Sosh times early april 2015

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EARLY APRIL 2015 Our Blog: soshnews.wordpress.com t @soshtimes f soshtimesnewspaper www.soshtimes.co.za SOSH TIMES

EARLY APRIL 2015

Easter death toll increase by 50%

By Letlhogonolo Mosete

The South African 2015 Easter holidays death toll figures, increased by 50% margin compared to the same period last year. The shocking increase was announced by the Minister of Transport Ms Dipuo Peters in Pretoria recently.

Last year 198 people perished on South African roads. This year, the figures increased to 287 lives claimed on South African roads.

Contributing factors to the carnage include alcohol and substance abuse, reckless and negligent driving, unroadworthy vehicles, overtaking on blind rises, barrier lines and areas of poor visibility and total disregard for rules of the road amongst others.

“We approached this year’s Easter weekend with a high level of consciousness following the tragic crash that claimed the life of the honourable Minister Collins Chabane and his protectors.

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Municipality stripped off its power

Soutpan under disarray

Poor defence costs Khubeka FC

Putco bus ferrying commuters to work recently caught fire on Molefe Makinta Highway in Soshanguve. No injuries were reported. (See Editorial comment on page 4.)

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EARLY APRIL 2015SOSH TIMES www.soshtimes.co.za f soshtimesnewspaper t @soshtimes Our Blog: soshnews.wordpress.com

The level of awareness about road safety was high and there were many voices making a clarion call for individuals to take responsibility to reduce the carnage on our roads. There was unanimity in the call that said, let’s save lives and move South Africa forward,” said Peters

The Minister went on to say; “It became glaringly clear that this Easter weekend was going to be the most challenging one characterised by the fact that it coincided with the end of the month, school holidays and various pilgrimages. In its own nature travel during this period increases traffic volumes on the roads and thus putting a strain on our road infrastructure and human capital. These were indeed the trying times but we

are encouraged in the knowledge that courage is not simply one of the virtues, but the form of every virtue at the testing point. Our determination and resilience will see us through these testing times and we shall leave no stone unturned in changing the attitudes and behaviour of our road users.”

“These carnages and unwarranted misery brought about by irresponsible and lackadaisical behaviour can and should be avoided. We can no longer afford to bring this untold misery and suffering to innocent families, we can no longer afford to be a nation of orphans, widows and widowers. We can no longer afford to bring this untold strain to our economy, health and social

services. Indeed we cannot be at peace with ourselves when we fail to take responsibility and unanimously declare enough is enough,” Peters said.

Peters further said; “Let me hasten to indicate that stringent and robust measures will be put in place to stop these carnages. We will be up scaling and quantifying coordination between all spheres of government in so far as law enforcement is concerned. We should be found at each and every corner to preserve the lives of our people.”

As 2015 is the half way mark towards 2020, it means we must double our efforts in implementing our plans to reach that goal in the next five years.

Very disturbingly and

inducing a sense of shocks are the current trends amplifying flagrant disregard of the law and reckless usage of our roads. This phenomenon is underpinned by the fact that 48 percent of our fatalities comprised of passengers, 28 percent being drivers and 20 percent accounts for pedestrians while two percent are cyclists another two percent is unknown.

It is only befitting and appropriate that we recognise the contribution made by pedestrians in taking road safety seriously as there is a marked decrease from the December statistics by 16 percent. And invariably the driver and passenger figures, accounting for 76 percent as opposed to the 63 percent figure that were

experienced during the festive season.

The official vehicle population has grown this year and this has translated into an added burden on the road infrastructure network and law enforcement capacity.

In December 2013 there were 11 006 184 vehicles throughout the country. By December 2014, this number had grown by 363 741 to reach 11 369 925 registered vehicles. More than half (52%) of these vehicles are in Gauteng and KwaZulu Natal (13.47%).

Our robust law enforcement and zero tolerance to lawlessness on our roads clearly indicate that the major factors that contribute to road fatalities are avoidable and can be eliminated.


Moretele Local Municipality’s Mayor Mr Sello Lehari came short of calling some councillors under his leadership witches during a community imbizo held at the Overton Sports ground in the North West Province recently.

Addressing community members who came out in droves, the sharp and quick tongued mayor, accused certain councillors without mentioning their names, of conniving with certain community members on what questions to ask during the imbizo meeting concerning service delivery issues affecting

them.The mayor utterances came

about after a group of people gathered outside the big tent where the imbizo was held and made a lot of noise, whilst he was busy officiating at the occassion meant to give a report back on service delivery issues pertaining to his municipality.

“People should refrain from being used to advance other people’s agendas. People are being briefed by their councillors on what questions to ask in order to put others in a good or bad light. That is short of witchcraft. Councillors sit on their laurels and expect things to magically happen to them.

Leaders must be proactive,” said Lehari.

Lehari also said; “Councillors who are not accessible to the voters who placed them in power, are distant to the community in which they serve. That being the case, how are they going to solve the community problems. Today as the communi ty has gathered under this i m b i z o , counci l lors who are not doing their job are nervous.”

Some of

the issues raised by community members were water shortages which are giving leaders in the that province sleepness nights, roads riddled with potholes and unemployment.

Residents were also encouraged to take advantage of bursary opportunities available

at their disposal to further their studies as there is a dire need for qualified artisans in the municipality. Many posts are vacant due to non availabiltity of competent artisans in those critical areas thus affecting service delivery.

“Stringent & robust measures to be put in place”

Moretele Mayor lashes out at lazy councillors

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Comment & Indigenous

Mmasepala o abelana ka diphuthelwana tsa dijo

Ka Letlhogonolo Mosete

Malapa a ka nna dikete di le kgolo mararo somamane

a dikobo dikhutshwane mafelong a leng ka fa tlase ga taolo ya Mmasepala wa Moretele kwa porofenseng ya Bokone Bophirima a ketekile paseka ka boitumelo.

