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} Teboho Setena

SEVERAL cases of electricity theft wereinvestigated in Welkom and Thabongduring Eskom’s operation Khanyisa lastweek. Eskom embarked on a campaign toconduct an audit, and disconnect illegalelectricity connections from poles to thehomes of the culprits in the wake of thecrisis in Free Sate municipalities to paybills of millions of rands.The Maluti-A-Phofung, Ngwathe and

Dihlabeng Municipalities were reported toowe Eskom R736 million for the supply ofpower with the supplier threatening tosuspend supply until the municipalitiescame up with a suitable payment plan withthe power utility.Eskom reportedly extended the deadline

to the municipalities in question givingthem sufficient time to settle their arrears.

This followed intervention by the Depart-ment of Co-operative Governance andTraditional Affairs.In Thabong, culprits were found to have

made illegal connections from poles inorder to have an uninterrupted powersupply – costing the Matjhabeng LocalMunicipality millions in illegal connections.Illegal connections were found to have beenmade at houses with prepaid meters.Upon uncovering illegal connections, the

Eskom team immediately disconnected thepower supply and issued the perpetratorswith fines ranging from R2 000 to R3 000 –depending on what the investigative teamhad found.Re-connections were only done after the

perpetrators had provided proof of paymentfor fines imposed. The results of electricitytheft through illegal connections in theMatjhabeng Local Municipality are yet to

be released.The initiative to catch defaulters and

curb electricity theft is a national behav-iour-change campaign led by Eskom inpartnership with Crime Line, Businessagainst Crime South Africa, Business UnitySouth Africa and the South African LocalGovernment Association, aimed at promot-ing the legal, safe and efficient use ofelectricity in South Africa.According to Eskom, enforcement actions

over the three years (2010 – 2014) haveyielded success with more than 60 convic-tions against culprits and more than 130arrests relating to illegal connections.Furthermore, Eskom stated that in excess

of R292 million in revenue was recoveredand R76 million in revenue from illegalconnections. Approximately 80 000 cases ofillegal connections and meter tamperingwere reported.

Eskom cracks downon theft

MORRIS PHIRI, Eskom’s technician, attendsto an illegal connection in Las Vegas,Thabong. Photos: Teboho Setena

TWO Eskom technicians at a house to attend to a case of illegal connection in Las Vegas, Thabong, in Welkom during an audit lastweek Thursday.

Artist inspired byAfrica

Page 4

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2 EXPRESS, WEDNESDAY 5 NOVEMBER 2014

NEWS

KGOTHATSO MOKOENA,African and Free State humanrights activist, maintains theworld should be a better placethan it is at present and thatleaders with sober minds areneeded.She aired these sentiments

delivering a speech at the 69thSession of the United NationsGeneral Assembly held in NewYork, America.As part of her role in Africa,

advocating for women and girls,Mokoena represented the regionon the Women Peace Symposi-um where she strongly high-lighted the significance of worldpeace.Her strong emphasis on

leaders needing to be agents ofchange to achieve world peacewas on the side line of thecurrent state in Africa today.“So much is said about peace

and its fruits, but can the worldreally be at peace when humanbeings always want whatsomeone else have?” askedMokoena.“Whether it is land, materials,

or natural resources that youhave, someone out there wantsit, and they are willing to takeit from you.“This can even occur when

one of the resources that arelacking are people, or a lownumber of a certain sex of apopulation.“Secondly, how can we find

peace when we keep imposingpeople’s beliefs or ideologiesupon another group of peoplewho believe differently?“We do not have to look far,

either historically or geographi-cally, to find a war of ideology.The war of ideology has movedthrough history from before thecrusades, to present day.

“Just look at the Middle East.People are willing to kill theirown family members, shouldthey stray from the ideals oftheir religion. For manyhumans, the War of Ideals is thesingle, best reason to kill or die.“Thirdly, and this makes the

least amount of sense to me,power and domination is thesingle reason why large-scalewar has occurred.“When a country, or many

times a single individual, covetspower and domination, war isusually the only resolutionmade and history has shownthis to be true.“What does not make sense to

me, is why people choose tofollow such leaders when theywill obviously lead to war,destruction and death?“It is every girl’s dream to

engage with leaders who notonly give statistics, but actuallylisten in her engagement,” shesaid.Mokoena did presentations

with ambassadors who includePhumzile Mlambo Ngcuka,former South African deputypresident and now UN Womenexecutive director, MaryRobbins, first woman presidentof Ireland and African ambassa-dor for girls and Graça Machel,African ambassador andchairwoman of the UnitedNations Foundation.Originally from Virginia,

Mokoena was part of a group ofnine youth nominated to bemembers of the Africa YouthTask Force to PermanentMissions in New York thatadvocated for the full realisationof sexual and reproductivehealth and rights as a stand-alone goal in the post 2015agenda.

