27 March 2015Volume 3 Week 13 www.lesedingnews.co.za - lesedingnews.mobi

BRITS

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ANC OFFICIAL IN COURT FOR ATTEMPTED RAPETokyo Mataboge, the ANC secretary for the Bojanala region, appeared before the Mahikeng Regional Court last week to face charges of attempted rape. Magistrate Chris Nel postponed the matter to 8 April to allow Mataboge’s lawyers to be present. “I will postpose this case to 8 April for the defence counsel to be present so that we can set a trial date,” Nel said. According to the allegations, a woman from Lethabong opened a case of attempted rape against Mataboge in November 2011 at Lethabong police station. However, she allegedly withdrew it after entering into an agreement with the accused. She reportedly reinstated the case after her contract was terminated in August 2013. Last year, Mataboge appeared briefly before the Rustenburg Magistrates Court but the case was withdrawn because the docket was not submitted.However, the case is now set to go ahead next month with Nel expected to deliver a ruling on the matter once the trial is completed.The trial appears to be dividing the ANC’s senior members in Rustenburg as some of them believe that Mataboge must step down from his position as regional secretary pending the outcome of the court case. His supporters, however, argue that he must step down only if the courts find him guilty. IN THE SPOTLIGHT: ANC regional secretary for Bojanala, Tokyo Mababoge (PHOTO: LESEDING NEW ARCHIVES)

BOJANALA EXPLAINS ‘IRREGULAR EXPENDITURE’

Members of the Bojanala Platinum District Municipality’s Municipal Public Accounts Committee (MPAC) came face to face with concerned residents who demanded to know how the local government body would handle an unauthorized expenditure of around R49 million. The sentiments came out during a MPAC public hearing which was held on 17 March at the Old Town Hall in Rustenburg.

MPAC chairman George Mathuse took charge of the hearing which was also attended by members of his committee and senior officials from the Bojanala Platinum District Municipality. During the hearing, Frans Rootman from MUNWATCH Ratepayers Association claimed that the district municipality’s annual report showed that there was a total of around R49 million in unauthorized expenditure. Rootman also wanted to know why the municipality’s annual report was not available on their website. “To those of us who have read the annual report, we feel that there are instances where the withholding of information can be seen as being deliberate,” Rootman said. “Firstly, the annual report is not on the website of the municipality. Bojanala has not dealt with the R49 million unauthorized expenditure. “In normal business practises, people who have used this money are supposed to be asked to pay it back. However, I am surprised that the municipality actually goes on to award performance bonuses to many of its employees. “The annual report does not warrant performance bonuses,” Rootman added. Another resident, Ben Motswai, asked the municipality about its progress regarding

some community projects it had initiated in Jericho, near Brits. Other residents also called upon the district municipality to make sure that the local municipalities improve their service delivery. In response, Bojanala Platinum District Municipality manager, Innocent Sirovha explained that a number of cost cutting measures were being implemented. “We have a telephone system that we are now using that will make sure that we cut on the expenses associated with phone calls,” Sirovha explained. “On the issue of unauthorized irregular expenditure, you must understand that there are times where we have to deal with unbudgeted issues that are very important. For example, we received a letter from the president requesting for us to provide transport for people attending the reburial of Moses Kotane. Are we supposed to say ‘no’?“During tragedies such as the one which occurred in Marikana, we spent a lot of money feeding people and this cannot be regarded as wasteful expenditure,” he added. Sirovha also explained that the district municipality had handed over a number of its community projects to the relevant local municipalities.

EXPRESSING A POINT: MPAC Chairperson George Mathuse (PHOTO: FARIRAYI KAHWEMBA)

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FIREMEN TO THE RESCUEOn Sunday, 8 March, the Rustenburg Shoprite Super store, situated at the corner Oliver Tambo and Kerk streets, was virtually saved by the Rustenburg Local Municipality’s Fire Department from being completely gutted down by fire. The fire started as a smoke around 16h48 before the municipality’s Fire Department was called to the scene and put out the inferno. (PHOTO: THAPELO MATEBESI

