The task team led by the
district director has been sent to the school
to assess and come up with any remedial
The staircase on which one of the girls was found hanged at
Stella High School action to beef up security.”
Photo by Mpho Bilwane
Obakeng Maje He appeared briefly at the Vryburg “What happened here is very bad and “We have a programme that works
Magistrate’s Court and was remanded we are worried as the department. How- closely with the Department of Educa-
T
in custody until 6 August 2018 for further ever, going forward, we are going to inter- tion called Adopt-A-Cop. Now schools in
he Provincial government of investigations. Provincial police spokes- vene in terms of security. The task team particular areas will be serviced by a par-
Bokone Bophirima has offered person, Lieutenant Colonel Amanda Fu- led by the district director has been sent ticular cop that will deal with criminal ac-
to assist the families of Stella nani, said the two girls were alone in the to the school to assess and come up with tivities that might occur in those schools,”
High School victims with funeral
female hostel on Friday night and their any remedial action to beef up security. said Motlhabane.
arrangements. The two female teenage
lifeless bodies were discovered by the “You cannot have more than 60 learners The Portfolio Committee on Basic Ed-
learners were found murdered last week-
hostel matron the following day. in a hostel without security. We will work ucation also expressed saddened and
end.
“Firstly, the matron found the body of jointly with the school to improve secu- outrage with the murders. Committee
MEC for Education and Sport Develop-
a girl (17) hanging from the rails of the rity and there will be serious changes. Chairperson, Nomalungelo Gina, con-
ment, Sello Lehari, MEC for Community
Safety and Transport Management, Dr staircase in the hostel. She alerted the The department also visited the families demned femicide and any form of vio-
Mokgantshang Mpho Motlhabane and school management and the police were of the deceased and reached an agree- lence against women and children.
Social Development MEC, Hoffman Ga- summoned to the scene. Upon investi- ment on how to assist with burials,” said “Surely our young men cannot be think-
leng, visited the school on Tuesday. gation, the police discovered the second Lehari. ing that this is a way to address challeng-
Marna Engelbrecht (17) and Sharnelle body with a string around her neck at the Social Development MEC Galeng said es. Furthermore, the gruesome manner
Hough (16) were found hanged at the hostel’s bathroom. his department has already commenced in which these young girls were killed is
school hostel on Saturday morning. The “Subsequently, the police arrested Byls- with counselling for all affected parties. truly shocking,” Gina said.
police arrested Zander Bylsman (19), a man, who is believed to be an ex-boy- Community Safety and Transport Man- She praised the police for the speedy
former learner at the same school who is friend of one of the two girls,” she said. agement MEC Motlhabane said the de- arrest of the suspect and appealed for a
believed to be an ex-boyfriend of one of Education MEC Lehari said the depart- partment would deploy policemen to as- quick process to find justice for the mur-
the deceased girls. ment was concerned about the tragedy. sist with security at schools. dered girls.
4 June 1 2018
@semphetenews Semphete Bokone Bophirima www.semphetenews.co.za
Teenage Vryburg author publishes
second book
Obakeng Maje ing fairly well in the market. “I am planning to visit schools to inspire
“I am working with a world-renowned the culture of reading. Reading contrib-
A
writer, Freddy Nyama, who is my manag- utes to children’s lives more broadly and
young writer from Vryburg, Le- er. I met Mr Nyama through my father and we must also encourage government to
sego Natalia Ndima (17), has he assisted me a lot to develop my writing build more libraries in our areas,” Ndima
published her second book. skills. I would like to write more books in said.
Ndima – a Grade 12 learner the future. The aim is to touch more peo-
She said young children must use so-
at Vryburg High School in Vryburg – is a ple through my writing skills and change
cial media correctly and download books
stern advocate for reading. She said peo- the world for the better.
ple, especially school children, need to on various online websites. Ndima said it
“I am not concerned that many peo-
embrace reading to improve their literacy. ple do not read, however, I would like is also important to have book clubs.
She said reading plays an important to encourage our youth to spend more “We are originally from Soshanguve in
role in children’s growth, creativity and time reading. We need to ensure that Pretoria, but we moved this side after my
well-being in the widest possible sense. more people understand the wider role father was transferred here. I received
“I started developing the love for writing of reading in order to build a new, much a warm welcome and I feel part of the
at a tender age. I was in Grade 3 when more effective and holistic approach to Vryburg community now. It is important
we were given an essay assignment and life,” Ndima said. to empower each other as individuals so
that is where I found my niche in writing. The young author is also a motivation- that we can eradicate poverty, inequality
I started to write short stories and pub- al speaker. She stays with her father and unemployment.
lished my first book called Adopted and who works for the Department of Public “We also have socio-economic chal-
Abducted in 2016. Works and Roads in Vryburg, and her lenges that are affecting young people
“This novel narrates a story of a young siblings. Ndima said she enjoys spend- such as crime, poverty, alcohol and drug
girl who was adopted at a younger age, ing time with her family, but unfortunately
abuse, teenage pregnancy, unemploy-
but met her real parents after she had her mother who’s a policeman is based
ment as well as the HIV and AIDS pan-
grown up. Now, after she realised that in Pretoria.
those who raised her were not her bio- “My family is amazing and it gives me demic. We need to seek guidance from
logical parents, she decided to run away. the necessary support. My parents al- our parents and ensure that we work to-
Unfortunately, she was abducted by the ways encourage us to study hard and gether to fight against these challenges,”
same family that raised her,” Ndima said. they believe in education. I want to study Ndima said.
