the african business journal feb 2012 - john pinching

7/31/2019 The African Business Journal Feb 2012 - John Pinching

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eDiTOrsnt

Well fOlks, iTs here and in full swing. The

year of our Lord, 2012!

It looks, visually at least, remarkably similar

to 2011. Nevertheless, this year promises to be

one of love, joy, ambition, a revitalised economy,

entrepreneurship and a certain athletics

jamboree. Wow, thats a lot of promise.

Continuing the theme of unbridled optimism,

this months bountiful edition ofTABJ includes

some pleasantly uplifting features. Top of the bill

is a candid chat with The Western Capes Min-

ister of Education, Donald Grant. He enthuses

about the new cutting edge schools which are

providing better prospects to thousands of pupils

in the region.

Weve also got a small business focus, which

includes an interview with Humane Homesasmall company that has emerged from the tur-

bulence of the nancial downturn, while getting

noticed for its innovative approach to housing.

The section also features the rst in a series of

columns from Jen Smit, a young entrepreneur

hoping to start her own company. She will take us

on every tentative step of her courageous journey

through the unpredictable, but endlessly fascinat-

ing terrain of new business.

As the political climate in parts of Africa

reaches volcanic temperatures we also look at

the candidacy of singer Youssou NDour, who is

hell-bent on becoming the next president of his

native Senegal.

In addition to the usual honeypot of news,

TABJs hive of company proles will include buzz-

ing companies from the education, healthcare,

tourism, retail, property and mining sectors.

Having exhausted that analogy, I must y,

Bee cool,

John the sting Pinching


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cOnTenTsebruary 2012 | VoluMe 3 | ISSue 2

010Business

sPOrTs

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like A BAT OuT Of hell T mk wd mtc xig 052

The cAPe crusADer T i tw pssiism d tc 058

nATiOnAl liBrAry Of sOuTh AfricA 064


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cOnTenTsebruary 2012 | VoluMe 3 | ISSue 2

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Theschools

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12 COVER FEATURE T scs ggmt

In the beginning

In April 2009, the Democratic Alliance received

the majority vote to govern the Western Cape

Province. The result has provided the party with

a wonderful opportunity to demonstrate how it

can transform a provincial setting, having already

succeeded at the municipal level.

The party inherited an education system

that was functioning well below optimum levels

and, consequently, modernisation has become

a top priority.

The Grade 12 pass rate had consistently

declined over the previous ve years and the

number of underperforming schools had tripled.

Meanwhile, the infrastructure and maintenance

of buildings was in a desperate state of disre-

pair. This was compounded by an all too often

uncaring and unresponsive approach to deal-

ing with the legitimate concerns of schools and

other players in educational arena.

K s icd impvig

itc, mc d nSCtcms, icsig cctiitwiti t sstm, xpdig tpvisi txtks, idigd pgdig s scs

Path to promise

The net result of these factors was that the inte

ests of students, and learning in general, often

came a distant third, behind misplaced racial


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provided in the Western Cape, and that only

through a sustained, focused and systematic ap-

proach that would objectives be fully achieved.

The plan focused on ten key priority areas that

aim to improve the life chances of people in the

province, through the provision of quality education.

Key areas in this on-going plan include improv-

ing literacy, numeracy and NSC outcomes, increas-

ing accountability within the system, expanding

the provision of textbooks, building and upgrading

safer schools, enhancing educator training and

improving the responsiveness and efciency of the

Western Cape Education Department (WCED).

Two years later, and the Western Cape

Provincial Government can condently say that

it has made signicant progress in establishing

the foundation necessary to achieve the objec-

tive of improving educational outcomes in the

Western Cape.

Jh Pichig chats exclusively t Wester

Cape Miister f Educati, Dald Grat

WhAT is yOur OrGAnisATiOns funDAMenTAl eThOs?

The Western Cape Governments philosophy sup-

ports the vision of an open, opportunity-driven so-

ciety for all, in which everyone should be afforded

the opportunity to realise his or her full potential,

through access to a quality education. With every

step taken towards fullling this vision, we are

creating the Western Cape of our dreams, wher

every child will be literate, numerate and able to

compete in an increasingly competitive regional

national and international economic environmen

I t Wst Cp dmsv cid wi itt, mtd t cmpt i icsigcmptitiv gi, ti ditti cmic vimt


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FEBRUARY 2012 The African Business Journal

hOW iMPOrTAnT is The PrOGressiOn AnD

MODernisinG Of eDucATiOn in sOuTh AfricA?

The advent of democracy in South Africa neces-

sitated a radical transformation in education.

This change was based on the constitutionally

enshrined right to a basic education for all, andthe removal of a raft of racially based legislative

policy. There was also a need for modernisation of

the curriculum, in line with new discoveries, tech-

nological advances and increasing globalisation.

After 17 years we can denitely say that in

the Western Cape these rights are being met.

Every child is afforded the opportunity to attend

school and receive a basic education, but where

we have been failing is in the quality of that

education. The right to a basic education is sim

ply not enough if we are to compete in an ever

competitive global environment.

It is absolutely right, therefore, that every

policy, action and strategy is guided by the desir

to help future generations get the highest stan-

dard of education we can provide.

T igt t sic dctiis simp t g i w tcmpt i v cmptitivg vimt

WhAT hAs Been The effecT Of The chAnGes On

lOcAl cOMMuniTies?

New schools, in the majority of cases, are built

because the population increases in the area.

New housing developments often pop up in cer-

tain areas of South Africa, due to inward migra-

tion into the province and the creation of newinformal settlements.

To cater for the children that arrive in these

areas, new schools need to be built. In many in-

stances, a school is rapidly created, using mobi

units as classrooms. This is a temporary solu-

tion to meet the demands. We then build a new


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permanent brick and mortar structurecreating

a better learning environment for the children of

that local community.

In other instances, the Department needs

to make alternative arrangements for students,

such as providing transport to schools in otherareas. A new school in the immediate vicinity and

closer to home is always more appropriate for

everyone concerned.

In the past replacement schools have been

built with inappropriate materials such as chip-

board and are a legacy of the apartheid era.

Our plan is to update these schools with brick

and mortar structures. Some of the old struc-

tures are a safety hazard and are prone to bur-

glary and vandalism. The impact of change wil

be a more safe and secure learning environmen

for the children of traditionally poor communitie

I t pst pcmt scsv it wit ipppitmtis sc s cipd d gc t ptid . op is t pdt ts scs witick d mt stcts

WhAT iMPAcT Will The neW insTiTuTiOns hAve O

The cOunTry As A WhOle?

Investing in education is the best move the gov-

ernment can make in this country. While these

schools provide a safe and secure learning envi

ronment, however, they dont necessarily mean

that quality education will exist within the class

rooms of that new school.

This is where we, as a department, andthe school management, educators, governing

bodies and parents, need to work together to

ensure that the best possible learning environ-

ment exists. Our strategic plan for education ad

dresses some of the needs that we face in both

our new and old schools.


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WhAT fAciliTies cAn sTuDenTs exPecT in The

neW schOOls?

The schools new facilities will include new

classrooms, specialist rooms, laboratories, li-braries, media centres, computer rooms, school

halls, sports facilities, storerooms and ofces.

