The Youth Voice March Issue

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21 MARCH 2022 ISSUE Nimrod Matsane, 24, whose four of his family members were simultaneously shot and killed this week is living in fear as he thinks the killers might come back to kill him and his brother as they are the only surviving members of the family. His family members including his father, Johnson Fakude, 58, his mother Gift Matsane,50, his younger sisters, Princess Fakude, 11, and an eight-year-old Priscilla Fakude died when two gun-wielding men entered their home in Castel, Bushbuckridge and open fire without uttering a word.

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MASHONISA AND FAMILY MURDERED IN CASTEEL BUSHBUCKRIDGE STAFF REPORTER

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“My brother and I are in trouble because these people might come back to finish what they started. When the shooting happened I was at work in Secunda in the Mpumalanga Highveld and my elder brother was also away when the incident happened. My father had a cash loan business and he was a polygamist and had left one of his wives, who threatened to kill him a few months ago. Now we suspect that the woman might be behind the killings. If she is behind this she will probably send people to kill us too because we might interrupt her when she wants to take the property and businesses that were left by my father,” said Matsane. He said his parents told him last month that there were people who had been planning to kill them. He is also appealing to the law enforcement agencies to protect him and his brother. I am shocked about my parents and my siblings’ death and ready to assist the police to arrest those who are responsible,” he said. Matsane says he will interact with the police to give them the information that might facilitate the process of arresting the suspects. “Before they were killed, my parents told us who wanted to kill them and I believe those people are responsible. Recently, Bushbuckridge and the surrounding areas have seen several incidents in which family members

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including children and women were shot and “We urge anyone with information about the incident or the whereabouts of the killed.In most cases, the killings are said to suspects to contact the police. be in connection with the gang-related violence that is rife in the area. Police preliminary investigation revealed Mpumalanga police spokesperson Brigadier that after the gunshot sound was heard at the Selvy Mohlala has called on the community victims’ houses two men were seen jumping over a wall towards the direction of R40 members to assist the police to make sure road then disappear into the darkness,” said that the perpetrators are brought to book. Mohlala. social media for the 2nd time this week He said when the police and the medics as people continue to post pictures of buckets filled with dirty water. Our efforts arrived at the scene all the four family members were already dead with gunshot to get a comment from the Mbombela wounds. He said the motive of the killing Municipality were unfruitful was still unknown.

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TEENAGER DISCOVERS NEWBORN BABY DUMPED AT COLLEGE VIEW

THE 42.0 KM R40 YELPS HASTY PRAYERS VUSI KAMTFOMBENI

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Last week a tipper truck believed to be driving to phalaborwa lost control, rolled over and overturned into the roadside shrubs at Ga-josefa village between casteel and Acornhoek. According to a source who was at the scene, the driver fell asleep while he was driving. This accident happened not long after residents had taken to the streets to picket about how trucks cause accidents on the R40.

Speaking to the youth voice newspaper, A casteel resident who is a former truck driver said “ The Truck drivers are not getting enough rest, since they get paid according to the number of deliveries they make each day" In another incident a minibus caught fire on the hill from Dwarsloop to bushbuckridge, The cause of the fire is still unknown hence the case is still under investigation.

Motorists who were at the scene tried to stop the fire but it was too late. It is alleged that the minibus struggled to drive on the hill. No fatalities have been reported on both accidents hence drivers managed to flee on the scenes of the accidents, however residents remain restless, and a local pastor is calling for a hasty prayer to curb the evil spirits haunting the R40.

