Leseding news brits 11 june 2014

BRITS

11 June 2014Volume 2 Week 23

FREEwww.lesedingnews.co.za - lesedingnews.mobi

RUN THE RISK OF BEING NOTICED

ADVERTISE IN THIS SPOTCALL: RAYMOND

(014) 597 9980 ORTARRYN-LEE

072 441 4185

BRING BACK OUR GIRLS InsideENTERTAINMENT

NEWS

COSATU on Mahumapelo

Page 7

Drama tutor speaks out

Page 6Participants of a recent South African National Blood Service (SANBS) event in Brits showed solidarity and support for the parents of the school girls that were abducted by Islamist rebels Boko Haraam. The Madibeng Local Municipality together with different churches, organizations and communities recently held a prayer session for the girls. A total of more than 200 girls are still missing and an international effort to locate and rescue them is ongoing.

WATER CORRUPTIONPolice still probing Councilor STORY ON PAGE 2

CITIZEN JOURNALIST STORY

Start submitting your stories on our website via the tell your story section and stand a chance to win!

WIN 1 of 2 Whimsical Holidays

ATKV RESORTS

SO U T H AFRICA

2x Midweek holidays for 4 people at any ATKV resort.

*Terms and conditions apply.

Competition closes 30 June 2014

02 11 June 2014 Leseding News - Brits

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

EditorLevy Mokwele

News EditorFarirayi Kahwemba

JournalistsKutlwano Motsepe

Production ManagerDivan Bekker

Advertising ExecutivesRaymond SelebogoTarryn-Lee GroblerAndre Dutoit

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

The fate of a Madibeng Local Municipality ward councilor fingered in corrupt activities involving tampering with water valves and receiving kickbacks from tankers hired to deliver water is set to be decided by an ongoing police investigation.

Psheko Bogale – a ward councilor in Mmakau – was arrested together with three other men and appeared in court last month after the municipality laid charges against them. The four are facing criminal charges for allegedly manipulating some of the town’s water supply systems. It is alleged that they sabotaged the water supply by tampering with valves and then took kickbacks from the hiring of water tankers. The spokesperson for the Madibeng Local Municipality, Lebogang Tsogang, told Leseding News that the police are still in the process of investigating the charges. “The police are still investigating and we are all

waiting for the outcome of those investigations,” Tsogang said. She explained why the issue was not raised during a recent Council sitting.“It was not in the previous Council meeting because everything is in the hands of the police at the moment. “Council will only be in a position to discuss the matter once the police investigations have been completed,” Tsogang explained. Issues related to service delivery – particularly the provision of water – took center stage recently during protests in areas around Brits. Apparently, residents were agitated by the failure of the municipality to provide water in some areas amidst allegations that the town’s operations were being “sabotaged” by corrupt activities.Four people died during the protests, which occurred in the Mothutlung and Hebron areas and authorities from the North West provincial government had to intervene to bring the situation under control.

PRECIOUS COMMODITY: People line up to collect Water in Brits (PHOTO: SUPPLIED)

Police probe to decide Bogale’s fate

Police have a huge task on their hands as they investigate the circumstances that led to a horrific accident, which occurred on the R501 Rooigrond road, on 2 June. All six people involved in the accident died when two vehicles – one belonging to the police and another to the correctional services – collided head-on. Five of the deceased were correctional service officers while the other victim was a policeman. North West police are in the process of following all possible leads as they look to get to the bottom of the circumstances leading to the fatal crash. However, piecing together the puzzle is likely to be a very ominous task for them and will be further complicated by the fact that of all the people involved in the crash, nobody survived to tell the story. Colonel Sabata Mokgwabone of SAPS told Leseding News that the major challenge facing the investigators is locating any possible eyewitnesses. “At the moment, we are not aware of anything that could have possibly led to the accident. The people investigating the case are in the process of looking into this,” Mokgwabone said. “As you might know, the correctional services officers had just knocked off from work when the accident occurred.“All the people died during the accident and the immediate challenge at the moment is to identify whether or not there were any eyewitnesses so that we are able to know exactly what happened,” he added. Asked whether alcohol could have been one of the causes of

