EPHRAIM’S VARSITY DREAMS SHATTERED

30 January 2015Volume 3 Week 3 www.lesedingnews.co.za - lesedingnews.mobi

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Ephraim Lekolwane (25) of Rietfontein near Schoemansville outside Brits in North West says his life is turning into a living hell. Ephraim – who passed his matric with flying colours – cannot afford to pay the R15 000 outstanding university fees required for him to obtain his results from the Tshwane University of Technology (TUT). He registered with the TUT Ga-rankuwa Campus last year to study a diploma in Human Resource Management. However, Lekolwane told Leseding News that he did not get his results because of his outstanding fees.“I feel like God has turned a blind eye on me,” he said in an interview. “I am from a very poor family and I am only left with my grandfather, who is the breadwinner, we depend on his old aged grants since I am not employed. “Sometimes I do piece jobs in my village. I am trying to cope but it is very difficult especially when coming to my varsity fees,” he added, with sadness written all over his face. “It was not easy for me to attend lectures because sometimes I had to go with an empty stomach travelling from Schoemansville to Ga-rankuwa.“I even had to make copies of the, texts books from my friend because I could not afford the books. TUT sent me an SMS stating that my results will be withheld and registration blocked until I pay them. I kindly request help from anyone or any organisation to help me pay my fees.” Ephraim said he matriculated in 2012 at Ikatisong Secondary School in Letlhabile and got a bachelors symbol. His mother passed away in 2013 while his father died before he was born.

news@lesedingnews.co.za Dimakatso Genkoe

HARD TIMES: Ephraim Lekolwane cannot pay his outstanding university fees of R15 000 (PHOTO: DIMAKATSO GENKOE)

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MAiNe pLedges to Assist sChooLs The North West MEC for Local Government and Human Settlement, Collen Maine, has adopted Rantebeng Middle School in Dikepu Village near Makapanstad in Moretele Municipality and has promised to buy the school 30 computers and build the storeroom. MEC Maine made the commitment when he was inspecting the state of readiness of two schools in Moretele Local Municipality for the 2015 school year.The visit by MEC Maine was to ensure that all schools are ready for teaching and learning during their first days of re-opening with no interruptions. During his visit to both Hendrick Makapan High and Rantebeng Middle School in Dikepu village teaching and learning was continuing as expected with all teachers in attendance.During Maine’s visit to Rantebeng Middle School, the principal Mamikie Bochochele highlighted that many things are in order in the school. “There are enough text books and stationery, school nutrition is functional, there are no vacant position, several school policies are in place and our school governing body is functional. Our major problem is that we do not have computers and our budget does allow us to buy computers. We have looked for sponsors and no entities are coming forth,” she said.“We really need assistance on that regard. Our children needs computer experience now,” she added. After confirming the number of computers

needed, Maine took the decision which left the excitement in the school. “I am adopting this school and I will try by all means to assist the school to sort out all the challenges. I am going to start by delivering 30 computers to the school so that children in a rural area like Dikepu must not be left without knowing how to operate a computer.“We will also build the storeroom for the computers. The school will have to employ security personnel to safeguard the computers,” he said. Earlier, the MEC visited Hendrick Makapan High School in the same Dikepu village. The school registered a 91% matric pass rate last year.Mary Seoketsa the principal of school wanted the department to assist them with

appointing a permanent Physical Science teacher. “Many things are in place in the school but our problem is the physical science teacher who has employed on a temporary contract. When they get permanent positions somewhere they leave the school and it takes us a lot of time before we make a replacement. Getting a permanent teacher will really assist the school,” said Seoketsa.MEC Maine promised to forward all concerns registered to Education Department which will attend to the request. School visits by the MEC is part of the programme of all members of the Bokone Bophirima Provincial legislature to assess state of readiness in some schools within the province in the beginning of every year.

