SPECIAL EDITION 2013

In Brief

EDUCATION COMMUNITY SAFETY HEALTH SPORT

2 All systems go for 2013 matric exams

Fun-filled 2013 City to City Marathon73 Joburg host successful One Young World Summit

GETS COMMUTER BACKING

GORDHAN BEST IN AFRICA

KEEP IT MOVING…New Rea Vaya bus system route is set to be a life changing experience for Johannesburg commuters. Photograph:Thomas Chauke

KHUITSEMANG DISEKO

PRAVIN GORDHANMINISTER OF FINANCE

The opening of the new Rea Vaya bus system route on in mid-October has been welcomed by the South Africa Commuters’ Association (SACA). Speaking after the unveiling of the plaque at Rea Vaya Empire Road bus station, SACA representative Elizabeth Dyasi, who hails from

The government has congratulated the Minister of Finance, Pravin Gordhan, who was named the 2013 Finance Minister of the Year in the Sub-Saharan category by Emerging Markets. Emerging Markets is a website that provides news, analysis and commentary on economic policy, international economics and global financial markets, with a special focus on emerging markets. Acting Cabinet Spokesperson and GCIS CEO, Phumla Williams said: “On behalf of government, we congratulate the Minister of Finance on this crucial award, which is a significant measure of recognition for his leadership in the development and sustenance of prudent fiscal policies. We also see the award as an acknowledgement of the considerably influential role that South Africa continues to play in the global economic affairs,” she said.

Orange Farm, said: “We are happy because Rea Vaya is affordable to unemployed commuters like me. As a commuter association, we welcome the unveiling of this new route and we are excited … We did not have buses [where I stay] and coming to town using taxis was

very expensive for us, so Rea Vaya is safe and affordable.” Gauteng Premier Nomvula Mokonyane said the unveiling of the new route was a demonstration that South Africa will never be the same.

SCHOOL OF GOVERNMENT LAUNCHEDThe National School of Government, which will deliver a theoretical and practical approach to public administration management, was officially launched in October. Speaking at the launch, Public Service and Administration Minister Lindiwe Sisulu said there were no short cuts to delivering operational excellence. She added that high-quality education, training and development that provides values, skills and knowledge for entry, in service and career progression purposes is arguably the most realistic and viable option for public servants. Government has been through a number of trials of various forms of institutions to provide training to the public service. “We’ve come to the realisation that establishing functioning state machinery, the creation of a public service ethos and the creation of a cadre of government is a responsibility that cannot and should not be outsourced,” the minister said.

RESULTS FOR CLASS OF 2013 OUT ON 7 JANUARY 2014Basic Education Minister Angie Motshekga says matric results for the Class of 2013 will be released on 7 January next year. Speaking at The New Age Business briefing in October, Motshekga also called on parents to play their role in supporting learners as they prepare to write their final exams later this month. Learners from all nine provinces will this year sit for their month-long matric exams from 28 October to 29 November. “The results will be released on 7 January 2014. There will be a new Statement of Results for the November 2013 National Senior Certificate exams. It has special security features, including the RSA Watermark and a unique serial number. As I’ve said, we’ve done our best to prepare the system and learners. Targeted interventions were activated with provinces to support learners and schools throughout the year – a relatively stable year I must say, for education,” she said.

5 Gauteng Children’s Carnival 2013

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New Rea Vaya route

Gauteng News is bringing you a special edition packed with a variety of stories that will keep you entertained, informed and educated.

Matric exams are around the corner. A story on page two provides detailed report on preparations for these important exams in learners’ schooling careers. On the same page, there is a story on how to treat people with mental illnesses. The Department of Health is pleading with health workers, families and communities to support these people and not to stigmatise their condition.

As you may be aware, the government has taken an initiative to encourage people to be patriotic citizens. On page two we bring you a story on the launch of “My South Africa: Thand’ Umzansi Campaign”. Through the campaign, Gauteng citizens, including schools are encouraged to hoist the South African flag, sing the national anthem and read the pre-amble of the Constitution on the first Monday of each month. This is aimed at instilling national pride in all South Africans.

We also provide highlights on the One Young World Summit that was recently hosted by the City of Joburg. World leaders including former United Nation General Secretary, Kofi Anan addressed the summit.

Following a major makeover, visitors to Johannesburg’s famous township can now experience a revamped Vilakazi Street. Businesses along this street give their account on how the refurbishment has assisted in boosting business. You will find this story on page four along with an announcement of radio and television personality, Azania Mosaka, as the first-ever face of Sansui Summer Cup. For horse racing lovers the actual event will take place at the end of November at the Turffontein Racecourse.

One of our resident writers, Melitah Madiba recently participated in the City to City 10 KM Marathon. On page seven, she shares her experiences and personal account of the tough race. Africa’s talented artists and designers will now have a platform to showcase their work when the Museum of African Design opens its doors at the end of this month. We give you more details on this story on page seven.

In sporting news, we covered the Soweto Sports Indaba that took place recently where representatives of sporting codes such as soccer, tennis, rugby and many others came together to discuss issues such as how to revive sport in the country’s biggest township.

You can send your letters by fax: 011 355 6245 or e-mail: letters@gauteng.gov.za

DID YOU KNOW: OR Tambo International Airport is the busiest airport in Africa: about 17 million passengers pass through it each year.