the accident, Mokgwabone said it is too early to make any conclusive suggestions. “There are a number of forensic issues that will be taken into consideration during the investigation and at the moment, it is too early to speculate.“We are looking at all possibilities so let us wait for the

investigation to run its course,” Mokgwabone explained. Meanwhile, the department of correctional services has released the names of the five deceased officers. Johannes Kanono Moruledi, Tiisetso Morris Motsamayi, Charles Rantlwana Sekgobela, Luncedo

Ebenezer Tshangel and Simon Mosue Lesajane are the names of the deceased. “A joint team of social workers and psychologists from the Departments of Health and Correctional Services began counselling sessions for the affected officials and family members,” the Department of Correctional Services said in a statement. On 5 May, officials from the Department of Correctional Services visited the site of the accident before a memorial service was held at the Rooigrond Correctional Centre. During the memorial service the North West Safety and Transport Management Gaoge Molapisi called upon road users to be cautious. “Let us give priority to the concept of self-policing to ensure that we all take responsibility for safer roads because road safety is everybody’s responsibility,” he said.

Suspected criminal stoned to death Members of the Mosengleng Section area near Brits took the law into their own hands when they stoned a man ( who allegedly broke into the house of a community member ). According to police, the man was killed after people who had been alerted to the burglary successfully chased him down. “It is alleged that the two suspects broke in and gained entrance into a house,” Sergeant Kealeboga Molale of SAPS said.“The owner was woken up by the noise in the house. When the suspects realized that the victim was awake, they ran away not knowing that some of the community members saw what happened and ran after them,” she added. “The community members managed to apprehend one of the suspects while the other one ran away,” Molale said, adding that the man stabbed a community member while he was being apprehended.The community members then stoned and beat the suspect to death. North West Premier Supra Mahumapelo has condemned in the strongest terms the manner in which the community members killed the 30-year-old man. “Those who take the law unto themselves instead of reporting crime to authorities in the criminal judiciary system undermine the rule of law,” he said. “We wish to discourage communities from taking the law into their own hands because our courts are the relevant institutions to dispense justice,” he added. The Premier has expressed confidence that the police will soon arrest those responsible for the act and appealed to members of the community who witnessed the ghastly incident to assist them in their investigations.

Rooigrond accident: eyewitnesses yet to be identified

CITIZEN JOURNALIST STORY

Start submitting your stories on our website via the tell your story section and stand a chance to win!

WIN 1 of 2 Whimsical

Holidays

ATKV RESORTS

SO U T H AFRICA

2x Midweek holidays for 4 people at any ATKV resort.

*Terms and conditions apply. Competition closes 30 June 2014

03Leseding News - Brits 11 June 2014

MINERS SHOT DOWN Release date: 30 May 2014

In August 2012, mineworkers in one of South Africa's biggest platinum mines at Marikana began a wildcat strike for better wages. Six days later the police used live ammunition to brutally suppress the strike, killing 34 men and

injuring many more. Using the point of view of the Marikana miners, this SA-made documentary follows the strike from day one, showing the courageous but isolated fight waged by a group of low-paid workers against the combined forces of the mining company Lonmin, the ANC government and their allies in the National Union of Mineworkers. What emerges is collusion at the top, spiralling violence and the country's first post-apartheid massacre. South Africa will never be the same again.DIRECTED BY Rehad DesaiPRODUCED BY Anita Khanna

A MILLION WAYS TO DIE IN THE WEST Release date: 30 May 2014 When meek sheep farmer Albert (Seth MacFarlane) backs out of a gunfight, his girlfriend (Amanda Seyfried) leaves him for another man (Neil Patrick Harris) in this comedy set in the Old West. Albert soon meets another woman named Anna (Charlize Theron), who helps

him discover his bravery and confidence. However, when Anna's husband (Liam Neeson), a notorious outlaw, rides into town seeking revenge, Albert suddenly has to put his newfound courage to the test.

