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Seakhi family angry
Murderer of beloved sister sentenced to only 12 years } Teboho Setena THE conviction of John Serotho Mahasela to 12 years’ imprisonment for slaughtering Mantwa Seakhi is a further devastating blow to the victim, the deceased’s family says. The family has expressed shock regarding Mahasela’s sentencing. The deep-rooted feeling of resentment regarding the court case’s outcome was visible on the faces of her sister, Masetoki, and aunt Rebecca Seakhi. The Odendaalsrus Regional Court sentenced the 35-year-old Mahasela on 4 March after finding him guilty of murder and on attempted arson charges. Prosecutor Tshokolo Xaba and Presiding Judge Susana Meintjies passed judgement. Mahasela killed the 32-year-old Mantwa on 18 August last year, cutting her throat with a knife. The accused took the deceased by force to an open veld where he slit her throat, then fled the scene. The charge of attempted arson was for setting alight the house of Masetoki, the younger sister of Mantwa. Mahasela had an estranged relationship with the deceased, whom he reportedly threatened to kill for ending their love affair. “I believe Mantwa has been betrayed by the justice system in every respect. Firstly, the police failed to act and only looked for Mahasela after he had been reported for trying to burn down
the house. The sentence of 12 years’ imprisonment is lenient and in my opinion justifies his (Mahasela’s) right to kill. Mantwa’s right to life appears worthless,” says Rebecca Seakhi. “We have men serving 20-year and more jail terms for framed rapes by their wives or girls. Mahase’s 12-year sentencing for the deliberate brutal act is in complete contrast to protecting the rights of innocent people like Mantwa.” Masetoki equally expressed outrage with the judgement. “We are quite aware that even a harsher sentencing will not bring Mantwa back to life, but 12 years for her killer is unbelievable. Mahasela’s right to kill appears more significant.” “In no time he will be out, roaming the streets and enjoying his life. I’m living with fear just at the thought of seeing him walk past. Even during the trial I felt the same, coming face-to-face with Mantwa’s killer,” said Masetoki “None of us managed to attend the trial until judgement was passed. I would have liked to hear his reason(s) for killing Mantwa. Did the court, because of the fact that he pleaded guilty, believe he showed remorse and gave him a lesser prison sentencing? “I believe my sister has been denied justice.” Masetoki lamented bitterly that life has been harder for the younger siblings who were in Mantwa’s care.
SURVIVING siblings of the deceased, Mantwa Seakhi, are from the left Masetoki, Lucky and Seipati. Insert: The late Mantwa Seakhi. Photo: Teboho Setena
Residents help police to foil xenophobic attack RESIDENTS in sector four of the new 2010 residence in Thabong received the thumbs up from the police for their prompt reaction against an ill-fated xenophobia plot. Residents alerted the Thabong police about a group of men who apparently planned preying on foreign-owned shops to loot them on the night of 20 April.
Sgt. Mamello Mokhuoane, spokesperson of the Thabong police station, said the residents had informed the police who reacted in time upon receiving information about the group of unidentified men who had been planning to attack and loot shops owned by foreign nationals. She said the men fled upon noticing the police.
Maj. Gen. Lerato Molale, commander of the station, lauded the quick response by the police. He also thanked the Community Policing Forum (CPF) for playing a major role in thwarting the potential looting of the shops run by foreign nationals in the area in question. “They played their role and did their
part in becoming the eyes and ears of the police and we laud them for that. “We encourage the various communities in the Thabong cluster to stand together against xenophobic attacks. “So far everyone is doing good work and we do not have a bad name by being associated with xenophobia and xenophobic attacks,” said Molale.
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Mobile giant enhances learning } Teboho Setena A GROUP of ten learners of Lephola Secondary School, in Welkom’s Thabong township, will be ambassadors of an educational technology initiative aimed at enhancing performance in Mathematics and Science. The project called Vodacom E-school, serves as learning platform with internet access to education content sites for all learners, starting gr. 8 to 12 in secondary schools in South Africa. It is funded by mobile company giant Vodacom. The educational project was launched last Tuesday (21/04) at Lephola. To get the initiative up and running the ten learners each received a smart mobile phone to enable them to get immediate access. Saraya Hamdulay, Vodacom’s executive media representitive, envisages that the educational project will have a far-reaching impact in improving learning and teaching as well as the performance of the learners. Vodacom’s e-school, learners who are subscribers of the network will have free access to classroom content, which is curriculum aligned on their mobile device across all major subjects. She said the mobile network had zero-rated browsing on the site for its customers. “We hope the e-school will go a long way in improving learners’ performance in Mathematics and Life Sciences. It is a basic tool which empowers the learners,” she said. “The project is in line with Vodacom’s ongoing drive to help provide Information Communication Technology tools and internet connectivity to communities that do not have access. “By providing access to internet services to improve the standard of education, Vodacom is able to uplift learners and the quality of education. Many learners in our country often do not have access to learn-
THE Lephola Secondary School’s top ten learners selected for the Vodacom e-school educational programme, a technology flagship initiative aimed at improving learning and teaching in Mathematics and Science. From the left are, Sibongile Manjo, Monica Mokoena, Dimpho Nkoalo, Zanele Matowane, Neo Setai, Lungile Mthethwa, Mamejare Koalane, Thandiwe Qinisa, Sebabatso Mohapi and Santi Seloama. Photos: Teboho
Setena
ing material such as textbooks, which makes excelling at school more difficult. “Through the e-school platform, we can help address this challenge. As an investor in the country and partner of the Department of Basic Education, our goal is to ensure that learners throughout the country have access to some basic tools to help enhance their learning outside of the classroom,” said Hamdulay. “Having free access to an education content portal will now help overcome the barriers to e-learning” she said. “Learners can now complete lessons from their school syllabus, to help them improve their marks. They can also track their progress in a fun, easy and interactive way. All that users need do is visit www.vodacom.co.za/e-school from their cellphone, tablet or laptop to register. For those who are not customers of Vodacom, data charges will be incurred while logging on to the site.