Arrested MAN CoMMits suiCideThe police in Mmabatho are on the hunt for the five people who are responsible for bombing a Standard Bank ATM and making away with an unspecified amount of money. The incident occurred at Caltex Garage in the Unit 7 area of Mmabatho during the early morning hours of yesterday. “According to information received five suspects, wearing balaclavas and holding rifles, entered the garage at around 03h00,” Brigadier Thulani Ngubane said in a statement yesterday. “It is alleged that one of them went inside the garage shop where he found five employees and onecustomer. He ordered them to lie down and took the customer to the garage toilet. “He allegedly went to the ATM and bombed it. It is alleged that the suspects ran-off with an undisclosed amount of money from the ATM and also from the shop’s till,” Ngubane added. No one was injured during the incident and employees received treatment for shock at the scene. However, a severely traumatised employee was taken to hospital for treatment. “No arrests have been made yet and police are urging community members to come forward with information that could lead to the arrest of the suspects. They can phone Mmabatho police station on Tel: 018 397 5203,” Ngubane explained.

0330 January 2015Leseding News - Brits

TLOKS REINVENTS 90S HIT

Letlhogonolo Motseeng – known in music circles as “Tloks Lepara” – has reinvented hit song Chesa Mpama in a development that has set alight the South African Motswako scene.The 27-year-old singer – who was born in the North West village of Taung – approached the

news@lesedingnews.co.za Lesedi Morei

MAKING WAVES: Tloks Lepara (PHOTO: SUPPLIED)

MMABANA INVITE NEW STUDENTSMmabana arts, culture and sports foundation is inviting prospective students interested in their programmes to register for the 2015 academic year. Registration is currently under way at various Mmabana Arts and Culture Foundation centers. “Interested persons are encouraged to visit the centers or call to get more information on the programmes for which they are interested to register for in 2015. For Mmabana Taung, call 053 994 1310/5. “Mmabana Lehurutshe call 018 363 3792/3. Mmabana Mahikeng call 018 392 4100 and Mmabana Rustenburg 014 565 4576,” Trinity Bogosi of Mmabana said in a statement. “Information on offered programmes, commencement of classes and fees payable will be provided,” the statement added.Mmabana said it is important for parents and students to contact the registration and revenue office so that they can be able to obtain the relevant examination registration fees in those departments.Students who are unable to pay full year fees during registration are advised to pay a quarterly fee during registration. DANCE: Mmabana offers many educational courses in the arts (PHOTO: TRINITY BOGOSI)

legendary Senyaka who gave him the green light to add a new, modern beat to the song, which was very popular during the 1990s. “I had a chat with Senyaka over breakfast and I told him my intentions of doing the song using a fused beat. I received his blessings and immediately went to the studio. “I intend to release a music video in March. For now, however, I am just happy that the song is receiving a lot of airplay,” He said. Tloks – who has become one of the household names in the Motswako scene – said his love of music began in 2000 when he was still in grade 7. He said at the time he didn’t take it seriously and only saw it as a hobby.However, all this was to change the following year when he began school at Joseph Saku Secondary School. “There were lots of activities on that day and I chose to sing a song called Melesenzeni by Mzambiya”, he said.After his performance, the whole school began calling him “Mzambiya” and that inspired him even more.“I started getting attention and realised I

enjoyed getting people to have a good time,” he said.Two years later, he formed a group called “Ruff Necks” together with his cousin.They entered a music competition called Taung Local Pops. When they lost the competition, it made him even more determined to succeed.That is why he decided to move to Joburg in 2004. He wanted to record a kwaito demo. Tloks said his focus was not on music only. He also did a bit of acting in local plays and choreography.Two years later, while living in Thokoza, Ekurhuleni, he was introduced to the genre he is now passionate about, motswako.“I remember going to a youth centre where I joined a group doing lots of activities, including music,” said Tloks.“I hooked up with some guys who sang in Setswana.”Tloks soon established himself as a force to reckon with on the domestic scene. To date, he has collaborated with artists such as Notshi, Khuli Chana, Ifani and Kwesta.