Se se tla morago ga gore Meyara wa mmasepala wa selegae e leng Rre Sello Lehari

a patapatilwe ke baeteledipele ba ba dirang ka fa tlase ga boeteledipele jwa gagwe ba abelane ka diphuthelwana tsa dijo go malapa a a supilweng a tlhoka.

Ngwaga le ngwaga fa nako ya tsogo le matswalo a morena e fitlha, Mmasepala wa Moretele o abelana ka diphasela tsa dijo ka fa tlase ga lenane le le bidiwang “Lehuma re a le somolola”, maikaelelo

e le go lwantsha lehuma le le aparetseng baagi.

Meiyara Sello Lehari o rile; “ Re le mmasepala wa selegae re ikaeletse go lwantsha lehuma le le itemogelwang ke baagi ba metse ya rona. Se re tla se fitlhelela fa re dira ka natla gonne fa baagi le mmuso ba dira mmogo tiro e nna bofefo.”

Mongwe wa baagi yo a neilweng diphasela gotswa kwa Cyferskuil , o ne a palelwa

ke go fitlha boitumelo jwa gagwe. Mme Martha Ndlovu o rile; “Ke itumeletse go ba lenna ke tlhopilwe ke badiredi ba mmasepala go amogela diphasela tsa dijo. Lenna ke tla tshwana le batho ba bangwe fa go ketekiwa paseka nka se bolaiwe ke tlala. Ba seka ba feleletsa ka rona fela mme ba direle baagi ba ba tlhokang go tshwana le nna.”

Ka Tlaki Baloyi

Ratoropo wa Tshwane, Kgosientsho Ramokgopa o re toropokgolo ye e ikemišeditše go leka ka natla go abela badudi ditirelo go ya ka dinyakwa tša bona. Ramokgopa o boletše se ge a be a bolela le badudi ba Soshanguve kua Father Smangaliso Mkhatshwa centre.

“Dinyakwa tša badudi ba Tshwane di feta letseno la toropokgolo, fela le ge gole bjalo badudi ba nyaka ditirelo gona bjale. Tshwane ke toropo ya go naba, ya go feta ditoropo ka moka ka Afrika Borwa le ka Afrika. Teropo ye e na le ditsha tšeo di sa tlišego letseno, gomme re ile ra bona go le bohlokwa gore re rekiše ditsha tše gore re hwetše mašeleng a go re kgontšha gore re tlišetše badudi ba Tshwane ditirelo tšeo ba di hlokago.” go boletše Ramokgopa.

Ramokgopa o rile mo legatong la bona la mathomo la go rekiša ditsha tše ba ile ba kgoboketša mašeleng a go lekana diranta tše di millione tše lekgolo

masomehlano-hlano (R155 million) gomme ba holofela go kgoboketša mašeleng a go lekana diranta tše dimillione tše makgolo a mahlano (R500 million) mo legatong le le latelago. O tlaleleditše ka gore maikemišetšo a go rekišwa ga ditsha tše ke go ba kgontšhiša go tliša ditirelo setšhabeng.

Ramokgopa o boditše badudi gore toropokgolo ya Tshwane e lebane le dihlohlo tše mmalwa fela dihlohlo tše di ka fenywa ka thušo ya badudi. O rile badudi ba na le tokelo ya go botša mmušo gore ba nyaka go bušwa bjang.

O retile mošomo o mo botse oo o dirwago ke mekgahlo yeo e sego ya mmušo. O rile ba dira mošomo wa bohlokwa wa go hlokomela batšofadi, bagolofadi le ba dikobo magetleng.

“Ka ngwaga wa 2013, re ile ra hlagiša dipese tša ‘A re yeng’, tšeo di bego di tlilo hlabolla seemo sa dinamelwa tša bohle. ‘A re yeng’ ke ya badudi kamoka ba Tshwane, ka bjalo dipese tše di tla ba gona Soshanguve pele ngwaga wa 2015 o fela, gomme se se tla abela badudi ka

dinamelwa tša go bolokega le tša boleng bja go rekega. ‘ A re yeng’ e tla fokotša sephetephete sa difatanaga mo ditseleng,” Ramokgopa o boditše badudi.

O boile gape a botša badudi ka lenaneo la go hlola mešomo leo le bitšwago “Tshepo 10 000” leo le tlilego go netefatša gore mešomo ya go lekana dikete tše lesome e a hlolwa gomme e hola baswa ba mengwaga ye 21 go fihla go ye 35, gore ba thome dikgwebo morago ga gore ba fetše thupelo. O tlaleleditše ka gore pele kgwedi ya Mopitlo e fela ba tla hola ke diporojeke tša go balela go dimilone tše lekgolo masomehlano-hlano. Ramokgopa o re se ke tsela ya Tshwane ya go lwantšana le hlokego ya mešomo le bohumanegi

“Re ile ra tshepiša badudi di smart meters tšeo di bego di tla re rarabolela bothata bja mohlagase, di be di swanetše go lokelwa go metse ye 400 000, re ile ra swanela ke go emiša ka lenaneo le ka ge ba ga Afriforum ba ile ba re iša kgohlatshekelo,” go boletše Ramokgopa.

Ramokgopa o re ba ile ba gahlana le bjona bothata bjo ba go išiwa kgohlatshekelo ge ba be ba leka go rarabolla bothata bja hlokego ya dirapa ka Soshanguve. O re ba be ba hweditše setsha kua Klipspruitfontein fela batho ba go dula kgauswi le Klipspruitfointein ba ile ba iša toropokgolo ya Tshwane kgorotshekelo fela toropokgolo e ile ya thopa molato woo gomme badudi ba Soshanguve ba tla boloka bahu ba bona moo e se kgale.

