Leseding news rustenburg 10 dec 2013

11 December 2013Volume 1 Week 50

RUSTENBURG

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Goodbye Madiba

S p e c i a l S u p p l e M e n t i n S i d e

Run the RiSk of beinG noticed

adveRtiSe in thiS Spot

call: leSeGo(014) 597 9980

02 11 December Leseding News - Rustenburg

P2 11 September Leseding News

COSATU demands RRT probe

CONSTRUCTION SITE: People walk past one of the RRT Construction sites next to the taxi rank Photo: FARIRAYI KAHWEMBA

CONFEDERATION of Trade Unions, (COSATU) in the North West province has called for an investigation of the

multi-billion rand Rustenburg Rapid Transport (RRT).Among other charges, COSATU alleges nepotism, corruption, cronyism and exclusion of those not close to the corridors of power at the municipality.In a statement, the trade union said they have been excluded in the project “except at the time when we were invited to an information session with others.”“We want to know who the beneficiaries on this project are. This project is expected to reduce unemployment for the entire Rustenburg municipality, not for a faction of some few people within the area,” said COSATU North West Secretary, Solly Phetoe in a statement.Phetoe said they have learned that even one of the major stakeholders in the project – the taxi industry – has been involved in factionalism.

“Only a few of those who are their close friends and those that belong to their factions are part of the team from the taxi industry,” said Phetoe.“COSATU would like to know who the main beneficiaries of the project are, and where the

buses which will be used in the project will be coming from.“We demand that 90% of the materials and buses which will be used be procured locally, local people must be included in the project and the rest of our people must be consulted,” added Phetoe. In its defense, the Rustenburg local municipality has labeled COSATU’s allegations of corruption and unfair labour practice as “entirely unfounded”.

The municipality said robust and on-going public participation and stakeholder engagement have always been an integral part of the RRT project.“No less than 29 external stakeholder groups, including organized labour have been identified

and engaged with on the project over the past three years.“As part of this consultative approach, COSATU was initially invited to attend an organised labour stakeholder consultation on 14 March 2012. “Further invitations for engagements to COSATU were extended on 27 March 2013 and 22 May 2013 in which other organised labour also attended,” said the municipality in a statement.

The municipality said a minimum of 25% of the RRT budget would be spent locally, which will see a reinvestment of some R750-million in the Rustenburg economy during Phase 1 alone. “As part of our on-going quest to include as many affected parties as possible in shaping the RRT project going forward, we welcome the input of all affected stakeholders and would therefore be more than happy to engage with interested parties to ensure that they have all the necessary facts and figures at their disposal to view the RRT project in a more accurate light,” said the municipality.A list made available to Leseding News this week shows that as of the end of April, 14 out of the 15 approved sub-contractors for the construction of the RRT - phase 1 (4.8km) were local.

Meanwhile Leseding News learned this week that more than 22 local businesses operating in the CBD whose business operations will be affect by the new RRT routes intend taking the municipality to court for lack of proper consultation

Only a few of those who are their close friends and those that belong to their factions are part of

the team from the taxi industry...

”

”

[email protected] Mokwele

~ Solly Phetoe

EditorLevy MokweleBrits News EditorRicky DireRustenburg News EditorFarirayi Kahwemba

JournalistsZanele SitholePrudence MoganeElfas NgoepeSub-editorEddie Kok

Production ManagerStephen DaveyAdvertising ExecutiveDesiree VisserClassifiedsDorah Motepe

Although reasonable efforts are made by tthe owners, directors, publishers, editors and staff thereof (all referred to as “Leseding News”), no responsibility is taken by Leseding News for any errors and/or incorrect aspects and/or misstate-ments in any format published herein, and whoever provides Leseding News with any information, including any editorial, advertorial 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.