Call forpeace made

KGOTHATSOMOKOENA, African and Free State human rights ac-tivist (right)withGraçaMachel,Africanambassador andchairmanof the United Nations Foundation. Photo: Supplied

‘So much is said about peace and its fruits,but can the world really be at peace when

human beings always want what someoneelse has?’ – Kgothatso Mokoena

THE percentage of femalesemployed in the community andsocial services sector (whichincludes government services) hasshown the largest increasebetween 2001 and 2014, at just over10%. This is according to a reportreleased by Statistics South Africaon 30 October.The trade industry has shown

the greatest decrease in thepercentage of women employed(-9,8%), followed by the manufac-turing (-3,5%) and agriculture(-2,2%) industries.

The report uses data fromStatistics South Africa and othergovernment departments toexamine gender disparities ineconomic empowerment.Some of the other findings in

the report are that the presence ofa minor child in the householdimpacts more upon femaleparticipation in the labour marketthan on males. Female participa-tion rates are also higher when aminor child attends formalday-care facilities. The study alsofound that the higher the level of

education, the more likely it isthat females will participate in thelabour market, irrespective of thepresence of a minor child in thehousehold. Females who gavebirth for the first time when theywere 25 years or older alsoshowed increased levels ofparticipation.This type of in-depth analysis

provides a useful tool for policy-makers and planners to ensurethat conditions conducive to theparticipation of women in theeconomy are created.

Report studies female employment

} Teboho Setena

A NEW agricultural retailcomplex situated in Wesselsbronis set to boost farming in theregion. Providing everythingneeded by farmers under one roof,the complex is known as theWesselsbron Hinterland Complex.The agricultural complex is anexpansion that followed thehistoric merger of the retailbusinesses Afgri and Senwes,which resulted in a new trade-mark branded in 60 branchesacross South Africa. Its centralitymakes it accessible to farmers inthe region from towns such asBothaville, Hoopstad, Wesselsbron,Odendaalsrus, Welkom andHennenman.Frans du Plessis, managing

director of Hinterland, said awhopping R25 million wasinvested in the construction of thecomplex in Wesselsbron, whichhas created employment for noless than 60 people in the region.He said the complex was theculmination of discussions startedin 2011 by trustworthy stakehold-ers in agriculture sharing thevision to sustain agriculture as akey driver in economic growthand employment.Du Plessis said the construction

work of the Wesselsbron branchhad stretched over 15 monthsafter a contract had been signedwith the company that hadreceived the tender. TheWesselsbron Complex would go along way in consolidating achieve-ments gained in the agricultureindustry.“It is very important to leave

behind something better than thatleft by our forefathers. Through

the Hinterland Complex we aredoing just that. I’m confident thisinvestment will grow and sustainitself as envisaged,” he said.Du Plessis’s optimism about the

success of the WesselsbronComplex venture is based on agood track record which he saidwas evident in the financialturnover and management sincethe merging businesses’ inceptionin 1944. He attributed the growthand sustainability of the now

transformed Wesselsbron branchto its solid foundation and goodmanagement by former managers.Du Plessis said they hoped tocontinue building on the century-old reputation of the two share-holders.This first all-under-one-roof

complex from Hinterland (Senwesand Afgri’s combined retailbusiness) brings a new standardof accessibility to customers andagricultural producers.

Complex boosts farming

FROM the left are Frans du Plessis (managing director of Hinterland),Johnny Bezuidenhout (Wesselsbron Hinterland Complex) and FrancoisStrydom (chairperson of Hinterland) officially opening the all-in-one ag-ricultural products complex in Wesselsbron last Wednesday.

Photo: Teboho Setena

THE DA in the Free Statelaments the province’s continuousjob loss.The outcry followed reports

released last week Thursday byStats South Africa, which showedthe province was lacking behindin maximising employmentprospects.According to the recent Stats

South Africa Quarterly LabourForce Survey (QLFS), the officialunemployment rate in the FreeState is 34,5%.Unemployment, according to

the expanded definition, currentlystands at 40,9%.Agriculture shed 8 000 jobs,

utility services shed 1 000 jobs,mining lost 1 000 jobs andemployment in private house-holds lost 9 000 jobs.Roy Jankielsohn, the DA’s

leader in the Free State, said:“Over the last two years we haveseen the Free State deteriorate

rapidly on almost all socio-eco-nomic indicators.“The province is now officially

the second-worst governedprovince in South Africa teeter-ing on the brink of a totalfinancial collapse.“The delivery of basic services

such as water is becomingsporadic and local municipali-ties are unable to pay theirEskom bills to keep the lightson.”The breakdown of the economi-

cally inactive population in theFree State is:) 399 000 people are unem-ployed;) 705 000 people are not econom-ically active in any way; and) 78 000 people have given uplooking for employment altogeth-er.Although the 10 000 employment

opportunities were created duringthe period in question, Jankiel-

sohn said: “There is an encourag-ing show of marginal employ-ment growth during the thirdquarter.“But significant job losses have

been recorded in labour intensivesectors.“Our hospitals and clinics are

dilapidated, poorly stocked withmedicine and unable to performsurgeries.”In a statement released,

Jankielsohn challenged AceMagashule, the Free Statepremier, and his administrationto come up with innovations toturn around the economy of theprovince.“Magashule and his administra-

tion lack the vision and politicalwill to implement sound policiesthat would attract investment andspur economic growth, whichwould result in the creation ofthousands of new jobs,” Jankiel-sohn said.

