Post on 03-Apr-2016
description
TEL: 053 8312331 WEDNESDAY 17 SEPTEMBER 2014 WWW.EXPRESSNEWS.CO.ZA
FREE
Northern Cape
}
Boipelo Mere
THE decision by the Department
of Education to redeploy teachers
from the schools affected by the
Joe Morolong school closure to
other schools was not taken well
by the members of the Road
Forum.
According to the forum, this
proves that they will not get their
road and that government does not
care about the well-being of the
learners.
They claim they are concerned
and want the schools to open while
in the meantime they send the
teachers to other schools, the
forum members said.
According to reports, the head of
department (HOD) of the Depart-
ment of Education, Tshepo
Pharasi, called a teachers meeting
at Maropeng on Thursday where
he made the announcement that
the teachers would be redeployed
to other schools around Kuruman
and that they would be transported
by the department.
Not all teachers had reported to
the identified schools by Tuesday
as they were still waiting for final
instructions in terms of travelling
costs.
The South African Democratic
Teachers Union (Sadtu) says that
the Department of Education had
the right to redeploy the teachers
to use their skills where they were
needed.
There was consultation from
the department concerning the
issue. The closure of the schools is
unfortunate, but it is the preroga-
tive of the employer to make the
decision, Sipho Mayongo, the
provincial secretary of Sadtu, said.
Mayongo dismissed the allega-
tions that Sadtu had sent out SMSs
to its members in protest against
the redeployment which some of
the teachers, who wanted to
remain anonymous, said they had
received.
I do not have knowledge of any
messages that we are reported to
have sent to our members, he
added.
Cosas, on the other hand, also
raised concerns about the deregis-
tration of the matriculants that
was announced by the Department
of Education. It was a concern to
them that there would be no gr. 12
classes in all Joe Morolong schools
next year.
Sydney Stander of the Depart-
ment of Education said on Thurs-
day: We are now at a stage where
it is not reasonably possible to
provide any help to the 469 gr. 12
learners. There are 45 days left to
the start of the final exam. The 469
gr. 12 learners have incomplete
assessments. These learners have
not been part of a normal teaching
and learning process since 5 June.
The Northern Cape Department
of Education (NCDOE) has there-
fore arrived at the following
conclusion informed by current
circumstances:
1. That all the gr. 12 learners of
the affected eight high schools in
Joe Morolong be deregistered and
reregistered as part-time learners.
This will afford them the opportu-
nity to prepare and write supple-
mentary exams in February/March
2015.
2. That all gr. R to gr. 11 learners
be allowed to redo their current
grades in 2015 as they have been
unable to complete a full academic
year in the system.
This position of the NCDOE is
reasonable and should be support-
ed because we have taken all steps
necessary to protect our learners,
but were not successful.
The provincial coordinator,
Tshiamo Mosimanyane, said that
the PTT felt that the department
should be lenient towards the
gr. 10, gr. 11 and gr. 12 learners and
meet them halfway by giving them
a second chance to repeat.
The school closure is a tragedy
to everyone. The learners deserve
special treatment because they
(government) are the ones to blame
by not delivering, he added.
) Log onto our website for
pictures and videos of Lucky
Kaibis giving the background of
their protest and the experience of
driving on the Joe Morolong roads.
Teachers redeployed
Departments decision does not sit well with Road Forum
THE National Council of Provinces (NCOP) also failed to convince the community to allow the children to go to school during a recent visit
to Bothithong in Kuruman where schools have been closed in the 49 villages. Photo: Boipelo Mere
2 EXPRESS NORTHERN CAPE, WEDNESDAY 17 SEPTEMBER 2014
NEWS
}
Boipelo Mere
THE young and out-going aspiring writer
Noxolo Tshukela from Kimberley has come
upon a great opportunity to grow and
advance within the literary industry.
That is after she sealed an agreement with
an international publishing company known
to Express Northern Cape from London to
fulfil her dreams of publishing and launching
her book.
The company is willing to publish and
launch her book for free, provided she pays
for her travelling expenses to London.
Tshukela is ready to jett off to London to
launch her book, which is already complete
and ready to hit the book shelves.
The launch is scheduled to be on 10
October. All she needs, is a sponsor, with
whom she is prepared to share her royalties.
