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31 July 2014Volume 2 Week 31 www.lesedingnews.co.za - lesedingnews.mobi

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HARD AT WORK: Rustenburg’s Acting Municipal Manager, Marks Rapoo(PHOTO: F KAHWEMBA)

Marks Rapoo - the city’s acting municipal manager - has revealed that unpaid debts are affecting the provision of effective service delivery.

Among other responsibilities and duties, Rapoo was given the mandate by Council to ensure there is sound fi nancial management while also coming up with initiatives to encourage those owing the municipality to pay up. Rapoo told Leseding News that part of the initiatives aimed at reducing debts owed to the municipality will revolve around making changes to the billing system. “We need to improve the city’s billing system so that we can reduce our debtor’s book,” Rapoo said. “It is important for us to look at and implement measures that will ensure that we adhere to the objectives set out in the budget. “Failure to do this could impede on service delivery programmes,” he pointed out. The municipality is owed a substantial amount of money by ratepayers. As most people

in Rustenburg are employed in the mining sector, the ability of a number of ratepayers was severely affected by the AMCU-led strike, which started in January this year and lasted for fi ve months. One of the long term effects of that strike could be an increase in the money owed to the municipality by its debtors. It is these effects that the municipality is looking to alleviate. In May, while announcing a budget he described as “the toughest budget the municipality has seen in a while”, Rustenburg Executive Mayor Mpho Khunou announced some measures aimed at bolstering the fi nancial coffers of the local government body. In increase in the tariffs - property rates (6%), water (5%), electricity (Average 6.33%), sewerage (5.6%) and refuse removal (6%) - could prove unpopular among ratepayers but is also expected to go a long way in fi nancing some of the municipality’s programmes. Amidst claims by opposition political parties of a substantial amount of money that has failed to be accounted for at the municipality, the mayor is also under pressure to implement measures that will reduce expenditure. He has already said that “cost containment measures” have been put in place to this end while internal controls have been strengthened to reduce excessive expenditure on overtime.

Dikwena aiming high -Page 8

Cracks in EFF-Page 7

SAPS score major successes

-Page 2

farirai@lesedingnews.co.za

Farirayi Kahwemba

02 Leseding News - Rustenburg31 July 2014

10 500 to: Rustenburg. 10 500 to Brits, Marikana and Derby

EditorLevy Mokwele

News EditorFarirayi Kahwemba

JournalistsKutlwano Motsepe

Production ManagerGillian Ryan

Advertising ExecutivesRaymond Selebogo

ClassifiedsPertunia Morekisi

PhotographerAndrew Mahlaba

Although reasonable efforts are made by the owners, directors, publishers, editors and staff thereof (all refered to as “Leseding News”), no responsibility is taken by Leseding News for any errors and/or incorrect aspects and/or misstatements in any format published herein, and whoever provides Leseding News with any information, including editorial, advetorial and/or advertising material, in any format, indemnifies Leseding News against any claim of whatsoever nature which may be brought against Leseding News by whoever

PO BOX 2335, Rustenburg, 0300. Tel: 014 597 9980. Published by Ukhahlamba Newspapers

Leseding News, 360 degree truth24 Heystek Street, Rustenburg, 0300

AFTER EFFECTS: Trade Union Solidarity secretary general Gideon Duplesis (PHOTO: SUPPLIED)

AT THE FOREFRONT: Colonel Sabata Mokgwabone of SAPS and his team are out to root out crime in the Platinum belt (PHOTO: FARIRAYI KAHWEMBA)

Farirayi Kahwembanews@lesedingnews.co.za

Platinum belt operations - the code name given to various police aimed at reiginging in on criminal activities in and around the Rustenburg area - are proving effective. During one of the operations, two Nigerian nationals - aged 29 and 30 - were recently arrested in Rustenburg for human traffi cking. The arrests came after the 24-year old woman, who comes from Cape Town, reported the matter to the police. According to information made avialbel by the police, the woman was offered a lift by one of the suspects on 11 July as she was returning from the Springs area of Gauteng. “The suspect allegedly failed to stop and allow the woman to alight the vehicle at the agreed destination, and instead drove to Rustenburg,” North West police said in a statement. “She was allegedly locked inside a house for six days. It is alleged that she was

taken to one of the streets in Rustenburg to do business as a prostitute, guarded by one of the suspects.”It was during one of the police operations that the woman allegedly pointed out one of the 30-year-old suspects who was guarding her. The other suspect was also arrested after arriving in a car. The two are expected to appear before the Rustenburg Magistrate’s Court soon to face charges of human traffi cking. In another unrelated incident, two Nigerian nationals aged 22 and 33 were arrested at a house in Rustenburg Noord after they were found in posession of drugs. The arrests came after a search that was conducted at a house suspected to belong to a drug dealer. “The police managed to get eight packages of CAT, seven packages of TIK, 10 blocks of drugs, one containing cocaine and another containing heroin, all with an estimated street value of R4 500,00,” police said. The opearations and police visibility in the area is gradually bringing calm to the platimun belt area after months of