Lovely Aobakwe Rantao (21) – our Girl of the Week – was born at Mokgola Village outside Zeerust. She passed her matric in 2012 at a combined secondary school. At the moment, she is now studying engineering at Mankwe College in Mogwase.Aobakwe, who is hoping to make it big in the modelling world, said she is also on the lookout for a professional agency to work with. After completing her studies, she hopes to study modelling on a part time basis – a step she hopes will take her a step closer to achieving her dreams. Models aged between the ages of 17 and 30, who are interested in appearing in this space are requested to phone 073 9709671

COPS HUNTING FOR FIVE ATM BOMBERSThe police in Mmabatho are on the hunt for the five people who are responsible for bombing a Standard Bank ATM and making away with an unspecified amount of money. The incident occurred at Caltex Garage in the Unit 7 area of Mmabatho during the early morning hours of yesterday. “According to information received five suspects, wearing balaclavas and holding rifles, entered the garage at around 03h00,” Brigadier Thulani Ngubane said in a statement yesterday. “It is alleged that one of them went inside the garage shop where he found five employees and onecustomer. He ordered them to lie down and took the customer to the garage toilet.

“He allegedly went to the ATM and bombed it. It is alleged that the suspects ran-off with an undisclosed amount of money from the ATM and also from the shop’s till,” Ngubane added. No one was injured during the incident and employees received treatment for shock at the scene. However, a severely traumatised employee was taken to hospital for treatment. “No arrests have been made yet and police are urging community members to come forward with information that could lead to the arrest of the suspects.

They can phone Mmabatho police station on Tel: 018 397 5203,” Ngubane explained.

farirai@lesedingnews.co.za Farirayi Kahwemba

04 30 January 2015 Leseding News - Brits

Birthday party for seNior citizeNsThe North West Department of Social Development in partnership with the Department of Finance, Economy and Enterprise Development and the Matlosana local Municipality recently honoured senior citizens residing in Matlosana. On 7 January 2015, a party was held to mark the birthday of Ms. Segametsi Senokwane, who is currently the eldest resident of Matlosana at a staggering 101 years of age. It was also a chance to honour the senior citizens for their contribution to the community. Efforts made by ward 7 councillor, Happy Saudi and the Executive Mayor of Matlosana, Michael Khauoe made certain government’s efforts to honour Ms Senokwane prevailed. A small celebration was held at Ms

Sebokwane’s home in honour of her and other senior citizens of the Jouberton community. The Executive Mayor, Mr Khauoe and the MEC for FEED, Wendy Joy Nelson were personally there to hand over gifts and spread their warm wishes to the senior residents of Jouberton. MEC Nelson wished Ms. Senokwane well and specified that it is truly by God grace that she has reached this wise age. Gifts were handed to the 10 most senior citizens of Jouberton by the MEC and the department of social development, which consisted of blankets and fruit baskets and a personal gift from the MEC. “I would like to see us acknowledging all of our senior citizens in our province when they reach such milestones for they truly have a lot to share with the community, which should

be honoured”, said Nelson. “It is also January the 8th when we are celebrating Ms. Sebokwane’s birthday, which coincides with the ANC’s 103rd birthday as well, a momentous occasion and truly a great day for us all,” she explained. The Bokone Bophirima government is committed to honouring the elders within our community and the MEC expressed great commitment to continue this trend and in future do this for all families of the province.

PARTY TIME: MEC Wendy Nelson celebrates with the senior citizens (PHOTO: SUPPLIED)

eLderLy coupLe attackedAn elderly couple was badly injured in an attack on their plot in De Wildt near Brits, North West police said. Three armed men wearing blue overall pants attacked Hannes and Annetjie van der Merwe, both in their 70s, Brigadier Thulani Ngubane said. “Three men covered in balaclavas came onto the farm, disarmed him, tied him and his wife up, started assaulting them and burnt them with a steam iron on most of their body parts.” The men took firearms from their safe and ransacked the house before fleeing on

foot. No arrests had been made. Police had opened a case of robbery, assault, and attempted murder. “Police are very hard at work to find them,” Ngubane said. He appealed to residents to contact the police if they had any information about the crime. Afriforum’s head of community safety Ian Cameron said the couple were recovering in a Brits hospital. “I heard this morning that they are stable.” He said Hannes had managed to alert a neighbour about the attack, who then called for help.

