Tears for Coligny "sunflower" teen - FREE COPY - North West Provincial Government
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FREE COPY
JUNE 8 2018
THE OFFICIAL BOKONE BOPHIRIMA GOVERNMENT NEWSPAPER www.semphetenews.co.za @semphetenews Semphete Bokone Bophirima
Tears for Coligny “sunflower” teen
MPLs happy
PPC e tsenya All the
with Health
seatla go SAMA24
turnaround
tshegetsa thuto glam
plan
Page 6 Page 7 Page 8 and 9
TOGETHER WE MOVE BOKONE BOPHIRIMA FORWARD
2 June 8 2018
@semphetenews Semphete Bokone Bophirima www.semphetenews.co.za
Witness in Coligny “sunflower”
trial breaks down in court
The state’s key witness Bonakele Pakisi couldn’t hold tears back when
The two murder accused Phillip Schutte and Pieter Doorewaard are
he told the court what he saw on the day teenager Matlhomola
standing trial at the North West High court in Mahikeng
Moshoweu was killed
Photo by Mpho Bilwane
Photo by Mpho Bilwane
Nthusang Lefafa in his possession. There was a child in me inside the water. The third man then to rest. When I woke up, I went to the
the bakkie with Accused 2 (Schutte) and instructed Doorewaard not to shoot be- police station. The female officer did not
A
another man who is not appearing before cause people would hear the gunshots. want to take my case as she said I was
key witness in the Coligny the court. Schutte then came towards me We went out of the water and Schutte drunk. On Saturday morning at about
“sunflower” murder trial broke and repeatedly asked what I had seen. forced me to drink a beer at gun point,” 3:50am, the suspects visited me at my
into tears while testifying at the I told them that I did not see anything,” the witness said. home. Doorewaard was in possession of
North West High Court in Ma- Pakisi told the court. The suspects then proceeded with Paki- a firearm. They asked me who I had told
hikeng this week. The witness said he was pointed with si on a gravel road in the Putfontein area. about the events which had transpired
Bonakele Pakisi (28) gave a detailed ac- a firearm by Doorewaard and forced to He was forced to jump off the bakkie near and I said nobody.
count of the events that led to the death climb on a quad bike. He was taken to the some gum trees. The suspects forced “The suspects said we should meet be-
of 16-year-old Matlhomola Moshoeu on bakkie and forced to climb in the back. him to run while both of them were firing hind FNB in Coligny on Sunday. Because
20 April last year. This is when he found Moshoeu lying on shots behind him. I was scared I then went to the police sta-
Employees of Rietvlei Farm in Coligny, his stomach. “I vomited because of the excessive tion where I met the same female officer.
Peter Doorewaard and Phillip Schutte, “Moshoue was lying on his stomach and alcohol intake. When I told the suspects She sent me to Warrant Officer (W/O)
are currently on trial for the murder of he was bleeding through his mouth, nose that I am dizzy as a result of the vomiting Sponkane who took a statement,” said
Moshoeu, who was allegedly killed after and ears. I was instructed by the accused they instructed me to eat my vomit,” he Pakisi.
he was caught stealing sunflower pits on to lie on his feet and not to move. I was said. The witness said at the police station he
their employer’s farm. taken to another area where I was again Pakisi explained that the suspects then was taken to Warrant Officer Sponkane’s
Judge Ronnie Hendricks had to post- asked what I had seen and I told them told him to climb onto the bakkie and office where he was instructed to sign a
pone the proceedings for a few minutes that I saw nothing. This is where both the they stopped near a sheep farm. He blank police document next to a state-
so that the witness could calm down and accused assaulted me with their fists and was instructed to clean Moshoeu’s blood ment he had not read. They then went to
compose himself. I was also slapped”. from the bakkie with a jersey and check the scene of Moshoeu’s death and there
During his testimony, Pakisi said he was Pakisi explained that he was taken to a whether he is alive. was still blood that was visible.
coming from town on his way to visit a remote area by the two accused where Pakisi said he was instructed to get off “Warrant Officer Sponkane said he will
Constable Molete at Scotland Informal he was forced to drink a bottle of rum. He the bakkie and face down. At this point contact me on Monday after forensics
Settlement. He then heard gunshots was then forced to jump a fence and get one of the accused hit him with some- had visited the scene. When I checked
while he was on his way. into a dam where the water reached up thing on the neck and he passed out. with him on Monday, he said he forgot to
“I saw Accused 1 (Peter Doorewaard) to his knees. “I woke up in the afternoon and did not call and the evidence had disappeared.”
running towards a bakkie with a firearm “I pleaded with Doorewaard not to kill know where I was. I went straight home The trial continues.
would like to hear from you. Send us your views on the stories we have covered or make a
contribution to our content by writing to us on:
@
editor@semphetenews.co.za www.semphetenews.co.za @semphetenews Semphete Bokone Bophirima
June 8 2018 3
@semphetenews Semphete Bokone Bophirima www.semphetenews.co.za
Security officer chasing the teaching dream
Kagiso Metswamere Primary School during the day and work-
ing night shifts as a security officer.
“It is not easy doing this because I rest
S
ecurity Officer, Caroline Tshilo’s less, but it is worth it as I know that God
dissatisfaction with just secur- will one day help me to get a permanent
ing a job has seen her taking job so that I can be able to take care of
a drastic action to better devel- my family,” she said.
op herself and improve her life. She’s a She said with the little money she
teacher by day and a security guard while makes as a security officer, she still takes
fellow trainee teachers are enjoying a care of her family, including a sister who
rest. is at college in Gauteng.
The 33-year-old resident of Setlagole “I am a bread winner at home and im-
village, about 70 kilometres from Ma- agine with a little salary of less than
hikeng in the Ratlou Local Municipality, R4000 from work I do pay for my educa-
told Semphete this week that her poor- tions fees, take care of my family and my
er background would not discourage her sister who is schooling in Gauteng now,”
from becoming a professional teacher as she explained.
she will soon be completing studies to- Tshilo said her motivation comes from
wards her Bachelor of Arts in Education the understanding that God always helps
degree through University of South Afri- people who work hard to fulfil their own
ca (UNISA). destinies, no matter how difficult things
Tshilo is passionate about education can be in life.
and helping people, particularly the youth “I could have been like many other
in her community. young people in my community who are
She could not fulfil her dream of study- Security officer Caroline Tshilo is on his way to achieving her dream of unemployed and doing nothing, but I re-
ing immediately after passing Grade 12 becoming a teacher fused and decided to do something about
because her unemployed parents could my life, hence all the efforts you see me
not afford to finance her tertiary educa- her community. attempt to achieve her plans while at the taking to enhance my skills.
tion fees. She also completed a certificate with same time taking care of her family of “I do have faith and believe that after all
Instead of complaining and giving up UNISA in ABET education in 2015. nine that includes her parents. the hard work and the compromises I put
on her dreams, she did short computer Sharing her journey and future plans “I am currently working on completing towards my studies and my life, one day
courses, trained as a security guard in with Semphete, Tshilo said she has gone my BA in Education, which I started in things will work out better for me,” she
Mahikeng and looked for employment in through some rough patches in life, in an 2016, doing practical work at Thutlwana said.