The young writer urgently needs assist-
ance in terms of sponsorship to buy plane
tickets.
According to her, upon finding out earlier
in June about the publishing deal, she
relentlessly knocked on many doors and
hosted events in a bid to raise the funds
needed, but with no success.
Her efforts to find a sponsorship for her
trip, have still not borne any fruits as she
has still not even booked a plane ticket.
I need help, a sponsor, and that is why I
am calling out to all persons capable of
assisting to come forward. My book is a
highlight to my province as it will be able to
put it on the map and attract more invest-
ments. I have already sent a draft of the final
piece and it was approved, she pleads.
Tshukela explained during the interview
that her book is a compilation of short
stories that elaborates on the many intrica-
cies and complexities women deal with.
Growing up with many diverse ideologies
and teachings, confusion and curiosity
triggered the inception of her book titled
Elements of a unique compound where she
went on a journey of self-discovery of
understanding what being a woman was
about, beyond the body image and cooking
and cleaning.
The young writer was expecting the big
question as to why she had to jump the
borders and launch her book in London. She
explained that she got the confidence from
the publisher, who showed interest in her
book the first time they laid eyes on it.
The arts in South Africa is a tough
industry to get into. There is a lot of us
trying, but only a few make it. Going
overseas, is going to an audience that has a
fresh perspective and new appreciation of
our stories compared to local audiences that
are already familiar with our stories, so
overseas is fertile ground for me.
She says that she approached them
(publishers) back in 2010 and they liked her
stories because of its different story-line. The
book, which will sell at R120 per copy, will
also produce audio and braille editions for
impaired people.
Tshukela promises that if she finds an
investor, it will benefit a lot from the book
sales, including beyond money value.
I have the support of a recognised
company that has a great success rate; will
they approach a lost cause and lose a lot of
money by spending it on me? I know I will
make money, because my stories are
one-of-a-kind, she said in a desperate tone.
A quote from the book:
You are the element that completes the
compound, the flavour in the meal, the colour
in the sky, the life on earth. You are her . . .
the mystery is uncovered, the equation solved,
you are the fine print of humanity, the most
important and binding component, you are the
memory tucked away together in an album for
a triumphant journey, the souvenir in itself.
The celebration is her; the celebration is you
and I.
Aspiring writer
needs sponsor
THE aspirant writer Noxolo Tshukela from
Kimberley is looking for an investor to assist
her in launching her book in London.
Photo: Boipelo Mere
JOSEPHINE MODI-
PANEwho is formal-
ly fromBeaconsfield
is currently at the
Lethlabile Old Age
Home in Brits in the
North-West. She al-
leges that she left
home many years
ago and cannot re-
member the exact
time. She believes
that her children are
still living in Bea-
consfield and they
are known as Enge-
line Modipane,
Joseph Modipane,
Peter Modipane and
Johannes Modi-
pane. The police are
appealing to the
family of Modipane
or anyone who may
know her to contact
Const. Dineo Lucy
Sekgotodi of the
SAPS Namakgale
on 073-4148-339 or
015-769-1530 or fax
015-769-1128 or on
email.
Photo: Supplied
}
Boipelo Mere
IN an effort to stop ghost employees, the
Northern Cape Provincial Treasury urges all
government employees to physically verify
their personal information at biometric-aided
headcount points in order to avoid suspen-
sion of an employees salary.
That after the Northern Cape Provincial
Government, through the championship of
the Provincial Treasury, embarked on a
Biometric-Aided Headcount Project, which is
a digital headcount with physical verification
of all employees serving under the banner of
the Northern Cape Provincial Government
between 21 July and 21 August.
According to Mojalefa Mphapang, the
provincial Treasury spokesperson, the pay
roll system has already frozen the salaries of
officials who did not submit themselves for
verification, resulting in the affected employ-
ees not receiving salaries on Monday, 15
September. Some will also not get paid on 30
September in pursuit of eliminating ghost
employees.
The extension was already communicated
to departments through Provincial Treasury
circulars as well as interdepartmental
communication platforms.
Affected employees can only receive their
salaries upon verification and once it is
done, departments can raise a payment via a
supplementary run on Persal.
He said four workstations would be opened
at City Hall to allow affected employees to
come for verification. The verification site
was opened on 15 September and will stay
open until today from 08:00 to 16:00.