Job loss in province ‘critical’

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EXPRESS, WEDNESDAY 5 NOVEMBER 2014 3

NEWS

} Teboho Setena

THE Welkom police said the arrest of twoLesotho nationals in possession of illegalfirearms and ammunition was a break-through in the fight against violent crimes.Rethabile Chabeli (30) and Sello Ramokoat-

si (27) re-appeared in the Welkom Magis-trate’s Court on Monday on charges ofpossession of illegal firearms and ammuni-tion.Capt. Stephen Thakeng, spokesperson of

the Welkom police, said during the arrest on26 October the two had been caught red-handed. Each had a firearm and a third gunwas found at the scene.They were arrested by a joint task team,

comprising members of the Welkom andWesselsbron Visible Policing Clusters.The three were apprehended in the

vicinity of Theronia, a suburb in Welkomregarded as a breeding ground for crime.It is believed they could be part of a

syndicate that has been terrorising residents.Thakeng said a syndicate had been

responsible for a spate of burglaries, robber-ies and fatal shootings.“This is a major breakthrough since the

area at Theronia has been declared a hotspot for violent crimes. The three men fromLesotho could not provide documents thatthey had permission to be in South Africa.We are conducting investigations to deter-mine if the firearms can be linked to othercrimes,” Thakeng said.He said numerous cases of violent crimes

had been reported regarding unidentifiedmen brutally attacking people.These included the fatal shooting of a

police warrant officer stationed at theThabong Police Station and a woman whohad accompanied the officer.Thakeng said the woman had sustained

severe injuries.Another incident was the attack of two

security officers: one was shot at and theother assaulted with a hammer. During the

attack the armed perpetrators robbed thevictims of their cell phones.“There was a house robbery at a house in

Ariel Street in Bedelia, Welkom, where threeunknown armed men instructed people to lieon the floor and robbed them of their cellphones,” he said.

Thakeng said intensive investigations wereunderway into violent crimes.“This includes the theft of a green Fiat

sedan which was seized after it had beenfound abandoned in the Goldfields.”He said investigations would determine if

the suspects were part of a syndicate or not.

Police crack down on criminals

WO SPADALA MPEMBE, sector command-er in the farming community, with illegalfirearms and ammunition found during thearrest of Lesotho nationals. Photo: Supplied

‘This is a major breakthroughsince the area at Theronia hasbeen declared a hot spot for

violent crimes.’– Capt. Stephen Thakeng

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4 EXPRESS, WEDNESDAY 5 NOVEMBER 2014

NEWS

} Motlalepule Mokgosi

AS an artist with an extraordi-nary talent for painting, Iosvan-dra Pinto interprets and speaksof the historic African lifestyleand nature through her collec-tion of paintings sold abroad.Her work is colourful, power-

ful and exciting. Australia,London and Brazil are thedestination for the cream of thecrop of Pinto’s intriguing work.She markets and sells theseworks with the help of hersisters.She takes pride in her work

which is admired by internation-al tourists.Pinto says marketing her

products is a challenge in SouthAfrica as opposed to countriesabroad.Pinto has showcased her work

in Mozambique’s capital ofMaputo and also at the 2007Mangaung African CulturalFestival (Macufe) in Bloemfon-tein. She has also exhibited atexpos in Soweto and at SoccerCity (the FNB Stadium affection-ately known as The Calabash) inJohannesburg.Her paintings are often

exhibited at arts and craftsevents staged by ZadumaPromotions, led by well-knownarts lover Saduma Miya.“In Maputo the arts and crafts

market is a large section of thesouvenir and art object market.Some of my paintings were soldfor up to R10 000 there,” shesays.Pinto says one of her best-sell-

ers is the portrait titled Dikokon-yana Tsa Afrika – meaningAfrican ants. She says the namefor the popular painting came tomind after observing how antsgo about building nests.Pinto, affectionately known as

Vandra, started painting in 2006.She has never been to an institu-tion to perfect her artistictalents.

Art talent runs in her family.“My father, Domingo Pinto,

was a water-colourist and mygrandfather Domingeon alsopainted.“There was no way I could

escape. Therefore, I took overwhen my father decided to stoppainting, though I wasn’tphenomenal at painting. At first,I drew prophecy art until afriend of mine advised me to doAfrican paintings,” she says.The friendly advice helped

unlock Pinto’s full potential.The talented woman says she

is influenced by the Africanlifestyle, hence the strongemphasis on aspects of Africanlife in her work to tell beautifulstories about Africa to theworld.Pinto’s work portrays various

aspects of Malawian life, whichshe finds inspiring. Her stronginterest in portraying theMalawian lifestyle came duringher stay in that country whereshe attended high school in a

village where she completed hermatric. She had no choice but toattend a village school as all cityschools were already full whenshe relocated. However, her stayin Malawi turned out to be anenriching experience.Pinto attended the St Helena