AT the launch of the Vodacom E-school project at the Lephola Secondary School last Tuesday (21/04), are from the left Saraya Hamdulay (Vodacom’s executive media representative), Lekgowa Motseki (acting principal Lephola Secondary School), Patience Khoabane and Ndabankulu Mnguni (Maths and Science teachers at Lephola).
Girl (16) robbed in taxi THE Welkom police strongly warn taxi commuters to only board taxis with identity signs. This is after a recent incident involving a 16-year-old girl. The taxi driver robbed the teenager of her Samsung cellphone and R3 060 in cash after threatening her on 15 March. The unsuspecting teenager boarded the taxi, hoping it would transport her to her destination in Welkom’s Central Business District (CBD). Capt. Stephen Thakeng, spokesperson of the Welkom police, said the taxi driver drove to an open veld in the southern area of Welkom after dropping other passengers off in Thabong. According to Thakeng, the driver reportedly proceeded to Welkom’s CBD, driving through the industrial area via the
Naudéville suburb. He then drove past the Welkom Traffic Department on the Koppie Alleen Road. Thakeng said the suspect had parked the white Toyota Corolla in an open veld in the area where he then robbed the teenager of her belongings. The driver allegedly abandoned the victim and fled the scene. The teenager could not recall the vehicle’s registration number. “Residents are warned to never use vehicles without official signage as a mode of transport,” said Thakeng, adding that they were investigating a case of robbery. Anyone with information that could lead to the arrest of the suspect must phone the investigative officer, WO Teswin Carls of the Welkom Detective Unit, on 072-294-9306.
Concern over women workers About Our New Home News24 is South Africa’s leading digital news brand with more than 3 million monthly South African users spanning across web, mobile, apps and interactive TV. Find local and international breaking news covering sport, politics, technology, business, entertainment, travel and so much more. For breaking news first, visit www.news24.com.
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THE Congress of South African Trade Unions (Cosatu) in the Free State is outraged over road construction companies subjecting women to the risk of doing night duty alone. The labour federation raised concerns after spotting women on night duty at the stop-and-go traffic controls on roads under construction in the Free State. Monyatso Mahlatsi, Cosatu’s provincial secretary, said incidents of women on night duty alone were registered along the N5 Road en-route from Winburg, Senekal, Paul Roux and Bethlehem. “We are disturbed by the exposure of women workers to the social risks currently engulfing our country. In the construction of the road between Senekal and Winburg on the R5 Road, we have noted instances at these stop-and-go controls where one woman worker is on night duty alone, operating the trafficcontrol light. At the end approaching this stop-and-go section from the direction of Senekal there was no light at all, apart from the headlights of the vehicle,” Mahlatsi said. “It is a point of concern on our part that these women workers are exposed to all types of risks that are currently engulfing our society including robbery,
assault and rape. “We have engaged our affiliate to organise and protect the interests of these workers. However, since this sector is always difficult to organise because their workers are fired willy-nilly, construction companies and the Department of Labour should act as a matter of urgency to close this gap and create a decent and safe working environment for women workers who are indeed someone’s mother, daughter or wife.” Mahlatsi said the labour federation was equally impressed with progress made in road construction regarding the employment of women and improvement for humanity. “We have noted a positive development as road construction companies have begun to employ women as part of their workforce. We assume that it is to comply with the employment equity requirements. We have further noted that for the first time after the introduction of women in the sector, companies have taken measures to avail ablution facilities for the road construction workers. For decades workers had been forced to relieve themselves in the open field.”