restlessness. Traffi c offi cers have also been issuing out several traffi c fi nes to motorists, including three who were recently apprehended for driving under the infl uence of liquor. Explaining the crime situation in Rustenburg and Brits since the beginning of the year, Colonel Sabata Mokgwabone dispelled the widely held belief that criminal activities surged at the height of the mine strike. “The crime statistics did not go up during the strike.

We are still compiling the fi gures and the indications so far are that the fi gures were very normal during this period,” Mokgwabone told Leseding News. “We recorded normal criminal activities such as house and business robbery, cable theft, rape and other forms of crime. We would like to urge the public to alert their nearest police stations when they are in crimanal activities occuring in their areas,” he added. Mokgwabone commended the police for the way they handled what was often a violent, tension-fi lled mining strike - the

longest in the country’s history. “The police went about their duty as professionals. It was diffi cult but we managed to pull through. None of the police offi cers were hurt dueing the strikes,” Mokgwabone explained.

Farirayi Kahwembafarirai@lesedingnews.co.za

Trade union Solidarity believe the introduction of a “secret strike ballot” in the platinum mining sector could be an effective way to gauge whether or not workers are willing to take part in future industrial actions. Rustenburg and other communities along the platinum belt are slowly recovering from the effects a fi ve month-long strike - the longest ever in the history of the country’s mining sector. Anglo American Platinum (Amplats) has already revealed that its earnings for the fi rst half of the year would fall by as much as 96% after the strike crippled its operations. Anglo American has also made clear its intention to sell off some of its ageing platinum assets. During the next periods to come, a painful restructuring is expected the sector, which has been struggling with rising costs and lowererd prices for the precious metal. The strike, which cemented the status of AMCU as the dominant union in the platinum sector, also affected virtually all businesses as the majority of workers in this area derive their source of income from mining activities. Solidarity general secretary, Gideon Duplesis, told Leseding News that government must now focus on restoring investor confi dence by putting in place measures that will sustain the rule of law. “Government should focus on the restoring of the rule of law in the platinum belt,” Du plesis said, in a written response to questions. “The department of labour should initiate a process to review labour legislation to inter alia make provision for a secret strike ballot, abolishment of the winner-takes-all union representation principle,” he added. On how the strike has affected the platinum sector, Du plesis estimated that it will take about 10 years for the industry to fully recover. He predicted massive

job losses. “Irreparable damage was caused to the lives of striking and non-striking employees and their dependents, the mines and the local economies,” he said. “Marginal mines and shafts will not be re-opened and that will lead to job losses and striking employees will take close to 10 years to recover fi nancially from the losses associated with the strike,” he pointed out. While both Solidarity and the National Union of Mineworkers (Num) did not take part in the strike, their members were affected. “1800

of our members were directly affected and most of them lost close to 50% of their remuneration packages because they are earning variable pay linked to production.“Our members were offered an increase of 8% for year one, 7.5% for year two and three. “The general feeling is that they are subsidizing the increases that were awarded to Amcu members. Their main concern is nevertheless job security,” further explained. He said the long term effects of the strike - in terms of how it affects workers’ wages - will be felt in the coming years. “The reality will set in when the entry level employees will realize that after the 3 years of the wage agreement period, that they are R4 100 short of the R12 500 minimum wage they were striking for and sacrifi ced R50 300 for it,” he said.

Levy Mokwelelevy@lesedingnews.co.za

Notorious Tlhabane pianist and sole jazz singer Tumisang Kgalegi told Leseding News he almost lost his battle with death.

‘Tumza K’, as he is known – was reported dead several times by some of his fans – after his long absence from the local entertainment scene. But TumzaK resurfaced last week.“I was admitted in hospital for three months and when discharged I was taken to my mother’s house at Boitekong,” said Kgalegi. “I lied on my death bed for almost nine months,” said Kgalegi, adding “I was unable to stand, walk or talk.”“Doctors were almost out of options but God said ‘I don’t need you now Tumi’.

Oh my God…I really thought I was going to die,” said Kgalegi. Kgalegi could however not reveal his illness. “Its private and I prefer to keep it that way.”

