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North West provincial commissioner, Lieutenant General Zukiswa Mbombo, has commended the vigilant efforts of police offi cers stationed at Brits following the convictions of six people in one week for various offences.

Mbombo also welcomed the hefty sentences handed to two people were convicted for rape, kidnapping and robbery. In one case, the Ga-rankuwa Magistrates Court sentenced Piet Mokoena (34) to life imprisonment for rape, eight years for kidnapping and 16 years for three counts of robbery. Mokoena was sentenced on 28 August for these crimes, which he committed

between 2008 and 2012 in Letlhabile. The sentences will run concurrently. In another case, the same court sentenced a 39-year-old to life imprisonment for raping a 6-year-old minor. The girl was allegedly raped in 2008 in Maboloka village. The name of the accused cannot be disclosed to protect the identity of the minor. Meanwhile, the Klerksdorp Magistrates Court found sentenced a man to tem months imprisonment or a fi ne of R2 000 for theft and possession of a suspected stolen cellphone. According to police records, the man was working at the complainant’s house – located in the Lahoff area of Klerksdorp – as a gardener. He stole the cellphone in May this year while assisting the domestic worker to hang curtains. Acknowledging the efforts of the police, Mbombo notes that the convictions came as a result of long and thorough investigations as well as dedication to ensure that the accused get long jail terms. “We appreciate the hard work done by our members. We will also make sure that we will leave no stone unturned in an effort to put behind bars perpetrators, including those who commit offences considered to be petty, so that we can send a clear message that crime does not pay,” she said.

North West provincial commissioner, Lieutenant General Zukiswa Mbombo, has commended the vigilant efforts of police offi cers stationed at Brits following the convictions of six people in one week for various offences.

Mbombo also welcomed the hefty sentences handed to two people were convicted for rape, kidnapping and robbery. In one case, the Ga-rankuwa Magistrates Court sentenced Piet Mokoena (34) to life imprisonment for rape, eight years for kidnapping and 16 years for three counts of robbery. Mokoena was sentenced on 28 August for these crimes, which he committed

between 2008 and 2012 in Letlhabile. The sentences will run concurrently. In another case, the same court sentenced a 39-year-old to life imprisonment for raping a 6-year-old minor. The girl was allegedly raped in 2008 in Maboloka village. The name of the accused cannot be disclosed to protect the identity of the minor. Meanwhile, the Klerksdorp Magistrates Court found sentenced a man to tem months imprisonment or a fi ne of R2 000 for theft and possession of a suspected stolen cellphone. According to police records, the man was working at the complainant’s house – located in the Lahoff area of Klerksdorp – as a gardener. He stole the cellphone in May this year while assisting the domestic worker to hang curtains. Acknowledging the efforts of the police, Mbombo notes that the convictions came as a result of long and thorough investigations as well as dedication to ensure that the accused get long jail terms. “We appreciate the hard work done by our members. We will also make sure that we will leave no stone unturned in an effort to put behind bars perpetrators, including those who commit offences considered to be petty, so that we can send a clear message that crime does not pay,” she said.

Leseding News02 Leseding News - Brits26 September 2014

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

EditorLevy Mokwele

News EditorFarirayi Kahwemba

JournalistsKutlwano Motsepe

Production ManagerGillian Ryan

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

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

HERITAGE- MINDED: Themba Gwabeni from the North West Heritage Council (PHOTO: LEVY MOKWELE)FIREFIGHTER: MEC Wendy Nelson

Former Ngaka Modiri Miolema District Municipality Mayor and North West Heritage Council official Themba Gwabeni believes declaring the home of murdered AWB leader Eugene Terre’Blanche a heritage site will help in enhancing social cohesion in the Ventersdorp area of the North West province.

Terre’Blanche – a highly controversial figure owing to his perceived racist views on white superiority – was killed in his Ventersdorp home by two of his workers in April 2010. Before his death, the right wing AWB leader had become notorious in South Africa for terrorizing communities in the small Ventersdorp area while championing and promoting his views and ideology. Gwabeni – however – is of the view that the death of the AWB leader must be used as a foundation upon which to unite black and white community members of the North West province. Gwabeni explained that turning Terre’Blanche’s home into a heritage site would go a long way in bringing about peace and reconciliation as well as breaking racial barrier. “Terre’Blanche was very outspoken. He did not see a non-racial South Africa. He was prepared to do everything to stop the attainment of this freedom,” Gwabeni said. “Twenty years down the line I’m saying maybe it’s about time that we begin in the North West

to record our history, our heritage, to consult with the AWB to understand what their philosophy was and what was going through their minds.“All that I am saying is that as we look back at our history, we have to consider and preserve both the good and the bad so that future generations will be able to know what is happening during our times,” he added. Echoing similar sentiments, CEO of the National Heritage Foundation, Advocate Sonwabile Mancotywa said the foundation is also reviewing the manner in which some of the statues of former apartheid leaders were removed from the public galleries, as this was not done in line with the heritage protocol.“History is things that have happened no matter how bad they are, apartheid history is part of our history,” he said.