EXPRESS, WEDNESDAY 29 APRIL 2015
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Employees strike for higher wages
} Teboho Setena
FIRED-UP to embark on a nationwide strike for higher living wages, employees of the Department of Social Development in Welkom also made their intention clear. This further crippled the government’s service delivery. Led by their public sector union, the National Education Health and Allied Workers Union (Nehawu), they protested for 30 minutes last Thursday (23/04) in the town’s central business district in support of the national protest. The picketing sent a warning signal to the government of what to expect if it failed to adhere to the demands which included a 10% wage increase across all the levels. Demands and possible actions to cripple the ANC-led government’s service delivery if their demands were not met, were written on placards. Busisiwe Divhula, Nehawu’s chairperson for Welkom’s Department of Social Development branch, said the picketing by union members had sent out a message to the Free State government that they too were ready to down tools if their demands were not met by the deadline in May. “The last better living wage increase, in double digits, was in 2007 and certainly made a difference in people’s lives. Living costs are rising daily, but wages remain low and the government is not considering that. We have not received a wage increase of above 5% after 2007,” said Divhula. Talks over a wage increase in double digits were concluded during the time former state president Thabo Mbeki was unceremoniously dismissed. Divhula said they were ready for a planned no-work-pay strike in May if the government did not budge and give in to the demands that would enable workers to improve their living standard. The union demanded the following: ) A single-term agreement.
LIVING WAGE: Employees of the Department of Social Development in Welkom, affiliated to the National Education Health and Allied Workers Union, kick-started a protest for demands which included a wage increase of 10%. They were seen picketing in front of the department’s office in Welkom last Thursday. Photo: Teboho Setena ) R1 500 housing allowance. ) Level 1 – 4 to be abolished as per the 2007 resolution. ) A 28% increase on medical aid fund which has not increased for four years.
) Clarity on Occupational Specific Dispensation (OSD), regarding discrepancies. ) Pay progression that is not paid to others. ) Job evaluation X some workers are not
evaluated in that their experience (grandfather clause) was used for certain individuals. ) Skills development should apply to all workers.
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EXPRESS, WEDNESDAY 29 APRIL 2015
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Let the sinless cast the first stone THE Scribes and the Pharisees brought unto Jesus a woman caught in adultery. After they threw her in the midst of the crowd, they said unto Jesus, Master, this woman was caught in adultery, in the very act. They based their decision to stone the woman to death on the law of Moses that whoever commits adultery shall be put to death. Jesus challenged them by saying that anyone of them who was sinless must cast the first stone. Instead they left the woman and Jesus was left alone with her. Jesus forgave the adulteress (John 8:1-10). In December 1998, a few days after Gugu Dlamini disclosed the fact that she was HIV positive during an interview on a local radio station, she was stoned to death by a group of men from her home township, KwaMashu. In the 1990’s, the stigma against those living with HIV/Aids was rampant. The minister of Health at the time was the late Dr Manto Tshabalala-Msimang, with Thabo Mbeki as President. Mbeki claimed that HIV did not cause Aids and Tshabalala-Msimang said that antiretroviral drugs would not be used in South Africa because they were toxic and were not a cure for Aids. In my analysis I likened the people who stoned poor Gugu Dlamini to death to the Pharisees and Scribes that judged the adulteress. In 2012, the minister of health, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi, announced a R5,9-billion ARV tender to supply the drug to 1,7 million South Africans living with HIV/Aids. In the abstract from the Bible, the lesson is that one of the reasons Jesus came to earth was to forgive us our sins, unlike the earthly laws that are unforgiving. Motsoaledi, unlike his predecessor, Tshabalala-Msimang, allowed ARV’s to be used for the treatment of HIV/Aids patients. Until recently, the patients were initiated on ARV therapy at a CD4 count of 350. But as from this year the government has increased the CD4 count for starting treatment to 500. The Department of Health had awarded several pharmaceutical companies a three-year contract worth R10,3 billion to supply ARV drugs, which they started supplying to HIV
My view Moeti Molelekoa Social observer positive patients from 2015. They will continue doing so until 2017. As a result, South Africa has the world’s biggest ARV treatment programme, offering medication to more than 2,2 million people. Use of treatment has almost doubled since 2008 to cover about a third of the 6,4 million HIV-positive people in the country. The government intends to have the number of new infections by 2016 and treat 4,6 million people. Research has brought the following to light: ) People with HIV who start treatment with a CD4 count of above 500 are much more likely to experience substantial reductions in the reservoir of HIV infected cells in their bodies. ) Patients with CD4 cell counts below 200 are more likely to experience AIDS-related illnesses and to have a higher viral load at the time of treatment. In the cases of Gugu Dlamini and the biblical adulteress, persecutors were witnesses, judges and juries. Today, more heroes and heroines have been publicly revealing their status after testing HIV-positive. Nomusa Njoko, singer and actress, the late Lesego Motsepe and radio personality Criselda Kananda are some of the prominent persons to publicly disclose their HIV status. ) To comment on or express your views about the issue highlighted in the column, go to www.express-news.co.za. Express Goldfields & NFS welcomes anyone interested in contributing to the weekly column. There is no payment for writers. Send your opinion piece (not exceeding 500 words) to teboho.setena@volksblad.com.