All systems go for 2013 matric examsIt’s all systems go for the 2013 National Senior Certificate (NSC), exams with more than 700 000 learners across the country expected to sit for the exams, Umalusi announced in mid-October.

About 707 136 learners, including about 130 000 part-time learners, will sit for this year’s exams, which will take place across more than 6 669 examination centres.

“These examinations will be overseen by about 65 000 invigilators and will be marked by over 35 000 markers in 118 marking centres across the country,” said Umalusi CEO Dr Mafu Rakometsi.

Declaring the country’s state of readiness for the end-of-the-year examinations, Rakometsi said Umalusi was satisfied with the preparations for the exams, and was confident that the general education system was adequately prepared to run them successfully.

However, he noted that while Umalusi did not have

any major outstanding concerns regarding the upcoming national examinations, their only worry was the status of Limpopo and the Eastern Cape, as these provinces’ education departments were currently under administration.

“Umalusi has recommended to the Department of Basic Education

At the Health Awareness campaign in Kagiso, West Rand, MEC Hope Papo said the government was trying to move away from confining people to institutions as this does not contribute to their rehabilitation.

“We acknowledge that we still live in a society where ignorance

Mental illnesses not a stigmaThe Department of Health has stepped up its efforts to equip health care workers to become more sensitive to patients who present themselves with mental mealth problems in order to provide appropriate care. THEMBISA SHOLOGU

SaNews.gov.za

READY...More than 700 000 leaners across the country will sit for the matric final exams this month Photograph:Andronica Nedzamba

that intensive monitoring of theses provinces needs to be instituted to mitigate possible unintended consequences of this situation. For its part, Umalusi will also intensify its monitoring where it deems necessary to do so,” Rakometsi explained.

With regards to Mpumalanga,

which in the past had problems with exam papers being leaked, Rakometsi confidently affirmed that systems in that province were running very well and there were no longer any concerns.

“We are satisfied that Mpumalanga has graduated from the situation which happened five years. Their systems are running like a well-oiled machine.”

Rakometsi also assured that all systems were in place to deal with challenges like rainy days, where some learners - especially in rural areas - cannot cross over bridges to get to their schools. They were also prepared for incidents of electricity blackouts.

“We’ve got processes to deal with those challenges.”

Umalusi Acting Chief Operating Officer, Vijayen Naidoo, said 130 question papers have been 100% approved by Umalusi, including 128 question papers for the supplementary exams.

“All provincial departments of education have completed or are in the final stages of verification of candidates registered. The process of appointing markers commenced in all provincial departments of education and for the first time, Umalusi monitored the appointment of markers. We took part in KwaZulu-Natal, Free State, Limpopo and Northern Cape,” Naidoo said.

about mental disabilities results in unfair discrimination.

“We have to break through the barriers of ignorance, prejudice and discrimination that are still present when we discuss issues related to mental health,” said MEC Papo.

Research here in South Africa

and elsewhere indicates that 1 in 5 people presenting themselves for general health care require mental health assistance.

“However, the negative social stigma that is associated with mental health problems contributes to people not acknowledging that they have

such problems,” he said.Papo also added that mental

health problems among the elderly were under-identified by health care professionals and older people themselves.

“The elderly in turn, are often reluctant to seek appropriate care. Mental conditions affecting the elderly are undiagnosed, treated inappropriately or not treated at all according to the World Health Organization 2001 and 2002,” he said.

The Health MEC said it was therefore important that people familiarized themselves with common mental health conditions which afflict the elderly.

“This will assist us in making informed decisions regarding appropriate referral of our loved one’s in case they need specialist treatment.

“We also encourage the elderly to engage in physical activity, to maintain social connections, eat and live healthily, and refrain from harmful use of alcohol, also active aging also contribute to successful management of mental health illness among the elderly,” he said.

According to available statistics, there were 32 860 visits to the West Rand District clinics seeking mental health care services in the 2012/13 financial year, amounting to an average of 2 738 visits per month.

thembisa.shologu@gauteng.gov.za

DID YOU KNOW: The Cradle of Humankind is one of eight World Heritage Sites in South Africa, and the only one in Gauteng

MEC announces R900m commitment in Sedibeng road infrastructureRoad infrastructure is critical to the growth of any economy and the Gauteng province is to pump nearly R1-billion into Sedibeng road infrastructure over the next three years.

This was announced last month as Roads and Transport MEC, Ismail Vadi, official opened the K154 Road in the Sedibeng District Municipality, in the southern part of Gauteng.

The investment is part of the Gauteng Department of Roads and Transport’s commitment to investing in infrastructure that facilitates economic activity and leads to job creation, the MEC said.

Speaking about the K154, Vadi said the R20 million road construction project will provide a critical access to the Graceview industrial development and facilitate further economic development in the area.

He further said as the government continued to lay the infrastructural backbone in roads and ICT networks, it hoped the private sector will follow suit and invest in ventures that lead to sustainable job creation and employment.

“Unemployment and poverty stand out as two of the biggest challenges confronting our people and it needs a firm compact relationship between the private sector and government to address these two challenges in a determined and sustained manner,” MEC Vadi said.