On Thursday last week, Kgalegi returned on stage for the fi rst time at a packed Peroni Pub after almost a year. He was welcomed by a cheering audience before he started playing.“I cried when I heard that he was dead,” commented a lady standing next to me, obviously one of his diehard fans. Kgalegi revealed to Leseding News that after his birthday bash in October, he will be travelling to Johannesburg to release his new album.“For now I just want to concentrate on my birthday,” he said.He said his birthday, which he shares with her mother, will be celebrated in Boitekong. “It’s going to be big,” he said, extending an invitation to Leseding News.

IN ACTION: Tumza K has assured his fans that he is not dead

(PHOTO: LEVY MOKWELE)

03Leseding News - Rustenburg

Nthabiseng Ramokadi 20 - who was born in Dinokwana outside Zeerust - is our Girl of the Week.

In 2002, she matricualted at Boikagong Secondary School, which is located in Rustenburg. She is now studying towards a qualification in Social Work at North West University in Mahikeng. Nthabiseng says she loves modelling with a passion and is

currently looking for an agency to further pursue her objectives. She was recently crowned the second princess in a modelling event held at Oageng Middle School, located in Dinokwana Village.

Models aged between the ages of 17 and 30, who are interested in appearing in this space are requested to phone Rapula Mancai on 073 970 9671 or 014 597 9980.

Innocent Sirovha, the Municipal Manager of Bojanala Platinum District Municipality - who is also an author and motivational speaker - will be writing a monthly column for Leseding News starting from August.

The column, which will be published monthly, is aimed at uplifting people and giving them hope to persevere and triumph in the the face of problems and adversity. Sirovha says he has not yet come up with a title for column and is caliing on you - the reader - to give sugesstions. You can e-mail him on sirovhainnocent@gmail.com with your suggestions. “The main thrust of the column is to instill hope in people by encouraging them to rely on the strength of our lord and saviour,” Sirovha said. “I hope to remind people that although tough times may come in life, the challanges that we face are there to make our situation better,” he added. A respected educationist, the deputy president of the South African Schools Football Association (SAFSA) and a sought after inspirational speaker with experience in team building, transformation and and local government, Sirovha has written motivational books. Forging Ahead - one of his books - explores how a person can find strength and inspiration in life. He has also written Moments of Truth - a book that captures inspirational teachings by Archbishop Stephen Zondo.“We have a number of problems that we grapple with in life. One of the problems we have is that there is lack of food because a lot of people are not employed. “Owing to poverty, people cannot send their children to school. These people cannot afford basic necessities,”he said.

“The people who are working also have their problems. A number of them are trapped in a rat race. They do not enjoy their work because they do not have a plan for their future. There are many opportunities but people are not looking at them,” he added. “The solution to many of the problems that people are facing today are found in thr bible and through knowing Jesus Christ. It is my wish that this column will inspire people to reach their full potential,” Sirovha pointed out.

31 July 2014

INVITATION TO PUBLIC PARTICIPATION PROCESS FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE RESOURCE MANAGEMENT PLAN

(RMP): MOLATEDI DAM

Project Reference Number: ENGX/1403 RMP

BACKGROUND AND LOCATION: Engineerex (Pty) Ltd has been appointed by Department of Water and Sanitation to undertake the development of the RMP and as-sociated Business Plan for Molatedi Dam. RMP process is designed to address resource management, community beneficiation and industry transformation and also to attain the objectives of section (2) of the National Water Act, (Act No. 36 of 1998).

The Dam is located in North West Province within Moses Kotane Local Municipality in Bo-janala Platinum District Municipality.

OPPORTUNITY TO PARTICIPATE: All Interested and Affected Parties are invited to the public meetings to share information and to allow I&APs to participate in the develop-ment of RMP. The public meetings will be held as follows:

• BatlokwaBaoKgosiMatlapengTribalAuthorityHall(MolatediVillage) onThursday,07August2014from14H00pmto16H00pm. • BarokolokgadiTribalAuthorityHall(PitsiDishilejwangVillage)onFriday, 08August2014from10H00amto12H00pm.

Formoreinformation,ortoconfirmyourattendancepleasecontact: Mr Given Kanyane: Engineerex (Pty) Ltd,P.O.Box12107,DieHoewes,0163Tel: 012 667 1085 Fax:0866057235Email: given@engineerex.co.za

04 Leseding News - Rustenburg31 July 2014

WORTHY CAUSE: Representatives from Nandos, Bessie and the children pose for a picture (PHOTO: SUPPLIED)

AT WORK: Raymond Selebogo (right) and Pertunia Morekisi from Leseding News joined in to help

