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12 February 2014Volume 2 Week 7

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Protests – How will they affect elections? InsideNEWS

SPORT

SA football to undergo major overhaul

Page 8

Day of Prayer

Page 6

PROTEST: Violent demonstrations have rocked the Madibeng Local Municipality (PHOTO: ANDREW MAHLABA)

02 12 February Leseding News - Brits

10 500 to: Rustenburg. 10 500 to Brits, Marikana and Derby

EditorLevy Mokwele

Brits News EditorRicky Dire

Rustenburg News EditorFarirayi Kahwemba

JournalistsZanele SitholePrudence MoganeElfas Ngoepe

Sub-editorEddie Kok

Production ManagerDivan Bekker

Advertising ExecutiveDesiree Visser

ClassifiedsLesley Peters

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TOYI-TOYI: Residents express their anger (PHOTO: ANDREW MAHLABA)

Statements by Minister in the Presidency Trevor Manuel, concerning the state of affairs at the Madibeng Local Municipality, show that not only residents in the area – but also the highest office in the land – are worried about issues related to inefficient service delivery.

Speaking recently at Stellenbosch University’s Theological Day, Manuel described the municipality as dysfunctional. “I’m saying what my observation is, is that the local authority is dysfunctional. It doesn’t understand

that if you lay the pipes you must get water to people. “It fails to understand what its core mandate is,” Manual was quoted as saying during an address explaining the function of the National Development Plan (NDP).In January, a water shortage in the Mothutlung area of Madibeng quickly turned into a national crisis when it sparked protests that led to the death of at least three people. This prompted the ANC to intervene, resulting in the removal of mayor Poppy Magongwa, speaker Buti Makhongela and ANC chief whip Solly Malete

– who were all replaced with a new administration. To address the water crisis, the municipality hired contractors to restore supply to Mothutlung and its surrounding areas. However, community members rejected the contractors. The South African National Defence Force was then asked to intervene and distribute water to residents. As a long term solution, North West Premier Thandi Modise has revealed that a R2 billion water project will be implemented. The purpose of the project, which will include bulk infrastructure upgrades and borehole

refurbishments, is to meet the basic demand of 60 litres of water per person per day. With the 2014 general elections around the corner, there are fears that the ANC may lose ground to its main rival political parties owing to the service delivery protests in Brits and other areas in the North West province.While political analysts such as professor Adam Habib are convinced the ANC will once again win the majority of the seats in the North West legislature, an agitated and disgruntled electorate is bound to be of major concern to the ruling party. During the previous elections, the ANC lost some of its seats in the North West legislature despite emerging with a majority victory. In the 2004 polls, the ANC emerged with 27 seats while the DA managed to win 2. In the 2009 elections, the ANC won 25 seats with the DA and COPE managing to secure 3 seats respectively. While it remains to be seen if such a trend will continue during the upcoming polls, the boiling anger of the residents, who put their lives on the line by confronting the police during the protests in Madibeng, may well lead to the ANC losing more votes. However, Manuel challenged Madibeng residents and the South African electorate to desist from the trend of engaging politicians only when the elections are approaching. “Don’t look at me and say because you earn your money from politics you are the solution. I am not the solution. I think we need to engage with these issues very differently,” he said. “I’m asking that people in-source responsibility. Don’t wait until elections and say ‘well I’ve voted now, let’s see what they do’. That’s not democracy,” he explained.

Brits protests – How will they affect elections? farirai@lesedingnews.co.za Farirayi Kahwemba

North West Premier Thandi Modise has intervened in the protests that have rocked the Majakaneng and Mothotlung areas and has directed the Madibeng Local Municipality 24 hours to redirect water to these affected areas. At the time of going to print on Monday, the Premier was scheduled to meet with the Madibeng Council before addressing rioting protestors in Hebron. Two days earlier, Modise had ordered Madibeng authorities to direct water (that was being made available to a nearby mine) to striking residents in Majakaneng. In appealing to the community to give the intervention efforts a chance, Moside also gave an assurance to protestors that three boreholes would be commissioned within the next seven days to meet the demand, in terms of water supply, to the area.This was after residents in the Madibeng and Mothotlung community rejected water tanks which they claimed were part of a fraudulent and corrupt tender process. “Violent protests and chaos will only serve to disrupt the momentum of interventions aimed