DIRECTED BY Seth MacFarlanePRODUCED BY Jason Clark, Scott Stuber

Nthateng Monstho (24) from Zeerust is our Leseding Girl of the Week. She came to Rustenburg to further her studies towards a Financial Management degree with Unisa. She also started her own Event Management company. A news reader at Radio Mafisa, Nthateng was crowned second princess of Platinum City – an event held at the Rustenburg Civic Centre. She said she enjoys modelling and is aiming towards signing with a modeling agency in the not so distant future. She urges upcoming models, especially those from poor and disadvantaged families, to rise and excel above their personal challenges and obstacles. Models between the ages of 17 and 30, who are interested in appearing in this space are requested to call Rapula Mancai on 073 970 9671.

LESEDING GIRL OF THE WEEK

For 44-year-old Chris Mutsiwa, painting on canvas is more than just a passion and a way of expressing his artistic creativity – it has become his main source of income, his livelihood. His eye-catching creations capture a variety of scenes and are mostly inspired by nature and some of the encounters and experiences he has had during his interactions with a number of people from different levels of society. He uses acrylic and oil paints to make his creations, a number of which are ideal for hanging up in the living room. Besides his own abstract work, Chris is also capable of producing portraits and a number of other depictions of his clients after thoroughly studying a hardcopy image. “I started painting in 2001 when I was in Botswana,” Chris said, in an interview with Leseding News. “I started selling my artwork very seriously in 2012 when I came to Johannesburg. I worked there briefly before I settled here in Rustenburg,” he added. Chris is happy that his work has generally been well received by a number of people he has visited.

However, he admitted that the strikes in areas just outside Rustenburg have slowed down the number of sales he usually makes. “In one day I can sell up to 10 or more pictures, this is on a good day. Generally, people have appreciated my pictures. I do landscapes, abstracts and portraits. “Those who would like to have a look at some of my works can call me on 073 015 9036 or 073 605 797.“I also regularly display my pictures outside public places where there are a number of people. Of late, however, the strikes and violent activities in the mines have resulted in low sales. “I hope that this will change,” he explained. Chris has a family in Zimbabwe, which he supports with the money that he earn through his artwork.

MY WORK: Chris Mustiwa shows his talent (PHOT: FARRAYI

KAHWEMBA).

As part of celebrations to mark youth month – which is celebrated in June – Dads In The Picture is encouraging fathers to urge their children to develop reading habits. The organization will be hosting a Father Story Week from June 9 to 15. The activities of this campaign are aimed at encouraging fathers to play a more active role in the bringing up of their children through spending time with them and taking part in their educational development. “We celebrate Youth Month in recognition of the role our youth played in the country's liberation struggle,” Meshack Kekana, founder and chairman of Dads In The Picture, said. “We further urge our youth to continue with the spirit of fighting for their rights in a responsible manner and we want

them to understand that every right comes with a responsibility. “To our fathers out there, we urge them to keep doing the best they can for their children. We are partnering with Front Page Father Media Campaign in a Father Story Week from 9th to 15th June.

“The format of the campaign will see us going to different shopping centres across the country and encouraging men to read to the little ones,” he explained. Kekana pointed out that reading is a critical skill that empowers children to develop an interest in their education.

FOCUSED: Fathers are encouraged to urge their children to read (PHOTO: SUPPLIED).

His canvas artwork is his livelihood

Story Week to inspire reading culture

04 Leseding News - Brits11 June 2014

The police in Brits have arrested eighteen people for various offenses after carrying out a raid in various areas of the town.

The suspects – who are between the ages of 19 and 39 – were nabbed during a “detectives raiding op-eration” which was conducted late last month.

