You can never have too much Xperience - November Edition, 2018 - Mpumalanganews Epaper
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November Edition, 2018 Tel: 013-754-1600
You can never have too much Xperience
This year’s Mpumalanga Cultural Thulamahashi Choristers, Gert Sibande
Xperience kicked off in earnest last Friday TVET, Ikhethelo Lobuciko, AB Pioneers,
with the hosting of the Comedy Xperience White River Philarmonic Choir, Msukaligwa
at Emnotweni Arena. Music Initiative, Mpumalanga SAPS Choir,
The show featured a plethora of local TUT Emalahleni and Emalahleni Choral
comedians who kept the audience laughing Sounds. Entrance is free and it starts at
from the first act until the last. That was 09:00.
not the only thing to look forward to, as it • On December 2, the Mpumalanga
also unleashed songstress Kelly Khumalo, Cultural Xperience will deliver the best of
who serenaded the audience with her new both worlds with a Soul Session Xperience
offering: “Unleashed”. at Botanical Gardens and Chaf Zar,
“The Comedy Xperience line-up, respectively. The Botanical Gardens will
same as the festival’s, features a bevy of host the Soul Session Xperience, featuring
Mpumalanga’s artists and we call upon Lungile Mango, Celani Dube, Afrotraction,
locals to come out in numbers to show their Musa, Karabo, Rio Mabunda, Sweet Mike,
love to their own talent. The department Ndlovukazi, Mafikizolo, Wilson B Nkosi,
has kept the prices at a minimum to ensure Sentle and Ringo. Entrance is R100 and
that the people of Mpumalanga are part of R250 VIP.
the proceedings,” says culture, sport and Chaf Zar will host a Kasi Xperience and
recreation spokesperson, Sibongile Nkosi. entrance is R100 and R400 VIP. This will
Locals on the Comedy Xperience be a paradise for dance, Hip-hop and kwaito
included Elton Mduduzi Ntuli, Abuti Lolo, enthusiasts such as Kedebone, Mbuzana, DJ
Comfort Masombuka, Tsietsi Matlakala and Mbhabha, Jay Spitter, DJ Sdunkero, Sisco
Ngcozi Yebo. The national artists on the bill T, DJ Crizozo, Trevor Dee, DJ Muzi and
were Celeste Ntuli, Eugene Khoza, Lihle DJ Flusky. Shimza, AKA, Babes Wodumo
Msimango, Pule and Skhumba Hlophe. Distruction Boys, Nadia Nakia and Dr
• This coming Friday a triple dose of Malinga will also perform on the day.
fun and entertainment will descend on • The curtain on the Mpumalanga
Mbombela. It will start with a Carnival Cultural Xperience will fall with the
Xperience, which is a colourful display hosting of Gospel Awards on December 9 at
of the local cultural diversity. The end Communio Church. Entrance is R200 and
of the Carnival Xperience will signal the R350 VIP.
start of the Traditional Music Xperience The lineup features Donny, Sipho,
at Hoërskool Bergvlam where the line- Ntokozo Mbambo, Ney Zimu, Dumi
up is 100% Mpumalanga and it will Mkokstad, Thinah Zungu, Derrick
feature Nothembi Mkhwebane, General Ndzimande, Mfundisi Shoba, Ian Calf,
Muska, iQhugalipholie Nemajongosi, Samson, Ndumiso Makubule, Thandeka
Magidzeludzakeni, Dave, Braweni, G, Mpumalanga Praise, Lucky Gamede,
Masikane, Smangele, Boikantso Cultural Masibuyele Kujehova, Nkabinde Brothers,
Group, Ama 2020 Group, Mashego Dr Malinga. Slyvester, Pretty Mhlongo and Mxolisi
Dilayi Tradition Group, Tiakeni Magaza Mbethe.