at getting service delivery that was negatively affected by fraud and corruption within your municipality back on track,” Modise said. Modise said that the intervention is part of the over R2 billion water project implementation plan set aside to address water challenges across the province.In terms of the plan, R300 million is earmarked for water projects to communities experiencing problems with water provision within the jurisdiction of the Madibeng Local Municipality.During the address, Modise was accompanied by the Executive Mayor of Madibeng, Matshediso Mangoathe and Members of the recently established Provincial Executive Council Task team overseeing interventions in municipalities, MEC for Local Government and Traditional Affairs, Manketse Tlhape, MEC for Finance, Paul Sebegoe, MEC for Human Settlement-Public Safety and Liaison, Nono Maloyi.Shortly after he address, the premier met with leaders in Koster where she assured them that allegations of fraud, corruption and nepotism being levelled against officials at Kgetleng Rivier Local Municipality would be investigated.

A cargo delivery truck travelling from Rustenburg towards the Pretoria direction was set ablaze during a service delivery protest at Majakaneng near Brits on 6 February.According to information made available by the police, the truck – which was carrying cement – was set alight by protestors who had gathered near the taxi rank as early as 04h45. The protestors also damaged a bus during the mayhem. “A group of protesters set alight a delivery truck and bus transporting employees en route to work. No one was injured during the attack,” Colonel Sabata Mokgwabone of SAPS said. He added that the routes from Mooinooi and Hartbeespoortdam towards Majakaneng were barricaded with burning tyres and rubble by the protestors. However, the rubble and tyres have since been removed after police moved in to quell the situation. In another protest incident that occurred on the same day, a crowd of around 1 000 community members living in Hebron barricaded the Erasmus-Hebron road with burning tyres, stones and tree branches. The community members were reportedly

unsatisfied with the feedback they received the previous day from the acting Mayor of the Madibeng Local Municipality related to the concerns they had raised in a memorandum concerning service delivery. “At this stage, the police are monitoring the situation and no report of damage has been received although the free flow of traffic was affected. “Motorists are requested to use Molefe Makinita Highway as an alternative road,” Mokgwabone said. “The police are calling upon the members of the community to use recognised structures to voice out their dissatisfaction because their involvement in criminal acts such as barricading of routes and damaging of property will not be tolerated,” he added. Mokgwabone also urged law-abiding citizens to report any criminal activities, “especially all those involved in illegal activities including those who are inciting the community members to commit public violence.”No arrests have been made as yet and the police are maintaining their presence in the area as they monitor the situation

Modise intervenes in protests Truck torched during protests

0312 FebruaryLeseding News - Brits

Leseding Girl of the Week

This is Tshegofatso Gift Mathye (20), our girl of the week. She has taken part in modelling contests in Mmakau and is currently studying towards a flight attendant qualification in Johannesburg. Born in Brits, she currently works in Pretoria at the Department of Rural Development and Land Reform.

Tshegofatso says she enjoys her work and does not rule out pursuing a career in modelling if and when she gets a chance to do this. Models aged between 17 and 28, who are interested in appearing in this space, are requested to phone Rapula Mancai on 073 970 9671.

A narrative journey exploring the various uses and importance of music in our day-to-day lives, MEROPA – “the musical journey” is a new stage play written and directed by Tshepo Makinita. Taking a cue from German philosopher Friederich Nietzche, who said “Life without music is a mistake,” the play looks at the significant role music plays in people’s lives. “We have auditioned 76 vocalists to arrive to a 16 member quality vocal ensemble; the exercise was draining, yet intriguing, as some vocalists were exceptionally talented,” Makinita said.While the cast is composed of music students from various learning institutions, such as COPA, Vusi Mahlasela Music Academy and Central Johannesburg College, all of the actors reside within the Bojanala Platinum District Municipality. The choir members have considerable experience in their trade. Most of them have been working with Makinita since 2005 and have been touring with the group in all the nine provinces in various projects, which include music training, performances and collaborative works.The play looks at the various roles played by music in bringing people together, transmitting messages, ceremonies and even protests. It is because of this thrust that the music performed in the play is a creative mixture of Slogan, Love Songs, African Folklore and Gospel. While working on the showcase, Makinita was also assisted by vocal trainer Morzaaq – who offered his services as a Music Director.Sharing some of the emotions and experiences he went through while working on the piece, Makinita pointed out that bringing all the music genres together was not as simple as he initially thought it would be. “Creating a distinct vocal sound was really not easy because most of our vocalists come from various forms of musical backgrounds, including

Clap & Tap Gospel, Chorale Music, Traditional/Cultural Music and Church Music,” Makinita noted. He added that the team is hoping to release an album during the coming few months.“We have also notably recruited three vocalists who were part of the North West Team in the Clash of the Choirs SA TV series,” Makinita adds. Arts and music lovers can also look forward to the performances of a very entertaining and talented vocal group from Soshanguve called Reflex Praise. This group is under the leadership of music teachers Tebogo Blos and Thabo Ramaphoko.

