Leseding news rustenburg 16 january 2015

RUSTENBURG

FREE16 January 2015Volume 3 Week 3 www.lesedingnews.co.za

BE SEEN!ADVERTISE IN THIS SPOT

CALL: Kathy014 597 9980 /

072 149 9017

KOTANE REPATRIATION YET TO MATERIALIZE

Full story on page 2

Police in Brits recently exhumed the body of a person who had been murdered in order to carry out tests that will aid their investigation. It is alleged that the 35-year-old man, who was a farmer, was found dead in the Mamogalieskraal area near Brits on 4 January by his colleague. “The deceased’s co-worker alleged that on the day of the incident he went to the deceased’s room to check on him as he used to do,” Warrant officer Mpeile Talane said. “On his arrival at the door of the deceased’s room, he alleged that he knocked and called the deceased by his name several times without a positive response. “The co-worker then further alleged that he attempted to open the door and successfull managed to gain entry in the room but unfortunately he found the deceased dead.” The matter was reported to the dead man’s employers after which a report was made to the police. “The police dispatched to the scene to exhume the body of the deceased from where it was illegally buried. The body

of the deceased was then taken to Brits Government Mortuary for post-mortem which will determine the cause of death. “The police will also establish a thorough investigation to detect anyone involved on this matter, therefore harsh legal steps shall be taken against that person especially when the body of the deceased is buried without the consent of the family,” Talane said. In other developments, the police in Brits are investigating cases of kidnapping and murder which were opened on the 6 January. The two cases were opened after a five-year-old boy was reported missing at Wawiel Informal settlement (Sandfontein). Following an investigation, the police arrested two suspects, aged between 17 and 31 years in Sandfonteinon. Further investigations lead to the discovery of the body of the child. Next to the body of the child there was a knife and both his hands were tied with a string.The body was then taken to Brits Government Mortuary for further investigationAt the moment, the police suspect that the child might have been killed for ritual purposes.

DEAD MAN’S BODY EXHUMED

Leseding News02 Leseding News - Rustenburg16 January 2015

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

EditorLevy Mokwele

News EditorFarirayi Kahwemba

JournalistsKutlwano Motsepe

Production ManagerStephen Davey

Advertising ExecutivesRaymond SelebogoCathy Bezuidenhout

ClassifiedsPertunia Morekisi

PhotographerAndrew Mahlaba

Although reasonable efforts are made by the 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 misstatements in any format published herein, and whoever provides Leseding News with any information, including 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

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

Leseding News, 360 degree truth 6 Postma Street, Rustenburg, 0300.

KOTANE REPATRIATION YET TO MATERIALIZE

Plans for the return of mortal remains of the late South African Communist Party (SACP) and ANC leaders Moses Kotane are yet to unfold.In October last year, Moses Kotane local municipality, which is named after the struggle stalwart, revealed that the mayor, Fetsang Mokati-Thebe, would be part of the delegation that would travel to the Russian capital of Moscow where Kotane, JB Marks and Ivor James are buried.Plans for the reparation were confirmed by President Jacob Zuma after meeting with his Russian counterpart Vladimi Putin last year.However, Leseding News understands that nothing drastic has so far materialized for the repatriation to happen.During her 102nd birthday in February last year, Katane’s widow – Rebecca Kotane – expressed her wish to have her late husband to be returned to South Africa.Zuma said all this was to happen before the end of last year. The President was quoted saying: ‘’We felt that we cannot stay in South Africa without him as an ancestor. We want to bring him back to South Africa the process is on.” An attempt this week to get hold of Moses Kotane municipality spokesperson, Mmatsela Makganye reached a blank.It is yet to be seen when the process will be in motion. Moses Kotane was born at Tamposstad in the Rustenburg district of the western Transvaal in 1905. Later, as a young worker, he enrolled in the Communist-run night school in Ferreirastown, Johannesburg, where he became known for his ability to master the most abstruse political writings.In 1929 Kotane joined the Communist Party of South Africa (CPSA), and soon became both the vice-chairman of the trade union federation and a member of the party’s political bureau. In 1931 he became a full-time party functionary. In 1935, because of an ideological dispute with Lazar Bach, then chairman of the CPSA, Kotane was removed from the party’s political bureau. He was later restored to his position, however, and in 1939 he became general secretary of the party, a post he continued to hold through the CPSA’s subsequent phases of legality, illegality, and exile. In 1955 he attended the Bandung conference of Third World leaders as an observer and remained abroad for the better part of the year, travelling widely in Asia and Eastern Europe. During the 1960 state of emergency he was detained for four months and in late 1962 he was placed under 24-hour house arrest.In early 1963 he left South Africa for Tanzania, where he became the treasurer-general of the ANC in exile. In elections held in Tanzania in April 1969 he was returned to the national executive committee. He later suffered a stroke and went for treatment to Moscow, where he remained until his death in 1978.