Primary School before moving toMalawi to complete her matric.She left her native country ofMozambique in 1997 to settle inSouth Africa – Welkom beingtheir destination after her fatherwas employed as an assessor ata local mine.Pinto expresses what she sees

through her painting.“I find painting a method of

meditation and concentrationwhere you discover your truepotential. I love working withcolours. If the colour of thepainting is not to my satisfac-tion, I keep adjusting it until Iam happy with the intensity ofthe colours,” she says.She uses acrylic water paint

for drawing to attain a consist-

ency of colour.Pinto also paints T-shirts,

mostly for herself.She has teamed up with

Saduma Miya, managing directorof Ziyaduma Promotions, to offerclasses for youths and adultsinterested in painting anddrawing and the arts in general.Miya also displayed some ofPinto’s paintings at different artsand culture events to promoteher work.“When I see paint and brush-

es, I start shaking. I tell mystudents that I can draw accu-rate circles, triangles andrectangles without using a ruleror compasses.“Painting has influenced me

emotionally and I fell in lovewith it.“My bedroom serves as my

studio. When I’m exhausted atmidnight, I just throw myselfonto the bed. If the studio wereelsewhere in the house, I wouldhave had trouble walking to mybedroom,” says Pinto.

Africa inspires artist

IOSVANDRA PINTO displays some of her best-selling paintings that include the popular DikokonyanaTsa Afrika (right). Photo: Teboho Setena

‘ I f ind painting amethod of medita-tion and concentra-t i o n w h e r e y o udiscover your truep o t e n t i a l . ’– Iosvandra Pinto

THE much-publicised OscarPistorious murder trial is over andpeople have started asking them-selves whether giving evidence incourt is worth courting justice orthe costs of testifying.The marathon case held in the

Pretoria North High Court lastedover two months with 49 appear-ances. It became the first in thecountry to be broadcast live.Coverage was in both print andelectronic media with mediaplatforms such as Twitter andFacebook live also utilised.One thing ordinary men in the

street have discovered was thatgiving evidence often involvedmany wasted hours. Witnesses findthemselves waiting patientlyoutside the courtroom all morningalongside associates waiting to becalled in to give their version ofevents. When your turn finallycomes, the leading attorney of thedefense’s legal team often asks foran adjournment and a new date forthe postponement is granted.I was personally a victim of a

prolonged court case and I amunable to describe the frustrationwhich comes from delaying tacticsand to board a taxi from my houseto the Welkom Regional Court andback home for a case that wasdelayed. I was a witness in a casethat involved a police van whichcollided with a Hyundai SUV.The police vehicle overtook a car

that was waiting at the stop signfor the Hyundai. The driver of thepolice van drove over the four-waystop intersection and crashed intothe Hyundai. Instead of waiting atthe accident scene, the driver ofthe police van tried to flee. I thenregistered myself as a witness forthe complainant.Two years later, I had to wait for

the case to be concluded. Therehave been several postponementswith the policeman absent at court.Ultimately, after having travelledfour times to the court, the statesent a lawyer and the matter wassettled out of court. At that time,the victim’s car had been replacedand the insurance company hadbeen reimbursed. Nobody wasresponsible for my loss of time andincome. I started wonderingwhether it was worth it or not. Youcan’t blame people for refusing totestify with this kind of treatment.According to the Department ofJustice, the criminal justice systemdeals with thousands of witnessesand victims, most of them nevermake it to court. Some wait thewhole day and are never called.Some of the witnesses are

intimidated by the perpetrators andsome by vicious cross-questioningby the likes of State ProsecutorGerrie Nel. In some cases all thewitnesses are present and there isa shortage of interpretors for casesto continue – hence the question is:Is giving evidence in court worthcourting justice or not and thecosts of testifying?

It takesa lot totestify

My viewMoetiMolelekoaSocial observer

POLICE seek deceased man’srelatives, suspectThe Welkom police are asking for

help in finding the next of kin ofan unknown man whose remainswere found in a shallow grave nextto the R30 Road connecting Welkomand Odendaalsrus just beforeentering the Jabulane Village, amining residence.The man’s remains were spotted

by a cattle herdsman on 24September 2013 at about 14:30.Const. Kethabile Mofokeng,

spokesperson of the Welkom police,said a postmortem revealed thevictim had been shot in the headonce. The deceased was wearing ablue round-neck T-shirt brandedAdidas, Samsung and ChelseaFootball Club, a green and whitestriped golf shirt and a yellow and

green sweater branded MamelodiSundowns FC, black trousers, beltand Converse white canvas shoes.Anyone with information in

tracing the relatives and thekiller(s) should call the investiga-tive officer, WO Riaan de Lange ofthe Welkom Detective Services, on057-391-6271.

Police seek family of deceasedThe police in Ventersburg are

asking the public to help withinformation in tracing the family ofJohn Sibeko (60) whose body wasfound on 23 July this year atapproximately 14:30 at a landfill

site by on-duty police members. Hewas dressed in a blue pair of jeans,three T-shirts, red, green and awhite and blue one respectivelywith black boots.According to the police, the cause

of death was natural as the resultsof the forensic investigation werenegative showing no injuries.The deceased’s body is being

kept at an undertaker in Venters-burg. According to the police, heused different names includingFotile John Luleki, Sibeko Sitela,Sithela Sithelo, Luleku MlolekiMlolweki and Mluleki MtulekiZulu.Anyone with information

regarding the deceased’s relativesand family should please call WOJames Moeketsi on 076-190-4733 orthe Ventersburg Police Station.

