TEL: 053 ­ 831­2331 WEDNESDAY 1 OCTOBER 2014 WWW.EXPRESS­NEWS.CO.ZA FREE

Northern Cape

LESS than three hours before the fatal Hartswater accident, Dipuo Peters, the Minister of Transport, launched the provincial Customer ServiceCentre (CSC) in Kimberley. Here are from the left Dr Eugene Watson, CEO of the Road Accident Fund (RAF), Agnes Ntlangula, representativeof the Sol Plaatje Municipality, Peters and Dr Ntuthuko Bhengu, RAF Board Chairperson. Photo: Boipelo Mere

} Boipelo Mere

IT was a sad coincidence that onthe same day that Dipuo Peters,the Minister of Transport,launched the new Road AccidentFund’s (RAF) provincial Custom-er Service Centre (CSC) inKimberley, 12 people died in ahorrific road accident.On Saturday between 15:00 and

16:00 a bakkie packed withpassengers collided with a taxi onthe N18 between Taung andMagogong.According to the SAPS reports,

the driver of the bakkie, EliasMorebudi (59), was arrested andcharged with culpable homicideafter failing to stop at the stopsign.Emergency services personnel

had to utilise the jaws of life tofree passengers who were trappedinside the taxi as a result of theimpact of the collision.The passengers of the bakkie

were flung off the back and laystrewn across the N18 – othersfell into a nearby water canal.A total of 12 people were

certified dead on the accidentscene, while three out of the 26were critically injured and weretransported to hospitals inHartswater, Taung andKlerksdorp.An increassed death toll of 15

was released on Monday.During the launch of the CSC,

also on Saturday, Peters high-lighted the stark reality thatabout 40 people die on the roadsevery day and approximately 800to 2 000 are injured.“Most of the people in this

room are familiar with mysentiments about road safetyand that we should not haveaccident victims knocking onthe doors of the RAF, but theunfortunate reality is that theystill do. In the last financial year

alone, 147 168 new claims werereceived by the fund and the callcentre attended to 220 000 calls.“It has therefore become

evident that the demand for the

RAF’s services has increasedsignificantly,” emphasised Peters.The driver of the bakkie

appeared before the HartswaterMagistrate’s Court on Monday

and was released on bail ofR3 000.) Go to www.express-news.co.zato read more about the RAFlaunch.

Cars crashas RAFopens office

Tragic coincidence

2 EXPRESS NORTHERN CAPE, WEDNESDAY 1 OCTOBER 2014

NEWS

THE Domestic Violence Act EducationalOutreach Programme in Ritchie that wasorganised by the Northern Cape Depart-ment of Transport, Safety and Liaison wasreported to have been a success.The programme is the department’s

continued effort of educating variouscommunities and stakeholders across theprovince on the Domestic Violence Act andhow it can enhance and impact on every-day life.The attendants are informed of how

domestic violence comes in various forms,including that it is not only limited tophysical abuse, but also emotional andfinancial amongst other forms.The director overseeing the Social Crime

Prevention Unit in the department,Catherine Jonkers, explained that theoutreaches were aimed at informingcommunities about the Domestic ViolenceAct so that they could be able to recognisewhat domestic violence was, how itoccurred, why it should be reported andalso how to prevent it.She said it was important that it was

reported so that the victims could receivethe necessary support through the variousavenues that were available to them.The department works along with

various stakeholders such as the SAPS,sister departments and non-governmentalorganisations to be familiarised with theact to ensure that as many people aspossible are informed of the act.Dipuo Anthony of the department

highlighted how abuse was a seriousproblem that was high amongst womenand children, but not exclusive to them asit affected all genders.“We need to work together with the

police to stop domestic violence andunfortunately it is difficult to policedomestic violence as it mainly happens

behind closed doors, but the communityhas the power to break those boundariesby exposing and reporting it to authorities.“We can also curb it by getting informed

and informing others on what domesticviolence is,” said Anthony.She emphasised that domestic violence

took shape in many forms such as sexualabuse, emotional abuse, financial (with-holding financial support), intimidationand harassment.“It applies to parental relationships,

partners, whether they are married or not,even people that live together.”Attending the fruitful session, the