This year’s Nelson Mandela Day (18 July) is a day that the children at Mosiamise Early Learning Centre in Moruleng will never forget. In an initiative aimed at observing 67 minutes of doing com-munity work to honour the legacy of the country’s first demo-cratically elected president, the management at Moruleng Mall went an extra mile by spending two hours of cleaning up and painting the facilities at the centre. The initiative was also supported by New Africa Development and Leseding News. The event started off with children at the centre receiving toys, books, stationery and party packs – thanks to Moruleng Mall. The children then sang and did a performance in which each one of them stood up, said their name out loud be-fore revealing what they would like to be when they grow up. South Africa’s young, future “doctors”, “teachers” and “pilots” proceeded to sing more songs and entertained everyone by their plays and drama activities. The Mall’s Centre Manager, Bafana Radebe, gave an address in which he explained the purpose of the event. “This is a community development initiative by Moruleng Mall and New African Development. It is always our desire

to make a positive impact to the community,” Radebe ex-plained. “We are very concerned about the welfare of our community because it is the community that supports us. “In future, we will announce other initiatives aimed at sup-porting and helping our community,” he added. The principle of Mosiamise Early Learning Centre – Peggy Mpshe – ac-knowledged the positive gesture. “Thank you very much to Moruleng Mall for coming to our as-sistance. I was overjoyed when I received a phone call from them asking how they can assist us. We appreciate all these efforts,” Mpshe said. After the formal proceedings, it was now time for everyone to roll up their sleeves and immerse themselves into some positive community work. Two blocks that make up the children’s classrooms were both painted to ensure a beautiful learning environment for the children. The yard of the centre was also cleaned up in a worthwhile initiative that put smiles on the faces of the children and their teachers!

Honouring Mandela through community work

Nelson Mandela Day (18 July) was an unforgettable day for the children and care givers at the Bessie-Mpelegele-Ngwana Care Centre. The centre - located at number 5 Homer Street in Rustenburg North - is home to many children with special needs. The facility provides specialised services for children suffering from handicaps and various disabilities. On Mandela Day, a number of companies and organizations teamed up to treat the children and care givers there to what turned out to be an unforgetable day with with lots of fun and games.The initiative was in line with the 67 minutes concept of doing positive, community work in memory of Mandela.

"Woolworths Magaliesview, in partnserhip with Radio Mafisa organised the 67 minutes event," Thabo Nokoane, the manager of the Care Centre, said. "We are very grateful to them for creating time for us. They came and painted the walls and doors of our facilities. "They also fitted and replaced the old doors with the new ones and bought equipment which was used to renovate and fix our toilets," he added. Additionally, the children had endless hours of fun and games on the jumping castle during the activities which were held throughout the whole day. "We would like to thank Nandos who bought snacks and food for the children and caregivers. Aurum Institute and MBD

Legal Collections also chipped in, together with parents, board and committee members as well as the community around Rustenburg North and Gelhout Extension 6," Nokoane said. "For all of us, it was a wonderful day to remember. On behalf of the children, caregivers, our board and committee, I would like to thank all the companies, organizations and people who made this day memorable to us," he concluded. Started in February 2 000, Bessie Mpelegele Ngwana Care Centre cares for children with autism, hyperactivity, Downs Syndrome as well as other conditions. To assist the center, which relies on wellwishers, please call Thabo on 078 991 9881.

As you pass through the road that leads to Marikana Primary School, there is little evidence of the fi ve month strike that almost brought all activities in the Platinum belt to a standstill.

With mineworkers now back at work, people can be seen dutifully going about their daily occupations and various other activities.One woman can be seen attending to two customers who want to buy her vegetables.Next to the woman and her potential customers, two children – standing a few meters apart – are kicking a soccer ball while a few ‘spectators’ enjoy the action. Inside Marikana School, a woman waters a vegetable garden. She takes a moment to pause while wiping the sweat from her brow. The green, ripe plants make her smile – satisfaction is written all over her face. Next to the school is huge open space where – if plans by Lonmin and the North West Department of Human Settlements come to fruition – well over 2 600 housing units will be constructed. The houses and fl ats will be occupied by the mine’s employees and community members living in the area. The housing project, one of the most positive developments in the area since the Marikana tragedy of August 2012, has brought hope to the ordinary people there of a brighter future. Lonmin donated 50ha of land with serviced stands, as part of its contribution to the development of housing and social amenities on the huge open space, to be known as Marikana Extension 2. The North West provincial government has also chipped in with R462 million funding

which will go towards the construction of the units. Haile Setshogoe – who has been working at Lonmin from 1995 – says he is now receiving a salary in the region of R10 000 following the wage agreements in June that brought an end to the mine strike, the longest in the history of the platinum sector. He told Leseding News that the housing project will go a long way in empowering miners and members of the community. “My salary has improved although I am not totally happy about it. It is better than the money that we were getting but there are some people among us who are still complaining. “However, this housing project is a positive development,” Setshogoe said. “We cannot complain when something like this happens. Decent housing has always been an issue within our community and I am happy that this is now being resolved,” he added. Setshogoe, who has two children, is excited with the beckoning prospect of owning his own house. The North West government hopes that once completed, the housing units will play a leading role in the eradication of informal settlements, the provision of humane living conditions, the reduction of the housing backlog as well as the promotion of a sense of ownership. North West Human Settlements MEC Collen Maine called upon more stakeholders in the private sector to assist in assisting government to provide decent housing for more South Africans. “I would like to encourage the public private partnership by urging the private sector to assist government in addressing the housing backlog,” he said.