Police hunt Seetane’s killersThe Welkom police are on the

trail of two murder suspects inconnection with the killing of28-year-old Retshidisitswe Seetanefrom Lesotho. The assailantsattacked the deceased, stabbed himseveral times and fled the scene.This happened on 16 October atabout 10:50 near the ReyolsSewerage Plant. The paramedicscertified the deceased dead onarrival. The police are appealing tothe public to assist with informa-tion regarding the suspects’whereabouts to bring them to book.Anyone with information can call

the investigating officer, WOMokgejane Khutsoane of theWelkom Detective Services, on057-391-6259 during office hours or083-940-1743.

EXPRESS, WEDNESDAY 5 NOVEMBER 2014 5

NEWS

A GR. 12 LEARNER (top right-handcorner) of the Welkom High Schoolplaces his bag in the colourful row ofdifferent bags of his peers outside theexamination centre at the school.

Photo: Teboho Setena

Falling inline for exam

THE World Economic Forum’s GlobalCompetitiveness report released recentlyrevealed that South Africa has fallen to32nd place when it comes to the ease ofobtaining a loan, down from 22nd last year.

“This is due to the tighter lendingregulations which have been implementedby the banks as a result of growing eco-nomic stress and increased compliancerequirements by the banks,” says GaryPalmer of Paragon Lending Solutions.

Palmer says that business owners arebeing negatively affected by the tighterlending criteria.

“A major complaint from many clients isthat regardless of having a good trackrecord with the banks, banks are notapproving their loans, which in turn ishampering business growth. As banksbecome more selective with regards tofinancing, business owners are turning toalternative sources of funding for loanswhich will allow them to achieve theirgrowth potential.”

He adds that Paragon has seen a noticea-ble upward trend in enquiries from clientswith strong balance sheets and a lot ofassets, many with unbonded properties, andbecause the banks’ turnaround times areincreasing further there is greater propensi-ty for businesses to use alternative sourcesof funding.

“Because of the banks’ tougher lendingcriteria and protracted processing times, itmakes sense for businesses to make use ofalternative lenders to obtain short-termliquidity for commercial purposes, whilewaiting for the bank to finalise theirapplication further down the line.”

According to Palmer, alternative lenderstend to be forward-looking in terms ofassessing the loan criteria. “While manytraditional banks will decline a loan to abusiness, other lenders – such as asset-

backed lenders – will focus on the futureprospects of the business. This decision isoften substantiated by a strong order bookof the business, as well as the value ofunbonded property owned by the businessor business owner. If the business isdeemed to have good future prospects andcan use an asset as security for the loanthe probability of being able to secure aloan is relatively high,” says Palmer.

He says that alternative lenders can playa crucial role in the growth of businessesand property developments in South Africa.

“Alternative lenders tend to have moreflexibility in lending compared withcommercial banks.

“This flexibility coupled with fast dealturnaround times, has resulted in a greaterdemand by borrowers for alternativelenders in South Africa that are notrestricted by the major banks when itcomes to finance as the lender, and shouldthey have a valuable asset, they can utilisethese alternative sources to acquire short-term finance in order to be able to takeadvantage of investment opportunities,”Palmer says.

Alternative loansgrow businesses

THE police in Kroonstad are encouragingresidents in Kroonstad to keep safe todevelop a safety register and mark theirvaluables.

This follows an escalation in houseburglaries by syndicates searching forvaluables items like jewellery and fire-arms.

“Several cases of burglary were reportedat police stations within Kroonstad,prompting the police to involve thecommunity to intensify safety and securitymeasures to curb the spate of burglaries,”said Const. Kethabile Mofokeng.

“Expensive jewellery, safes and firearmsare the most targeted items. We areappealing to residents to trust theirinstinct.

“If a suspicious person or vehicle isnoticed, the police must be contacted withimmediate effect as this can save the livesand the property of law-abiding citizens,”she said.

Following reported incidents, burglarieswere committed between 18:00 and 06:00.

Mofokeng said by marking valuableitems and keeping information like serialnumbers residents could help the police

during investigations.“The purpose of this is for the police to

easily identify stolen items when inspec-tions and visits are conducted at pawnshops in the station precinct of Kroonstad.

“Make it difficult for criminals to accessyour premises by increasing securitymeasures.

“Never allow anyone to look throughyour house, especially those who say theywant to buy your property.

“Make thorough arrangements byknowing exactly who is coming to yourhome.

“Domestic workers must be told not toopen the doors of their employer’s resi-dence without the permission of theiremployer, seeing as criminals enter homesunder the pretence that they are there tofix the property or household items andthen rob the homes.

“Working together in this regard will behighly appreciated by the Kroonstadpolice,” said Mofokeng.