Vryburg High School pupil, Lesego
This year Ndima published another medicine next year after finishing my Those who want to order her books can
Ndima who published two books
book called Inside the Broken Soul. She matric. Maybe going to Cuba will be a contact her Manager, Freddy Nyama, on
told Semphete that all her books are do- great idea. 0763941127 or 0767662129.
Photo by Obakeng Maje
June 1 2018 5
@semphetenews Semphete Bokone Bophirima www.semphetenews.co.za
Bokone Bophirima to host Tourism Career
Expo for 3 years
Simon Mmope the biggest education and training event gramme was recently acknowledged at Both MEC Mohono and Deputy Minister
in tourism,” said Thabethe. the 2018 Global Summit of Women in Thabethe thanked the tourism sector for
The participation of industry stakehold- Australia - where we received the Min- assisting the department to place youth
ers at the NTCE has contributed to the isterial Award with a prize of $5 000 for
B
on experiential training programmes in
okone Bophirima province will event’s success and helped shape Youth advancing employment creations for the order to fight youth unemployment. They
be the home of the National Skills Development Programmes. youth and women,” said the Deputy Min- also welcomed the announcement by
Tourism Career Expo (NTCE) “Our Chef Youth Development Pro- ister. Hilton Hotel Worldwide to sponsor two
for three years from this year. HTA Apprenticeship bursaries, offer work
The announcement was made during integrated learning opportunities to three
the networking session hosted by the Hospitality level six learners and five Hos-
National Department of Tourism at the pitality level four learners and for commit-
recent Africa’s Travel Indaba held at the ting to host a career day at a North West
Durban International Convention Centre. school before the 2019 NTCE.
The main objective of the NTCE is to
The NTCE offers various platforms,
bridge the gap between the industry
where both learners and educators can
learners and provides a platform for the
participate. These include an exhibition
sector to create awareness about ca-
reers and opportunities that exist in the of tourism products from the industry,
tourism industry, while giving learners academia as well as funding institutions.
and unemployed graduates an opportu- Also hosted is the Educator Seminar
nity to interact with potential employers. where educators in the tourism and hos-
MEC for Tourism, Desbo Mohono, wel- pitality sector get equipped with the latest
comed the announcement, saying it gives advancements in the sector.
the province a great opportunity to con- The event is hosted annually for a three-
tribute to skills development and further year cycle in each province, the NTCE is
add meaningfully to the tourism industry. a programme championed by a partner-
“We have been waiting for this opportu- ship between the national Department
nity and now that it has come to fruition, of Tourism, the Culture, Arts, Tourism,
we will make the most out of it. We are Hospitality, Sports, Sector Education and
ready as the province to open doors to all Training Authority (CATHSSETA) and
Tourism MEC Desbo Mohono welcoming the announcement that Bokone
aspiring young people and those who are Free State Department of Economic and
already in the tourism industry. We will
Bophirima will host the National Tourism Career Expo (NTCE) for the next
three years Small Business Development, Tourism
make sure that we rotate the event over and Environment Affairs (DESTEA).
the years afforded in all our four districts
so that we will be able to reach all our
young people in our rural province,” said
MEC Mohono.
Bokone Bophirima takes over the reins
from the Free State province, which has
been the host from 2015. Handing over
to Bokone Bophirima, Deputy Minister
of Tourism, Elizabeth Thabethe, said the
National Tourism Career Expo has un-
earthed hidden talents and made many
dreams come true.
“Through the NTCE, we have introduced
more than 25 000 learners and gradu-
ates in the Free State over the past three
years to various tourism professions and
we are eager to increase this number in
the North West from 2018 to 2020 in our
quest to create more tourism jobs,” said
Thabethe.
Deputy Minister Thabethe also took
the opportunity to encourage learners to
work hard in building their careers as the
future of this country is in their hands.
“The NTCE 2018 is going to assume
its true character of being a melting pot
where all tourism education and training
stakeholders and industry representa-
tives meet, engage and interact on is-
sues of demand and supply of skills in
the sector.
“It is expected to live up to its slogan
that says NTCE is not just a paper grab-
bing platform, but an interactive exercise.
It is not like any other careers expo, as Tourism MEC Desbo Mohono with students from Taung Hotel School and Convention Centre at the Africa’s
it brings all elements of Tourism Human Travel Indaba
Resources Development on board and is
6 June 1 2018
@semphetenews Semphete Bokone Bophirima www.semphetenews.co.za
Madibogopan pupils return to school,
Taung school torched
Obakeng Maje Makhate, said even though nothing tan-
gible was agreed upon on the tarring of
the road, it was a good decision to allow
school children to go back to school on
T
Monday.