O rumile ka go botša badudi gore diporojeke ka moka tšeo a di boletšego di swanetše go hola badudi ba mafelo a dilego go ona, o tlaleleditše ka gore boradikontraka ba ba nnyane e swanetše goba batho ba metse yeo diporojeke di lego gona. O kgadile ka bogale boradikontraka ba go ba le bojato, ba go nyaka go hwetša kontraka ye nngwe le ye nngwe gomme a re badudi ba swanetše ba hwetše karolo ya lehumo la mafelo ao ba dulago go ona.

Our front page story in this publication is about the fact that the death toll on our roads has risen by fifty percent compared to that of last year this time. This is not a positive statement at all. There are a number of reasons ascribed to the carnage and amongst them is the state of the vehicles that are not fit to hit our roads. Coincidentally a picture of a Putco bus burnt to ashes has been placed on the front page. The incident just happened a few days after the Easter weekend. To be exact it took place in the wee hours of the second Thursday of April 2015 on the Molefe Makinta Highway, near the ZCC in Block W, Soshanguve. Putco Spokesperson, Mr Romeo More declined to give comment. However it is believed that the bus was ferrying commuters to work and there could have been a technical problem that caused the fire. Our people are using Putco buses everyday to go to work and could have been better for More to have commented. It is the people’s right to get access to information. It is April month, the time when Putco will be raising its bus fares. The commuters would like to know the details about what could have led to the bus being burnt. The commuters use buses because they do not have any other alternative, but have to resort to a poor man’s transport. But Putco is not giving them an adequate and excellent service. It is our responsibility as a newspaper to bring them the news. We represent their views and feelings. Situations occurred several times where Putco buses got breakdowns on the way and commuters got late for work. There were experiences where commuters had to rush out of a bus filled with suffocating smoke for their dear lives. Sometimes the Putco buses do not come at all, leaving the commuters with no alternative but to catch taxis, because they fear to be fired from work. The bus Rank at Mabopane station is horrible. It has no chairs for the commuters or shelter to run to when it is raining. On their return from work commuters have to wait for hours on exhausting queues that strain their morale even further. Putco should contribute in making our lives safer, by servicing their buses. They should also care about the commuters, who are their customers.

Moretele ImbizoWhile we applaud the courage of taking the councillors in his municipality to task, by saying that some of them are not addicted to their duties as servants of the people, we are also cautious to say that it is always not good to hang your dirty linen in the public. Such matters should be handled in the municipality council meetings. But Emerson has once said, that; “The truth is the summit of our being, justice its application to human affairs.”

Dinyakwa tša badudi di feta letseno la Tshwane – Ramokgopa

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Government doing all it can to address challenges in education

While challenges persist in the higher education sector, government is doing all it can to address these, Higher Education and Training Deputy Minister Mduduzi Manana said recently.

Addressing an imbizo at Randfontein’s Westcol Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) College, Manana said he has noted challenges that face colleges during his interaction with students.

“Yes there are problems but we will get this sector right,” he said.

He said while the challenges

facing TVET colleges and universities were varied, the department aims to turn the situation around.

“We want to turn these institutions into institutions of first choice,” said Manana.

Among other issues highlighted by Manana is the shortage of skills, as the country needs a strong skills base that can respond to whatever challenges that arise.

He further said it is disheartening to see young people loitering about, who are not in employment or education, particularly given the scarcity of skills.

“We are aware that we are sitting on a ticking time bomb. So many young people are loitering about yet we import skills,” he said.

He said he was also concerned that many University of Technology students cannot graduate due to them not being able to find internships. This, he said, is being addressed. An accord has been signed to tackle the matter.

“Government is doing its best to address the challenges,” he said, adding that courses offered by TVET colleges are what the economy needs.

“The perception that post schooling means university education is wrong. You are in the right space,” he said.

He said he is pleased that young people are slowly heeding the call to attend TVET colleges; “We are reaching out to them and we are also engaging teachers and parents. It is fashionable to be at TVET colleges,” said Manana.

Manana further said equal opportunities for internships must be created for university and TVET college students. He urged government to take the lead in this regard.

He spoke of the importance of Sector Education Training Authorities (SETAs) being close to colleges; “SETAs must open up offices close to colleges. I know of 46 colleges that have SETA offices.”

Manana’s visit forms part of the Imbizo Focus Week, which gives political principals an opportunity to spread messages around the priorities and programmes of government, as outlined in the State of the Nation Address and cluster media briefings within the context of the country’s National Development Plan.- SAnews.gov.za

More work has been done to improve quality learning and teaching in Maths and Science across the country. The Department of Basic Education (DBE), in partnership with the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) and Adopt-a-School Foundation, officially launched the Life Science and Physical Science Laboratories at Boithaopo High school in Kraaipan, recently.

The IDC and Adopt-a-School Foundation made a commitment to support schools in improving quality learning and teaching in Maths and Science to help learners from rural schools to perform to their optimal ability. More than 20 rural schools have been adopted through this partnership and are provided with the necessary support to achieve good results in the

National Senior Certificates Examinations this year. The partnership focuses on a range of issues that impact negatively on learner performance, including social ills, school leadership and management as well as infrastructure.

“The partnership has already seen two laboratories handed over to Mpumalanga and the Gauteng province. Two more other laboratories will

be delivered to the Eastern Cape and Limpopo soon. This programme has been working well, mainly because of the partnerships approach. Thanks to the DBE and Adopt-a-School Foundation for the support,” said Ms Tebogo Molefe, the Corporate Social Invetsment Manager of the IDC.