The technical schools will have the above,

but also specialist workshops, for technical

subjects, such as mechanical, electrical and

civil engineering.

Which AGe GrOuPs Will sTAnD TO BenefiT MOsT

frOM The TrAnsfOrMATiOns?

The majority of new facilities are high schools,

which will benet ages 13 -18. Replacementschools are mainly primary schools, benetting

ages 6-13.

There are currently fewer high schools than

primary schools in the province and the main

reason for this is the retention rate of pupils has

historically been low. One of our central prioritie


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OCTOBER 2011 The African Business JournalSEPTEMBER 2011 The African Business Journal

aic

southwest of Cameroon, provides workshop

space and nancial support for up and coming

businesses, and has already helped the launchof small business, Zinger Systems.

Weve realised that many enterprising te-

chies work in isolation in Cameroon. Theyre

struggling to solve problems that have been

tackled before. But theyre trying to do this by

themselves in these tiny silos, said Al Banda,

Activspaces community manager.

We think that by bringing people together,

were building a community centred around tec

nology and pushing ideas together with a strong

group spirit.

To apply for the space, companies contact the

Activspaces board with their idea, which will then

reviewed and considered for acceptance.

Banda stressed that Activspaces is not a char

Just giving out grants to Africa is not really the wa

forward, because youre putting in value where no

ing has been given in return.

If one has a project which they feel can really

of impact to the community, they apply...Were bas

cally just a hub where people come together and t

to solve problems and build businesses out of the

problems, he added.

Activspaces is set to launch a super-incubatorthis year that will have entrepreneurs living togeth

in apartments with the intention of creating ve fu

functional businesses by the end of 2012.

GOOGle APOlOGies TO kenyAn cOMPAny

Web-giants Google have apologised to Kenyan


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aic

Some of the Nigerians are going through pains

and hardships because they cant go outside their

house and source money, said spokesperson for

the Association of Senior Staff of Bank, Insurance

and Financial Institution, Tony Ashiedu.

Protestor Abraham Overare admitted that,

given the chance, he would not hesitate to attack

President Goodluck Jonathan.

After Friday, it will turn red. The boys are an-

gry, he said.

full sTeAM AheAD fOr sWAZilink rAilWAy

Swaziland Railways and South African logistics

group Transnet have signed a joint agreement to

develop a 146 kilometre railway line from Lothair in

Mpumalanga to Sidvokodvo Junction in Swaziland.

Plans have also been made to upgrade the exist-

ing adjacent railway networks in the two countries.The main Swazilink railway line will cost R7.3

billion, with a further R8.6 billion to be spent on the

adjacent 600 kilometres of lines, of the investment

amount Swaziland will pay R5 billion.

This is the rst large-scale rail investment

in Southern Africa since the construction of the

Richards Bay line in 1976, said Brian Molefe,

CEO of Transnet.

The new rail line is expected to generate 15 mil-lion tons of additional capacity, predominantly used

for general freight from the current coal export rail lin

We are proud to be part of this revolution,

Molefe said.

As Transnet we have already done a high-

level risk assessment to identify the strategic,


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aic

their graduates because persuasion alone does not

work, Nzimande stated.

However, Neren RauChief Executive of the

South African Chamber of Commerce and Indus-

trycalled it: simply untrue that business was not

willing to invest in education and instead said that it

was a public good.

ruGBy rOunD-uP in AfricA

The foundation created in memory of Scottish

rugby union commentator Bill McLaren is back-

ing a rugby coaching programme in 10 different

countries across the African continent.

The Bhubesi Pride organisation will provide all

terrain vehicles to transport coaches and equip-

ment to various schools in the six month operation

which will visit Botswana, South Africa, Uganda,

Rwanda, Malawi, Zambia, Namibia, Tanzania, Ke-nya and Ethiopia.

The coaching scheme will begin this month and

founder Richard Bennett said he was pleased with

the support received from BMF.

Rugby and its values as highlighted so well

through the BMF is a brilliant way to drive social

change and to change lives for the better through

sports development, he commented.

Through Bhubesi Prides project work, we

can use the sport in a meaningful way, where

children in Africa can enjoy playing the game,

but also learn about other important issues suc

as health and respect of themselves and other

around them, he added.

Linda Lawson, daughter of McLaren, said: I

personally am pleased that were bringing rugby,

and Dads name, to places that have never heard

of him before.

Turkish DeliGhT fOr sA

The South African Ambassador to Turkey, Vika

Khumalo, announced at a conference this week

that he is striving for a stronger relationship be-

tween the two countries.

At the conference organised by the South Afri-

can Turkish Business Association (SATBA), Ambas

sador Khumalo said: Having listened to what you

all do in terms of import and export it sounds very

good, I think the relationship between Turkey and

South Africa will go from strength to strength.


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28 SECTION it28 NEWS IN REVIEW

Muse ws cmig

Khumalo stated that South Africa holds the

largest number of natural resources in the world

with an estimated value of around $1 trillion.

This research was done by the Economist

intelligence and the World Bank. We have not

yet tapped into the wealth of this country and I

think Turkey can assist us in doing that. I would

like Turkey to assist us, not just South Africa, but

Africa, he continued.

Serkan Ergul, the general secretary to SATBA,

said: We really encourage our business members

to partner with local businesses as a local joint ven-

ture, we also encourage Turkish business people

not be an importer in South Africa but rather to

come and invest in the country.

rhinO POAchers POAcheD

Two suspected rhino poachers have been killedby game rangers in the Kruger National Park.

Earlier this week eight dehorned rhino carcass-

es were discovered in the southern section of the

park; the rst of this year after 2011 saw a total of

448 rhinos poached.

As rangers followed up the ndings, they

became involved in a shoot-out with the alleged

poachers who were found in the southern region o

the park near where the rhinos were located.

As a result, two Mozambican men were shot

and a .375 rie and other hunting equipment dis-

covered, but no rhino horns were found.

SANParks regrets the deaths of the sus-

pected poachers but would like to request the

public to assist the police and SANParks with an

information which may lead to the arrest of mor

would be poachers, said Reynold Thakhuli, par

general manager.

An estimated 90 per cent of the worlds

228,800 rhinos reside in South Africa and are

under unprecedented attack due to an increase

in demand for their goods in Vietnam, Thailand

and Laos.

kAMPAlA clOse-DOWn

Shops and businesses in Kampala have closed

and banks are being boycotted after Ugandas

central bank raised its rates last year.

Interest rates of up to 27 per cent are report-

edly devastating businesses in the countrys capit


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aic

and customers travelling through Kampala are un-

able to buy groceries and other necessities.

The strike was called for by the Kampala City

Traders Association (KCTA) and is expected to last

a further three days.

We are not saying they should not increase in-terest rates, what we are saying is that they should

not increase rates on old loans, said Isa Ssekito,

spokesperson for KCTA.

During the strike period, shop and busi-

ness owners will withdraw all savings from

commercial banks, and refrain from depositing

money into their accounts.

The Bank of Uganda increased its base rate

last year due to soaring ination, but Prime Minist

Amama Mbabazi says the government is looking a

ways to help those struggling with loan repayment

I dont think striking will save property, hecomments. I dont think striking will save your bu

ness, in fact, striking will hurt you and hurt all of us

as a country.