he children of Madibogopan
are finally going back to school, “We were engaged in a meeting be-
more than two months since tween the North West MEC of Public
the community there took to Works and Roads, Mmule Maluleke and
protesting because they demand a tarred other MECs from Community Safety and
road. Transport, Dr Mpho Motlhabane and
A task team of Bokone Bophirima Pro- Local Government and Human Settle-
vincial Government announced this week ments, Fenny Gaolaolwe. Our demand
that it has reached an agreement with still stands. The community demanded a
the community of Madibogopan after a 26km tarred road, but compromised that
visit there on Tuesday. they can settle for 13km for now because
The government task team is made up the department said it has no budget,”
of MECs for Education and Sport Devel- Makhate said.
opment Sello Lehari, Community Safety He further said they cannot deprive their
and Transport Dr Mpho Motlhabane, Lo- children of education as it is the only tool
cal Government and Human Settlements to get out of poverty. Makhate added that
Fenny Gaolaolwe as well as Mmule Ma- the community urged educators to en-
luleke of Public Works and Transport sure that they use their time adequately
Management. to help learners catch up on time lost.
Lehari applauded the decision taken by One of the residents, Paul Lebona,
Part of Lephatsimile High School that was torched in Molelema
the community to allow children to return said even though he understands the
village in Taung
to school after a stand-off over service grievances of the community regarding
Photo by Obakeng Maje
delivery protests. The community em- service delivery, prohibiting pupils from
barked on a protest, demanding that a going to school was wrong.
road that links Madibogo and Motsitlane “Education is the solution in addressing kind a rational being. So, it is important that this incident is related to the commu-
villages be tarred. socio-economic challenges like poverty, for the society to see education as an nity’s demand for a tarred road.
“We engaged with Madibogopan com- inequality and unemployment. So, it is integral measure to gain the knowledge Taung police confirmed that they were
munity and all other stakeholders. We important to empower our young people and skills necessary to make informed investigating a case of arson after the
have reached an agreement that learn- so that they can contribute positively to and reasonable decisions,” he said. school was set alight in the early hours of
ers are going back to school on Monday. human society. Meanwhile, Lehari condemned the Sunday morning. The police confirmed
The department will also come up with a “Education serves as a platform to im- torching of Lephatsimile High School in that seven classrooms and an adminis-
recovery plan for those learners who did part knowledge and skills to make man- Molelema village in Taung. It is believed tration block were torched.
not attend school for over two months.
So, we are happy about the outcome of
the engagement on Madibogopan issue,”
Lehari said.
MEC Motlhabane urged community
members to refrain from burning schools
and other public property when they
have grievances. He said his department
would continue to assist the Department
of Education and Sport Development
with security at schools.
“The responsibility of security at schools
lies with the Department of Education.
However, we urge our communities to be
active citizens and assist schools when
coming to safety. We urge community
members who have concerns to follow
constitutional processes to address their
matters instead of embarking on violent
protests.
“Our police respond swiftly if they are
needed, especially in our schools. You
will realise that the police’s response
after the incident was swift. This means
there is a good working relationship be-
tween the police and the school. So, we
will keep assisting the Department of Ed-
ucation in relation to school safety and Seven classrooms and an administration block were torched
doing our patrols as well,” he said.
Photo by Obakeng Maje
One of community leaders, Thabo
June 1 2018 7
@semphetenews Semphete Bokone Bophirima www.semphetenews.co.za
READ acts to aid local farmers access markets
Up for grabs…some of the livestock that was being auctioned Up for grabs…some of the livestock that was being auctioned
Kleintjie Kraai ers and entrepreneurs has been identi-
fied as one of the key challenges for the
department and in pursuit of addressing
T
these challenges, the deapertment will
he Department of Rural, Envi- implement a strategy aimed at removing
ronment and Agricultural De- market access barriers by establishing
velopment (READ) in Bokone livestock marketing infrastructure with
Bophirima has embarked on a specific reference to livestock auction
campaign to promote livestock auctions sales managed and located within the
in the far-flung rural areas of the prov- Bokone Bophirima villages, in support of
ince, by assisting livestock farmers who the implementation of the National De-
face the challenge of not being able to velopment Plan,” Setlhabi said.
enter the local and export markets. Bokone Bophirima’s agricultural sector
One such auction was held at the Bona has considerable potential in terms of
Bona village in Morokweng in the far comparative and competitive advantages
western part of the province. Speaking A farmer looking out for the best bid
in livestock production, especially in the
at the auction, Marketing and Statistics western and central areas of the prov-
Deputy Director at READ, Mothusiotsile ince. The province accounts for 12.9% in agricultural marketing, supporting the value addition and processing in the long
Setlhabi, said the challenge facing the (fourth largest) of the total South African implementation of agricultural marketing term,” said Setlhabi.
sector was to broaden the basket of ag- cattle herd. skills development programme which will He said this would further improve ac-
ricultural commodities and value-added “Aims and objectives of livestock mar- assist livestock farmers to better plan cessibility of the agricultural marketing
products that were intended for local and keting and business development are their production and marketing activi- information to farmers’ agricultural mar-
export markets. identification of agricultural hubs for live- ties, supporting agricultural marketing keting infrastructure in terms of livestock
“Market access for smallholder farm- stock, appropriate and guided investment infrastructure to stimulate production and auctioneering facilities.
Legislature ready to swear in new Bokone
Bophirima Premier
Obakeng Maje due date [to fill the vacancy] will be the are using the office in order for you to get is yet to face any charges in a court of
8th of June 2018 and preparations to at your political opponents or to defend law related to those claims.