Tuckshop owner robbedPolice have arrested a 38-year-old man in connection with an incident of armed robbery in Luka Village, just outside Phokeng. According to the police, the robbery took place on 4 March at around 21h00 at a tuck-shop located in in the Tau section. “It is alleged the owner was about to close the shop when four suspects entered under the pretext of buying. They allegedly pointed the owner with a firearm and forced him to lie down,” police spokesperson Colonel Sabata Mokgwabone said. “According to the report, the victim was

assaulted with a firearm butt for refusing to obey theinstructions. “The suspects then allegedly robbed him of an unspecified amount of cash and cigarettes and fled the scene with a Volkswagen Polo car,” Mokgwabone added. A manhunt was launched and one of the suspects was arrested. The suspect is due to appear before the Bafokeng Magistrates Court in Tlhabane to face charges of armed robbery. The police – who are still investigating the case – are yet to make further arrests.

Leseding News02 Leseding News - Brits27 March 2015

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

EditorLevy Mokwele

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NEW SERVICE STATION OPENS IN BRITS Total Keyarona – a new service station

located at the corner of the R556 highway and Bathong road in Brits – is now open for business. “This is a new service station in the area bringing you a convenient shopping and filling up experience for 24 hours through the whole week,” Noma Vuimazonke of Total said. “The community is invited to visit the site anytime to enjoy the in-store promotions at the Bonjour shop,” she added. If you would like to keep abreast of updates, you can follow TOTAL on its Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/TotalSouthAfrica or via Twitter on @TotalSAfrica. You can also download the TOTAL app at www.total.co.za to keep updated with the new developments at your site.

WATER SUPPLIES RESTORED IN LETLHABILEParts of Letlhabile, just outside Brits, are receiving water following protests by residents in the area last week, the department of water said in a statement. “At the moment water is available in parts of Letlhabile,” spokesman Sputnik Ratau said. “It is necessary for the officials to access and start the water pumps that will feed water to the elevated tanks that give access to zones G and H.” Eighteen people were arrested for allegedly looting foreign-owned shops recently. They were released on a warning by the Brits Magistrate’s Court on Thursday. The group was arrested in Maboloka village. Their protest was sparked by a shortage of water in Jericho and Letlhabile. In February residents of Majakaneng, south of Brits, protested about water supply.

Four people died in Mothotlung, Madibeng,

during a protest over access to water in 2014.

Ratau said that the optimisation of the Brits water treatment plant had already started and was already showing benefits. He said restoring water services to the

affected areas included the enhancement of local municipality’s capacity. “The MECs indicated their intention to visit the Brits Water Treatment Works and the Hartbeespoort Dam in the near future to look at what progress is being made regarding their operation,” Ratau said.

It is necessary for the officials

to access and start the water

pumps that will feed water to the elevated tanks that give access to zones

G and H.

“

“

CLAMPDOWN ON ILLEGAL TREE CUTTERSThe Madibeng local municipality has intensified its clampdown on people who are illegally cutting down trees in the Hartbeesspoort area. Scores of people were recently arrested by the police during the clampdown, which also involves environmental officials. The environmental officials came across stockpiles of wood such as a number of properties in the area during the raids. Madibeng local municipality spokesperson, Lebogang Tsogang, hopes that the raids will help them to rein in on deforestation, which has a negative effect on the environment. “The people who are going about cutting down trees are doing these activities illegally and they will be apprehended if they are found engaging in this practice,” Tsogang said. “We hope that these raids will discourage people from damaging our environment. It is important for all of us to play a part in preserving our environment for our own benefit and that of future generations,” she added. Tsogang encouraged people living in and around Hartbeespoort to buy their firewood from legitimate businesses

send your stories to: news@lesedingnews.co.za

0313 March 2015Leseding News - Brits

BALLADE VIR N ENKELINGThis movie is based on a book written by local author Leon van Nierop, and the 1980’s tv series it spawned. This drama focuses on the mysterious disappearance of celebrated writer Jacques Rynhard (Armand Aucamp), and the investigative hunt for him launched by journalist Carina (DonnaLee Roberts). Christa Visser, Rolanda Marais and Jacques Bessenger co-star.DIRECTED BY: Quentin KrogPRODUCED BY: Danie Bester