[email protected] Mokwele

MAHUMAPELO CRACKS WHIP ON MUNICIPALITIES

North West Premier Supra Mahumapelo cracked the whip on underperforming municipalities by giving them strict deadlines to implement turnaround strategies that are expected to lead to better service delivery. Mahumapelo held a meeting with representatives from all of the municipalities that make up the North West province on Wednesday in a bid to accelerate their transformation into efficient service delivery vehicles. The meeting – held at the Rustenburg Civic Centre – was also attended by officials from the Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA). The DBSA will be offering financial assistance to the municipalities in the form of loans that will help them to service some of their long-standing debts. During the meeting, Mahumepelo stressed the need to quickly address the challenges facing the province –particularly in the area of water and sanitation services. “We want to go beyond discussing the theory regarding the challenges that we are facing as a province in the area of water and sanitation,” Mahumapelo said in his address. “We want to come up with practical solutions in relation to our problems. I hope that we are ready for action going forward because we are expected to deliver services to our people. We cannot fail to deliver on the mandate that we have,” he added. He said the he expects all municipalities in the province to have submitted their operational plans by March this year. Among the key resolutions of the meeting were that the R112 million owed by the Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District Municipality would be paid back before the end of February.Additionally, every municipality in the province was instructed to submit their revenue enhancement and infrastructure maintenance and rejuvenation plans before 15 February. “Before the end of March this year, we also expect all municipalities to have completed their work with the DBSA regarding their water provision services while I also expect all municipalities to submit in writing the areas where they feel that the provincial government must intervene,” Mahumapelo noted. “On a weekly basis, the office of the premier will receive updated reports on the progress of all municipalities. “In this regard, the office of the premier will convene on a quarterly basis in a provincial infrastructure coordinating meeting.” Mahumapelo noted that he would not hesitate to intervene if municipalities fail to deliver on their mandate. “If there is no joy in the implementations, the office of the premier will intervene in whichever municipality to effect radical transformation. “This is not a show of power. We must all be driven by a strong desire to better the lives of all our people,” he concluded.

FLOOD HAVOC IN COCHESAHeavy rains and storms destroyed about 77 shacks in the Cochesa settlement near Sefikile Village in the Moses Kotane Local Municipality. Most of the shacks were blown away by a storm, which occurred during the festive season. Municipal officials from disaster management, Fire and South African Police Service have established a joint operation that is currently visiting

households to validate assessment on the extent of damage. Teams of the joint operation led by the Speaker of the Moses Kotane Local Municipality, Clr Ralesole Diale and local Councillors are attending to the matter so that the affected families can receive assistance. SASSA has also been invited to be part of the joint operation to assist with social relieve.

Leseding News - Rustenburg 16 January 2015 03

Lovely Keitumetse Tsile was born in the Boitumelong area of Bloemhof. Keitumetse – who has always had a keen interest in modelling and fashion – completed her matric at Thuto Secondary School in 2012. Currently she is studying tourism and would like to expand her horizons by becoming a professional model. She is looking for an agency located within the North West province as she would like to venture into modelling after completing her studies. Extremely ambitious, Keitumetse is looking to combine her passion for modelling and her work in the tourism industry. Models aged between 17 and 30, who are interested in appearing in this space, are requested to phone 014 597 9980.