Residents are requested to call the PoliceEmergency numbers 086-001-0111 or 10111for a quick response from the Kroonstadpolice.

THE Ventersburg and Hennenman policeteam scooped first prize at a multi-culturalevent for its impressive presentation of theIndian culture.

This event, held annually, saw six policeclusters in the Goldfields compete againsteach other, displaying the diverse cultures ofSouth Africa’s people. This year’s occasionwas held at the Phakisa Raceway inOdendaalsrus recently.

The Ventersburg and Hennenman cluster’spresentation of the Indian culture impressedthe adjudicators who chose it as the best ofall the presentations given by the different

teams.The English cultural presentation by the

Thabong police cluster comprising membersfrom Bronville and Thabong received secondprize while the Welkom 10111 squad receivedthe third prize with their grand display ofthe Venda culture. The winning groupsreceived trophies and certificates forstunning performances.

The participating clusters comprised policeofficers from Welkom, Virginia, Allanridge,Hennenman, Ventersburg and Wesselsbron.

According to Maj. Gen. Lerato Molale,commander of the Thabong cluster, the

multi-cultural occasion was useful in policingand outlined the significance of the country’scultures.

“To steal and rape is not culture. Ourcultures do not promote crime. We have toprotect our culture and heritage whileenhancing creativity,” said Molale.

Mathabo Leeto, the MEC for Sport, Arts,

Culture and Recreation, echoed the senti-ment and said: “Being multi-cultural is oneway of building a united nation that does notdiscriminate against each other in terms ofculture, dance and sport.

“We must promote this initiative beyondMatjhabeng by including members from thecommunity.”

SAPS members cherish, celebrate culture

THE members of the Ventersburg and Hennenman team that scooped first prize are fromthe left Mamokete Mthimkhulu, Const. Phakiso Molotsoane, Const. Betty Majoro, Const.Panka Morake, Nthabiseng Moeti, Sgt Tseleng Ngaka, Mapaseka Nkhatho, Sesi Lepele,Naledi Modukanele and seated is WO Daniel Kareli.

MEMBERS of the Odendaalsrus and Wesselsbron police team who won second prize por-traying a Swati cultural dance at themulti-cultural event held recently at the Phakisa Race-way. Photos Supplied

Police urge homeowners to be vigilant, beef up security

“A major complaint frommany clients is that re-gardless of having a goodt rack record wi th thebanks, banks are not ap-proving their loans, whichin turn is hampering busi-ness growth.”

6 EXPRESS, WEDNESDAY 5 NOVEMBER 2014

NEWS

LAST Thursday, a joint initiative organised by House of Hope in partnership with Absa, was held at the Deo Doxa Church in Welkom. It orientated the participants on how to drafta proper curriculum vitae as well as develop their job interview and business skills needed in the job market. This group attended the development programme. From the leftare, front: Naledi Gaarekwe, Agnes Meko and Nthabiseng Matshediso; back: Tlaleng Selikane, Bonolo Matolong, Teboho Lebitsa, Lerato Letaba and Joyce Vinger.

EMPLOYEES of the Hinterland Complex who were among the scores of people attending the opening of the agricultureretail complex in Wesselsbron recently. From the left are Thale Botipe, Felicity Peters, Japie Fransman, Anna Busakweand Johannes Mpatsia. Photos: Teboho Setena

MAMONNE CAYO, a resident of the Edenville township of Ngwathe, showcased her creativity usinga mobile phone to give meaning to a song she performed during the Itekeng Luncheon Club’s Heritageevent held in Kroonstad recently.

JOEMASWANGANYI (left), generalmanager of Senwes, and IsraelMot-lhabane, 2012 award-winning Grain South Africa Farmer of the Year,graced the recent opening of the Hinterland Complex, an agricultureretail complex in Wesselsbron.

CHIPS BOTHA, a resident of Wesselsbron, was allsmiles after he had won himself valuable equip-ment in the lucky draw at the official opening of theHinterland Complex in Wesselsbron recently.

Lucky winner

In and aroundthe Goldfields

Talkingaboutcreativity

EXPRESS, WEDNESDAY 5 NOVEMBER 2014 7

NEWS

} Teboho Setena

INSPIRATION from her latefather and hopes to follow inhis footsteps in the game ofrugby, have seen NombuleloMayongo achieve the unthink-able.The example her late father,

Tsana Mayongo, had set, haspropelled the talented woman toplay a traditionally male sportat the top level.She represented South Africa

in the Rugby World Cup forwomen and played international-ly – stages her father could onlydream of during his playingdays for mine teams in theGoldfields’ town of Welkom.One of the finest women

rugby players and the pride andjoy of the Free State, Mayongorecently returned home fromNorway, where she had anine-month stint as player andcoach.She even managed to scoop

some silverware.Born in the Eastern Cape, the

utility rugby player spoke toExpress Goldfields about herrugby journey.How many teams were you

involved in as a coach andplayer in Norway as part ofyour exchange programme?Four, Tonsberg, Sandvike Old