The police in Brits told Leseding News that the eighteen were charged while more investigations are being carried out.

“The cases which were opened against the arrest-ed suspects include assault common, theft, assault (GBH) and contempt of court,” a statement from the police said.

Others were charged for housebreaking, malicious damage to property, fraud, robbery, theft out of motor vehicle, armed robbery and reckless and negligence.

“The arrested suspects shall appear soon in court and they will be charged according to degree of crime committed,” the statement added.

The police are still carrying out further investiga-tions.

Police arrest 18 in Brits

[email protected] Farirayi Kahwemba

[email protected] Reporter

EMPOWERED: Johanna Mosete, Community Development Services Manager (PHOTO: SUPPLIED)

For a Worthy Cause

A volunteer donates blood in Brits during an initiative held by the South African National Blood Service. FULL REPORT ON PAGE 5

The Department of Public Safety in Rustenburg is leaving no stone unturned in its quest to reign in on copper cable thieves.

Recently, three men aged between the ages of 24 and 26 were arrested after they were caught in possession of copper cable. This was after Department of Public Safety

officers pounced on the three men in Ziniaville while they were busy processing the copper to make it ready for the black market.The suspects were found with a huge bag of copper cable offcuts weighing 12.5kg. Another bag, weighing 47.8kg, was also confiscated by the officers. All in all, the copper is believed to be worth an estimated R3 324. The three suspects were all detained in Tlhabane police Station and are expected to appear before the Bafokeng Magistrate Court soon.

Three arrested for cable theftRECOVERED: This copper was seized

from three suspects who were arrested by the Department of Public Safety officers

(PHOTO: SUPPLIED)

[email protected] Reporter

Bojanala budget focuses on service delivery

Leseding News captured some of the major highlights of the Bojanala Platinum District Municipality’s

2014/15 Budget Speech, which was delivered by Executive Mayor Louis Diremelo on 29 May.

Department of Technical ServicesThis Department was allocated R80.1 million, which is an increase of 105% from the budget of the previous financial year. The vast increase is largely due to the additional amount added for the construction of the office building.

The money will be earmarked for a number of developmental projects aimed at ensuring effective service delivery. Among some of the projects earmarked is the provision of sewer reticulation to around

150 households in the Kgetlengrivier Local Municipality as well as the provision of three boreholes in the Moretele Local Municipality.

Community Development Services A total of R59, 95 million was allocated to this Department – an increase of 7, 4% from the previous budget.The amount will be used for projects aimed at assisting disadvantaged members of the community through the provision of food parcels and blankets. Some of the funds will also be used for Sports, Arts and Culture as well as the maintenance and running of three fire stations.

Environmental Health Services A total of R30, 09 million was allocated for

this department. The department’s work includes raising awareness on health and environmental issues as well as encouraging industry to take cognizance of the negative effects of emissions. Waste management and issues centered around preventing and spreading awareness of water, air and other forms of pollution is also a key part of this department’s work. Economic Development, Tourism, Agriculture and Rural developmentAn amount of R11, 2 million has been allocated for this area – an increase of 11% as compared to the amount of the previous budget.

The promotion of tourism, implementation of economic development policies are some of the priorities of this department.

05Leseding News - Brits 11 June 2014

After a month-long boycotts by students, the North West Department of Health has taken the decision to close the Mmabatho Nursing College indefinitely.The boycott started on 8 May, when students refused to be transported to their clinical facilities, citing late arrival to clinical facilities due to transport constraints and congestion of learners at facilities.According to the department, nursing students at the college are demanding that the provincial department stops transporting them to clinical facilities and accommodating them. Instead, they want to be provided with transport and accommodation allowance in addressing their challenges.The department explained that it provides transport to clinical facilities and when there is a need, transport is outsourced to alleviate shortage.“Students are, however, expected to adhere to stipulated departure times, which is a challenge to drivers as students do not adhere. On alleged congestion at facilities, students are placed on both night and day duty and this arrangement was not honoured by some students.“Most of them only chose to be placed during the day, hence the congestion. The department is of the view that they should also rotate on night placement because even when they graduate to be nurses, they will be expected to work at night,” the department explained.The department further noted that the students refused management interventions and demanded accommodation and transport allowance instead, with the view that they can transport themselves

