email: adverts@platinumgazette.com editorial@platinumgazette.com

Tel 0832719151 (Editorial) 0835431676 (Advertisements) Fax 0865549031 / 013 231 7147Burgersfort, Steelpoort, Ohrigstad

PlatinumGazette

14 August 2015

“You can come, you will be safe, just travel in your known car” said the voice over the telephone. Platinum Gazette had to travel into an unsafe village during this week’s unrest to visit a client.

With slight apprehension the newspaper’s large 4 x 4 traversed the bad and dusty gravel road slowly amid an eerie quietness in the normally bustling village. The diesel engine of the vehicle was unexpectedly loud through the open windows.

Our client made it clear “A lot of things are wrong, like the road you just trav-elled on, but the majority of people do not support the destruction of existing infrastructure. I myself am from the DA. Some of this whole unrest is political also, you know for next year’s election. Then there is a criminal element, “p**smense” he called them in Afrikaans.

“The children must go to school, we must be able to do business, why do they just break? Last night at the meeting they said they wanted to burn the electricity transformer and pull down the electricity poles. That is not right. F*k.” Again in Afrikaans.

We concluded our business and travel back on the same road. An old bakkie come from the opposite direction. The driver greet in a friendly manner. At the village’s entrance a few cadre’s in ANC T-shirts recognize us, gesture they want to talk. They confi rm DA-man’s evaluation of the situation. “Drive safe” they say when we leave.

On Wednesday representatives of all stakeholders had a meeting in Pretoria to fi nd a solution to the senseless unrest and violence that rocked the area since a few weeks ago.

Late on Wednesday news came through “an agreement “. No details. News travel slowly to the villages and sporadic burning, torching and stone throwing continued. By yesterday just before going to press, everything seemed quiet and calm. The wheels turn slowly and we had to go onto the press before more infor-mation could be obtained.

SHATTERED

2 NEWS 14 AUGUST 2015Last week Saturday the Tubatse Crossing Mall parking lot was abuzz with the vibrant vibe of the Thobela FM presenters when Bison Falls Spur hosted a well attended Women’s Day celebration for local shoppers.

Thobela FM did a live broadcast from the Spur and interviewed Mr. Powers Motsileng and other guests. The crowds outside was entertained by Thobela FM presenters, local artists and even a surprise appearance by legendary local Gospel artist Winnie Masha-ba. The crowd also did not go empty handed, as lots of prizes were given away.

Later that evening a Gala Dinner was also hosted by Bison Falls Spur at Thaba Moshate Casino where the Spur honored local Women that has made an impact in our Community and South Africa as a whole. These women (honourees) were: Malese Nd-lovu - busy with her PhD Docorate in Com-puter Science, Winnie Mashaba - well known Gospel singer, Pinkie Motsileng - Mr. Powers Motsileng’s mother, Makgoshi Pasha - hard working and steadfast agricultural stalwart in the local community and Mosh Matsena - Station Manager at Thobela FM.

The event was also attended by repre-sentatives from local municipalities and the Mayor of Fetakgomo reminding guests of the history of Women’s Day and that society has to respect women in the workplace. The Mmakgoshi gave a rousing keynote speech to attendees telling women to grab opportuni-ties by the horns and not wait for men to lead the way.

Bison Falls Spur would like to thank all the persons and businesses involved in the organising of this event and for making it a smashing success.

(Information & some photographs: JB Willers)

Women honoured by Bison Falls Spur

Powers Motsileng, Mmakgoshi Pasha and Mosh Matsena.

Mosh Matsena and Powers Motsileng.

Winnie Mashaba and Powers Motsileng

Malese Ndlovu and Powers Motsileng Mrs. Pinkie Motsileng and Powers Motsileng.

3NUUS14 AUGUSTUS 2015

The Sekhukhune District Municipality says it is commited to fi ght corruption, whether real or percieved.

The Executive Mayor Cllr Mogobo David Magabe said this in response to thge Democratic Alliance’s (DA) plan to open a case against Ms Manching Monama the Chief Operations Offi cer of the District Municipality.