GrABBinG A ByTe in AfricA

JSE-listed company, BYTES Technology Group,

PHOTO CREDIT: PICHUGIN DMITRY / SHUTTERSTOCK.COM


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30 SECTION it30 NEWS IN REVIEW

Muse ws cmig

has announced intentions to buy the business of

technology rm Unisys Africa from Unisys Corpo-

ration and CyberKnowledge Systems Investmentsfor an undisclosed amount.

Unisys Africas longstanding relationship with

public sector agencies will enhance the efforts of

Bytes newly established government solutions divi-

sion and will broaden Bytes client scope, said Rob

Abraham, CEO of Bytes Technology Group.

With a presence in both the public and pri-

vate sectors in South Africa, Unisys Africa offers IT

services and technology to customers across thesub-Saharan African region.

The deal is yet to be nalised but Abraham

convinced that the transaction will compliment

both companies.

Initial plans state that Unisys Africa will begin

by carrying on operations as a separate entity and


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I t st w sis, fdgig tp Ji Smit t

t tis, timps d titis sttig w siss.

sd id mgs m t vstigs dk vi

Wi t v t v?

secreT DiAry OA sMAll Busine

032

sMAll Business fOcus


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cally said : what would you attempt to do if you

knew you couldnt fail?

Okaynow that youve heard about my mo-

ment of inspiration. Who am I, what is this busi-

ness and whats it to you? Well, my name is Jen

and I am a South African currently living in Lon-

don, where, in order to pay the bills, I work in the

arena of corporate communications.

I fully intend to use these skills in my new

career, but it is time for a complete change andIm very excited. My new venture is still in the

embryonic, brainstorming phase but it is essen-

tially an online retail business involving trade

between the UK and South AfricaIll tell you

more as I go. Whats in it for you? Well, this is

simply an invitation to join me for what is sure

to be an enlightening, hugely rewarding and,

occasionally bumpy ride.Youll get all the mile-

stonesgood, bad and ugly.

Im certain that having an audience will play

an important role and may even keep me on

track. With a bit of luck and hard graft, I am hop

ing that before long, my new business will have

been born. Whatever happens youll be getting

an honest account of what it takes to start a

business from scratch.See you next monthheres hoping I won

be bankrupt. TAB

Wts it t ? W, tis is simp ivitti tji m wt is s t igtig, gwdig d, ccsi mp id


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sMAll Business fOc

ti 036


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38 SMALL BUSINESS FOCUS hm hms

J Picig tks t J mig

visi id ppt dvps,

hm hmst w pssi,

ctivit, vimt spsiiit dctsmsip v s t sm cmp

cv t t, v i t c

g cssi

How was the company created?

huMAne hOMes WAs inspired by the housing di-

lemmas facing South Africans. The idea emerged

to deliver a modular home at entry level to the

subsidised accommodation sector. The simple

and high quality home would include pre-manu-

factured components and designed to be erected

on a pre-cast oor at the site.

The prototypes were rst tested early in 2010,

which provided a better understanding of the wide

range of potential target markets, while allowing

renement. Response to the delivery concept and

nished product was overwhelmingly positive.

We recognised that prospective home own-

ers face many challenges in obtaining nanc-ing for a home which meets its budget and

the needs of inhabitants, but also allows for

extension and improvement in the future. It

was essential to provide a product that delivers

quality and durability, while meeting aesthetic,

power and technology requirements.

W cgisd tt pspctivm ws c m cgsi tiig cig m,

wic mts its dgt d tds iitts, t s w xtsi d impvmt it t

It soon became apparent that the design ap

proach, technologies and processes employed f

the entry level homes, could be extended to the

whole spectrum of domestic homes, including

luxury bespoke structures, as well as a range of

commercial, industrial and institutional building

How have you managed to nance the

venture?

Apart from largely self-serving contributions of

companies such as MiTek, Saint-Gobain, and even

Cashbuild, Humane Homes neither approached,

nor received any assistance what so ever from a

government agency. Only private loans have been

utilised in sustaining the development of the com-pany. The buy-in by Jim Morgan in 2011 allowed u

to complete our rst show house, and hence pro-

mote our company to trading status.

How long has the company been trading

The close corporation formed in 2009 was


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converted to a full company at the start of

2010. On account of a very long and com-

plicated development process, we only truly

announced our presence in the market during

October 2011.

Who are your typical customers?

They mainly comprise of clients requiring domestichomes, and businesses within the commercial,

industrial and education sectors. Our delivery

mechanism and routes to market are unusual, in

an SA context, as we are seeking to reach some

segments of the domestic market through compa-

nies and institutions that are committed to help

alleviate the housing shortage.

In addition, we are targeting non-domestic

companies that demand high quality and short

turnaround times, and to which the designs, tech-

nologies and delivery mechanism is attractive.

How many people do you employ?

Currently our company employs around 20 peo-ple directly. The number varies according to the

various projects on hand. Most works are out-

sourced and will remain so for the foreseeable

future in non-critical areas and where there is a

nancial benet to continue to do so.


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40 SMALL BUSINESS FOCUS hm hms

Is there an extra incentive to change the

world and attitudes as well as making a

buck or two?

There is no greater global challenge than nding

a way to provide secure housing for roughly half

the worlds population and, if the solution was

straightforward, it would have been solved long

ago. This problem is much more than a housingproduct - it is also about land, nance, design,

material delivery and building methods.

T is gt g tst tdig w t pvid scsig g t wds

ppti d, i t sti ws

stigtwd, it wd v svd g g

These issues must all be solved simultane-

ously, and solved within very powerful cultural con

straints. It is also about insuring long term succes

with owner education, and affordability of utilitiesand maintenance. As there are many easier ways

to make money, one can only be engaged in this

business if one is primarily motivated by meeting

an absolutely vital world challenge.

The approach and technology is new in the

SA context and therefore have to be positioned


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visiOn:

To employ a turnkey approach by offering a

range of high quality structures to landowners

and developers, utilising pre-manufactured

and enhanced components, erected and

finished on-site by specialist teams, to ensure

speed, quality and precision.

MissiOn:To exploit the best technologies and delivery

processes available for the product ranges,

achieve cost-effective delivery, provide the

mechanism for future enhancement and extend

the structures in future.

PrODucT:

Ranges rely on continuous development of

ground-breaking design, technologies and

processes at the frontier of market needs and

demands. The product range extends from basi

single entry-level units to high-end bespoke

structures, finding application in domestic

housing, as well as commercial, industrial and

institutional structures.

Survival and growth in a global economic

downturn: The main challenge for the company

during the poor global economic climate has

always been to grow and develop the reputation

of Human Homes, while continuing to capture

imagination and inspire enthusiasm. The key to

survival is positivity.


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PHOTO CREDIT: THESUPERMAT/WIKIMEDIA COMMONS


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POliTic

yOussOu

nDOura mii vics

044


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46 POLITICS yss nD

yss nD ps t cpt Sgs

vts s s cim t t psidc is

vd ct. abJ cts t pgss

mci pp st ws kwdg Sg wd pp t tscd is ck

cdmic qictis.

fOr MAny he will always be the voice behind one

of the most haunting and dening pop anthems

of the 1990s. Now Youssou NDour is determined

to top the political charts, after declaring himself

a candidate in the ercely competitive race to

become Senegals next president.