Traditional Group, Sireletsa Traditional Pipe Band, Master Models Talent, Zippy at Mbombela Stadium and entrance is free. “The Mpumalanga Cultural Xperience
Group, Harp and Bowl Entertainment Clown, Hoërskool Bergvlam, Bikers and The line-up features Madumane, Soul is not about music and dance. We have
Bekenzela Traditional Group, Mkhupha Puppeteers. Entrance is free. Session Joyful Sound, Zodwa Mabena, partnered with NYDA to deliver the Music
Traditional Group, Rhythm Image Dance The day will conclude with a Gospel Mr Killer, Pensele, Klip Gang, DJ Ocean. Creatives Workshop at Mbombela Stadium
Studio, Drummies, Church Band, Sanathan Xperience at the same venue, which features The other artists on the line-up are Khanyi from November 27 to 29, which is driven
Dharm Sangam, Lutsango, Sakalaswa Donny, Lungi S, Pretty Mhlongo, Sicelo Mbau, Prince Kaybee, Kwesta, Judith by DJ Zoe,” Nkosi stated. She added that
Sepedi Kajibane, Khoi-Khoi Dance Group, Moyo, Jay Jay, Mpumalanga Praise, Paul Sephuma, Stimela, Nathi, Dr Malinga, TDK the workshop will give local artists an
Seabe Troopers, Simbayi, Sepulane, and Healing, Qiniso Mabaso, Khongelani, Macassette, Jaziel Brothers, Bholoja and Mr opportunity to gain valuable experience in
Meropa, Expolosion, Libutso, Makweyela, Lucky Gamede, Mphotholozi, Sydwell Bow. the music industry. Registration is done at
CANSA, Valencia Combined School, Matsebula, Phindile, Indumiso, Benjamin • The Choral Music Xperience, which NYDA Office in Mbombela or via the phone
Laerskool Nelspruit, Nelspruit Primary, Dube, Lebo Sekgobela and Thami Ngubeni. takes place on December 1 at the MTPA on 078-029-0014/064-685-9195.
Unigrad College, Hoërskool Nelspruit, Entrance is R50. Auditorium, is made up of 100% local Tickets for the Mpumalanga Cultural
Working on Fire, The Stevenson-Hamilton • On December 1 is the Music Xperience choirs and it features Bohlabela Youth Choir, Xperience are available at Computicket.
RM-426513NC
2 Mpumalanga Mirror NEWS November Edition, 2018
Tel: 013-754-1600
Email: bongani@mpmirror.co.za
Address: PO Box 246
Mbombela 1200
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Code of Conduct
This newspaper subscribes to the Code of
Ethics and Conduct for South African Print
and Online Media that prescribes news that is
truthful, accurate, fair and balanced. If we don’t
live up to the Code, within 20 days of the date
of publication of the material, please contact
the Public Advocate at 011 484 3612, fax: 011
4843619. You can also contact our Case Officer MEC Sikhumbuzo Eric Kholwane.
Departmental budgets increased
on khanyim@ombudsman.org.za or lodge a
complaint on our website:
www.presscouncil.org.za
Publisher
Published and printed by Lowveld Media, 12
Stinkhout Crescent, Mbombela, a division of
CTP Limited, 16 Wright Street Industria. All rights Thobile Mlangeni remains in the provincial revenue fund He said that the Department of Public
and reproduction of all reports, photographs, and is ring-fenced for disaster management Works, Roads and Transport had its budget
drawings and all materials published in this
newspaper are hereby reserved in terms of MEC for finance, economic development in the event that such occurs,” Kholwane of R4,98 billion increased to R5,19 billion.
Section 12 (7) of the Copyright and tourism, Mr Sikhumbuzo Eric Kholwane said during the tabling of the adjustment He explained that its R170 million had
Act No 96 of 1978 and any tabled the provincial budget adjustments of
amendments thereof. budget at the provincial legislature on been reprioritised for road upgrades and
over R432,7 million. November 20. maintenance.
The Adjustment Appropriation Bill He added that compiling the adjustment “Of this amount, R100 million is provided
Audit provides a total of R417,2 million, thus budget involved very lengthy, rigorous to practically support municipalities with
The distribution of this ABC newspaper is increasing the budget already allocated and robust engagements. “It calls upon patchwork, regravelling and blading or
independently audited to the professional to departments from R48,107 billion to us to make hard choices and difficult but road infrastructure, while R70 million is
standards administrated by the Audit Bureau of R48,525 billion. necessary trade-offs.