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

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

Twelve years later: Remembering 9/11The September 11 attacks were a series of four coordinated terrorist attacks launched by the Islamic terrorist group al-Qaeda upon the United States in New York City and the Washington, DC metropolitan area on Tuesday, September 11, 2001.Four passenger airliners were hijacked by 19 al-Qaeda terrorists so they could be flown into buildings in suicide attacks. Two of those planes, American Airlines Flight 11 and United Airlines Flight 175, were crashed into the North and South towers, respectively, of the World Trade Center complex in New York

City. Within two hours, both towers collapsed with debris and the resulting fires causing partial or complete collapse of all other buildings in the WTC complex, as well as major damage to ten other large surrounding structures. A third plane, American Airlines Flight 77, was crashed into the Pentagon (the headquarters of the United States Department of Defense), leading to a partial collapse on its western side. The fourth plane, United Airlines Flight 93, was targeted Washington, DC but crashed into a field near Shanksville, Pennsylvania

after its passengers tried to overcome the hijackers. In total, almost 3000 people died in the attacks, including the 227 civilians and 19 hijackers aboard the four planes. It also was the deadliest incident for firefighters in the history of the United States.Suspicion quickly fell on al-Qaeda. Although the group’s leader, Osama bin Laden, initially denied any involvement, in 2004 he claimed responsibility for the attacks. Al-Qaeda and bin Laden cited US support of Israel, the presence of US troops in Saudi Arabia, and sanctions against Iraq as motives for the

attacks. The United States responded to the attacks by launching the War on Terror and invading Afghanistan to depose the Taliban, which had harbored al-Qaeda. Many countries strengthened their anti-terrorism legislation and expanded law enforcement powers. Having evaded capture for years, bin Laden was located and killed by US forces in May 2011.The destruction of the Twin Towers and other properties caused serious damage to the economy of Lower Manhattan and had a significant effect on global markets. Cleanup of the World Trade Center site was completed in May 2002, and the Pentagon was repaired within a year. Numerous memorials have been constructed, including the National September 11 Memorial and Museum in New York, the Pentagon Memorial, and the Flight 93 National Memorial in Pennsylvania. After a lengthy delay, the 1776-foot-tall (541 m) One World Trade Center was completed at the World Trade Center site in New York City in 2013.

Divan Bekker

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

A somber atmosphere is expected to engulf Qunu Village in the Eastern Cape on Sunday during the funeral of South Africa’s first

democratically elected president and liberation struggle icon Nelson Mandela.

Mandela, who played a prominent role in shaping the history of the country, passed away on 5 December at his Johannesburg home. He was 95.

Leaders of several countries and other prominent personalities have paid their respects to Mandela, pointing out that the world has been left poorer by his departure.

President Jacob Zuma also urged the nation never to forget the values that he stood for. “We should not forget the values that Madiba stood for and sacrificed his life for,” President Jacob Zuma said. “He stood for freedom, he fought against those who oppressed others... He actively participated to remove the oppressor to liberate the people of this country,” he added. “When our struggle came to an end, he preached and practised reconciliation to make those who had been fighting to forgive one another and become one nation.”

North West Premier Thandi Modise added her voice to the tributes, describing Mandela as a statesman, icon, role model, unifier and selfless servant of the people of South Africa.

“His love for humanity and children has left us a legacy, built a monument in all of our hearts,” she said.

“If there is any single person that has ever touched and unified the world against injustice… it was Madiba.”The Premier urged South Africans to remain united while celebrating his life with dignity, respect and honour.“In admiring the courage with which he fought against illness and old age in the past few months, we should all strive to advance the unity and reconciliation that his life epitomized and respect the funeral arrangements by the family that unselfishly shared their father with all of us.”Mandela was the first black South African to hold the office, and the first elected in a fully representative democratic election.

Most of the activities of his government were centered on undoing the legacy of apartheid through tackling institutionalized racism, poverty and inequality

while encouraging racial reconciliation.He served as the President of the ANC from 1991 to 1997.

Internationally, Mandela was Secretary General of the Non-Aligned Movement from 1998 to 1999.

At the time of his death, Mandela was largely considered “the father of the nation” by South Africans.

Within a decade after the end of his Presidency, Mandela’s era was being widely thought of as “a golden age of hope and harmony”.

(Photo Supplied)

Mandela to be laid to rest on Sunday

0311 DecemberLeseding News - Rustenburg

LESEDING GIRL OF THE WEEK

Meet 22-year-old Hailly Tshunke Muchanga, our stunning girl of the week. Hailly comes from Ledig, near Sun City, and is studying financial management at Mankwe FET in Mogwase. An ambitious lady, she is aiming to become one of the cover girls of a major magazine in the not too distant future.

Besides her modelling aspirations, Hailly works at Four Tops Engineering. She is truly a combination of beauty and brains.

Models aged between 17 and 28, who are interested in appearing in this space are requested to phone Rapula Mancai on 073 970 9671.