“While we acknowledge that it is within the DA’s right to take any step regarding the delay in the implementation of 15 projects worth more than 230 million rands, we need to assure the people of Sekhukhune that we are on course to spent the more than R230 million budgeted for water projects irrespective of the delay that was caused by investigations into tender irregularities” said Executive Mayor Magabe..

The Executive Mayor further says “we appreciate the patience exercised by our people following the delay in the implementation of the 15 projects while awaiting due processes of the law to take its course. Together with our people we know that these projects were supposed to be implemented from March 2015 and now they will only be implemented during the course of the 2015/ 6 fi nancial year. We can as well guarantee our people that we have successfully applied for the retention of the monies from the Treasury Department into the Sekhukhune account, communicated our decision to all relevant government departments and that we have not changed the IDP and Budget due to this delay”.

The SDM says it is is optimistic that the challenges surrounding these tenders will be resolved soon because the court which has been requested to manage this matter is in the process of issuing a Declaration Order, which will outline the way forward as per the effected offi cials and contractors. This is done following investigations that the Municipal Manager instituted

following the awarding of 15 tenders worth more than R230 million to contractors in February 2015. The Municipal Manager queried the tender processes and ordered an investigation in March 2015 by the department of Corporative Governance, Human Settlements, and Traditional Affairs, which have now being concluded successfully. A report to this effect has been forwarded to a court of law for a fi nal decision.

SDM says “As the District Municipality, we are signitories to SALGA’s anti-fraud and anti-Corruption Strategy. And therefore, we can’t afford to be lured into suspicios tender activities. We are aware that our people are denied opportunity to benefi t from the implementation of these projects in the form of employment, skills development and water provisioning at the planned duration, however, we cannot allow a situation where good governance is trampled upon in the name of hasty manner of providing these services. We are very proud of our current exceptional audit opinion and we wish to remain the code of good practice when it comes to clean governance by spending public funds in accordance with the Municipal Finance Management Act, with due diligence and responsibility towards all the laws governing our country””.

Currently, no offi cial of government has been subjected to a disciplinary process whilst awaiting the ruling of the court on this matter.

The Municipal Manager, as the Accounting Offi cer has been given full mandate by the Municipal Council to make sure that this process is completed speedily. Council has also mandated the Municipal Manager to ensure that all the water and infrastructure projects targeted are implemented and concluded successfully so that the people of Sekhukhune receive the much needed services they deserve.

R230 million for projects will be spend

4 NEWS 14 AUGUST 2015

Praying for stability

Christians of several denominations gathered in the church building of the Apostolic Faith Mission (AFM) in Steelpoort on Tuesday eveninw--g. They prayed for stability in the area where political, laabour and social un-rests reigned for the past few weeks. More than 150 people of all walks of life attended.

(Information and photograph: Pastor Neels Beukes of the AFM)

11 suspects had been arrested at Mukutung village near Echo Caves bay Leboeng Police on charges of Intimidation.

They all appearedin court on Tuesday and Wednesday this week. They were all granted a bail of R750 each.

The arrest followed after a case was opened by one of the witnesses in last year’s arson case whereby the house of the Morowane family was burnt down in Mukutung village. The witness alleged that the suspects threatened the victim.

The Pol ice in Leboeng appeal to communities that they must respect the law. When a suspect is out on bail, people must not interfere with the state witnesses, saying “As the police we are still going to arrest people who take the law into their own hands”.

Their cases were remanded till 8 Sptember this year.

Eleven arrested

for intimidation

Thought for the week

Matthew 26:75 NIV

75 Then Peter remembered the word Jesus had spoken: “Before the rooster crows, you will disown me three times.” And he went outside and wept bitterly.