Nominations called for THE South African Institute for Advancement (Saia) is urging the public to nominate people for this year’s Inyathelo Philanthropy Awards. Nominees should be people who distinguish themselves in serving South Africa through live-changing initiatives. Members of the public are free to nominate candidates of their choice. The closing date for nominations is 1 July. The presentation will take place at an awards function in Cape Town in November. Initiated by Saia to acknowledge, celebrate and honour those whose personal efforts have contributed towards sustainable social change in South Africa, the annual Inyathelo Philanthropy Awards have been presented for the past nine years. Previous recipients include the founding directors of the Adonis Musati Project for refugees, Gayle McWalter and Gahlia Brogneri; 10-year-old rhino campaigner Afeefah Patel; Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu; co-founder of the Spread Luv Movement, Kgomotso Mokoena; the Ackerman family; the director of the Hlumelelisa organisation for convicted offenders, Paul Bruns; champion of orphans and vulnerable children in Durban, Mohamed Fayaz Khan; as well as founding chairman of The Atlantic Philanthropies, Charles
Feeney, for his multi-million rand contribution to promoting social justice, better health care and human rights in South Africa. “An independent awards review panel is looking for extraordinary people who are actively investing their own financial resources in small or big ways to improve their communities and South Africa X albeit through the arts, education, health, environment, human rights, research or other causes,” says Shelagh Gastrow, Inyathelo executive director. “Philanthropy is dependent on the interest, passion, commitment, generosity and foresight of individuals wanting to make a difference, and our awards seek to inspire others by recognising the incredible role models among us. “Individual giving can be the largest source of donor money in South Africa and philanthropists play a critical role in effecting real systemic change through supporting innovative solutions to our many social, environmental and economic problems.” Anyone can nominate their philanthropy hero by filling in the online nomination form on the Philanthropy South Africa website, www.philanthropy.org.za, or by contacting Inyathelo on 021-465-6981 or awards@inyathelo.org.za.
RECEIVE AWARDS: Welkom police members celebrate receiving trophies for a job well done in the fight against crime. From the left are, front: WO Abram George, Lt. Col. Lourens Botha, Lt. Col Moliehi Molapisi and WO Dikeledi Nhlapo; back: Sgt. Charles Menzi, Const. Daniel Bolt, Const. Palesa Phakoe, Const. Nosizwe Maduna, Sgt. Ishmael Tobalete, Const. Esau Mokoena, Const. Tebalo Toli and Sgt. Morena Moahlodi. Photo: Supplied
Pat on the back for local SAPS THE Welkom Police Station has received four awards for fighting rampant crime in the Free State. The awards, presented for the third quarter of the 2014-’15 term for best-performing stations provincially, were handed over to the recipients at a function in Bethlehem last Wednesday (22/04). The Welkom station was voted as the best overall provincially and obtained a first position in the Free State for police stations led by a rank of a brigadier. The winning station scooped awards in the categories: Crime Prevention Efficiency Contact Crime Police Stations, Crime Prevention Efficiency in Brigadier Stations, Component Efficiency in Brigadier Police Stations and Operational Efficiency in Brigadier Police Stations. The Welkom Police Station received trophies in each category. Lt. Gen. Thabethe Mpembe, the Free State police commissioner, presented the awards. Brig. Mzondi Mojafi, station command-
er of the Welkom Police Station, attributed the station’s performance to the positive relationship between officers, businesses and residents of Welkom. “I would like to applaud all members of the Welkom Police Station, from cleaners to colonels, who ensured that these trophies were received as the best-performing police station in the third quarter of 2014-’15,” Mojafi said. “Welkom residents and the business sector are also applauded in giving useful information which led to arrests. This gesture shows that we have a positive relationship and this helps create a safe and secure Welkom station precinct.” He gave a thumbs-up to the Welkom Community Policing Forum, private mine security companies, Matjhabeng Traffic Department, Provincial Traffic Department, Home Affairs and the media for the role they played in fighting crime. “We appreciate this joint venture – together we can win to fight crime.”
Help police to fight theft THE Thabong police are appealing to residents to uniquely mark their movable property using serial numbers only identifiable by them. The encouragement to mark movable property is aimed at helping fight the spate of burglaries through which many people have lost their valuables. Sgt. Mamello Mokhuoane, spokesperson of the Thabong Police Station, said scores of people had been unable to positively identify their stolen movable property because it was not marked or because they had nothing to confirm ownership of the belongings. “Stolen electrical appliances are recovered, but members of the community are unable to positively identify these. This is because the belongings are not marked, nor is a record of serial numbers available where applicable,” said Mokhuoane. “Numerous theft cases, burglaries at businesses and houses, as well as robberies, were reported in the last few months. In these cases electrical appliances were
not marked and no records had been kept as proof of identification. “In the event of no serial number being available, the owners must take the responsibility to affix an identifiable mark or number to their property and keep proper record thereof. This will also be handy in the event of a claim and can assist owners in describing the lost property in detail to both the police officials and insurance company. “Belongings such as televisions, PlayStations, X-boxes, microwaves, computers, laptops, printers, cordless telephones, radios, DVD players, lawnmowers, fridges and stoves should be identifiable by means of make, model and serial number.” Mokhuoane said the strategy to mark and keep record of serial numbers of property was bearing fruit. Bearing testimony to this, was a resident being able to positively identify stolen property following the arrest of two young men, Tatolo Maile (19) and Nthateleng Mohloki (20), who appeared in the Welkom Magistrate’s Court on Friday (24/04).