“Luanga Who?” is a new and captivating 14-track CD compilation by Luanga Choba that explores several

themes. Choba, who mixes Setswana and English in

her songs, seeks to explain her musical identity through tackling a variety of

topics. Is she also, perhaps, asking herself

about how she can fit in and find a place in the musical world? In her first song, Revolution, she celebrates the dawn of a new era. In this piece, she talks about “A total overhaul” and a “rude awakening of the desire.” In another song, Dance with Yourself, she inspires people

not to focus on the negative circumstances that they might

find themselves in as there is always something positive to

celebrate in any situation. “It’s dark and stormy out, so you choose

not to wait it out. You smile for this moment is as good as any. You learn to dance in the rain,”

she sings.Another inspirational track is Deeper, which also encourages

people to persevere through difficult and trying times. In this song, Luanga encourages people to look deep within themselves for the willpower to keep on in life when the times are hard. Giving insight into her CD, the singer thanks God and her parents for “helping to keep the flame alive.” “Thank God for choosing me as a conduit through which to pour forth these creative gifts… Mama and Papa for living by example,” she says.

Luanga Choba explores many topics

Leseding News04 11 December Leseding News - Rustenburg

A number of people hoping to cast their vote during next year’s general elections have been making use of various local municipality offices to register and check whether or not their names appear on the voter’s role. The polls, which are set to be held between April and July, will elect a new National Assembly as well

as legislative bodies in each of the country’s nine provinces. These will be the fifth elections since South Africa attained independence in 1994. In Rustenburg, the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) offices in the CBD, which are adjacent to the Bojanala Platinum District

M u n i c i p a l i t y , have been a hive of activity with many residents responding to the call to take part in the poll.Lydia Young from the IEC’s Communication D e p a r t m e n t revealed to Leseding News that a total of 9 582 new eligible voters were recorded and registered for the November 2013

period. The statistics also revealed that overall, more than 28 000 people registered to cast their vote during the same period. “There was no election or registration drive last year. The last elections were the municipal elections in May 2011. “The comparable period will be February 2011

which was the first registration weekend for the 2011 elections,” Young said, adding

that such information was not yet available. Another person involved in the exercise confirmed to Leseding News that scores of people have been visiting the IEC offices on a daily basis. “I would say that there is a high number of people who have registered to cast their vote in next year’s elections,” the person, who preferred to remain anonymous, said. “Since the last elections, there has been a huge influx of people into Rustenburg and other surrounding areas, especially mining areas. “As a result, there are also more people who have been registering for the elections next year,” he added. The IEC has embarked on a massive voter-education exercise to ensure that as many people as possible take part in the elections. For one to be eligible to vote, one must be a South African citizen, be registered and be at least 18-years-old. Additionally, all South Africans with a valid South African ID (green, bar-coded ID/smartcard ID /valid TIC) and a valid South African passport will be allowed to apply for registration once the current Electoral Amendment Bill 2013 has been enacted.

[email protected] Farirayi Kahwemba

“High” voter registration in Rustenburg

VOTER EDUCATION: An IEC billboard hangs in Tlhabane. (PHOTO: FARIRAYI KAHWEMBA)

PROVIDING AID: A team from the German Development bank met recently with senior members of a care center in Lethabong . (PHOTO: PETRUS SIKO)

In a move set to benefit the North West, the German Development Bank has pledged to fund the construction of six community care centres that will cater for the needs of orphans, vulnerable children and youth. The initiative is being facilitated through financial support from the German government. On 21 November, officials from the financial institution visited a site in Ikitsiseng, Lethabong where one of the centers will be constructed. Once completed, the centers will provide skills development services, computer rooms, library services, counselling rooms and other facilities.Speaking during the visit, German Development Bank Director Busson von Alvensleben said that once fully functional, the care centre in Lethabong will go a long way in assisting children, orphans and young people affected with HIV and Aids. “The funding comes from Germany’s taxes and it will be channeled towards the fight against HIV and Aids,” he said. The centre will also be combined with a multi-purpose facility where members of the community will be able to access government services. Welcoming the pledge, Deborah Mosito, who is the centre manager, said they had been struggling with finances to sustain the centre which caters for more than 2 500 children. She revealed that the centre was receiving minimal support from community members.“When I opened this centre, I was driven by the passion to play a meaningful role towards improving the lives of people affected by the HIV pandemic,” Mosito said. “I am very happy with the support that has been pledged by the Germans during their visit here. This will certainly ease the burden that we have been carrying,” she added. Meanwhile, North West MEC for Social Development, Collen Maine said North West has become the third province after Limpopo and KwaZulu- Natal to benefit from the German Development Bank initiative.Maine said the German Development Bank will provide funding to the tune of R35 million for the establishment of all six modern type community care centres in all district municipalities in the province.Besides Ikitsiseng, another centre will be constructed in the Bojanala District. Four other centers will also be constructed in the Dr Kenneth Kaunda, Ngaka Modiri Molema and Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati districts.