to various clinical facilities.“With the accommodation allowance, students want to rent their own accommodation. Despite all efforts to intervene by management, the students continued with their clinical boycott to date.“The department accepts that the infrastructure needs a facelift. To this effect, the National Department of Health is currently in the process of revitalising the college infrastructure. The maintenance plan has been submitted.”It is reported that students had started vandalising college property, intimidating admin staff, and closing employees inside the college. On Wednesday last week, college staff had to leave under police guard as students had become violent.The department reiterated its commitment to resolve any legitimate grievance the students have. – SAnews.gov.za

Boycott leads to nursing college closure

Brits residents take part in blood runFor residents living in Brits and surrounding areas, it has become the norm to donate blood every 56 days.The South African National Blood Services (SANBS) in conjunction with Absa Bank (Brits Mall) conducted a blood run drive on 22 May. The initiative is aimed at making sure that community members donate blood after each and every two months. The other Mission for this project is to provide all patients with sufficient, safe, quality blood and blood products and medical services related to blood transfusion in an equitable, cost effective manner. Annually, SANBS requires 800 000 units of blood for use during emergency situations. The donated blood is then given to patients who are undergoing surgical operations, those with cancer, leukaemia, chilldren with severe anaemia, accident victims and women to treat hemorrhage which can result due to pregnancy. Karabo Kaunda, an employee at Absa Brits Mall, explained: “This initiative is inspirational and also motivating because one can save the life of someone who depends on it. “However, not anyone can donate blood because there are restrictions and a questionnaire that must be answered before donating. “For instance, to find out if someone is on medication or who has just had an operation,” said Kaunda. Spokesperson for SANBS Rustenburg, Collette Gouws, explained the criteria for a person wishing to donate blood.“For one to qualify to donate blood, one must be between the ages of 16 and 65 and lead a sexually safe lifestyle. If you have donated blood for 300 times, your blood still gets tested every time after you've donated,” Gouws explained in an interview with Leseding News."To anyone who is afraid to donate blood, I would tell them that they must get enough courage and donate blood because every unit of blood is important,” she added. During this particular event, a campaign calling for the return of girls who were kidnapped by the Islamic armed forces in Nigeria was also carried out.

CLOSED: A corridor inside Mmabatho College of Nursing (PHOTO:

SUPPLIED)

The Department of Water and Sanitation and the North West Department of Health has launched a full scale probe aimed at getting to the bottom of a suspected outbreak of Cholera that led to the death of nine-month old baby in Bloemhof.The baby, Letlhogonolo Sehau, died recently while at least 300 cases of diarrhoea were reported in Bloemhof. The cases ranged from running stomachs, vomiting and stomach cramps – believed to have been caused after residents drank water that was contaminated. In a statement, the Department of Water and Sanitation said the cases could have been caused by “spillage in the area of Bloemhof including the Boitumelong Township.” “The spillage has led to the pollution of the Vaal River as it flows through the area, ultimately to the negative impact on the community with regard to the quality of drinking water supply. “A number of health related challenges were experienced with around 117 people taken to hospital and treated. Over time this number reduced and stabilised at around 61 cases. “What has been treated was identified as diarrhoea. The suspected cholera has not yet been identified. The matter of the one fatality in this period, suspected to be from the same diarrhoea, is still to be verified,” the department said. As part of interventions aimed at avoiding the recurrence of such incidents in the future, the department has maintained contact with local government in order to be made aware of water supply issues in the area. “Included in these actions, has been an awareness drive with regard to water and personal hygiene to ensure that all users continue in the meantime to use water only after boiling it and taking care of issues like ensuring the washing of hands in order to reduce possibilities of further infection.