(This character in the photograph was on the loose at Tubatse Crossing Mall last week Saturday)

Need to advertise? Phone or email Beánnla Celliers at 083 543 1676 or adverts@platinumgazette.com

6 NEWS 14 AUGUST 2015

The Springbok rugby team will be taking on Argentina this weekend after their shock loss of 35-27 against the South Americans last weekend. This is a Rugby World Cup year and South Africans’ hope on bringing back the cup that brought together a nation in 1995, was dealt a blow when the latest world rankings saw the Springboks being dropped to number fi ve in the world. While the team is trying to focus on getting their act together for this weekend, the trade union Cosatu has asked for a closed-door meeting with the Springboks to discuss issues of transformation. Cosatu’s Western Cape secretary, Tony Ehrenreich said that the majority of South Africans would rather lose with a represent-ative team and not a team chosen by the “white mafi a of rugby” that is excluding black players. Cosatu added that they were approached by both black and white players to help address issues of transformation. Cosatu’s move to ask for a closed-door meet-ing has been criticized by political parties warning that South Africa will be punished for breaching international sport codes where political interference and not merit played a part in the selection process of teams. South African Rugby recently signed a memorandum of understanding with govern-ment, the South African sports confederation and the Olympic committee on a strategic transformation plan for rugby. This week they confi rmed that they are focusing on delivering on the understanding and will continue their engagement in this regard.Platinum Gazette asked readers what they think about the whole issue, the Springboks’ chances this weekend and at the World Cup later this year.

Mnr. Llewellyn Wolmarans sê: “Die Spring-bokke sal hierdie naweek wen. Hulle moet net hul besluite reg neem oor wie hulle speel. Moenie nou fokus op die huidige kompetisie nie. Dis die Wêreldbeker wat belangrik is. Ons moet spelers daarvoor in plek kry. Wat betref transformasie – kies die beste ouens. Maak nie saak wat hulle kleur is nie. Die ouens wat kla oor transformasie moet darem ook konsekwent wees – kyk na Bafana Bafa-na, hulle is nie verteenwoordigend nie”.

Mr. Moses Mankge said: “This weekend the Springboks will win. I love them. I love my country. God sees no colour and we should not either. When it comes to selecting a team just pick the best players. Don’t pick because of colour. Coaches must be colour blind. The Springboks will win the World Cup again. I love sport – Ama Bokko Bokko!”

Mnr. Terrence Roberts sê: “Die Springbokke gaan die naweek verloor…vrek ver. Hulle kans is 50/50 in die Wêreldbeker. Ek dink hulle moet meer kleurlinge in die span sit. Dan kan die span Afrikaans praat. Daar is duidelik nou ‘n kommunikasiegaping”.

Me. Michelle Mc Cabe sê: “Sport is ‘n plek waar politiek nie hoort nie. As jy goed is hoort jy daar en as jy nie is nie moet jy nie plek kry nie. Ervaring en leierskap tel ook soos met Jean de Villiers. Die Springbokke gaan hierdie naweek wen. Daar is meer druk op hulle hierdie naweek. Ek dink hulle sal beslis ook vorder tot in die Wêreldbeker semi-fi naal, maar is nie so seker oor die fi naal nie”.

Mnr. Lourens Nel sê: “’n Ou is positief oor die Springbokke. Die verloor laas week en hierdie wedstryde is maar ‘n opbou na die Wêreldbeker. Die surprise gaan nog kom in die Wêreldbeker. Ons het al twee keer as die under dogs gewen. Ek is positief dit kan weer gebeur. Cosatu moet hulle by die sokker bepaal – dit verteenwoordig ook nie Suid-Af-rika nie. Hoekom net op rugby fokus? Daar is goeie spelers in elke posisie. Daar is goeie jong talent – wit en swart, wat goed sal vaar as hulle die kans kry. Transformasie sal kom. Daai spelers sal hulle geleentheid kry, kyk net na die Stormers. Soos die ouer manne klaar maak word hul plekke geneem deur hierdie belowende jonges”.