Germany pledges to assist Lethabong community




The year 2013 saw Bojanala Platinum District Municipality once again playing a key role in the various development projects within the � ve local municipalities under our jurisdiction.

We achieved a number of successes in ensuring a clean, safe and healthy environment, universal access to quality, a� ordable and reliable municipal services (e.g. water, sanitation,

electricity, refuse removal, transportation) as well as regular investment in infrastructure and productive equipment

With many challenges still lying ahead, let us all work hard and play our part as residents to ensure that 2014 will become a year where we can continue to work towards the

improvement of our society.We can do more as communities, organizations, families and individuals for the common

good. We must all work tirelessly together towards the advancement of our objectives which

include education, health and creation of employment through various projects. As we travel on the roads to enjoy the holidays with our families and friends, let us observe

the rules of the road. To all the drivers, please do not drink and drive.Arrive Alive, your family, friends and your country needs you.

We recently completed the 16 Days of No Violence Against Women and Children programme and let us all cherish these values as we strive towards the creation of a more

equal society. The Bojanala Platinum District Municipality wishes you all a peaceful and enjoyable festive

season and a prosperous 2014.

Councillor Louis Diremelo, Executive Mayor of Bojanala Platinum District Municipality

Bojanala Platinum District Municipality End of Year Message


Domestic workers could for the first time be bracing themselves for an earlier Christmas gift in the form of a new minimum wage brought forth through their annual wage determination. The Minister through this sectoral determination would raise their minimum wage to R1 877 70. The sector would, as from the 1st of December 2013 see a raise in their minimum wages to R1 877 70 for domestic workers employed in the segment of the industry classified as Area A. The sector is divided into two categories; Area A and B. Districts or Regions classified under Area A are all your metropolis with Municipalities meeting certain criteria and would includes your City of Tshwane, Durban metro, Emalahleni etc. Area B on the other hand cover smaller towns and districts and these would include the likes of Brits, Mooinooi, Zeerust and related areas. The minimum wage determined for Area B will be adjusted to R1 618.37 monthly based on a 45- hour work week. There are other important finer details that clearly differentiate both categories of employees particularly in terms of the value attached to hours worked and so forth. The new minimums introduced by the Minister of Labour on an annual basis are mandatory and falls within the Basic Conditions of Employment Act. It is also mandatory, for Overtime worked, to be paid at the rate of one-and half- times an employees’ normal wage. An employee may, as an alternative, agree to exchange hours worked with paid time off. The Minister of Labour, Mildred Oliphant was in the Cape Flats, Khayelitsha conducting domestic workers’ public participation programme, where she raised a number of concerns domestic workers are generally faced with. “Domestic workers are particularly vulnerable to abuse” she remarked, adding that there ought to be remedial measures to counter the scourge of abuse. This is so true if you consider abuses some of these employee faces at the hands of their employers who are supposed to be giving them the respect they deserve. It is not rare to come across cases of domestic workers who remained loyal to one

employer (family)for decades, serving both the parents, help raise their kids who eventually takes over as new employers once they become adults. The irony of it is to find that the poor worker was never properly registered as an employee. Just how many domestic workers are being paid in line with the requirements of the 2012 annual determination? Some employers became creative in the process finding ways to avoid paying their domestic workers as prescribed. Reporting of abuses It is common knowledge that some of these domestic workers often come across the worst form of abuses in the hands of their employers such as; sexual harassment, physical, verbal and emotional abuses etc. Sadly though, these abuses often go unnoticed because they are kept secret and this could be for fear of victimization, such as.Reporting of these abuses is one common challenge domestic workers battle to come to terms with not only here in South Africa but across the world, in European Countries, India and so forth. it is therefore a global challenge which require even more attention from higher offices. A duty to Comply We all know that we ought to comply with relevant labour legislation governing the sector. However, some employers would simply not comply with these requirements, knowing pretty well that the likely hood of them being caught and successfully prosecuted is very slim. The Department challenged to seriously, come up with some effective mechanisms to monitor compliance and thus deal with deviations. The new minimums should be seen as an essential move to reward these employees who are so passionate not only about taking care of our hygienic wellbeing and health environment within our homes, but to also ensure that we remain sparkling and presentable in what we wear in the public eye.

