BRITS

12 March 2014Volume 2 Week 11

FREEwww.lesedingnews.co.za - lesedingnews.mobi

RUN THE RISK OF BEING NOTICED

ADVERTISE IN THIS SPOTCALL: RAYMOND(014) 597 9980

Omphemetse Moyo of Zone 16 in Letlhabile Township outside Brits and his three friends took a Saturday afternoon casual walk to a dam in a nearby farm.They were happy and exchanging jokes as they entered the farm. But their happiness would soon end in a nightmare.It all began when Omphetse saw a tortoise. “I want to throw this into the dam,” Omphemetse said to his friends as he picked up the tortoise moving towards the dam.“As I stood at the edge of the dam, ready to throw the tortoise into the water, a crocodile quickly grasped my feet and dragged me into the dam,” he explained.This was just the beginning of Omphemetse’s ordeal.

“I fell down. When I hit the floor, I seized a brick, picked it up and struck the crocodile on the head. It lost its grip on me and I managed to stand up and run out of the dam,” said Omphemetse, explaining how he narrowly escaped. “When I got out of the dam, my friends were nowhere to be seen. I struggled to walk home. I feel really happy to be alive because I didn’t think I was coming back,” said the 10-year-old Itumeleng Primary School grade 4 learner.The terrifying experience has left scars on Ophemetse – scars that will forever remind him of his encounter and will stop him from coming close to the same dam again.“I will never set my feet near that dam again,” said Omphemetse.Before he reached home, news of Omphemetse,

the tortoise and the crocodile was all over Zone 16. His friends had run home to take the bad news to the township.“I saw them come running from [the dam’s] direction,” said Omphemetse’s mother, Phindile Moyo.“When I asked what was happening, they answered: ‘Omphemetse o tserwe ke kwena’ meaning ‘the crocodile took Omphemetse.’“They were terrified,” said Moyo.“Terror overcame all of us. I did not know where to start. But as we moved up and down in confusion, we saw him emerging from dam’s direction,” said Moyo.“I think it was because of God that he is still alive,” added Moyo.Although her son has escaped the gruesome attack,

Moyo is very angry. She said when she visited the local Brits police station to report the news, she was told that the only thing that could be done was to charge Omphemetse with trespassing and her with negligence.“I left the police station disappointed,” said Moyo.Our attempts to get hold of the farm owner reached a blank. “During their inspection following the incident, the Water Wing from Hartebeesport spotted a crocodile inside this dam,” said warrant Officer Mpeile Talene from Letlhabile police station.He pointed out that the police are investigating the case to obtain more facts and get to the bottom of what really happened. ADD YOUR COMMENT: e-mail: editor@lesedingnews.co.za

Lucky to be alive: Boy tells of crocodile attack

AFTER THE ORDEAL: Omphemetse Moyo (right) enjoys a moment of laughter with his mother (PHOTO: LEVY MOKWELE)

levy@lesedingnews.co.zaLevy Mokwele

INJURED IN AN ACCIDENT?BBA CAN ASSIST YOU TO RECEIVE YOUR RIGHTFUL COMPENSATION.

CONTACT CHERE TODAY FOR AN APPOINTMENT

NO WIN - NO FEE

011 724 5670 www.bbattorneys.co.za chere@bbattorneys.co.za

02 12 March Leseding News - Brits

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

EditorLevy Mokwele

News EditorFarirayi Kahwemba

JournalistsZanele Sithole

Kutlwano Motsepe

Production ManagerDivan Bekker

Advertising ExecutiveRaymond Selebogo

ClassifiedsPertunia Morekisi

PhotographerAndrew Mahlaba

Although reasonable efforts are made by the owners, directors, publishers, editors and staff thereof (all refered to as “Leseding News”), no responsibility is taken by Leseding News for any errors and/or incorrect aspects and/or misstatements in any format published herein, and whoever provides Leseding News with any information, including editorial, advetorial and/or advertising material, in any format, indemnifies Leseding News against any claim of whatsoever nature which may be brought against Leseding News by whoever

PO BOX 2335, Rustenburg, 0300. Tel: 014 597 9980. Published by Ukhahlamba Newspapers

Leseding News, 360 degree truth24 Heystek Street, Rustenburg, 0300

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

Police investigates death of toddler (3) following protest

Identity of Brits flood victim confirmed Mining royalties misused

A three-month old baby died on February 28 after political clashes between rival ANC and EFF supporters broke out near the taxi rank in Majakaneng, near Brits.