Meet KeituMetse tsile

WheeLchaiR daNciNg iN RusteNbuRg

A wheelchair dancing event – which is being organized by the Mmabana Arts Culture and Sports Foundation – is set to be held at the Rustenburg Civic Centre soon. The event, which is expected to be staged in February, forms part of the events that the organization has earmarked for Rustenburg this year. Trinity Bogosi from Mmabana explained that the purpose of the event is to spread awareness about wheelchair dancing. “Initially, we were supposed to have held the event towards the end of last year but it failed to take off,” Bogosi told Leseding News. “The issue then was that we had a lot of projects that we were doing at that time so we were not able to accommodate a date for wheelchair dancing. “This year we have resolved that we should hold an event in Rustenburg during the early part of the year. We are likely to hold the event in February because it is our intention to stage it before March,” he added. “It will be an indoor event that will be held at the Rustenburg Civic Centre. We are

currently talking to the Rustenburg Local Municipality so that we can finalize the issue of the venue as soon as we can,” he said. “I must say that people are very excited about this sort of event because they are not used to wheelchair dancing. We hope that by holding this event, we play our part in making the country appreciate diversity.” “We have a lot of talented people out there even though some of them are disabled. The event is all about celebrating what they can achieve when given a platform,” he said. Wheelchair couple dances are for two wheelchair users or for one wheelchair user with a "standing" partner and include standard dances such as waltz, tango, Viennese waltz, slow foxtrot and quickstep and Latin American dances such as samba, cha-cha-cha, rumba, paso doble and jive. There are also formation dances for four, six or eight dancers. Wheelchair dancing started in Sweden in 1968, originally for recreation or rehabilitation, with the first competition held in 1975. The first international competition was also held in Sweden, in 1977.

[email protected] Farirayi Kahwemba

PLay exPLoResafRicaN sPiRituaLism

Spiritualism and mysticism underpin the various cultural groupings in South Africa, who embrace a plethora of different religions, beliefs and convictions. The Christian faiths are well represented while African spiritualism is seeded in the belief in ancestral guidance, manifests in the colourful Sangomas who give counsel to millions. As a vibrantly multi-cultural country when it comes to spiritualism and mysticism, South Africa embraces various spiritual practices. In many communities, consulting a trained sangoma for advice is very common in many parts of the country. It is against such a background that Dr. Mongane Wally Serote wrote a play that touches on some of the spiritual beliefs that shape and influence South Africa as a society. “The Way We Heal” – which was directed by Bogosi Bolokwane – ran at Mmabana Theater from 2 to 6 December.

The play, which has received favorable critical acclaim, is about a process of self-realization which can be painful as it demands change, acceptance and growth from within. African spiritualism has always had a negative impact. Throughout history the diviners have always been portrayed as being head shrinkers, negative beings that are primitive. Performed by Lennox Sibisi, Freedom Mswane, Matshidiso Mokoka, Mosoeu Ketlele and Thuli Nokia Semela, The Way We Heal is an intriguing play by a very creative playwright. Dr. Serote won the Noma Award for Publishing in Africa in 1993. In2004, he received the Pablo Neruda award from the Chilean government. He has served as chair of the parliamentary select committee for arts and culture, and is currently the CEO of Freedom Park, a national heritage site in Pretoria opened in 2007.

TRADITIONAL: One of the scenes from the play (PHOTO: Mmabana)