P311 SeptemberLeseding News

Leseding News grows bigger…

W hat an amazing journey it has been! At times dangerous and daunting, but always exiting. From a skimpy eight page black and white newspaper in 2002 with only a print run of 3 000 right to a bumper 12 page two editions full colour newspapers with a total print run of 21 000. What a journey it has been. From a one room o� ce at number 17 Benoni Street to an air-conditioned o� ce at 24 Hystek Street. What a journey it has been.But before you come to any conclusions, the newcomer – Niel Myburgh – did not entice us to the famous Hystek Street for the trade the street is commonly know for but for the business you know us better for – the business of writing newspapers.� e bright and colourful Leseding News Brits edition you are holding today marks the beginning of our radical agenda to connect the Brits, Haartebeespoort and the Moretele people with the people of Rustenburg, Mogwase and Koster – a commitment we made in 2002 – to be a voice for the rural people of the North West province.Leseding News has, of course, always had ties with the people of this region. � e paper is well-known all over the North West and community journalists from Marikana, Brits, Mahikeng, Mogwase and other areas have told your stories in this paper.With this new Brits edition and others soon to come in other parts of the province we wish to expand our coverage of the North West.We all know that no local paper has written and re� ected more on the developments, the trials and tribulations of Bojanala district people than Leseding News has done. Yes, of course, I know that I will be branded a � ghter for saying this, more so that I am wearing a red t-shirt.

People do not like to be told the truth. But I make no apologies. We must speak the truth before we die – we are the path� nders and we set the benchmark in telling your district stories.We will continue to do so. No matter the challenges, as we have done for the last ten years – we will not retreat! We will not compromise! We will not relent! We will not equivocate, we will tell your stories and we will be heard. Oh by the way, talking about relenting, we nearly gave up putting this edition for you a few hours before the deadline.It all started in Myburgh’s o� ce.“Levy do you think that we will make it,” asked Niel. All that I could read on Niel’s face was frustration… but I assured him. “Yes we have it covered,” I responded.� en came the issue of our page one article for the

Rustenburg edition – a report on how COSATU and other stakeholders in the Rustenburg Rapid Transport (RRT) – are alleging corrupt practices at the multi-billion rand project. “� is is too hard, Levy,” Neil said about the headline.“No, we are covered. � is is our style, how we do it,” I responded, explaining the newspaper’s obligation to always pursue hard-hitting issues. Next up was the issue of what angle to take on Ricky’s investigative piece detailing the unhealthy ablution facilities and lack of running water at the Rustenburg Magistrate’s Court. Together with Farirayi and Ricky, we brainstormed ideas on a proper, catchy headline. Should we print that Ricky disguised himself and smuggled his camera inside the courts to capture images of the shocking state of a� airs?

With the deadline fast approaching, Ricky was accusing Farirayi of not sending his stories in time. I intervened and assured them that we will beat the deadline. And we did.And here you are today reading our two editions.� ank you Bojanala District Municipality and Moses Kotane Local Municipality – if it was not for your commitment to support emerging local media, these two issues might not have been out.For our hard-fought democracy to be sustained it is important

to have a free and diverse media to feed into the democratic processes and bring about fundamental social transformation and development. Let us continue the journey together and ensure that our local media re� ects the diversity of views and interest within our societies, create a platform for free and fair exchange of views resulting in a melting pot of ideals that contribute to the building and enhancement of a democratic development.

We thank you.To our readers, we enjoyed putting pages of these newspapers together – we hope you will also enjoy reading them. � ese are your stories, told by your journalists – 360 degrees truth – without fear or compromise.To the Leseding News team – Dorah, Desree, Stephen, Eddie, Ricky, Farirayi, Zanele and Niel – thank you guys. I give you a day o� -day - go home I am o� to Buti’s for a cold beer. See you tomorrow at our eight o’clock diary meeting.