4 June 8 2018
@semphetenews Semphete Bokone Bophirima www.semphetenews.co.za
State’s massive programme to intensify liquor
compliance
children in their area.
The initiative is aimed at reducing so-
cio-economic factors related to alcohol
abuse as well as expressing govern-
ment’s unwavering support to vulnerable
families.
The week-long programme was con-
cluded with a compliance inspection
where a total of 29 liquor outlets were
visited. Approximately 10 outlets were
found to be in contravention of the Liq-
uor Act (Act 29, of 1989) with offenses
ranging from managing liquor outlet with-
out proper documentation, selling liquor
beyond trading hours and several bottle
stores were selling liquor on Sundays.
One tavern and two bottle stores were
Inspectors from the Department of Economy and Enterprise Development, accompanied by members of the closed down for selling takeaways and
SAPS, inspecting one of the liquor outlets in Khuma Township operating on Sundays.
“We have observed continuous trans-
gression of regulations where liquor trad-
Keorapetse Mosipidi ers were found operating two outlets in
ships and small dorpies. lation Chief Director, Onnica Sithole.
S
different areas using the same license.
“We are concerned about the rate in The department, in partnership with
outh Africa is rated the high- We strongly condemn this kind of a thing
which our young people are abusing al- the South African Police Service (SAPS) and will take tough actions against those
est in terms of alcohol abuse
cohol, hence we have developed a joint and local liquor traders recently brought affected. A report has been prepared for
according to the World Health
Organization (WHO), especially liquor programme with relevant stake- hope and smile to vulnerable families affected parties to appear before the Pro-
among the youth. It states the main rea- holders to create awareness of harmful through one of their social responsibility vincial Liquor Board before a final deci-
sons for this being peer pressure, bore- effects of alcohol abuse through social programme in Khuma in Matlosana Local sion on action to be taken,” said Sithole.
dom and ignorance of alcohol harms. responsibility programme, roadshows, Municipality. Liquor traders were urged to follow
In trying to minimize the impact, Bokone educational school lectures and compli- Donations that include chairs, children procedures as outlined in the Liquor Act
Bophirima’s Department of Economy ance inspections. safety kids, groceries and toiletries were if they intend to make changes in their
and Enterprise Development is reaching “We hope through these kind of inter- given to Siyakha Isizwe Multipurpose lisences to avoid penalties. The depart-
out to the citizens of the province, creat- ventions we will be able to minimize al- Centre, a non-profit organization found- ment is expected to continue with the
ing awareness and enforcing liquor laws cohol consumption and change people’s ed by Bright Mndaka in 2009, with the programme in all the four districts of the
with the main focus on villages, town- drinking behavior,” said Business Regu- primary purpose of assisting vulnerable province.
Legislature demands answers on Sarafina Stadium millions
Namhla Luhabe and meeting that questions ought to be asked lion. There has always been a confusion the municipality has got a high wage bill,
Obakeng Maje about the incomplete Sarafina Stadium among some members of the commu- faced reduction of Municipal Infrastruc-
project. nity regarding the naming of the project ture Grant (MIG) due to under spending
T
Members of the Portfolio Committee ‘The upgrading of Sarafina Stadium’ on projects, limited service delivery vehi-
he North West Provincial Leg- had paid an oversight visit to the stadium which should have been ‘The upgrading cles and machinery, slow rollout of elec-
islature’s Portfolio Committee two days before the meeting with the mu- of Sarafina Sports Facilities’,” explained tricity smart meters in Ventersdorp due to
on Local Government and Hu- nicipal leadership. Zungu. community resistance and lack of com-
man Settlements instructed the The municipality’s Technical Director, Committee Chairperson, Motlalepula mitment from staff members after the
JB Marks Local Municipality’s Municipal Benji Zungu, said the multi-year tender Rosho, said the committee discovered merger of Ventersdorp and Tlokwe local
Public Accounts Committee (MPAC) to was for the upgrading of Sarafina Sta- that the project was far from being com- municipalities.
conduct an investigation into the con- dium, which included the construction plete and facilities mentioned on the mu- Mayor Khumalo said most of the senior
struction project of the Sarafina Stadium of a guard house, gym, courts (tennis, nicipal report were not available except management positions - including that of
in Ikageng near Potchefstroom. basketball, netball and volleyball), an ab- for just one toilet. a municipal manager - were vacant.
A construction project for this stadi- lution block, a pedestrian lane, swimming “The sports facility is completely van- “After the merger, our organogram
um was approved for R45,5 million and pool, caretaker accommodation and irri- dalized and there is no value for money, showed double positions and the situa-
R30,2 million of that has already been gation system. hence we want MPAC to urgently conduct tion affected staff morale. There were de-
paid to service providers, but the stadium “In the 2016/17 financial year and after an investigation into this project. Monies lays on certain projects such as Ikageng
remains incomplete. several engagements with the initial ser- were paid to service providers for shod- Extension 11 water reticulation and oth-
The Legislature committee held an vice provider, Dolly Construction/Kemi- dy work, especially Dolly Construction. er roads and storm water projects,” said
oversight meeting with the municipality setso (J/V), the contract was terminated The investigation must reveal the exact Khumalo.
on governance, service delivery, financial following a slow progress and non-per- amount paid for the project and wheth- He said the municipality faced litigation
management, institutional capacity, bulk formance, and the companies were paid er there is value for money. We need worth over R150 million and some were
infrastructure, corruption and successes R9,9m. to know which procurement processes from the former Ventersdorp Local Mu-
and challenges. “Khoisan Roads CC was appointed to were followed when appointing these nicipality where certain service providers
JB Marks Local Municipality Mayor, finish the project and was completed in service providers,” said Rosho. claimed to have entered into long-term
Kgotso Khumalo, admitted during the September 2017 and paid R17,2 mil- The committee also discovered that contracts with the former municipality.
June 8 2018 5
@semphetenews Semphete Bokone Bophirima www.semphetenews.co.za
SASSA pay points remain open
to the public
Nthusang Lefafa
S
ocial grant recipients can still
visit any South African Social
Security Agency (SASSA) pay
point to collect their monthly so-
cial assistance.