In addition to the global success he gained

with 7 Secondsthe huge 1994 hit on which he

collaborated with the British female vocalist Ne-

nah CherryNDour has enjoyed sustained suc-

cess and huge popularity in his native Senegal.

He has been credited with bringing the countrys

unique mbalax drumming and singing styles to

the mainstream, while also gaining recognition

for the creative fusion of salsa, jazz and hip-hop.

Getting Wade

Next months elections will see the musicianalong

with a dozen other contendersbid to oust Abdou-

laye Wade, the African states current leader.

In a tense lead up to the showdown on Febru-

ary 26 there has been a volatile constitutional row,

which threatens to boil over. It concerns whether

Wadewho is almost 86should be allowed to

increase his 11 year tenure by a third term.

The revised Senegalese constitution limits

presidential terms to two, but Wadein a cheeky

attempt to blur the rulesclaims that this should

not apply to his rst, as it started in 2000, thereby

pre-dating the amendment. Many believe that age

and arrogance have combined to create a monste

The revised Senegalese constitution limits

presidential terms to two, but Wadein a cheek

attempt to blur the rulesclaims that this shoul

not apply to his rst, as it started in 2000, there

by pre-dating the amendment

Resentment over Wades leadership reache

a crescendo in June last year when Wade pro-

posed new electoral rules, which would have

made it easier for him to win the poll, and even-

tually hand power over to his son.

Pressure on the President also increased

whenenraged by chronic power cutsprotest-

ers clashed with riot police in the capital, Dakar

leaving more than 100 wounded; forcing thepresident to back down.

Singing hope

NDour has been one of the loudest and most

frequent critics of Wades premiership, ever

since their bitter feud began in 2005. Before


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then they were close allies and the singer even

sang for him a number of times.

Some critics say NDoura successful entre-

preneurstopped backing President Wade when

he realised his businesses would not benet from

the relationship any more. This hasnt, however,

stopped thousands of voters seeing the singer as

something of a savioura man of the people.

The singer has been especially scathing

about what he calls the proigate spending of

the Wade leadership, in a country where formal

employment is scarce and average income per

head is $3 (1.90) a day.

Meanwhile, NDour has even cancelled anumber of gigs to ensure he is fully prepared for

a robust leadership battle and pulled no punches

in his early leadership contest declaration. I am

a candidate and I will engage in the presidential

race, he told national radio and television.

Somewhat appropriately, the lyrics in 7 Sec-

onds refer to the constant social, nancial and

emotional burdens that many human beings face

from the moment they are born. In a satisfying twi

NDour will now try and improve the lives of some

the most disenfranchised people in the world.

The lyrics in 7 Seconds refer to the con-

stant social, nancial and emotional battles tha

many human beings face from the moment they

are born. In a satisfying twist NDour will now try

and improve thousands of lives

For a long time, men and women have

demonstrated their optimism, dreaming of a ne

Senegal, NDour said, as he began to step up

the campaign. They have, in various ways, calle

for my candidacy in the February presidential

race. I listened. I heard.

In response to questions about his lack of a

university education, he was deant.

It is true that I do not have a university edu

cation but being a president is not something

PHOTO CREDIT: HENRYK KOTOWSKI/WIKIMEDIA COMMONS


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48 POLITICS yss nD

POPulAr culTure in POliTics

Youssour NDour is by no means the only show

biz patron to have swaggered, tambourine-in-

hand, onto the political stage. John Pinching

takes a look at other entertainers who have

gambled their reputations.

Arnold Schwarzenegger Possessing all the

acting range of a house brick this daft Austrian

ex-body builder became one of Hollywoods

biggest box office pulls throughout the 1980s

and 90s. When revisiting Predator, Twins and

The Terminator its impossible to understand

why he was in such demand. This, however,

didnt stop him becoming Governor of

California in 2003, consequently producing h

least convincing performance to date.

Ronald Reagan After his career as a B-Movie

actorpredominantly in low budget

WesternsReagan reinvented himself at as a

representative of his beloved Republican par

His wholesome, all-American image seduced

the electorate and he gradually rose up the

ranks, eventually getting the key to the White

House in 1980. He remained there for nine

years, flogging arms and gradually becoming

rather untrustworthy.

PHOTOCREDIT:BOBDORAN/WIKIMEDIACOM

MONS

ARNOLD SCHWARZENEGGER RONALD REAGAN


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50 POLITICS yss nD

they teach at school.

It is a supreme patriotic duty. I have proved

my competence, commitment, rigour and ef-

ciency time and time again. I have studied at the

school of the world. Travel teaches as much as

books, he added.

It is true lyrics that I do not have a university

education but being a president is not some-

thing they teach at school. I have studied at the

school of the world

Natural harmonies

Youssou NDours candidacy has not come as a

great surprise to his countrymen. For years his lyr-ics have indicated, not only an appreciation of the

human condition, but an acute political awareness.

Last year he engaged in domestic politics on

a number of occasions, denouncing Wades at-

tempt to suppress a run-off vote in the presiden-

tial elections in the process.

PHOTO CREDIT: WORLD ECONOMIC FORUM ANNUAL MEETING


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There is no doubt that NDour is extremely

popular in Senegal, however, the key to tran-

scending his chosen craft and succeeding in th

unforgiving political theatre will be whether he

can articulate messages as well as he does in

his music. Potential voters will also want to see

new, well-structured policies and an appetite fo

cultural change throughput Senegal.

Can he now turn hundreds of thousands of

fans into voters? His radio and TV networks will

be of great help, but the transition from stadium

to the corridors of power will not be straight for-

ward. If he does reach the summit it will be the

greatest performance of his life.

His most famous song stressed the impor-

tance of seconds, but this time NDour wants

years.TAB

WWW.yOussOu.cOM

2


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54 SPORTS lik t t

The lAsT sixmonths have not been cricket.

Well, they have been cricketbut not as a gen-

tleman would like to witness it. In November

2011 a trio of hopelessly misguided Pakistani

cricketers were packed off to the clink after Lon-

dons Southwark Crown court found them guilty

of spot-xing.

Salman Butt, Mohammad Asif and Moham-

mad Amirwhose guilt had been written across

their conspicuously sheepish faces ever since they

sent the game spiralling into the mire, during a

test match against England at Lords in 2010willwonder why they, literally, threw everything away.

It had already been a disastrous tour for

the visitors when the two fast bowlers, Amir and

Asifurged on by their captain, Buttproceeded

to bowl no-balls of such mind-boggling obvious-

ness, it was almost laughable.

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w -s sc mid-ggivisss, it ws mst g

As the game reeled from this embarrass-

ment another young bowler from Essex, Mervy

Westeld, was in the dock after inexplicably giv

ing into the whims of an Asian betting syndicatAnother life ruined.