The incident occurred during a protest by residents over service delivery issues. According to eyewitnesses, tempers started boiling over a day before the incident while residents were being addressed by Tsepo Modise, a community leader in the area. It is alleged that some members of the ANC, who were wielding knives, started threatening residents during the meeting. The next day, residents took to the streets to protest. During the protest ANC supporters openly clashed with EFF members. To disperse the crowd, members of the Public Order Police (POP) fired rubber bullets and teargas as the clashes became violent. The three-month old baby, who was in a room of a

house close to the mayhem, allegedly died from the inhalation of teargas smoke.“Police in Mooinoi are investigating a case of inquest after a 3-month old baby died on 28 February 2014 at approximately 15:00 at Scandaf section, Majakaneng near Brits,” Brigadier Thulani Ngubane of North West Police said, confirming the incident. “According to the Public order police norms and standards, teargas has never proven to be fatal. The use of teargas has been part of minimum force to disperse crowds, and it has never caused any fatality in the history of crowd management,” Ngubane said. “The investigation regarding this matter continues and a pathologist will be involved to conduct the post mortem in order to determine the exact cause of death,” added Ngubane.The incident is another violent protest around the Brits area following an earlier demonstration in which a cement truck was torched and a councillor’s house set alight by residents of the troubled Madibeng Local Municipality. During the protests, angry residents closed the water pipes supplying IMF mine. Again police responded by firing teargas.

news@lesedingnews.co.za Kutlwano Motsepe

EYESORE: Teargas smoke during the protest (PHOTO: MPHO BILWANE)

OVERFLOW: Areas of Brits have experienced heavy flooding (PHOTO: SUPPLIED)

The Hendler commission of inquiry into the management of royalties from mining vanadium at Evraz Vametco mine in Rankotea near Brits has concluded that millions of funds belonging to the community has been misused. Lesiba Moses Kgwele, the spokesperson for the Office of the North West Premier, said the commission also found that apart from failing to account for funds belonging to the Rankotea community, the money had also not been audited since 2002. Kgwele said the commission found that funds were allegedly used for projects that were not approved by the community.“The current executive committee was elected for a five year term in 2005 but was still in office despite a court order declaring their existence to be unconstitutional,” the commission said. An accountant, Strydom Venter, was appointed to negotiate with the mining companies in the area regarding the shareholding of the co-owners in the company, Kgwele said.The commission handed its report to Modise in November.Set up in 2008, the commission was handed the mandate to investigate the management of royalties and income derived from mining companies as well as to probe the alleged maladministration of the funds of the Rakotea community.The commission was appointed by former North West premier Edna Molewa following various complaints from community members and civic organizations. Two years into its mandate, the commission had to adjourn when the evidence leader resigned from the commission on the grounds that he had joined the government and could, therefore, proceed without impartiality being an issue.The commission’s investigations and hearings were further delayed when Judge Herbert Hendler had to go for a medical procedure outside the country.

The identity of a person who drowned after their car was swept away during flooding in Brits on 4 March has been identified.

The body of 56-year-old Meisie Van Tonder had not been accounted for after her car and another vehicle carrying four occupants were retrieved, after being swept away by a flooding De Kroon stream near the Brits Mall. Van Tonder’s body was recovered by the police diving unit during the evening hours following several attempts. North West Premier Thandi Modise, who conveyed her condolences to the deceased’s family, appealed to people living near the Hartbeespoortdam to alert authorities of any flood threats. Relief efforts have been activated after 30 houses were flooded and two others reportedly collapsed in Majakaneng. Emergency services have been placed on high alert in the area and the Department of Water Affairs has opened

sluice valves at the Hartbeespoortdam, which is overflowing.The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) is also providing relief in the form of distress grants to 30 families that have been affected by the floods.All emergency services and the disaster management centre have been put on high alert as the South African Weather Service predicts more heavy rains in the province over the next few days.A Joint Operation Centre has also been set up to coordinate further relief efforts that might be required. Brits and several parts of the North West have experienced heavy floods due to persistent rains this month. The police have called upon residents living in the North West to exercise extreme caution when it is raining and make sure that they do not venture into streams or any isolated areas where they might expose themselves to danger.