Mr. Patrick Mathabatha said: “They’ve learnt from last week’s loss and this week they’ll be fi ne against Argentina. They’ll rectify what was wrong and go out with a fi ghting spirit. I don’t know about the World Cup. If it was a team like Orlando Pirates going there it would have been a done deal that they will bring back the cup. There is not much Madi-ba Magic left with the Springboks. It is racism of Cosatu to become in-volved with rugby. Don’t worry about rugby trans-formation – where is the better life government promised us? What if many blacks don’t want to play rugby? It is ridic-ulous, it is nonsense this transformation issue. There are other issues, especially in our area that needs attention”.

Left: Ms. Charitty Ma-vuso and Ms. Lungile Zimba said: “They will win this Saturday. Yes, they will also win the World Cup. We are 100% sure of that. If not they’ll be in the fi nals and it will be very close. Cosatu is a bit unfair. It is about passion and every player must be picked on merit. We want to have the best team and not the most representative one”.

Above: Ms. Itumeleng Kgwete and Ms. Pearl Mashego said: “The Springboks will be prepared this weekend. Anyone can play what they like and black people mostly like to play soccer while white people play rugby and cricket and that should not be a problem. Pick the best team regardless of the colour of the players. Cosatu should not at all be interfering with the rugby. We don’t know what to predict for this weekend’s score but they’ll win. The World Cup will be tough but not impossible to win”.

Mnr. Arthur Loubser sê: “Saterdag sal die Springbokke 28-15 wen. Die kans is goed om die Wêreldbeker ook te wen. Ons het die spelers en ons moet net die regte kombi-nasies kry. Transformasie is oppad. Mense moet dit net nie ryp druk nie. Kyk na Australië en Nieu-Seeland. Daar is in baie van hul spanne ‘n wit meerderheid al is daar ook swart spelers beskikbaar. Hulle kies op die einde van die dag die ouens wat die beste speel. Ons swart spelers sal ook nog kom. Daar word nog aan hulle geskaaf”.

Mr. Linius Makgopa said: “They’ll bring back the World Cup this year. They’ve learned from the mistakes last week and this week the Springboks will win. Transformation should still be based on the performance of the players”.

Right: Mr. Mohtubatse Mashabela said: “The Springboks will improve this week. We are a democratic country and we should get more rugby development to have a better representative team. Black and white players should be included. They must however be picked on merit to be a black and white team”.

Mr. Solly Shingange said: “They will do it this weekend. The coaches must pick a team on merit, no matter what colour the players are. This weekend the score will be 29-18 in favour of South Africa”.

Springbok Rugby: Score prediction, transformation and more

7NUUS14 AUGUSTUS 2015

It was all glamour, glitz and glitter as staff and Grade 12 learners celebrated the 2015 Matric Dance at the up-market Lapeng Lodge just a few kilometres from Burgersfort.The event was graced by Dr. Lorna Maphutu-ma, the Circuit Manager of the Department of Education, Mr. Solly Lingwati, the Chairper-son of the Calvin College Board of Directors, Mr. Anthony Devassy, the Principal, Mrs. Lorraine Britz and many staff members of the school.

Mr. Lingwati congratulated the learners for conducting the event in a disciplined and organised manner, adding that the class of 2015 was “the most decently dressed” group of students over the years at an occasion like this.

It was the fi rst time Calvin College held its Matric Farewell so early in the year. Normally Matric Dances are held towards the end of the year, but addressing the audience, one of the Grade 12 educators and organisers of the function, Mr. Ronald Mavhaire, justifi ed the early staging of the event as a way of “mak-ing learners concentrate on their studies and exams as a priority for the rest of the year.”

(Article: Mr. R. Mavhaire, Photographs: Calvin College)

Style stars at matric farewell

Desiree Nkwana (Head Girl) and Derek Mo-hlala (Head Boy).

Khomotso Motau and Dimpho Radingwana. Tshoganetso Sefi ti and Mapulana Pholwana.

Alusani Modau, Fortune Mashabela and Ntabiseng Makola.

Dikhutla Ramohlale and Success Mokget-loane.

Right: Masello Masalane and Jimmy Tshabalala.

Pebetsi Makgata and Anthony Mashile.