“The land availability issue also remains a

daunting challenge as most land is already owned by business and/or individuals. The land contributed by Lonmin is one gesture that government acknowledges and appreciates very much,” Maine said.

A local businessman in the area hopes that, unlike “a number of previous instances”,

local entrepreneurs will benefi t from the housing scheme. “I am a member of a group of businessmen from Marikana and it is our hope that construction companies from here will also be included in this project. “This empowerment must benefi t everyone,” the man, who did not want to be named, said.

05Leseding News - Rustenburg 31 July 2014

BACK TO BUSINESS: Positi ve winds are now blowing accross Marikana (PHOTO: FARIRAYI KAHWEMBA)

INVITATION TO PUBLIC PARTICIPATION PROCESS FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE RESOURCE MANAGEMENT

PLAN (RMP): KOSTER DAM

For more information, or to confirm your attendance please contact: Miss Lerato Tau: Engineerex (Pty) Ltd, P.O. Box 12107, Die Hoewes, 0163Tel: 012 667 1085 Fax: 086 605 6599 Email: lerato@engineerex.co.za

BACKGROUND AND LOCATION: Engineerex (Pty) Ltd has been appointed as Professional Services Provider by Department of Water Affairs to undertake the development of the RMP and associated Business Plan for the Koster Dam. RMP process is designed to address resource management, community beneficiation and industry transformation and also to attain the ob-jectives of section (2) of the National Water Act, (Act No. 36 of 1998).

The Dam is located in North West Province within Kgetlengrivier Local Munici-pality in Bojanala District Municipality.

OPPORTUNITY TO PARTICIPATE: All Interested and including af-fected parties are invited to a public meeting to voice out any matters, share key information and to allow them to participate in the Development of RMP

There will be a public meeting which will be held as follows:

Date: 12 AUGUST 2014Venue: Reagile Hall ( Koster Location)Time: 17h00- 19h00pm

farirai@lesedingnews.co.za Farirayi Kahwemba

Leseding News06 Leseding News - Rustenburg31 July 2014

PLATINUM PEOPLE

Langton Chauke and Greenway Mining Trading and Projects

Moruleng Mall – which is developing to become one of the prime shopping hubs in the area – is set to introduce some new, exciting features in a development aimed at creating greater appeal to its visitors.

Already, Moruleng Mall has a variety of restaurants, clothing outlets and supermarkets – catering for a variety of clients with various needs. Located on the north-eastern border of the Pilanesberg within the densely populated rural area of Moruleng, the mall is a convenient shopping hub. Before its establsihemnt, the area - which is home to 55 000 households and has a population of 350 000 inhabitants - had a limited retail offering. Today the picture is different with residents of Moruleng and other visitors now able to enjoy shopping convenince at its best. With over 80 stores, it brings major retailers - providing residents with choice, quality and convenience in a state-of-the-art shopping environment. The line-up of stores includes tenants such as Shoprite, Pick n Pay, Edgars,

Truworths, Foschini, Ackermans, Jet, Legit, Pep, Pep Home, Pep Cell, John Craig, KFC, Identity, Markham, Totalsports, Exact and Sportscene. Owing to the recent mining strike

in the platinum belt, the mall had witnessed a dip in the number of its visitors. Many people with disposable income from in and around

Moruleng are employed in the mining sector. This means that for the whole fi ve months that the strike was raging, the number of people who visited the mall decreased.The

picture is now changing, just over a month after the end of the strike – with the number of people visiting the mall picking up. Bafana

Radebe – the centre manager of the mall – told Leseding News that a number of new initiatives are set to make the shopping complex even more popular in the area. “The strike in the mining sector did have an effect on us, in terms of the number of people who visited us,” Radebe said. “In terms of fi gures, we certainly had a lower number during this period. Now, we anticipate better fi gures. “We will be bringing in Captain Dorego, Cashbuild and other shops so that we improve our appeal,” he added. Besides introducing new facilities and franchises, a number of competitions and draws will be held to encourage customers. “We will have many programmes, such as “Strike It Lucky Sunday” where our customers enter a draw and stand to win a lot of prizes. “We are also going to introduce more entertainment features so that people can enjoy themselves during their shopping experience,” Radebe added. If you would like more information about the mall, please call 071 296 6613.