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HAWKS MAKES AN IMMENSE HOOK AT THE SOPA GLAMOUR AND BLISS ON THE WALKWAY TO THE SOPA 2022 ALL PHOTOS BY VUSI KAMTFOMBENI

Vusi Kamtfombeni

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Hawks serious corruption investigation snips the attention from the Mpumalanga premier Mrs Refilwe Maria Tsipane during the question and answer session, as the session precedes hawks clandestinely sends a media statement to all media houses that diverted interest to media personnel.

incident. On the released Media Statement it is alleged that during the Covid-19 outbreak, while the suspect was still an acting Head of the department Education, the department procured Personal Protective equipment (PPE) which were not classified under Covid-19 circular . During hawks investigation it was In the stated it is purported that the established that the PPE's were Mpumalanga chief director of the irregularly procured without following department of health Mr.Jabulani Rolland supply chain progressions. The arrest Nkosi (59) was incarcerated for followed after the investigation was contravening of public finance referred to hawks by the national management act. prosecuting Authority. The suspect appeared before the Nelspruit When media houses ask for lucidity on Magistrate Court today and the unfortunate occurrence the Premier SHARE YOUR VIEW wtf denied of knowing anything about the

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SEMINAR FOR WOMEN AND YOUNG GIRLS EMPOWERMENT

21 MARCH 2022 ISSUE

Meet your newly crowned Miss BBR 2022

Tumelo Lebambo

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Finding purpose with Eulender will be coordinating events and workshops to moderate conversations on topics related to women and young girls in helping them finding their purpose and a reason to excel with the ultimate aim of empowering them to lead, learn, take up space and leave a legacy.

hope and life satisfaction, and increased goal-oriented thinking and academic performance.

According to the founder of the event, Eulender Nanni , the sessions will be a panel set up discussion that will involve audience during the discussion. She further states that empowering women and young girls to identify and embrace their purpose is intrinsic to her.

Interested People are kindly requested to buy the ticket early to avoid disappointment for more information follow the relevant people on their social platforms instagram:

Eulender also stipulates that Research indicates that for adolescents, having a sense of purpose is vital to greater resiliency and positive psychological and emotional well-being, a deeper sense of

Author of Personal lived experiences for people living with mental illness , Bill Damon once said the biggest problem growing up today is not actually stress but a sense of meaninglessness.

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@eulender_nanni| youTube@Finding your purpose with Eulenser Nanni | Facebook @ eulendernanni.

Mitchel Ntshuxeko Sibuyi (20) from Agincourt is a full time student studying public relations management at Vaal University of technology. The newly crowned queen says she is grateful for the support that afforded her the opportunity to be finally crowed Miss Bushbuckridge 2022.

“I am ready for whatever that may come my way I will grab every opportunity with both hands and make sure I keep Bushbuckridge and the organisations I will work with on the map”

She concluded by stating that she believes that she is what Bushbuckridge has been longing for to bring change. And further urged The bubbly young woman says she everyone to reach out to her by has a passion to inspire and bring transformation within the community donating with anything they may have so she can do her charity work of Bushbuckridge, to rebuild and instill a positive mind set to the youth, with ease. and to empower the vulnerable. She People who wish to donate can will accomplish this by creating a kindly use the following accounts youth hub which will bring together 62330726368 FNB, CAPITEC young people and afford them the 1902058060/ 1684800453 and miss space and opportunity to address bushbuckridge 's CEO can be social ills such as Gender Based reached on 079 536 8847/ 072 336 Violence, teenage pregnancy, drug 4536. abuse and skills development.

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YV THE YOUTH VOICE 21 MARCH 2022 ISSUE BE HEARD Joyce Sibiya, 50, from Nkomazi is No special High school for children with worried that her disabled child has been forced to drop out of school because disabilities in Mpumalanga there is no educational centre that can accommodate her in the province. Sibiya said her 16-year-old daughter, Nkosikwenzile Shabangu completed her primary school in Bukhosibetfu Primary School in Driekoppies, Nkomazi last year but she would not be able to continue with her studies as she was supposed to find a school outside the province. “Soon as we realised that she was a slow learner and failing to grasp everything her former teachers had been imparting, we took her to the special school where she did well and passed her grade 7. I am afraid to take her to a normal school because other pupils will laugh at her and she won’t make it. We would like to appeal to the government to at least build a centre in which disabled children will be trained. I did manage to get a private school for her, but it’s expensive, I can't afford it,” said Sibiya. Nonhlanla Tshisani, 39, from Block C in Nkomazi faces the same problem as her 17-year-old son Surprise Zitha also attended school in a special school in Nkomazi, where he completed his grade