T
swear in the new Premier are underway,” yourself. So I then came to the decision He also urged the leadership to contin-
he North West Provincial Leg- Mosiane said. that I think it will be better for one to go on ue to fight greed, crime and corruption.
islature says preparations to
In his resignation speech at Luthuli early retirement,” he said. Mahumapelo highlighted few cases that
swear in a new Premier for the
House - the headquarters of the African Mahumapelo added: “One has arrived need to be investigated like shoddy road
province are underway and it is
hoped that the vacancy would be filled in National Congress - Mahumapelo said at a very conscious decision to say one projects, D-Account and immovable as-
by 8 June. stepping down was the best decision in must go on early retirement so that those sets belonging to government that are
Secretary in the Office of the Speaker the interest of the province. two processes can go on without a hin- now in the hands of private sector.
of the Legislature, Oageng Mosiane, told “If I continue to stay in the office and drance”. Even though it is unclear who will re-
Semphete this after the resignation last I’m also accused, and at the same time He was accused of corruption and fraud place Mahumapelo, the ANC National
week of former Premier, Supra Mahu- we’re dealing with all these 35 forensic by his detractors in the African National Executive Committee (NEC) said it’s con-
mapelo. investigations and other additional ones Congress (ANC) and the opposition par- sulting party structures and other stake-
“The House has received Mahumape- which are going to come, it will be very ties, but none had presented evidence to holders in a process to take a final deci-
lo’s resignation letter as the Premier. The difficult to avoid the accusation that you support the allegations and Mahumapelo sion on the name of the new Premier.
8 June 1 2018
@semphetenews Semphete Bokone Bophirima www.semphetenews.co.za
African kaleidoscope on display on Africa
Day in Sekhing
Some of the African beauty that was on display at the Africa Day celebrations in Sekhing village near Taung
Photos by Kabelo Selebogo
Thato Matshidiso celebrated across the continent and the alcohol.” • Reabona Secondary School in Maq-
diaspora on May 25, the day in which the Another participant from Vuyani uassie Hills Local Municipality (Ni-
Organization of African Unity (OAU) was Mawethu Secondary in Matlosana, Jen- geria)
C
formed in Ethiopia in 1963. It has now nifer Masauso, said the event meant a lot
• Segwaelane Primary School in
olours of the African rainbow been renamed the African Union (AU). to her.
were on display when Haman- The winning school’s teacher, Esther “My roots are in Zambia since my father Madibeng Local Municipality (Cam-
skraal’s Kgapamadi Secondary Menziwa, was visibly excited upon hear- is a Zambian. I thank the department for eroon)
School took home a R10 000 ing the outcome of the contest. She said the opportunity as I always wanted to • Vuyane Mawethu in Matlosana Lo-
cash prize during the Africa Day celebra- their hard work and dedication to the gov- know more about my culture. The project cal Municipality (Zambia)
tions held in Sekhing village near Taung ernment project was not in vain. has taught me a lot about my culture as • Onkabetse Thuto Secondary in Rat-
on Wednesday last week. “During our preparation for this project an individual, as well as exposing me to lou Local Municipality (Democratic
The school was among the 19 schools we visited the Embassy of Senegal to get other people’s cultures.
from Bokone Bophriima province, each information on their country,” she said. Republic of Congo)
“We are all beautiful as Africans and
representing an African country as part “Winning this prize means a lot to me and we need to love one another, accept and • Boitshoko Secondary School in JB
of the Africa Day celebrations in the prov- the school. I believe we can do even bet- understand other people’s cultures and Marks Local Municipality (Angola)
ince. Kgapamadi Secondary School rep- ter next time.” traditions.” • Kgapamadi High School in Moretele
resented Senegal. Kgapamadi Secondary School student, Top 10 performing schools at the event Local Municipality (Senegal)
They were recognised for their perfor- Lucky Booi, said: “My message to other were as follows: • Thuso Thebe Secondary in Kagis-
mance in terms of presentation, attire, young people is that you can achieve • Itshupeng Secondary School in
ano Molopo Local Municipality (Na-
choreography as well as creativity and a your goals once you set your mind to it. Mamusa Local Municipality repre-
clear display of the selected country. It is important that young people occupy senting Egpyt mibia)
The schools were selected by the pro- themselves with extra-mural activities • Meriti Secondary School in Rusten- • Kopanong Primary School in Great-
vincial Department of Culture, Arts and (after school) to avoid using drugs and burg Local Municipality (Lesotho) er Taung Local Municipality (Malawi)
Traditional Affairs (Cata) from 19 local
municipalities across the province to
display the culture of a selected African
country.
“The aim of the programme was to
promote and preserve our culture and
tradition as Africans,” said Cata MEC,
Ontlametse Mochware. The celebration
demonstrated respect and acknowledge-
ment of different parts of Africa.
The colourful event kicked off with a pa-
rade of drum majorettes, with the MEC
followed by the 19 school representatives
in their respective attires and parapher-
nalia. In preparing their ensembles for
the big day, each school received R10
000 from the department.