A fake SMS urging grant recipients to
re-register their social grants because
all pay points would be closed by August
2018 has been doing the rounds recently
and the Department of Social Develop-
ment has reacted harshly against that.
Social Development Minister, Susan
Shabangu, has assured grant beneficiar-
ies that no pay point in the country will be
closed without the department ensuring
that an alternative has been offered.
While addressing the media in Tshwane
on Monday, the minister said the depart-
ment has not started closing any pay
points.
“If that happens, it will be done in con-
sultation with the various stakeholders,”
Shabangu said.
The fake SMS reads as follows: “All
Sassa recipients please you have to
re-register yourself for Sassa payments. Social Development Minister Susan Shabangu has dismissed as fake an SMS that claims SASSA pay points
From 1st of June. There is will be no pay- would be closed down
points anymore. Each 1 has to apply by
post office or a bank of your choice. So
please collect application forms by of-
fice from the 1st of June to take to bank
or post office your choice. If you do not
“We have a policy that states that our beneficiaries must
re-register you will not get paid in August
or thereafter. Please share with all state have access to their pay points within a five-kilometre radius
pensioners. Thank you”.
It is estimated that about 30% of the so it would be impossible to close any pay points without
South African population receives social
grants. The misleading SMS confused recognising that as a critical point”. – Social Development
pensioners, mostly in rural areas. This
led to Minister Shabangu meeting with
the National House of Traditional Lead-
Minister Susan Shabangu
ers on developments surrounding the
payment of social grants.
She explained: “We have a policy ership and therefore there needs to be a experience as the entity transitions from ma, Fannie Sethokga, told Semphete
that states that our beneficiaries must seamless flow of information on how the Cash Paymaster Services (CPS) to the that the number of people collecting their
have access to their pay points within a grants are administered and the partner- Post Office. social grants at pay points is gradually
five-kilometre radius so it would be im- ships that need to develop,” said Mkhize. “This month, we will be going out, mak- declining.
possible to close any pay points without Meanwhile, a new South African Post ing sure that we meet the Constitutional
“We have noticed that more people are
recognising that as a critical point. Ben- Office (SAPO) card has been introduced Court requirements and that there is no
eficiaries must be able to access their to work alongside a SASSA card and will confusion amongst our people. We are collecting their money through electron-
money very close to their place of resi- eventually replace it and be used for pay- working with traditional leaders to make ic means such as ATMs and at various
dence”. ment and withdrawal of social grants. It sure that where there is confusion, they stores. Some people are not necessarily
Minister of Cooperative Governance has already been used for this purpose work with us to clarify matters,” Shaban- coming to pay points to collect their mon-
and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA), Dr Zwe- since last month (May 2018). gu said. ey, but to socialise or purchase some ne-
li Mkhize, said it is important to engage The SAPO card was distributed nation- It is expected that SASSA, in collabo- cessities such as food stuffs,” Sethokga
traditional leaders on grant payments so wide from 17 April to all beneficiaries of ration with SAPO, will distribute the new said.
that those who live in rural areas are able social grants receiving cash payments at cards to an estimated nine million ben-
He explained that SASSA could pro-
to access this important information. pay points and merchants (e.g. Shoprite, eficiaries. Approximately 2.5 million of
“In some provinces, such as the East- Boxer Supermarket, etc.) these beneficiaries receive their social cess up to 1000 payments per day at one
ern Cape and Limpopo, it’s about 42%. SASSA will also visit provinces, local grants at pay points around the country. specific pay point. This is done to avoid
The challenge is that the bulk of those municipalities and districts to discuss Provincial Acting Regional Executive congestion and tragedies such as stam-
are in rural areas under traditional lead- any challenges that beneficiaries might Manager at SASSA in Bokone Bophiri- pedes, which can lead to loss of life.
6 June 8 2018
@semphetenews Semphete Bokone Bophirima www.semphetenews.co.za
Lawmakers welcome health department
turnaround strategy
Namhla Luhabe and “We will also develop a strategy for pro- lise the labour environment, restore sus-
Nthusang Lefafa active maintenance of hospital equip- tainable service delivery, ensure safety of
ment and improve pharmaceutical servic- staff and improve financial management.
T
es to ensure direct delivery of medicine Administrator Hunter said some of the
he Provincial Legislature’s to healthcare centres,” said Hunter. current challenges in the department
Portfolio Committee on Health The intervention team also aims to include high accruals in operation budg-
and Social Development has establish a stable labour environment, eting running out as early as September
welcomed a turnaround strat- implement an improved organisational 2017, discontinuation of certain health-
egy aimed at addressing challenges structure for service delivery and investi- care services due to lack of budget, staff
at Bokone Bophirima’s Department of gate all the contracts in order to address shortages including high vacancy rate
Health. irregularities. in critical clinical, management and op-
The strategy and status report on Sec- “The team will develop and implement erational posts in hospitals and clinics
tion 100 (1)(b) intervention were present- an accrual management strategy, debt and poor building maintenance in public
ed by the Administrator of Health in the management strategy and complete healthcare facilities. Chairperson of the North West
province, Jeannette Hunter. The Health costing of public healthcare and hospital “In the Finance Directorate, there is poor Provincial Legislature’s Portfolio
department was put under full adminis- package of service,” said Hunter. financial controls and non-payment of Committee on Health and Social
tration following Cabinet’s approval after Chairperson of the Portfolio Commit- suppliers and frequent violation of supply Development, Madoda Sambatha
strike action led by the National Health tee on Health and Social Development, chain regulations. There is non-payment
and Allied Workers Union (NEHAWU) Madoda Sambatha, welcomed the turna- of performance incentives for staff and
brought healthcare services in the prov- round strategy and said it was important the departmental organisational struc- said only 39 percent of public healthcare
ince to a standstill. to relook some outsourced services. ture is not in line with the service deliv- facilities in the province were fully func-
Invoking Section 100 (1)(b) means that “It is important that the department ery package resulting in unaccountable tional in terms of the Ideal Clinic Frame-
the department now reports directly to moves away from privatization of es- organisation,” said Hunter. work and there was poor management of
the Minister of Health through the Admin- sential services because this nearly col- Regarding facility based services, she patient records in facilities.
istrator for a period of 18 months, pend- lapsed the entire department. We urge
ing approval of extension of the time the administrator to ‘de-tenderise’ the
frame by the National Council of Provinc- department because not only did these
es (NCOP). contracts compromise the functions of
An inter-ministerial task team led by Dr the department’s head office, but affect-
Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma is overseeing ed district and tertiary hospitals and clin-
the work of Administrators in different ics through transversal contracts on coal,
government departments in the province. catering, laundry and emergency servic-
Some of the remedies Hunter came up es,” said Sambatha.
with for the Health department include He said the administrator should find
the establishment of a strong executive permanent solutions to ensure that the
and senior management team that will healthcare system in the province is re-
lead in full implementation of the depart- stored.