Intriguing play explores relevance of musiclevy@lesedingnews.co.zaLevy Mokwele

ENTERTAINERS: Part of the team that produced MEROPA – the musical journey (PHOTO: SUPPLIED)

Release Date: 31 January 2014Producers: Kirk

Bodyfelt and Pam Marsden.

Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs 2 is now showing on the Ster Kinekor circuit. It picks up where its predecessor

hit comedy left off. Inventor Flint Lockwood’s genius is finally being recognised as he’s invited by his idol Chester V to join The Live Corp Company, where the best and brightest inventors in the world create technologies for the betterment of mankind.

However, everything changes when Flint discovers that his most infamous machine, which turns water into food, is still operating and is now creating food-animal hybrids -

foodimals! With the fate of humanity in his hands, Flint goes on a dangerously delicious mission, battling hungry tacodiles, shrimpanzees, apple pie-thons, double bacon cheespiders and other food creatures to

save the world again!

Movie ReviewTitle of Movie: 3D - Cloudy

With A Chance Of Meatballs 2

Release Date: 31 January 2014Producers: Kirk

Bodyfelt and Pam Marsden.

Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs 2 is now showing on the Ster Kinekor circuit. It picks up where its predecessor

hit comedy left off. Inventor Flint Lockwood’s genius is finally being recognised as he’s invited by his idol Chester V to join The Live Corp Company, where the best and brightest inventors in the world create technologies for the betterment of mankind.

However, everything changes when Flint discovers that his most infamous machine, which turns water into food, is still operating and is now creating food-animal hybrids -

foodimals! With the fate of humanity in his hands, Flint goes on a dangerously delicious mission, battling hungry tacodiles, shrimpanzees, apple pie-thons, double bacon cheespiders and other food creatures to

save the world again!

04 12 February Leseding News - Brits

0512 FebruaryLeseding News - Brits

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Prophet Nana Poku, the founder of Kingdom Prayer Ministries, is on a mission to heal people through prayer, prophecy and bringing them closer to God. The 29-year-old prophet started his church, which is located in Rustenburg’s Leyds Street, around five months ago and already has around 250 to 300 members. “We are doing the work of God and I would like to help as many people as I can to be delivered from various problems such as disabilities,” Prophet Poku said in an interview with Leseding News.“I pray for the people who visit us and advise them on how best to deal with the problems. I do not pray before God talks to me. “When I see a person, God talks to me and informs me about their problems. I am then in a better position to be able to assist them,” he added.“People must feel free to come to our services, which are open to everyone,” he said. Born in Ghana, Prophet Poku came to Rustenburg in September 2013, where he established his church.“I received my call from God while I was in Ghana. I was able to establish a church in Accra before I moved to South Africa.

Before coming to Rustenburg last year, I worked in Newcastle,” he explained. He holds his counselling sessions on two days each week – usually Tuesday and Wednesday. “Normally, I see around 100 people each day on Tuesday and Wednesdays. These are the only days that we invite and attend to people who have problems. “We hold our services on Sunday and many people who would have attended these sessions usually come back with testimonies of how God helps them,” he said. He explained how he hopes to expand his church if the number of people attending continues to increase.Born in the Kumasi area of Ghana, Prophet Poku said he received his calling from God when he was 10 years old.A shy and reserved character, Prophet Poku explained that he is on a mission to assist as many people as he can to achieve deliverance by turning to God. “I was born in a family of three. I was not born in a religious family, but I received my calling from God while I was still very young. I believe God is using me to help people turn to him for guidance,” he said.