Circulations of South Africa. earmarked for maintenance and upgrades
“This excludes the R15,5 million which “Naturally, this may result in certain of provincial roads in Matsulu, Daggakraal
programmes receiving additional funding and other routes in our strategic economic
while others will be required to accelerate points,” he said.
delivery within baseline budgets or having The Department of Community Safety,
to release funding to other unavoidable Security and Liaison received a boost from
socio-economic pressures,” he said. its R1,22 billion to R1,25 billion.
The new budget allocation saw the Office Kholwane believes that this will facilitate
of the Premier’s initial budget increase from the takeover of the licensing function from
R281 million to over R322 million. Budget some municipalities, assist in the finalisation
for the provincial legislature also increased of the vehicle testing stations and driving
from R346 million to over R369 million, to license testing control systems and the
strengthen its public maintenance of road
participation. safety.
The provincial The adjustment The Department
treasury also received of Culture, Sport
an increase from the
budget involved and Recreation had
initial budget of very lengthy, rigorous its budget increased
R322 million to over and robust from R468 million to
R332 million. engagements over R481 million.
Kholwane revealed The Department of
that the Department Human Settlements
of Cooperative Governance and Traditional also have a budget increase from R1,774
Affairs (Cogta) will have its budget of billion to R1,828 billion.
R522 million increased to R524 million. Three departments had their budgets
This new allocation for Cogta includes reduced: economic development and tourism
R6,5 million budgeted for the renovation had their budget reduced from R1,19 billion
of the King Makhosonke II Royal Kraal to R1,18 billion.
plus the offices of Ndlela, Empakeni, “Despite the reduction in the budget, we
Nikwakuyengwa and Siboshwa traditional were able to reprioritise R20 million towards
councils. This allocation also includes the skills and job placement for youth,” he said.
office furniture for 13 traditional councils. The Department of Health had its initial
The Department of Agriculture, Rural budget of R13,3 billion reduced to
Development, Land and Environmental R13,2 billion.
Affairs had its budget increased from “In our quest for zero-infection in our
R1,18 billion to R1,2 billion. health-care centres, R14,5 million is
“Accordingly R25 million is added to allocated to the department to acquire
the baseline for the completion of the additional material for sterilisation of
construction of Agri-Hubs in Mkhuhlu and medical equipment.
Mkhondo. “An additional R50 million is also
“Conditional grants amounting to provided in these adjustments for
R20,9 million are also provided for maintenance of health infrastructure. We
Comprehensive Agricultural Support, as hope this intervention will assist the depart
well as poverty relief and infrastructure of health to improve turnaround times for
development for continuing intervention in operations done in our hospitals,” added
the agricultural sector,” he said. Kholwane.
The Department of Education had their The budget adjustment also sees the
budget of R20,9 billion increased to department of social development having
R21 billion. “In order to improve the their budget of R1,55 billion reduced to
learning environment, the Department of R1,54 billion.
Education will be augmented with Kholwane emphasised that this was not
R50,2 million for the required learner- an easy task and called on all departments
teacher support material. A special and public entities to improve efficiencies in
allocation of R66,8 million is also provided order to sustain delivery of non-negotiable
for the completion of water and sanitation within the current budget allocations for the
projects in public schools,” said Kholwane. year end in March 2019.
RM-426357NC
COMMUNITY
November Edition, 2018 Mpumalanga Mirror 3
The sky is the limit for these young chefs
The Mpumalanga Regional Training Trust
(MRTT) is channelling its students in the
right direction with the dynamic courses it
offers.
Tarik Cornelius and Nomvuyo Dlamini
completed their studies in professional
cookery and are currently doing their
practical training at The Jock Pub & Grill in
Mbombela.
The duo both have a passion for cooking
and look forward to getting into the industry.
Cornelius points out that he was never
wanted in his mother’s kitchen, because he
used to cook all the meat that was in the
refrigerator and has never looked back.
“They said I was no longer allowed in the
kitchen. I decided after high school to carry
on with the cooking profession and that's
when I enrolled at MRTT.