04 Leseding News - Rustenburg16 January 2015

When the young Nelson went to join his cousin Mr Selaki Maleka in Pretoria to look for a job, he was arrested while alighting from a train in Pretoria for not carrying a passbook. He first tasted jail that night after being severely beaten by the apartheid police.In 1956 Nelson Diale joined the ANC and in 1962 he was one of Umkhonto We Sizwe’s first recruits. He and his cell, which included comrades Molefe Makinta, Mosupi Tseleng, Alpheus Bokaba and Reddy Mampana, were trained in explosives and short guns.Ntate Diale was later arrested and detained at Marabastad for three months under the Sabotage Act, where he was interrogated daily by Security Police. He was tried alongside his MK comrades and represented, with them, by Braam Fisher. Ntate Diale was sentenced to eight years on Robben Island, where he found Nelson Mandela, Walter Sisulu, Govan Mbeki, Amhed Kathrada, Elias Motsoaledi, Andrew Mlangeni, Raymond Mohlaba, Harry Gwala, Peter Nchabeleng and many other senior leaders of the ANC and MK. Ntate Diale was released from prison in 1972. He was banned and banished to his home village of Ga-Masemola, where he found his wife Makopane, whom he had married in 1959, and their children suffering. In 1976 his banning order and that of comrade Peter Nchabeleng expired. They began to

meet quietly underground to continue the work of the struggle. He came to know and work with Dr. Aaron Motsoaledi, Dean Mminele and Dr Kgaphola during this period. They convinced him to operate the Sekhukhune Advice Office at Jane Furse Lutheran Church, working with Black Sash, the South African Council of Churches (SACC), the Legal Resource Centre and Lawyers for Human Rights. Comrade Getrude Kgalamadi was his assistant and they worked closely with comrade Lawyer Saad Cachalia.Cde Diale was a Member of the first democratic Parliament, serving as Senator in what later came to be called the National Council of Provinces (NCOP). He then became a Member of the National Assembly for 20 full years, serving from 1994 to 2014. In 2011 President Jacob Zuma awarded him the Order of Luthuli in silver “for his excellent contribution to the struggle against apartheid and for his selfless sacrifice for the attainment of freedom for all South Africans.” The ANC local branch is named Nelson Diale Branch and the SACP in the province also gave him an award.Comrade Nelson Diale is survived by his wife and children, Letladi John, Mapenene Dina, Mallane Debora, Mamphekgo David, Dichike Jeanett, Moloisho Precious and Mantaneng Kuny, sixteen grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

RIP Ntate DIaLeComrade Letsau Nelson Diale was born in Ga-Masemola, Sekhukhuneland, on 1 January 1936, to Letladi Johannes and Mapenene Diale. He grew up like other boys in the village, herding goats, hunting, playing games and working in the fields. Ntate Diale, as he was

affectionately known in the movement, was the eldest of six children. When he came of age, he went to Arkona School 14 km away at Masemola Village.

FIght INk wIth INk- an opinion piece by Palesa YatesAdmittedly, some of the cartoons of Charlie Hebdo look as if they would be more at home on the walls of a schoolboys’ bathroom than on the pages of a respected weekly publication. Nevertheless, the consequent killing of 12 people was an act of pure terrorism designed to intimidate the world’s media and to further the cause of global jihadism.Many other peaceful options were available to the gunmen who stormed the satirical weekly’s headquarters last week. They could have reacted like other victims of the cartoons – including Christians and Jews – who chose to turn the other cheek. Why did they not stand up for their faith by writing letters to editors of local publications, toyi-toyiing peacefully or even drawing their own cartoons? In South Africa, according to City Press editor Ferial Haffajee, the weight of public opinion that would be brought against such a publication would see its doors closing before they even opened. In our country, tolerance and respect go together: you tolerate my differences because I respect yours and vice versa. It has been said, however, that tolerance is the virtue of those who have nothing to believe in and that those who have not found anything they are willing to die for have not yet learned how to live. Not everything can and should be tolerated, and sometimes too much tolerance

is just an excuse for apathy. "The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil,” said Edmund Burke, “is for good men to do nothing." So the crucial difference between gun-crazed fanatics and martyrs is really who dies first. A wise woman called Farida wrote the following words about a jihadi bride in a letter to the editor of last week’s You magazine: “Her husband will not die a martyr; he is murdering innocent people purely because they do not follow his faith. This is not my Islam. You are a martyr when you defend your faith, not when you murder people of another faith purely because they choose not to be Muslim.” When missionary Jim Elliot and his four colleagues went to visit the Auca Indians of South America in an attempt to win them over to the Christian faith in 1956, they went in peace and died as martyrs. As a result, some of their killers later became Christians. On Wednesday 7 January brothers Saïd and Chérif Kouachi killed the Charlie Hebdo cartoonists because they were unable to destroy their cartoons. As Malala Yousafzai – the schoolgirl shot in the head by Taliban members for daring to pursue her education - told Time, “They only shot a body but they cannot shoot my dreams.”