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9, but now he is at home because there is no high school that accommodate disabled children in the province. “My boy is stressed because he always stays at home while other children are going to school. Private schools are very expensive and we also don’t have money to take him to special schools situated outside the province,” said Tshisani These children are part of many children living with disability who failed to continue with their studies because there is no facility accommodating them in Mpumalanga. When delivering his state of the province address in 2011, former Mpumalanga Premier David Mabuza who is now a deputy president of South Africa said the provincial government was planning to build a special school that would serve as a high school for children who just completed their primary education. Now it is about 12 years since the

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announcement was made but still, there is no school.A few years ago, a special school in Limpopo expelled about 18 pupils from Mpumalanga on the ground that they were occupying space for the locals. When contacted for comment, Patrick Mahlakwane, a leader for the Disabled People of South Africa has accused the government of destroying the future of the children living with a disability. “The provincial government promised us a school in 2011, but they never built it as a result our children are suffering. During the years that we have been waiting for the school, the government built many boarding schools throughout the province but ignored the special school project. “This is a human right violation because these kids have the right to access education like any other children,” said Mahlakwane.

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Busisiwe Paulina Shiba, MEC of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs in Mpumalanga has expressed how she feels about men to commit gender based violence. Shiba says she thinks low of men who think that violence is an answer. This after a government official allegedly stabbed a woman in Orgies in Emalahleni. The Department confirmed to media that a case was opened by the victim with Ogies Police Station and the suspect was accordingly apprehended and is in police custody pending his court appearance. As the case against the official contains severe allegations, which are pointing to gross transgression by a public official, the Department has suspended the said Official with immediate effect pending the outcomes of both the internal investigation as well as the outcome of the case that has been opened with SAPS.

There are 18 Special Schools and of that total number, 5 schools accommodate hearing impaired learners and one school admit visually impaired. Efforts to build a special school for the deaf and blind learners at Emalahleni Local Municipality are at an advise stage.

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Mpumalanga Department of Education spokesperson Jasper Zwane says the Department accommodates learners with disabilities in all schools depending on the level of support required (mild, moderate and high levels of support). Parents are encouraged to communicate with the Department in instances where they need information on assessment of learners and placement if they are still out of school but those in schools are coordinated between the schools and the district office.

against GBV and we shall always stand up with our loud voices expressing that such elements do not belong in our society and therefore appropriate drastic actions shall be taken without hesitation to demonstrate that we condemn such incidents in the most possible strongest terms within and outside the work place As Government we shall not be deterred whatsoever to join forces in a fight against GBVF” said MEC Shiba

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The Head of Department, Mr Sam Ngubane has also re-iterated MEC’s sentiments that the Department deeply regrets and extremely rebukes the incident allegedly committed by a person, who by right, is intended to serve the people of Emalahleni in unblocking service delivery bottlenecks for the benefit of society in general and not to pose a life threat to the people that should enjoy the fruits and the benefits that CDW’s must help in channeling.

The Department shall pursue further disciplinary steps as such instances in the Public Service cannot be tolerated

Shock as we are, we call for the people of Emalahleni to remain calm with the assurance that the justice system in the Country shall ensure that victims of this nature remain “We will continue to fight the scourge protected with justice fairly served. of incidents of GBVF whenever and wherever it raises its ugly head within The immediate suspension and all our communities. steps that shall follow through No one has any right whatsoever to disciplinary processes are a clear behave violently against women and indication that we shall remain children let alone using sharp objects impatient, intolerant and nonon helpless women and children with perseverant on all harmful acts the intention of causing grievous against women and children. We bodily harm that may potentially be therefore remain resolute and fatal. We stand firm as the unwavering in our fight against Department to escalate our fight Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF).