Being built at the value of R4.5 million, the new laboratories will assist learners

to understand the lessons in Life Science and Physical Science better because they will be afforded an opportunity to do practical work on a daily basis. Ms Molefe said that learner performance in Maths and Science need to improve and added that the IDC will work very hard to support the DBE in its endeavour to improve equality education.

MINISTER HANDS OVER SCIENCES LABORATORY

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North West MEC for Local Government and

Human Settlement, Mr. Collen Maine apologised to communties currently affected by water shortages that grip the Madibeng local Municipality. He subsequently stripped off the local Municipality of its powers pertaining to water related issues.

The contracts of the company contracted by the municipality to supply residents with eletricity bills was terminated with immediate effect by the MEC.

The North West Provincial government has now been put in charge of running the water services of the municipality.

This comes after various communities under the municipality embarked on protest marches to voice their dissatisfaction with the water service rendered by their municipality.

Water cuts without the community being informed,exorbitant water and eletricity bills are some of the reasons that led to communities

taking to the streets to show their fustrations. In the process two lives were lost and a number of protesters were arrested.

Addressing residents at a packed and hostile Letlhabile Stadium, MEC Maine reassured the community that all water and eletricity problems experienced by residents will be dealt with accordingly.

Maine said; “Water is

a problematic issue in the province and we are committed to solving the issue. We want people to have access to clean water, but the problem will not be solved immeadiately as it requires patience from you as the community,”

“ We have measures in place such as the rescuscitation of boreholes and the water tankering services to

temporarily address the problem. Water treatment plants are being extended to quantify supply. With regards to residents being billed for water, we will handle the issue case by case,” Maine said.

Maine also said “ We are terminating the contract of the company tasked with supplying you with eletricity. I dont care if they take us to court. Based

on our previous dealings with them we have no choice but to terminate their contract as they have been rendering an inferior service to consumers. We will be setting up shop in the municipality so that we can effectively deal with your problems.”

“One thing we also realised is that there is an information breakdown between the municipality and the people and that needs to be bridged. People need to have access to people appointed to lead, how are you going to resolve community issues whilst you have distanced yourself from the community, that needs to be changed.,” Maine concluded.

Joseph Moyo a resident said; “ The whole Madibeng leadership must be disbanded as the mayor has surrounded herself with wolves in sheep’s clothing who pretend to have the community interests at heart but are only interested in looting state coffers. We have been singing the same song of water for a long time and what we get is lip service but no action.”

MEC strips municipality off its powers


Political opposition parties in the North West, have lambasted the proposed name change of the province as being politically motivated and not done in the best interest of the people.

This comes after the Premier Supra Mahumapelo, proposed that the North West Province should be renamed in honour of freedom stalwart Moses Kotane during his State of the Province address.

But that stance has not gone done well with opposition parties who found it short of being repugnant.

Democratic Alliance’s William Rabotapi said;“This is a waste of taxpayers’ monies. People are unemployed in this province. People dont have water in this province, there are strikes all over because of lack of service delivery. These changes are of course politically motivated because there is already a municipallity that has been named after this stalwart. There is a lot to be done in this province, such monies could be used for service delivery like providing people with tap water and repairing of potholes.”

Provincial chairperson of the African Christian Democratic Party (ACDP) in North West, Mzukisi Dingile said; “We have a very serious problem with the changing of the province name. The ruling party has the tendency of doing things their own way as long as it suits them, they are going to benefit as individuals. They want to appear to

the nation as if they care whereas they do not, they want to make oppositions to feel and know that they are ruling and want to set a trend even if they derail.”

“This is a province with approximately 80% ruralism and surely the changing of the name will have a negative impact financially towards the vulnerable people of northwest irrespective of who you are. Surely this is politically motivated because the African National Congress ( ANC) is now losing many votes in rural areas, so this is other plan of them to utilise state resources and finances to gain favour from our people especially now that the elections are around the corner. If the ruling party feels that there is a favour they owe to the Kotane family, please let them try something else and stop causing insults to the name. This really divides the province,”said Dingile.

In closing Dingile said “May our people not be fooled and fall for words uttered to eventually benefit certain individuals. It is therefore an inappropriate conduct by the premier to dismally impose his personal feelings upon law abiding citizens of North West without even consultation. They must know and always remember that they were elected to lead the country and not to own it. Once more this is a sign of visionless people trying hard to reach to no destination.”

Opposition lambast provinces’ name change

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Business

CBE&T Business AcademywithB.A.M. Lehari

What is choice: Choice involves mentally making a decision: judging the merits of multiple options and selecting one or more of them

The power or freedom to choose whatever pleases you.

What is decision making: There is a difference between Choice and Decision making? Decision making is the thought process of selecting a logical choice from the available options. When trying to make a good decision, a person must weigh the positives and negatives of each option, and consider all the alternatives. Choice and Decision making are two different processes that are interrelated in nature. You cannot talk about them in isolation. One process helps to explain and make complete sense of the other.

You cannot make a decision before you make a choice. Choice is influenced by feelings and intellect/Logic. Intellect/Logic comes into being as a result of thought/idea and sight/what we see / have seen or heard. The trick about the decision making is that it happens so fast

in our mind. Before we realise it, a choice has already been taken. It is important for one to understand the matrix behind the scene that lead to one making a choice and finally a decision. Before choices are made, the starting point is the thoughts in our mind. At times is about what you see, have seen or what you hear or heard from external sources. From what you have seen, heard or the thoughts in your mind arouses your feelings about the current situation. Simultaneously your intellect/logic comes into play. At this stage you find yourself torn into two poles, your feelings on one hand and your intellect/logic on the other. From the two you have to make a choice. It is at this stage that whatever choice you make, it will have an effect on the decision you make.