16 January 2015Leseding News - Brits 05

Leseding News06 Leseding News - Brits16 January 2015

PLATINUM PEOPLE

The job of a policeman is one of the most challenging, especially when one is operating in South Africa – a country that is notorious

for its high crime rate.

BRIGADIER J O H A N M A R X

With such fi gures, policing in South Africa can be a very demanding and dangerous profession as on many occasions one is forced to put one’s body on the fi ring line while on duty in order to maintain law and order. Police offi cers in South Africa also have to be constantly abreast of the new developments and the latest crime fi ghting techniques. This is because criminals bent on their ways will always seek new ways of getting a step ahead of the police. On many occasions, police offi cers lose their lives while on duty during dangerous situations that usually see them exchanging gunfi re with armed criminals. Owing to the pressures and demands of the profession, some police offi cers fi nd themselves leaving the SAPS to pursue other

less demanding occupations. It becomes something of a signifi cant a c h i e v e m e n t , therefore, when one person manages to remain in the police force for more than two decades. Such an achievement goes a long way to point out the dedication and commitment of the person to fi ght and uproot crime. It is

a desire to make a positive change in our country through continuing with the battle against crime. This is the story of Brigadier Johan Marx, a dedicated, tireless and decorated member of the SAPS Brits team. Brits police has started the new year with a new cluster commander following the appointment of Brigadier Marx to the position with effect from 5 January. Brigadier Marx has commenced his duties after having spent the past twenty four (24) years in the SAPS as a station commander in various Police Stations such as Mabopane, Volkrut and Soshanguvhe in Gauteng. For the past two year, Marx served in Kempton Park as the Station Commander before he was reassigned to head the Brits Cluster.

The Cluster C o m m a n d e r has expressed satisfaction at his new appointment and pointed out that he is ready to work hand in glove with his fellow police offi cers and the rest of the community to uproot criminal activities. He will be responsible for leading the fi ght against crime in areas such as Brits, Letlhabile, Mooinooi, Assen, Hartbeespoortdam, Jericho and Bethanie and to ensure that people living is such areas are safe and secure. Speaking about his appointment, Brigadier Marx pointed out that the task ahead would not be an easy one. The Brigadier explained that his aim it to excel in the battle against crime and that he would achieve this objective if the community is willing to work positively with police.

He concluded by saying that in carrying out our duties as police offi cials, attention to detail is more than important. “Whether it is a statement that is to be taken

or a crime prevention programme to be launched, it should be done thoroughly. Our success in this area is heavily reliant on good command and control. “It is therefore, the responsibility of the senior members to ensure that offi cers fulfi l their duties and obligation to communities with utmost diligence.“Last but not the least the community must work together with the police in striving to make Brits Cluster Community a safer place to all,” Marx said.

Pick what you are going to wear- Make sure your outfit is clean and pressed.- Try it on ahead of time to make sure it fits.

Practice greeting your interviewer- A friendly smile and firm handshake is a positive way to start the interview.

Study your resume- It is all your interviewer has to go by in order to get to know you. You might be asked to elaborate on some aspects.

Practice your answers to the most common interview questions- These include, “Tell me more about yourself” and “Why do you think you would be great for this job?” - Do not memorize answers to these questions since you do not want to sound rehearsed.

Getting your dream job…Prepare properly

Lizeth [email protected]

Job interviews can be the most stressful part of the application process. With a few key preparation strategies, anyone can shine in the hot seat. Good preparation is essential since you only have one chance to make a good first impression.

Interview tips:

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

Research the company and job position you are applying for- Write down any questions you might have and do not be afraid to ask them during your interview.

Find out what type of interview you will have- Common types are one on one and group interviews.