The desire to empower people who would like to pursue various careers in the mining sector with the relevant skills is the main reason behind the establishment of Greenway Mining Training, Trading and Projects. With most activities in Rustenburg centred on the mines, many training centres have incorporated into their curriculum courses that are specifi cally aimed at producing a labour force that is employable in this industry.

Greenway Mining Training, Trading and Projects - which was formed by Langton Chauke in July 2012 - is situated in Klopper Street, in the heart of the Rustenburg CBD.Chauke, who has been at the helm of the company since its formation told Leseding News about the day to day activities at the training facilities as well as what prospective employers in the mining industry are looking for. “Greenway Mining is specifi cally involved in giving skills to the mineworkers within the Rustenburg community and other surrounding areas,” Chauke said. “Our desire is to provide skills to the mineworkers so that they can be able to fi nd emlpoyment in various fi elds,” he added. He revealed that scores of people have passed through the tarining facility’s doors - all of them

pursuing various courses related to the mining sector. “Up to today, we have trained more than 500 people. The important thing is not the number of poeple that we train but the quality in the training that is provided. “According to the feedback that we are getting, we are doing a good job,” Chauke added. Chauke said many tarining courses are avialble, depending on the career paths that people would like to follow. “We have courses in operating earthmoving machines, underground and drilling machines as well as fi rst aid training courses,” he said. “We provide theory lessons as well as the practical aspect to those who pass through our doors.

While in Rustenburg we have noticed that there is a need for people to be skilled, we are also trying to reach every corner of the North West province,” he added. One of the most important aspects of the training, explained Chauke, focuses on safety in the mining environment. “It is important for our training to be particularly sensitive to various aspects related to safety and security. “Such issues are very important in this industry. Mining companies spend a lot of time and fi nancial resources to teach their employees about safety precautions and how they must conduct themselves to make

sure that they reduce the number of incidents where people are injured,” he said. “The motto ‘Safety fi rst and productivity after’ is very important to us here as well.”

Chauke said he hopes to provide training to prospective mining workers beyond the borders of South Africa, especially South Africa’s neighboring countries. Chauke said while the operations of the training centre had been affected by the mine strike, he is hopeful of better days to come. “Yes, the strike did have an effect on our operations. The number of people who came in for training reduced. I feel that a lot of people were discouraged by the negative mood created by the strike.

“The picture is different because the situation has changed. We are hoping to continue to provide as many people as we can with the relevant training so that they can contribute meaningfully to the development of the economy in Rustenburg and in South Africa,” Chauke explained. “The level of education, in terms of the people that we train, does not really matter. Those who ould like to obtain free information about what we are involved in can call 071 543 8193/ 078 830 8746 or 014 592 9555,” he said.

07Leseding News - Rustenburg 31 July 2014

SPEECH: EFF leader Julius Malema addresses a crowd (PHOTO: LEVY MOKWELE)

A number of the political parties that were soliciting for votes during the run up to the May 7 elections are yet to pull down their posters and other campaign material - a direct violation of municipal by-laws.

According to the by-laws, parties are supposed to take down their campaign material about 30 days after an election has been held. However, more than two months after the polls, a number of posters can still be found dotted around in various areas.

The ANC - which managed to win the majority of the votes in the North West - has a number of posters still hanging on lamp posts in the Rustenburg North and Tlhabane areas. As you move out of the Rustenburg CBD towards the Phokeng direction, a huge billboard with an election message deploring corruption is visible. The message on the billboard belongs to the UDM.A huge poster of DA leader Hellen Zille - who contested the national election - could be seen hanging on one of the lamp posts outside the

Tlhabane offices of the Rustenburg Local Municipality.A few metres from where this poster is, two other campaign materials - belonging to the ANC and EFF respectively - can be seen dangling down another lamp post. The EFF, the new opposition party of the North West, also chose to paste some of its election campaign material on electricity boxes. This, according to rules that parties are supposed to adhere to during elections, is illegal. So far, according to information gathered by Leseding News, none of the offenders have been fined by the Rustenburg Local Municipality.

Alerted to one of the positions where one of the DA campaign posters was still hanging, the party’s campiagn manager for the North West, Gys Smit said the party would move quickly to remove it. “Basically, as the DA, the day after the election, we took down all our campaign posters. If you say there is still a poster hanging up, then we will remove it quickly,” Smit said. “As far as we know, no party has been taken to task yet by the Deprtament of Public Safety for contravention of these by-laws,” he added.

“Humpy Dumty sat on the wall, Humpty Dumty had a great fall. All the king’s horses and all the king’s men couldn’t put Humpty together again.”