cops huNtiNg for five atM BoMBersThe police in Mmabatho are on the hunt for the five people who are responsible for bombing a Standard Bank ATM and making away with an unspecified amount of money. The incident occurred at Caltex Garage in the Unit 7 area of Mmabatho during the early morning hours of yesterday. “According to information received five suspects, wearing balaclavas and holding rifles, entered the garage at around 03h00,” Brigadier Thulani Ngubane said in a statement yesterday. “It is alleged that one of them went inside the garage shop where he found five employees and onecustomer. He ordered them to lie down and

took the customer to the garage toilet. “He allegedly went to the ATM and bombed it. It is alleged that the suspects ran-off with an undisclosed amount of money from the ATM and also from the shop’s till,” Ngubane added. No one was injured during the incident and employees received treatment for shock at the scene. However, a severely traumatised employee was taken to hospital for treatment. “No arrests have been made yet and police are urging community members to come forward with information that could lead to the arrest of the suspects. They can phone Mmabatho police station on Tel: 018 397 5203,” Ngubane explained.

30 January 2015Leseding News - Brits 05

Congratulationsmatrics 2014

I, Cllr Louis Diremelo, the Executive Mayor of Bojanala Platinum District Municipality, take this opportunity to congratulate all the 2014 Matriculants who made it through, and I further encourage them to continue with their studies at tertiary institutions and make something of themselves.

As education is the �rst step into the futurefor every youngster, I urge you to continue studying because our country needs skilled professionals.

As for the ones who did not make it, I encourage you to go back to school, because you still have a chance to make it in 2015. Do not give up!

MAYOR CONGRATULATES 2014 MATRICULANTS

Leseding News06 Leseding News - Brits30 January 2015

PLATINUM PEOPLE

Charles Makgale and Hendrik Mahuma are two close friends who are involved in a tattoo business that is based in the

Rustenburg CBD.

C H A R L E SM A K G A L E

& H E N D R I K M A H U M A

The two young men are part of Chaotik InkTattoos – a professional tattoo studio that focuses on body piercing, 3D tattoos as well as tattoo removal. Since the 1970s, tattoos have become a mainstream part of global and Western fashion, common among both sexes, to all economic classes, and to age groups from the later teen years to middle age. For many young South African, the tattoo has taken on a decidedly different meaning than for previous generations. The tattoo has “undergone dramatic redefinition” and has shifted from a form of deviance to an acceptable form of expression. Tattoos have also experienced a resurgence in popularity in many parts of the world,

particularly in Europe, Japan, and North and South America.“We started this business in December 2010 and we got certified the following year,” Makgale said in an interview with Leseding News. “We specialize on doing tattoo designs and body piercing. We are excited because last year we were licensed to do tattoo removal.

There are not so many places where people can get their tattoos removed so this is an advantage for us,” he added. Makgale, who has more than thirty tattoos all over his body, says his job is very artistic. “We started this because of the love we have for art. We saw an opening in the black community for a business of this nature and we decided to go for it. “We create our own designs and our clients then come and chose the design that they would like to be tattooed on their bodies. “We also allow our clients to come with their own designs, which we then tattoo on their skin. So we are very flexible in this regard,” he added. Mahuma – who also says he was attracted

to the tattoo business because of his love of creativity and art – said they have a very broad clientele range. He said: “We have students coming in and we have people who are working who also come in for tattoos. Our youngest clients usually are from the age of 18. “Just the other day, we did a tattoo for a man who is in their 60s so we have various people coming into the studio for our services. They are from various groups and backgrounds.” One will have to pay around R450 for a simple tattoo. “The prices have a range and this is determined by the type of design and the actual size of the tattoo that the client

would like to have on their body,” Mahuma explained. “It is very fulfilling when you do a tattoo and the client is very happy about the design. This is what makes us happy and gives us the power to go on in this business,” he added. The studio also does paintings, usually at the request of their clients. “We would like to open more branches in the North West province so that we can expand on our business,” Makgale said. “The idea, really is to dispel the idea that tattoos are linked with gangsters and other things that are negative or evil,” he explained.

SEOLESENG SCHOOL REOPENED

The North West education department has re-opened Seoleseng Middle School in Taung after it had closed it down last year. “The school was reopened after consultation with parents,” spokesman Brian Setswambung said. The school had 78 pupils and two teachers last year. He said the department wanted to close the school in an attempt to align the school system in the province with the national system. The North West has inherited a three-tier school system consisting of primary, middle and high school from the Bophuthatswana homeland.