HOME After an overly-optimistic, yet inept alien race called the Boov led by Captain Smek (Steve Martin) invades Earth to make it their new home. They also invade the planet to hide from their mortal enemies, a resourceful human girl named Tip (voiced by Rihanna) avoids capture and embarks on the road trip of a lifetime with a banished Boov named Oh (voiced by Jim Parsons), who accidentally notifies the enemies of their whereabouts.DIRECTED BY: Tim JohnsonPRODUCED BY: Christopher Jenkins,Suzanne Buirgy

HOME

HOME STARS RIHANNA,

JIM PARSONS, JENNIFER LOPEZ,

AND STEVE MARTIN

BOJANALA FILM WEEK LAUNCHEDThis year’s edition of the Bojanala Film Week – which has become the premier cinematographic event in the North West province – was launched at the Waterfall Mall in Rustenburg on Wednesday. The launch was spiced up by the showing of the movie, Here Me Move, which was written by Wandile Molebatsi. Temporary electricity failure during the launch did not dampen the spirits of the people who attended the launch. Kea Malao, one of the organizers of the event, set the tone of the film week by explaining the relevance of the event. “I would like to thank everyone who came through last night to make our film week a success. It really meant a lot to us especially when you patiently waited for Eskom to restore electricity. Thank you very much for supporting the vision and empowering us with your presence,” Malao said. The film week – which started on Wednesday – will end on Sunday and is already attracted a lot of people who are eager to learn as much as they can about the local film industry. Backed by the Department of Arts, Culture and Traditional Affairs, the film week is also supported by the National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF). During this year’s event, the NFVF will is hosting a series of workshops in screenwriting, producing and directing, as well as an introduction to the film industry session. These workshops are being conducted by well-known film and TV personalities. As with the previous film weeks, the attendance is very high, making it possible to fulfil the aim of the campaign, which is motivating young people more particularly those from disadvantaged communities within Bojanala District Municipality.The workshops are focusing on the key areas

that are necessary in film production to equip students with relevant capacity that will assist them as they embark on their work. Bojanala Film Week is of paramount importance for the NFVF as it integrates youth involvement in the film industry, more largely youths from deprived communities.“The film week continue to grow from strength to strength each year. We hope to reach out to as many young people who are interested in film related activities as possible this year,” Malao said.

SOUL CHAP HAS A PASSION FOR HOUSE MUSIC Born Lesole Gobumang, Soul Chap is a well driven and determined house music producer. Growing up in the Tlokweng area of the North West province as the first born of two siblings, Lesole developed an early, keen interest in music. His love for music continued to develop while he was in primary school where he was asked to sing for the school choir. As he became one of the star performers in the school choir, he knew that he would follow a career in music circles. He then joined the teenage group at his church called Masolenyana. The group focused all of its energy on making sure that teenagers are able to recognize their talent. Soul Chap also did acting, dance, poetry, and other activities. However, music remained his true love and time went on, he joined a youth group called Chiro. He is considered as one of the best djembe drum players in that group. This year, Soul Chap released a track called Tlokweng vibes which he dedicated to his village for been supportive. “Many more tracks are still coming. I want my

Popular musician Dr. Malinga will be one of the prominent performers during a music Easter festival that will be held at Mogwase Stadium. The Mogwase Easter Family Festival, from 4 to 6 April, will also feature artists such as Candy Tsamendebele, Kelly Khumalo, Badimo Jazz Band and Busiwa. Kefilwe Motloba from Genplay – who is one of the organisers of the event – explained that the festival will be held to honour struggle icon Moses Kotane, whose remains were recently buried in Phela. Motloba said: “This festival will provide a crucial stepping-stone for young musicians from 109 villages of Moses Kotane municipality.” “The up and coming local artists will have an opportunity to showcase their talents during the festival as most notable musical talents cut their teeth playing illegal and underground shows because of lack of performance venues and legitimate opportunities. “Genplay is passionate about supporting and showcasing these vulnerable artists with strong artistic and commercial potential and that is the reason it has initiated events like the Mogwase Easter Festival.” Motloba believes hopes that the event will – in the long run – draw together tourists, local people, business, youth, community organizations, media and visitors from all over the country including from Botswana on an annual basis. “Since this festival will attract visitors who will spend money, we hope to boost the local economy both on and off the festival site. “Genplay recognizes the importance of this local village festival in terms of the social, cultural and economic contribution it will make to the Moses Kotane municipality,” she said.