ON A MISSION: Prophet Nana Poku (PHOTO: SUPPLIED)

PLATINUM PEOPLEGetting to know:

Prophet Nana Poku

Leseding News06 12 February Leseding News - Brits

PRAYER: Kgosi TRM Mamogale and some members of the clergy during the event(PHOTO: SUPPLIED)

The 1st of February was a historic day for the Bakwena Ba Mogopa Traditional Community, who held their annual Dithapediso ceremony in the Jerico area of Brits. The ceremony, an annual event held every year, is a combined interdenominational prayer service involving the community and their traditional leaders. The event, which is very significant on the Paramount Chief ’s Calendar, is aimed at uniting Kgosi, Morafe and Baruti together through prayer. “Tswaragano” was synonymous with “Agang” during the ceremony, where Kgosi emphasised the need for the community to be closely linked and integrated in order to foster a bright future for the benefit of everyone. During the ceremony, Kgosi TRM Mamogale and the Reverends lit candles as a symbol of bringing people together for a common cause, while Kgotsong Jerusalema (Bethanie) and Atamelang (Modikwe) choirs led them with songs such as Sedi la ka mpontshe tsela…(my light, show me the way).This was in line with the verse in 2 Chronicles 7:14, which reads: “If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I

will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.”An intersession held by Reverend Masilo and Reverend Makwene encouraged the congregation to first pray for all people and ask God to help. Reverend Sekhu prayed for peace and spiritual renewal, education and rain for the traditional community.Kgosi further acknowledged the power of prayer before he gave thanks to the Lord for his enduring protection. He noted that although there has been unrest in the country, characterised by striking mineworkers, such scenarios have not spilled over into the Bakwena Ba Mogopa region. Kgosi also called upon the youth of the village to start taking charge and participate in decisions, attend gatherings, meetings and events. “Your thoughts, opinions, time and inputs are vital for the growth and sustainability of our priceless heritage,” he said. Kgosi and Baruti send their heartfelt condolences to the families and friends in Mothotlung and Damonsville that lost their loved ones during the recent service delivery marches to Madibeng local municipality.

Bakwena Ba Mogopa holds prayer day

Leseding News - Rustenburg 0712 FebruaryLeseding News - Brits

NGOEPE AND THE WORKERS Mine Framework agreement a

dismal failureEric Mokuoa

The efforts to stabilise the mining industry in Rustenburg after the Marikana debacle, which left 34 miners dead, was marked by the signing of a peace accord. This accord was in the main between government, organised labour and organised business. The accord acknowledges the appalling conditions of the mine workers and also recognises the transformational setbacks. The main objectives of the accord were basically finding a lasting solution to the conflicts and violence which has beset Marikana. It seeks to get the commitment of all stakeholders. In this agreement the government committed itself to facilitate acceleration of transformation in the mining sector. Amongst the representatives of organised labour was the National Union of Mineworkers (NUM), and the Association of Mineworkers and Construction Union (AMCU). It is these two unions that are in contention over membership in the platinum mines. They are viewed as fierce rivalries and subsequently blamed for the conflicts that riddled mining in Rustenburg. Blaming these two unions on the bloody conflicts is insufficient to cover up the violent nature of the mining industry. This reason has been paddled to distance the mining companies from any wrongdoing. It appears sound to use the existing rivalry between NUM and AMCU as an excuse to exonerate the companies. Convincing as it is, it would be undermining the intelligence of South Africans to continue to paddle minor and insignificant reasons

to explain the Marikana catastrophe. The rivalry seems to have come as a handy explanation to obliterate the long standing perilous relationship between police and mining companies. The real reasons for conflicts of this magnitude are generated by the long existing tensions between labour and the company, and the frail relationship between the community and the company. The companies also have poor environmental records. In both cases the company involved’s major aim was to maximise profit at all cost.However, AMCU has in this condition appeared to have stolen NUM’s thunder or shine, with its extreme militant approach to labour disputes. Transformation in this sector has had serious setbacks. One cannot help but accept that the framework agreement, which was signed by all participants apart from AMCU, failed before it could take off. It is not only AMCU’s refusal to sign this accord that weakens and lower the gravitas of the accord, the fact that this agreement is an urgent intervention by implication suggests that it seeks to scratch the surface and ignore the root causes. Peace can only be when there is justice. The agreement seems to underestimate the complexity of problems found in mining. It could be said that Mining Companies have no concept of justice, that it thrives on sowing conflict and division within communities, and is not peaceful. Its continued pursuit of profit by any means necessary is arrogance and amounts to no peace.

This Framework agreement does nothing but deliberates exclusion of the mine’s host communities. The agreement undermines the degree to which communities are affected by mining in all its activities. The spillover effects of all activities, including labour unrest within these communities, bear unpleasant consequences. Examples can be cited of the four kids who died because of the negligent attitude of mining companies. The incident is among several others that have robbed Rasimone and Lefaragatlhe of young talents. These communities have endured for generations the violent nature of mining and its accompanying impact. The peace accord does fail to attend to this long standing community issues.Historically, mining has been exploitative of human rights. It should not be taken for granted that these legacies have faded away with arrival of democracy. Eric Mokuoa is a Social Justice Activist. The article expresses his personal views.