“It is not correct that the school was closed without consultation. There was an agreement that learners will enrol at Reivilo High School,” he said. Reivilo is about 60km from Taung. The school has hostels and pupils from Seoleseng would be accommodated there for free. The Democratic Alliance alleged that parents and pupils found the school gates locked on the first day of teaching last week. “Consultation on the closure of schools should not be a once-off event, but should be an ongoing process so as to involve parents and learners on every action related to the planned closure of the schools,” said the party’s education spokesman Tutu

Faleni. “We appeal to the department to once more open consultation with parents on the closure of Seoleseng Middle School and find mutually acceptable solutions to the problems that beset the closure of the school.” Setswambung said when schools re-opened last week, parents pleaded with the department not to close the school. “To them the presence of the school symbolised the presence of government. It was agreed that the school will not be closed.” He said parents undertook to ensure more pupils registered at Seoleseng, to enable the school to be allocated more teachers and other resources.

BACK IN CLASS: Students at the school are now attending classes

The DA believes the Press Code should be reviewed to protect journalistic independence, it said on Wednesday following the Press Ombudsman’s dismissal of a complaint by the party. Democratic Alliance spokesperson Phumzile van Damme said in a statement that the party noted the Ombudsman’s ruling that the office could not judge two journalists for wearing ANC attire as their behaviour was not followed by publication.Van Damme said: “This is an opportunity for the South African Press Council to assess whether the Press Code’s ambit is currently broad enough to ensure the spirit of independence and standards captured in its preamble is practised in the journalism industry.” She had lodged a complaint with the Ombudsman against Independent Newspapers group executive editor Karima Brown and opinion and analysis group editor Vukani Mde.They were pictured on social networks attending the ANC’s 103rd birthday in January wearing the party’s attire.“If a journalist’s behaviour leads to the publication of whatever, the conduct in question... may come under scrutiny. Otherwise, this office has no jurisdiction over it,” said Ombudsman Johan Retief.Van Damme had argued that because the two had worn African National Congress attire to the birthday celebration in Cape Town, their independence and impartiality had been compromised.Abigail Oliver, on behalf of Independent Newspapers, argued that Brown and Mde attended the birthday celebration in their personal capacity and neither reported on the event. After the ruling, Van Damme said that the journalists’ behaviour needed to be understood in context.“Their attendance of the ANC birthday celebrations must also be seen against the backdrop of the Independent Group’s axing of independently minded journalists and the unnecessary apology recently issued to the President.”

REVIEW PRESS CODE – DA

30 January 2015Leseding News - Brits 07

OPEN LETTER TO PREMIER SUPRA MAHUMAPELO

Dear Premier, New Year Greetings!First, I write to you as a proud son of the North West province, a region with great potential and possibilities in the field of the arts, culture and entertainment.I write to you as a founding anchor and writer of Leseding World of Arts, a new and exciting arts, culture and entertainment column dedicated to the development and promotion of the creative industries in the Bojanala district and the rest of the platinum region. The column is published by Leseding News, our prominent community newspaper which operates from Rustenburg.As we celebrate the birth of this new cultural platform for artistic expression, I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate you once again for your commitment to support the revival of the creative industries in North West and for becoming the first Premier in the region to have the arts at the top of your development agenda. This was evident during your presentation last year at the TNA breakfast Show on SABC 2 Morning Live. It gives me a sense of pride to want to be part of your vision and to participate in the tedious campaign of repositioning the creative industries in North West.I believe that one of the priority assignments we have to undertake as a province is to strive to bring together all artists under one representative body. This is the starting point. We need to establish a unitary organization that will represent the voice of writers, filmmakers, musicians, dancers, producers, playwrights, publishers, fashion designers, visual artists, educators and arts administrators.Currently the arts sector in the province is fragmented and many artists and cultural workers on the ground are frustrated and have lost hope. There is minimal support from the North West Department of Arts and Culture. Arts and cultural activities are mainly centralized around Mafikeng and Taung.