The department was pleased that the intervention has improved safety and provided access to a developing business node in the area, the MEC said. The project created 18 job opportunities and benefitted five SMMEs employing 30 people.

MELITAH MADIBA

This is part of “My South Africa: Thand’ Umzansi Campaign”, an initiative aimed at instilling civic pride and patriotism as well as promoting active citizenship amongst South Africans.

The campaign is positioned to contribute to nation-building and social cohesion as these are major priorities of government.

Launching the initiative by the Constitution Hill, in partnership with the Gauteng Provincial Government (GPG) and the Gauteng Provincial Legislature, Gauteng Premier Nomvula Mokonyane noted that as South Africa was approaching the twentieth anniversary of democracy, the government wanted to honour all those who brought the democracy to fruition.

“Importantly, this campaign draws on the strength of our democracy and uses three very strong symbols that are an embodiment of our of democracy: our flag, the Constitution and the National Anthem; all that are used to unite South Africans to instil patriotism, understand the Constitution and promote identity and active citizenship.

“Through the campaign, citizens, including schools, will be encouraged to hoist the South African flag, sing the National Anthem and read the Pre-amble

NOZIPHO DLAMINI

HOIST the flag, sing National Anthem and love your country

of the Constitution on the first Monday of each month,” said Mokonyane.

The campaign is positioned to contribute to nation-building and social cohesion as these are major priorities of government.

“Constitution Hill will be working with the Department of Sports,

A r t s , Culture and Recreation

to put flagpoles and flags in 50 identified schools in the province within the first phase of the project,” said Mokonyane.

In addition, the Constitution Hill will also work with the Gauteng Department of Education to train the prefects to uphold the etiquette and protocol in hoisting the flag, reading the preamble and singing the national anthem.

These prefects will then become ambassadors of the Constitution Mondays Campaign in their schools.

In addition, the Department of Sports, Arts, Culture and Recreation is also assisting with ensuring that all provincial departments and agencies roll out the campaign and join in by gathering on the first Monday of every month to hoist the flag, read the Pre-amble to the Constitution and sing the National Anthem before they begin work.

Speaking on how to safeguard the Constitution, Judge of the Constitutional Court, Justice Johan Froneman, said each and every South African has a responsibility to uphold the values of the constitution.

“Safeguarding the Constitution does not depend on who is in power but the responsibility is with each and every one of us,” said Froneman, adding that the campaign was a wonderful initiative.

nozipho.dlamini@gauteng.gov.za

OCTOBER TRANSPORT MONTH 2013

The Gauteng Department of Roads and Transport is the provincial custodian of the October Transport Month (OTM) campaign. The campaign is a key annual programme aimed at promoting the use of integrated public transport systems. The theme for this years’ campaign is: 20 years of success in providing integrated road infrastructure and public transport systems. This theme seeks to promote progress achieved by government since 1994 in ensuring that Gauteng citizens receive affordable and quality transport services. The department has invested a lot in transport infrastructure and remains committed to expanding public transport services to the people and improving the road network through provision of: • Roads infrastructure to create jobs and support emerging contractors • Efficient Public Transport System • Effective management of resources and improved access to government services • Integrated Gauteng Road Networks to boost the economy • Global Decade of Action for Road Safety 2011-2020

“Celebrating 20 years of improved roads and transport infrastructure”

The MEC explained that the government’s approach in ensuring continued road mobility in the province was premised on the 25-Year Integrated Transport Master Plan, ‘which called on us to prioritize the strategic road network.’

“Our aim is to upgrade the major networks that need urgent attention such as the R82 and R28 to ensure continued mobility for our people. Over the next three years, the government will commit at least a further R900 million in road infrastructure upgrades in Sedibeng,” Vadi elaborated.

The MEC also announced that Phase 2 of the R82 project had already been awarded and the department was waiting for the contractor to take site once he has provided them with the necessary guarantees.

During this phase, Vadi said, the government will upgrade the 5km from Walkerville to De Deur at the cost of R260 million, adding that plans were at an advanced stage to upgrade the K164 between Werpner Street and Wellbach Road towards Meyerton and the R28 from Emfuleni to Randfontein.

The Gauteng Provincial Government has an asset base of 5000km of paved roads and 1500km of gravel roads. Of the paved network, 70 percent is in a good condition.

Melitah.madiba@gauteng.gov.za

Joburg hosts successful One Young World SummitStruggle icon Winnie Madikizela-Mandela and Johannesburg Executive Mayor, Clr Parks Tau addressed delegates at the One Young World Summit official closing ceremony earlier this month.

Madikizela-Mandela, who has recently released her book 491 Days: Prisoner number 1323/69, was addressing more than 1 200 delegates from 190 countries.

“As a grandmother, mother and great grandmother, I ask myself where we have failed you – what we could have done better and what the future holds for you. Comrade [Nelson] Mandela says there can be no greater reflection of a society than how it treats its children and here you are creating a world that we should have created for you.

“If we are to pay respect to our beloved Madiba, use us as you champion your way forward. You are the torch bearers of our future economy that empowers the youth for the better,” she said.

During the closing ceremony, Executive Mayor Tau was joined on stage by Oisin Quinn, the Lord Mayor of Dublin in Ireland, who accepted the One Young World baton from the City of Johannesburg. Ireland will host One Young World’s fifth annual Summit in 2014.