EXPRESS, WEDNESDAY 29 APRIL 2015
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Lights out for municipalities
ESKOM has announced that, as of 5 June this year, bulk electricity supply to the top 20 defaulting municipalities across the country will be interrupted. On 31 March, the total municipal arrear debt greater than 30 days was R4,6 billion. The top 20 defaulting municipalities are currently indebted to Eskom to the amount of R3,68 billion for the bulk supply of electricity. Mondli Mvambi, the Free State government spokesperson, said the provincial government has handled the notice regarding power cut issued by Eskom. “The Free State Government is further committed to ensuring that the affected organs of state play their reasonable part in ensuring that Eskom is enabled to carry out its mandate of supplying and reliably meeting the energy needs of our people and the industry,” he said. Mvambi has questioned why the DA did not tackle the issue of distribution of electricity prior to 1994. “Government is trying to secure additional sources of revenue such checking of the indigent list and operation pay,” he said Eskom recognises that the disconnection of electricity supply may cause undue hardship to consumers and members of the community and may even adversely affect the delivery of other services. However, customer disconnection is always the last resort explored.
BELOW is a list of the 20 defaulting municipalities, as at 10 April, with the highest overdue debt (in alphabetical order): 1. City of Matlosana Local Municipality 2. Dihlabeng Municipality 3. Emalahleni Local Municipality 4. Govan Mbeki Municipality 5. Lekwa Local Municipality 6. Lichtenburg Municipality 7. Madibeng Local Municipality 8. Makana Local Municipality 9. Maluti-a-Phofung Municipality In view of this, Eskom is contemplating a regulated interruption of electricity as indicated below: ) Monday to Friday X 06:00 to 10:00, 07:00 to 10:00 ) Saturday and Sunday X 17:00 to 21:00, 17:00 to 20:00. A list of defaulting municipalities will be published per
10. Matjhabeng Municipality 11. Msukaligwa Local Municipality 12. Nala Local Municipality 13. Naledi Local Municipality 14. Nama Khoi Local Municipality 15. Ngwathe Local Municipality 16. Nketoana Local Municipality 17. Randfontein Local Municipality 18. Thaba Chweu Local Municipality 19. Thabazimbi Local Municipality 20. Westonaria Local Municipality province by 30 April in local provincial media channels. Consumers within the jurisdiction of a defaulting municipality will be given adequate notice in terms of the Promotion of Administrative Justice Act, no. 3 of 2000, and will be given the opportunity to make written representations to Eskom.
Shock over cuts THE DA, Freedom Front Plus (FF+) and the Goldfields Chamber of Business have all expressed their shock and concern about Eskom’s intention to punish Matjhabeng and 19 other municipalities with load shedding during June. Eskom said in a media statement it wanted to disconnect electricity for at least eight hours a day to municipalities that owe it money. This would be additional to the load shedding already done by Eskom. The cause of the crisis now facing residents is the municipality’s inability to pay its creditors. According to a statement by the DA, the municipality already owed Eskom more that R603 million in February. Although the council receives around R30 million from residents, only R16 million is paid to Eskom, the DA said. To avoid the additional eight-hour daily blackout in June, Eskom wants a payment agreement from the Matjhabeng Municipality. The DA and other opposition parties have asked the National Treasury to withhold Matjhabeng’s equatable share monies until the council has come up with a plan to meet Eskom’s demands. The DA has requested a special council meeting to solve the looming crisis. It wants the council to immediately give permission to the treasury to pay the equitable share money to Eskom. Dr Pieter Groenewald of the FF+ said on Monday it would
‘It will be unfair towards consumers who pay their electricity bills to be punished with severe load-shedding due to the municipality’s poor administration and nonpayment of Eskom.’ be unfair to punish the end-consumers for the municipality’s poor payment record. The FF+ also wants the Treasury to pay Eskom first and then pay over the balance to the council. By doing this it will help Eskom, who is facing a crisis, while it will help the council to reduce its debt to Eskom. According to the law on electricity, disconnection may only be done if the consumer does not pay. In this case the residents are protected by law and it will be unconstitutional to cut their power supply. Kgojane Matutle, spokesperson for the municipality, said to Express Goldfields and NFS that Mayor Sebenzile Ngangelizwe gave his word to residents that their power would not be cut. “The council is busy with negotiations and is convinced that it would be successful,” Matutle said.