This year’s event was celebrated un-
der the theme: “The Year of Nelson
Rolihlahla Mandela: United for Radical
Economic Transformation”. Africa Day is
June 1 2018 9
@semphetenews Semphete Bokone Bophirima www.semphetenews.co.za
CATA celebrates Africa Day
Jacky Metswamere and Kealeboga Moloko enjoying Africa Day in Sekhing Cata MEC, Ontlametse Mochware, with Kgosi Obakeng Mothibi, leading to
village in Taung the march to the Africa Day celebrations venue
Photo by Otukile Mosimanegape Photo by Otukile Mosimanegape
Thato Matshidiso part of these celebrations. Africans. We must all unite to build peace In thanking the department for choos-
MEC for Culture, Arts and Traditional and the economies of our continent. ing his village for this year’s event, Kgosi
A
Affairs (Cata), Ontlametse Mochware, “This year we celebrate the centenary Obakeng Mothibi said: “We should em-
s billions of citizens across the
used the event to unveil the Wall of Tradi- of the most outstanding forebears, Tata brace each other as Africans. We need
African continent and the dias-
pora celebrated their oneness tional Leaders of Batlhaping ba ga Moth- Nelson Mandela and Mama Albertina to follow in the footsteps of former Presi-
as Africans, Bokone Bophirima ibi, to the excitement of local villagers. Sisulu. We celebrate them because they dent Nelson Mandela in this historic year
The beautification project was done by sacrificed their lives for the emancipation of celebrating his centenary”.
province also held provincial celebrations
local artists. of our people,” said MEC Mochware. Government departments and agencies
at Sekhing village in Taung.
Among the highlights of the day were One of the objectives of the event was including South African Social Security
Song and dance were the order of the performances by popular musicians from to raise awareness about the importance Agency (SASSA), Home Affairs, Commu-
day as the African child displayed pride in the province such as HHP, Tuks Senga- and relevance of Africa Month celebrated nity Safety and Transport Management
their culture and tradition - dressed in dif- ga, Nomtiti and Dithaga tsa ga Mma Ha- in May. The day was also geared towards as well as the North West Development
ferent African regalia. Locals and fellow lenyane. the building of tolerance for diverse cul- Corporation (NWDC) put up stalls where
citizens from across the province formed “Today tells a good story about us as tures, languages and religions. they provided services to the community.
A traditional dance group performing at the Africa Day celebrations Different African attires were on display at the Africa Day celebrations
Photo by Otukile Mosimanegape Photo by Otukile Mosimanegape
10 June 1 2018
@semphetenews Semphete Bokone Bophirima www.semphetenews.co.zaJune 1 2018 11 @semphetenews Semphete Bokone Bophirima www.semphetenews.co.za
12 June 1 2018
@semphetenews Semphete Bokone Bophirima www.semphetenews.co.za
Social Development explains the underspending
of ECD grant
Nthusang Lefafa queries,” said Siko.
The department also says some prac-
titioners use their private houses or di-
B
lapidated buildings as ECD centers. This
okone Bophirima’s Department then leads to failing to meet the norms
of Social Development says and standards of successful registration.
failure to comply with legisla- In the previous financial year, 178 ear-
ture that governs early child- ly childhood development centres were
hood development centres (ECDs) has sponsored by the province. This was
resulted in underspending of a grant allo- against a target of 155. A further 4 490
cated by Treasury to the department for children from low-income households
ECDs. were subsidised against a target of 6
Parliament’s Select Committee on 632.
Appropriations heard recently that the The parliamentary committee heard
province only spent 62.1% of its allocat- that Bokone Bophirima had done a mere
ed budget of R32.686 million during the 10 of the 48 upgrades that it set out to do.
fourth quarter of the 2017/18 financial The committee’s Acting Chairperson,
year. Charel de Beer, said the ECD grant aims
Spokesperson for Bokone Bophirima’s to improve the access of learners from
Department of Social Development, poor backgrounds and ensure that ECD
Petrus Siko, explained to Semphete that centers have adequate infrastructure.
the department often comes across vari- “Although the grant was only released in
ous challenges in the day-to-day running the 2017/18 financial year, provinces are
of the centres. encouraged to realise the importance of
“A number of ECDs do not meet the this grant and the effect of this grant on Spokesperson for Bokone Bophirima’s Department of Social
minimum requirements to operate in leaners in Grade 1 and beyond,” said de Development Petrus Siko explained the underspending of ECD grants
terms of the Childrens’ Act 38 of 2005. Beer.
Founders of ECDs are at times not qual- The Department of Social Develop- projects to go out on tender for projects must have the relevant qualifications
ified practitioners in terms of early child- ment (DSD) indicated that one of the costing more than R200 000. Bokone Bo- to operate the centre.
hood development and run these centers biggest challenges of maintaining ECD
phirima’s social development department • The practitioner/s must submit their
without the relevant skills. centres was the R100 000 limit towards
plans to increase the limit on infrastruc- business plan before the closing
“Some parents whose children attend infrastructure projects, which cannot ac-
ECDs struggle to pay fees. The non-pay- ture projects to R180 000. date.
commodate the high quotations received
ment by parents leads to the bank ac- from contractors. These are the minimum requirements • They must have registered with Cen-
count of the centre being closed. When A number of provinces also blamed for accessing government funding to op- tral Supplier Database.
the centre eventually opens another ac- the failure in maintenance on the delays erate an ECD centre: • They must have registered with
count, its banking details change while in tendering processes but the commit- • An ECD must be registered as a SARS and be in good standing.
they are awaiting government funding. tee said that Supply Chain Management Non-Profit Organisation (NPO) in • The application should comply with
This results in internal control or audit (SCM) policy only requires infrastructure good standing. The ECD practitioner the departmental checklist.