Ritchie LoveLife representative, CleopatraLouw, said: “I have learned a lot throughthis session of the department. I didn’trealise the different types of abuse thatcan occur, but now my eyes have trulybeen opened and I will be in a betterposition to share what I know withothers.”The SAPS Kimberley Cluster command-

er, Maj. Gen. Jean Abrahams, in heraddress said the more domestic violencewas reported, the more it would beexposed and people needed to report it.She said that the police had the respon-

sibility to assist complainants of domesticviolence and also to comply with the act.“We must also learn as people that as

much as we can be taught about ourrights, those rights also come with respon-sibilities. If you make a protection orderagainst someone, it shouldn’t apply onlywhen it is suitable for you and on days itdoesn’t, you disregard it.”She added that all members of the

community had a role to play in stoppingdomestic violence.“We must join hands with ther police

and work together in decreasing crime inour communities.”

Department reaches out

THE Northern Cape premier,Sylvia Lucas, says throughsharing their stories SouthAfricans will realise that theyall subscribe to the same basicset of values such as mutualrespect, democracy, freedom,equality and justice.The premier was speaking

during a Heritage Day celebra-tion held at Victoria West inthe Northern Cape last Wednes-day.“It is during a month such as

this that we value the symbolsand the historic landmarkswhich define the essence ofwho we are. Heritage Monthserves to remind us of theimportance of our past as wellas our present,” said thepremier.She said it was important to

remind South Africans toembrace diversity and thateveryone had a role to play increating a united South Africannation with a common identity.“This day provides an ideal

platform for South Africansfrom all walks of life to sharetheir experiences. By doing so,citizens will develop a deeperunderstanding of themselvesand others so that we all canlive, work and play together inharmony,” Lucas said.She added the advent of

democracy had brought aboutprofound changes and in theprocess liberated voices thathad been silenced for centuries.She said today South Afri-

cans were able to speak outfreely about many heroes andheroines of the liberationmovement, as well as differentwatershed moments in thecountry’s struggle history.“We are proud of ushering in

a new, non-racial and non-sex-ist democracy. South Africanscan see the tangible benefits ofthe first 20 years of freedom,

and moving forward, shouldembrace the agenda for radicaleconomic transformation,” saidLucas.She said such stories would

create an understanding thatwhile everyone’s respectivejourneys to freedom mighthave been different, “we areunited in our love for thecountry and share the passionto move the country forward”.“Our country has come a

long way. We come from an erawhere your skin pigmentationdetermined the quality of yourlife. We come from an erawhere one’s skin pigmentationcould determine the kind ofcompany you could keep,where your pigmentation coulddetermine the area you live inand even your destiny.“We salute our former

president Nelson Mandela, whosteadfastly proclaimed thatnever, never and never againshall it be that this beautifulland will again experience theoppression of one by another.”– SAnews.gov.za

Wemust shareour stories– NC premier

THE Northern Cape premier,Sylvia Lucas. Photo: Boipelo Mere

} Boipelo Mere

SYLVIA LUCAS, the NorthernCape premier, has urged communi-ty members to be patient withEmergency Medical Services (EMS)staff, due to the heavy responsibili-ty that is bestowed on them in theline of duty.The premier made this plea

during the recent hand-over of anew fleet of 60 of the 110 EMSvehicles promised. This is aimed atadding to the province’s patienttransport efficiency, safety,reliability and effort to furtherdeepen work.Lucas highlighted how the EMS

staff had to make difficult choicesunder difficult and messy circum-stances in their work.She emphasised that the availa-

bility of modern ambulances,equipped with the latest medicalkits and technology, would nodoubt enable the EMS staff to getto accidents and scenes of tragedyquicker and to treat the victimsmore effectively.According to Lucas, the cost of a

commissioned ambulance is almostR1 million.Referring to complaints from the

community that they sometimeshad to wait for hours before an

ambulance arrives, Lucas said thatshe once made an enquiry whichwas answered with an acceptableexplanation.“The EMS staff said they usually

get three to four calls to attend towhen they are on one route. Thereare cases where they have tostabilise a patient or rush them tothe hospital,” said Lucas.“The availability of modern

ambulances equipped with thelatest medical kits and technologywill, no doubt, enable our EMSstaff to get to accidents and scenesof tragedy quicker and to treat thevictims more effectively.”Lucas promised that priority

cases would receive the requiredattention and hospitals would haveaccurate information about thevital signs of patients before theyarrived for specialist treatment.“All in all, these ambulances will

help to make the Northern Cape asafer and better place to live in,”said the premier.Mac Jack, the MEC for Health in

the province, urged the communityto report any abuse of the vehicles.Allocation of the vehicles is

expected to be as follows: FrancesBaard 10, John Taolo Gaetsewe 5,Namakwa 7, Pixley ka Seme 9, ZFMgcawu 8 and the College ofEmergency Care 1.