Joburg.org.za

“As we come to the end of this highly successful summit, I want to express the appreciation of the City of Joburg to the organisers who made this possible. When our City was awarded the honour to host the annual summit, we were told that it is one on the most prestigious events on the international calendar,” Mayor Tau said.

“For Johannesburg, this was an opportunity to showcase our City to the world. I am told that all the delegates and Councillors got to experience our City through different eyes when they participated in the Break Out Sessions and Community Dinners.

As the City we were honoured to have had the opportunity to host globally recognised Councillors such as Boris Becker and Fatima Bhutto on a trip to Soweto and other historical places. We believe that we have made many friends who will return again and again to our beautiful World Class African City,” Tau said.

The summit has seen global leaders - including former UN Secretary General, Kofi Annan, Live Aid founder, Sir Bob Geldof and Nobel Prize Laureate, Muhammad Yunus, call for young people to play a more prominent role in attempts to tackle global issues such as climate change.

DID YOU KNOW: The Ama GeePee campaign encourages more people to travel around Gauteng and experience its hidden attractions.

Local business gives Vilakazi Street tourism the thumbs-up

SANSUI SUMMER CUP confirms Gauteng’s position as Africa’s glamour capital

Vilakazi Street is the most famous street in Soweto and business situated on this road are reaping the benefits of creative touches and infrastructure upgrades that have turned it into a popular tourist attraction among both locals and tourists.

Racing and fashion enthusiasts are yet again salivating at the prospect of attending this year’s Sansui Summer Cup, described as Johannesburg’s premier equestrian and fashion affair

If anyone still has any doubts about whether Gauteng has become a better place to live in since 1994, a visit to the Vilakazi Street precinct definitely puts those to rest.

The globally-renowned street is now visitor-friendly, with public art, memorials and benches at its historical sites.

This is the only street in the world to have housed two Nobel Peace Prize winners, Nelson Mandela and Desmond Tutu.

Over the years, the City of Joburg has widened the road and added paving to make it more accessible to visitors.

Following a major makeover, visitors to Johannesburg’s famous township can now experience Vilakazi Street as a place to have a stroll; sit on one of numerous concrete benches or seats; enjoy the newly-planted trees, and admire the new artworks.

House Number 8115, the Mandela House, has been the main attraction in this street, and is now a museum. The simple three-bedroomed home has been restored to what it looked like in 1946 when Nelson Mandela lived in it.

At the entrance to the street,

The actual race will take place at the Turffontein Racecourse on Saturday, 30 November 2013.

The Gauteng-hosted event was recently launched with the theme: “Colour to Conquer”.

The organisers have announced that elegant radio and television personality, Azania Mosaka, will be the first-ever face of Sansui Summer Cup.

Speaking at the launch, Mosaka has described this inaugural collaboration as

LERATO MAILOANE

NOZIPHO DLAMINI AND GAUTENG.NET

visitors are greeted by eight hand statues, spelling out the word Vilakazi.

Always a hive of activity; the street has three restaurants, while a number of informal traders and entertainers ply their trade on all corners of this road.

The oldest restaurant on the street is Sakhumzi Resturant, owned by Sakhumzi Maqubela, who opened the diner in 2001.

Maqubela, who has lived on the road all his life, said he has seen the road transform into what it is today.

“I grew up here as a young man. The growing interest in the street, especially after Nelson Mandela’s release from prison, made this street increasingly popular - thereby making it the best location for my business,” he said.

“Many roads that experience a lot of traffic like Jan Smuts Avenue and 8th Street in Melville started like this. Where there is too much traffic; it is a sure case that businesses will all flock there,” he said.

The community of Orlando West should realise that this street is no longer a neighbourhood but a business precinct, Maqubela

said, adding that it would be best if all the locals on Vilakazi Street opened some form of businesses in order to fully maximise the value of the area.

Maqubela said most residents showed their generosity by allowing their customers to park outside their houses. However some still refuse to grant him the same courtesy.

Now employing 65 people, Sakhumzi restaurant is not only a restaurant but gives working opportunities to many unskilled people of Orlando West.

Street vendor, Johannes Nkosi, who lost his job recently, said trading on Vilakazi Street has been the lifeline he needed.

“It is a very popular street which makes it is a perfect location for my business because there are always people coming and leaving this street,” he said.

One of the many tourists visiting the street, Susan Stuart from California, said she was very moved to visit Vilakazi Street.

“Nelson Mandela is a hero in our country, it’s almost surreal to be in his former home,” said Stuart.

Lerato. Mailoane@gauteng.gov.za

thrilling. “The Sansui Summer Cup is

everything a stylish day at the races should be. I’m delighted to be the ambassador of this prestigious event and really look forward to “Colour to Conquer” in this powerful expression of stand-out style and glorious colour,” she said.

Spokesperson for the Gauteng Tourism Authority, Barba Gaoganediwe, said Gauteng being associated with such a prestigious

event further enhanced its standing as the fun, glitz and glamour capital of Africa.

Race-goers will get to rub shoulders with Mosaka – resplendent in an outfit by official Sansui Summer Cup designer to the stars; JJ Schoeman.