news@lesedingnews.co.za Staff Reporter

0312 MarchLeseding News - Brits

In the Letlhabile area of Brits, the name of Pone Moabelo has become synonymous with community radio.

Since graduating from her studies, Pone has made a name for herself at Letlhabile Community Radio – managing to rise through the ranks and setting the pace for other women in the media industry to emulate.She started off her career as a news anchor in 2008. She soon established herself in her role as her voice became recognizable to those keen for an update about the latest news and trends. Despite possessing a qualification in Marketing, she developed a strong love for radio. She also discovered a liking for travelling, networking and interacting with people from all walks of life. Besides anchoring the news, Pone also delved in producing a variety of programmes catering for the different tastes of her listeners.Pone soon become the talk of the town when she produced one of the biggest current affairs programmes in Madibeng. She also became popular as host of a children’s programme – “kiddies corner” – where she was well known by the name “Mmamane Ponza”.Around 2010, Pone climbed up another step on the radio ladder when she was appointed the station’s programmes manager. During this time, Letlhabile Community had spread its wings, becoming bigger in the Madibeng area. Pone is now a sales and finance manager for the community radio but is still aiming to achieve greater things in her career. She said her dream is to see herself being appointed to an even bigger position in the radio industry. For other women who would like to follow in her footsteps, Pone offered some advice which she said has been drawn from her experience in the industry. “Always, one must respect and humble herself to her superiors so that she will be able to reap the best fruits,” said Moabelo.

news@lesedingnews.co.za Kutlwano Motsepe

Pone is aiming for the top

AMBITIOUS: Pone Moabelo.(PHOTO: Kutlwano Motsepe

Kitso Kontle (19) is our Leseding Girl of the Week. Born in Mogwase, Kitso hopes to become a professional model and is working hard towards realizing her dream. Although she only takes up modelling as a hobby, Kitso believes she has the confidence, looks and talent to become a future catwalk star. At the moment, however, she is preoccupied with her studies at Brooklyn City College where she hopes to add Maths onto her matric certificate. Models aged between 17 and 28, who are interested in appearing in this space, are requested to phone Rapula Mancai on 073 970 9671

LESEDING GIRL OF THE WEEK

Release date: 21 February 2014 Surly, a curmudgeon, independent squirrel is banished from his park and forced to survive in the city. Lucky for him, he stumbles on the one thing that may be able to save his life, and the rest of park community, as they gear up for winter - Maury’s Nut Store.DIRECTED BY: Peter LepeniotisPRODUCED BY: Graham Moloy, Woo-Kyung Jung. PRODUCED BY Graham Moloy, Woo-Kyung Jung

THE NUT JOB 3D

POMPEII 3D

Release date: 21 February 2014 Set in 79 A.D., this action thriller tells the epic story of Milo (Kit Harrington), a slave turned invincible gladiator who finds himself in a race against time to save his true love Cassia (Emily Browning), the beautiful daughter of a wealthy merchant who has been unwillingly betrothed to a corrupt Roman Senator.As Mount Vesuvius erupts in a torrent of blazing lava, Milo must fight his way out of the arena in order to save his beloved as the once magnificent Pompeii crumbles around him.PRODUCED BY: Don Carmody, Jeremy Bolt, Paul W.S. Anderson, Robert Kulzer

04 12 March Leseding News - Brits

PROTEST: SANCO members in Madibeng staged another service delivery protest in the area for better service delivery (PHOTO: MPHO BILWANE)