Department of Health Administrator, Jeannette Hunter (Left) with Health
ment’s mandate in healthcare facilities Amongst others, the task team was
MEC, Dr Magome Masike, at the time when they appeared before the
and revive all internal and external com- mandated to restore trust and confidence
Porfolio Committee
munication structures. between labour and government to stabi-
Government trying to assist embattled Thari Bus Services
Rebaone Moeng transported in safe and reliable transport.
The department’s MEC, Dr Mokgant-
C
shang Mpho Motlhabane, has apolo-
ommunities around the Bojana- gized for the inconvenience caused to
la District Municipality who use commuters and assured them that the
Thari Bus Services for their department is working towards a speedy
daily transport have been ad- solution.
vised to make alternative arrangements “Officials from my department will be
as temporary disruptions in the provision meeting with directors of Thari with the
of the bus service is affecting them. intention to bring back services.
The bus company is currently facing “It is our duty as the department to en-
internal challenges that have resulted sure that our people are transported in
in thousands of commuters being left a safe, secured and reliable transport on
stranded because these buses could not daily basis,” said Motlhabane, who ap-
transport them to their different desti- pealed to commuters to use other means
nations. Some of these commuters use of transport while the department was
monthly bus tickets. engaging in intervention talks with Thari
Thari Bus Services is a subsidized Bus Services.
commuter transport operator, contracted The bus services have been disrupted
by the Department of Community Safety Thari Bus Services is not operating because of internal challenges that since the beginning of this month and it’s
and Transport Management in Bokone government is trying to help resolve not yet known when the issues would be
Bophirima, to ensure communities are resolved.
June 8 2018 7
@semphetenews Semphete Bokone Bophirima www.semphetenews.co.za
Setlamo sa PPC se abela sekolo sa
Mochudi laboratori
Mokaedimogolo wa setlamo sa PPC, Njobo Lekula, o rotloetsa baithuti go Eno ke laboratori ya saense e e abetsweng sekolo sa Mochudi ke
tsaya dithuto tsa bona tsia gore ba tle ba nne batho setšhabeng. setlamo sa PPC
Setshwantsho ka Boitshepo Botlhoko Setshwantsho ka Boitshepo Botlhoko
Lillian Sebolao ya saense ya mabonomantle, e e tlileng se se sa rutegang gongwe se se se nang ong sa Brainwave, Tyrol Venturini, o rot-
go thusa baithuti mo dirutweng tsa bona. kitso, ke setšhaba se se latlhegileng. loeditse baithuti go ithuta ka natla gonne
Porojeke eno e akaretsa dikhomputa O tsweletse ka go re baagi le bona ba a re setlamo sa gagwe se tlile go boela
tsa di-laptops di le pedi, tablets di le 24, tshwanetse go nna le seabe mo thutong kwa sekolong sa bona mo nakong e e
M
printer e le nngwe, projector le smart- ya bana ba bona, gonne setlamo sa gag- tlang, go lekola ka moo baithuti ba dirang
aikaelelo a puso a go tlhabo-
lola le go aga mafaratlhatlha board. Dikhomputa tseno di na le mana- we ga se thuse setšhaba se se sa rotloet- ka gona mo dithutong tsa bona.
a thekenoloji mo dikolong, neo a baithuti ba tlileng go ithuta ka ona. segeng le go tlhokomela dithoto tsa sona. “Re tlile go lekola bokgoni le bokoa jwa
segolo tsa kwa metsemagae- Sengwe gape se se fitlhelwang mo labo- A re baagi ba tshwanetse go tlhokomela lona mo dirutweng, maikaelelo e le go lo
ng, a rotloeditse ditlamo tsa poraefete di ratoring eno ke dipampiri tsa ditlhatlhobo sengwe le sengwe se ba thusiwang ka
baakanyetsa isagwe. Go le gantsi, jaaka
tshwana le sa Pretoria Potland Cement tse di fetileng, tse go solofetsweng fa di sona gore se tswele bana ba bona mo-
baithuti, lo rata go ithutela dirutwa tsa go
(PPC) go nna le seabe mo morerong tla thusa baithuti mo dithutong tsa bona, sola mo isagweng.
tshwana le tsa bongaka, boruni le go nna
ono. le go bona ka mokgwa o dipotso tsa ditl- Fa a ne a rotloetsa baithuti, Lekula o
hatlhobo di bodiwang ka ona. baenjeneri. Elang tlhoko gore diatla tsa
Sekolo sa Mochudi, se se fitlhelwang rile ba lemoge gore ba mo leetong le ba
Fa a ne a neelana ka mpho eno, Mo- tshwanetseng go le tlhokomela, gonne lona di ka le thusa thata mo botshelong.
kwa motseng wa Mokgalwaneng kwa
kaedimogolo wa setlamo sa PPC, Njobo ba tlile go kopana le batho ba ba farolo- Dirutwa di tshwana le tsa go ithutela go
sedikeng sa Bojanala, ke sengwe sa tse
di amogetseng thuso go tswa kwa set- Lekula, a re ke maikaelelo a setlamo sa ganeng. Bangwe ba tla tla ka dithuso, fa nna artisans le tsa boilermaking ke tso-
lamong seno. gagwe go bona gore baithuti ba rotloedi- bangwe e le ba ba tla tlang ka go ba fa- na di tlhokegang thata mo nageng,” Ven-
Setlamo as PPC, ka tshwaragano le dit- wa go tsaya thuto ya bona tsia le gore ba posa mo maikaelelong a bona. Fela a re turini o gakolotse baithuti jalo.
lamo tse di akaretsang Diebold, Barlow- nne batho setšhabeng. A re setlamo sa fa ba itshwareletse ka thuto, ga ba kitla Barloworld yona e solofeditse go tsaya
orld Logistics, Brainwave le Smartlab, se gagwe se tlile go ela tlhoko gore baithuti ba latlhega. baithuti ba sekolo sa Mochudi ba le 10 go
thusitse ka go aga phaposi ya laboratori ba fiwa thuto e e maleba gonne setšhaba Mongwe wa baetleetsi go tswa setlam- ba ruta dirutwa tsa go kgweetsa.
102-year-old Koko Sekhakhu still going strong
Thato Kepu about this elderly woman is that she be part of the celebrations of the late an-
doesn’t take any medication for any dis- ti-apartheid struggle icon.