However, the proposal to recognise those who hurt and oppressed fellow South Africans, was received with scientism by among others, former PAC leader Phandelani Nefolovodwe. Nefolovodwe questioned the motive behind it. Gwabeni said contact has been made with the family of the controversial AWB leader over plans to turn their home into a national monument. “The process is ongoing and were are already discussing with the family so that we can find common ground,” he said.

In a move aimed at turning around the financial fortunes of the Madibeng Local Municipality, the North West Department of Finance will be deploying a team of officials to the local government body.

The officials have been given a mandate of assisting the municipality to recover the debt it is owed by residents, various institutions and other stakeholders. The officials will also be deployed to Rustenburg, Kgetleng-Rivier, Ditsobotla, Ramotshere Moiloa, Naledi, Lekwa-Teemane, Ventersdorp, Tlokwe, Matlosana and Maquassi Hills municipalities. The team will provide technical support to the municipalities to help them to be more effective in their debt recovery procedures. The officials will also reconcile debtor accounts where necessary, engage municipal management on the recommendations for buy-in, compile weekly progress reports as well as arrange and coordinate meetings with the affected stakeholders. The North West MEC for Finance, Economy and Enterprise Development, Wendy Nelson, said the intervention programme is aimed at assisting municipalities to collect long outstanding government debt as well as assisting them to resolve the disputed debt. “The Provincial Government is worried about the government debt owed to municipalities, which was standing at R410 million as at the end of 30 June 2014,” she said. Nelson further called upon the identified municipalities to support the initiative and provide necessary supporting documentation as and when required by the team.

For the programme to be effective, Nelson said, it is necessary for the departments of Local Government and Human Settlement, Health, Public Works and Roads and Education and Sport Development to also deploy officials for the speedy processing of payments. In the long run, the intervention will also aim to resolve the outstanding accounts of Eskom and other government parastatals. “It is vital that the provincial government embark on consultative engagements with water boards and Eskom to work on solutions to clear debts owed by municipalities,” Nelson said. “This process will commence in the next 30 days. This programme is also consistent with the fifth administration objective of reducing consultancy costs and heavy reliance on consultants,” she added.

farirai@lesedingnews.co.za Farirayi Kahwemba

03Leseding News - Brits 26 September 2014

Tshepo Rasmeni has one dream – making it big in the highly competitive hip hop music scene.

Known as El Ceasar among his peers and in the industry, the Freedom Park-born artist describes himself as “a talented rapper and producer” eager to leave an indelible mark in the industry. The young musician – who started his craft in 2004 – admits that he found the going a bit tough during those formative years. “I started rapping back in 2004 while I was still attending high school,” he said, in an interview with Leseding News. “Soon after matric, I formed a group which we named De Relatives League,” he added. The two projects that the group was involved in did not succeed. “We released two singles (Game and We stay top) but the crew fell apart in 2013. This was after the launch of our mixtape, “The Naked Eye Vol.1”. “There were issues that led us to split but the major one is that we had confl icting interests,” he added. Performing as a solo artist, El Ceasar has worked hard to establish himself in music circles. He said while the road has not always been easy, he has managed to learn some invaluable lessons while gaining the experience needed to not only survive but reach a stage where he can start to earn a living out of what he does. “I have performed In Cape Town in places such as Purple Turtle, Monreal Bar, Space Bar and the Royal Open Mic Sessions,” he said. “I have also performed at the Candle Light CD launch and at Bean n Pasco’s single launch. In addition, I have also performed at the Royal Chash Fam’s event, which was held last year on December 16. “This year, I performed at the Miss Platinum City, at the Civic centre on May 10. I also blazed the stage at the Arts and Culture Event held

at the Irish Mission Skul in Phokeng on June 16 this year,” he adds. He also performed at the No Limits Youth Netball Tournament, which was held in Freedom Park