Annual project supports vulnerable children THE seventh Engo For Our Children project began on 23 April at the Bloem Show. This annual fund-raising project in which a vehicle can be won, is run by Engo, together with Volksblad’s Central Local Newspapers, Imperial GM Bloemfontein and Radio Rosestad for the benefit of Engo Free State. This year a lucky sponsor can drive away with a Chevrolet Spark Campus worth R119 500. The goal of this project is to generate additional funds for children in Engo Childand Youth-care Centres, as well as children in foster care. “We supported almost 4 000 children through this project in 2014,” Magda van Niekerk, director of professional services at Engo, said. Engo Free State consists of six subprogrammes, which include Child and Youth-care Centres. “In 2014 the government subsidised only 26% of Engo’s total income, so this project is critical for the survival of our centres,” Jana Marx, Engo’s public relations officer and organiser of this project, said. “Tickets cost only R20. By making this R20 donation, you are immediately entered into the Chev Spark lucky draw,” Marx continued. When the Bloem Show ends, tickets can still be bought at all Engo Centres across the Free State, and at the information desk at Mimosa Mall. Several promotions will be held across the Free State during the next seven months, where tickets will be sold. According to Marx, a complete promotion calender will be available soon, but key ticket stations include Bloem Show, Volksblad’s monthly food and arts market, Mimosa Mall, Ficksburg’s Cherry Festival and the Vrystaat Arts Festival. Ticket sales close 20 November and five finalists will be drawn and announced by PwC on 11 January 2016. The final draw function, where the winner of the Spark will be announced, will take place on 22 January 2016. The four remaining finalists will each receive a prize worth R2 000.
‘You can just read the newspaper to become aware of the misery in the world. Please buy your ticket and strengthen our hands here at Engo to bring hope in the lives of 4 000 children.’ – De Wet Claassens, director of management support services at Engo
CHILDREN from one of the beneficiaries of the project, Ons Kinderhuis, in Bloemfontein, are from the left, in front: Jaco, Marinda and Mariana; back: Johandré and Palesa. De Wet Claassens, director of management support services, encourages all readers to take part in this project. “One can just read the newspaper to become aware of the misery in the world. Please buy your ticket and strengthen our
hands here at Engo to bring hope in the lives of 4 000 children.” ) For more information about the For Our Children project and the availability of tickets, call 051-407-7222 or visit www.engo.co.za.
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EXPRESS, WEDNESDAY 29 APRIL 2015
NEWS
Beetle, Ghia and Kombi owners can exhibit their cars. KARMANN GHIA
VW enthusiasts invited to Phakisa } Kevin Jenkins TRENDY Volkswagen models will be on display for public viewing during a one-day Extreme Festival scheduled for Saturday (02/05) at the Phakisa Raceway. The event marks this year’s 80th anniversary of the Volkswagen Beetle, the 60th anniversary of the Karmann Ghia, and the 60th anniversary of the Volkswagen Kombi, in South Africa, along with the 50th anniversary of Formula Vee racing in this country. If you are the owner of a Volkswagen Beetle, a Karmann Ghia, or the original Volkswagen Kombi, bring your car and family to the Extreme Festival race meeting at the Phakisa Raceway on Saturday. There will be a special parking area designated for members of the public who bring their Volkswagen to show off and share experiences with other Volkswagen enthusiasts. The participants will also have the opportunity to see the Formula Vees in action and meet and chat to the drivers. A Formula Vee is a single-seater racing car, originally based almost entirely on Volkswagen Beetle components. The first Formula Vees in South Africa ran a 1 200 cc air-cooled Beetle motor in a tubular space frame chassis with either fibre glass or aluminium body panels. Other Beetle components included the beam front suspension with the shock absorbers mounted on the shock towers in the standard Beetle configuration, the Beetle drum brakes, standard Beetle 15 inch “Marie Biscuit” wheel rims and the Beetle steering box and gearbox. In order
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to create a mid-engine single-seater racing car, the engine and gearbox had to be turned around and the crown wheel and pinion mounted on the other side, in order not to end up with four reverse gears and only one forward gear. Over the years, the category has evolved. In 1968 the 1 200 cc air-cooled Beetle motor was replaced with the 1 300 cc air-cooled Beetle motor. Then in 1990, that was replaced with the 1 300 cc water-cooled Citi Golf motor, using an adaptor plate to mate it to the old Beetle gearbox, which was retained and is still in use today, along with the Beetle front beam. The Beetle steering box has, however, been replaced by rack and pinion steering, the shock absorber towers have been removed from the front beam and the shock absorbers mounted internally with push and pull rods in front and a mono shock at the rear. The drum brakes have been replaced with disc brakes and mag wheel rims are now in use, fitted with Hankook semi-slick tyres. The most recent engine upgrade took place in 2004, when the 1 300 cc watercooled motor was replaced by the 1 400 cc Citi Golf motor, which is fitted with a regulated performance cam shaft and twin carburettors. Saturday’s meeting offers the public a chance to meet the drivers and to get a close-up look at these amazing little single-seater racing cars, especially if you drive any of the Volkswagen products whose components have been used by the category over the years. A number of Formula Vee racing cars have also been built in Welkom and raced around the
VOLKSWAGEN KOMBI country and at the old Welkom, Goldfields circuit, over the years and if you still have one, dust it off, give it a bit of a spit and polish, bring it to Phakisa and put it on display, along with the Beetles, Karmann Ghias and Kombis. Enthusiasts are sure to love seeing it again. In addition to the South African National Championship Formula Vee races, the programme also includes races for G & H
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Transport Extreme Super Cars, Consol VW Challenge, Red Square Kawasaki ZX10R Masters Cup, Thunderbikes/Sub 10 Superbikes, Silverton Bolt and Nut Challenge, National Sports Car Challenge and the Phakisa 200, to be contested by a full field of speed and Sound 111 Sports and Saloons, together with the Leisuregrass/Northern Bolt and Tool Superhatch category.