A
ease. She managed to sustain a healthy When asked how she managed to get
n average South African is
lifestyle through the long walks she took to such an unbelievable age, she said it
expected to live to around the
as a young girl and doing chores such as is only God who protected her throughout
age of 53, according to Statis-
fetching wood from the forest, fetching her life.
tics SA, because of numerous
water from far away places and actively “It was much better in the olden days
diseases and unhealthy lifestyles. This
playing with her peers. when children listened to their parents
makes it hard for an average South Afri-
She said these kept her fit and she’s and there was no such things as rights.
can to reach 80 years or live beyond that
never been bothered by illhealth through- Nowadays children are unruly as they
age. out the years. Her only challenge is that hide behind the guise of rights. We no
But Koko Akara Mashama Sekhakhu she is blind and cannot walk because longer know what is happening and this
has defied the odds and is now 102 years of old age, so Koko Sekhakhu uses a is affecting future generations negative-
old. wheelchair to get around. ly,” said Koko Sekhakhu.
This remarkable woman lives in Tshi- Sekhakhu is one of the several elderly Koko Akara, as she is affectionately
dilamolomo, one of the remote villages people in the country who will be cele- known, has been a member of the A.M.E
about 100 kilometres west of Mahikeng. brating the centenary of the late struggle Church for many years and she went on Koko Akara Mashama Sekhakhu
Koko Sekhakhu stays with her grand- icon, Nelson Mandela, and the govern- to sing some of the hymns she loves the has reached 102 years of life,
daughter and a great-granddaughter. ment will keep looking for more cente- most. She has outlived even her children the age that many would only
One of the most interesting things narians so they can tell their stories and who have both passed on. dream of
8 June 8 2018
@semphetenews Semphete Bokone Bophirima www.semphetenews.co.za
Shekhinah shines the brightest at SAMA24
Best Engineered Album (by Howard Vuma Zion’s Samson Aphi Amandla
Gomba and Themba Sekowe) win, Ma- Akho bagged the Best African Indige-
fikizolo walked away with three awards. nous Gospel Album.
Joyous Celebration’s Joyous Celebra- Jo Black’s “Skepe” emerged victori-
tion Volume 21, “Heal Our Land” won the ous in the Beste Kontemporere Musiek
Best Selling Digital Artist Award, adding Album category and Fokofpolisiekar’s
to the two Best Selling DVD and Best “Selfmedikasie” was announced the Best
Selling Album they won the previous Rock Album.
night, bringing their haul to three in total. The glittering celebrity event hosted
The anthemic “Akanamali” by Sun-El by TV and radio stars Somizi Mhlongo
Musician featuring “Samthing Soweto” and Dineo Ranaka joined by comedian,
was honoured with Sampra Highest Air- Mpho Popps, performances by Distruc-
play of the Year and Samro Highest Air- tion Boyz, Lady Zamar, Shwi noMtekha-
play of the Year Composer’s Award. The
la, Shekhinah, Die Heuwels Fantasties,
previous night they won Best Collabora-
Bongeziwe Mabandla and Riky Rick.
tion Award, also making their total num-
Sun El Musician (left) and Samthing Soweto (right) won SAMRO Highest President Cyril Ramaphosa and Arts
ber of awards three.
Airplay of the Year composer’s award and Culture Minister, Nathi Mthethwa,
House DJ, Prince Kaybee, took home
were among the dignitaries gracing the
Male Artist of the Year award for his hits
laden album “I Am Music”. night.
Vusumzi Kama Shekhinah swept the boards taking the
New blood made their presence felt RiSA CEO, Nhlanhla Sibisi, said the re-
Newcomer of the Year, Album of the Year markable event celebrated “the best our
I
with rapper Shane Eagle taking the Best
and Female Artist of the Year awards for country has to offer. We salute all win-
t was a good night for newcomer Hip Hop Album Award and Lady Zam-
the sterling work on her debut album, ar winning Best Dance Music Award. In ners and the nominees, and we thank the
Shekhinah at the 24th edition of the
SA Music Awards (SAMA) held in Rose Gold. the Best Kwaito Album category, Busis- public for their undying support for local
Sun City, last weekend. Distruction Boyz whipped the Super- wa beat the competition for her album music. We applaud everyone who made
bowl into frenzy when they were declared “Highly Flavoured”. Tresor’s “The Beau- SAMA24 such a successful project.”
The annual music awards are organ-
winners of the public-voted Record of the tiful Madness” earned him the Best Pop “The winners were all worthy of their
ized by the Recording Industry of South
Year for their monster hit, “Omunye”. Album. medals in such a competitive and pres-
Africa (RiSA) in partnership with Bokone Veteran Afro Pop band, Mafikizolo, tigious event. We are proud to be asso-
In gospel, Andile ka Majola was de-
Bophirima’s Department of Culture, Arts proved their staying power when they clared the winner in the Best Traditional ciated with the SAMAs,” said MEC for
and Traditional Affairs. SABC is the offi- took Duo/Group of the Year and Best Faith Music Album category for “Andile Culture, Arts and Traditional Affairs, Ont-
cial broadcast partner. Afro Pop Album awards. Adding to their kaMajola Chapter 8 Sekwanele” while lametse Mochware.
Young music industry
practitioners get lessons
from experts
Vusi Kama resentatives of the South African Music
Performance Rights Association (Sam- Successful producer, artist and music label owner, Arthur Mafokate,
S
cores of budding music indus- pra), the South African Music Rights addressing the audience in Rustenburg
try practitioners from across Organisation (Samro), as well as the Photo by Kabelo Selebogo
Bokone Bophirima province last Composers, Authors and Publishers As-
week gathered at Rustenburg’s sociation (Capasso).
The workshop was attended by artists, duces your music and includes it in their new to me. I was hoping they would tell
Olympia Stadium to learn tricks of the
producers and various other music prac- CD, then we collect royalties due to the us about how to produce music that can
trade from industry experts across the
titioners from the province and the dis- composer, author and producer on their win a South African Music Award (Sama).
value chain of the music business.
cussions covered copyright, performance behalf. Same with iTunes, whenever a I believe that the music we produce is
The day-long workshop was part of a song is downloaded, we collect the royal-
community plough-back programme of law and digital publishing. good enough to be a national winner,”
ities from the seller,” he explained. said the disc spinner.
the South African Music Awards, organ- Mafokate shared with the audience his
Sampra’s Palesa Kgomo said they But a Joubertina choir conductor, Lese-
ised by the Department of Culture, Arts rags-to-riches life story in the music in-
collected royalties whenever music was go Rachoene was raving about the event.
and Traditional Affairs (Cata) and the Re- dustry, “to show you how many of us got
played in the public space, including “I learnt so much at the workshop,” he
cording Industry of South Africa (Risa). to be where we are today”. Sharing some
shopping malls, concerts and festivals. said. “For us as Clap and Tap outfits it is
The two-day music extravaganza, sup- of his business tips, he told his story in Beneficiaries include record companies,
ported by Cata, took place at Sun City a light-mannered fashion that helped the great to know that we can derive benefits
producers, arrangers, singers and instru-
last weekend. audience identify with his struggles. from the music we play. Organisations
mentalists, including session musicians.