El Ceasar is happy that he is fi nally getting some recognition from the local radio stations. “My current work is the hit single “Ngenzi’ mali” (I’m at work or I’m making money). It’s out already and people can listen to it on Mafi sa and North West fm, or they can simply download my music,” he said. The artist is grateful that his music is being listened to by a wider audience in an industry where very good upcoming performers are often side lined in favour of the so called “tried and tested” musicians. This side lining often discouraged developing artists into realising their full potential as they would feel that radio stations, booking agents and sponsors will always give preferential treatment to the household names of the industry. In South Africa – as is the case in many other countries – radio plays a very important role in the recognition and development of young, emerging musicians. “For us, it is important for radio stations to appreciate our work. It is diffi cult to get the recognition but once it starts happening, then the sky is the limit,” Tshepo explained. He encouraged other emerging artists to believe in themselves and their talent and work hard towards achieving their objectives. “Discipline is very important in this industry. If you believe you can make it, then you must not be discouraged or allow anyone or anything to put you off. “I am still learning and I hope other emerging artists will be encouraged by the small steps that I have made so far,” he said. If you are an artist from Rustenburg, Brits or anywhere in the North West and would like to be featured in the section, please e-mail us at news@lesedingnews.co.za or andre@lesedingnews.co.za

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.

Models aged between 17 and 30, who are interested in appearing in this space, are requested to phone 014 597 9980.

farirai@lesedingnews.co.za Farirayi Kahwemba

Leseding News04 Leseding News - Brits26 September 2014

Tree of the year 2014

The white ironwood (Vepris lanceolata) is mostly an

evergreen shrub or small tree of up to 5 m in height, but

can reach a height of 20 m in dry forest areas. The bark is

smooth and grey to dark grey in colour. The leaves are

trifoliolate, leathery, alternately arranged on the stem,

and hairless. The flowers are small, inconspicuous,

star-shaped and arranged in terminal heads or panicles

and are greenish yellow in colour. The male and female

flowers are borne on different trees. The white ironwood

flowers from December to March.

30 September 201410:00 – 12:00

Visitor Information Centre – VIC RustenburgNelson Mandela drive opposite the Wedge

Growing Trees,

Growing Tourism together –

for a better Tomorrow

Growing Trees,

Growing Tourism together –

for a better Tomorrow

You are hereby cordially invited to

join us in celebrating planting of

Tourism Trees Together.

RSVP before

19 September 2014

rustenburg.rata@gmail.com

Proudly hosted by Bojanala District

Municipality, Rustenburg Local

Municipality and RATA(NPO)

BROUGHT TO YOU BY THE BOJANALA PLATINUM DISTRICT MUNICIPALITY

05Leseding News - Brits 26 September 2014

Leseding News06 Leseding News - Brits26 September 2014

PLATINUM PEOPLE

“I enjoy taking pictures during strikes, especially when people barricade the road with burning tyres and when the police fi re at them with rubber bullets.”

These are the words of Andrew Mahlaba – who is making a name for himself as one of the top photographers in Brits and the North West province. The Brits area and other parts of the North West province have been known for being volatile owing to regular, often violent protests by members of the community. Service delivery strikes – that often lead to the loss of life – have become very common while political and union rivalry also makes these parts very dangerous for journalists and photographers. For Andrew – however – getting into the thick of the mayhem in order to capture the image, however violent, of such episodes has become his bread and butter. He has developed a thick skin and a genuine love for his work – something he says is a driving force in his life. Born on 22 March, 1973 at Makolokoe outside Bethanie in the North West, Andrew developed a keen interest in photography as he grew older. After studying photography at INTEC College, Andrew was further equipped with the skills to make an impression in his profession. “In 1999 I took pictures of the then Miss South Africa Peggy Sue Khumalo. This is when I really developed an interest in photography,” Andrew said. “I took these pictures while she was on a visit of Cleinfontein High School in Brits. It was an amazing experience because I discovered that photography gets you to meet a lot of high ranking people in society,” he added.

Andrew’s profi le continued to grow as he got involved in major events.

“In 2010, I was accredited by the South Africa Football Association (SAFA) to shoot the World Cup in South Africa. This is certainly one of the highlights of my career,” he explains. The following year, Andrew’s skill with the lens won him recognition during the North West Media Awards. “I won the best photographer of the year accolade, which was an achievement that

encouraged me to continue with my activities. “The next year, I was accredited by SAFA once again. This time it was to cover the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations event that was held in this country,” he revealed. This opened up doors for Andrew, who has since had the privilege of taking pictures of former South African presidents Nelson Mandela and Thabo Mbeki as well as a host of other well-known personalities. “I was infl uenced by Lefty Shivambu from Galo Image(S.A Top Sports Photographer), Joe Mokone (Pretoria News Photo Library assistant) as well as Elmond Giyane (GCIS C.E.O photo studio),” he said when asked about the people who played a prominent role in shaping some of his works. Among one of his major objectives is to shoot a documentary outside the country as well as to one day own his own photo museum. Besides being in the middle of danger, Andrew also takes pictures during social gatherings. “I do weddings, parties, church events, and company events. I have also had the fortune of traveling to other countries such as Botswana and Zimbabwe. These visits have really been an eye opener and enjoyable.” Andrew also enjoys mentoring other young, upcoming photographers – describing this as an important role. “To me it is very important to teach younger people the tricks of the trade. We were also taught by others and it is our duty and responsibility to impart this knowledge to young people that we come into contact with during our work,” he added.