music to be recognized and I will work hard to accomplish that because music is who I am and my hard work will pay me,” he said.“I am not doing music for fame but because of the love I have for house music”.Soul Chap is currently working on a new project with NairaBanks from DeepSoul RadioCast. He hopes to secure a recording deal so that he can do more of what he likes and follow his passion. For updates and latest tracks of Soul Chap please like the Facebook page SOUL CHAP SA or just enter this web address www.facebook.com/soulchap Your support would be highly appreciated

DR MALINGA TO ROCK EASTER FESTIVAL

DRAWCARD: Dr. Malinga (PHOTO: SUPPLIED)

Leseding News04 Leseding News - Brits27 March 2015

The Congress of South African Trade Unions (Cosatu), together with the alliance, is going back to the expensive toll gate at Swartruggens to continue with its program to put pressure on the government to implement their resolution on reducing the fees at the Swartruggens toll gate. Cosatu says the toll gate is the most expensive toll gate in the country. Cosatu North West provincial secretary – Solly Phetoe – revealed that the trade federation

would not rest until the toll gate costs are reduced downwards. “It is on record that our provincial government and legislature of the North West resolved in 2014 that the toll fees must be reduced from R75 to R58,” Phetoe said. “It was also agreed that there must be a fl at rate for everyone who uses the toll gate and also that the matter of extending the radius must be discussed in the task team meeting which includes the discount of the areas surrounding Zeerust, Groot Marico and Kgetleng, and that it must cover everybody, not only farmers who have been benefi ting from day one of the toll gate by paying R3,R4 and R17 as per the discount arrangement which excluded poor farm workers in particular,” he added. “We call on all workers and all motorists to support our action as it benefi ts them also. Sanral and Bakwena are making a lot of money, while poor communities benefi t nothing from the toll gate or from the current

construction project that is taking place on the N4 road. “Only people from outside the NW province are benefi ting. There is no social responsibility that is taking workers and community out of poverty, while capitalists such as Bakwena are making lots of profi t using the African name. “We are going back to the expensive toll gate, calling on the provincial government t o implement its decisions as per the premier’s pronouncement during his state of the province address on 6th March 2015. We call on the ministerial task team to be convened by the offi ce of the Minister of Transport to deal with implementation of the matter,” he added. Phetoe said the task team must meet to deal with the outstanding issues and to make sure that the

program is concluded. “We have been meeting in the task team since 2012 and we are not making any progress except only the pronouncement by the provincial government that they agree with COSATU and the alliance to reduce the toll fee. We want action,” Phetoe charged.

Cosatu protests ‘high’ toll gate charges

Three men convicted of killing a taxi owner will be sentenced by the North West High Court, sitting in Mogwase, on Monday. China Moloi (39) Nkululo Vava (29) and Dalikhaya Nompojwane were found guilty of killing taxi owner Sello Peter Mogale(62) at his home in Phokeng in January 2014, Colonel Sabata Mokgwabone said on Thursday. Moloi was found to have instigated the murder and sold his Corsa bakkie to pay his friends R20,000 for the crime. On January 15 last year, Vava and Nompojwane met Moloi at his home, not far from Mogale’s home. “They all went to the victim’s house where,

on arrival, they cut the fence to gain entrance and hid themselves in the yard and waited for the victim to return home. “It was upon arrival of the victim that the trio, who were all armed with fi rearms, shot the deceased several times as he got out of the vehicle inside the garage,” Mokgwabone said. The murder was motivated by a taxi route dispute. Moloi bought a minibus taxi which he forcefully tried to operate on routes in Phokeng without the approval of the local association, of which Mogale was a member. They were arrested at the Rustenburg taxi rank, Freedom Park informal settlement and Sefi kile village, near Swartklip.