Newwheels for EMS

SOME of the first batch of 110 ambulances that the Department ofHealth launched last week.

“ARE you sure it is fully equipped,” Mac Jack, the MEC for Health in the Northern Cape, asks the EmergencyMedical Services (EMS) staff before the new ambulance leaves for the designated district. Photos: Boipelo Mere

EXPRESS NORTHERN CAPE , WEDNESDAY 1 OCTOBER 2014 3

NEWS

} Boipelo Mere

THE Northern Cape joined other provincesin celebrating Heritage Day.

The events were characterised by song anddance depicting the rich Northern Capeheritage under a theme Celebrating 20 Yearsof Democracy: Tell Your Story that MovesSouth Africa Forward.

The celebrations in the Frances Baard andPixley ka Seme Districts were preceded bythe unveiling of tombstones of the formerstruggle veterans John Ituleng in Galesheweand John Tees in Philipstown.

The Northern Cape Department of Sport,Arts and Culture celebrated NationalHeritage Day in five districts across theprovince. The events were held at SedibengVillage in the John Taolo Gaeshewe District,the Upington Museum in the ZF MgcawuDistrict, Richtersveld in Namakwa District,Victoria West in the Pixley ka Seme Districtand Kimberley in the Frances Baard District.

The department will also be renaming theBarkly West library after a former freedomfighter, Inase Harry Moshoeu. Moshoeu, whowas born at Barkly West in 1970, served invarious political structures and underwenttraining as an internal member of Umkhontowe Sizwe in the 1990s.

The Ivuma Arts Centre had the opportuni-ty to host activities, as this was also the firstHeritage Day celebration since the centrehad been opened. They invited the communi-ty to witness the poetry experience and artsand culture for free. The chairperson of thecentre, Bokhutlo Makhale, expressed hissatisfaction at the success of the event.

“We were very sceptical as to whether theresponse will have a positive outcome. Thisshows that we indeed have the capability,”he said. They collaborated with the depart-ment to organise the Heritage Day event.

The party was later moved to the Mayi-buye Centre where lunch was served.) Watch a video at www.express-news.co.za.

Province celebrates heritage

THE Lethabo Cultural Group gave a stunning performance at the Ivuma Arts Centre.

GONTSE WA CHAANE who was the pro-gramme director, Keaorata Gaokgwathe, alocal storyteller, and Luanag Choba whotook a sabbatical frommedicine to becomea full-time musician.

NONETHO VAN DER WESTHUIZEN (left)and her friend Thembeni Masingi weredressed in full traditional gear.

ABC BOKANGMORENA, one of the oldest gospel group in Galeshewe, also gave a power-ful performance at the Mayibuye Centre. Photos: Boipelo Mere

THE DGL dance group entertained theguests.

KELEBOGILE LETSOGO (left) andMamafeniSebe enjoyed themselves at the Ivuma ArtsCentre.

JANIGH (left) and Luimgi performed at thereggae dance hall.

4 EXPRESS NORTHERN CAPE, WEDNESDAY 1 OCTOBER 2014

NEWS

THE Minister in the Presidency,Jeff Radebe, has assured SouthAfricans that the government iscommitted to ensuring that themortal remains of South Africancitizens who lost their lives inLagos are accurately identifiedand brought home.

South Africa’s plan of action

On 12 September, 84 SouthAfricans died when a building atthe Synagogue Church of allNations in Nigeria collapsed. OnFriday, 25 injured South Africansreturned home, while one re-mained in Lagos.Radebe, who is the head of the

inter-ministerial task team on theNigerian tragedy, updated mediaon Wednesday on the identifica-tion process of South Africancitizens in Lagos.“We want to assure the nation

that we shall spare neitherstrength nor effort in ensuringthat the deceased are repatriated.We believe the repatriation of thedeceased is the crucial first steptowards helping the families findclosure in the aftermath of thisterrible tragedy.“We will make sure that all

deceased persons are repatriatedand that the correct body ishanded over to the right family.”He said the South African team

of experts on the ground inNigeria is working closely withofficials from the Nigerian FederalGovernment, as well as the Stateof Lagos, to ensure that theprocess is completed as soon aspossible.