Bakwena Corridor’s drive to save employee lives

We all made mistakes on Madibeng – Cosatu Premier Modise welcomes disciplinary action in Nazi salute incident

As part of their commitment to the well-being of communities along the N1 and N4 areas, Bakwena Platinum Corridor Concessionaire (Bakwena) has, in association with Pink Drive, offered its employees the opportunity to attend breast and prostate cancer awareness sessions. The initiatives included educational sessions on early detection of these diseases, breast examinations as well as prostrate testing. Bakwena feels very strongly about investing in the futures of community members, and it is only by educating and empowering them to fight these dreaded diseases that they are able to create a healthier future for all.Early detection is key to surviving these diseases in the majority of cases and offering this option to their employees is important to their health and well-being. “We believe that it is very important to care for our people in the same way that

we care for the communities that we operate in, as many of them are from these very communities. We understand that knowledge empowers people, which is why initiatives such as this are essential,” said Bakwena spokesperson, Charmaine van Wyk.To educate the community, Bakwena arranged for breast cancer education sessions and screenings at the Dinokana Health Centre and Lehurutshe Clinic in the North West Province in 2013, where more than 700 women were educated and screened. As a result, women from the surrounding communities were provided with much needed education and self-examination demonstrations. Thanks to these efforts, ten patients were provided with referral letters to Lehurutshe Hospital for an ultrasound examination to ensure they receive the needed attention to their health. The programmes were also rolled out to five

high schools, namely Ramatu, Ntebogang, NR Mandela, Ramotshere and Ngotwane and through this outreach 2 066 children and teachers were educated on breast cancer prevention.Following the success of this Bakwena initiated campaign, Bakwena decided to extend this programme to include its employees, who work at both plazas and weighbridges along the N1 and N4 routes. The most recent cancer education drive was hosted on Friday, 14 February 2014 with the Bapong staff, which also included teachers from Bapong. This initiative saw close to 40 people educated and examined.“Bakwena is proud to be associated with the Pink Drive campaign to give our employees and community members access to this important service. It is of vital importance to us to ensure they have the needed tools in their arsenal to fight these dreaded diseases as we value each and every one of them,” said Van Wyk.

The Confederation of South African Trade Unions (Cosatu) in the North West has urged political parties, civic movements, local and provincial government to come together to talk of a way to “restore order” at the troubled Madibeng Local Municipality. The North West government recently announced it had placed the municipality under administration, following numerous protests by residents and allegations of maladministration that were levelled against former mayor Poppy Magongwa and other top officials. However, Solly Phetoe, Cosatu Secretary in the North West, claims the North West government was yet to implement section 139 (which effectively puts the municipality under administration) because of “delays”.“There is no stability in the municipality yet,” Phetoe said. “SANCO leaders are actually planning a strike. In our view, Section 139 has not been implemented because of delays that are being caused by the failure between Council officials and those from the provincial government to find common ground,” Phetoe added. Phetoe fears that continued instability in areas falling under the jurisdiction of the municipality could further damage the country’s economy, which is under pressure due an unstable Rand.He dismissed the beliefs that the protests could be

linked with the upcoming national and provincial elections in May, “This is not about the elections. Some of the issues that people are protesting about were raised years ago but have not been addressed. “We must all be honest with ourselves and admit that there are problems. All parties and members of the alliance must meet and be honest with each other. “We have failed the people because how do you explain a situation where a person wakes up in the morning, wants to go to work and cannot do this because there are people protesting? “We all need to see how we can chart the way forward because all this instability is not helping the economy and the image of the country,” Phetoe added. Late last month, due to the water shortages in Brits, a number of water trucks were collecting

water from Hartbeespoort Dam daily for delivery to informal settlements and townships. Apart from disrupting the flow of traffic and causing muddy sidewalks and roads, some of the trucks were reportedly seen emptying their tanks at the foot of Silkaatsnek after they apparently had trouble getting the heavy load up the pass – a development that attracted criticism from opposition political parties.“Despite the outcry in the national media recently about Madibeng Municipality’s maladministration and water crisis, the gall of these truck drivers to dump water, while many residents don’t have any, is outrageous,” DA ward councilor, Erna Rossouw was quoted as saying.ADD YOUR COMMENT: Email editor@lesedingnews.co.za