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21 MARCH 2022 ISSUE

TEENAGER DISCOVERS NEWBORN BABY DUMPED AT COLLEGE VIEW

Mpumalanga focuses on reviving economy STAFF REPORTER

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Mpumalanga Premier, Refilwe Mtshweni-Tsipane, has committed to prioritising economic transformation and mass job creation by aligning the province’s plans to the national Economic Reconstruction and Recovery Plan. The recovery plan was unveiled by the President in October 2020, in an effort to assist the country’s economy recover from the devastating effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

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A Mpumalanga teenager who discovered a newborn baby who was left naked in the bushes is shattered that she no longer has access to him. The hero, Natasha Malinda (19), was sobbing when she spoke to this newspaper. "I want to see the boy, but the nurses at Mapulaneng Hospital say I have no right to see him. I want to be sure that he's still okay so I can sleep peacefully at night," said Malinda. The Grade 12 learner made the discovery while on her way to attend afternoon classes at her school in College View township on Thursday, she says she was drawn to some undergrowth in the bushes after she heard a baby crying. "When I got closer I found that it was a baby boy. He laid there naked, with his umbilical cord tied up with wool. I phoned the police, who immediately arrived and permitted me to hold the child. I covered him with a cloth and we then travelled to the police station, where I gave a statement. The baby remained in my care until we later went to the hospital, where he was declared healthy,” said Malinda. Malinda, who sobbed uncontrollably during the follow-up interview on Sunday, said she felt betrayed. "On Thursday and Friday, the nurses called me a hero and said I could have daily access to him until he has found a new home. When I went there on Saturday, they turned me away. All I wanted was to see the baby. .

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I have developed a strong connection with him. We have managed to bond in a short space of time and I named him Lufuno, which is a TshiVenda name for love. If only I could be allowed to see him and know he's okay,” Malinda pleaded. According to a psychology expert, Malinda is in need of immediate counselling. "This is a sign that something went wrong somewhere. [Malinda] is not the biological mother, and only 19 years old. The question is, why has she bonded with the child so quickly? It might happen she once lost a child or someone close to her did. Counselling will definitely help this girl,” said Dr Rudzani Mhlari, a psychology lecturer at the University of Mpumalanga. Shamiso Gusha, an independent counsellor from Northriding in Johannesburg, Gauteng, shared the same sentiment with Mhlari. Gusha said the fact that she already gave the child a name was a sign that the teenager has been psychologically affected by the matter. There is definitely a need for counselling because it seems the whole incident has triggered something in her,” said Gusha. When contacted for comment, Mpumalanga Department of Health spokesperson Dumisani Malamule said the child was doing well in hospital. He said the child was kept at the hospital’s nursery school. Bushbuckridge police Sergeant Marylene Mmonwa said a case of Concealment of birth has been opened while investigations continue.

Delivering the State of the Province Address on Friday, the Premier said the province will intensify the roll out of the Mpumalanga Industrial Development Plan, the Nkomazi Special Economic Zone (SEZ) and the Mpumalanga International Fresh Produce Market. The Nkomazi SEZ and Mpumalanga International Fresh Produce Market have the potential to place the agricultural sector on a growth trajectory, create massive job opportunities and investments for the province. “These initiatives will open opportunities for value chains development, agroprocessing, trade and export, including the agricultural development of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region. “We are beginning to see progress in the construction of the Mpumalanga International Fresh Produce Market. As we speak, we anticipate the finalisation of the main market by the end of the upcoming financial year,” the Premier said. The province is working together with the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition, the Nkomazi Local Municipality, the Ehlanzeni District Municipality and traditional authorities to finalise all the statutory requirements needed to ensure that the SEZ site is legally compliant. The province is also working on concluding all the planning and design work, so that the development of the site can commence in the upcoming financial year, and on strengthening the investment pipeline. “The Nkomazi SEZ has received a boost following a very ambitious investment proposal by a Mpumalanga based property development company.