Stringent identificationprocess

The South African team is led byBrigadier Leone Ras, an interna-tional expert in body identifica-tion from the South African PoliceService (SAPS). She is supportedby Prof. Gert Saaiman, chief statepathologist from South Africa.Radebe said the identification

process is done through a preciseprocess of elimination and utilisesaccurate information, as detailedbelow:) Direct identification:Where possible the body may beidentified by next of kin if theyare present in Lagos. “Thisrequires physical identification ofthe body amongst the others. Thisis often a very traumatic andpainful process. Due to the natureof injuries involved in thisincident, only a limited number ofthe bodies may be identifiedthrough this method.”) Photo identification:Photos of a person are used tocompare with mainly facialfeatures of the bodies in themortuary. “If a match is found,the identification is then con-firmed using fingerprints andother bodily characteristics,” hesaid.) Fingerprint data basecomparison:The fingerprints from the de-ceased are compared with thefingerprint databases from theDepartment of Home Affairs andthe SAPS. “This is done byfingerprint experts and it takes aconsiderable amount of time. Thisis a reliable method that iscommonly used in identifyingdeceased persons. However, in

some instances, due to the injuriessustained, this method may not beviable,” the minister said.) Dental record comparison:If the fingerprint databasecomparison does not succeed inthe identification of the deceased,the dental characteristics of thebody are compared with dentalrecords of individuals prior to theevent. “This method is onlypossible where the dental recordscan be accessed from the dentistthat the deceased person visited.“We, therefore, appeal to thefamily members of unaccountedSouth Africans who are presumedto have been at the church toprovide the police with informa-tion of the dentist or dental clinictheir relative had visited over thepast eight years.”) DNA sample:If no identification can be reachedwith any of the above methods, aDNA sample of the body iscompared with a DNA samplecollected from a close relative.“For this purpose, experts fromthe SAPS are currently visitingfamilies and are collecting DNAsamples.This sampling is a simple non-painful process with no risks tothe family member. It is impor-tant to note that the process takestime.” The DNA samples collectedfrom the deceased will be com-pared with the DNA samplescollected from family members.“As we strive to ensure that the

body identification is completed assoon as possible, we equally haveto make sure that the processesare done in line with the LagosState and Nigerian Federal laws,”Radebe said.The government appeals to the

families and the nation to bearwith them and allow their team inNigeria the necessary time tocomplete the process of identifyingthe bodies.As soon as the bodies are

identified, a team of 70 expertsfrom the South African MilitaryHealth Service and the Depart-ment of Health will depart toLagos with specialised equipmentto transport the deceased back toSouth Africa with the requiredcare and respect.

Minister thanks the SANDF

The minister thanked the SouthAfrican National Defence Force(SANDF) for the successfulevacuation of the injured SouthAfrican citizens from Lagos backhome to South Africa on Monday,22 September, 2014. “They haveindeed made all of us very proudas a nation.”

Survivors admitted toSteve Biko Academic Hospital

The minister said of the patientsadmitted to the Steve BikoAcademic Hospital, two were stillin critical care, two had been

transferred to private facilities atthe request of their families andfour patients have been dis-charged to the care of theirfamilies.“On behalf of the government

and the people of South Africa wewish the patients who remain inthe care of the medical staff at theSteve Biko Academic Hospital aspeedy recovery,” Radebe said.