China mission to seek investments for Platinum
Valley SEZ
Sidwell Medupe ernment, implementers of the SEZ said Sadike. SEZs.
programme and SEZs to present the val- He added that the Zone was focusing “In order to have vibrant SEZs and
T
he Project Executive of the ue-proposition of the SEZs to potential on mineral beneficiation with a special competitive regional economies, it is
Special Economic Zones (SEZ) investors and finance institutions. emphasis on platinum and chrome, min- necessary to continuously implement a
at the North West Development The roadshow will be in the form of ing capital equipment manufacturing, systematic marketing and investment ap-
Corporation (NWDC), Davis workshops during which the South Afri- agro-processing and renewable energy proach for various SEZs in South Africa
Sadike, left for China at the weekend to can delegation will make presentations storage sectors. and also to state their value-proposition
look for investors for the Platinum Valley to Chinese investors, financial institu- “We are particularly targeting compa- to potential investors,” said the Deputy
Special Economic Zone. tions and government representatives nies involved in gold processing and Minister.
Sadike is part of a South African del- on South African SEZs opportunities and those that produce capital equipment for He added that one of the strategic ini-
egation participating in Special Eco- incentives offered. mining including underground locomo- tiatives that the government, through the
nomic Zones Investment Roadshow to “The main objective of our trip to Chi- tives, conveyer belts and rock drillers. We dti, has earmarked for accelerating the
Shanghai organised by the Department na is to attract investors to the Platinum want to entice these companies to invest country’s industrial development agenda,
of Trade and Industry (the dti). The road- Valley Special Economic Zone, which is in our SEZ and locate their operations was the Special Economic Zones pro-
show is led by Deputy Minister of Trade also known as the Bojanala Special Eco- there. Our aim is to grow the number of gramme.
and Industry, Bulelani Magwanishe, nomic Zone. The trip provides us with the companies located in the Bodirelo Indus- “SEZs are used to stimulate foreign and
aimed at attracting investors to the South opportunity to sell the SEZ to potential trial Park being developed into the Plati- domestic investment, increase produc-
African SEZs located in various parts of Chinese investors in their backyard. We num Valley SEZ,” added Sadike. tion output leading to increased exports
the country. are optimistic that we will be able to gen- According to Magwanishe, the road- of value-added manufacturing goods
The roadshow is intended to give rep- erate greater interest amongst investors show is to attract potential investors in and employment creation, amongst oth-
resentatives of the South African gov- and return with concrete commitments,” different sectors to invest in the country’s ers,” said Magwanishe.June 1 2018 13
@semphetenews Semphete Bokone Bophirima www.semphetenews.co.za
South Africa reminded to protect its children
nationally representative study of child til we sort out the issue of alcohol abuse.
maltreatment in South Africa. It highlight- At the heart of alcohol abuse is also the
ed that over 40% of young people have abuse of children. Sometimes the school
experienced some form sexual abuse, is safer than the home so until we actively
physical abuse, emotional abuse or ne- deal with the issue of alcohol abuse, we
glect at some point in their lives. will never be able to deal with the realities
This study reported on interviews that of protecting children because those who
were conducted with 15 to 17 year olds are supposed to protect them are always
about their lifetime experiences of vio- drunk.”
lence and abuse across South Africa. Al- Bogopane added that most forms of
though the figure is high, it is not unusual abuse are related. “You cannot deal with
as similar studies on violence against violence against women unless you deal
children have been conducted across with violence against children. So what-
12 other countries, with many revealing ever you want to do in terms of violence
equally high rates. against children, you have to do in terms
South Africa has made great strides in of violence against women.”
terms of legislature to protect the rights
She said that government wants to en-
of children. The Child Justice Act (Act No.
sure that prison is not the ultimate end
75 of 2008) establishes a separate crim-
for perpetrators but that support pro-
inal justice system for children who have
grammes be established to rehabilitate
broken the law. The Sexual Offences and
perpetrators to “get us to a different
Related Matters Amendment Act (Act No.
South Africa”.
32 of 2007), includes a wide range of
Deputy Minister of Social Development Hendrietta Bogopane-Zulu In 2015, the UN General Assembly
crimes that commonly occur against chil-
launched the Child Protection Week dren. The Prevention and Combating of committed to the Sustainable Develop-
Trafficking in Persons Act (Act 7 of 2013) ment Goals, which include ending abuse,
deals with the global phenomena of child exploitation, trafficking and all forms of
specifically states that every child has trafficking. violence against children, and setting a
Nthusang Lefafa number of goals that also target the risk
the right to be protected from maltreat- Despite these and other protections,
factors for maltreatment.