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As a province, we have been actively engaging private sector partners, who wish to work with us in creating an agriprocessing facility around the Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport (KMIA). “These discussions are at an advanced stage and include proposals that encompass a wide range of investment initiatives, anchored on a regional beneficiation hub and trade port,” Mtshweni-Tsipane said. The province will ensure that the development of small businesses is prioritised in the projects, especially enterprises owned by young people, women and people with disabilities. District Development Model The province has introduced a new integrated district-based approach to address service delivery challenges, prioritise procuring locally and create jobs within communities “Embedded within the implementation of the District Development Model are individualised Economic Recovery Plans per district, which will direct the economic potential of the Districts by leveraging local resources across the three spheres of government, business and communities in order to address the economic challenges confronting each district. “The public-private partnership component within the District Development Model is beginning to bear fruit. In Steve Tshwete local municipality, we will be working together with private sector partners to build a R350 million four-star hotel,” the Premeir said. This public-private partnership project has Akani Properties, a black-owned property development company, as a partner, along with the internationally renowned Raddison Hotel Group. “The hotel will have a capacity of 150 beds and a convention centre of 1 000 seats. Part of the conditions of the award is that 10% ownership should be local and 30% of the construction work should be subcontracted to local businesses. This project will create hundreds of jobs during the construction phase and permanent jobs once operational,” the Premier said.

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21 MARCH 2022 ISSUE

Dear Friends

BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION

Dear friends, let me say something on this special day though we are far apart, you’ll be always in my heart. I cherish those moments, our silly disagreements and funny talks we made on social media platforms and how we started being a family stayed united in grief and laughter. Nkosana Sedibe

Kgaugelo Dibakwane

Phumla Angel May your face always light up with glee. I wish you never ever feel empty or less informed, I pray, may god be always by your side. I want you to always lift up your head in pride . my friends ,on your birthday, all I want to say is that you mean the world to me and you more than a friend to me.

Sister Ntombizodwa

Noma Lucy

Polly Sekwale

happy birthday

Ukraine conflict causes petrol and food price increase STAFF REPORTER

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Deputy Finance Minister David Masondo has warned that with South Africa being a net importer of oil, the persistent conflict in Ukraine is having a severe impact on fuel prices which, in turn, is driving up food prices. Participating in a Parliamentary debate that looked at the economic impact of the conflict on the South African economy, Masondo said there is the prospect of persistent supply and demand imbalances, which risks driving inflation higher and tightening financial market conditions.

to above $110 per barrel, compared to around $80 per barrel at the beginning of 2022.

“As a net importer of oil, South Africa, The higher global inflation prospects is unfortunately at the mercy of the could lead to higher interest rates, global oil prices.” with tighter financial conditions and reduced capital flows to emerging National Treasury working with the markets. Department oto review fuel pricing

“This makes the work that we have embarked on with the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy to review the approach to fuel pricing that much more urgent.

The Deputy Minister said higher fuel and grain prices erode the disposable income of consumers.

“We are working tirelessly to complete the work as soon as possible,” he said.

He said this as local fuel prices recently went up to more than R21 per litre for the first time ever.

Masondo said, however, that government cannot make any hasty decisions, as any changes that are made on fuel pricing will have a lasting impact on the industry.

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The adverse effects of developments in Ukraine have not spilled over to South Africa significantly, with the Rand having depreciated by only 1.3 percent in wake of the conflict.” Masondo called for the silencing of the guns and a return to meaningful dialogue, negotiation and compromise.

Masondo said the National Treasury is fully aware of the impact of these rising prices on the quality of the lives and the cost of living of South Africans, especially the poor, who spend a disproportionate share of their income on transport and food.

“Since the conflict, there have already been sharp increases in the prices of crude oil, maize, wheat, and sunflower oil futures contracts. This is likely to persist until a resolution to the conflict is found,” he said.

“This increase is due to the higher global price of crude oil, which over the last month alone, has increased

“In the meantime, we encourage those industries that qualify for the diesel rebate on the fuel and road accident fund to apply for it.