Support and help-line forvictims’ families

A national task team comprisingSocial Development, the SAPSChaplain Services and the VictimIdentification Centre has beenvisiting families of people pre-sumed to have died at the church.Other teams of social workers areproviding psycho-social support tosurvivors and families of victimsat the Steve Biko Hospital, ORTambo International Airport andthe Dirco Call Centre.Families with members who are

not yet accounted for shouldcontact the information line:012-351-1000.The Department of Social

Development has activated a callcentre for those who require theassistance of a grief counsellor:0800-428-428.They can alternatively send a

“Please call me” to: *120*7867#.Professional counsellors will callback and help them deal with thetrauma of losing a loved one or

not knowing what has happenedto them.“The government wishes to

thank all people involved inoffering support to the affectedfamilies and urge that we allcontinue to hold their hands andcomfort them during this difficultperiod,” said Radebe.– SAnews.gov.za

SA to bring remains home

ON 22 September a flight carrying 25 injured South Africans returned home from Nigeria while one remained in Lagos. The flight landed atthe Zwartkop Military Base in Pretoria and the patients, including three children, were transported to the Steve Biko Hospital. Photo: Alet Pretorius

‘We want to assurethe nation that weshall spare neither

strength nor effort inensuring that the

deceased arerepatriated.

We believe the repa­triation of the de­

ceased is the crucialfirst step towards

helping the familiesfind closure in theaftermath of thisterrible tragedy.’– Minister Jeff

Radebe

EXPRESS NORTHERN CAPE , WEDNESDAY 1 OCTOBER 2014 5

NEWS

} Modiri Gabaatlhole

THE John Taolo Gaetsewe (JTG) Develop-mental Trust celebrated Heritage Day in aneffort to encourage everyone to celebratetheir cultural traditions in the widercontext of the great diversity of cultures,beliefs and traditions that make up thenation of South Africa, the John TaoloGaetsewe Developmental Trust Staff, Boardof Trustees practised what they preach.

Dressed in their traditional apparel theycelebrated Heritage Day on 24 September atthe Baga-Jantjie Tribal Office at Manyedingin the Ga-Segonyana Local Municipalityjurisdiction.

The event was coupled with culturallessons that included customary marriage,the role of traditional leadership in society,parenthood and the benefits of a positivelifestyle.

Health education, including healthy dietto curb/prevent cholesterol, hypertension,heart diseases, blood pressure and stressrelated-illnesses, were given.

The lively celebration was highlighted bythe CEO of the JTG Developmental Trust,Tumelo Mpolokeng, when he said: “Thetrust is a youthful organisation comprisingof individuals who are planning to wed andhave children. That is why the teachingswere important, so as to remind them how

it was done culturally in the past”.One tutor, Kealeboga Mashopa, taught

everyone about customary marriage.“It is important that we teach our kids

our culture and the importance of preserv-ing our heritage.

“Customary marriage is no longer treatedthe same as in the in the past, hence thelessons were important.”

As a community-based developmentorganisation, the John Taolo GaetseweDevelopmental Trust reminds SouthAfricans and other neighbouring countriesto work together and recognise that we area fantastic nation and in celebrating ourculture.

Heritage Day event gives lessonsAT the Heritage Day event were from the left the JTG Developmental Trust CEO, Tumelo Mpolokeng, Kgosi Enewang Jantjie, KgosiPelonomi Toto, JTG Developmental Trust Board of Trustees Seweditswe Gaobusiwe and Thupayakgosi Molema. Photo: Supplied

For morenews andphotosvisitwww.express-news.co.za.Go like Express NorthernCape on Facebook and giveyour opinion on stories.

6 EXPRESS NORTHERN CAPE, WEDNESDAY 1 OCTOBER 2014

NEWS

} Archie Jack

THE Gore Brown Native Train-ing School was established inJuly 1935 from the PerseveranceColoured Training School.The Cape Department of

Education only provided a smallamount of funding for theeducation of the African child.This was further reinforced bythe Cape Department of Educa-tions policy that the provision ofsecondary school and trainingfacilities for the African studentsshould be provided only inmissionary institutions situatedin the bantustans (homelands/re-serves).In 1921, the coloured communi-

ty, spearheaded by the Kimberleybranch of the Teachers League ofSouth Africa, objected to theadmission of an African studentto the Perseverance ColouredTraining School.A policy of segregation

between African and colouredschools and training colleges ofthe Cape Department of Educa-tion demanded that there be aseparation between the twoinstitutions.This policy allowed the Gore

Brown Native Training School tobe established independently 13years later.It started with only 20 African

students at the PerseveranceTraining School in July 1935 andthey were accommodated on 29Lawson Street, Malay Camp,Kimberley.In January 1936 the school was

transferred to St. Matthew’sMissionary School, Barkly Road,where two rooms were utilizedfor the African students.The Gore Brown Native

Training School had alreadybeen in existence for three yearswhen at last all the classroomswere completed and ready foroccupation in January 1938.