A swift reaction by Rustenburg Flying Squad led to arrest of four suspects aged between 48 and 55, and recovery of two stolen motor vehicle along N4 road in Brits. According to the police, it is alleged that a new Ford Ranger was being delivered at one of the dealers when unknown man wearing the uniform looking like the one of the delivery staff drove off with the car.The Flying Squad were alerted about the crime and the suspects, two males and females were successfully traced and apprehended. “Upon arrest, they were found towing a stolen car with a Nissan Navara which was also found to be stolen. According to the information, one male suspect was arrested at the dealership later after being linked to the crime. “The suspects are due to appear in Rustenburg Magistrates’ Court soon. In Schweizer-Reneke, police arrested two male suspects aged 27 and 37 for theft of 21 sheep. “The arrest came after the police made

a follow up on the information that there were people suspected to be stealing sheep in Ipelegeng location just outside Schweizer-Reneke. According to the information, the police allegedly spotted the bakkie with sheep loaded at the back and tried to stop it,” Col Sabata Mokgwabone, a police spokesperson, said. “It is alleged that a car chase ensued until at a gravel road heading towards Amalia where the car hit a tree. It is further alleged that three suspects got out and ran away. The police chased them and one of the members managed to catch the suspect who was the driver of the car. “It is alleged that the police and the suspect wrestled and in the process a bullet went out and the suspect was fatally wounded,” he added. A charge of murder has been registered and the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) are conducting investigations. The two suspects are expected to appear in Schweizer-Reneke Magistrates’ Court soon where they will face a charge of stock theft.

LEADING THE PROTEST: Cosatu North West provincial secretary, Solly Phetoe

are making lots of profi t using the African

“We are going back to the expensive toll gate, calling on the provincial government t o implement its decisions as per the premier’s pronouncement during his state of the province address on 6th March 2015. We call on the ministerial task team to be

Phetoe said the task team must

fee. We want action,” Phetoe charged.

FIGHTING CRIME: Colonel Sabata Mokgwabone (PHOTO: FARIRAYI KAHWEMBA)

Schweizer-Reneke, police arrested two male suspects aged 27 and 37 for theft of 21 sheep. “The arrest came after the police made

The two suspects are expected to appear in Schweizer-Reneke Magistrates’ Court soon where they will face a charge of stock theft.

Four nabbed for stolen cars Levy Mokwele

levy@lesedingnews.co.za

“Taxi killers” to be sentenced

27 March 2015Leseding News - Brits 05

HOER VOLKSKOOL POTCHEFSTROOM IMPRESS IN T20 CHALLENGE

The Coca-Cola Schools T20 Challenge was played recently at the University of Stellenbosch. Hoer Volkskool Potchefstroom shocked everyone and qualified for the National Finals to represent the Gauteng Lions for their first time. They were recognized by Coca-Cola and the Bizhub Highveld Lions on the 25th March and Rassie van der Dussen from the Lions was there to give them their recognition caps.Against all odds Hoer Volkskool Potchefstroom qualified for the National finals by beating King Edwards VII in their franchise final to represent the Bizhub Highveld Lions. Just to compete in the finals made them school heroes. The National finals did not turn out as well as they hoped and the players that they expected to shine in the national finals struggled against the big names of school cricket. The only managed to win one game and that was against Grey College in Bloemfontein that is not just a great rugby school but they excel at other sports including cricket.Louis van Schalkwyk was their leading run scorer hitting 108 runs including a top score of 44 against Grey College and he was their second best bowler with 5 wickets at an average of 21.8, Louis is only 16 years old so he will be back at the end of the year to play in 2015/16 Coca-Cola Schools T20 Challenge. Other players that performed at the tournament were David Crowther who took 6 wickets at an average of 15.5 with his best

figures of 2/27 against Grey College and Charles Louw who scored 97 runs with a top score of 45 which was the highest individual score in the tournament for the team.Hoer Volkskool Results: Hilton College (Dolphins) 175/3 (Morris 52*, Curtis 47, Jewels 46) Volkskool Potchefstroom 119 all out (5 run outs) Hilton won by 56 runs. Potchefstroom Volkskool 130/5 (Von Abo 31, Dreyer 25; Van Schlakwyk 44, Swanepoel 2/18). Grey College (Knights) 126/6 (Crowther 3/27). Potchefstroom won by four runs.Menlo Park (Titans) 112/7 (Viljoen 30, Foxcroft