Eric Mokuoa

The rainy season usually presents something of a challenging experience for motorists – especially to those who have a penchant for stepping on the accelerator. Drivers have to summon all their skills while travelling on wet roads. Wet roads make controlling a car on the road a very challenging ordeal. According to statistics released by the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC), a total of 1184 people were killed in 987 road accidents nationwide from December 1 to 30. The route with the most recorded fatalities (14) for the same period was the N12 between Klerksdorp and Wolmaransstad in the North West. In Rustenburg, towing companies and ambulance services find themselves very busy during the rainy season. Leseding News had a chat with an experienced driving instructor for tips on how you can cope with the rainy conditions while driving your Toyota or any other car and, more importantly, reach your destination safely. According to Johan Fourie, who works at one of the local driving

schools, visibility is of paramount importance for a driver, especially during rainy or foggy conditions. Fourie also pointed out that before a driver gets into their car, it is very important for them to check the condition of their car. “Make sure that the wipers, tyres and lights are all working before you start the vehicle,” Fourie explained. “You must also make sure that you do not drive at a high speed as this might make it difficult for you to stop the vehicle when you want to,” Fourie added. “If, for example, you are driving on a road where you are not allowed to exceed 80km/h, it would be advisable not to exceed 70km when it is raining.”Fourie noted that while on the road, motorists sometimes forget to be aware of the presence of other road users such as cyclists and pedestrians. “Drivers must also look out for other road users and make sure that they have a full view of what is happening around them at all times,” Fourie said.

farirai@lesedingnews.co.za Farirayi Kahwemba

Driving in the rain – how do you cope? SWOOSH: Motorists are urged to be cautious during rainy conditions

(PHOTO: FARIRAYI KAHWEMBA)

Logic tells us that in an ideal world, this would actually be an irrelevant question to ask regarding these learners who, in all fairness, are still in the middle of their schooling. Logic suggests that a more idealistic question to ask would instead be, ‘which of the Institutions of higher learning, your FET Colleges and/or Universities, would they be going to?’ However, a sad reality is that not every one of them, not excluding those who fared so well, with distinctions to one or more of their subjects, would advance to those institutions. Which makes the question we ask perfectly relevant. An array of reasons contributes to their situation, some of which are pretty obvious and age old. Parents’ financial incapability usually comes out as the most common and leading factor. We all know that Education is a Right according to The Bill of Rights, but this Right remain illusive and, in reality, only a privilege for some.

This is the first major blockage in the system, an active impediment to an imaginary first class nation, which we thus far can only express in words. This barrier, which effectively deny these young people an opportunity to study further, leads to uncertainty and acute frustrations to those prematurely offloaded by the system way before their envisaged destinations. These questions become relevant due to the recent output demonstrated by our grade 12 learners. The Class of 2013 has indeed demonstrated a marked advancement and dedication by reaching an overall pass rate of 70.2%, which is something we had a reason to celebrate although these were not to be without resentments from other quarters. The Madam, for instance, immediately shot down the results and questioned their authenticity. She subsequently demanded full investigation by an independent body to verify their credibility. Her remarks attracted wide-spread criticism from various quarters accusing her of an electioneering ploy and a desperate attempt to give her Party profile leverage ahead of this year’s National Elections, which are just around the corner. Yah but clearly, what would the Madam be satisfied with? Would she perhaps be over the moon with the status quo, that is the pass rate achieved in 2012 or anything lesser? Well, whether that is an election gimmick or whatever else, that’s beside the point because our primary concern is practical interventions that when applied could best accommodate these students who would not be proceeding to institutions of higher learning. The fact of the matter is that this category of young people may not have a range of alternatives left for them, particularly if no decisive interventions are employed to help them start building their future. It is a fact that much more could be done with current resources the Country has at its disposal, to accommodate these young people instead of leaving them to forthrightly join the ever- growing pool of the unemployed. It is perhaps, about time that decisive interventions are made to completely overhaul the Department of Trade and Industry in particular, with a view to make it people-centered. The DTI, which holds a key, if not one of the keys to economic transformation, is the one Department which in all fairness trails behind. It required a great deal of transformation and realignment to its programs, products and services. This would be quite necessary if we indeed expect it to genuinely lead economic transformation and thus adequately respond to the developmental needs of this category of the South African society. However, should the DTI remain immune to change then it should not surprise why a national dream to transform the Country’s economy would remain a pipe dream if not elusive. The same could be said of the Development Bank of Southern Africa as well as the Jobs Fund, which are similarly meant to help drive economic transformation. The DBSA needs to understand that if it hopes to play any genuine transformation role it surely cannot behave like a private Bank with the sole aim to make profit. The DBSA is generally inaccessible to the category of people referred to and this is due to red tape and other policies that does not take count of their challenges.