North West Premier Thandi Modise has welcomed confirmation that disciplinary action is being taken against those responsible for the reported Nazi salutes at North West University’s Potchefstroom Campus.“It is encouraging to hear that action is being taken to ensure that these kinds of practices are not repeated. There is no place for practices that undermine the strides we have made towards building a non-racial, non-sexist and democratic society.“The sceptre of racism and ethnicity in all its manifestation should remain buried in the ugly past we are all struggling to forget,” said Premier Modise.The salute was allegedly performed during an initiation ceremony at the campus.Earlier, Premier Modise had strongly condemned the incident. She also echoed President Jacob Zuma and Higher Education and Training Minister Blade Nzimande’s call for the university to get rid of any racialised practices. - SAnews.gov.za

INITIATIVE: Bakwena have teamed up with Pink Drive (PHOTO: SUPPLIED)

FLASHBACK: Residents line up to receive water in Brits (PHOTO: LESEDING NEWS FILES)

news@lesedingnews.co.za Natalie Roscher

farirai@lesedingnews.co.za Farirayi Kahwemba

0512 MarchLeseding News - Brits

Leseding News06 12 March Leseding News - Brits

“It is my wish to prevent the abuse that I had to go through. I would like to help others not to go through the same abuse.” These are the words of Merriam Ntseke, the founder of Miracle Palace Organization, which is based in the zone 16 area of Letlhabile. The organization caters for single mothers and widows by providing them with refuge and a place where they can find solace, peace, support, comfort and counselling. A number of women silently go through the hardships associated with physical and emotional abuse.

Issues related to women’s empowerment are not only seen by international organizations as human rights, but are also considered a pathway to achieving the United Nations (UN) Millennium Development Goals and sustainable development.It is against such a background that Merriam decided to establish her organization. She decided to get

involved in the project after the tragic death of her husband, who she says was very abusive. “I was looking for moral support and this is part of why I became determined to establish such an organization,” she said. It was in 2011 that Merriam summoned all her courage and approached the Bojanala Platinum District Municipality for advice on how she could establish her own Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO). After a number of her questions were answered by the relevant people specializing in such projects,

Merrian was finally equipped with the kind of knowledge she had been looking for.She did not look back. Merriam registered her NGO before going on a recruitment drive, targeting women around her neighborhood and surrounding areas. Today, Miracle Palace and Organisation is a dream come true for Merriam as she has four women who assist her in the day to day duties associated with running the facility. Asked why she does not also involve men in the project, Merriam pointed out that she does not want to be reminded about the abusive memories she had to deal with in the past. She said she often advises young girls and women to stay away from the kind of men “who are only after your grant money.” Part of the projects that the women at the organization are involved in include watering and maintaining a vegetable garden, and recycling paper. These projects, Merriam says, are geared towards fighting poverty through empowering women with various skills. In five years, Merriam hopes that the organization will be completely self-sufficient. “Our desire is to have a bigger area with office equipment so that we will be able to do our administration work,” she pointed out. She pointed out that besides financial assistance, the organization was also looking for people with motivational skills and other ideas that will be able to assist them in their day to day activities.

Getting to know: Merriam Ntseke and Miracle Palace Organization

PLATINUM PEOPLEGetting to know: Merriam Ntseke and Miracle Palace Organization

A huge billboard stands in Tlhabane, along a busy road used by taxis – the one that goes towards the GG area.From the sheer size of the structure, one would think – from afar – that the billboard carries a political message or anything related to the upcoming elections which will be held on May 7. As one approaches the billboard, however, one notices that the words are not of a political nature, or anything related to the upcoming polls for that matter. Infact, the billboard carries a message inviting “everyone” to a miracle crusade to be held in Moruleng.This miracle crusade, hosted by Bishop Stephen Zondo of Rivers of Living Waters Ministries, attracted many people from various walks of life – all coming with different expectations and persuasions.While the date of the crusade – 1 June, 2013 – is long past, such messages have become synonymous with crusades and gatherings that are being held by various churches in Rustenburg and other parts of the North West province. Bishop Zondo – who held another crusade in Rustenburg five months later – is among a group of preachers who have been regularly hosting such events as a way of spiritually addressing the needs of communities. Bishop Manas Kabelo, of Life Changers International Church,