47; Van Schalkwyk 4/26; Louw 2/10, Crowther 2/12). Potchefstroom Volkskool 104/7 (Louw 45, Crowther 23; Britz 2/15, Viljoen 2/19).Menlo Park won by 13 runs.Volkskool Potchefstroom 84 all out (Lane 3/11) St Andrews Grahamstown (Warriors) 85/1 (Lane 33) St Andrews won by 9 wicketsPotchefstroom Volkskool 132/6 (Von Abo 25, Louw 33, Van Schalkwyk 30; Pretorius 2/17, Thain 3/26). Paarl Boys’ High (Cobras) 137/5 (Kotze 42, Wubberling 38; Crowther 3/28). Paarl Boys’ Hugh win by 5 wickets.

NWU STUDENT AWARDED FOR ENTREPRENEURIAL EXCELLENCE

In another first for the Vaal Triangle Campus of the North-West University

(NWU Vaal), the Vanderbijlpark Chamber of Commerce recently awarded the prestigious Sakkie Jacobs floating trophy to Nceba Magodla for entrepreneurial excellence. Nceba is a honours student in Entrepreneurship and Marketing within the Faculty of Economic Sciences and Information Technology.The twenty-three year old Nceba is no stranger to entrepreneurship and is the proud owner of no less than two start-up business ventures. The one venture sees him teaming-up with his elder sister, Yandisa Nohe (37), for a very lucrative executive transport service to and from the OR Thambo International Airport to various hotels and conference venues in and around Sandton.With regards to his second and latest business venture, Nceba doesn’t want to let too much out of the bag. All that he is willing to say is that it is “his greatest venture yet” and that he is in talks with the Department of Rural Reform and Agriculture in the Eastern Cape to help in facilitating the venture. Nceba – who hails from the Eastern Cape, is a strong believer in the philosophy of knowledge sharing and henceforth he is committed to plough back his knowledge, skills and entrepreneurial “know-how into his community. “Nceba is currently the Chairperson of the Young Entrepreneur Business Organisation – or YEBO as it is more popularly known as, on the Vaal Triangle Campus. This student organisation enjoys affiliation from the bHive Enterprise Development Centre (EDC) and the Student Representative Council (SRC) and represents a one-of-its-kind entrepreneurial hub for young graduates. YEBO aims to improve entrepreneurship awareness among young people and by doing so influence them into having a positive outlook on business ownership. As for his plans for the nearby future, Nceba is planning to finish his Master’s degree in Entrepreneurship in 2016.During the recent gala event of the Faculty of Economic Sciences and Information Technology - during which various academic achievers were recognised for their achievements, the Vanderbijlpark Chamber of Commerce awarded the Top Entrepreneur of 2014/2015 with the Sakkie Jacobs floating trophy.The award was handed over by Sakkie Jacobs –the founding member of the Vanderbijlpark Chamber of Commerce, and Hester Davis, the current Chairperson.

SUCCESSFUL: Nceba Magodla with Vaal Triangle business legend, Sakkie Jacobs (PHOTO: SUPPLIED)

Music composer Lebohang Morake (left) shakes the hand of Kgosi Nyalala Pilane of the Bakgatla Ba Kgafela community dueing the recent tourism Lekgotla in Moruleng (PHOTO: SUPPLIED)

SHAKING HANDS HEALTH DEPARTMENT PROBES DEATHSThe Department of Health in the North West is investigating the death of four people who died after ambulances were prevented from taking them to hospital during last week’s water protests in Letlhabile and Jericho near Brits.Thirty-three-year-old Minah Motlhamme was laid to rest over the weekend after she died while awaiting an ambulance at Letlhabile Clinic. She was admitted to hospital due to breathing complications.Provincial health spokesperson Tebogo Lekgethwane says a pregnant woman also died while being attended by nurses on the day.The new born baby also died.Lekgethwane believes their lives could’ve been saved should the organisers of the protests allowed the ambulances to enter the area.“Unfortunately because of the public service delivery protests in the area, an ambulance was stopped for five hours. “The patient was very critical such that her arrival at the hospital was very late for our medical personnel to help the patient. “The second incident was that of the patient in Jericho, when an ambulance was blocked. The department is engaging all the relevant structures,” adds Lekgethwane.