To achieve the communication objective of
the project, the Provincial Treasury held
numerous workshops engaging nominated
departmental human resources, union
representatives, labour relations and
communication representatives prior to the
commencement of the project to ensure that
information reached all employees; to ensure
a seamless process. For the success of the
project, the department with the assistance
of provincial government communicators,
radically communicated accurately and
regularly in different languages spoken in
the province in order to reach the targeted
audiences.
We call on all affected employees to come
on board for verification, it is the right thing
to do. We urge them to cooperate with
verification officers to allow a smooth and
quick process.
Employees are requested to have in their
possession their valid South African identity
document or smart card, original or certified
copies of highest academic qualification and
proof of affiliation to or registration with a
professional body.
Employeesmust verify info
EXPRESS NORTHERN CAPE , WEDNESDAY 17 SEPTEMBER 2014 3
NEWS
}
Boipelo Mere
THE current generation of ANC Youth
League (ANCYL) members vow to continue
taking over the baton from their forebearers
and commit themselves to carry on the
revolution towards the attainment of the
national democratic revolution.
The league commits itself to carry on the
fight against the socio-economic exclusion of
young Africans, young blacks in particular.
This the league emphasised through a media
release sent by its provincial secretary, Neo
Maneng, in celebration of its 70th anni-
versary.
We shall remain vigilant and militant just
like the generations which came before us in
pursue of our revolutionary goals and
objectives. We will not confuse militancy
with anarchy, we will remain disciplined at
all times and subject ourselves to the culture
and traditions of the ANC and ANCYL of
Nelson Mandela, Oliver Tambo, Govan
Mbeki and other heroes and heroines of our
glorious movement, stated Maneng.
In salutation of the 1940 generation of
pioneers like Anton Lembede, Walter Sisulu,
Nelson Mandela and others, the generation
which galvanised the ANC into a pragmatic
path of active militancy against the colonial
regime, the ANCYL promises to dip their
banners in honour of all those leaders.
We honour the youth of the 1976 genera-
tion, the ones who took to the streets to
signal their rejection of the system of
apartheid and all its laws and policies. We
honour the generation of young combatants
who skipped the country illegally to receive
military training in the frontline states of
Tanzania, Zambia, Mozambique, Botswana
and Zimbabwe.
We continue to salute the 1980s and 1990s
generations led by Jackie Selebi, Peter
Mokaba, Lulu Johnson and many others who
came after them. A generation which
re-organised the young people of our move-
ment from in- and outside the country to
come back and make a contribution to the
transitional process from apartheid to the
democratic order we all are benefiting from
today, continued the provincial secretary.
He continued to highlight how the genera-
tion of Mxolisi Majombozi, Robert Sobukwe,
Dilizintaba Mji and Robert Resha fought for
political freedom in our lifetime.
Our generation has a mammoth task of
fighting for economic freedom in our
lifetime. The fight for economic freedom in
our lifetime cannot be haphazard, full of
political rhetoric and populist monotonous
humdrums, but a scientific, clinical, yet
militant approach.
Maneng continued to urge the young
people to commit themselves to self-capacita-
tion by penetrating institutions of higher
learning in order to champion the aspiration
of the National Democratic Revolution,
which was underpinned by amongst others
the transfer of economic power to the people.
ANCYL
will fight
for goals
4 EXPRESS NORTHERN CAPE, WEDNESDAY 17 SEPTEMBER 2014
NEWS
}
Hendre Jacobs
MPHO MAROANES dream was realised
at last. The 2014 Tsantsabane Idol finally
released her long-anticipated debut album
on 5 September in the Postmasburg town
hall.
It was a night of bliss as the petite
singer went about delivering a five-star
performance to a capacity crowd.
The first batch of the 12-track album,
Yes, Lord, was sold out even before the
end of the night. Mpho, a truly gifted
soloist and composer, was stunning in her
performance and delivered an excellent
repertoire of dance, spoken word and
gospel music. She was supported by a
star-studded backing vocal team and
gospel band. Hilton Appollis, a communi-
ty leader in Olifantshoek, had high
praises after the show.
I am astounded by the depth of talent
in the Northern Cape, he said.