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Man who murdered his girlfriend in Marite sentenced 40 years STAFF REPORTER

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The Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Daphney Manamela has welcomed a hefty sentence that was handed down to a 35-year-old man who murdered the mother of his son at Marite near Bushbuckridge in 2020. The accused was convicted and sentenced by the Mpumalanga Division of the High Court which was sitting at Graskop. (The names of both the accused and the deceased cannot be shared as they had a child together). The court sentenced the accused after it was heard that he robbed the victim of her personal belongings and bluntly killed her, then concealed her

body in the bushes on 03 September 2020 around 20h00. The accused then went into hiding and never informed anyone of his deeds meanwhile the family of the woman (who was 32-years-old) was worried sick that she never returned home. They then reported her as a missing person at Calcutta Police Station on 04 September 2020. Police began with their probe in trying to find her. Sadly, in the early hours of the morning, a day after she was reported missing (on 05 September 2020), her lifeless body was discovered in the bushes (at Marite) by a passerby .

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Police at Calcutta were alerted and upon arrival, they uncovered that she had deep stab wounds on her throat. A murder case was then opened accordingly. A manhunt for the suspect was also launched. The investigation team worked tirelessly to trace her assailant and made a breakthrough when they sniffed him out of his hiding place at Eighteenburg near Thulamahashe in Bushbuckridge on 07 September 2020. The accused was found in possession of some items belonging to the deceased, which included her Identity Document, cell phone, retail cards as well as her work permit (as it was during Lockdown Level 5). The accused was then arrested and charged for murder, robbery and defeating the ends of justice. He was brought to court, trialled and convicted as well as sentenced as follows: On the count of murder, the accused was sentenced to 20 years imprisonment whilst on the count of

robbery, he was sentenced to 15 years imprisonment meanwhile on the count of defeating the ends of justice, the accused was sent to 5 years imprisonment. The court further ordered that the count of robbery run concurrently with the count of defeating the ends of justice. The accused was also found to be unfit to possess a firearm. The Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Daphney Manamela has also praised the team of Investigators, the Prosecution Team as well as the Judiciary for the remarkable sentence that was given to the accused. "Perpetrators of Gender-Based-Violence should know that there is no room for their evil deeds in the society. We hope that this sentence serves as a deterrence to those who might consider emulating their actions" commented the General.

No escape from justice, President warns wrongdoers “The SIU can request preservation orders and the freezing of assets to prevent further losses to the State. This is important when considering that perpetrators who are under suspicion often go to great lengths to move around, hide or dispose of their proceeds of corruption.

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“There can be no doubt that the Special Tribunal has been a game changer. Since its establishment, the Tribunal has recovered around R8.6 billion from unlawful contracts,” the President said. He emphasised that for any fight against corruption to be deemed effective, it is not sufficient that perpetrators are prosecuted. He said the proceeds of their crimes must be recovered, as the money belongs to citizens and should be used to meet their needs.

He said the SIU has in a number of cases approached the Tribunal to delay the payment of pension benefits -- pending the outcome of its investigations -- to public servants implicated in financial irregularities or fruitless and wasteful expenditure. President Ramaphosa said the cases before the Special Tribunal show that much work still needs to be done to strengthen governance and management across all arms of the State. This, the President said, points to serious lapses on the part of accounting officers and failure to adhere to laws and regulations governing procurement “I have said before that winning the war on corruption will be difficult, and that it will take time to unravel the vast webs of patronage that had become entrenched.

Tribunal makes inroads Last week, the President said the Special Tribunal ordered two construction companies to return the profits they earned from R40 million in contracts to erect the Beit Bridge border fence. President Cyril Ramaphosa has used his weekly newsletter to warn those who have stolen from the State that their deeds will eventually catch up with them. Following a successful Presidential Imbizo in Mahikeng over the weekend, President Ramaphosa on Monday said that several citizens raised concern about the pace of the fight against corruption. “They told me what I have heard in many other communities across the country, that the perpetrators of such acts are known… [and they] flaunt the proceeds of their crimes. The arm of the law is long. Those who have stolen from the State may believe they have gotten away with it. But their deeds will eventually catch

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up with them, whoever they are, and whatever position they may hold. They will learn that crime does not pay,” the President said. He said one of government’s most effective weapons in the fight against corruption and State capture is the Special Tribunal of the Special Investigating Unit (SIU), which he established in 2019. The Special Tribunal adjudicates on matters that the SIU institutes for civil litigation after it has concluded its investigations. It was established to speed up litigation. The President said this approach has made it possible for public funds and State assets lost to corrupt acts to be recovered faster, avoiding delays in the high courts, where the SIU has to wait its turn, together with other litigants.