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Leseding News06 Leseding News - Brits27 March 2015

OF ORDINARY COUNCIL MEETING FOR TABLING OF THEDRAFT ANNUAL BUDGET, IDP, POLICIES AND

BY-LAWS FOR 2015 / 2016

Council of Moses Kotane Local Municipality will have the ordinary Council meeting on Tuesday, 31 March 2015 at 10h00 at the

Chambers in Mogwase to consider the following items:Dra� Annual Budget and related Policies &

By-Laws for 2015/ 2016Integrated Development Plan for 2015/ 2016

Municipal Public Accounts Committee’s Oversight Report on Annual Report 2013/ 2014

This notice is given in terms of the following legislations:Section 22 and 129 of the Local Government: Municipal

Finance Management Act, 2003 (Act No 56 of 2003)Section 19 and 21A of the Local Government:

Municipal Systems Act, 2000 (Act No 32 of 2000)Meeting is open to members of the public, media, the O�ice of the Auditor-General and any other organ of State who wish to

attend to observe proceedings of Council.Issued by: Beauty Makganye

Moses Kotane Local Municipality: A caring and responsive municipality that is best to live in, work for and

do business with.

RaiN gives BiRth to fouR cuBs

A cheetah captured by the Department of Rural, Environment, and Agricultural Development captured in February 2014 and later named Rain has given birth to four cubs in the Pilanesberg National Park.Rain was captured on farmland in the Nietverdiend area of the North West province. At that time, it was reported to being regularly seen along a gravel road and farmers expressed concern that it may impact heavily on their local game species. This forced the department to embarked on a routine Damage Causing Animal (DCA) management and the animal was caught shortly afterwards, and sent to the holding bomas at the Madikwe Game Reserve. According to information made available by the department, the cheetah remained in the bomas for a few months, and during that time decisions had to be made as to where it was to be released, mindful of a number of factors, not least of which is the rarity of female cheetahs and the demand that there is for them. “After weighing up various factors (i.e. prey density, competitor density, other provinces), the biggest risk was in fact the immobilisation and transport to the chosen destination – Pilanesberg National Park. “It was released during the month of April 2014 with a satellite collar which downloads

four locations per day, and she was named Rain,” said the department in a statement. It is suspected that Rain probably mated with two males of a coalition that may have entered the park from the outside.She was suspected to be denning during the November 2014, and this was deduced from judicious interpretation of her satellite downloads, and camera traps were placed close to her den sites so as to obtain footage of her anticipated litter. A maximum of four cubs were seen from the downloaded camera trap footage, though this number can change with the passage of time as they come to terms with the vagaries with life in the wild. Ecologists were surprised that she in fact did last so long in a reserve with a high lion density, and unlike wild dogs, cheetahs are unobtrusive, inconspicuous large carnivores that can in fact persist reasonably well with the presence of lions, which is what has been recently been found to be the case with Serengeti cheetahs. “The success of the spawning of the Pilanesberg National Park cheetah population is attested to the jointly co-ordinated management between the Directorate of Biodiversity Management in the Department as well as the North West Parks and Tourism Board,” said the department.

“ A maximum of four cubs were seen

from the downloaded camera trap footage, though this number can change with the passage of time as they come

to terms with the vagaries with life in

the wild.”

MOTHER NATURE: Rain attends to her cubs (PHOTO: SUPPLIED)

sos kids cLeaN up cRocodiLe RiveRGiving back to the community that supports them is exactly what the youth from the SOS Children’s Village in Rustenburg did, by embarking on a 16-kilometre river clean-up of the Crocodile River, running through the Renosterspruit Conservancy down to the Bobbejaan’s Kloof Resort. The clean-up project was organised by the HSBC Independent Living Youth programme and took place on 22 March. It was partnered by the SOS Children’s Villages and the Hermann Gmeiner Adult Training Centre, and included contributions from a

number of organisations including HSBC, Phaladingwe Adventures and Renosterspruit Nature Conservancy. “The aim of this project is to teach our youth the importance of water conservation and improving water quality by raising environmental awareness through education and prevention,” explained Dr. Rene Robinson, Director of SOS Training Centre The clean-up project focused on encouraging youth to reduce and recycle pollution, promote safe clean waterways and healthier drinking water.