C
ment, neglect, abuse or degradation. many children still remain vulnerable to
hild Protection Week is an an- abuse, neglect and exploitation. Earlier this month, the parents of Poppie
South Africa has also drafted legislation
nual reminder for all South Af- Speaking at the launch of this year’s van der Merwe (3), Louisa Koekermoer
to protect children based on the United
ricans that our children need to Child Protection Week in Tshwane, Dep- (mother) and Kobus Koekemoer (stepfa-
Nations (UN) Convention of the Rights of ther) were sentenced to life imprisonment
be well taken care of and pro- uty Minister of Social Development, Hen-
the Child, and the African Charter on the for her murder and another 10 years for
tected. drietta Bogopane-Zulu, said since the
Rights and Welfare of the Child. drafting of the Children’s Act in 2005, so- abuse. The minor died after suffering a
This year, it runs from 27 May to 3 June, In 2016, SaferSpaces (an interactive cial ills such as alcohol and drug abuse fatal blow to the head while her parents
under the theme: “Let us protect all chil- platform run by and for community safe- still continue to plague the African conti- were giving her a hiding. This sentence
dren to move South Africa forward.” ty and violence prevention practitioners nent’s southernmost country. was considered a victory in the fight
The Bill of Rights in the Constitution in South Africa), published the first-ever “We can’t talk about child protection un- against abuse by social justice groups.14 June 1 2018
@semphetenews Semphete Bokone Bophirima www.semphetenews.co.za
Moses Kotane traffic officers receive
training in law
Berlina Lekgethwane tration of alcohol in any blood specimen
must be less than 0,05 gram per 100 mil-
liliters, while in the case of a professional
A
driver it should be less than 0,02 gram
bout 25 Moses Kotane Lo- per 100 milliliters.
cal Municipality traffic officers The concentration of alcohol in any
last week received training on specimen of breath exhaled must be less
“Drunk driving and the law” than 0,24 milligrams per 1 000 milliliters,
also known as drinking and driving at the and in the case of a professional driver,
municipal training centre. less than 0,10 milligrams per 1 000 mil-
The purpose of the workshop was to liliters.
capacitate traffic officers on how to han- “Alcohol significantly slows reaction time
dle victims found drinking and driving on and distorts your vision and the effects of
public roads. a heavy night of drinking could well affect
Section 65 of the National Road Traf- your driving ability the next morning and
fic Act (Act 93 of 1996), the “NRA”, sets you may still even be over the legal limit.
out legal limits and prohibitions for driving “After only one unit of alcohol, your
whilst under the influence of alcohol. It chances of being in an accident are dou-
provides that no one shall drive or even bled and when you are at the legal limit
occupy the driver’s seat of a motor vehi- of 0.24mg, you are four times more likely
cle (with the engine running) on a public to be in an accident,” traffic officers were
road if their blood alcohol content is over told at the workshop.
the legal limit. The Traffic department said it was im-
The NRA differentiates between normal Some of the Moses Kotane Local Municipality’s traffic officers who portant to regularly train and remind mu-
drivers and professional drivers -those attended a workshop to capacitate them on knowledge of drunk driving nicipal traffic officers about the law so as
drivers who hold professional driving lis- and the law to know how to handle victims breaking
ences. For normal drivers, the concen- the law.
Auditor-General’s report backs COGTA
intervention
SAnews.gov.za cal government elections held in August 2016-2017. focus on infrastructure planning, delivery
2016. “We are encouraged that with the on- and maintenance, financial management
support, governance and administration
M
Mkhize expressed serious concern that going efforts to improve municipal audit
inister of Cooperative Gov- the audit outcome for the financial year outcomes, there are municipalities that issues.
ernance and Traditional Af- ending June 2017 had regressed in al- do get things right and can become ex- “These teams will be supported by a
fairs (COGTA), Zweli Mkhize, most all municipalities. emplary to others. This is especially en- Rapid Response technical team, which
says the Auditor-General’s “This is a continuous trend seen after couraging when the AG’s audit report will assist financially distressed munic-
audit report on municipalities is in line ipalities to develop financial recovery
with the department’s stance that there plans in collaboration with the National
is an urgent need to intervene in dysfunc- “The AG’s audit outcome is a very useful Treasury. This will also ensure that they
tional municipalities. are able to access the Financial Man-
The audit report was released last week yardstick to measure the general performance agement Conditional Grant offered by
by Auditor-General, Kimi Makwetu, and
showed that during the 2016/17 financial
of municipalities. It corroborates COGTA’s National Treasury to promote reforms in
financial management and build capacity
year, irregular expenditure increased in own assessment through the Back to Basics in municipalities,” said the Minister.
municipalities. He said plans were underway to con-
“The AG report indicates that there is programmes, which indicate that 31% of duct provincial visits as part of COGTA’s
an urgent need to intervene in badly per-
forming municipalities as they are con- municipalities are dysfunctional and another 31% consultative processes to come to terms
with the nature and extent of problems
fronted by a series of problems.
“The AG’s audit outcome is a very useful
are almost dysfunctional,’’ said Minister Mkhize. faced by municipalities.