Schoeman has himself described the theme “Colour to Conquer” as epic.

“Dare to be different, step out in full-colour and be brave, bright and beautiful,” he said.

No race day would be complete without the presence of hats. And this year they are going to be bold, colourful affairs.

The Little Hattery is the official milliner for the Sansui Summer Cup. Dominik Marszalek, Director of The Little Hattery, said a hat “completes your look from head to toe on race day and is sure to grab the attention of the fashion judges.”

Other partners of this prestigious event include Jenna

Clifford, designer of bespoke jewellery, Europa Art Shoes, The Make-Up Issue, providing hair and make-up and Jo Malone, official perfume partner.

General entry tickets for the not-to-be-missed Sansui Summer Cup are R50 with various hospitality packages available. For more up-to-date information about the race, visit www.sansuisummercup.co.za.

DID YOU KNOW: Research conducted by South Africa Tourism during 2011, yield that 8.2 million adult South Africans can afford to travel from a financial point of view.

Children’s Carnival helps build love of the arts among Gauteng learners

The community of Yeoville, north of Johannesburg, was last month entertained by the vibrant and colourful showcase of the 2013 Gauteng Children’s Carnival.

This was announced during the 20th General Assembly of the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) held in Victoria Falls, Zambia/Zimbabwe recently.

The General Assembly is the main statutory meeting of UNWTO and the most important gathering of senior tourism officials and high-level representatives from around the world.

Held every two years, the Assembly is attended by delegations representing full and associate UNWTO members, affiliate members, and representatives of other international organizations.

‎Chief Executive Officer of Gauteng Tourism, Dawn Robertson said: “For us to be accepted as an affiliate member of this prestigious body is indeed great news for Gauteng City Region.

“We believe that we will benefit immensely from connecting with this global alliance of non-governmental organizations in world tourism through various network opportunities and platforms in which tourism knowledge, innovation and expertise are exchanged”.

Robertson said coupled with their membership of Destination Marketing Association International (DMAI), the global trade association for official destination marketing organisations (DMOs), which protects and advances the success of destination marketing worldwide, this development boded well for Gauteng Tourism efforts to build the DMO of the future.

“We are excited and ready to be

MATHAPELO NHLAPO

GAUTENG.NET

The Gauteng Provincial Government is planning for the future today, to ensure a prosperous City Region for all.

The Premier of Gauteng, Ms Nomvula Mokonyane, is calling on all residents and stakeholders to work together so we can ensure that Gauteng is the place where all our dreams are realised.

Be an active stakeholder. Submit your vision for Gauteng 2055

Gauteng. The future starts here.

Our children will inherit the decisions we make today. Imagining the future is the first step in getting there.

G2055@gauteng.gov.za www.gauteng2055.co.za Gauteng 2055, Private Bag X61, Marshalltown, 2107 www.facebook.com/G2055 @G2055

Gauteng Tourism accepted as global tourism body newest affiliate member

in the thick of things as part of the current discussions and focus by the world body member affiliates is around city tourism, sports and adventure tourism, mega events tourism, seasonality, youth travel and mobile Apps,” she said.

She further noted that these were the issues that characterised the Gauteng tourism economy.

“We hope to make a meaningful contribution to the on-going discussions and learn from the global best practices.

“Gauteng is South Africa’s leading global competitive city region with strong urban tourism, undisputed history and heritage sites, better sports and mega events infrastructure and strong technological know-how thus enabling the tourism authority to turn this positioning into a viable visitor economy that creates decent and sustainable jobs that contributes to stronger economic growth and development,” said Robertson.

She added that their participation as an affiliate member in global non-governmental tourism forums would provide Gauteng Tourism with a much bigger regional and global perspective in tourism development and management issues that can help them to be a more competitive and sustainable tourism destination.

“We will use this opportunity to learn from our counterparts and empower our various districts and cities in the province to cement our standing as the business tourism hub of Africa and South Africa with countless leisure offerings of note”, she said.

School children from across the province participated in the 3rd Annual Gauteng Children’s Carnival in September. The Carnival was hosted in Yeoville with the theme “Celebrating Africa’s Legacy” because of the community’s rich cultural history and its diverse African communities from around the continent.

Ninety schools participated in the 2.7km parade which commenced at the Yeoville Boys Primary School. Each school showcased their own interpretation of the theme through various dances, attire and music. The Carnival participants were of a vast diversity in race, culture, tribe and age.

“I am excited to be part of

the Carnival. This is my second year participating. As a school we performed very well like we have practiced,” said Itumeleng Khuni, a Grade 9 from Alafang High School.

The 3rd Annual Gauteng Children’s Carnival, among other things, aims to encourage and strengthen the love of arts among school children, especially since the children designed and created their own costumes. It is also aimed at instilling the values of democracy and social cohesion expressed through the arts.

“I am a Zulu King! My teacher helped to create my costume. It is made of beads, boxes, wool, paint and strings,” said Sandile Nakho from Esokwazi Secondary School in Sebokeng.

The Children’s Carnival was hosted as one of the build-up activities towards the ‘Road to Gauteng Carnival’ which will be held in December 2013.

Participants were provided with meals for the day and water along the parade route. For the safety of the learners, traffic police, paramedics, street patrollers, district officials and parents were part of the parade.