GENESIS 2:16-17: And the Lord God commanded the man, saying, “You may surely eat of every tree of the garden, but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die”. I wonder how many people appreciate

what God has given us, the power to choose. Out of His love He Created the Good and the Evil because He knew that man would need either of the two as he/she lives. He did not want to take unnecessary blame for humanities wrongs. He completely left the power of choice to each individual.

The problem with ADAM and EVE is they made a choice without sufficient information given by the snake. They never gave themselves sufficient time to find out if this information was authentic, correct and acceptable. They had the opportunity to choose between God’s instruction and the Snake persuasion. People who go about blaming others for the wrongs and blunders they have committed have little knowledge about the power of choice. We are what we are because of the choices we have made. In whatever situation we find ourselves in, we need to fully understand that it was because of the choices we have made.

Many people think about their lives as something that just happens to them instead of

THE POWER OF CHOICE

something that they can control themselves. They drift through life reacting to the actions of others instead of taking steps on their own behalf. Today, people who don’t know where they are going usually end up where they don’t want to be. The difficulty is that it often feels easier to leave all the choices leading to decisions to someone else. If we can make another person responsible for our situation or our circumstances then somehow we can be happy without having to make any effort, so we think because we run away from our responsibility. Unfortunately it doesn’t really work that way. We can give other people authority over us if we wish but we can never make them responsible for us, our actions or our happiness. These things can only ever be our own responsibility.

South Africa is faced with a serious challenge because of choices made by South Africans. The choice of giving the foreigners our businesses and opt to receive rental money is a terrible choice that leaves us without power. When one man gives his/her God given power to another man, who is to blame? When I become bankrupt and close my business, who is to blame? When my employees steal from my business, who is to blame? When I have gone to school, graduate and find no employment, who is to blame? If South Africans in yonder years wake up to be led by a foreign State President, who will be blamed? Past mistakes are nothing to feel guilty about because you made them. On the contrary the act of recognizing and learning from your mistakes is something we should all be very proud of. Our choices are

many a time very expensive. It doesn’t matter how long it takes us to learn the lessons of choice so long as we do. Everyone learns at his/ her own rate – that’s also part of being human. The important thing is that we get there in the end. If you are starting to acknowledge your part in past difficulties and disappointments because of your choice, perhaps for the first time, give yourself a large pat on the back. You’ve just learned a vital lesson about what choice can do in your life. If you don’t take steps to get what you want other people will take steps to get what they want and that isn’t always going to be in your best interests. You owe it to yourself and to those around you to take control of your life by making matured choice. Otherwise life just gets harder for you and everyone. It’s your choice, take responsibility thereof. Make choices out of love for the God you serve. Should you have interest to understand more or your own betterment then PHONE/VISIT US AT 2249 Block F Industrial Site Soshanguve Tel: 012 7992842 or BEEO COMPLEX HAMMANSKRAAL Tel: 0729822449 or 012 711-2139. FOR MORE INFORMATION, LISTEN TO OUR BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT SLOT ON RADIO MORETELE 106.6/7 EVERY MONDAY AT 19H30 OR www.moretele.listen2myradio.com. Thursdays 19hrs-20hrs on MAMS FM 92.9GOOD LUCK AND GOD BLESS YOU!!!B.A.M. LEHARI(Business Advisor, Mentor, Trainer, Preacher, Tax Practitioner & Motivator)

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Farming project creates employment for the localsBy Tebogo Modiba

Soshanguve based Ms. Nnana Mogale(54) is one of the few

emerging female farmers who have made a transition from Spartan subsistence farming to making a living out through her produce. For the past 9 years, Mogale has developed a special farming technique allowing her to grow different types of vegetables in just a few days.

Throughout the years, Mogale has had to work twice as hard to prove wrong her sceptics, who never gave her the benefit of a doubt. She said that she learned the art of turning soil into profit by using traditional farming methods passed from one generation to the other.

“I used the methods I was taught by my mother to horn my farming skills. I then decided to grow spinach as I knew that it is in demand. From the money I generated, I was able to register a company called Faranani Sechaba which means that the community should hold hands together. We then ventured into growing pumpkins and mealies “said Mogale.

Unfortunately, due to high operational costs Mogale was forced to close down the project.

“The project failed because I was on my own and I did not have someone to share my vision with. Secondly, the plot I was renting and other operational costs made it difficult for me to sustain the

project,” said Mogale.While trying to get back on her

feet, she met Ms. Dimakatso Masia and Mr. Abram Mohale who also shared her passion for farming.

“We then joined forces and established an organisation called Sešego sa Mešomo and we registered it in 2011.

Speaking to SoshTimes, standing amid rows of spinach and tomatoes, at their new plot situated inside Father Smangaliso Mkhatshwa Centrein Block S, Mogale said that they have over the time managed to grow their clientele.

“Our biggest client currently is the Tshwane Market; we package about 200 boxes of Ochre vegetable. We sell it for fifteen rand per bundle to the locals. We are overwhelmed by the support we get from members of the community,” said Mogale.

Her partner Ms. Dimakatso Masia said the project has created a number of employment opportunities for the locals, giving them hope.

“Agricultural sector has always played a pivotal role in the development of our modern day economy by contributing greatly to food security. It takes perseverance and hard work to reap the reward as you do not make profit in one day. We are planning to venture into poultry farm,” said Masia

She called on Good Samaritans to help the project with irrigation systems and fencing as they have in the past been victims of theft.

I have always been astonished by the sentiments made by numerous passionate farmers I have come across those who decry how they say ‘we treat soil like dirt, and not realising that we are committing a near fatal mistake of not realising that our lives depend on it.’