07Leseding News - Brits 26 September 2014

farirai@lesedingnews.co.za Farirayi Kahwemba

WELCOME HOME: Allan Freese (left ) and Eleazar Rodgers (PHOTO: PLATINUM STARS)

FLASHBACK: Christo Peens being congratulated by the President of NWGU, Mr Peet van Schalkwyk. (PHOTO: NORTH WEST GOLF UNION)

The North West golf team will be going for top honours when they represent the province in the upcoming Mid-Amateur Interprovincial tournament, to be held at Middelburg Golf Club in Mpumalanga from 12 to 19 October.

Mid-Amateur golf – which is usually open to players aged 35 years or older – is becoming popular in South Africa with regular tournaments being held across the country. The interprovincial event in Mpumalanga is now one of the highlights of the Mid-Amateur South African golf calendar. The North West team – which is made up of Danie van Vuuren (captain), Christo Peens, Douglas McCabe, Gary Church, Marti n Walsh, Jan Greyling, Johan Krugel and Patrick Maichotlo – will be looking to hold their own against the other provincial teams from around the country. The local golfers, who will be managed by Coenie Schoonhoven, were selected shortly aft er a provincial tournament. This tournament – which was held at Orkney Golf Club on 27 July – was sponsored by Volvo with a total of 79 players taking part. The event was won by Peens, who is from Potchefstroom Country Club with a score of one under par 143. Brain Petersen of Central Gauteng came second on a score of level par, 144, while Douglas McCabe of Mooinooi Golf Club fi nished third. Speaking about the chances of the North West team winning the Mid-Amateur tournament in Mpumalanga, North West Golf Union president Peet van Schalkwyk revealed that the golfers were training hard ahead of the event. “I think the team has a very good chance of doing well. They are preparing for the tournament and they have our support,” he told Leseding News. The North West team will face a sti ff challenge from the Central Gauteng team, who are among the favourites to win the tournament. The Central Gauteng Golf Union recently announced the team that will be representi ng them at the golfi ng event. The team is made up of Steve Williams (captain), Sean Quigley, Leon de Lange, Kevin Sharp, Grant Wood, Clift on Stanley, Neil Fusedale, Norman Raad and Brett Langston.

Eleazar Rodgers – who made his debut for Platinum Stars in the team’s 3 – 1 defeat to SuperSport United – is hoping that his experience will help his new club to change their fortunes during the 2014/15 season.

Rodgers, a former Mamelodi Sundowns player, moved to Platinum Stars as part of a deal that will also see midfi elder Mogakolodi Ngele going to the Pitso Mosimane-coached team at the end of the season. Rodgers is hoping to get more game time at Platinum Stars, after having gone through a frustrating spell with his previous club where he failed to command a regular place. Platinum Stars coach Allan Freese, who introduced Rodgers as a second half substitute in the match against SuperSport is hoping that the player will form a deadly partnership with the likes of Ndumiso Mabena, Robert Ng’ambi and Lucky Nguzana. “He is a good player with a lot of experience. Let’s give him time to settle down and see how he can fi t into the team,” Freese said. It has been a frustrating season so far for Platinum Stars and hopes are high among their band of supporters that Rodgers will be able to

help them breathe life into their campaign. Last weekend, Platinum Stars watched the MTN8 fi nal between Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates from the side lines after they were knocked out of the competition in the semi-fi nals. This was a bitter pill to swallow for Freese and his men, who were the defending champions after winning the trophy last season. Currently, Platinum Stars are placed 10th on the log and will be looking to improve on their showing when the League matches resume. It is against such a background of development that Rodgers will be looking to make a positive impact in the team. Speaking about his experiences with Platinum Stars so far, Rodgers expressed confi dence about his new found role. “I am happy to move because if you look at the team itself, you see the guys are high in confi dence,” he said. “They are working hard and have ambitions. I believe I can fi t judging by their style of play,” he added. Rodgers spent six years with Santos before Mamelodi Sundowns lured him to Chloorkop. He failed to impress with less than 20 appearances for the Pretoria-based team. Last season, the striker spent a season on loan at Ajax Cape Town and is aware that he will have to keep on working hard if he is to command a regular starting place at Platinum Stars. However, Rodgers said he is ready for the competition, which he believes will improve the team’s standard of play.

farirai@lesedingnews.co.za Farirayi Kahwemba

08 Leseding News - Brits

After moving up two places in the latest Fifa world rankings, the senior national football team – Bafana Bafana – are now hoping to end the year on a positive not by winning their remaining international fixtures.