“They accepted me and I am now almost
done with my course. In four years I see
myself cooking on cruise ships, tasting
various cuisines,” he said. Nomvuyo Dlamini deep frying chips. Tarik Cornelius grilling chicken wings.
Their future plans include opening a
catering company and expanding to other development agency throughout southern market that they serve for job creation and from centre to centre, but can accommodate
areas where there are opportunities to do Africa. Their mission is to provide quality poverty alleviation. between 20 to 50 learners each.
what they love best. customised training interventions, and The entity's strategic goals are to develop The workshops are equipped with
The vision of the MRTT is to be practical workplace training, placement and skills in hospitality, tourism, technical, and workstations, workbenches, industrial
recognised as an accredited sustainable skills after-care according to the demands of the other demand-driven areas in accordance equipment used in the relevant trades, tools
with national and provincial mandates. and equipment for appropriate experiential
It is also to improve service delivery learning, tool rooms and material
through good corporate governance and storerooms. Learners are not only taught
compliance to relevant legislation; market to conduct their respective trades but also
products and services and establish to practice actual application thereof in the
working relations; and provide workplace various workshops.
training, coaching and mentoring through The facilities at all four training centres
development and management of production are fully utilised and each campus is able to
units in accordance with sound business carry more learners. The MRTT conducts
principles. about 20 per cent of its total training on
Learners at the training centres have campus in the four training centres, while
access to three or four classrooms at each 80 per cent of the training is conducted
centre, where they receive theoretical through off-site project-based training where
instruction. The rooms vary in size and training is taken into remote and rural areas.
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ENGINEERING, METAL, AND MANUFACTURING PROGRAMMES (MERSETA) NQF Level
National Certificate: Automotive Repair & Maintenance 2-4
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Register NOW as we take small classes for quality training and have limited space available. Visit our website at rttrust.co.za and connect with us on our Facebook page.
4 Mpumalanga Mirror COMMUNITY November Edition, 2018
Mbombela scoops coveted green award
Jabulane Khumalo improved, best practices in waste
management, best practices in
The Department of landscaping, tree planting and
Agriculture, Rural Development, beautification, best practices
Land and Environmental Affairs in energy efficiency and
hosted the Greenest Municipality conservation and best practices
Awards last Thursday at in water management and
Casambo Exclusive Guest sanitation; were also recognised
Lodge. with certificates for their efforts.
The department’s MEC The competition is an annual
Mr Vusi Shongwe crowned this event aimed at recognising
year’s winners during a gala the contribution that the
dinner. The City of Mbombela municipalities were making
Local Municipality scooped the to address environmental
overall award, walking away protection, social upliftment and
with R100 000, while Steve economic growth.
Tshwete Local Municipality The ceremony was attended
scooped the second-place prize by representatives from various
money of R75 000 and Nkomazi stakeholders in districts;
Local Municipality pocketed mayors, councillors, MMCs,
R50 000 in third position. Speakers, the acting head at
The City of Mbombela will the Department of Agriculture,
represent Mpumalanga at Rural Development, Land and
the 2019 National Greenest Environmental Affairs (Dardlea),
Municipality Competition. Rand Water, the chief director
Five other municipalities that at rural development and land
performed exceptionally well reform, Dardlea senior managers
in various categories; most and the SAPS. The City of Mbombela Local Municipality won R100 000.
Steve Tshwete Local Municipality received a R75 000 cheque. Nkomazi Local Municipality walked away with R50 000. Msukaligwa Local Municipality won R20 000.
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Tuesday November 27, 2018 Mpumalanga Mirror 5
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6 Mpumalanga Mirror COMMUNITY November Edition, 2018
MEC Mr Vusi Shongwe, Msukaligwa executive mayor Cllr BJ Mkhaliphi and HOD Mr Lucky Monareng pose with some of the 2018 PARS winners.