Start, East Coast Valkyries and

Horten.What were the tournaments

you were involved in?I featured in the Oslo Tourna-

ment, Tonsberg Tournament,Norwegian Championship andSwedish Championship.Which of these champion-

ships did you win and whatwas the prize?The team won a gold medal

and trophy in the OsloChampionship.How do you rate the stan-

dard of rugby in Norwaycompared to South Africa? Iswomen’s rugby more profes-sional there than in SouthAfrica?Rugby in Norway is at a

developing stage, especiallywomen’s rugby. They areplaying the rugby seven’s asidegame.But I can tell you that people

in Norway are very supportiveand when it comes to facilitiesthey are well-organised.Schools in Norway take rugby

as one of their subjects and Ithink that is a good thing fordeveloping rugby.I think South Africa must

improve when it comes todeveloping rugby, especially inthe township and rural areas.The need for good facilities todevelop the game and attractmore youths is important.

What were the highlights ofyour stay in Norway and doyou think you have achievedsomething?I achieved a lot in Norway in

terms of coaching skills, teamwork in a different culturalcontext and my confidence hasgrown a lot.I was invited to help the

Norwegian national women’steam and that in itself was agreat honour.I loved the snow and the

weather. I had a good lifeexperience. I enjoyed themountain views, the snowscenery, skating and skiing.I also enjoyed the food and

playing with European teamsduring my stay.What did you find challen-

ging in Norway?The language barrier and the

Norwegian culture.It is a closed culture and

reserved compared to theAfrican culture.It was difficult to find some-

one to talk to and share chal-lenges and successes becausethey are very shy.They hardly approach stran-

gers. I used to feel like aforeigner in their presence.They only spoke their languageduring training and did not tryto speak English.However, they did accommo-

date me eventually.You have returned to

Welkom. Which club do youplay for to keep fit?I’m playing for the Griffons

and Thabong Rugby Club.I’m a player and currently

working as development officercoaching women’s rugby.

Any other sport you partici-pated in other than rugby?Before I started playing rugby,

I played netball and I wasrunning short distances, 100 mand 200 m.Who inspired you and how

did you come to play rugby, amale-dominated sport?I was inspired by my father,

Tsana Mayongo, who played forthe mines until the early 1990s.It all started while I was atschool.How did it happen that you

found yourself playing for theGriffons and got selected forthe South African women’srugby team, the Springboks?I joined the Griffons team and

got selected for the nationalteam due to my performanceand endurance.What are the highlights of

your sporting career thus farand what did you achieveprovincially and nationally?I have both Free State provin-

cial and national colours inrugby. I have 25 caps forplaying for the Springboks.Against which country did

you make your debut in theSpringbok colours?It was against Uganda when

we played in the Confederationof African Rugby’s women’stournament in 2007.What are your highlights

both provincially and nation-ally?Representing the Free State at

the interprovincial games from2005 till 2006. Being part of theGriffons team from 2004 tillpresent. My national highlightsare to have been selected for theSpringboks and featuring in the

team in tournaments played in2009 to 2010 and also being partof the team from 2007 till 2012.My other international highlightis to have been nominated forthe sport exchange programmethat afforded me the once-in-a-life-time opportunity to go toNorway.Where do you see yourself

five years from now?In five years, I want to be

running a women’s rugbyacademy, coaching futureplayers.

Father is Springbok’s inspiration

NOMBULELO MAYONGO, starplayer of the Griffons and natio-nal women’s rugby side.

‘In five years, I want to be running awomen’s rugby academy, coaching future

players.’

S SAIOSH EXHIBITIONThe South African Associa-tion for Occupational Safetyand Health (Saiosh) ishosting an exhibition andconference on 14 November.The event will be held at thePresident Hotel, Bloemfon-tein, and is set to start at08:00. Exhibitors in theindustry are invited to bookstalls at R995 for Saioshmembers and R1 895 fornon-members. This feeincludes entrance for twodelegates.During the conferenceexperts will discuss topicslike the Department ofLabour’s new OccupationalHealth and Safety (OHS)policy, OHS and hygiene,environmental policy andstrategies, compensation forinjuries and illness in theworkplace and fire andtechnology. Registered Saioshmembers will earn two CPDpoints.For bookings and moreinformation call GillianNortjé on 010-001-7455 orinfo@saiosh.co.za.

S Class of 2005 LesedingTechnical School Reunionmeeting:The 2005 class of theLeseding Technical Second-ary School in Welkom areinvited to a consultativemeeting to be held on 29November at the LesedingSchool, starting at 10:30.The meeting is aimed atdiscussing plans to host areunion in 2015, markingtheir ten-year reunion. Formore information callThemba Dhlamini on072-605-1028.