Bafana have moved up two places to number 67 on the world rankings, according to information that was released by the world football governing body earlier this month. The improvement in the rankings is largely as a result of their impressive showing in their 2015 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers. South Africa defeated Sudan 3 – 0 in their first qualifier before drawing 1 – 1 with Nigeria in their second match, which was played in Cape Town recently. South Africa – who are coached by Ephraim “Shakes” Mashaba – are now ranked 14th in Africa. Algeria, Côte d’Ivoire, Tunisia, Ghana and Senegal are ranked among the top five team in Africa, in that order. World champions Germany and beaten World Cup finalists Argentina remain the top two sides globally.South Africa will now be hoping to maintain their good form when they play their last three matches of the year. On 11 October Bafana will travel to Congo for a match against the Central Africans, who are yet to lose their qualifiers. Four days later, the will face the Congolese again in a reverse leg of the fixture. In November, Bafana will face Sudan to finish off their international commitments for the year. Mashaba underlined the importance of Bafana winning all their remaining matches of the season. He emphasized his desire to rebuild the national team into a football powerhouse – similar to the 1996 team that won the Africa Cup of Nations.

“The most important thing is to build a team that will bring us results consistently,” Mashas said. “We don’t want to win today, lose another two matches and draw the following match, we don’t want that. We need to come up with a team that will be consistent in their performance,” he added. South Africa failed to take part in the 2014 edition of the World Cup after they failed to qualify for the showcase. The last time they took part in the event was in 2010, as hosts. During that tournament, they were knocked out in the first round of the competition – becoming the first host country in the history of the tournament to fail to progress beyond the first stages.However, hopes remain high among their scores of supporters that Bafana will be successful in their rebuilding exercise. The major priority, for Mashaba and his coaching staff, is to make sure that they lead the team to next year’s Africa Cup of Nations.

HAPPY: The good times are back for Bafana fans (PHOTO: SUPPLIED)

SEEKING ASSISTANCE: Bridge Ramoroa from Bafokeng Crocodiles rugby club (PHOTO: FARIRAYI KAHWEMBA)

Bafokeng Crocodiles, a rugby club based in Phokeng, just outside Rustenburg, is hoping to secure sponsorship – a development it says will be a huge step towards realising its objective of becoming a fully-fledged professional outfit.

Established in August 2001, the club admits that the going has been tough and would like to establish a partnership with one of the local companies as part of its broader plans of eventually competing against the Leopards and other well-known clubs.

Bridge Ramoroa – the founder of the club – spoke to Leseding News about some of the challenges

that he is facing. However, he pointed out that his players continue to encourage him through the enthusiasm and passion they always show for the sport. Ramoroa, who has an International Rugby Board (IRB) level 2 coaching certificate as well as a sports management qualification, doubles up as coach of the club. “We are seeking sponsorship in the form of transport assistance,” Ramoroa told Leseding News. “Local companies can get mileage from sponsoring us. For example, they can provide a bus for us to travel in during our matches. “They can then put their branding on the bus, which means that they will benefit whenever we travel to take part in matches,” Ramoroa pointed out. “Transport has been a major challenge for us. If we manage to secure transport, then half of our challenges will be a thing of the past,” he added. Currently, the club is

made up of 29 players who come from Rustenburg, Phokeng, Chaneng, Luka and surrounding areas. Another problem being faced by the club is the lack of proper training facilities. “We do not have a stadium, or proper training ground of our own,” Ramoroa said. “At the moment, we are actually training on a piece of grass. We would like to speak to the relevant authorities so that we can set up our own rugby field. However, this requires money – which takes us back to the issue of sponsorship,” he added. “We have shown that we have the potential to excel if given the support. One of our players, Gopolang Molete, is now training with Free State Cheetahs and we have a number of other young, talented players who can go far. “If you would like to join us or get in touch with the club, please call 082 769 6614,” he said.

Provincial golf update – Page 7

Dikwena player aims high – Page 7