also regularly holds such crusades at Paardekraal and other areas. Meriting was the venue of a miracle conference – hosted by Bishop April and Martha Selloe of Living Sound Faith Tabernacle – from 24 February to 2 March. While a number of churches have their own beliefs and doctrines, Leseding News interviewed a pastor based in Tlhabane to gauge his understanding and gain more insights about the reasons why crusades are held.Pastor John Bam of the AFM Church based in Tlhabane pointed out that the crusades he has been involved in are aimed at turning people to God. “The purpose of crusades is to get people saved. This must be the focus, especially if they are done by children of God,” the pastor explained. “Crusades are also held for people to receive prayer. If you look at the ministry of Jesus Christ you will notice that he would never send people home without praying for them,” he added. He pointed out that he has also been involved in a number of crusades: “The response (in terms of people who have attended the crusades) has been very good. “One important thing to note is that you must never hold a crusade for the sake of money.”

Many flocking to miracle crusades

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

Leseding News - Rustenburg 0712 MarchLeseding News - Brits

Tsajoa to be installed Maboloka headman

Class of 2013: Rebuilding confidence in the face of failure

Protests in Madibeng drag on…

After 35 years of waiting, the Tsajoa family in Maboloka was declared the rightful custodians of traditional leadership in Maboloka Village outside Brits by the North West provincial government.On 15 March, David Tsajoa will be inaugurated as the traditional leader of Maboloka Village. The ceremony will be held in Doornkop, just outside Maboloka.This follows a long dispute that was threatening to separate the community. Premier Thandi Modise’s decision on the dispute follows a complaint that was lodged by the late Maditjeng Tsajoa against Lehlomela Emmanuel Lion. The announcement of the Tsajoa was informed by recommendation of the commission on traditional disputes and claims which had established that the first traditional leader in Maboloka Tribal Authority 1961 was John Tsajoa

“Around 1976 there were disputes or fightings in Maboloka during the repressive Mangope regime where Philemon Tsajoa was a leader after Maditjeng had passed on.“Phillimon and Moruti Lion were arrested and were trialed at Mafikeng high Court. It was found that Lion is not a citizen of South Africa. so he was deported back home to Lesotho. and Tsajoa was found not guilty according to the law,” said David Tsajoa. “Afterwards a commission was formed to investigate the two families. They were all called one by one to produce documents showing that they deserve to be the leaders. “A public hearing was also called so that people could justify who the real headman was,” he added. “Today, 35 years later, we are declared as the royal family in Maboloka, we have the certificate that has been signed by the premier.” “In future I want to see the community of Maboloka united in working together through development. I wish all the people could contribute towards this unity including the Lion family,” Tsajoa concluded.

news@lesedingnews.co.za Kutlwano Motsepe

AT THE HELM: David Tsajoa will be installed headman of Maboloka on Saturday (PHOTO: TEBOGO MATLALA)

Civic organization Sanco and labour union Cosatu staged a joint protest on March 7 in Madibeng to press for improved service delivery. This is despite numerous interventions by the provincial government to rectify the discontent among the residents by attempting to bring about normalcy at the troubled municipality. “Sanco’s extreme discontent is as the result of dilapidating state of the Municipality, which is as the result of the following aspects: Lack of service delivery to our communities, companies and businesses that employ many of us to put half of bread on the table,” Sanco said in a statement. “Additionally, privatization of municipal services, political interference and the running of the municipality by the ANC REC officials, corruption, nepotism and irregular appointment of staff are also a major concern,” Sanco added. The protest was peaceful. Nearly ten busses were filled by protesters from, Hebron, Damonsville, Mothotlung, Klipgat, Maboloka and Letlhabile. A memorandum of demands was submitted by Sanco regional chairperson Pasture Maremo and Cosatu local secretary Kelebogile Mmope. The document was handed to Vusi Madonzela, the