What makes these cases especially inex-

plicable, is how the players in questioneven

within the often bafing nuances of cricketare

so blatent. In the nal analysis, these cases wer

not difcult to prove. During the passage of play

HERSCHELLE GIBBSPHOTO CREDIT:

YELLOWMONKEY/BINGUYEN/WIKIMEDIA COMMONS

MOHAMMAD AMIRPHOTO CREDIT:

WONKER/WIKIMEDIA COMMONS

MOHAMMAD ASIFPHOTO CREDIT:

NGB/WIKIMEDIA COMMONS


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in which the players cheat when, one presumes,

a certain amount of subtly is required these tal-

ented sportmen go from devastatingly accurate

professionals to elderly clergyman heaving their

ancient limbs across the village green.

Its all so depressing familiar to cricket fans.

Weve been here before and, as history will wit-

ness, these things always, always end badly.

In the beginning

While South African rugbys Springbok-guided mis-

sile has blazed a euphoric trail and often dominant

rise since throwing away the shackles of apartheid,

the countrys cricketers have swayed between awe-

inspiring brilliance and inexplicable stupidity.

Back in 1994 a young, smart and raven-

headed batsmen emerged from the ruins of South

African cricket to lead his team into a brave new

era in which they would, once again, be permit-

ted to perform on the international stage, pitting

their wits against the best test cricket teams in the

world (and England).

Inspirational, well-educated and maturebeyond his years Hansie Cronje was the perfect

poster-boy for this brave new generation of South

African cricket. Indeed, in 1994 it was impos-

siblepreposterous even to considerthat only a

few years later he would be throwing matches in

exchange for as little as an item of clothing.

Hansie solo

Seventeen years ago, when South Africa tenta-

tively took their rst steps back onto the inter-

national stage Hansie was there to guide them

and what a shining uorescent torch he was too

The English crowd, in front of whom South Africa

would play their rst comeback test, are ever-

respectful of a talented overseas visitor and, in

Hansie, they saw a player who, over a balmy sum

mer they could warm to, even if his sweater did

have a green trim.

They had applauded many a conqueror of

their team before (god knows, theres been a

few), but this time each individual clap con-

tained just that little more resonance. Hansie

was a ne cricketer, but that was not the only

reason for the extra frisson in the English ova-

tion. It was also a recognition that here was

cavalier, not only leading a test XI, but also the

hopeseven the future prosperityof an entire

nation. It was one of the biggest responsibilitie

in the history of sport and yet Cronje carried it

with charm, grace and dignity.Hansie was thoroughly professional, kind,

rm, generous, hard-working and his team

would have walked up Table Mountain for him,

said his former international manager Bob

Woolmer (who also died in the midst of a gam

bling conspiracy).


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56 SPORTS lik t t

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Te crash

Yet, behind the charm Cronje was slipping into

the murky world of gamblingspread betting to

be more precise. We may never know how many

times he accepted bribes in exchange for delibe

ately changing the course of a game or throwing

matches, but the most notable occasions were

against India in 1996 and England in 1999.

From supplying team selection details, he

started to meddle with the outcome of events

within games and, as he became increasingly

submissive to the syndicates the once-proud

captain started to manipulate players with in th

team. These included Herschelle Gibbs*, Henry

Williams, Nicky Boje and Pieter Strydom.

*Hansie, if youre listening, please dont

waste too much time feeling guilty about leading

Herschelle Gibbs astray, he is quite capable of

being an idiot without your help.

One of the most puzzling aspects of the

Cronje affair was his compliance with the requir

ments of his gambling associates. Although the

nancial rewards were often extravagant, equal

there were times when his fee would be as little

as a leather jacketand a womans leather

jacket at that.

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WhAT is sPOT fixinG?

Spot fixing is a derivative of spread betting.

Rather than betting on the outcome of a

small event within a sport such as a game

(tennis), half (football), frame (snooker) or

over (cricket), a spot-fixing gambler can

predict the outcome of an individual unit,

within a small eventfor instance a single

delivery in an over of cricket. The person

betting may wish to combine predictions

by guessing several occurrences within a

chapter of play. In the case of the convicted

Pakistan cricketers it had been agreed

prior to the match that in two specific overs,

one no-ball and two no-balls would be

bowled respectively.


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After an emotional confession, the drama un

folded in a courtroom and a broken Cronje had t

be helped out of the dock by his brother, capture

by the worlds cameras. The tragedy was made

complete when Cronje died in a plane crash in

2002. Not even the sight of that wreckageno

just the plane, but the manhas been enough

to persuade players that their fortune lies, not

in corruption, but in honest sportsmanship.

Although, exposure can change attitudes, it

cannot rid the world completely of fraudulent ac

tivity in even the most sacred past times. We hav

to accept that what we are witnessing is an incu

able curiosity that inhabits the darkest aspects

the human condition.

Cronje was unquestionably greedy; clearly

in the grip of an inveterate and curious addic-

tion, which went way beyond nancial recom-

pense. He was a national hero and an inspira

tion to millions and yet it was the chancethe

thrill if you willof gambling with his own repu

tation and legacy that appeared so oddly and

devastatingly irresistible. TAB


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The CapeThe fine line beTween prOur man i


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60 SPORTS T Cp csd

PHOTO BY: YELLOWMONKEY/BLNGUYEN. WIKIMEDIA COMMONS

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A very cOMMOn philosophical observation of

those viewing our extraordinary planet from outer

space is that there are no visible national, provin-

cial or class boundaries.

I can only imagine that a distinctly 1960s

frisson penetrates their soul, as they are tempo-

rarily divorced from the racial, nationalistic and

bigoted tendencies they exhibit on terra rma.

We hardened beings are, however, keenly

aware of the negative impact of differences in

religion, skin colour, language and educational

levels in our daily lives, while some seriously con-

servative freaks have contemplated the blissfulstate that would be enjoyed if we all spoke the

same language, ate the same food, believed the

same things.

The reality is, divisions are here to stay, and

peace will be eetingly achieved at best. There is

an upside, however, when tapping into our deep-

est feelings of partialityit makes sport endless

fascinating and incredibly exciting. When sport

is consumed, we can legitimately deny our good

upbringings, our private education, dare I say it,

our better judgement.

My goodness, it feels amazing to despise

the team from across town, across the country,

across the continent and across the world. The

opposition, for 80 minutes of raw rugby, or even

ve days of cricket, are not as good as us, not a

worthy as us. They are pure, unadulterated scum

Whats more, the other 50,000 in the stadium

agree with you!

Universal language

This understanding of sportand its unique lan-

guageis held in many disciplines and in most

parts of the world. If further proof was needed,

the supporters memorabilia, team kits, ags

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62 SPORTS T Cp csd

always sell like hot cakes. Recently, however,

seasoned sports watchers have noticed a sinister

and pervasive spirit entering our beloved teams,

dirtying our pure, bigoted joy. This enemy is the

so-called professionalism employed by previouslypatriotic sports people. Furthermore, players

and coaches try to justify gross acts of disloyalty

with the increasingly popular open-mindedness

excuse.

Take for example a certain Mickey Arthur,

the ex-Protea cricket coach. Why do I single him

out? Surely Allan Donald and Gary Kirstenboth

involved in the current Protea set-upare just as

guilty, having coached cricket in New Zealand

and India respectively? Gary led India to victory

in a World Cup, our achilles heel tournament,while Allan Donald assisted the New Zealand at

tack in overcoming the formidable Protea battin

line-up in the quarter nals. Allans obvious glee

at the result left a lot of loyal South African sup-

porters feeling a little bit let down, even betraye

yet, Inexplicably, we nd it in our great hearts to

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forgive these two men, who were welcomed back

with open arms.