The Children’s Carnival was co-ordinated by the Gauteng Department of Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation (SACR) in partnership with the Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) and the City of Joburg (COJ).

Mathapelo2.nhlapo@gauteng.gov.za

Tourism in Gauteng received a massive boost after Gauteng Tourism Authority was officially accepted by the global tourism body as one of its newest affiliate members.

DID YOU KNOW: Gauteng’s Union Buildings is one of the most recognised buildings in South Africa. It is the official seat of the national government, houses the offices of the president and is located in Tshwane.

GAUTENG TOP TOURIST ATTRACTIONS

1. The Maropeng Visitor Centre at the Cradle of Humankind provides visitor with the opportunity to tour through the development of the earth and humankind.

5. Like an ancient temple adorning over the city it governs, the Union Buildings are a modern day acropolis, built at the highest point of South Africa’s capital city, Pretoria; it forms the official seat of government and houses the Presidency.

6. The biennial Johannesburg International Motor Show is an eleven-day comprehensive automotive exhibition and automotive lifestyle event. The exhibition runs in conjunction with two additional shows the Johannesburg Truck and Bus Show and Auto Shop which collectively offer a complete representation of the motor industry, serving Sub Saharan Africa and South Africa as host country.

4. The Sharpeville Human Rights Precinct, in the Sedibeng township of Sharpeville, is a memorial to victims of the watershed event that was the beginning of the end of apartheid.

2. Named after Mahatma Ghandi, the square now houses restaurants and other food outlets. It also serves as a bus terminal. This is one of the “vibey” parts of Johannesburg.

3. BEST BRAAI IN TOWN: Joe’s Butchery in Alexandra township has helped transform the area into a popular entertainment spot once again

7. The Apartheid Museum, which illustrates the rise and fall of South Africa’s era of segregation and oppression, is an absolute must-see. With plenty of attention to detail and an unsparing emphasis on the inhuman philosophy of apartheid – visitors are handed a card stating their race when they arrive and are required to enter the exhibit through their allotted gate – this remains one of South Africa’s most evocative museums.

DID YOU KNOW: The world’s largest diamond, the 3,106.75-carat Cullinan diamond, was found in Gauteng in 1905.

Museum of African Design opens end of October

Fun-filled 2013 City to City Marathon!As a single working mom, Gauteng News contributor, Melitah Madiba, has found participating in running is the perfect platform to keep her fit and healthy. Madiba recently conquered the Bonitas City-to-City Marathon and shares her experience.

Before the end of October, Africa will officially have its very own gallery - dedicated to showcasing the work of all talented artists and designers – located in the heart of Johannesburg.

Buoyed by having just completed a tough Gauteng Marathon a few weeks earlier, I was upbeat about taking part in this year’s edition of the Bonitas City-to-City Marathon.

The marathon, which is dubbed three-races-in-one as it includes a 50km ultra-marathon, a 21.1 km half-marathon and a 10km race, took place on September 29.

The 50km race started at the Gautrain Station in Centurion, while the 21.1km and 10km races were done in a circular course, starting and fishing off at the James and Ethel Gray Park in Melrose.

My excitement was also amplified by the fact that this was my debut at this premier road race - which was celebrating its 40th anniversary. At the back of my mind though was the determination to beat my previous races’ finishing times.

Being the amateur runner that I am little things like finishing 20 or 30 minutes earlier than the

MELITAH MADIBA

GAUTENG.NET

previous race brings so much pleasure and encouragement.

Over and above that, I was excited that I was going to kill two - or maybe three - birds with one stone.

Firstly, running the race was going to keep me fit whilst having fun. Secondly my participation in the race was going to assist in contributing to raising funds for the Duduzela Children’s Home in Mamelodi, Tshwane which cares for orphans and vulnerable children, and charities such as the South African Sports Trust.

Furthermore, as a working mom, trying to find a balance between work, social and health obligations becomes a challenge, so preparing and participating in races like this one goes a long way in keeping me in a good healthy condition.

Having watched the Comrades Marathon, which takes place in Kwa-Zulu Natal on TV over the years, I was also uber excited to be part of our province’s own ultra-

The Museum of African Design (MOAD) aims to be the cultural nerve centre of Africa, featuring original designs by African artists.

The gallery hopes to inspire interest from international audiences with the upcoming launch on the 24 October 2013.

The launch event will be the annual Southern Guild Showcase, where South Africa’s top designers will be showcased. The 10-day exhibition is free and open to the public, Tuesday through Sunday 10am – 6pm, and Thursday until 10pm.

Following the opening, the gallery will run a full programme from November 2013 until November 2014. The first exhibition will be ‘Native Nostalgia’ – a showcase of mixed media works from around Africa.

The concept of the exhibition is to use the works to reflect on Africa’s historical past and offer insight, opinions and myriad views.

marathon. So on Sunday 29 September

when my alarm set off - I did not even press the snooze button as I sometimes do. Instead I jumped off bed to prepare for the event.

The weather was cloudy and a bit chilly but on this particular occasion I did not mind as it meant it was going to be a good running day.

Upon arrival, I was met by thousands of excited runners, with some already warming up for the big race.