Mphos amazing vocal mastery was
discovered when she won the 2014
Tsantsabane Idols, a talent-seeking
competition in Postmasburg. She has
since been performing at every major gig
around town and fans describe her as a
singing wonder.
During the show, Mpho thanked the
Postmasburg community for their
support.
May God bless everyone that made
this project possible, especially the donor
community. It is such an honour to be the
first ever Tsantsabane Idol. Young people,
as you listen to the album, remember God
has not forgotten about you, she said.
Mpho is available for singing or
speaking engagements and can be
accessed via Facebook.
The Tsantsabane Idols is an annual
youth development programme brought to
Postmasburg by the National Youth
Development Outreach.
Mphos dream realised
MPHOMAROANE performing during the
launch of her CD. Photo: Hendre Jacobs
THREE suspects, Thato Pasman (20),
Siyanda Mxoli (23) and Randy Hoogstander
(22), appeared before the Galeshewe Magis-
trates Court on Monday on charges of the
murder of Dichaba Mabija (22).
It is alleged that the three suspects
approached the victim on Friday, 5 Septem-
ber, at about 22:30 when he was walking
home with his friend from a local tavern.
The suspects allegedly started to harass the
two friends.
That is when Mabija was fatally stabbed in
his neck while his friend was stabbed in his
hand. Mabija stumbled a few metres and fell,
where he died. The suspects, who were
known to the witnesses, were arrested the
Saturday by the police in Kagisho at about
02:30. The murder weapon was also confiscat-
ed from one of the men and they were
charged for murder and assault with intent
to do grievous bodily harm. They remained
in police custody and their next court
appearance is on 22 September.
Three arrested for murder
FROM the left are Thato Pasman (20), Siyan-
da Mxoli (23) and Randy Hoogstander (22).
Photo: Supplied
}
Noxolo Tshukela
WHEN we compare the success rate of other
provinces to that of the Northern Cape, we
rank very low. Artists in the province are
having it difficult. The few who brave
adversity and try to host shows, sessions and
so forth to familiarise themselves with local
audiences often find themselves having to
spend more than they profit because there
are too few people in attendance.
The question is why. Why do audiences
not support the arts in the province so that
artists can make a living from their craft?
Well, for me it is pretty simple. The
majority of the audience is swept up by the
night club wave which does not help the
artistic movement to advance.
There is rarely an influx of audience
members and the province is not often
considered within the national artistic
movements, and this leads to more problems.
I am not bashing the night club movement;
it is about preference and personal choice.
This leads to another point: Is the night
club movement to blame for the struggles of
local artists, and should audiences be
selected for the type of entertainment?
Absolutely not.
How can we promote the
artistic movement in the
province?
There is an enormous
lack of funding for ground-
level artists (governmental
and corporate), which
forces them to cough up their own money;
which is very little in most instances. They
then produce low-grade craftsmanship (poor
delivery of artistry), which is primarily
disappointing and embarrassing and which
causes the most talented and ambitious
artists to procrastinate to showcase their
talent.
This in turn deprives audiences of unique
experiences and growth when it comes to
new ideas and discovering new frontiers.
I am very passionate about artistry,
craftsmanship and breaking new ground
towards making the Northern Cape a
formidable city, a city to be reckoned with.
That is why I am writing this, to in a
sense, break new ground. Many artists have
a plea to make. They would like to make
their struggles known and see a change take
place to better conditions and to create more
opportunities so that a new and refreshing
breed of artists can take to the stage.
Artists in the NC
struggle to exist
}
Boipelo Mere
THE establishment of the Ivuma Arts Centre
in the heart of Greater No 2, Galeshewe,
came as a relief to local artists. They now
have a permanent meeting place where they
can showcase their talent.
Established as a Non Profit Organisation
(NPO) in February, the art centre is run
with the objective of exposing, promoting
and networking the art landscape and its
stakeholders.
The Ivuma Arts Centre will take part in
celebrating Heritage Month by telling its
stories through music, dance, storytelling,
poetry, stage performance, crafts and visual
art on 24, 26 and 27 September.
Many artists will display their work under
the theme My African Dream: Telling your
story that moves South Africa forward as a
way of reflecting and celebrating 20 years of
democracy in the country.