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Smile broadly about shoes GENERAL & HOME SERVICES
THE shoe project Give Back Tough made its first donation last week to a group of learners of the Daluvuyo Primary School in Thabong. The shoes arrived just in time, as colder weather is making life difficult for children without shoes. Pictured here are the beneficiary children with Daluvuyo Primary School personnel and the shoe project leader, Andile Sani (right). Photo:
Alet van der Walt
EXPRESS, WEDNESDAY 29 APRIL 2015
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SPORT
Mummy tackles ‘male’ sport } Teboho Setena
‘I know rugby is a dangerous sport, but you have to be smart and learn to play safe.’ – Motshidisi Mabote
MABOTE keeps her eye on the ball on the field.
TO be in the middle of a muddle of her favourite sport, rugby, is a task Motshidisi Mabote enjoys. Not only does she blow the whistle as referee, but she also coaches and plays the game – making her a master in the sport she is so passionate about. Known by the name of Mummy, Mabote has established herself as the queen in this maledominated sport. Her rugby career began in 2001 when she played for the Letsete Secondary School in Welkom. With time she has matured and she is now a notable figure with knowledge about the game. This energetic woman coaches the team of the Thabong Rugby Club, a men’s team with which she has been for three years. She officiates at both men’s and women’s tournaments and matches. As she focuses on refereeing and coaching, playing has become secondary. Mabote plays for the Griffons Rugby women’s team in Welkom. Her versatility has seen her take up various roles. “I have played all forward positions. Even backline and inside centre. But most of the time I play flank, both outside and inside,” says Mabote. “It was not easy when I started playing rugby, because I was originally a soccer player. So, to change to another sport and not knowing how to play, was a challenge. “It was the first time a women’s rugby team was formed and we were the first girls to start playing rugby at development level for the Griffons Union in Welkom. Most of my classmates played for only a month after they joined. But a friend and I continued playing.” With soccer being popular in her family and her also being an avid fan, people at first found her switch unusual. “It was strange, because I’m more into soccer and my uncle Morake Mabote played soccer and was good in his heydays.” There was some indirect influence by her cousin Tumo Nkomo regarding the sudden interest in rugby. “Taking on a different challenge was not easy. I had to try something new. My cousin played cricket and also rugby.” Both Nkomo and Morake are deceased.
At the beginning, however, Mabote had to deal with the challenges of alleviating her family’s fear concerning the dangerous aspects of the game. “Some friends didn’t like the sport, saying it’s dangerous. However, I never saw anything dangerous as I love being on the field and always enjoyed playing with boys instead of girls, as the girls were afraid. “At home they didn’t want me to play and my late granny Dipuo Mabote was the most vocal. I had to cry before she allowed me to play. I know rugby is a dangerous sport, but you have to be smart and learn to play safe.” Mabote persevered and received recognition sooner than expected. As a player she was selected for the Griffons and the Free State team in 2002, included in the interprovincial team that represented the Free State in 2006, and received an invitation to the Springboks national women’s squad in 2006 and 2007. Mabote captained the senior Griffons Rugby women’s team for eight years and was vice-captain for two years. Her refereeing ability has not gone without recognition. “I was invited to the national women’s academy of referees in 2014. I have served as assistant referee at national women’s tournaments and also as the fourth official.” Her biggest achievement as a coach was to guide the Thabong Rugby Club’s men’s team to winning the 2013-’14 Lejweleputswa League. She has started acquiring coaching experience with the Griffons u.16 girls’ team. “Most of the time I work with men and so far I don’t see any problem. When it comes to women I don’t wish to work with them for
long because everyone wants to have a say in everything. I also have my own way, it is better working with men.” In response to the question of which part of rugby she enjoys most, Mabote had a clear answer. “I really enjoy to be on the field, especially when you are good at what you love doing. I don’t stress that much. “Officiating at matches is not an easy job. Making it worse is dealing with pressure from both teams and the spectators. “Coaching and refereeing are huge responsibilities, and can make you stress, especially when your team under performs and players fail to execute the game plan.” In the field of play, she says players who influence her include South Africa’s World Cup-winning fastest winger Bryan Habana and the pair of the Blitzboks (sevens national side) Cecil Afrika and Seabelo Senatla, one-time Griffons players. Mabote’s future ambition is to rise to another level in the game. “I want to focus more on refereeing. A lot can happen in five years, as there are exciting opportunities for women in rugby. “I’m working towards achieving some of the goals I have set for myself. One of them is to help other women who are also interested in being rugby referees and coaches.” Born in the eastern Free State town of Qwaqwa, she was raised by her grandmother Dipuo Mabote who resided in Welkom. Mabote said she relocated to the Free State’s capital town of gold to stay with her grandmother after the death of her parents, Frans and Mapenane.