Among those imparting knowledge Capasso Business Affairs Manager, such as Samro, Capasso and Sampra
Samro’s Karabo Senna explained that
at the workshop was artist and record Wiseman Ngubo, said his organisation his organisation was responsible for col- have shown us the way, so we will now
company mogul, Arthur Mafokate of 999 was pleased to be part of the event as it lecting royalities for composers, authors register with them so we can benefit.
Music Record label, which has produced helped them meet and engage with their and publishers whenever the music is “Another highlight for me was the pres-
many a truly successful Kwaito/pop art- members in Bokone Bophirima. played on television, radio and commer- entation by Arthur Mafokate which high-
ists in the industry. The ultimate idea of Capasso’s business is to licence and cials. lighted the value of hard work. He mo-
the workshop was to make sure that art- distribute mechanical royalities to artists. Mogwase producer and DJ, Soul Havok, tivated us to appreciate that one would
ists and producers, as well as other prac- Such royalties accrue when a song is re- however felt that the workshop did not dig have to go through hard challenges be-
titioners, knew how to derive maximum produced, downloaded or copied by any deep enough into issues that many would fore becoming a success. You don’t just
revenue from their work. entity, artist or any member of the public. like to know about. wake up one day and be a star,” Rach-
Also sharing their knowledge were rep- “An example is where somebody repro- “A lot of things they presented were not oene said.
June 8 2018 9
@semphetenews Semphete Bokone Bophirima www.semphetenews.co.za
Bokone Bophirima remains SAMA’s
favourite host
Bokone Bophirima’s own musician KB Motsilenyane and her son arriving
Cata MEC Ontlametse Mochware was hands-on at the SAMAs in Sun City
for the SAMAs
Photo by Mpho Bilwane
Photo by Mpho Bilwane
Kagiso Metswamere Bowl in Sun City, with the exception of es before, but they lost the spark and “This is the home of the SAMAs. Please
three years, and they’re broadcast live on became better once again when they’re guys let’s continue hosting and support-
M
national broadcaster, the SABC. back in our province”. ing this event and we will give other prov-
usicians and community This big annual ceremony featured live Another talented Bokone Bophirima inces an opportunity to host other events
members of Bokone Bophiri- performances as once-off collaborations born musician and television personali- in this country,” she said.
ma have commended the by a selection of nominees and is consid- ty, Keabetswe “KB” Motsilanyane said: “I Sebuti Rasumanyane from Tlhatlaga-
Provincial Government for ered equivalent of the American Grammy hope our artists are using all these op- nyane village also emphasized that the
continued support and ensuring that Sun Awards. portunities for their benefit, for example to SAMAs must not go anywhere in the
City Resorts in Moses Kotane Local Mu- Speaking to several artists and com- network with developed artists here who country, but remain in Sun City to give a
nicipality successfully and consistently munity members on the sidelines of the they always wanted to see but could not person from a rural village like himself an
hosts the South African Music Awards 24th SAMAs last weekend, many said the because of the distance. I also want to opportunity to see their music stars.
(SAMA). ceremony should still be held in Bokone encourage others who are not artists but “I am from the rural village and normally
Sun City, which the provincial govern- Bophirima province. in businesses to use the advantage next do not get an opportunity to attend glam-
ment continues to use to rebrand, reposi- David Molelekeng, an upcoming young year, be it as a designer or hair dresser.” orous music events in Gauteng. But be-
tion and renew the province is located in musician from Mogwase, who was al- Motsweding FM presenter, Refilwe cause the SAMAs are nearer to me here,
Pilanesberg, about two hours’ drive from ready walking at the red carpet said: “Sun Modiselle, also said other provinces have I always attend. They have been in our
Johannesburg, near the city of Rusten- City is the home of the SAMAs and it plenty of events to host and Bokone Bo- province and must always be because
burg. must continue to be for many other years phirima must be left alone to continue we will continue to support them as com-
The SAMAs were established in 1995 to come. Organizers tried to take them hosting the SAMAs successfully like it munity members like we have done in the
and have mostly been held at the Super to Kwazulu-Natal and Gauteng provinc- has done in the past. past,” he said.
Gospel musicians Nqubeko Mbatha and wife Ntokozo Mbambo were also
Papa Penny also walked the red carpet in style
there
Photo by Mpho Bilwane
Photo by Mpho Bilwane
10 June 8 2018
@semphetenews Semphete Bokone Bophirima www.semphetenews.co.za
MEC tackles illegal taxi operations
and hiking spots head-on
Palesa Ntshotsho encouraged to avoid hiking at illegal hik-
ing spots and warned about the danger
of using illegal taxis and hiking.
C
ommunity Safety and Transport During the operations 26 taxis and four
Management MEC, Dr Mpho other cars were impounded, one person
Motlhabane accompanied by was arrested for drunken driving and an-
law enforcement officers, woke other one for using a fraudulent permit
up in the early hours of Friday last week to operate scholar transport. A fine was
to tackle head-on the problem of illegal also issued to the driver for operating
without a valid permit.
hiking spots and illegal taxi operations on
MEC Motlhabane used the opportu-
the N12 Wolmaransstad, R504 Ottosdal,
nity to visit taxi ranks and engaged the
R503 Lichtenburg and N18 Mahikeng
leadership of different taxi associations.
roads.