This old nursery rhyme aptly captures developments that have often reapeated themselves on the South African political landscape. A number of political parties have emerged since 1994 when South Africa gained its independence. While this has often been lauded by analysts as a positive development, in as far as advancing democratic principles and values is concerned, there has also been a disturbing pattern of political parties splitting for various reasons - mostly centred on power struggles and divergent views. Like Humpty, most parties have failed to maintain their balance on the wall - ultimately falling into political obscurity. This is probably why a numbers of eyes will be on the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) during the next five years. The Julius Malema-led party is the official opposition party in the North West and Limpopo provinces after they won 143, 765 and 156, 982 votes respectively in these areas during this year’s polls. Of all the major political parties in the country, only the DA has managed to remain intact while the likes of IFP, COPE and Agang SA - and even the ruling ANC - have been rocked by divisions and internal squabbles. Beliefs that COPE, like the DA, could become a formidable opponent of the ANC were dashed in 2013 when - barely five years after their formation - the party split over a leadership battle involving Mbazima Shilowa and Misioua Lekota. While the party was able to resolve these squabbles, the effects of such rifts were underlined in this year’s elections. The party lost its footing in the North West as well as in other areas of

the country. Agang SA - on the other hand - could have thrust itself in the political wilderness with the resignation recently of its leader, Mamphela Ramphele. This came after serious divisions and factional battles had destabilized the party. Barely a few months after the elections, cracks are already starting to show within the EFF ship. Murmurs of discontent among some members, of how Malema and those at the helm of the party are mishandling their new found status as legislators by becoming too extravagant, are testing the ability of the ‘new kid on the block’ to remain afloat. ‘Unruly’ and ‘disrespectful’ behaviour by the party’s legislators in the national parliament have also cast doubt on EFF’s seriousness when it comes to fulfilling their obligations as lawmakers. EFF’s provincial convenor in the North West, Alfred Motsi, said while “there are no guarantees in life”, his party has put in place structures to deal with its own internal issues.“In life, there are no guarantees. People say till death do us part but some of them still divorce,” Motsi told Leseding News. “We have learnt the lessons of how to manage our internal issues from the experiences of other parties such as COPE. “In an organisation, people will always see things differently and challenges may arise. However, we have put in place structures for matters to be resolved within the shortest time possible,” Motsi added. He added that internal issues brought to the party’s leadership are usually resolved within 20 days.

farirai@lesedingnews.co.za Farirayi Kahwemba

Political parties flout municipal by-laws

Will EFF remain intact?farirai@lesedingnews.co.za Farirayi Kahwemba

Closing date: 15 August 2014 before 12: 00 noon. No faxed / e-mailed / late applications will be considered.Please note: Applications of individuals currently residing within the demographic area within the Province where the position/s are

will be regarded as unsuccessful.

Please forward your application, quoting the relevant reference number (on application and envelope) for the attention of: Ms Alinah Mogaswa, Government Pensions Administration Agency, Private Bag X63, Pretoria, 0001 before 12h00 noon on the closing date. For enquiries, please contact Ms Alinah Mogaswa tel: 012 - 399 2487.

Requirements of Applications: Must be submitted on form Z83 obtainable from any Public Service Department or on the internet at: http://www.info.gov.za/documents/forms/employ.pdf (originally signed). Must be accompanied by a comprehensive CV with original

will be deemed unsuccessful.

this post and the candidature of persons whose promotion/appointment will promote representivity will receive preference.

Candidates must agree to the following: Giving permission to be subjected

and knowledge test, if applicable and a security clearance may be conducted.

the advertised position. If you have not been contacted within three (3) months of the closing date of this advertisement, please accept that your application was unsuccessful. Correspondence will be limited to short-listed candidates only.

The Government Pensions Administration Agency (GPAA) is a government component which reports to the Minister of Finance and administers funds and schemes on behalf of the Government Employees Pension Fund (GEPF), the largest pension fund in Africa. It thus administers the pension affairs of approximately 1,7 million government employees and those of pensioners, spouses and dependants.

To meet the needs of our changing client base, the GPAA is modernising. In order for this modernisation to be effective, we are looking to bring bright and enthusiastic professionals from all disciplines of life, who are interested in contributing towards positive change, into our fold. If this is you, please apply for the post detailed below:

Are you smart? Effective? Passionate about your work?

CUSTOMER SERVICE AGENT RUSTERNBURG AREA (Ref. No: CSA/satellite/Rustenburg/2014/07-5N) R148 584 (basic salary) plus 37% in lieu of benefits (Twenty Four-month contract)Various Customer Service Agent - positions are currently available at the Government Pensions Administration Agency within the North West Province.