Below: Kano Mok-weno and Sharon Matlala.

Right: Obakeng Kgwedi and Tshe-gofatso Mamekoa.

Right: Mi-nenhle Xulu and Conny Riba.

Below: Kgaugelo Bopape and Prince Pandala.

Left: Moshito Mosoma and Miemie Makofane.

NEWS 14 AUGUST 2015

The Democratic Alliance (DA) has fi led a complaint with the Public Protector on 5 August to probe the Greater Tubatse Municipality for paying R19 million to a contractor for a 3 kilo-metres road project which party alleges, was not completed.

The DA says the Department of Treasury advertised a tender on the behalf of the munici-pality on the department’s Tender Bulletin, No 18 of 2013/14 fi nancial year to tar the junction of the R36 road at Leboeng leading to Makgalane and the D4158 to Makopung village at the cost of R19 million for a 3km road.

The contractor only managed to fi nish 2,5 kilometres without completing the job. During a visit to the project, the party says that there are no signs that the remaining portion can be fi nished anytime soon as all equipment and construction vehicles have been removed from the site.

The part says “It is clear that fi nishing the remaining 500km stretch will be a pipedream which will never come true due to lack of monitoring from government offi cials before making the fi nal payments. It is also alleged that the contractor was given a whopping bonus of R3.1 million after completing the 2,5 kilometres road’.

The DA believes that an investigation by the Public Protector will have answers to this fruitless expenditure and ensure that that offi cials implicated in this fi nancial mismanagement are held accountable and recoup the taxpayers’ money.

DA unhappy about Makopung road

10 Platinum Gazette

Klein Advertensies • SmallsPlace your small advertisement via e-mail or fax or contact Beánnla Celliers on 083 543 1676 or 083 271 9151.

E-mail: adverts@platinumgazette.com • Fax: 086 554 9031

“Stopping advertising to save money is like stop-ping your

watch to save time.”

– Henry Ford

Platinum GazetteBeánnla Celliers will see to it that your advertisement in Platinum Gazette meets

the highest standards with regard to design and

reproduction.

Contact her on 013 231 7147 / 083 543 1676 or adverts@platinumgazette.com

“Doing business without

advertising is like wink-ing at a girl in the dark. You know what you are doing

but nobody else does”

- Stuart Henderson

Adverteer/Advertise hier/here:

1.Sport Klubs /Sport Clubs

2.Betrekking/Vacancy3.Dienste/Services4. Oornag Akkom-modasie/Overnight

accommodation5. Troeteldiere/Pets

6. Persoonlik/Personal7. Allerlei/Miscella-

neous8. Finansies/Financial

9. Te Huur/To Rent10. Te Koop/For sale

Burgersfort TransportFor all your transport

requirements(transport of mine &

construction workers)Contact Ariff

072 337 7332

Lang en kort termyn verblyf beskikbaar

op plaas 10km buite Burgersfort op Lyden-

5. Troeteldiere/Pets

Burgersfort Transport

3. Dienste/Services

Two bedroom apartment available.

R5000 with lights and water, Aloe Ridge

West. 3 Bedroom - R6500 with water. Pre-paid

electricity.Call 082 578 6113

9. Te Huur/For Rent

Pragtige Rottweiler hondjies te koop.

Tans 5 weke oud. R2 500.

Eerste inentings

en ontwurming sal gedoen wees.

Sel: 083 414 7291.

burg pad. Kontak Miena op 082-960-3689 of (013) 231-7899.