Transformation needed in abattoir industry
The Venter Plaashoenders Abattoir has for agriculture, rural development, land and the necessary skills. Currently, statistics Hygiene Assessment Systems (HAS) audits.
been announced as the best abattoir during environmental affairs, Mr Vusi Shongwe indicate that only 15 per cent of abattoirs The 2018 PARS observed 39 abattoirs that
the 2018 Provincial Abattoir Rating Scheme called for the process of transformation in are owned by black people, which is a participated in the Rating Scheme, but only
Awards ceremony held on November 15 at the abattoir industry to be sped up, so that worrying factor. We must see transformation 14 managed to achieve the minimum of
Nooitgedacht Research Farm in Ermelo. there are more youth and women from the in this industry,” said Shongwe. The annual 60 per cent in all HAS rating categories,
Daybreak Delmas Abattoir scooped the previously disadvantaged groups, running Provincial Abattoir Rating Scheme aims at achieving all stringent qualifications for
Silver Award as a the first runner-up under and owning abattoirs. recognising abattoirs that contribute to the rating. Some of the winning abattoirs were
the High Throughput Poultry Abattoirs “Young people, including black women food security and hygiene. It is a voluntary Karan Beef, Ramburg Beef, Bergendal,
category, while the Mhaleni Red Meat must take the industry by storm. You must scheme registered under the Meat Safety Ramburg Pork, Lydenburg, Barberton, Glen
Abattoir was bestowed the Best Rural work your way up, with the help of well- Act as a Meat Safety Scheme, whereby Aggy, G3, Super D, Goldi Poultry, Daybreak
Abattoir Award. established and current top performers in abattoirs are awarded a rating annually Sundra and Zaytoon. They walked away
Speaking at the awards ceremony, MEC the industry, so that they assist you with based on the average result of quarterly with trophies.
Silindile people’s concerns addressed by mayor
Bongani Hlatshwayo worth R50 000 to establish his photography
business. Here in Silindile, both young and
old can benefit from our endeavours by
The poor and deep rural community forwarding their business proposals and
of Silindile Village in Lothair received more needs.
than they expected during a recent imbizo We will be able to assist them. In 2012
called by the executive mayor of Gert a proposal was put on the table for FX
Sibande District Municipality on Group to build a factory to produce planks
November 10. and furniture. The construction has already
Around 210 RDP houses, a railway commenced. It is associated with the
construction line linking to the Kingdom of Republic of China. All construction workers
eSwatini, and a furniture factory that will will be employed and 500 jobs will be
generate more than 500 jobs is currently created and security work, catering and other
being built in the area. Day-care centres business concerns will be supplied by locals,
received a cash injection of R100 000 too.
from the district municipality, including “If you have stands, you can build houses
some cash incentives from the executive to rent out to the management of the FX
mayor, Cllr Muzi Chirwa and his team of Group. We’re more famous for forestry, but
councillors and administration staff. now we will be able to produce planks and
This is a community that is much furniture from Silindile. It’s important that
dependent on obtaining jobs in the youngsters concentrate on their education
surrounding forestry companies. The idea of because there are many administrative
establishing a furniture factory within their positions that will be created. The railway
area is an added boost to create more jobs construction will commence at Lofela to
for the growing community. The FX Group Mkhondo to eSwatini.
is supported by the Republic of China. The construction will commence
Chirwa said, “This is done in the spirit of soon and it will create more jobs for the
struggle icons Nelson Mandela and Mama community of Silindile. Preparations for its
Albertina Sisulu, both of whom would have commencement have already begun.
celebrated 100 years this year. We often ask hand on young boys of whom, according one of our biggest projects during our five- “The district always makes available
ourselves one question: what have we done to the United Nations research, more than year term. When we bring services which 15 bursaries for engineering and financial
to emulate them in changing people’s lives? 50 per cent have contracted HIV/Aids. This have to be paid for, it becomes difficult management, which cover their tuition fees,
“November is very significant, because it’s is through the blesser tendency by young when people are unemployed because they accommodation and also receive a monthly
when we embark on the 16 Days of Activism girls who are exploited by the older men won’t be able to pay for those services. stipend of R1 000, hence I’m urging
Against Woman and Child Abuse, and our who refuse to use protection, then go on to In our endeavour to bring to the fore the youngsters to study hard at high school and
emphasis is; let’s stop that tendency from sleep with their young boyfriends, hence community into the economy, we started by access the free tertiary education offered by
society as a whole. This should not be a the increase. This is affecting the future educating them on cooperatives. the national government. They should come
once-in-a-year event, but should be enforced generation who may perish as a result of that “These cooperatives benefited for potholes back and develop this area and take up the
on a daily basis. As leaders of society, we recklessness in society. patching and renovating community halls opportunities at the FX Group.