Print out the directions to the interview and be on time- Allow enough time to get there and anticipate the traffic. - Keep the phone number of your interviewer handy in case you get lost.

16 January 2015Leseding News - Brits 07

PROVIDING A FOOT IN THE HIGHER EDUCATION DOORMany of last year’s matriculants now find themselves in a situation where their plans to study towards a degree this year were thwarted by marks which didn’t allow them to make the cut. But an education expert says that there is still a way for those who remain determined to study towards a bachelor’s degree: that of pursuing a Higher Certificate, which will allow them to take the next step without having to repeat their matric.Dr Anne-Ka van den Hoek, Academic Manager at the Independent Institute of Education, SA’s largest and most accredited private higher education institution, says a Higher Certificate is a great option for these prospective students.“A Higher Certificate in Business Principles and Practice, a Higher Certificate in IT in Support Services or a Higher Certificate in Events Management, for instance, will give students access to a BCom, a Bachelor of IT in Business Systems, or BA the year after completion. And the good news is that the Higher Certificate is available to anyone who only achieved a HC pass in their National Senior Certificate.“So you do not have to give up your degree dreams. But the key is to fully engage with your Higher Certificate, so that you can develop some of the key skills you may have been lacking that resulted in you not achieving a Bachelor’s pass to start with.”Van den Hoek says it is important that matriculants check that the institution they register with for a Higher Certificate, supports all students with focused academic literacy modules and a full year programme designed to bridge the gap between school and higher education.She says that Higher Certificates have replaced many foundation programmes, as they provide students with an opportunity to gain a full qualification while at the same time mastering those essential skills needed for

higher education success – broadly known as academic literacies. “These range from how to engage successfully with academic material, to how to review information and present it appropriately with the level of synthesis required for successful academic study,” she says.But she also warns that, while all degrees at public and private higher education institutions are subject to the same quality assurance requirements, they are not all alike. “Students should not only look at entrance requirements, but also at the curriculum and the alignment of that curriculum with their future career aspirations. This is particularly

important for those degrees that can be quite generic, such as a BCom or a BA. “A focus on strategic management, for instance, raises the bar on one’s study of business management and differentiates graduates. And becoming a lawyer is not the only career path to follow a degree with a legal focus. The integration of legal subjects with business management in a BCom degree forms a solid basis for a career in corporate governance or leadership. “Corporate communication, on the other hand, is an entire professional field that encompasses the traditional disciplines of

communication and public relations, but takes them to the level required in the modern corporate world that includes stakeholder management.” Van den Hoek says that those students who were not accepted at the institution of their choice, didn’t gain a Bachelor’s pass, or who need to strengthen their academic abilities before studying for a degree, will all do well to consider the Higher Certificate route.“It may take you a little bit longer to get there, but the experience and ultimate achievement will be well worth it, and will set you on the road to the career you’ve dreamed of but deemed out of reach.”

[email protected] Bosman

FELICIA’s mATRIC REsULTs DEFy THE ODDsShe used to travel 57 kilometers to attend school in the hope of overcoming the difficult circumstances that life was throwing at her. Today, Felicia Thato Ramagogodi from Magong village in the Bojanala Platinum District Municipality is happy with her impressive matric results that have given her a perfect platform to succeed in life.Felicia, who attended J.M Ntsime Secondary School, managed to pass all her seven subjects – scoring more than 80% in three of them and more than 90% in the

rest of the subjects. Her results are among the the best in the North West Province and her achievements have gone a long way in proving that hard work, determination and commitment pays off. “She grew up without a father and her mother is only earning R 2500 per month,” North West Premier Supra Mahumapelo said of her achievements.“She is a learner from rural community who performed outstandingly and is an example to others,” he added.