I was fortunate to have more than once met the two ambitious, committed family men who inspire hope and command respect in their communities. They are the 41 year old Mr. Ernest Mundau from Soshanguve and the

50 year old Mr. Johannes Mokgobolotho from Klipgat outside Winterveldt.

In their small but notable way the duo have contributed significantly to food security and job creation. Their passion for farming has allowed many to be able to put food on the table and to pay their bills.

In this article, I will share with you the vital tricks of the game I have gathered while I took a sneak peek into their journey through farming. The following is a 101 guide I compiled for planting spinach,

I believe it will help you to harvest the most sumptuous vegetables ever.

When Planting: Spinach grows best when planted in moist and rich soil. It forms a deep taproot, to get it to grow at its best loosen the soil at least 10 centimetre deep before planting. I would advise you to sow spinach seeds soon after working on the soil, by simply dropping the seeds in barely thawed ground.

In warmer areas, it is advisable to plant spinach under shades of tall crops such

as corn or beans. This will spare the young plants from the hot sun and be ready for harvest in the fall of winter.

I have also realised that you can plant spinach in winter. In some cases crops die young because they cannot survive the frost. It is imperative to try and plant spinach during the fall of October thus protecting the young plants through harsh winter conditions making it ready for harvest during spring season.

I have realised that spinach seeds cannot be kept in storage

for a long time as they attract insects, so it is advisable to buy fresh seeds every year. Sow them deep in beds or rows. Spinach grows better in cool conditions, but it’s tricky for a seed to germinate in the hot conditions. Water the seed beds frequently even twice a day because it helps to cool the soil. Fertilise the soil and get pest control chemicals to kill insects that might interrupt the growth of the crop. I hope this information might come in handy in helping you harvest the freshest Spinach ever.

Harvest the freshest spinach ever

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By Charmaine Kgopa

Art fanatics were recently enthralled by a rare

glimpse into the aesthetic works of local visual artist which were exhibited during the National Library Week celebrations held at K.T Motubatse Hall Library in Extension 14 in Soshanguve South.

This library was transformed into a mini-art gallery, on display were a number of beadworks, knittings and paintings.

“The aim of transforming the library into a gallery is to do away with the perceptions that suggest that libraries are a far-fetched place only visited by certain types of people. We want to reach out to our community in an innovative way. We believe that the exhibition will give young artists an opportunity to sell their work to find potential investors,” said the

founder of the initiative Mr. Matlhogonolo Malaka.

Sosh Times spoke to a number of artists whose works were exhibited and they relished the exposure.

“For me personally, I love painting as I use my artistic aptitude to express myself better. I believe that art is life. It allows me to think out of the box and that’s why I love it. My wish is to see more people appreciating our craft,” said the 26 year old Mr. Patrick Maseko.

Just like Maseko another artist who had also exhibited work Mr. Shadrack Phiri spoke vividly about his love for art.

“Before I was introduced to Visual arts, I didn’t know much about it. I remember how I used to draw cartoons and recently learned more techniques from Artrick. Art makes me feel free, it allows one to bring the impossible to life,” said Phiri.

K.T Motubatse Library turned into an art gallery

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DA foot soldiers show generosity

By Thabiso Mosima

The Tshwane Metro Police Department (TMPD) in conjunction with Ever Africa, an applications producing company recently launched a sophisticated application dubbed Namola which is set to combat crime.

Namola can easily be downloaded on the web as of yet it has yielded success in areas East of Pretoria where it was initially tested. According to Ever Africa special Projects co-coordinator, Mr Graig Rivett, Namola will help police curb crime as it will enable quick response.

“Namola works like an instant sms notification which will give the senders identity, surrounding and direction to the respondent in this stance being the Tshwane Metro Police Department. Currently we have over five TMPD cars patrolling on 24 hour patrol in areas such as Waterkloof Ridge and Monument Park where the app is in full use.

We aim to increase the number of patrol cars as the app is introduced in other areas in and around the city

of Tshwane. The aim is to use every resources including technology to combat crime and Namola adds to the solution. We are humbled by the response we are getting from the residence who have tried this app and we are hoping for more success as we introduce and Namola nationally as that falls into part of our long term goal,” said Rivett.

Speaking to Sosh Times, spokesperson for the Tshwane Metro Police Department, Mr Isaac Mahamba, said the use of Namola will result in efficient policing. He said that it will minimise the time it takes to respond from the current call centre method and ensure a speedy around the clock service.

“Our officers are equiped with the technically knowledge needed to operate this sophisticated app. Our main objective and legal obligation is to insure safety to our fellow citizens therefore we welcome any resource or measure that is going to enable us to execute our duties as best as possible,” said Mahamba.

New app to combat crime

By Thapelo Masilela

The dusty and dirty streets of the informal settlement named Skierlik, in Winterveldt experienced an act of benevolence when a group of foot soldiers from the Democratic Alliiance (DA), a political opposition party, decided to donate a bed and a duvet worth about R2500 to Mr. Aaron Tshika and his common law wife Ms. Willemina Samo.

This happened after the couple’s tin house was nearly burnt to ashes after what was suspected as an electrical fault. Their furniture and clothes were burnt beyond repair. They were only left with the clothes they were wearing at the time of the incident.

Ms. Thabisile Vilakazi, an official from the local DA Constituency Office said the foot soldiers decided on their own to contribute their share of a bed and duvet to console Tshika and his wife.

“When I told our constituency leader, Mr Marius Redelinghys, he was impressed. He decided to take a break from his busy schedule to make his presence during the handover of the goods. Personally, I am grateful that as the DA, we were able

to show up during the tormenting hour affecting one of us. It is important that we should be part and parcel of what is happening on the ground,” said Vilakazi.