Strategic areas such as Rustenburg, Mogwase, Brits and Vryburg are experiencing a total blackout in arts activities. Only a few connected artists enjoy government support in these areas. This has led to many of our brilliant artists migrating from the platinum region to nearby Johannesburg and Pretoria in search of a place in the sun.Under the able leadership of MEC Tebogo Modise, the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture can do better. There need to be a balance between support for sport and arts and culture activities in North West. No sector should be marginalized. Both sports and culture are important sectors for the socio-economic development of our region. Currently, there seems to be more support towards sport than arts and culture. We need to change this situation. Honourable Premier, the Mmabana Cultural centres are ineffective under current policies and structural operations. Mmabana lacks transformation and its approach to arts development is outdated and not in line with current policies under our new democratic dispensation. We need an urgent conference of review of the Mmabana Cultural Centre. The centres cannot grow into vibrant and sustainable institutions under current policies. We also need more centres to be built in Rustenburg and Madibeng. This can only be achieved through public private partnership initiatives. It is imperative for arts and culture stakeholders in the province to engage and support the current CEO of Mmabana regarding the above mentioned issues.Mr Premier, the North West has over the past two decades produced some of the best artists and creative minds ever and yet these artists are not being celebrated in their home province. Instead they receive honours and are being celebrated in foreign countries such as the USA and UK . We need to change this scenario. Let us consciously celebrate and recognise our musicians, filmmakers, actors, writers, visual artists, photographers, fashion designers and

dancers.Despite the many challenges that we face as a developing industry, you have given us hope. As you correctly said, we need men and women who are passionate about the arts and culture to come forward and make their contribution. Business, particularly the mining sector needs to review their position of not supporting the arts in North West. As we pursue these dreams and objectives, we will ensure that dialogue and constructive engagement becomes our beacon of hope in the development of the arts in our province. If we are to become an effective, competitive, vibrant and economically viable arts and culture industry, the following key ten points will have to be considered by the North West Department of Arts and Culture:

• Support the formation of a provincial representative and all inclusive structure to act as the voice of the cultural and creative industries in the North West province. • Convene an urgent policy review of the Mmabana Cultural Centre, and an evaluation of its performance over the past 20 years• Introduction of arts and culture programmes in primary and high schools, in collaboration with the Department of Basic Education• Establish a creative industries unit within the North West Development Corporation (NWDC)• Support the establishment of a North West Film Commission for the development and promotion of the film industry in the province• Establish a provincial film school (public private partnership)• Collaborate with key musicians and artists from the province regarding the establishment of a music house modeled on the KZN Music House• Facilitate the creation of an independent Arts Development Fund• Establish a provincial Festival of the Arts• Launch an annual regional music festival to promote tourism in the province

We thank you for recognizing the fact that the creative and cultural industries are important contributors to the development of our economy and our communities in general. Under our new democracy, we wish to see the arts flourish, creating more job opportunities and playing a more frontline role in promoting reconciliation, transformation and social cohesion.This time tomorrow we shall count on our progress.

Yours in arts development, Basil DubeBasil Dube is a prominent writer, cultural activist, promoter and film distribution agent. He is the director of the South African Legal Centre for the Creative Arts, a human rights centre based in Pretoria.

IN CHARGE: North West Premier Supra Mahumapelo

Dear Premier, New Year Greetings!

NEW WEBSITE FOR TOURSIM DEPARTMENT

The North West department of tourism recently launched its new website at a colourful ceremony held at Mahikeng hotel school.The department says it aims to use the side as a guiding tool and a marketer in luring both local and international tourist to the North West Province shores. “This is another tool that is effectively used internationally, by tourists to locate interesting locations worldwide. “We therefore launch this website, knowing that it will be making communication and marketing of our products easier for potential tourists. We have also made it possible for immediate feedback through the page” said North West MEC for Toursim Desbo Mohono.Mohono said beside communicating departmental messages and programmes, the webpage will further link visitors to other Tourism entities such as the Sun Parks, Parks board and many other entities that will further guide and market tourism products within the province.“Through this website we are sure that we will see more people being informed and others visiting our province in future. “We hope that through the information disseminated our goal as the Department of creating economic growth and making the province the number one tourism destination will be realized,” said Mohono. Mohono urged tourists to visit the site - www.nwpg.gov.za (Click on departments and then Tourism.)The new website was also welcomed by departmental senior managers. Acting departmental HOD, Charles Ndabeni said: “As a new department it is only fair of us to be creative and think out of the box in making sure that we constantly lure people to visit our beautiful province. “Now by officially launching this site we are sending a message for people to come and enjoy the fauna and the flora of the Province.”