She grew up without a father and her mother is only earning R 2500 per month

TOP OF THE CLASS: Felicia is congratulated by the top brass of the North West Provincial government (PHOTO: SUPPLIED)

08 Leseding News - Brits16 January 2015

Conrad eyes glory in BUFFELSPOORTConrad Stoltx – or ‘Cavemen’ as he is known in local extreme sports circles – is eager to start the year on a positive note by winning the upcoming Totalsports XTERRA Buffelsport event. Stoltz will be one of the competitors to watch out for during the hugely anticipated event, which takes off on 24 January. Stoltz started his XTERRA career in Richmond in 2001 when searching for a way to get motivated after the 2000 Olympics. “I felt burnt out and had a hard time getting motivated for another four year slog to the next Olympic Games,” says Stoltz. “My coach at the time said that I could do anything I wanted to get my mojo back. Paging through a USA Triathlete Magazine, I saw a picture of Steve Larsen running his mountain bike through a knee deep stream. “This really appealed to my sense of adventure”.“I made a few rookie mistakes at my first event including not knowing the course, borrowing a bike, riding with road pedals and road shoes to mention just a few,” Stoltz explained. “For most new triathletes swimming is the biggest hurdle, but once you’ve learnt to swim it’s by far the easiest of the three disciplines. If you’re new to swimming, spend the time and money to get private lessons. “Swimming fitness is not a big deal. It’s all about having a good stroke, being comfortable in open water and being able to swim straight without having to follow a black line on the bottom. The XTERRA Buffelspoort mountain bike course is not exceptionally hilly or technical, but you need a decent level of fitness and skill to get through it in good shape,” he pointed out. Stoltz underlined the importance of pacing oneself during the race and reserving energy as some of the areas in the event require competitors to be extra fit. “You’ll need some reserves for the run. It is a tough run that starts out fun, scenic and technical, trail running at its best,” he said. He also said that how a person deals with the high temperatures associated with the event will also influence their performance. “After about 5km, the trail points to the sky and you start climbing. It will probably be hot, you’ll definitely be tired and the hill is long, really long. “XTERRA is not easy, but I recommend it to all athletes because it is fun, it’s an adventure and you get to meet really cool people”,” he concluded.

[email protected] Farirayi Kahwemba

FOCUSED: Conrad Stoltz will be participating at this year’s event (PHOTO: VOLUME PHOTOGRAPHY)

PSL PUTS SAFETY FIRST

The Premier Soccer League (PSL) will invite some of the country’s safety and security experts in the next coming weeks to various workshops across the country where discussions will be centered on improving the safety standards at domestic football matches. South African football has had its episodes of football hooliganism which has – unfortunately – negatively affected the image of the sport. During the 203 season, the PSL stood firm against hooliganism in football following the incident that involved an official PSL referee Lwandile Mfiki in Durban’s Moses Mabhida Stadium. The incident saw an Kaizer Chiefs running onto the pitch before hitting Mfiki with a plastic trumpet (Vuvuzela), in protest for Reneilwe Letsholonyane’s red card during a league game between Golden Arrows and Kaizer Chiefs.It is against such a background of these and other episodes that the PSL intends to make the stadiums environments that are more friendly so as to attract more supporters to matches. The workshops, amongst other things, will assist club Security Officers, Event Organisers and other role players to be better equipped in dealing with all safety components at matches. The first workshop was held at the PSL Offices in Parktown on Tuesday, 13 January 2015. This was followed by another workshop two days later in Durban on Thursday, 15 January 2015. More workshops will be held in Polokwane, Cape Town and Bloemfontein. The workshops will aim at establishing a standardized operational approach in planning and managing of all Premier Division and National First Division matches and to narrow operational gap between PSL, SAPS, Disaster management, the clubs and any other security role player on issues of security at PSL matches. It will also establish command and control structure as well as coordination mechanism to support integrated and cohesive planning, implementation and execution and ensure safe, secure and incident free PSL matches at all stadiums. PSL General Manager for Safety and Security, Phillip Masimong said: “Safety and Security is one of the most important elements of any event. As the PSL, we have been doing a lot of introspection on how we can improve on safety and security at our stadiums. We also want capacity building – to empower the Safety Officers to be able to deal with any situation at their venue.” The next workshops will be held in Polokwane, Cape Town and Bloemfontein between 19 and 21 January.