director general of cooperative governance, in the presence of the acting municipal manager Tebogo Motlasuping and the acting mayor Matshidiso Mangwathe.Part of the memorandum read: “Sanco supports the implementation of section 154 of the constitution without any favor or cover up for certain individuals and groupings, if ever there can be any delaying tactics applied on the implementation of section 154 then section (139) (1b) should be considered. “Sanco demands the following people to be suspended and criminally charged without any delay: speaker and councilor Buti Makhongela, municipal manager Mr Monte Juta, Chief operation officer Mr Andrew Modise, Acting Director Mr Xola Magwala.”Cosatu also voiced out their grievances on the issue of appointing people in the municipality. “The community are very worried about the manner in which 80 general workers were appointed. These general workers were appointed from only 14 wards while Madibeng municipality has 36 wards,” Cosatu said. Another burning question is the appointment of a

filing clerk in the licensing division. “The minimum qualification that was required on the advertisement for the post was grade 12. Many of the internal staff who met the minimum requirements applied. but to their disappointment they were not short-listed for interviews.“To the surprise of the employees and the community of Madibeng municipality, a candidate who did not meet the minimum qualification requirements of grade 12, who is the daughter of

the current executive mayor, Tshidi Mangwathe has been appointed to the position of filing clerk,” said Cosatu.Furthermore, Cosatu and Sanco have both given the municipality a deadline of 20 March for a response. If their demands are not met, the two organizations have threatened to mobilize their members to boycott rates and taxes and bring “Madibeng to a standstill.”

The majority of last year’s matriculants are now settling in at universities and colleges, have embarked on a gap year abroad, or have started looking for work. But there are still a large number of school leavers left in limbo, matriculants whose marks were not good enough to secure a place at a higher education institution and who have no clue how to tackle the year.Unfortunately, not doing anything will almost certainly lead these young people into a downward spiral from which they will struggle to emerge. Dr Anneka van den Hoek, Academic Manager at the Independent Institute of Education, SA’s largest and most accredited private higher education institution, says it is imperative that these youngsters take positive steps to make their year count and rebuild their confidence.“While you may feel dejected, failure only happens when you stop trying. Now is the time to be brave and not let the year drag on any longer without putting in place a plan for constructive growth,” said Dr Van den Hoek.“The way to move on from this, is to find something that will again boost your confidence, and allow you to prove to yourself that you are able to work hard and improve on past performance. Additionally, being successful in this endeavour will improve your chances of securing a space at a public our private higher education institution

come 2015,” she said.Although admissions for this year have closed in both the public and private sector, there are still options available for skills-boosting short courses or for registering to repeat school level subjects, she says.“What is important now, is that you choose something that will help you with your application for fulltime study next year, so choose a course in line with your ultimate aspirations. Very importantly, take this opportunity to knuckle down and work really hard, rebuilding your confidence and instilling the kind of work ethic that will stand you in good stead in any future endeavours.”Van den Hoek said there are a few guidelines to follow in order to turn around poor performance.“The first thing to acknowledge as a student, when discouraged by poor marks, is that the attitude you have going forward will help you improve your marks. Failure should not have a crippling effect on you; instead, it should be a motivating factor towards what you want to achieve. Hence, improving your marks will require a change in attitude towards failure.”“If you expect failure to cripple you, it most likely will, but if you adopt a positive attitude after failing, it will prompt you to do better.”Van den Hoek said that when studying, students should ensure that they have all the reading

material to do well in their course and must ask for help from teachers, lecturers or peers when they don’t understand or experience problems with the subject content. “It is also pivotal to set long- and short-term achievable goals. Setting achievable goals ensures discipline and control when completing tasks. This will help you improve your marks. Deciding which goals are more important or time sensitive in comparison to others is also vital.“You will also need to learn from past experiences and mistakes by acknowledging what has been hindering you from excelling. Some common factors include stress and poor time management skills, amongst others. In order to do well, you will need to deal with these factors accordingly.”Van den Hoek added students can seek professional counselling or coaching to deal effectively with