MOTSHIDISI MABOTE watches on as players of the Welkom-Gimnasium High School and Marquard Secondary School battle for the ball in a scrum. Photos: Teboho Setena
Two SA boxers will follow fight } Teboho Setena SOUTH AFRICA’S boxing pair of Lehlohonolo Ledwaba and Phillip Ndou will be among the enthusiastic spectators watching rivals Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao’s super-charged world-title fight Saturday night (3 May South African time) in the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. The two South African boxers were stopped in their quest to conquer the world by the two men who are billed to battle it out in the gruelling fight dubbed The Fight of the Century. Ledwaba, now retired, lost his International Boxing Federation super bantamweight title to the Philippines star Pacquiao in 2001. In 2003 Ndou had his dream to wrest the WBC lightweight title dashed by
undefeated Mayweather. Ndou, who has made a comeback into boxing, challenged the American mega star. Both Pacquiao and Maywhether rose to stardom following their historic wins against Ledwaba and Ndou. The South African pair will be analysing the Mayweather-Pacquiao bout and will be hoping their chosen ones will avenge their respective defeats in 2001 (Ledwaba-Pacquiao) and 2003 (Ndou-Mayweather). Ledwaba predicts Mayweather will be victorious. “These are two different fighters in their league. As much as Pacquiao can punch hard, I have discovered that he can take punishment. He tends to forget that he has to guard, though, hence he suffered defeats to the likes of Timothy Bradley. Floyd on the other hand is a scientific boxer. He is
streetwise and can take punishment. He can also fight back and push his opponents to the limit. He can exploit all avenues to expose opponents and can go the distance under pressure. Floyd will emerge victorious,” says Ledwaba. Ndou picks Pacquiao to win the long-awaited fight. “I have my money on Manny. He has what it takes and I’m convinced Floyd will not come out of his corner to continue the fight come Saturday. Applying an effective fight strategy, Manny will claim the title. Floyd has been ducking Manny, making some demands five years ago. Now is the time his weakness will be exposed by Manny. I’m not favouring Manny over Floyd, because he (Floyd) beat me at some stage. I’m basing my prediction on facts,” says Ndou.
Eyeing the cup THE HTS Louis Botha boys’ u.19 team look to win the Sanlam Kay Motsepe Schools Cup again this year, after they managed this feat in 2013. The team from this school is one of the provincial favourites this year. WINR20000-ES150415
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EXPRESS, WEDNESDAY 29 APRIL 2015
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Harmony takes huge step forward } Teboho Setena
THE Harmony Secondary School u.19 boys’ football took a huge step forward in the Sanlam Kay Motsepe Schools Cup competition by hammering local rival, Meloding Secondary School, 5-0 last Wednesday (22/04). This match was the first leg of the round robin matches in the cluster. The victory gives the defending champions an edge over their opponents who now have to dig deep into their reserves to qualify for the regional final of the Lejweleputswa leg to be staged later in May. The Meloding side was no match for the rampant Harmony team, who dominated the match. The cluster matches feature secondary schools from Virginia, which includes Mamello, Meloding and Reatlehile as well as the title defenders, Harmony. These schools will compete against each other on a round robin basis to determine the winner that will go through to the regional final of the Lejweleputswa leg. The trio of Mamello, Meloding and Reatlehile have not yet progressed beyond the regional final of the prestigious secondary schools football tournament. The three schools are faced with a huge challenge of outclassing the reigning champions, Harmony.
TIGHT CHASE: Meloding Secondary School’s player Mzimasi Feyiland (green) is left stranded by Harmony’s Sipho Mbule and Molelekoa Motaung during the Sanlam Kay Motsepe Schools Cup cluster’s first leg match played last Wednesday (22/04) at the Virginia Sports Academy. Photo: Teboho Setena
‘Shoes’ dies at 49 } Teboho Setena
LSIBA JOHN MOSHOEU
ALL good things come to an end. And so it has been for one of South Africa’s most talented footballing maestros, Lesiba John “Shoes” Moshoeu, who succumbed to stomach cancer at the age of 49. Many football fans are struggling to come to terms with his passing, as the magnificent sportsman epitomised professionalism and a healthy lifestyle. Moshoeu died last Tuesday (21/04) in Johannesburg. He boldly stated he drew inspiration from merely looking at his grandfather’s photo, which he had placed on
his wall. He also said football was his life and he lived for the game. “Football is what I’m married to and she is my wife,” he stated in one of the many interviews he did with the media. He was instrumental in the South African men’s senior team winning the African Cup of Nations in 1996. Moshoeu was an ambassador who represented South Africa abroad with distinction. He had a lengthy stint in Turkey before returning to his home country, stealing the thunder of players far younger than him in the Premier Soccer League playing for Kaizer Chiefs and AmaZulu.
Through his performance on the field he proved that age was just a number. Shoes was the oldest player in the PSL between 2004 and 2008. Despite this, he got players much younger that him chasing his shadow. His lethal boot saw him score 15 goals in the PSL as midfielder in 2005. His illustrious football career spans 21 years, having played locally and internationally. The finest of his generation, Shoes is a throw-back to an era when players were in the game for the passion, the pride and loyalty and the inspiration to thrive over adversity. Shoes has left shoes too big to fill.
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