condemn the abuse of women and children “It’s of paramount importance that within the district in order to better their “I must commend the IEC for having
and we also condemn in the strongest terms community members must go for testing lives. We’ve also boosted six youngsters in attended this imbizo. It’s important that
the recent killing of a woman in Breyten. frequently in order to have a healthy Davel who opened a butchery. We bought youngsters must apply for the IDs in order
Such acts are criminal and the perpetrators society,” said Chirwa. three cows and they sold one to buy pigs. to be eligible to vote in the national elections
don’t deserve to be in society, but behind On the business of the day, Chirwa They have a newly-renovated butchery in 2019. You won’t vote through the Holy
bars. Let love prevail among families. continued, “In the spirit of Thuma Mina, as owned by youngsters. We bought that meat Spirit, but by having your documentation.
“Criminality in communities should stop. designated by President Cyril Ramaphosa, for them to supply their community. It was good to be with you and listening
Abuse of liquor and drugs should stop. The we are all servants of the people to better “In Perdekop, Volkrust we bought to your problems which you put to us.
community of Silindile must steer clear of your lives at all costs. Our biggest concern youngsters a caravan to sell food. We also We’ve heard all what you said and we will
such acts. HIV/Aids has gained the upper is economic development in communities as bought a camera for a young photographer definitely act on it,” concluded Chirwa.
SUPPLIED BY CLIENT
November Edition, 2018 Mpumalanga Mirror 7
ADVERTORIAL
ABSA partnership yields R50 million for SMMEs
One of the country’s banking giants, Absa,
and the Steve Tshwete Local Municipality
have set aside a staggering R50 million
which will go towards the development
of small, micro and medium enterprises
(SMME).
This move is, according to the council’s
executive mayor Cllr Tsietsi Tolo, in line with
their township economic development and
war against unemployment.
“This initiative is going to better the lives of
our people. The municipality’s unemployment
rate is standing at 17 per cent and about
three quarters of this percentage goes to
young people. This partnership between us
and Absa couldn’t have come at a better
time.
“Our aim is to try and make a dent in this
army of unemployed young people and one
way of doing so is to turn some of them into
contractors and entrepreneurs. We want a
situation where people who are jobseekers
become job creators; people who are
consumers of goods become producers of
goods; and we are saying the partnership we
have with Absa will help us turn this around,”
said Tolo during the official launch of this
groundbreaking partnership.
Recent statistics have shown that this
municipality is growing at a rate of about
4,4 per cent, making it the province’s highest ABSA’s Mr Ronny Mbatsane, municipal manager, Mr Bheki Khenisa and executive mayor, Cllr Bagudi Tolo.
and fastest growing municipality.
Tolo argued that the ever-growing population such as these we will be able to overcome at seeing many success stories coming from Their decision coincides with our national
is due to the fact that his institution is one of this.” Absa’s Mr Ronnie Mbatsane said they this partnership,” said Mbatsane. objective of the Economic Stimulus Package
the best run in the province and country. just wanted to help the municipality develop The National African Federated Chamber of as announced by our national president.
“This municipality is well run. Sadly, the a strong SMME base by offering much- Commerce’s (Nafcoc) provincial president, “Putting these initiatives together will exactly
economy of this municipality doesn’t grow needed financial aid to small and medium Mr Sydney Kunene has applauded this be addressing the plight of our people
at the same speed as the population,” Tolo enterprises. partnership and welcomed the and that will be a big change in us seeing
continued. “There is inconsistency between “We are hoping that as we grow, we will be in R50 million injection. people taking their space in the economic
the growth of the municipality and the growth a position to increase the funding, but we feel “We are very excited about this move front of this municipality and also creating
of the economy, and this is the reason why strongly that the R50 million is going to be because it is meant to benefit the very employment, which is the most serious
we have a 17 per cent unemployment rate, a very good base to start and stimulate the people we are leading as Nafcoc. We want problem that we are faced with in the
but we are confident that with partnerships local economy here. We are looking forward to applaud Absa for coming to the party. country,” said Kunene.