“This awareness will continue even beyond the resumption of normal water supply,” the department said. The Minister of Water and Sanitation, Nomvula Mokonyane, has visited the families of those who were affected by the outbreak. “The officials at all tiers of government have been working around the clock to find resolution to the challenge as well but the critical political leadership will ensure any possible blockages in terms of inter-governmental relations are immediately taken care of and the community receives the requisite services,” the department said.

Water department investigates Cholera threat

COMFORT: Minister Nomvula Mokonyane (middle), MECs Collen Maine and Magome Masike together with Councilor Moeder Makodi console a family affected by the suspected cholera outbreak (PHOTO: SUPPLIED)

ORBIT FET College hosted its 11th Annual Awards and Certification Ceremony at the institution’s Mankwe Campus recently. Approximately 500 graduates – who represented various fields of Vocational Programmes, including National N Diplomas, N6 Certificates in Business Studies and Engineering Studies as well as National Certificate (Vocational) Level 4 Certificates – were awarded.A total of 29 Top Achievers were also recognized on a variety of levels for their outstanding academic performance in 2013. The trophies that were awarded were sponsored by business and industry partners of the College, which included Standard Bank, ABSA, Capitec Bank, Nedbank, FNB, Westend Industrial and Chri-Lé Graduation Wear.Belinda Gouws did Rustenburg Campus proud when she was named The 2013 Dux Student for Vocational Programmes. Gouws performed exceptionally – obtaining an average of 87.86% for the National Certificate (Vocational) Level 4 in Finance, Economics and Accounting, with 18 distinctions out of her 21 subjects. Managing Director of Dikwena Metsing and Sports Development Director at Royal Bafokeng Sports, Ezekiel Seabelo, was the keynote speaker at the event. He encouraged graduates to work hard at breaking down barriers in order for them to succeed in life.Guests and graduates were kept on their feet by beautiful, well arranged performances by the Mankwe Campus choir.

ORBIT FET College – one of the leading local educational institutions – is looking forward to an increased number of graduates during their 2014 academic year.

500 ORBIT College students graduate

FOCUSED: The excited Orbit FET graduates look on while a speech is being delivered (PHOTO: SUPPLIED)

Leseding News06 Leseding News - Brits

PLATINUM PEOPLE

11 June 2014

Sekiswa SewanywaMmabana is an institution that is well known in South Africa for its programmes that are geared in training young people in drama, poetry and other forms of art with the view of encouraging them to use their talent to make a living. Sekiswa Sewanywa – a drama tutor who has been with Mmabana since 1990 – is involved in the day to day activities at Mmabana Tlhabane. Born and educated in Uganda, Sekiswa told Leseding News that he cannot see himself doing anything outside drama. “I went to Makerere University, studied drama, before I came to South Africa,” he said. “I joined Mmabana in 1990 and I thoroughly enjoy what I do. My job brings a lot of fulfilment,” he added. On what the day to day activities of a drama tutor entails, Sekiswa explained: “I conduct full time classes for people who want to do speech and drama and also those who would like to study at universities and other tertiary institutions. “The actual areas that I teach include speech, drama, storytelling, poetry and movement. I also prepare students for auditioning from around 9h00 to 12h00 in the afternoon.“In the afternoon, from 14h00 to 16h00, I have classes for students from high school.”

