Emapepeza v14

FREE!

@mapepeza

HOT-LINE: (083) 758 3892 OFFICE: (078) 221 8002

FAX: (086) 406 3024

EMAIL: mapepezacn@gmail.com

siyabonga Mapepeza

MAHALA! TAKE ONE! VOL.2 - #14

humility by offering a token of appreciation to the community.

“It’s winter and we feel that our gogos deserve to receive blankets for warmth.

This is only the beginning of showing our token of appreciation for the people of Ratanda,” said Mr. Fish, an Ethiopian shop owner.

SPAR Heidelberg managers Aristotle and Oscar Stephana have also expressed deep gratitude in being part of the sponsors of the occasion.

“We at SPAR are not in the food business serving people, we are in the people business serving food!”

by Mapepeza Reporter On Sunday, June 28, the elderly community of Ratanda were pampered and well taken care of at the new Multipurpose Hall – organized by the Mapepeza Foundation.

In association with the Lesedi Local Municipallity, the Roshnee Islamic Services and the local business community of shop owners, we managed to bring some much needed warmth to the local

elders by providing blankets.

This initiative was much appreciated from the Roshnee community organization, represented by Rashaad Ahmed Dhai, who took part in a previously arranged blanket handover in Sebokeng (see front page in our previous edition of Mapepeza).

“The Roshnee Islamic Service has been collecting funds for the last two months

from the Roshnee community in the Randvaal. Our organization works with the Darul Ihsan Islamic Service Centre, that helps us distribute over 10 000 blankets all across southern Africa.” Head of the organization, Mufti Zubair Bayat once said: “It is not what the ummmar (community) can do for you, but what you can do for the ummar.”

interests to assist government in their fight against poverty. “We want to work together with our local municipalities, to uplift our communities and fight against poverty.”

The Pakistan, Ethiopian and Bangladesh business owners and shop keepers did their part by offering blankets to the Ratanda elderly. These self-employed Rashaad Dhai also emphasised their foreign nationals have expressed their

Lesedi Local Municipality officials, including the Executive Mayor and some members of the municipal council joined the charitable event by donating a number of blankets.

Mayor Maloka thanked the Mapepeza Foundation and its sponsors for making such an event a possibility.

03 - 10 JULY 2015

INSIDE THIS ISSUE PAGE 4

Youth urged to unite PAGE 5

MINOR RAPED! SUSPECT ARRESTED!

LESEDI STATE OF THE MUNICIPAL ADDRESS

(S.O.M.A. 2015)

“As we move South Africa forward, we take into account our previous disadvantages, but I wish us not to dwell in the past.

Instead to work hard together in achieving the dreams we want to see in our lifetime.”

This year’s edition of the Lesedi Local Municipality was symbol of grand display and marching bands, a fitting ceremony for the Council’s most anticipated public event.

The main streets of Ratanda were lit up on Thursday, June 18, with a marching band parade passed community members – leading up to the main event at the Multi-purpose Hall for the keynote address.

Speaker of the Council, Cllr Simon Moremi headed the occasion to officially welcome delegates and pave the way for Executive Mayor, Lerato Maloka.

The masses of Ratanda joined the distinguished residents of Heidelberg, including the local political and business delegates to listen to the Mayor report the current affairs of the Lesedi area.

Lesedi Executive Mayor Cllr Lerato Maloka and Speaker Simon Moremi, alongside Tswane Metro’s F.S. Bhebe and Tswane Fire Dept. Clement Masinge at the SOMA 2015 at Ratanda Multipurpose Hall on Thursday June 18.

“The State of the Municipality Address we are presenting today is our resolve as the governing party to inspire hope in our communities, and to instil faith in their own democratic and people-centred local government,” Lesedi Executive Mayor Cllr Maloka said on her opening remarks.

According to the Mayor, the National Development Plan has been a key role-player in attributing to the plans of fighting poverty and inequality in South Africa, and this “roadmap for tackling the problems

story continues on page 3

FIND YOUR LATEST ISSUE ACROSS SOUTHERN GAUTENG REGION:

• SEDIBENG DISTRICT: Devon, Heidelberg, Impumelelo, Ratanda, Sebokeng, Sharpville, Vereeniging • CITY OF EKURHULENI: Benoni, Boksburg, Duduza, Germiston, Katlehong, Nigel, Thokoza, Tsakane, Vosloorus

2

Mapepeza Community Newspaper SEND US YOUR COMMENTS, LETTERS, OPINIONS AND NEWS TIP-OFFS TO:

mapepezacn@gmail.com CALL (083) 758 3892 FAX: (086) 403 3024

NEWSPAPER CHIEF EDITOR: Stephen Seakgwe

ADVERTISING/MARKETING:

A.S. Mofoka (Lolliepop) - ollalollie@yahoo.com DISTRIBUTION/CIRCULATION AND PRINTING ENQUIRIES CAN BE FORWARDED TO: (078) 221 8002, or alternatively (083) 758 3892.

LOCAL MUSLIM COMMUNITY GIVE FOOD TO RATANDA’S LESS FORTUNATE!

CONTACT US

Mapepeza C.N Office Office 13, 1st Floor - M&L Building 66 Voortrekker Street (opposite KFC Heidelberg) Heidelberg CBD Gauteng Province, 1441

Email: mapepezacn@gmail.com Facebook Fan Page www.fb.com/mapepeza

Deadlines: Tuesdays, 14h00

Published by:

Lolliepop Trading & Projects (Pty) Ltd.