Tshika said; ”When my house caught fire, there was nobody inside. It was about midday and we had gone for a community meeting nearby. We were alerted by a big bang, followed by a fire at my house. As a community we rushed to try and extinguish the fire.”

He said the bang came from his meter box as it burst and added that; “ I am not sure what could have caused the burst, but two days before the incident the whole community did not have electricity. Workers from Eskom were busy working on the problem. The burst occurred the moment the power came back.”

At the time of doing the story, there was a representative from Eskom at the scene of the accident, filling up forms about the extent of the damage.

When asked as to what could have happened, he said; “We would not know before a thorough investigation is done. I also cannot say whether damages are going to be paid or not.”

Soutpan administration under disarray

By Thapelo Masilela

The land grab at the Soutpan informal settlement near Soshanguve led by Amandebele Ba Lebelo/Moletlane was not an end in itself. The land grabbers went as far as evicting residents and sold their stands to new owners at exorbitant prices.

This comes after owner of stand number M1-610 had her shack removed and new owners allotted the property wily nilly. When she went to the office inquire, she was instead given correspondence on the Khuduthamaga Kekana Royal Executive Council for the Amandebele Ba Lebelo/Moletlane letter-heads, summoning the new owner to a meeting to resolve the matter.

“I am sitting in a limbo. I have dropped the letter at the so-called new owner and I have gone there several times, finding him absent. I have spent over R3000 to build that shack, only for it to be taken away from me so easily. The office of the headman denies knowledge of the whole situation,” said the complainant.

The office of the Headman, in the correspondence to the new owner, only wrote; “You are requested to avail yourself to Moshate Office regarding the matter reported to us.” Sosh Times is in possession of the letter which was signed by Headman Rapitsi Mohaleamalla.

Sosh Times approached Headman Karel Kenosi, who claimed that it is neglected stands that are re-sold because they pose as a safe haven for criminals, adding that; “Just recently, a neglected shack was broken into by officials from my office and they discovered a stolen car inside.”

Kenosi went further to say; “People who acquire these stands sometimes let them to foreigners who ultimately sell them when they move further afar. They come back and blame us that we

have re-sold their stands.”Kenosi said the original owner of

stand number M1-610 can contact him to be allotted another stand or returned to his former residence.

Yet Chairperson of the Khuduthamaga, Mr. Mafosha Norman Kekana has a different story to tell. He says; “There are no longer stands available. All stands were sold by the year 2013 and any person, who evicts another person from his stand, does so illegally. Anyone found to be involved in such an act should be reported to the Rietgat Police immediately.”

According to the Department of Land Affairs and Rural Development Kekana is the official land claimant of the area, but his application has not been approved yet.

There is indeed disarray in the administration of the Soutpan Informal settlement. Other residents report to Chief A.D. Mokhutshwane, whose office is situated in the same area.

When interviewed by Sosh Times about illegal sales of stands in the area, Mokhutshwane said thus;

“Just like the residents I am also victim of the same manipulation by the other office. They have also broken into my office and stole everything including the zincs. I have reported the matter to the Rietgat Police, but the alleged culprits are moving scotch free.”

“I think the reason they broke into our office is that they are jealous because most residents now come to our office because we do not exploit them. The other motive for repossessing other people’s stands is sheer hooliganism because they do not work,” said Mohutshwane.

Warrant Officer Lolo Mangena, Spokesperson for the Rietgat Police denied knowledge of any case about land or property issues ever reported.

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CLASSIFIEDS

By Sthembiso Lebuso

Juju FC came from a goal down to thrash Roman Stars 4-2 in Soshanguve District Football Association (SODIFA) Promotional League encounter played at Giant Stadium recently.

Contrary to the score line, Stars looked the busiest of both

sides in the opening minutes of the game, constantly keeping Juju’s defence on their toes.

Realising the danger, Juju started to gain traction of the game, sporting a rather more organised side holding more on to the ball. Stars’ goal minder was exposed on a number of occasions as the wasteful Juju forward squandered glorious

opportunities in search of the opening goal.

Tshepang Monareng opened the scoring account for Stars, with his impressive solo effort, weaving his way into the opposition’s box before unleashing one cracker of a shot to beat the hapless Jujus’ keeper.

Juju pulled one in the bag just

minutes before the half time break, through a thunderous strike from outside the penalty box by Fani Ndou. Soon after the half time break the lethal Ndou capitalised on the sloppy defence by Stars to complete his brace for the day.

Substitute Samuel ‘Fortune’ Makuwa made his presence felt by scoring a third goal for

Juju on the 77 minute. Tebello Letanta pulled a second for Stars’ in the dying minutes of the game.

The winning side’s coach April Mokoena expressed his satisfaction at his sides’ performance; he attributed it to hard work.

1. WELCOME TO SPORTS TALK. FIRSTLY, ALLOW ME TO CONGRATULATE YOU ON YOUR RECENT APPOINTMENT AS AN OFFICIAL IN THE UPCOMING FIFA WORLD CUP. WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO YOU PERSONALLY AND TO THE COUNTRY IN GENERAL?-It’s an honour for me to represent the country, SAFA, CAF, FIFA at a world cup. If all goes well hopefully that will open doors for others to follow suit. Indeed, this shows the world that South Africa can produce referees of high quality. 2. HOW DID YOU BECOME A REFEREE?Anybody can become a referee, just like any other sports code. But age is a big factor, the younger you are the better you will develop to be a good referee or assistant referee. You need to consult your local football association about how to become a referee, they