This followed an investigation by the SIU that uncovered a number of irregularities, including a prepayment to the companies by the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure. Over the past few weeks alone, the Tribunal has reviewed and set aside more than R100 million worth of irregular and unlawful contracts arising from COVID-related procurement. “The Special Tribunal has also been successful in getting back money from senior executives in Stateowned enterprises, who conducted irregular business activities. “For example, last year, a former Transnet executive was ordered to pay R26 million he received as a shareholder of a firm of consulting engineers contracted to Transnet while he was a full-time employee,” he said.

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“I have also maintained that we must fight private sector corruption with equal vigour, because for every public sector employee willing to be bribed, there is a business person willing to pay a bribe,” he said. The President said that these corrupt relationships have eroded the capacity of the State to deliver on its mandate, and have set back the State’s efforts to provide decent healthcare, deliver clean water, and ensure a consistent supply of power to communities and businesses. “As the Special Tribunal has demonstrated, we are steadily turning the tide. Not only are perpetrators being arrested and taken to court; they are also having to forfeit the proceeds of their crimes,” he said. Although there is still a long way to go, the President said there is a huge amount of stolen public funds that still need to be recovered, but the SIU and the Special Tribunal have made a good start, and he is confident of many more successes in the months and years ahead.

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21 MARCH 2022 ISSUE

SPORT RISING STAR STRICKEN TO DEATH VUSI KAMTFOMBENI

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A Limpopo young rising star in making Mr. Lesiba Ramabula (21) has lost his life after being stricken by lighting at seshego. The Mamelodi sundowns Academy player was apparently walking with his friends at the park when he was hit down by lightning together with his friends, the unfortunate incident happened on Tuesday in Zone 1 Seshego. The friends were rushed to unspecified hospitals for immediate medical attention. The Limpopo department of social development said they have dispatched a team of social workers to Seshego , just outside Polokwane for them to provide psychological support to the family of the deceased.

LESIBA RAMABULA

“After learning about this tragic incident, we immediately activated a team of social workers who will reach out to the family and start providing psychosocial support services. We know that the family is obviously going through a lot, as they lost a young man who was promising to be a star. Our social workers will also extend their services to the survivors and its families” said MEC Rakgoale. Talking to our Youth Voice Reporter, Sundowns says they will not say anything to media until they have spoken to the family. Ramabula was also playing for Turfloop 95 FC, Molemole Academy and Gauteng Based ABC Motsepe Club M Tigers.

Seshigo police confirmed Ramabulana was certified dead on arrival at hospital. Department’s MEC Nkakareng Rakgoale sent her heartfelt condolences to the Ramabulans family and wished the survivor, yet to be identified, a speedy recovery.

EUGILL STARS FOOTBALL CLUB RAISES TUMBLED ANTICIPATIONS VUSI KAMTFOMBENI

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26 and 19 of March 2022 might be a turning point to hopeless young Mpumalanga soccer players, a week ago Mr Sibiya chairman of Eugill Stars Football Club announced on their social media platforms that they will be hosting trials; their aim is to get new and promising talents to the greater heights they deserve. On 19 March trials will be at Mbonisweni Sport Ground, at no charge to the players. Talking to Youth Voice Mr Sibiya said “if it was about me, I would have stopped a long time ago but to me soccer development is a calling that’s why I keep on making it. Urge players from every corner of the province to come and try their luck. Eugill Stars Football Club will be playing at the SAB league this upcoming season, Hence players who will be selected at the trials will be part of the team. Players are expected to bring along their training equipment that includes soccer boots, shorts, T-shirt, ID copies or Birth Certificates. Tembisa classic former star players Bongani Mkhize and Lodwick motchana will grace the upcoming stars with their presence . Expected players should be between 17-21 years old, with vehemence and determination to play soccer at a professional level. To book yourself space at the trials contact 079 721 1480

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