* Pick n Pay Tubat-se Crossing

* Temba Garage* Dunlop

* Supa Quick Burgersfort

Get your hard copy of the newspaper here:

* Boxer Khadima Centre

* Phelo Pharmacy Khadima Centre

* Cheap Cheap #2* Tubatse Super-

spar* Greater Tubatse Municipality Burg-

ersfort* Toyota Burgers-

fort* Choppies Burg-

ersfort* Magaba Filling

Station * Burgersforn

SAPS * Aloe Foods

* Praktiseer SAPS * Ohrigstad SAPS

* Pick n Pay Steelpoort

* Winterveld

Village* Tubatse Village

* Dwarsrivier Mine* Mototolo

* Morena’s Tavern (Steel Bridge)

* Glencore East-ern Limb Training

Centre* Sediman Tuck

Shop - Kalkfontein* Modikwa Plati-

num Mine* Dilokong Chrome Mine (ASA Metals)

* Twickenham Platinum Mine

* Dr. Lorna’s Sur-gery Burgersfort

* Pret Liquor* Pret Butchery

* CTM Burgersfort* Madeleen Willers

Attorneys

* Lebowa Panel Beaters

* Hendrk’s Panel-beaters

* Department of Education Circuit Offi ce Burgersfort

* Laerskool Ohrigstad

* Laerskool Burgersfort

* Supa Save* Build It Tubatse

* A1 Fisheries Wholesale

* A1 Food Store Twin City (A1 Fish-

eries)* Burgersfort Phar-

macy* Ohrigstad Handelshuis

* Tiezers Meat Pantry

14 AUGUST 2015

11NUUS14 AUGUSTUS 2015

Platinum Gazette contact details:

Editorial: William Zwart Tel: 083 271 9151E-mail: editorial@platinumgazette.com

Advertising: Beánnla CelliersTel: 083 543 1676E-mail: adverts@platinumgazette.com

Fax: 086 554 9031/013 231 7147

Postal address: P O Box 2208, Burgersfort, 1150

Website: www.platinumgazette.com

Printers: Printed by Lowveld Media, 12 Stinkhout Crescent, Nelspruit.

Copyright: All rights concerning any advertisement and / or other material contained in the Platinum Gazette are expressly reserved in terms of Section 12 (7) of the Copyright Act (98 of 1978).

To advertise in

Platinum Gazette contact Beánnla

Celliers on 083 543

1676 or 013 231 7147 or e-mail

adverts@plat-inumgazette.

comThe

advertising deadline is

every Tuesday at

17:00.

All dressed up for

the golf

Tubatse Chrome Golf Club celebrated Women’s Day with a special golf tourna-ment. The course was a sea for pink and the usually neat-ly dressed gentle-men were dressed to kill in skirts, dresses and pink accessories to help celebrate Women’s Day in a fun way.

Read more about this on page 12 of this newspaper.

Kom speel saam met die Kruppel Buffels golf

Die jaarlikse Kruppel Buffel Golfdag word vir 29 Augustus 2015 beplan. Daar is nog plek vir spelers en spanne wat wil inskryf. Die dag word jaarliks by die Tubatse Chroom Golf Klub gehou. Die inskrywingsfoo is R250 per persoon. Enige een wat wil bespreek kan vir Martin

van Rooyen kontak by 072 564 2811.Die fondse wat met hierdie dag ingesamel word, word gebruik vir die jaarlikse toer na die Goue Oues Rugby Toernooi. Dit word elke jaar op ‘n ander plek gehou. Die Klub en die Kruppel Buffels nooi almal uit om hulle te kom ondersteun.

12

Platinum Gazette

SPORTSPORTIt‛s child‛s play to read your

Platinum Gazette onlineVisit

www.platinumgazette.com

or subscribe to get it on e-mail by sending us your request to adverts@

platinumgazette.com

Women’s Day Golf a pink affair

Tubatse Chrome Golf Club hosted a fun Women’s Day Golf tournament. The day was

well supported. Everyone was requested to wear something pink. The men were also se-

riously handicapped with being able to use only irons and joining the women on the la-dies’ tee boxes. They were also requested to wear skirts or dresses.

In the end the prizes were allocated through a lucky draw.

The Club would like to thank the following sponsors for their support of the day: Bison Falls Spur, Filterman, Saman-cor ECM, Samancor Tubatse Chrome, Advanced Fire, HERS, Chrome Golf Club, PTS, Chrome Golf Club Committee Members and Tyre Corporation.

14 AUGUST 2015