The school was named afterBishop Wilfred Gore Brown,bishop of the Diocese of Kimber-ley and Kuruman of the AnglicanChurch. Ironically, DeputyMinister J.C. Smuts delivered theofficial opening address on 29October 1938.A total number of 2 977

students passed through the GoreBrown Native Training School inits two decades of existence from1935 to 1954.The school was closed again

due to the Group Areas Actimposed when the Nationalistgovernment came to power in1948. The Gore Brown TrainingSchool then moved to a sectionof Barkly Road High School,currently Tshireleco SecondarySchool, to be completely closedin 1960.“Declaring this school a

heritage site is an honour forthose teachers who received theirqualifications at the school/col-

lege. As well as the Africanteachers who made personal andfinancial sacrifices as no trainingfacilities were offered to themother than those available inhomelands/reserves,” saysArchie Jack, principal of Olym-pic Primary School.On 17 September 2001, the

Northern Cape EducationDepartment accepted the propos-al by the South African HeritageResources Agency to declare theGore Brown Native TrainingSchool, currently the OlympicPrimary School, as a ProvincialHeritage Site.After the closure of the Gore

Brown Native Training School,the building was occupied by theOlympic Primary School in 1961catering for the coloured learn-ers.It has been 13 years since the

school was declared a ProvincialHeritage Site and it has been aprimary school for 53 years.

Olympic Primary part of Kby history“Declaring this school a

heritage site is anhonour for those

teachers who receivedtheir qualifications at the

school/ college.As well as the Africanteachers who made

personal and financialsacrifices as there wereno training facilities that

were offered to themother than those

available in homelands/reserves.“

­ Archie Jack, principalof the Olympic Primary

School

THE underlying principles as towhy Droogfontein Solar Powerinitiated a thorough EarlyChildhood Development (ECD)study in the Frances BaardDistrict are all due to the highrate of extraordinarily disad-vantaged children in thecountry and the Northern Cape.This, it states, is largely as a

result of past policies and of asubstantively unequal society.The solar power project

revealed that the lives ofdisadvantaged children arecharacterised by a denial ofbasic needs, including healthcare and education, which arevital to the cognitive, physical,emotional and social develop-ment of children.“Our investments in the local

communities are substantial,especially when consideringthat we are committed to socialeconomic development pro-grammes during our 20 years ofoperations,” said MarionGreen-Thompson, economicdevelopment manager forDroogfontein Solar Power.She continued to say: “We

would like to get it right fromthe onset and not base our SEDprogrammes on assumptions;and for this reason we haveinvested in research studiesthat will allow us to design ourinterventions on facts.”Stakeholders and ECD centres

were identified through consul-tation with the Northern CapeEducation and Social Develop-ment Departments and wherestructured, qualitative inter-views were conducted with keystakeholders with regards toECD centres.”A total of 22 detailed inter-

views were conducted with 15ECD centres, in addition tothese interviews done withNPOs, the Provincial Depart-ment of Education, the SouthAfrican Police Service (SAPS),the ETDP Seta provincial office,the Frances Baard MunicipalOffices and the ProvincialDepartment of Social Develop-ment.The report conducted by the

Centre for Early ChildhoodDevelopment concluded that theprovision of further ECD

programmes in the FrancesBaard Municipality wasfundamental to socio andeconomic prosperity in thearea. Additional programmeswill also assist in the advance-ment of child rights andeliminating inequality. Invest-ment in the development, careand protection of children needsto be a priority in order toensure that communities can befurther developed.De Aar Solar Power has also

commissioned an ECD study toascertain the requirements inthe communities close to theproject. Findings will be used todevelop ECD programmes thatwill be funded by these twosolar power projects and toensure that the investmentsmade through the initiativeshave a substantial impact onchildren in these vicinities.“We have an opportunity to

make a real difference to thelives of thousands of childrenand in essence positively impacton a generation of youngpeople,” concluded Green-Thompson.