stress, and should always use a daily planner to manage time more effectively.“Another silent thief of time is social networking. Do an honest evaluation of the time you spend mindlessly surfing the internet or interacting in a social context on the internet. This time can be used more effectively.“Studying hard and being determined is essential for you as a student to achieve your goals. Unfortunately, good marks will not come overnight nor will they appear in a vacuum. “If your marks were not good enough for you to progress as you would have liked, you now have the opportunity to request help if need be, and implement the necessary measures to succeed. Let your past failures be learning curves rather than obstacles towards your success,” Van den Hoek concluded.

READY TO MARCH: SANCO and Cosatu members prepare to protest (PHOTO: MPHO Bilwane)

The Bojanala Platinum District Municipality has supported students through its bursary scheme (PHOTO: LEVY MOKWELE)

08 12 March Leseding News - Brits

SPORTSPORTBrits Flying Club boasts a proud heritageOne of the most respected flying clubs in South Africa, Brits Flying Club boasts a proud heritage of top of the range aviators.

Since its inception in 1952, the club has produced top sportsmen – s number of whom have gone on to represent the country in a number of events around the world.“Amongst our members we have world champions in their respective categories and remain an extremely proud club with a rich heritage,” Roel Jansen, the chairman of the club said. He encouraged people to join the club for a first-hand experience and to share in-depth information about the finer details involved in the operation of light aircrafts. Most of the members of the club are either flying members or social members and more information can be obtained on 012 2550 155. While private pilots fly for their own enjoyment, or to share the joys and convenience of general aviation with friends and family, the thrills and satisfaction of “taking to the air” are an experience that words cannot describe. The airfield at Brits Flying Club does not pose any real dangers – provided that you adhere to the rules and regulations. If there is little, or no wind, the locals prefer runway 20 for takeoffs and 02 for landings, mostly because of the presence of a slope.In addition to the slope, there is a lot of room for a forced landing after take-off in a southerly direction. IN THE AIR: A pilot in full flight (PHOTO: SUPPLIED)

news@lesedingnews.co.za Kutlwano Motsepe

farirai@lesedingnews.co.za Farirayi Kahwemba

DP Kgotleng Primary School, located in the Mmabatho area of the Ngaka Modiri Molema region of North West Province, are training hard for the 2014 edition of the Danone Nations Cup which will be held in April.According to team manager and coach, Isaac Choeu, the team is training twice a week as they look to make a strong impression in the competition.“We train twice a week for now but as soon as the competition starts we will increase our training days,” he said. “We have not played any games against other schools yet, but that will happen in a couple of weeks’ time.”DP Kgotleng is going into the tournament with an entirely new team as all of the 2013 players have

moved on. Choeu said they believe in the new team and are working very hard at training. “I cannot say yet how the team will perform, as it is still early days, but I can say that there are some areas we need to improve on. “What helps is that the team is energised and eager, which is a good start. Knowing that the winning team will go to Brazil for the World Finals this year is a great motivating factor for the kids.”This year is the first year that Choeu will be coaching the team and the challenge, he says, is the fact that they are not disciplined in terms of honouring training time. “I’m sure they will soon adapt to the demands of being in a soccer team. I want them to have fun and remember what I have taught them and implement that on the field when they play,” he said. “I also tell them that soccer can be a career path if they are dedicated and love the sport. Every

professional soccer players in the PSL started where they are now and they can also reach the same level if they have a passion and are devoted to the game.”Choeu believes that every team is different and they all play differently, but he thinks they can make the national finals again, and this time he wants the team to win the Danone Nations Cup national title and go on to compete in the World Finals in Brazil later this year. “However, just being part of the tournament is a highlight on its own,” he said. “When the boys leave school they will always

remember participating in the tournament as one of the highlights of their primary school life.”

North West champs out to win soccer competition

GOING FOR THE BALL: AH Barnard player (in maroon) and DP Lgotleng player (in red) fight for the ball

(PHOTO: SUPPLIED)