He urged more young people to take up drama classes. “I can teach anyone from any age but they have to be serious. There is no age limit, it all depends on the commitment that you show,” he said. One of Sekiswa’s accomplishments is the production of a play that went on to be showcased at the Grahamstown National Arts Festival in 1991. “The play is entitled Is it too late? It is a two-man play that is quite captivating. I hope I will be able to showcase it again at the Macufe Festival in September,” he revealed. On the state of the arts in the North West, Sekiswa explained that while the area is endowed with talent and potential, young people often rush to go to Johannesburg, where things may not always work out the way they expect them to. “People need to utilize the services that we have at Mmabana. We have excellent services here and there are better trained people as well. “Unfortunately, there is this belief that Johannesburg is where a person must go in order to succeed. This is not always the case,” he said. Sekiswa says he has found great fulfilment in assisting his students to resolve some of their social problems through drama. “My passion is in dealing with students because

drama helps them to open up to their social problems. Drama is therapeutic. “On many occasions, I find myself being a parent or father, helping the students to deal with a number of their social issues that affect them,” he explained.“I have also discovered that the internet has opened up numerous avenues for learners. However, there is a negative side to it – especially if learners spend too much time on twitter and facebook.” Away from the classroom, Sekiswa enjoys reading and furthering his studies.

07Leseding News - Brits 11 June 2014

CITIZEN JOURNALIST STORY

Start submitting your

stories on our website

via the tell your story

section and stand a

chance to win!

WIN 1 of 2 Whimsical Holidays

ATKV RESORTS

SO U T H AFRICA

2x Midweek holidays for 4 people at any ATKV resort.

*Terms and conditions apply. Competition closes 30 June 2014

NEW BROOMS: North West Premier Supra Mahumapelo (left) and Speaker of the provincial legislature Susana Tsebe (PHOTO: SUPPLIED)

Solly Phetoe – Cosatu’s North West provincial secretary – is urging the newly appointed premier to prioritize the welfare of workers as well as play a leading role in stopping the violent union rivalry that has affected the Platinum belt.

Supra Mahumapelo was appointed North West premier following the elections, replacing Thandi Modise.He becomes the second male premier of the North West after Popo Molefe. In his first public address, Mahumapelo said he would work hard to improve the lives of the residents living in the province through ensuring effective service delivery. Together with his new administration, Mahumapelo is also faced with the task of bringing stability to the troubled Platinum belt, which has witnessed a crippling strike that started on January 23. Phetoe said Cosatu hopes the new leadership in the North West will also work tirelessly towards the improvement of the working class as well as regularly hold policy consultations with stakeholders within the labour movement. “In the past we are disappointed that as workers of the North West Province, we were not being considered when it comes to decision making,” Phetoe said. “In fact, we would have liked our views to be taken on board before the appointment of key posts within the North West government.”Phetoe pointed out that while the proposed talks between the government, Association of Mineworkers and Construction Union (Amcu) and National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) are welcome, such a meeting should have been convened during the early stages of the labour action.

Mahumapelo has expressed his desire to work towards harmonizing relations between various unions, particularly those in the mining sector. Phetoe said: “We have read that he [the North West Premier] will soon meet with AMCU and NUM leaders to discuss a number of issues. “This is welcome but should have been done while he was still the Speaker of the North West legislature. “I hope that he is sincere in his efforts as such a development would go a long way in bringing stability to the mining sector. In May, at least four mineworkers were killed in separate incidents within the platinum belt as union rivalry issues related to the strike took a violent turn. The strikes come barely two years after the sector witnessed one of its most tragic incidents to date. In August 2012, South African police fatally shot several dozen miners during labor unrest at a Lonmin platinum mine in Marikana. The shootings followed an increase in deadly violence in the area in a week in which two police officers were also among those killed.

COSATU speaks on Mahumapelo appointment

Opposition party Democratic Alliance (DA) says it will use its presence in the North West provincial legislature to speak out against corruption as well as to support the implementation of the National Development Plan (NDP). The elections saw the ANC winning the majority stake in the North West with 67.39% of the vote followed by newcomers Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) with 13.21%. The Democratic Alliance (DA) garnered 12.73% while Freedom Front Plus polled 1.72%.Numerically, this means that the ANC now has 23 seats in the North West legislature, while the EFF has five. The DA will occupy four seats and the FF Plus one. DA Deputy Leader in the North West, Joe