Arthur man he used to beI would venture to suggest, Mickey Arthurs indis-

cretion is an offence of far greater magnitude. He

left the South African cricket coaching role under

a bit of a cloud, and then proceeded to sell us

all down the river by taking up a coaching role

a head coaching role with our arch enemies,

whose very name we choke on! Can he ever be

forgiven? Every time I hear the traitor being in-

terviewed, it takes every ounce of strength not to

throw the television out of the window. He wants

the Aussies to be, number one in the world

again, in all three disciplines of the game! Thats

not only offensive, but completely unforgivable.

But it is the professional age, isnt it? I hear

you argue. If you were offered that kind of career

opportunity and undoubtedly oodles of dosh,

wouldnt you do the same? I hear you add, con-

descendingly. The truth is I dont think I wouldnt

even entertain the thought, let alone the reality.Where is the line between professionalism and

treachery? Its the line Arthur crosses every time

he shouts encouragement at a gold shirt.

Some fairly loud whispers from the rugby

world suggest a similar South African Judas may

be emerging, as his treacherous heart leads him

cart-wheeling toward a decision that will place

him so far beyond the aforementioned line that

no upstanding Springbok supporter could ever

utter his name again.

Propping up the Boer

Social mediathe modern day gospelhas

revealed that Nick Mallett (current coach of Italy

may well betray his roots and accept a role as th

next head coach of the unkempt and disorderly

English Roses of Twickenhamthe very same

bullies that resorted to such unspeakable tactic

during the Anglo-Boer wars.

It is the knowledge of military history and

pain that our ancestors endured, which courses

through the veins of every respectable Spring-

bok, fuelling each and every full-blooded tackle

The June three-test series between the Pom

and Boks in South Africa will take on even more

epic proportions should Mallett be at the helm,

especially he has the unenviable task of staring

down Gert Smal.

Whatever the outcome, my allegiances willremain intact, which is more than I can say for

my countrymen. Mickey, you are a traitor, and

Nick Mallett, consider yourself put on notice. 30

pieces of silver for your soul. TAB


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66 EDUCATION nti li St aic

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Peruse The shelves, smile at the familiar titles,

and stare inquisitively at the array of more unfa-

miliar spines. Think of the possibilities. My word, is

there anything more therapeutic than oating down

the mysterious isles of a library? No, there is not.

Shel lie

The National Library of South Africa was formed

back in 1999. This new and inspirational insti-

tution was formed by amalgamating the State

Library in Pretoria and the South African Library

in Cape Town, while also incorporating a special-

ist unitthe Centre for the Book.

The library is the proud custodian and pro-

vider of the nations key educational resources.

It collects and preserves published documents,making them accessible to thousands of people

every year.

This astonishingly versatile institution con-

tains a wealth of fascinating items, including rare

manuscripts, books published in South Africa,

periodicals, government papers, ofcial foreign

publications, maps, technical reports, Africana

and newspapers. Many of these priceless docu-

ments are available on CD or microlm, in digita

format or online.

Head of Communications Andrew Malotle

believes that the librarys passion for sharing its

impressive collections have been pivotal to its suc

cess. We ensure that knowledge is not lost to pos

terity, and that information is available to research

for everyone, he enthuses. The library still has a

essential role to play in the community.

On the books

Skilled and dedicated staff in the Reference an

text retrieval departments of the Pretoria Cam-

pus, are there to offer information services with

dedicated manifesto of service.

Their responsibilities include promoting opt

mal access to published and unpublished docu-

ments, providing references to specic subjects

and delivering services to clients in the languag

of their choice.

Reference librarians assist patrons in idenfying and nding information they need. In addi-

tion, they provide research assistance to clients

advising them of search strategies and showing

them how to use online resources and the huge

impressive Online Public Access Catalogue

(OPAC).


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68 EDUCATION nti li St aic

The reference librarians also correspond with

clients via e-mail, letters, telephone, fax, and

the Ask a Reference Librarian function on the

librarys webpage.

Meanwhile, text retrieval staff collate identied

material from the collections and make photocop-

ies and microlm printouts for client projects.

Carry on CampusThe facilities for clients at Pretoria campus have

proved immensely popular, attracting students,

business people, kids, older folk and archive

enthusiasts from all over the country.

Among its facilities is the majestic reading

room. This inspiring area provides tranquillity and

plentiful space for reading and study. It has refer-

ence collections kept on the open shelves, assist-

ing clients in their search for information sources

and government publications. The Reading room

is also equipped with state-of-the-art computers to

access online resources and databases.

The Map Library, as its title suggests, contains

a vast array of maps which visitors request and

make use of in the aforementioned Reading RoomThe Microlm Room provide microche and

microlm readers for clients to make view exten

sive materials. Text retrieval staff assist people

on the use of this equipment.

Another very useful facilitythe Discussion

Roomcaters for clients who wish to work as


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study groups and need to discuss and exchange

ideas for their research projects.

Shel-preservation society

The National Library of South Africa acts as na-

tional preservation library and provides a leader-

ship role in the South African library and informa-

tion profession.

The task of the Preservation Services Pro-gramme is to ensure that the Library maintains

and develops world-class policies and practices,

capable of providing vital conservation services on

a national basis. This mandate includes preserva-

tion awareness, care of collections, guidelines for

conservation and disaster planning and recovery.

Conservation activities including bookbind-

ing, book repairs and sophisticated conservatio

treatment are also signicant priorities. Dam-

aged materials, in need of repair, are treated in

the dedicated conservation department. Specia

ist conservation staffall passionate about the

maintenance and longevity of precious docu-

mentsare poised to assist with salvage opera-

tions. Most conservation functions are applied t

the librarys collections, although advice is regu

larly imparted regarding private collections

The new digitisation service is a very excitin

initiative, which creates digital records of mater

als for both preservation and access. It involves

a variety of technical approaches or strategies

for ensuring that publications in digital form are

retrievable, readable and consistently usable

over time, for as long as they are needed. This

venture endorses a long-standing institutional

commitment to developing appropriate standard

for these cutting edge systems.

The South African National Library has used a

its expertise to modernise the library experience,while also maintaining all the traditions which give

visitors such an unforgettable experience. Indeed,

you could say the last 13 years have been a maste

class in shelf condence.TAB

WWW.nlsA.Ac.ZA


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MulTi-TA

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76 RESOURCES GGp

maximum support to the local communities and

employing the best technologies available. Its

strength lies in its entrepreneurial abilities, un-

derstanding of the African culture, experience of

working conditions and ability to cross the bor-

ders into neighbouring countries.

As the energy resource landscape changesand attitudes towards alternative sources alters,

the company has relished the opportunity to

move with the times and has sought to expand

into new, and forward-thinking areas. In doing

so the group has created an abundance of new

options for its clients.

Over the last few years we have become

passionately involved in the geotechnical studie

for wind and solar farms in this country, Rossit

explains. These techniques are the future for

much of the business; its something which will

affect the entire industry in South Africa and we

want to be at the forefront of the revolution.The green initiatives are sure to give a

boost to the companys trading platform and,

with the government likely to listen to propos-

als for power purchase agreements soon, the

company is in a prime position to take on pub

sector contracts.