Steve Tshwete plans to
go digital as ‘Smart City’
With technology and the digital era taking He went on to say that once they go digital,
centre stage around the globe, Steve Tshwete community members would be able to buy
Local Municipality (STLM) could soon become and pay for their rates and taxes by a simple
the first municipality and governmental click of a button from the luxury of their
institution in the province to go digital and homes. “It pains us to expect our people to
become a “Smart City”. always travel from far and be subjected to
“Smart City” is a term used to refer to long queues whenever paying for their rates
municipalities that use technology to offer, and taxes. We thought it’s about time we
speed up and enhance service delivery. made paying for these and other services a
The vision of municipal manager, Mr Bheki bit easier for our people. We want to make
Khenisa, to turn this municipality into a Smart life easier, better and safer for our people,
City could have great benefits and rewards for while at the same time improving our
its community members. capacity and performance when rendering
To put these plans into motion, STLM recently our services,” he continued.
hosted a Smart City workshop in Middelburg Khenisa argued that with the use of
with the main aim of acquiring first-hand technology, community members would be
knowledge from other able to not only pay for
cities that are already their rates and taxes, but
using technology We want it to be easier also report broken and Mr Blake Mosly Lefatola.
to offer services for our people to access leaking water pipes and
to their respective our services wherever drains from wherever
communities. These they are without having they are.
to come to our offices
municipalities “Just imagine you come
included the City of across a pothole or a
Johannesburg, the leaking water pipe and
City of Cape Town and Tshwane. broken drain. All you need to do is take a
Speaking exclusively to Mpumalanga Mirror, picture and send it to us and we will be able
Khenisa said going digital could have to quickly attend to that problem. But as
enormous benefits for both his institution and things stand now, it takes us hours before
the communities they serve. we know of problems in our communities,”
“When reviewing our service delivery the municipal manager pointed out.
strategies, we have looked and considered a This municipality is currently sitting at 95 per
number of items, and one of those was to have cent collection rate, which in turn makes it
a thorough look into being a Smart City. The easier to be able to offer better and quality
first thing that we have done is to have called services.
and invited all the role players from around the “This high collection rate is because we
country to come and help us look into turning always try our utmost best to make it easier
the city into a Smart City. for people by communicating with them. We
“We wanted to learn and understand the things want them to be able to pay their rates and
to make us a Smart City. Our main objective taxes even if they are on holiday and this is
with this entire exercise is to simply make the the reason why we are saying let us move
lives of our people and clients easier, and we into a Smart City. We want it to be easier for
strongly believe that becoming a Smart City is our people to access our services wherever
one way of doing exactly that. This could have they are without having to physically come
great benefits for all of us,” said Khenisa. to our offices,” concluded Khenisa. Mr Aongola Mofana.
November Edition, 2018
ABC Mostepe League is well under way
Jabulane Khumalo
The province’s top five teams are battling
it out in the ABC Mostepe League. Secunda-
based team FC Mavo have dropped to third
position after Barberton City Stars hammered
them 2-1 last Saturday. Meanwhile,
Acornbush maintained their spot after they
drew with Lumoja FC 2-2.
Bushbuckridge Bohlabela United and
Tjakastad Junior Sheppard are in position four
and five. In the National First Division, TS
Sporting are comfortably seated in the third
spot with 19 points after their five wins and
two losses.
Abantu Bemthetho remain consistent
with their new coach Benson Mhlongo
and technical director Sammy Troughton.
Mbombela United have three points to climb
to be in the top five.
Things are gloomy for TS Galaxy at the
bottom of the log in position 12 with 13
points, while Witbank Spurs have sunk to
position 14 with 11 points. Both teams have
been struggling to score goals - five wins in
total. In the SAB league under Gert Sibande
Stream A, Skills Academy FC are leading
the log tailed by Thistle Grove FC with 14
points. Shining Stars and Sasol Juventus are
occupying the last two positions. Oscarine Masuluke signed TS Sporting.
RM-426563NC
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