As the clock struck 7h00 and the race began, an unsolicited satisfactory grin came to my face and off I went.

Along the way I met my colleague, Noxolo Ntlokwana - who was also racing against time to beat her previous race’s finish time.

A quick chat, pose on the 6KM board, a gulp of water to keep dehydration at bay and an update on the social network and off we went back on the road.

The exhibition will also feature artists from Algeria, Nigeria, South Africa and Benin, and is curated by the museum’s director, Aaron Kohn.

The concept of the MOAD itself was to create a collaborative space where artists and designers could showcase their work and share ideas. The space itself was built in 2011 and originally used as a mining parts factory.

After hosting a number of exhibitions and events it was decided that it should be renovated and permanently repurposed as an all-African design hub and museum.

MOAD is located in the Maboneng Precinct in central Johannesburg, 281 Commissioner Street.

This area has seen a complete transformation over the last couple of years and, with the help of some creative minds, is bringing people back to the city. The gallery will be the beating heart and main attraction of Maboneng.

Upon reaching the finishing line, my name was announced; something which I had not anticipated but left me very pleased.

A few minutes after, I received an SMS from the organisers congratulating me for successfully finishing the race with a perfect time of 15 minutes better than the Gauteng Marathon. Air-punch!!!

The marathon was a fun-filled affair and I must say I enjoyed myself, kept fit and got a treasured medal to show for my

hard work. I am definitely looking forward to taking part in the event again next year.

Who knows, maybe, just maybe one day I will not watch the Comrade’s Marathon from the sidelines but be a participant. A girl is allowed to dream after-all.

For now, I am working harder in preparation for the Spar Women’s Race as well as the Ithemba Avon Justine Walkathon and would like to encourage everyone to participate and keep healthy.

Melitha.Madiba@gauteng.gov.za

Artists give 2013 FNB Joburg Art Fair a big thumbs-upOn entering the vast, extensive exhibition space located at the Sandton Convention Centre, it is easy to see why art lovers converge every year to experience the art showcase that is the Joburg Art Fair.

Much to my delight, I had the pleasure of been taken around the art exhibition space since I am not much of an art critic.

Being a novice to the art world, I thought it would be a daunting task to walk through the work of Johannesburg’s finest contemporary art galleries, each representing numerous works of art by various artists, both from South Africa as well as from other African countries.

This is because the FNB Joburg Art Fair is itself comparable to a complex and complicated jigsaw puzzle making up the different artistic faces of the African continent.

After many deliberations with art lovers and artists alike it was quite clear that the Fair had definitely lived up to all its expectations.

The Joburg Art Fair takes place annually and is now in its sixth year and artists attending the Fair felt that it was encouraging to see more art from galleries in Africa.

With so few contemporary

LERATO MAILOANE museums and consistent biennales in Africa, the Art Fair has become an important place for the continent’s artists, curators, collectors, writers and art lovers to congregate.

According to visual artist, Chepape Makgatho:

“This year’s Joburg Art Fair was so critical and forthcoming in that it gave artists from dissimilar backgrounds (a platform) and furnished them with a broader granite surface from which they can all leap into the abyss; a vital outflow in artistic and intellectual thought; exchange of skills and ideas, in appreciating their own creativity and potential.”

He said the fact that the FNB Joburg Art Fair for the first time presented a very controversial artwork by well-known artist, Ayanda Mabunu, remains a key factor that art should be allowed to speak and if it needs be, stir emotions and in the same light hold our leaders accountable of how they lead us.

“David Goldblatt for instance, his courage of taking his works down in support of Mabunu’s work to be

put back on the show really shows how our elderly artists should be doing; supporting our voices and strengthening the arts movement in the democratic country which was previously denied to us by apartheid government.

“The fair itself presented some critical significance to modes of potentiality, contestation, exploration and interpretation, with which contemporary artists challenge and reflect the shifts that have led to the redefinition of our sense of society,” said Makgatho.

He said the Fair was a good opportunity for government and its officials to start appreciating and willing to learn the art of creativity our artists have. In so doing, he added, these officials will start changing their perceptions of viewing art as something that belongs to the ancient past but rather as something that seeks to celebrate our culture and heritage as peoples, strengthen democracy by commenting constructively on issues that affect the poor in this country and a tool that voices for the voiceless.

SPECIAL EDITION 2013

LERATO MAILOANE

Sport enthusiasts from the sprawling South Western Townships (Soweto) will in the upcoming months get a chance to air their views on their sporting needs.

DEVELOPING MATHS THROUGH CHESS… Vusi Dlamini – Tsogo Sun, Group HR Director, Joost Tshabalala - Mamelodi Primary School, Shanda Paine – Tsogo Sun Group CSI Manager, Mr Kalicharran – Bree School Primary Principal, Nonhlanhla Maqungo - Bree Street Primary and Waheeda Mohamed – Bree School Primary Teacher at the SunCares launch.KHUITSEMANG DISEKO

“The selection of chess seemed a natural fit for us as part of both our strategy to develop sport as well as play a role in education. Chess is listed among the government’s top 16 priority sporting codes for inclusion at school level and the educational development through chess then aligns strongly with sport and education,” said Shanda Paine, Group CSI manager, Tsogo Sun.