Fax information to: 086-676-3805

Email: teboho.setena@volksblad.com

Before 10:00 on Fridays

What’s on

SOUTH AFRICAN sportsfraternities are starting lifewithout athletes of note, SenzoMeyiwa, Orlando Pirates goal-keeper, Phindile Mvelase, awomen’s boxer, and MbulaeniMulaudzi, the 2004 AthensOlympics silver medallist.These sports personalities died

just days apart in separateincidents last week.Meyiwa and Mulaudzi were

buried on Saturday, 1 November,at their homes, Umlazi inKwaZulu-Natal and Muduluni inLimpopo respectivelyMulaudzi, the 2009 world

champion in the men’s 800 m,

died in the early hours of 24October when his car overturnedin Mpumalanga.Mwelase died on 25 October

after she had fallen into a comaafter a fight earlier last month.Following this, Pirates goal-

keeper Meyiwa was shot andkilled in Vosloorus in Gauteng on

Sunday, 26 October.South Africa is mourning the

death of these athletes and theirsporting fraternities are devastat-ed.These athletes boasted achieve-

ments in their respective sportingfields and showcased their talent.They did the country proud.

SA mourns passing of 3 heroesREST IN PEACE: The photos of the deceased sports heroes of South Africa are from the left Senzo Meyiwa, Orlando Pirates goalkeeper, PhindileMvelase, boxer, and Mbulaeni Mulaudzi, a middle-distance runner and the 2009 world champion in the men’s 800 m.

Photo: Denzil Maregele

8 EXPRESS, WEDNESDAY 5 NOVEMBER 2014

} Tladi Moloi

PHUTHADITJHABA. – There will beblood and sweat when boxers battle it outfor a place in the 20 male and femalesquad to represent the Free State at thisyear’s amateur national championship setfor next month in Bloemfontein.The boxers will trade leather in different

divisions. The team will be selected nextSaturday at the Phuthaditjhaba Hall inPhuthaditjhaba, Qwaqwa, where theprovincial senior championships will takeplace. The fight is expected to start at12:00.Thabo Mofutsanyana was granted

permission to stage a Free State champion-ship/preparation tournament as the“Last-Push Tournament” with the FreeState Boxing Association for boxers whoare going to represent the province at thechampionships.Platjie Mokoena, president of the Thabo

Mofutsanyana Boxing Association, saysthey are ready to host it. He says theywould not have any problem to host atournament of that magnitude as they havehad some experience before.“We are ready. The important thing is to

select the best team that will represent usin the championships,” he says.The teams from Lejweleputswa, Man-

gaung Metro, Fezile Dabi and ThaboMofutsanyana, the host, are expected totake part in the squad selection.“We are expecting those districts to come

with their best boxers, because that willhelp us to select the best team. Remember,we have never won the national champion-ships before and we want to make surethat we win them this year as the hosts,”Mokoena says.He says they are committed as federation

to put the Free State were it belongswhen it comes to sport and boxing inparticular.

Boxersready totake thepunch

BOXERS will battle it out for a place in the20 male and female squad to represent theFree State in the amateur national champi-onships. Photo: Tladi Moloi

‘We are expecting those dis-tricts to come with their bestboxers, because that willhelp us to select the bestteam.’ – Platjie Mokoena

BETHLEHEM. – The Free State Starsdefender Daniel Cardoso has been clearedfor action after a lengthy spell out with astress fracture.Cardoso is yet to play this season,

having also missed a sizeable chunk ofthe last campaign with the injury.However, he is fit again, as are his

teammates Robert Sankara, AndreaFileccia and Danny Venter.Defender Sankara had a hamstring

complaint, while Belgian striker Filecciawas nursing a bruised thigh.

Rudolf Bester (hamstring), SibusisoMthethwa (shoulder) and HendrikSomaeb (foot) remain on the sidelineswith their respective knocks.Stars coach, Tom Saintfiet, told his

club’s website: “Rudolf is still out.“Together with Sibusiso Mthethwa,

who is also still out. Then also Hendrikis out. But Andrea is back fit, RobertSankara is fit and Daniel Cardoso is fit.Danny is also fit. The group is bigger andbigger, so we have much more players tochoose from for the coming matches.”

Cardoso, teammatesfit and ready for action DUNCAN LECHESA is on the verge of

joining the National First Division (NFD)side Garankuwa United.Lechesa, who parted ways with Royal

Eagles recently, is negotiating with thePretoria-based outfit.“We are negotiating with Duncan

Lechesa, but it is not final yet,” GeorgeMogomotsi, the club’s general manager,told KickOff.com.“As for the coach who was with us

(Lesley Notsi), he has resigned and we arealso finalising that,” he added.Garankuwa United, previously known

as United FC, are 15th on the log, withsix points after nine matches.– KickOff.com

Garankuwa woosLechesa

To read previous issuesof Express, go to

www.express-news.co.zaStar rugbyplayerdreamsbig p 7

Top team in table tennisTHE table tennis team of the Mangaung Metro, consisting of boys and girls, reigned supreme at this year’s OR Tambo Gamesstaged in Welkom. From the left are, front: Refilwe Phekonyane and Letshego Seleke (coach); back: Ranthako Ramofana (teammanager), Vicky Pasiwe, Mnikelo Dry, Rebone Lepheane, Lerato Mabaso and David Kgabale (coordinator). The team beat all fourregions – Fezile Dabi, Lejweleputswa, Xhariep and Thabo Mofutsanyana – to win gold medals and trophies. Photo: Teboho Setena

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