THE Khwe and !Xun communityin Platfontein welcomed theirgreening project participation inan effort to uplift their communi-ty.On 24 September, the world’s

first vegetable tree was unveiledat the annual Heritage Daycelebrations in Platfontein.The project is in partnership

with the SABC (Free State andNorthern Cape) in partnershipwith Spar Supermarket.This participation by Spar

allows for local growers to thus ineffect have a market and willingpartner in the process of promot-ing individual financial independ-ence and at the same timeaddressing the issues of environ-mental conservation and foodsecurity.At the only local school in

Platfontein, Spar has roped inThabo Olivier of Qalatala Projectsto plant a tree made from wastematerial and will produce spinach,tomatoes, chillies, gems and herbs.In addition to this, it will build

two mini-tunnels made exclusivelyfrom waste material.A water tank will also be set up

to assist in the harvesting of rainwater that will in turn supply thegarden with water.At XK FM, the two interns

Luckyboy and Mokete Hlaleledemonstrated their invention,a planter device/tool that allowsa user to plant up to 2 500 m2 perday and also fertilise the plantedcrop.They have named their inven-

tion the ’Hlalele African Multi-

planter which adjusts to allow forthe planting of maize, sunflower,pumpkins and beans.If each school had to cultivate

only one hectare and, assumingthat there are more than 6 000schools in South Africa, it ispossible to produce 420 000 000 kg(nearly half a billion kg) ofpumpkin alone in one season.Luckyboy and Mokete have just

completed their internship insustainable food production withspecial reference to using wastematerial and adhering to theprinciple Re-use, Reduce, Recycleand Up-cycle.The partnership with Spar

is unique as Spar in the FreeState and Northern Cape, withtheir participating stores,have agreed to buy vegetablesproduced by schools and privatebackyard growers for re-saleto the public if the growersproduce more than they needand their produce is of a superiorquality.XK FM is currently assisting the

local community women group tostart a self-sustainable craft workand established flea market thatSpar will assist to market.The SABC has developed strong

links with Platfontein’s Khwe and!Xun since it established a specialradio station for the community14 years ago.XK FM continues to shine

the light on this communityby highlighting their plightand initiating and supportingprojects aimed at uplifting thecommunity.

Join hands to upliftKhwe and !Xun

STANDING are from the left Thabo Olivier from Qalatala Projects andRefiloe Maraka, the SABC regional manager Radio Broadcasting Facili-ties; sitting: Luckboy and Mokete Hlalele showing their invention, aplanter tool named ‘Hlalele African Multiplanter. Photo: Supplied

Project makes difference

WHY Droogfontein Solar Power initiated a thorough Early Childhood Development (ECD) study in theFrances Baard District is all due to the high rate of extraordinarily disadvantaged children in the countryand the Northern Cape. Photo: Supplied

EXPRESS NORTHERN CAPE , WEDNESDAY 1 OCTOBER 2014 7

NEWS

} Boipelo Mere

IN an effort by Dimakatso Chinkuli, theWard 9 councillor, to make the Madridsoccer ground look decent and accessible,she urged soccer coaches in her ward todo a follow-up with the Sol Plaatje Munici-pality on the process of laying out anarticifial soccer pitch.

She made this plea during the trophyhand-over after the four teams thatparticipated in the Say no to GangsterismSoccer Tournament took each other headon for the cup.

The two-day tournament was hosted bythe local team Tshwaragano Stars.

“This tournament should not have beenplayed on such a bare field.

“The pitch was supposed to have beenlayed out already. I had made an appoint-ment for the coaches to go to the munici-pality, but they did not go,” said Chinkuli.

Emphasising that all stakeholders havethe will to change the world and make it abetter place to live in, Chinkuli promisedto do her utmost best to ensure that thesoccer field received an artificial soccerpitch.

The ward councillor highlighted thatthere was no doubt that tournaments likethese have the potential to curb the youthfrom gang-related activities which haveescalated throughout the province.

She expressed her appreciation towardsone of the parents, Irene Lemena (59), whotook her time to create a safe environmentfor the young players.

Lemena took it upon herself to clear theMadrid soccer field of stones and thorns inan effort to makethe tournamentsuccessful.

Quoting that achild in sport is achild out of court,she admitted toExpress NorthernCape that shesingle-handedlycleaned the soccerpitch to prevent thechildren fromgetting hurt.

She said she didnot have the goldand silver to showher support towardsthe tournament,and thus decided toplay a positive role.