Members of the associations’ leadership
The operation entered its third phase
raised concerns and complaints that in-
since it was launched in Mahikeng last
clude illegal public taxi operations, ille-
year, followed by a Huhudi one last gal hiking spots, illegal permits, drivers
month. The purpose of these operations operating without licenses and potential
is to ensure that those providing trans- conflicts as well as simmering tensions in
port services abide by the laws of the the industry.
country for that industry. The MEC said he was pleased by the A traffic officer checking one of the taxis during the illegal taxi
Operators of public transport are all outcome of the operation. “Hiking spots operation checkpoint
expected to have made necessary ap- are a sore sight, a source of tensions
plications, registered their vehicles ac- and a cause for concern. Members of
cordingly, received relevant permits and tions would continue in all districts of the pirating,” he said.
the public need to cooperate and work
operating legally and lawfully. This is a province. The Jaws unit, the police, taxi associ-
together with taxi operators in order to
non-negotiable process. minimise conflict and save lives. It’s only “From here we are going to the last Dis- ations and officials of the department
Commuters using public transport have safe to use official taxi ranks and legal trict of Bojanala. We will not hesitate to started the day’s operation at dawn in
been urged to refrain from hitch hiking taxi operators, not pirate taxis,” he said. enforce the law. We will close down all Wolmaransstad and ended at dusk in
and using pirate vehicles. They were also
Motlhabane said these kind of opera- illegal taxi ranks and we will be tough on Montshiwa Stad in Mahikeng.
More South Africans receive
basic services
SAnews.gov.za supply side information. In general, when en free basic solid waste management 2017, while those powering their homes
compared to 2016, more consumer units services, while 2.5 million households with liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) went
received services. A few households are benefited from indigent support on solid up from 55 to 104.
classified as indigents. The bucket toilets waste management.
S
The census found that just over 13 000
tatistics South Africa (Stats SA) decreased from just over 68 000 to just The increase in the number of consum- households used candles in 2017, while
says more consumers received over 62 000,” he said. er units that received water and electric- over 86 000 used paraffin.
free basic services such as De Beer said the highest percentage in- ity was the same, with both going up by De Beer said 12.9 million consumer
electricity, water and sanitation crease was in the number of consumer 2.1%. units received water last year compared
in 2017 - as compared with 2016. units that received sewerage and sanita- About 11.6 million consumer units re-
to the 12.7 million units provided with
Deputy Director-General of Economic tion, which went up by 3.8% - from 11.1 ceived electricity in 2017, compared to
water in 2016. Out of these, 4.7 million
million in 2016 to 11.5 million in 2017. 11.3 million in 2016. Some 2.6 million
Statistics, Joe de Beer, on Monday re- consumer units received free basic water
Out of these, 3.6 million consumer units consumer units received free basic elec-
leased the Non-financial Census of Mu- services.
received free basic sewerage services tricity, while 2.1 million were indigent
nicipalities (NFCM) 2017. He also said out of the 13 million con-
and sanitation, while 2.2 million were in- households that benefitted from the indi-
Addressing a media briefing in Cape digent households. gent support on electricity. sumer units that received water in 2017,
Town, de Beer said the findings of the Solid waste management went up by There was also an increase in the num- nine million of those had access to water
census were based on data gathered 2.6% - from 9.5 million consumer units ber of households that received electrici- inside their yard while 2.7 million had wa-
from 257 municipalities in 2017, com- receiving this service in 2016, to 9.8 mil- ty from alternative sources. Those receiv- ter within 200 meters from their yard. The
pared to 278 municipalities in 2016. lion consumer units in 2017. ing power from solar home system went remaining 800 000 had access to water
“It is important to remember that this is About 2.8 million households were giv- up from 98 160 in 2016 to 113 197 in more than 200 meters away.June 8 2018 11 @semphetenews Semphete Bokone Bophirima www.semphetenews.co.za
12 June 8 2018
@semphetenews Semphete Bokone Bophirima www.semphetenews.co.za
Gaolaolwe undertakes to fix Madibogopan
housing problems
Boitumelo Seleka the contract of the service provider ap-
pointed to build 50 housing units due to
poor service delivery.
L
“The department pays a contractor per
ocal Government and Human
milestone and the company only man-
Settlements MEC, Galaletsang
Gaolaolwe, was one of Bokone aged to build 17 houses out of 50. A new
Bophirima MECs that met res- contractor has been appointed to build
idents of Madibogopan in Ratlou Local the remaining 33 houses and complete
Municipality in a bid to quell down the the remaining 17.
spate of service delivery protests. She said the department has already
Her visit comes after residents of Madi- started a process to recoup the money
bogopan complained about an aban- paid to the previous contractor.
doned and incomplete housing project. The MEC assured community members
Residents also complained about the
that all pending housing projects would
state of roads in the area. According to
be investigated as pronounced during the
one community leader, Thabo Makhoa-
na, residents have not received feedback State of the Province Address by former
from the municipality despite numerous Premier Supra Mahumapelo in February
complaints. this year. She added that the department
MEC Galaletsang Gaolaolwe during the meeting with community
MEC Gaolaolwe responded by explain- was working on a strategy to fast-track
representatives of Madibogopan
ing that the department had to terminate housing backlogs in the entire province.
Report recommends that History
becomes compulsory
SAnews.gov.za curriculum and to investigate the impli- “Africa centeredness should become a writing of History for the sole purpose of
cations of making History a compulsory principle in revising the History content. achieving a short-term political expedien-
subject. The six to seven years towards the phas- cy. All we are doing is to reclaim our histo-
A
Handing over the report, Ndlovu said ing out of LO in the FET band be used to ry as Africans. Historians rightly conclude
Ministerial Task Team (MTT) during provincial consultations with var- prepare the system for compulsory Histo- that, ‘from a legacy perspective, we tell
report has recommended that ious stakeholders, four scenarios were ry in the FET band. The notional time of our stories ourselves and for ourselves,
History becomes a complulso-
highlighted, which led to the final recom- four hours per week for teaching History and as a gift, to future generations’.”
ry school subject and that it
mendations. in the FET band must be maintained,” the No policy changes yet
should be phased in incrementally from
Among the scenarios was that if Histo- task team recommended. The Minister emphasised that the ac-
the year 2023 in Grade 10 to 2025 in
ry becomes compulsory from Grades 10 Ndlovu also noted that teaching and ceptance of the report by the department
Grade 12.
to 12, it will become the fifth fundamental training should not be the sole responsi- did not constitute any policy changes just
The report was presented to Basic Ed-
subject regardless of the stream they are bility of Basic Education but the respon- yet.
ucation Minister, Angie Motshekga, last
registered for. sibility should be carried out in partner- “The report will be presented at the
week.
Another scenario was that if History ships with universities. Heads of Education Departments Com-
Led by Chairperson, Professor Sifiso
Ndlovu, the Task Team was established and Life Orientation (LO) are combined, “We call on all heads of Archaeology, mittee meeting, Council of Education
in 2015 and was given terms of refer- History content should be transferred to History and the Department of Basic Ed- Ministers, the Basic Education Portfolio
ence to conduct a comparative interna- LO to reinforce the teaching of citizen- ucation to set the ball rolling. It is up to Committee of the National Assembly
tional study on how best to implement the ship and human rights, amongst others. the Minister to reject or accept the rec- and the Select Committee for Education
introduction of History as a compulsory However, Ndlovu said most people re- ommendation. If she does, then we can and Recreation in the National Council
subject in Further Education and Training jected outright the transfer of content start developing guidelines,” Professor of Provinces for further consultation and
(FET) colleges. from History to reinforce the LO content Ndlovu said. input.