Artists from all walks of life will be
exhibiting. Among the local artist are
Bokhutlo Makhale (actor, writer and director
and painter), Mosekiemang Kola (painter,
wood-carver and arts crafter) and Nosipho
Mtabani (poet).
The arts centre was jointly established by
Ikgopoleng NGO, Vukani Ma Afrika (busi-
ness entity) and the Marcus Garvey Ortho-
dox Movement NGO. It is managed by a
committee of seven members with Thusho
Mokolare as the chairperson. Both the social
and economic development of the surround-
ing community and its artists rank high in
the centres agenda.
)Visit www.express-news.co.za for a video
of the local artist Seun Botake during a
rehearsal at the centre. Also share your view
or experience of the centre on the Facebook
page at Northern Cape Express.
Ivuma gives artists a home
LEFT: Visitors are
attracted by the
interesting menu
at the entrance of
the Ivuma Arts
Centre.
Photos: Boipelo Mere
RIGHT: The writ-
ing on the wall
explaining the
short history of
Dr Arthur Letele.
EXPRESS NORTHERN CAPE , WEDNESDAY 17 SEPTEMBER 2014 5
6 EXPRESS NORTHERN CAPE, WEDNESDAY 17 SEPTEMBER 2014
EXPRESS NORTHERN CAPE , WEDNESDAY 17 SEPTEMBER 2014 7
NEWS
}
Boipelo Mere
DRIVING from Kuruman to Bothitong
proved to be a sure way of learning how
unequal communities are, given the
terrible conditions of the roads in which
the rural communities on the Joe Moro-
long Municipality travel.
The pain of travelling on the bad roads
is easily eased once one meets a group of
young musicians calling themselves
Geenstress Records.
Geenstress Records is made up of four
local guys whose musical gifts remained
hidden until discovered by Express
Northern Cape.
According to the group, they strutt their
stuff with the hope of seeing government
tar their roads, so that it can be easy for
producers and big record labels to travel
to Bothitong and discover their hidden
talent.
They continue to highlight how there
has never been a time when their villages
have been more popular and visited by
different government officials, including
ministers.
The group, Geenstress, meaning no
stress, has come of age even though they
have many problems.
In the absence of two of the members,
Fanny Mkay Thobega and Otshepang
Candyboy Mokomele, the two remaining
members, Agisanang Delicate Modise
and Amogelang Aka DJ Ngamla Thupay-
agale, are honoured to take Express
Northern Cape through their experience.
We all had our own small recording
companies, even though they were not
efficient and registered. We came together
as home boys with some drums and the
love for music and plotted a better path of
forming one formidable record company to
avoid working in silos, says Agisanang
Delicate Modise, looking at Thupayagae
to take over the interview.
We agreed to work together and pro-
duce our music as a team so as to add
value to our product, adds Thupayagae.
He says that they have no problem
working together hence we have become
a formidable force in our region.
Counting on the close to R50 000 that
they spent on buying their musical
equipment, the boys are adamant that they
are facing a bright future.
In response to how they managed to buy
the expensive material in their unem-
ployed state, they reveal how their parents
had assisted them financially.
Our parents believe in us. They have
funded the equipment with the knowledge
that we will make money with them. We
had to make strong business proposals to
our unemployed parents, adds the ever
talkative Modise.
He proudly says that they (the group) do
not starve themselves from enjoying life
like their peers.
) Log onto thr website www.express-
news.co.za for a video of the groups first
song.
Noworries for geen stress
MEMBERS of the Geenstress Record Company based in Bothithong, Kuruman, in their
make-shift studio in a bedroom. They are Agisanang Delicate Modise (left) and Amoge-
lang Aka DJ Ngamla Thupayagale. Photo: Boipelo Mere
Our parents believe in us.
They have funded the
equipment with the knowl
edge that we will make
money with them.We had
tomake strong business
proposals to our unem
ployed parents. Ag
isanang Delicate Modise
8 EXPRESS NORTHERN CAPE, WEDNESDAY 17 SEPTEMBER 2014
}
Sidwell Guduka
THE Bloemfontein Celtic coach, Ernst
Middendorp, might not be facing the wrath
of angry fans baying for his blood, but he is
under pressure to overturn his teams poor
start to the season.