27 March 2015Leseding News - Brits 07

08 Leseding News - Brits27 March 2015

WAITING: Former Platinum Stars coach Cavin Johnson (PHOTO: FARIRAYI KAHWEMBA)

KLEINHANS, DE GROOT PREPARE FOR A MONSTER

Other than their love for the sport of mountain biking, Erik Kleinhans (RECM) and Robyn De Groot (Ascendis Health) have another thing in common. On Saturday, 23 May they will both make their debut at one of South Africa’s most revered one day mountain bike races, the FNB Magalies Monster Mountain Bike (MTB) Classic presented by ISUZU. “I know that the FNB Magalies Monster is a beast,” says De Groot. “I try to take part in a few new events each year, this adds to the adventure. I have heard super things about this race. The 80km Monster isn’t for the faint-hearted and features some good climbing and technical riding. “I am looking forward to the challenge. My goal will be to race as best I can, perform as best I can and have fun,”

De Groot added. According to Kleinhans, this will be the first time that he takes part in an event in this area. “I’ve heard that the route is hilly, rocky and quite technical. This sounds like my type of riding. I am definitely looking forward to taking part in something different. “Stillwater Sports’ events are always well organised. I am looking forward to a new challenge, as it always helps to keep things exciting. “Apart from a good social experience almost always offered by mountain biking, racing is my profession. I hardly ever line up for a race without a top result in mind,” he said.The FNB Magalies Monster encompasses all the key elements of a successful MTB Race, namely; scenic beauty, technicality, toughness

and the sense of accomplishing something unique. The event was affectionately named after the “Monster”, which is a 9km gruelling climb up the northern slope of the Magaliesberg, which riders of the 80km route encounter. The Magalies Monster gives riders the opportunity to experience the real beauty of the Magaliesberg Mountains with amazing rock formations and pristine vegetation as well as magnificent views of the Buffelspoort Valley. Riders can expect a real challenge as the terrain of the area lends itself to tough and technical riding! A hugely popular event on the MTB calendar, conquering the Monster is seen as a real accomplishment in the world of Mountain Biking. This year’s event promises to be the best ever.

JOHNSON READY TO RETURN TO STARS farirai@lesedingnews.co.za

Farirayi Kahwemba

farirai@lesedingnews.co.za Farirayi Kahwemba

Cavin Johnson has revealed that he has not yet been formally approached by his former club Platinum Stars but is not ruling out a possible return to the Rustenburg-based side. Johnson and Ian Palmer are being linked with the Platinum Stars hot seat after the club put coach Allan Freese on ‘special leave’ last week due to poor results. Freese – who is likely to know his fate in the coming days – is largely believed to be on his way out of the club as he has lost the confidence of his employers after failing to achieve positive results. In an interview with Leseding News, Johnson says he has fond memories of his time at Platinum Stars but is quick to point out that he would only consider taking up his old job if an official offer is tabled. “At the moment, there is nothing my friend. They have not approached me so there is no offer to talk about. Maybe there is something going on in the background, I don’t know“If they had approached me they would have released a statement and I would have said something as well,” Johnson said. Asked whether he would consider returning to the club, Johnson said: “I have good memories of my stint with Platinum Stars, always. We put up a good football philosophy there and we played well. “It is the same when I was at SuperSport United. We put up a good football philosophy and, yes, these things remain with you as memories.“You do not forget such things. However, like I said, it is premature to talk about my return to the club as things stand at the moment.” Platinum Stars, who will not be winning any silverware this season, are now focusing on making sure that they avoid being relegated to the less fashionable world of Division one football.

IN ACTION: ERIC negotiates the course (PHOTO: JETLINE ACTION PHOTOS