This follows a commitment made by the and syllabus at FET phase. Motshekga extended sincere gratitude “In addition, public consultations will be
department during the 2015/16 Budget “They dismissed the idea of five funda- to task team members for the excellent held and comments sought from socie-
Speech, to conduct research on the de- mentals at the FET phase,” Ndlovu said. work done so far, adding that the report ty at large, to guide us towards a History
sirability of making History a compulsory The report recommended, amongst had been long awaited by members of that reflects on all of us. Furthermore, the
subject for all learners. others, that the LO should be phased out the public, academia and interest groups report should ignite rich, constructive de-
The Task Team was given a mandate to incrementally from the FET curriculum involved in the History Education land- bates and robust discussions in society
advise on the feasibility of making Histo- from 2023 in Grade 10 to 2025 in Grade scape. on the place and importance of History in
ry compulsory during the FET phase, ad- 12. Reclaiming our history the school curriculum,” Motshekga said.
vise on where History should be located It further recommended that the Curric- She emphasised that government was The report will be available on the de-
in the curriculum, review the content and ulum and Policy Statement (CAPS), due in no way attempting to rewrite History for partment’s website. Citizens are invited
pedagogy of the History curriculum with to its serious limitations, be completely the benefit of the new ruling elites. to join the debate and make their voices
a view to strengthening History in the overhauled. “As a principle, we are against the re- heard.June 8 2018 13
@semphetenews Semphete Bokone Bophirima www.semphetenews.co.za
Dr KK dominates Schools Choral Championships
Karabo Haoka Showing their dominance in choral
T
music, the Dr Kenneth Kaunda District
he Department of Education scooped five first prize positions in vari-
and Sport Development hosted ous categories in the Foundation Phase.
the annual Provincial Schools The district continued their dominance
Choral Eisteddfod Champion- in the Secondary Schools category,
ships in Mahikeng from May 31st to June scooping a total of 20 first prize positions
2nd. Winners of the championships will and will proceed to compete at national
represent the province at the national level.
championships scheduled for 26 to 29 Other schools from the Dr KK district
June 2018 at the Rhema Bible Church in that are going to compete at national fi-
Randburg. nals are Mampho, Mothotlung and Temo-
Though learners from primary schools go Secondary Schools.
(Grades 3 to 6) only compete provin- The school Choral Eisteddfod was Organisers of the Schools Choral Eisteddfod Championships (Standing
cially, learners from secondary schools launched in 2001 by the National Depart- from left) Dineo Mosidi and Jackie Maila with some winners who will
(Grades 7 to 12) proceed to compete at ment of Basic Education under the then represent the province at the national competitions in Randburg
the national level. Minister Prof Kader Asmal. The objective
In a staggering showcase of vocal was to do away with fragmented struc-
abilities, learners representing various tures that used to organise school choral
schools across the province left the au- music competitions at that time, such as
dience in awe as they competed in differ- SASMO, the South African Democratic
ent categories of choral melodies. Teachers Union
Speaking on behalf of the Department (SADTU) and the National Professional
of Education and Sport Development, Teacher’s Organisation of South Africa
Acting Deputy Director General, Dr Shad- (NAPTOSA).
rack Mvula, expressed gratitude to learn- The original objective of unifying the
ers, parents and teachers for the great fragmented structures has since been One of the Dr KK choral music groups that won first prize at the
work and dedication they have shown at achieved. Currently, the objective is to provincial competition.
the competition. address social ills, parity, exclusivity, so-
“About 120 children will be trained on cial cohesion, multilingualism and other to discover and showcase their talents. activities. Their memories retention be-
orchestra in Mahikeng. In five years’ time government goals. This platform also creates the strong comes higher and sharper because they
we will rule this country in music,” said Organising Committee member, Jackie possibility of making a career out of the perform many repertoires without music
Dr Mvula, adding that schools that were Maila, said the competition was neces- Arts following a particular genre. score and their choreographic permuta-
participating in choral music were also sary for the growing minds. “Learners will learn to manage time ef- tions in indigenous music and dance are
performing well academically. “We give the choristers an opportunity fectively if they are involved in extra mural so amazing and yet so mathematical.”
Girl child exposed to work environment
Amogelang Motlhabane
A
s part of the Cell C’s annual
initiative of “Take a Girl Child
to Work”, the Department of
Finance, hosted 13 girls from
various schools around Mahikeng to ex-
pose them to a real workplace environ-
ment.
The learners spent the day in different
units of the department and interacted
with employees who enlightened them
about different career paths and also the
mandate of the Finance Department in
the province.
Head of Department, Ndlela Kunene,
welcomed the learners and encouraged Finance Head of Department Ndlela Kunene and some officials of the department welcome girl learners to the
them to use the day to their benefit and annual of Take a Girl Child to Work campaign.
learn as much as possible as the depart-
ment was dedicated to training and build- partment to ensure that one day you financial management. The mandate of of the Transformation Programme, Mom-
ing future leaders. become part of the corporate world and the Provincial Treasury convinced her pati Ngakantsi, urged learners to study
As part of the 2018 activities, the de- build a bright future for yourselves. You that she had made a right choice by as- hard in order to have a better future.
partment took a different approach and will be introduced to different career piring to study towards a qualification in “I am certain that today has exposed
hosted learners whose parents were paths that you choose according to your Accounting. you to the real workplace environment
employed in the department, particular- interest,” Kunene said. “I am so fortunate and thankful because and various services of the department.
ly at lower levels such as cleaners and A Grade 11 learner from Golf View I have met and was mentored by the de- You are better informed about your future
general workers. Besides being exposed Combined School, Thero Makhura, partment’s CFO, Riaad Soofie, who told career choices. You have gained infor-
to the workplace, the rationale was to en- said she would like to pursue a career me about his journey to becoming a CFO mation that will assist you to build a bright
courage girls to aspire to greatness in fu- in Chartered Accountancy. Makhura and that I should believe in myself be- future for yourselves,” Ngakantsi said.
ture and help them understand that they was afforded an opportunity by the de- cause I can become what I put my mind The girl learners were given certificates
could do anything they set their mind to. partment to shadow the Chief Financial to,” Makhura said. of participation and gift packs containing
“Your parents are employed in the de- Officer (CFO) where she learned about At the end of the day, Deputy Director pens and a Casio scientific calculators.You can also read