“All the efforts are geared at ensuring
yardstick to measure the general perfor-
mance of municipalities. It corroborates every local government election. The ar- represents a period when two-thirds of that municipalities have effective govern-
COGTA’s own assessment through the eas of regression range from weak gov- councillors had just been elected into ance systems in place, with qualified and
Back to Basics programmes, which indi- ernance, poor quality of annual financial new council positions following the 2016 competent senior professionals to man-
cate that 31% of municipalities are dys- statements, internal control weaknesses municipal elections,’’ said Mkhize. age municipal finances with accountabili-
functional and another 31% are almost and performance challenges,” said the Plans afoot to get municipalities ty and within applicable policies.
dysfunctional,’’ said Minister Mkhize. Minister. on track “COGTA will continue to provide re-
The audit outcome reflects the results Despite challenges faced by municipali- In the immediate term, the Minister quired support to all municipalities in
for the first year of the newly elected ties, COGTA congratulated the 33 munic- plans to deploy District Technical Support distress to ensure that they deliver ser-
councils after the re-demarcation of mu- ipalities that received an unqualified au- Teams who are experts in their fields. vices as per their mandate,” said Minister
nicipalities from 278 to 257 and the lo- dit opinion with no findings in the period They will be deployed to municipalities to Mkhize.June 1 2018 15 @semphetenews Semphete Bokone Bophirima www.semphetenews.co.za
16 June 1 2018
@semphetenews Semphete Bokone Bophirima www.semphetenews.co.za
Sebona ready to defend FNB Magalies
Monster title
Jacky McClean for future plans. It gives you the fantastic
opportunity to test yourself. This year my
P
goal is to better my time,” said Sebona.
hilimon Sebona is hoping for a “I would certainly recommend this race
successful title defence at the to other mountain bikers. It is one of
16th annual FNB Magalies Mon- the best, well-organized one-day races.
ster MTB Classic at the ATKV It’s amongst the best races to test your
Buffelspoort this Saturday, 02 June 2018. strength and skill. It challenges you, it’s
Making his debut in 2017, Sebona con- exhilarating and it’s truly a monster. The
quered the 70km Monster in an impres- best advice that I can give to newcom-
sive time of 3hrs 6 minutes 10 seconds. ers is to have a solid breakfast before the
According to Sebona, last year’s race race to fuel the body. Conserve your en-
was tough with extremely strong compe- ergy for the climbs and do not ‘overcook’
tition. from the start. Take good care of your
“In the end everything worked out in bike, especially on the down hills where Philimon Sebona in action during the 2017 FNB Magalies Monster MTB
my favour. Crossing the finish line in the you will need to negotiate loose rocks. It Classic.
top positon was a definite highlight. Not can be quite dangerous. Most important- Photo by Tobias Ginsberg
only is the FNB Magalies Monster MTB ly, have loads of fun,” advised Sebona.
Classic a great race, it also prepares you
EVENT INFORMATION: FNB Platinum Trail Run
Trail runners are invited to share in the fun by taking on the FNB Platinum Trail Run
EVENT INFORMATION: FNB Magalies Monster MTB Classic the day after the FNB Magalies Monster MTB Classic.
Date: Saturday, 02 June 2018 Date: Sunday, 03 June 2018
Venue: ATKV Buffelspoort Venue (start & finish): ATKV Buffelspoort
Distances, cost & start time: +-70km / R400 / 08:00 Distances, cost & start time: +-24km /R330 / 07:30
+-35km / R300 / 09:00 +-12km /R220 /07:45
+-15km / R175 / 09:30 +-8km / R140 /08:00
Annual FNB Platinum Trail Run boasts
pristine mountain trails
Jacky McClean
F
ollowing the wake of the infa-
mous FNB Magalies Monster
MTB Classic, scheduled to take
place at the same venue on Sat-
urday, the 6th annual FNB Platinum Trail
Run will treat entrants to a trail running
experience like no other on Sunday, 03
June at the ATKV Buffelspoort.
“Trail runners will have more time to ab-
sorb the unique scenic surroundings of
the Magaliesberg,” said Harry Schubert,
Course Designer for FNB Platinum Trail Trail Runners in action during the 2017 FNB Platinum Trail Run
Run and FNB Magalies Monster MTB Givemore Mudzinganyama in Photo by David Tarpey
Classic. action during the 2017 FNB
“What makes the FNB Platinum Trail Platinum Trail Run start to finish, while the 12km and 24km up experience and confidence for trail
Run special is that it runs through won- routes feature loose, rocky and sandy running in general.
Photo by David Tarpey terrain. The 8km is ideal for newcomers
derful mixed bushveld, ravine forest and “The 24km route is ideal for experienced
the top of a pristine mountain plateau. to the sport and someone who wants a and well-conditioned runners. The views
“The longer 24km distance is regarded of the 8km route have been redirected to hard and fast workout as part of a specif-
avoid clashing with the two longer routes. and scenery up on the mountain plateau
as one of the toughest, but most enjoy- ic training programme,” explained Schu-
“Trail runners will forever remember the bert. makes the sweat and effort worthwhile.
able trail running events in the country.
Although the 12km and 24km routes are challenging climbs and running through He said the 12km route should not be Remember to focus on hydration as the
identical to the 2017 routes, this year a gully covered by ravine forest. The 8km viewed as an entry level route, but in- day time temperatures can increase dur-
they will be run in reverse, while sections route features mainly easy terrain from stead as a good stepping stone to build ing the course of the event,” he said.You can also read