“I am unemployedand spend thewhole day at home

doing nothing.“So when I heard about the tournament,

I took it upon myself to assist, due to thelove of soccer and my children, who arealso participating in the game,” saidLemena.

“Other parents passed by while I wasbusy cleaning the pitch with my rake andasked me how much I was being paid.

“Some were willing to help me, butwhen I mentioned that I was doing thework for free, they changed their minds.

“Some even said I was crazy.”According to Lemena her love for soccer

started during the years when her hus-band was a local soccer player.

She has learnt since then that localsoccer clubs needed as much support aspossible in order to grow.

The ward councillor emphasised thatparents like Lemena were needed, becausesupporting children in sport was encour-aged by all means.

“I did not expect such an activity to beplayed in my ward. You have reallyplayed, guys.

“Even the team from Welkom must bevery proud to tell their community thatthey have achieved a great deal out of thistrip to Kimberley,” she said to the partici-pating teams Bushbuck Rangers, Tshwara-gano All Stars, Bush Rangers fromWelkom and Sasol Chiefs from Ritchie.

Chinkuli was seen watching the tourna-ment from under a small umbrella in thehot sun.

She could not help herself from stretch-ing her neck endlessly to see the teamstake each other on.

Artificial pitch ‘necessity’

DIMAKATSO CHINKULI, Ward 9 councillor, wishes players of theTshwaragano All Stars good luck before the final game against theBush Rangers from Welkom.

DIMAKATSO CHINKULI, Ward 9 councillor, also made a referral to the shortage of stands and shade for the spectators. Photos: Boipelo Mere

8 EXPRESS NORTHERN CAPE, WEDNESDAY 1 OCTOBER 2014

} Sidwell Guduka

SEITATOLO MATSHABA has blamed theirpoor defending for their loss against theCedara College of Agriculture in the NationalAgricultural Colleges’ Soccer and NetballOrganisation (NACSNO) tournament finallast Friday.

The Glen College of Agriculture side wereunlucky to lose 21-27 to the KwaZulu-Natalside at Glen outside Bloemfontein.

The Free Staters were off to a strong start.They deservedly led 7-6 in the first quarter,but missed plenty of scoring opportunitiesthat would have wrapped up the game forthem in the second quarter – it ended 11-13in favour of Cedara.

The KwaZulu-Natal girls maintained theirlead in the third quarter (16-19), showingmore stamina and strength in play as theGlen girls waned towards the end.

Glen had won all their previous groupstage matches against the Taung College ofAgriculture (24-10), Marapyane College ofAgriculture (24-18), Owen Sithole College ofAgriculture (36-4) and Fort Cox College ofAgriculture (34-21).

In the semifinals, Glen overpoweredGrootfontein (30-25), a team made up ofplayers from the National Department ofAgriculture.

“We let ourselves down by not defendingwell and missing chances. But it happenedand we cannot change anything,” she said.

Star, as Matshaba is affectionately knownin netball circles, scored 19 goals in the final.For her efforts she was chosen as the bestplayer of the match.

“I have mixed feelings about the award. Iam happy to receive it, but I am sad we hadlost in the final. It would have been nice tolift the trophy,” said Matshaba.

Meanwhile, Glen College’s soccer team

defeated the Lowveld College of Africulture1-0 in the men’s final.

The week-long tournament, which washosted by the Free State Department ofAgriculture and Rural Development, provedto be a great success.

The event will be hosted by the Fort CoxCollege in the Eastern Cape next year.) For more stories, visit www.express-news.co.za.

Poor defenceblamed for defeat

VICTORS: TheGlen College of Agriculture’ssoccer teamcelebrating their finalwinwithMamiki Qabathe, MEC for Agriculture andRural Development in the Free State.

Photo: Abbey Sebetha/Bakonepix

‘Today was a tough game. We fought hard and triedour best, but lady luck was not on our side. We hadgood chances, particularly in the second quarter, butcould not convert them. Sometimes that happens insport. We are all disappointed about the loss be-cause the intention was to win the final. We had towalk past the cup but couldn’t hold it. We were soclose to winning the tournament.’ – Seitatolo Matshaba

For

mor

ene

ws

and

phot

osvi

sit

ww

w.e

xpre

ss-

new

s.co

.za