After an encouraging opening day 1-1 draw
against Mpumalanga Black Aces, followed by
another 2-all draw against Orlando Pirates,
Celtic lost 1-0 to high-riding Kaizer Chiefs
before registering a 2-0 victory over Amazu-
lu, which was followed by a scoreless draw
against Platinum Stars.
Middendorp, who is skating on thin ice,
watched the game from the stands as his side
were taught free football lessons by Mamelo-
di Sundowns at the Free State Stadium on
Sunday. The Brazilians deservedly won the
match 1-0 courtesy of an Elias Pelembe
tap-in.
MiddenDraw, as the German mentor is
nicknamed for specialising in draws, is in
dire straits and needs a convincing win over
Supersport United in Pretoria next Saturday
to buy himself more time in charge.
Celtic lie sixth from the bottom of the log
and they might drop to the basement of the
table if they fail to notch up a win against
United, and all the teams behind them
register victories in their next league
encounters.
The arrogant Middendorp must be wary of
any pink flyers in his post of late, having
picked up a meagre six points with a single
win in six matches since the beginning of
the current season. His days are said to be
numbered at the Bloemfontein outfit.
The highly-rated but under-performing
mentor joined Phunya Sele Sele to replace
Clinton Larsen in October last year after the
latter had resigned following a string of poor
results.
The beleaguered coach has not delivered
yet for his new employers since taking over
almost one year ago and will be cognisant of
the fact that Celtic have fired Mich DAvray,
who has since joined Chippa United as the
technical advisor. He held the same position
at Celtic for as many years.
The sooner Middendraw realises that his
defensive approach doesnt win games, the
better.
According to our reliable source, Midden-
dorp met with the team management on
Monday to map a way forward.
He is close to the exit door, the source
says.
Efforts to talk to Max Tshabalala, Celtic
chairman, about Middendorps future at
Siwelele Park proved futile.
)We want to hear from you: Should Celtic
keep Middendorp or hire a new coach? Send
your view to sidwell.guduka@express-
news.co.za.
Middendorp under fire
GIMME GIMME SOME WINS: Ernst Middendorp is under pressure to get positive results.
Photo: Sidwell Guduka
The underfire coach
has not delivered yet
for his new employers
since taking over al
most one year ago and
will be cognisant of
the fact that Celtic
have firedMich
DAvray, who has since
joined Chippa United
as the technical
advisor. He held the
same position at Celtic
for as many years.
ARE you good at sport, or is someone in your
school or place of education good at sport? Are you
motivating or training others to be good at sport?
Are you getting people active at your school,
community or gym?
Express Northern Cape wants to hear from you.
SuperSport and Lets Play, in association with
Express Northern Cape, has launched a special
initiative. Express Northern Cape wants to find and
give recognition to learners at either primary or
high school level who excel in sport, or helping
others to be more active.
The SuperSport Lets Play Sports Star of the
Month is a competition for anyone aged 6 to 18.
You can nominate yourself or be nominated by a
friend or teacher, lecturer or coach at your school
or place of education. You can even be nominated
by a family member or friend who knows how good
you are. From all the entries received each month,
one will be chosen as the SuperSport Lets Play
Sports Star of the Month. The monthly winner will
receive a Lets Play hamper. At the end of the year
one entry from all the monthly winners will be
chosen as the SuperSport Lets Play Sports Star of
the Year.
Your nomination must include your name, age,
contact details and a short paragraph (less than 200
words) about your achievements.
) You can email your nomination to super-
sport@zpr.co.za or send a fax to 086-552-4922.
) For more information call Lynne or Juanr at
Z PR on 051-522-9574.
Let us know if you are good at sport
Visit the Express website
www.express-news
for competitions
and give-aways.
Remember to register and
become part of the Express
family!
Engage with us
on Facebook we
love to hearing
from our readers.
Facebook search:
Express-News03
}
Sidwell Guduka
JEAN DE VIL-
LIERS (33), the
Springbok captain,
celebrated his 100th
test appearance this
weekend.
He achieved the
milestone with a 10-
14 defeat to New Zea-
land inWellington on
Saturday.
Jeans contribu-
tion to South African
rugby and the
Springboks over
such an extended pe-
riod has been im-
mense, said Oregan
Hoskins, president of
the South African
Rugby Union (Saru),
on Monday.
He is held in high
regard as a player,
captain and person.
De Villiers
a stalwart