will help you through every procedures.3. WHAT ARE SOME OF THE HIGHLIGHTS OR PROUDEST MOMENTS IN YOUR CAREER?Being appointed in the semi-final in a match between Ivory Coast vs Democratic Republic of Congo in the recent AFCON4. ANY PARTICULAR WORST MEMORIES THAT ALWAYS COME TO MIND?Being locked up in a dressing room in Nigeria by a group of angry supporters of the home team Heart Lands.5. WHAT ARE SOME OF THE COMMON CHALLENGES THAT REFEREES FACE IN THEIR DAILY LIVES?Having to answer to decisions that you have not seen or decisions fans are unhappy with.6. WHO ARE SOME OF YOUR BEST REFEREES OF ALL TIMES?I have never had a best referee because we are not supposed to

compete but give an impartial service to all teams. I believe we have all the potential to be the best.7. ANY IMMEDIATE FUTURE PLANS?To referee until I retire with at least one world cup achieved. 8. HOW WOULD YOU WANT TO BE REMEMBERED IN FUTURE?As an assistant referee who gave the most correct and impartial decisions.9. WHAT CAN BE DONE TO ATTRACT/RECRUIT MORE PEOPLE IN THE REFEREEING FIELD?I think we should introduce refereeing at schools so that students can referee their own school games; that will bring more love to refereeing, then will get them young and ready10. WHICH ARE SOME OF THE COUNTRIES YOU HAVE VISITED THUS FAR?Almost the whole Africa, Mexico, Switzerland, U.A.E.

11. WHAT ARE THE QUALITIES OF A GOOD REFEREE?Fitness, knowledge of the laws of the game, application of the laws in matches, reading and movement in matches, taking the right decisions in matches.12. HOW DO YOU RELAX WHEN YOU ARE NOT AT THE STADIUM OFFICIATING?I spend time with family, friends or play my favourite board game. I like draughts or checkers.

Juju comes a goal down to thrash Stars

Poor defence costs Khubeka fc By Tebogo Modiba

The fuming Khubeka FC coach Alfred Ramalatso has blamed his defence for his team’s 6-5 loss to Attridgeville outfit The Blues during Masakhane Outlets Games held at Tshwene sports ground outside Makaunyane recently.

Ramalatso said his side was a better team on the day but a miscommunication amongst his defenders allowed the visitors to snatch a victory.

“We went into the half-

time break enjoying a leading 2-0 cushion, playing a world class football, passing the ball around much to the delight of our supporters. I think things took a turn for the worst when our two left back defenders lost control of their positions,” said Ramalatso

The visitors opened the flood gates on the 55th minutes of the game through a thunderous strike following a solo run by one of their strikers leaving Katlego Sithole blaming his fellow defence.

The visitors kept on putting the home side under pressure and they eventually doubled the lead in the 70th minute after a well taken short from a tight angle making it 2 all.

As the game progressed, the home side was caught off guard when The Blues Captain slaughtered a short on the far left corner with no one but an empty net to beat, making it 3-2.

Khubeka started to play with more determination and their hard work was soon rewarded

after Tshepo Ledwaba pulled one back following a crisp interchanging of passes to bring the matters to 3-all.

Ledwaba’s strike seemed to have bolstered the confidence of the team, but their happiness was shorlived after miscommunication blunder by Lucky Mokoka and Katlego Sithole at the back allowed, The blues to take a 4-3 lead.

The visitors doubled the lead in the 80th minute to make it 5-3, making it difficult for the home side to come back into

the game.With 8 minutes remaining on

the clock, Lebo Lebese pulled one back for Khubeka to bring matters to 5-all.

The blues striker sealed the victory for stars on the stroke of full time when he converted with a powerful strike from eight yards.

Khubeka fC Captain Andrew Maringa said that the visitors showed composure after coming into the game on the back of a defeat.

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EARLY APRIL 2015SOSH TIMES www.soshtimes.co.za f soshtimesnewspaper t @soshtimes Our Blog: soshnews.wordpress.com EARLY APRIL 2015

By Mashilo Mojela

TUT Soshanguve let Sporting Galaxy off the hook, when they played to a goalless draw, in a Soshanguve Local Football Association (SOLFA) Super League encounter that took place at Block UU, sports grounds in Soshanguve recently.

The highly-paced encounter was played under the scorching sun and was a game of two halves, with TUT dominating the first stanza and Galaxy bouncing

back to enjoy maximum ball possession in the second round.

Both teams fought relentlessly to gain maximum points but neither side was lucky enough to find the back of the net. TUT’s danger man, Victor Shirinda’s thunderous set piece in the 10th minute sent shivering down the opponents spines but went narrowly over bars.

The visiting students applied pressure on the home side with wave after wave of attack through Nkosi

Mabusa and Collen Dzimba. Dzimba’s strike on the 30th minute gave his head coach, Maude Khumalo the urge to change the game plan and re-enforce her striking force.

Galaxy player started committing reckless mistakes that nearly cost them game, after one of their player was given marching orders for insulting the whistle man. The match was punctuated by a number of water breaks, as resulting of unbearable heat taking its toll on the players.

Galaxy applied every trick

in the book to counter the ever increasing pressure from the students, as the students were firing all cylinders. Khumalo introduced a number of players in an attempt to hit the final nail on the bottom of the log Galaxy’s coffin by bringing in Mbongwa Shabangu in place of Brian Mohlala and later pulled out Melusi Masondo in the second half.

Galaxy coach, Lucky Mahapi described the game as the toughest they played this season.

’We had a very tough game today and I must say my boys really fought until the last end. We created a number of chances but luck was just not on our side. Coming out of such a competitive game with a goalless draw is good news for us,” said Mahapi.

On the other side, Khumalo was angry at the boys for having squandered glorious golden opportunities and blamed them for the lack of composure and indecisiveness in the box.

TUT students lose full marks

Sosh times early april 2015

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