RRT_Ad_200x195_FA 8/19/13 4:10 PM Page 1

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C M Y CM MY CY CMY K

Domestic workers set for a happier Christmas

Ngoepe aNd the workers

Why must I give you my vote?With the recent demonstrations on service delivery behind us and the national election of 2014 looming at our doorsteps, it will be interesting to see the election strategies and campaigns that will emerge from this season. Now the standard notions of course will apply, where the ruling ANC will make a case that much has changed and a pro black agenda has been thrust into the spotlight. On the other hand opposition parties will continue to seek to highlight the weaknesses and short comings of the ANC. This has become a cycle which South Africans have become all too familiar with.I for one hope that while the status quos is guaranteed to remain the same, opposition parties may be a bit more creative with their campaigns. Yes it is critical to highlight corruption given its impact on both service delivery and the economy. However what would certainly bring the South African political scene to live would be alternative views of South Africa’s future under their proposed policies. This is an emerging international best practice where opposition parties have begun to clearly outline their alternative views of the future such as in Germany this year and most famously Obama’s 2008 campaign.Frankly the truth is that if the ANC and DA policies (specifically on

the economy) were to be presented to one, without the party’s logos even an expert would find it difficult to differentiate, implying that the difference between these two parties’ policies is solemnly based on ones belief in their efficiencies. On a policy front only the Freedom Front, and Economic Freedom Fighters have remarkably different policies to the ANC. While the former is opposed to any form of black empowerment and state intervention opting for extreme conservative policies, the latter is pro expropriation of land without compensation, and nationalization of mines advocating for extreme socialist policies.As a voter I urge you to be rational and not emotional in making your decision. This means asking the following questions; are the policies proposed practical? Is there capacity to deliver on these promises? Who will pay for these policies? Will the country benefit on a long-term basis? Finally, how will I benefit?Over the next couple of weeks with the editor’s permission, I intend unpacking parties whom I believe will garner the top 4 position in which their policies and practicality thereof will be assessed, helping you the voter to be as best informed in making your decision.

By Mduduzi Maphanga

www.lesedingnews.co.za

ciTizen JoURnalisT sToRY

The news of Nelson Mandela’s passing was a blow to all of us here at Leseding News as it was to the entire nation. Yes, he was old and frail and his death was bound to happen soon. Still, to receive the news of his passing as we were preparing to complete the final Leseding News editions of the year was just too ghastly to contemplate for all of us. After all, who does not know Nelson Mandela and what he has done not only for South Africa but for the entire world? Here was a man who came to represent all that is good and noble in the human spirit. It was through his efforts that the wheels of South

Africa’s liberation struggle rolled us into an era

of democracy and liberation. It is amazing that after being incarcerated for 27 years in jail by the apartheid regime, Mandela

was able to emerge with a forgiving and

reconciliatory heart. What an example

a n d

invaluable lesson this is to all of us! But his lesson does not end here. While at the helm of South African politics, Mandela decided to step down from his position as South African president before completing his second term – a gesture that saw him receiving a standing ovation from virtually all political parties on that fateful day in parliament.How many leaders, let alone presidents, are able to step down from office voluntarily before the conclusion of their terms? In a world obsessed with power and greed, his was a lesson in true leadership. A lawyer by profession and an intellectual of note, Mandela also inspired South African youths to strive to attain the highest levels in terms of education, but – in the process – to always remember where they come from. It is these traits that make Mandela stand out as one of the greatest politicians and statesmen of his era. Through his leadership and visionary perceptions, South Africans can be proud to have had the privilege of having Mandela as one of their sons. Mandela lived to the age of 95 and we must also celebrate the finally, after leading us to independence and beyond, he is now resting. As we all continue reflecting on his past, let us cherish the ideals and values he stood for during his life time. Let us look inwardly and consider how we can also play a role in making our country a better place to live in.

Farewell Tata. We will all miss you.