McGluwa, explained to Leseding News the plans of the party ahead of the 2016 elections. “The immediate plan for the party is preparing for by-elections. We have to hold these elections because there are councilors that have now gone to higher office,” McGluwa said. “We are happy with the outcome of the elections because we have done well in most of the metros. We will be supporting policies around the National Development Plan (NDP),” he said. McGluwa also pointed out that the DA will be very vocal against corruption. “We have to be the watchful eye, in terms of the state of the North West Province because this one of our duties as an opposition party,” he said. McGluwa said although the DA did not manage to become the official opposition party in the North West, they are encouraged by the amount of support that they received from the voters. Owing to a higher number of seats in the North West legislature, the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) are the official opposition party of the province. The 2009 elections also saw the DA failing to become the opposition party after losing out to the Congress of the People (COPE).“We almost had 1 million black people voting for us in the just ended election and this is a positive development for us. “We are very encouraged by this number and we will make sure that we continue to grow our support within the North West.

“We are also encouraged that a number of people from other political parties are crossing ship and joining us,” he

added. McGluwa explained that part of the long term strategy of the DA is to establish a close relationship with the traditional leaders of various communities. “We will work towards a very close relationship with traditional leaders,” McGluwa explained.

We will be vocal on corruption – DA

POLICY TALK: Joe McGluwa, Deputy Leader in the North West (PHOTO: SUPPLIED)

08 Leseding News - Brits

SPORTSPORT11 June 2014

Gift Kelehe – who finished a commendable third in the recently held Comrades marathon – has been applauded for putting the North West Province on the world map through his achievement. Kelehe, who is based in Mafikeng, has received a special mention by North West Premier Supra Mahumapelo for his performance in one of the most competitive and grueling marathons in the world. “Thirty-year old Kelehe has made the country and the province proud as our ambassador in the highly competitive and ultimate human race following in the footsteps of his legendary older brother Andrew who won 11 Comrades Marathon gold medals and scooped the 2001 championship,” Mahumapelo said. “With three gold medals to his name, Gift has stamped his authority as a force to be reckoned with on the road running and ultra-marathon circuit.

“He is an inspiration and a role model for our youth,” the Premier added. Kelehe, who has always been an avid long distance runner, clocked a time of 5:34:39, behind second-placed Ludwick Mamabolo and winner Bongumusa Mthembu. Mthembu won his maiden Comrades title with a time of 5:28:34, pushing Mamabolo – the defending champion – into second position. Three-time former champion Stephen Muzhingi of Zimbabwe came fourth with a time of 5:35.18. Rufus Photo finished a commendable fifth position while Mncedisi Mhize finished sixth. Jonas Buud, Manoko William Mokwalakwala, Prodigal Khumalo and Latudi Makofane completed the top 10 positions in the men’s section.The women’s race, which was equally exciting, was won by Eleanor Greenwood – a British-born Canadian. Greenwood crossed the finishing line ahead of

the Nurgalieva twins – Elena and Olesya – who had previously won the title a number of times between themselves for a number of years. The hugely popular Comrades Marathon – an ultramarathon of about 89 km – is run annually in the KwaZulu-Natal Province between the cities of Durban and Pietermaritzburg.Considered the world's largest and oldest ultramarathon race, the event is a celebration of human endeavor and encourages people to succeed by overcoming all odds.

Kehele – North West’s pride and joy

FOCUSED: Gift Kelehe (right) in action (PHOTO: SUPPLIED)

FOOTBALL FEVER AT MORULENG MALL

www.morulengmall.co.za

Details, terms and conditions on entry forms, in-centre.

FOOTBALL FEVER AT MORULENG MALL

Kiddies, join us for fun weekends from 20 July.

20 June – 20 July 2014Spend R100 and Kick to Win your share of prizes from 25 July.

Details, terms and conditions on entry forms, in-centre.

Kiddies, join us for fun weekends from 20 July.