“All our initiatives are designed to comply with the government’s strategy and objectives within the school system to ensure that we contribute to the overall development of the children we reach,” added Paine.

Tsogo Sun Moves for Life, a collaboration with Moves for Life, is a national Non-Profit Organisation (Trust) that impacts on children’s lives from the age of five through the structured implementation of chess. The initiative uses the sport of chess as a catalyst for education in the crucial areas of maths, science and literacy.

Moves for Life has already been implemented at more than 70 schools nationwide. More than 50 000 school learners all over South Africa are effectively taught maths, science and life skills the Moves for Life way, with

exceptional results. This integrated project, which encompasses not only education but also sports and culture, has led to school learners developing a different attitude towards their school work.

“It is often said that success is a combination of thoughts, words and actions, and that chess is a tool that helps equalize the playing field. I believe this is evident in Tsogo Sun’s strategy in engaging the youth of today. Together with Tsogo Sun Moves for Life and MiniChess this initiative will breed success for the students, teachers, schools and communities. It is a big step towards the reformation needed in South Africa,” said Marisa van der Merwe, Founder and Manager of MiniChess and Trustee for Moves for Life.

“There is a dire need to increase the maths, science and literacy capabilities of children all over the country,” said Vusi Dlamini, Group HR Director of Tsogo Sun. Dlamini cited a survey that found that for every 100 children that entered Grade 1 in 1999 in South Africa, less than 40 wrote matric in 2011 – and out of these 100 learners only one matriculated with maths on higher grade in 2011.

“The fact is that to sustain South Africa’s global competitiveness, this figure should be at 25 out of

This comes after the recently-held two-day Sport Indaba held by the Department of Sport, Art, Culture and Recreation (SACR) resolved to solicit the public’s views on the state of sport in Soweto and how best the government can support the development of sport in world-famous township.

The engagement was held in partnership with the City of Johannesburg and the Soweto Sports Council.

The biggest gathering of the sporting codes in Soweto brought together representatives from b a s k e t b a l l , r u g b y , s w i m m i n g , soccer, netball, cricket and golf, amongst many others.

S A C R D i r e c t o r for Sports Development and Co-ordination, Marissa Rose, said the two-day talk shop was a success as all sporting codes in Soweto were represented.

“We discussed a myriad of issues such as reviving sport in Soweto, sporting facilities, clubs, development, dealing with socio-economic issues, the cause of substance abuse amongst our sporting personalities and governance.

“This Indaba put a lot of issues on the agenda which will contribute to establishing and strengthening structures that should run sport in Soweto, including the using and sharing of the infrastructure,” said Rose.

Chairperson of the Soweto Sport Council, Lawrence Mahatlane said:

“The Soweto Sports Indaba is here to make Soweto play. We are hoping to achieve this in a co-ordinated structure, from schools to club formation, with the main objective being to ensure excellence.”

This year’s theme was “From the cradle to the grave” which Mahatlane said “simply meant that every Sowetan should be participating in some form of sport

100,” Dlamini said.“We believe that collaborations

between corporates, the government, SMMEs, and even individual trailblazers – offer the perfect opportunity to pool resources with like-minded organisations and work together for collective change. With SunCares we are constantly striving to harness the power of collaborations in the interests of doing more – and we would welcome involvement by other organisations or individuals in this chess initiative to see it having the widest reach possible,” Dlamini said.

The Tsogo Sun Moves for Life programme is divided into three key elements, namely MiniChess (Grade R to Grade 3), MasterMoves (nine years and older), and teacher training.

The first phase of the Tsogo Sun Moves for Life programme entails teacher training and the introduction of MiniChess . Altogether more than 400 teachers have been trained as facilitators in the programme and by the end of the year about 15 000 children will be on their way to grasping the wonders of chess.

For further information go to www.tsogosun.com .

whether it’s formal or informal, structured or unstructured.

“We often don’t speak with one voice so this Indaba was called so that different generations can come to discuss the way forward on how sports should be governed and in which direction sporting should go in Soweto,” he added.

The Sports Indaba will also strengthen the City’s 2040 (Growth and Development Strategy) by enabling public participation, enhance social cohesion and creating a space for Soweto people to have a dialogue about

developing sport in their area.

“Following on the National Sport and Recreation’s Indaba in 2011, the Soweto Sport Council Indaba is determined

to implement the national plan and the transformation in sport agenda,” said Mahatlane.

Former Olympian, Hezekiel Sepeng, who was also at the Indaba said he was there to lend support to the cause.

“Though I am not originally from Soweto, it is quite disheartening to know that over the years no sporting Olympians were from Soweto.

“I want to lend a hand to ensure that at least one Sowetan athlete flies the country’s flag at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games,” said Sepeng.

1996 Olympics silver medallist joins battle against substance abuse in Gauteng

The Soweto Sports Indaba’s main goal may have been to chart the way forward for sport development in Soweto. However, for Sepeng, the man who came second in the 800m race at the 1996 Olympics, this was also a chance to plough back.

Speaking on the last day of the gathering, Sepeng said in the upcoming months he would be introducing a street athletics programme in Soweto where drugs and substance abuse will be tackled.

“Though I am not originally from Soweto, it is quite

disheartening to know that over the years no sporting Olympians were from Soweto”.