Farewell Tata, we will miss you



Getting to know: Tshepang Ramosepele

This is the story of Tshepang Ramosepele, who is the manager of Mira Promotions, located at number 149 Bethlehem Drive in Rustenburg. His company specializes in printing and branding. “I come from a journalism background but I have also evolved into an entrepreneur. I use more of my left brain,” explained Tshepang, in an interview with Leseding News. “I started my career at West Newspaper, which produced Radio Mafisa during the mid-1990s. I then worked for six years at Parliament of RSA in Cape Town, as publications co-ordinator. I went straight into business when I left Parliament,” he added. Before Mira Promotions was established in 2007, Tshepang said he first entered into a business venture with a friend. Mira Promotions offers full-branding services from logo design, business cards, flyers, brochures to promotional materials such as t-shirts, golf shirts, umbrellas, banners, caps and bags. In addition, the company offers publishing (e.g newsletters), work-wear and photography services. “We also do in-house embroidery for company and school logos.”“Before Mira, I was in partnership with a long-time friend. We ran the first business publication in the North West called Platinum Business,” he said. “We had to close down due to the economic slump. Mira was then born. Starting a company is not for sissies… You have to be prepared to for the unexpected. You have to be totally focused.”He said people who have a passion for business are the only ones likely to succeed in their line of work. “For me there are two things that will make you swim against the tide. One is that you need to know what you are doing. Secondly, you must also have a passion for it,” he said. He urged entrepreneurs to empower themselves with management skills so that they will be effective in their line of work. “It is however important to empower yourself with management skills, from finance to human relations. There was a time when I was down because there was simply no business, but I refused to be out of the game,” he said. “In South Africa, sadly, entrepreneurship is not encouraged as much as it should. In many instances when people use or buy your services and products, they see it as a favour. This is why the

economy is growing so slow,” he added. But running the business has not been without its challenges, “The main challenge for me is cash-flow. You can be good in marketing yourself but if you can’t deliver your orders then you’re at a risk of losing your reputation and credibility.” Currently employing a staff of six full time and three part-time employees, Tshepang said he hopes Mira Promotions will give him a firm foundation upon which to create a one stop communication and media firm “which I can then start franchising.”The clients of the company are drawn from a broad spectrum of society and include municipalities, banks, mining houses, Royal Bafokeng, schools, churches government departments and

individuals.While Tshepang said he is responsible for giving the company’s direction as general manager, he said there is a more powerful force behind his business. “There’s a higher force in the form of God, without Him there’s no Mira. Secondly, my employees who contribute in keeping this company flowing. “All I have to do is to keep them happy. A happy employee is a productive employee,” he said. When he is not at work, Tshepang enjoys travelling, reading, playing his guitar, singing, camping and networking.

[email protected] Farirayi Kahwemba

Platinum PeoPle

AIMING HIGH: Tshepang Ramosepele (PHOTO: SUPPLIED)

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SportLeseding

EXCITEMENT: Golf enthusiasts and Rustenburg’s Executive Mayor, Mpho Khunou (PHOTO: SUPPLIED)

Young, enthusiastic golfers from Tlhabane had a once in a lifetime opportunity of rubbing shoulders with the Executive Mayor of Rustenburg, Mpho Khunou, during a coaching clinic held at the Rustenburg Golf Club. The clinic, held on 27 November, was officially launched by the mayor and conducted by regular golfer and coach Shadrack Molefe and other golf experts under the auspices of the Federation of Golf. This was part of an initiative to empower young golfers with the necessary skills to achieve their dreams in the sport. Ultimately, the initiative is a three-year programme designed to produce professional golfers while also exposing children in Tlhabane to the sport. Around 27 children, from various areas in and around Tlhabane, were taken through the finer points of the sport, which is well known for its fairness and proper etiquette. It was a thrilling outdoor experience for the children, who also had the chance

to share their own experiences with the coaches and among each other.Apart from being exposed to a professional approach to the sport, the young children were also taught how to conduct themselves in the sport. Apart from all this, the Federation of Golf also handed out equipment such as golf bags, clubs and uniforms, which included shirts and caps. Phil Anokye, one of the organisers of the event, described the coaching clinic as a success, “The coaching clinics went on well. This is part of the mayor’s development programme which is aimed at encouraging more children to take up the sport.” Jeffrey Thebe, who runs Jeffrey Golf Academy, applauded the initiative and called for the organisers of the event to widen their net by including more golfers. “I would appreciate it if more young golfers are included in such events so that they reach out to as many people as possible in Tlhabane and other areas,” Thebe said.

Coaching clinic for young Tlhabane golfers [email protected]

Farirayi Kahwemba

www.morulengmall.co.za

Enjoy the convenience of extended festive shopping hours from 13 to 24 December 2013.

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Leseding news rustenburg 10 dec 2013