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For Geomechanics its a particularly exciting

time to be involved in the alternative energy mar-ket. Unlike many other companies it has care-

fully done its homework, enthusiastically getting

involved in green ventures from the beginning,

building up knowledge and experience, and pre-

paring the business for the increasing demand

for alternative sources.

We commit to continual improvement in ou

performance, efcient use of natural resources

and aspire to a zero harm to people and the env

ronment policy, says Rossiter, reassuringly.

In a changing world, companies need to be

able to change too. Refreshingly, GeoGroup is

all about diversication, technology and ex-ibility. Above all, however, its about choice and

the company has made a few that havequite

literallychanged the landscape and peoples

lives forever. TAB

WWW.GeOGrOuP.cOM


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Minin

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80 MINING Mit

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givig ti, it ds t kw tt

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its ssig t kw tt c d v

mci ms siss

The MulTiTuDe Ofchoice in the Manitou portfo-

lio mean that clients can get on with ventures

knowing that they will be prepared for any even-

tuality. Decades of technological wizardry and

knowledge have gone into the mighty machines

on their sites. Indeed, all across South Africa,

Manitou gear is making hard work much easie

Miner mission

Although mining masters, Manitou South Afri-

ca, were established on the continent in 1997

the parent company can boast half a centuryofliterallyground breaking ideas, innovation

and workmanship.

The South African adventure has been

hugely successful and now the company can

boast three bases in Johannesburg, Cape Town

and Durban.


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82 MINING Mit

JabeloFinancial Serv ices CC

Reg # 2008/253166/23

ACTIVE MEMBER: J.L. VAN NIEKERK (JANNIE) FSP 37851

Tel: 011 805 1356Fax: 086 635 1433

Cell: 082 880 9641

Email: [email protected]

Jabelo Financial Services CC is a licensed Financial institution registered with the Financial Services Board.

What do we offer you as a Consumer?

Jabelo Financial Services CC provides full financial planning for individuals and institutions, taking into account the complete financial portfolio. We shall

analyse each business and/or individuals financial situation, highlight problem areas and provide solutions to meet these problems.

Services include:

Business and related Insurance such as Medical Aid cover, Pension and Provident Funds, Buy and Sell and Key Man Insurance, Preferred Compensation,

Personal Life insurance, Disability and Dreaded Disease cover, Personal Estate duty structuring, Retirement planning, Investment structuring, Planning for

family security, Home Loans, Education financing.

Jannie van Niekerk and Jabelo have been Manitou SAs Financial Adviser in respect of Medical Aid, Provident Funds and Business insurance since

2004.- Lindsay Shankland, Managing Director, Manitou SA.


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84 MINING Mit


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Special efects

Manitous impressive stock is brought in from

its manufacturing base in France. By virtue of

being built across the water, all the machines

meet the new international rules relating to

noise and emission levels.

Once in South Africa the workforcewhichhas risen to almost 60offer a modication ser-

vice for the very specic needs of its local clients.

The adaptation of machines has been hugely

popular with mining operations in South Africa,

many of which are working in unusually dense or

inhospitable terrain.

It is also very important to the company tha

it brings cost-effective mechanisation to local

and overseas mining operations, with a variety

of material handling equipment and specialised

attachments, such as the custom-designed roof

bolter or drill rig. These machines offer increase

productivity, versatility, low fuel consumption anmaintenance costs. The equipment also has a

considerably longer lifeessential when clients

intent to use facilities on a daily basis.

While Manitou has an illustrious and un-

paralleled history of providing equipment to the

mining industry, it has also become increasingly

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Hippo supplies quality brands of clothing and gifts. We provide a corporate branding service using laser

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Hippo is a professional in the branding and supply of Corporate Workwear, Overalls,Beanies, Pens, Stationery and a wide selection of clothing and corporate

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86 MINING Mit

diverse over the years. In South Africa, mining

and construction were originally about 65 per

cent of our business, explains Shankland. Min-

ing is still the biggest portion of our business;

thats where we built our reputation, but we also

supply machines right across various business

platforms, especially where they require a roughterrain or semi-rough terrain machine.

The companys versatility can also be seen

in its extracurricular activities. It recently co-

sponsored Mozambiques Guinjata Sport Fishing

Clubs brilliantly-titled, Z-Craft/Mercury Spe-

cies Bonanza and even exed its muscles at a

SA Strongman Union competition held in Nigel,

where it provided sponsorship and the services

of a Manitou forklift to set up some of the ex-

traordinary competition segments.

Foothold on the uture

Manitou are constantly looking for new ways toevolve, new opportunities and new markets in

which to sell its machines. In recent times the

company has worked on the development of un

derground mining machines.

During 2011 we displayed our rst ame-

proof soft rock and hard rock underground utility


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90 MINING btsw as

BOTsWAnA Ash (BOTAsh), the leading supplier of

salt and soda ash in southern Africa, has been at

the forefront of its industry for twenty years.

With world consumption of soda ash closetotalling around the 50 million tonnes mark per

annum, the company has been helping business-

es across Africa meet their own demands.

All of the companys activities, from produc-

tion through to marketing and sales to adminis-

tration, take place at its mine near Sowa.

Botash has a production capacity of more

than 700,000 tonnes per annum and its mine

is located on the east side of the Makgadikgadi

pan, one of the largest and most famous saltats on the planet.

The company produces a range of salts,

which are sold across the African continent, and

has a core focus on South Africa, its key market

for soda ash where its products are most often

used in the countrys glass industry.


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92 MINING btsw as

Other uses of soda ash include various met

allurgical applications and paper manufacture.

In order to obtain the minerals, Botash has

drills wells into underground aquifers below the

surface of the dry and saline sands of the pan

from where it collects and pumps brine into sola

evaporation ponds. It is in these ponds that the

extraction process begins.

The seeds of the company were planted in

November 1988, when the Botswana Govern-

ment, AECI, Anglo American Corporation and De

Beers signed an agreement to build a multi-mil-

lion dollar soda ash and salt plant at Sua.

By April 1991 the plant was in operation as

the organisation began to exploit the natural

deposits of the pan.

In 1995 the company was restructured as

Botswana Ash (Pty) Ltd, with the Botswana Gov-

ernment as the major shareholder with a 50

per cent share in the company. Anglo American

Corporation, AECI and De Beers each hold 14 p

cent, while the remaining eight per cent is held

by a bank consortium.

Regional employer

Botash is one of the regions largest employees

with a workforce totalling more than 450. The

company offers ongoing training opportunities f

its staff and has in place a localisation programm


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aimed at reducing reliance on expatriate em-

ployees in favour of local workers.

Sowa Town was constructed 20 kilometres

from the plant to accommodate and support

Botashs employees.

The settlement was built on behalf of the

government by the Botswana Housing Corpora-

tion and comprises more than 800 houses.

Set among a pristine natural environment in

remote Botswana, Sowa has become a haven for

wildlife and bird enthusiasts, and the town features

medical and educational facilities for residents.