Basil Dube

LEADING THE WAY: Tourism MEC Desbo Mohono

08 Leseding News - Brits30 January 2015

HARD LESSONS FOR BAFANA BAFANAThe South Africa national football team – Bafana Bafana – have learnt some hard but important lessons from their Africa Cup of Nations campaign, which ended on Tuesday with a 2 – 1 defeat at the hands of Ghana. Once again – in keeping with the pattern that emerged in their two previous matches – Bafana scored first but could not hold onto the lead as Ghana came from behind to win the crucial encounter. Bafana’s defeat meant that they were eliminated in the first round of the competition – together with 16 other countries that were taking part in this year’s edition of the continental showcase. Despite the disappointing elimination, Bafana Bafana coach Ephraim Mashaba said his team have learnt invaluable lessons that will help them going forward.Mashaba said the team needs to work on the basics of the game. Bafana matched Ghana in the opening half, netting the opener through a stunning 17th minute volley from Kaizer Chiefs attacker Mandla Masango.However, Ghana dominated the second period, hitting back via strikes from John Boye and Andre Ayew to advance to the quarter-finals as Group C winners along with Algeria, who beat Senegal 2-0 in a simultaneous fixture. Bafana finished bottom of the pool with a point, having taken the lead in all three of their matches at the CAF showpiece.Mashaba said: “I think we gave it our best. We came here and scored a goal but we couldn’t consolidate.“In the first half we played very well. In the second half, in the first 10 minutes we started to sit back. We tried to push them out, made changes, but it didn’t work out.“We need to go back to our basics of playing

football, when to do things, how to do them, and where to do them.”He added: “We need that ability to kill off a game. That is one of the things I am talking

about when we say the basics.“We needed to take our time, but we were knocking it back to them and that’s where the problem was coming from.”

farirai@lesedingnews.co.za Farirayi Kahwemba

FULL FLIGHT: Andile Jali was part of the Bafana team that competed in the African Cup of Nations

SESIPI DEFENDS PUMA TRAIL RUN

Around 600 trail running enthusiasts participated in the PUMA Trail Run on 25 January at Buffelspoort Dam. Forming part of the action of South Africa’s largest off road triathlon, the Totalsports XTERRA presented by REHIDRAT SPORT, the PUMA Trail Run incorporates the XTERRA trail run routes. Edwin Sesipi and Leilani Scheffer successfully defended their titles in the 12km race crossing the finish line first in 48 minutes 09 seconds and 01 hour 01 minute 21 seconds respectively.According to Sesipi, the 12km PUMA Trail Run was fun. “This is the perfect training for cross country trails especially if your legs aren’t used to running cross country. The route was hilly, this makes it really interesting. I am very happy as I didn’t expect to win. I’ll definitely come back next year,” he said. Thabang Madiba came in second, while Altus Badenhorst finished third. “The route was really nice,” said Scheffer. “I ran with Anita O’Brien up until the 3km or 4km mark before making my break. The PUMA Trail Run is definitely the toughest of the short trail runs. It’s always nice to take part in an event that is organised by Stillwater Sports. “The routes are nicely marked, while the event is well organised. I managed a faster finishing time than last year, so I am very happy with today’s performance”. Anita O’Brien came in second, while Natia Van Heerden finished third.Zandre Du Plessis took the lead in the men’s 6km race crossing the finish line first in 27 minutes 53 seconds. Daniel Ellis came in second, while Franco van der Merwe finished third.Annerie Beetge claimed victory in the women’s 6km race crossing the finish line first in a well-deserved time of 35 minutes 10 seconds. Mariska Uys came in second, while Henriette Greef finished third.All entrants received an awesome goody bag, while medals were awarded to all finishers. Podium finishers secured a complementary entry into the 2015 FNB Platinum Trail Run, while one lucky runner won a team entry into the 2015 ProNutro AfricanX Trailrun!