KEY RESULT AREAS:The incumbent will be responsible for a wide variety of administrative and client service tasks which include the following: • • • Monitor the application progress and missing payments • Provide payment statements and proof of subsidy to members/pensioners • Assist clients in completing all GEPF forms to be processed • • Register and bar-code documents• Link documents to pension numbers • Scan and index all documents• Update member’s personal information on CIVPEN• Admission and scale down of membership •

REQUIREMENTS:•

• Computer literacy th• A valid driver’s licence (of at least one-year old)•

COMPETENCIES:• Excellent problem solving skills • Excellent presentation skills • Excellent communications skills (both verbal and written)• Ability to communicate with clients • Time management skills • Self-management - being able to work independently

Proficiency in English is a requirement and the ability to speak Tswana would be an advantage

An appropriate three-year tertiary qualification with eighteen (18) months proven experience in the life insurance/employee benefit processing/client relationship management/client care environment OR a Senior Certificate (Matric) with three (3) years proven experience in the life insurance/employee benefit processing experience/client relationship management/client care environment

08 Leseding News - RustenburgLeseding News - Rustenburg

SportSport31 July 2014

Office: 014 597 9980

FLASHBACK: Platinum Stars coach Allan Freese (centre) celebrates one of the team’s titles last season (PHOTO: SUPPLIED)

FOR CHARITY: Proteas bowler Kyle Abbot explained the charity initiative (PHOTO: SUPPLIED)

Platinum Stars recently returned back to their base in Rustenburg from Botswa-na, where they held a training camp in preparation for the 2014/15 football sea-son. While the training camp was mostly focused on the physical conditioning of the players, the team also had a chance to play three matches against teams that play in that country’s topflight league.

While they managed to win all their matches, the club’s Football Manager Senzo Mazingiza told Leseding News that results achieved in friendly matches do not really count for much. “The results are good, but we are aware that it is going to be a very tough season ahead

for us,” Mazingiza said. “The trip to Botswana was very fruitful for us and we are very ex-cited about how well our preparations for the season have gone,” he added. Platinum Stars – who won the MTN8 and Telkom Knockout trophies last season – will be under a lot of pressure to retain their silverware while also going all out to win the PSL trophy. Mazingiza said the training camp was very instrumental in preparing the team for the season ahead, which he said would be very tough. “As management, we are very excit-ed about what we have seen in camp. The whole idea of the camp was to take the play-ers outside their comfort zone and see how they would perform. “Yes, it is going to be a

tough season but we have done our best to prepare and I believe that if we work hard we will prevail.

“We have to aim to do better than we did last season. We will work towards retaining our two titles as well as challenge for the PSL title crown,” Mazingiza said. “All of the players as well as the coaches are aware of what is ex-pected of them and as management we are very confident that everyone will be able to deliver,” Mazingiza said. The fixtures for the 2014/15 Premier Soccer League season have already been released and this has allowed Platinum Stars a chance of planning ahead. As has been the case in the past seasons, the

matches that Platinum Stars will play against Kaizer Chiefs, Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns are likely to be among the most attended by the fans. Chiefs will be the first of these three clubs to play against Stars at the Royal Bafokeng Sports Complex in Pho-keng. The match will be played on August 27. Pirates will then visit Platinum Stars on No-vember 11 for a match against Stars. On November 25, Sundowns will play against Platinum Stars at the Royal Bafokeng Sports Complex. Platinum Stars – who are coached by Allan Freese – will play their first match of the season at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadi-um on August 8 in what will be their first game of the season.

Members of the Castle Lager Proteas squad took time out to contribute to a worthy cause by hosting a coaching clinic for visually impaired cricketers in Colombo recently. The clinic is part of the “Seeing is Believing” campaign, which aims to raise funds for Sri Lanka’s visually impaired cricket team heading to the World Cup to be held in South Africa in November. “Mandela Day took place while the first Test match was on in Galle so we sort of see this coaching clinic as our way of giving our 67 minutes for Mandela,” Kyle Abbott said. “The “See is

Believing’ campaign is doing wonders for the visually impaired cricketers in this country and we are humbled to have played a part in raising funds for the initiative” The Proteas and Sri Lankan cricketers have been involved in various fund-raising activities and have managed to raise nearly one million rupees for the charity so far. “We take so much for granted on a day-to-day basis; these players are enjoying themselves in a sport that we enjoy as much, but with disadvantages,” Abbott said. “It was incredibly touching to see the players and youngsters enjoying their cricket so much. We hope our contribution can help their cause and hopefully give them a good chance of excelling in a sport they love.”

Platinum Stars ready for “tough season”

Proteas do their bit for charity farirai@lesedingnews.co.za Farirayi Kahwemba