Much of the Sowas social life centres on

the homely Country Club and the towns own

unique golf course features sand fairways while

the purpose-built Botash stadium is home to

various football teams.

Botash operates a free bus service for the

towns residents to and from its plant, and other

facilities in the town include shops, a bank,

library, gymnasium, and swimming, tennis and

squash facilities.

Environmentally sound

Botash has taken a proactive stance towards

the environment since its very early days and, as

well as having in place a full-time environmental

ofcer, the rm has aligned itself with the ISO

14000 international environmental standard.


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94 MINING btsw as


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96 MININGPMI Gold Corporation

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PMi GOlDs OBOTAn project, in Ghana, is the

near-term production opportunity capturing mar-

ket attention and the rst of three emerging min-

ing centres the company is developing as it goes

about becoming a signicant West African gold

producer. PMI Gold shares rocketed more than

67 per cent when Obotans gold resource raised

270 per cent in October. In summary, the project

is now home to:

An NI43-101/JORC compliant measured re-

source estimate of 14.67 million tonnes at 2.66

grams per tonne gold for 1.22 million contained

gold ounces; Indicated resources of 27.5 million

tonnes at 2.32 grams per tonne gold for 2.00

million gold ounces; and 17.54 million tonnes of

inferred resources grading 2.35 grams per tonne

gold for 1.29 million contained ounces.

The highlights from intersections returned

bolstered this surge of investor interest (35 dia-

mond drill holes for 7,614 metres revealing 3.47

grams per tonne gold over 30 metres, and 51.17

grams per tonne gold over eight metres) and the

release of the pre-feasibility study will wrap upwhat continues to be an outstanding develop-

ment project; now in the hands of the right team

to realise its full potential.

Add in PMI Golds other assetsincluding

additional near-term production opportunities at

the Kubi project, 65 kilometres east of Obotan in

the Ashanti gold belt, and the large ground hold-

ing along strike at the Asankrangwa beltand th

company is sitting on 3.45 million measured and

indicated ounces and 1.4 million inferred ounce

Seven years spent acquiring land and explorin

in one of the worlds most prolic gold producing

regions is about to pay off, and as Managing Dire

tor Collin Ellison says, to have PMI Golds ground

holding in this region is unusual (530 square kilo

metres in the Golden Triangle) and having the fun

ing and expertise to develop it to production place

PMI Gold in an excellent position for growth.

Outstanding results on track at Obotan

Recent results from Obotan continue to suppo

project robustness in line with PMI Golds plan

for a pre-feasibility model of approximately

200,000 ounces per annum. The projects his-

tory offers equally good encouragement, and

PMI Gold has expanded upon data provided by

previous owners, Resolute Mining, who focuse

on the upper portion of Obotans Nkran depos

and smaller satellite deposits Abore and Adu-biaso. Without mining the projects other satel

lite, the Asuadai deposit, Resolute produced

730,000 ounces at an average grade of 2.2

grams per tonne gold during prices of less than

US$350 per ounce. Approximately 590,000

ounces came from Nkran; where over three-


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1FEBRUARY 2012 The African Business Journal

estimate (ahead of the bankable feasibility study).

This work has enabled PMI Gold to identify further

targets in the same multiple parallel gold bearing

shear zones which house Obotans four known

deposits, and the company states that they now

offer an interpreted combined strike length of over

30 kilometres for the project.As is the case for other exploration targets

found in both the Kubi project and Asankrangwa

project (covering the southern 45 kilometre

strike extension at Obotan), the PMI Gold team

also plans to carry out sustained drill testing on

new areas of encouragement during the 2011

year-end. Activity will begin when two PMI Gold

rigs arrive onsitean RC/Diamond and an Air

Core/RABand in early 2012 (well-timed for the

new resource estimate ahead of the BFS) an-

other RC/Diamond will also make its way over to

Obotan.

Some 7 kilometres northwest of Obotan othe same north-northeast trending shear zone

as Nkran, the un-mined Asuadai deposit of-

fers more strong potential for future discovery

and adding to the resource statement. To date

the 17 holes drilled in shallow dipping stacked

quartz veins outcropping on a small rise have

Why PMi?

PMI Gold is focused on rapidly progressing the Obotan gold project to development,

targeting production commencement in late 2013

There it a significant 4.51 million ounce resource at Obotan in place, and thecompany is targeting further upgrade for feasibility

At the Kubi Project, which has an existing resource of 0.35 million ounces, significant

upside remains

Previous gold mining at Obotan and Kubi provides a major advantage to assist in

feasibility studies

Three diamond rigs are currently drilling, and the team is expanding its fleet to 5

drill rigs next month

Recent drilling has focussed on resource expansion at existing deposits. The focus

will now shift to exploration drilling for new discoveries

PMI Gold is undervalued relative to its West African gold company peer group

The company has a strong balance sheet (US$21.08million circa 30 September 2011)

and no debt


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PHOTO: NYANI QUAR


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1FEBRUARY 2012 The African Business Journal

turned up a urry of good results (including

24 metres at 2.32 grams per tonne from 108

metres, 7 metres at 3.38 grams per tonne from

71 metres, and 11 metres at 4.33 grams per

tonne from 90 metres).

Even during tough times for capital rais-

ing, PMI Gold has dedicated funds to a signi-

cant drill programmea clear sign that this is

the company to pick up where Resolute leftoff (building on a period of mining success for

Obotan despite substantially lower gold prices).

In addition to taking Obotan to fruition and be-

coming a gold producer in the process, drilling

is ongoing at the Kubi Project where the PMI

Gold team intends to commence a pre-feasibil-

ity study during 2012 and swiftly follow Obota

with another potentially company-making asse

Exploration upside at Kubi

Located 65 kilometres east of Obotan is Kubi,

where PMI Gold reports advanced exploration an

development potential. It is 15 kilometres south o

the AngloGold Ashantis 60 million ounce Obuasi

Gold Minethe largest underground mine in WesAfrica which has been up and in operation for a f

113 yearsand Ashanti previously mined approx

mately 59,000 ounces of gold at 3.65 grams per

tonne from two shallow pits at Kubi 1998 to 2005

Now home to a JORC compliant resource of

0.35 million gold ounces (112,000 ounces mea-

incOMinG uPDATes in 2012

Obotan

2011 Q4, Pre-feasibility study report

Feasibility study work program

2011 Q4 and beyond, Environment and sociological impact studies

2011 Q4-2012 Q2, Database QA/QC & resources estimation

2011 Q4-2012 Q2, Mine & process design

2012 Q1-2012 Q2, Capex, Opex cost estimates & economics

2012 Q2-end, Feasibility Study Report

Kubi

2011 Q4, Review and re-estimation resources

2011 Q4 and beyond, Exploration drilling continues at Dunkwa-Gyimigya, Gyimigya 2012 Q1 and beyond, Exploration drilling at the Kubi & Kubi Forest Reserve (Mining Lease)

2012 Q2, Review & re-estimation resources at the Kubi & Kubi Forest Reserve (Mining Lease)


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sured; 121,000 ounces indicated; 115,000 ounc-

es inferred), a granted mining lease and plenty of

blue sky potential to increase the resource, Kubi

has undergone a detailed exploration pr

the african business journal feb 2012 - john pinching

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