Is the Workplace ready to absorb Grade 12 graduates?

08 12 February Leseding News - Brits

SportLesedingSA football to undergo a major overhaulThe president of the South African Football Association (Safa) has announced that a major overhaul will soon be effected as the football mother body looks to breathe life into the game. The decision was reached after a three-day Lekgotla (meeting) of NEC members held recently.

Among some of the proposed changes are an increased emphasis on the development of youth teams and women’s football, the reintroduction of inter-provincial tournaments for men and women, tightening of lower league regulations to improve standards and the creation of football academies in all nine provinces. “We have thrown away the drawing board and are starting on a new slate,” said Dr Jordaan. “If we are to have a national team that can compete with the best in the world, then we have to strengthen development at all levels in order to produce players capable of beating the best in the world,” he added. He said the Lekgotla had acknowledged that Women’s football has not been receiving the attention it deserved. “We will be working harder to identify and develop promising young women to help them achieve their full potential,” he explained. Jordaan said that the lekgotla had decided on several steps to ensure the success of the programme. To this end, a top SAFA team will engage with the Minister of Sport, universities and school sports

governing bodies to decide on practical steps to strengthen youth teams. “We intend to place considerable emphasis on school sport and junior leagues,” he said.The first of the new inter-provincial tournaments will take place from March 28 to March 31 in the Moruleng area of the North West. This will be for u/17 boys.The u/19 boys’ tournament will take place in Bloemfontein between April 27 and May 2. The u/19-Women ls tournament will take place between August 4 and August 9 in Modimolle, Limpopo.SAFA intends to create footballing academies in all nine provinces. “We are able to do this with the co-operation of government at all levels,” said Jordaan. “The first of these academies is already established in KwaZulu-Natal.”Jordaan said, “I am aware that there is speculation surrounding Bafana Bafana’s coach Gordon Igesund. I read in the news that this coach or that coach is coming to take over from Gordon.

Well, I want to say that, at the moment, there is no vacancy.”Dennis Mumble, SAFA’s chief executive, who has been charged with implementing the changes, said that it will be a costly exercise. “We will fund this by approaching our sponsors, working with government at all levels, by seeking assistance from FIFA and CAF and the National

Lotteries Board. “We are confident that this money will be found because it is so obviously important to all of South Africa. “The future of South African football is riding on this if we are to achieve our objective of consistently being among the top 3 teams in Africa and the top 20 in the world.”

GRASSROOTS: Safa has big plans for SA football (PHOTO: LEVY MOKWELE)

levy@lesedingnews.co.zaLevy Mokwele

COACHING ADVICE: Neil Tovey imparting skills to younger players. (PHOTO: SUPPLIED)

Neil Tovey and Phil Masinga, two former South Africa national team players who have hung their boots, are involved in various initiatives aimed at equipping young players with football and life skills.

Since the beginning of the year, the two – who are now coaches – have been actively imparting the vast football knowledge they have gained over the past years to their pupils. Masinga runs a football consultancy in the North West while Tovey has coached teams in the National First Division. A talent scouting initiative conducted recently by the two players, called “the Castle Superstars”, culminated in the selection of 45 young players from around South Africa who will be exposed to some of the professional aspects of the sport. “They definitely have the potential to be

tomorrow’s Bafana,” observed Masinga. Masinga.Among the 45 players are Gaona Oabile Gerald Modisane and Lehlohonolo Marumo, who both come from the North West. “I hope to learn more about the game and how it is played at a high level,” Modisane said. “I would also like to know how professional players do things on and off the field of play. I started playing football back home while I was still 15 years and it is my desire to go far and do well in the sport,” he added. The aim of the programme is to groom tomorrow’s players by exposing them to modern coaching techniques and approaches to football.

Retired footballers conduct coaching camps farirai@lesedingnews.co.za Farirayi Kahwemba

Go to www.tametimes.co.zawww.lesedingnews.co.za