Paarl Coldset (Pty) Ltd, 83 Heidelberg Rd. City Deep Production Park, JHB

Christmas came early on June 28 (Sunday), as the residents of Ratanda were spoiled with grocery hampers from the local Muslim community. In

celebration of their holy month of Ramadan, the Muslims arranged a mega give-away of food parcels and bags of maize meal.

“Each hamper costs about R350. More than 220 hampers were handed to the less fortunate residents of this township, including extensions 7, 8, 23,

ZUURFONTEIN CEMETERY REACHES MAXIMUM CAPACITY!

Mapepeza Community Newspaper subscribes to the South African Press Code that prescribes news that is truthful, accurate, fair and balanced.

If we don’t live up to the Code please contact the Press Ombudsman at 011 484 3612/8, fax: 011 4843619 Website: www.presscouncil.org.za Mapepeza Community Newspaper is an independent grassroots publication and a member of Association of Independent Publishers.

Printed on FSC Certified news-print paper.

This newspaper has been made with paper from FSC (Forest Stewardship Council™) certified forests and other controlled sources.

FSC is an international organization promoting envirnmentally appropriate, socially beneficial and economically viable management of the world’s natural forestation.

COPYRIGHT NOTICE

All rights and reproductions of all reports, photographs, graphical illustrations and all materials published in the Mapepeza Community Newspaper are hereby reserved in terms of Section 12(7) of the Copyright Act: 96 of 1978 and any ammendments thereof.

GET YOUR FREE COPY HERE!

by Mapepeza Reporter The City of Ekurhuleni is urging members of the community to make use of alternative burial methods as the Zuurfontein Cemetery in Kempton Park nears capacity.

The municipality offers second and third interments – burying another body of a family member above the first burial in the same grave - as well as cremation as alternatives.

Otherwise, families may also utilise other graveyards in the area.

The Zuurfontein Cemetery has a capacity to hold 13 600 graves for first interment burial and currently just over 80 graves remain, with approximately 15 burials each

“The EMM has a remainder of only 11 years for first interment burials across the Ekurhuleni region. This estimate may increase if our citizens embrace the idea of using alternative burial options,” pleads Gadebe.

The metro municipality has made arrangements for the community of Kempton Park to utilize the closest graveyards such as the Mooifontein and Birch Acres Cemeteries for burials as well.

LESEDI OFFERS INCENTIVE SCHEME TO BOOST PAYMENT OF RATES/TAXES & SERVICES!

Due to non-payment of municipal rates/taxes and services accounts, the municipality is introducing an incentive scheme as a measure to encourage consumers to settle their municipal debt/s or enter into an arrangement to service the outstanding debts.

RATANDA, HEIDELBERG, NIGEL, DEVON, DUDUZA, TSAKANE, The incentive scheme will work as KWA-THEMA, VOSLOORUS, follows: KATLEHONG, SPRINGS, BALFOUR 1. The consumer/business who (DIPALESENG) AND SEDIBENG respond within the first month of the DISTRICT (VEREENIGING/VAAL) advert to this limited offer, and opt to settle the outstanding debt, will qualify to get 100% discount on interest charged on the account.

2. The consumers who wish to DIGITAL DOWNLOAD OF settle the account in part payment MAPEPEZA CN NOW do so by entering into a three AVAILABLE! SEND US YOUR & (3) months settlement agreement EMAIL ADDRESS TO will qualify for 60% on all interest charged on that account. mapepezacn@gmail.com

EVERY FRIDAY! CALL: 083 758 3892

month for over a period of five months.

“As the municipality we plead with the community to consider using other forms of burial so as to spare the remaining land for future use,” said Ekurhuleni spokesperson Themba Gadebe.

3. The consumer who wishes to settle the account in part payment & do so by entering into a six (6) months settlement agreement will qualify for 40% on all interest charged on that account.

This incentive scheme shall commence on 01 May 2015 and valid until 31 October 2015.

Consumers are urged to visit the municipality offices for further enquiries and/or take advantage of this scheme.

For all enquiries about the scheme please contact the following officials: Paul Tsele – (016) 492- 0096, Vusi Mathebula – (016) 492- 0218 or Sindiswa Zukani on (016) 4920048 between 9:00 and 16:30.

26, Tokolohong and Obed Nkosi sections,” said Mr. Shobuz Sk. The grocery give-away is on its third year this

year from the local religious group. Indeed the Muslim community has expressed charity and gratitude to the residents of Ratanda this winter.

3

by Mapepeza Reporter

Teach One” displayed the artist’s eagerAll hands are on deck to develop the ness to want to learn the tricks of the film industry in the City of Ekurhu- trade that will enable them to create films leni as industry creatives and the mu- that tell authentic Ekurhuleni stories. nicipality establish a partnership set to As an intervention to resuscitate the cultivate the performing arts. suffocating Ekurhuleni film industry, the The City recently hosted a trilogy Ekurhuleni Creatives Council (ECC) was of workshops on film making at vari- established as a platform that will address ous art centres which culminated in a the challenges faced by the amateur film mini-film festival. During discussions makers. at the festival it emerged that perform- The Council has also been tasked with ing artists and amateur film makers overseeing the production process of were yearning for more knowledge to films made in Ekurhuleni. be imparted to them by various stakeholders such as the National Film and “As the City Of Ekurhuleni, we pledge to MMC for SRAC Cllr Dorah Mlambo (centre) is flanked by the newly appointed members Video Foundation. The unanimous support this vision of developing the film of the Ekurhuleni Creatives Council. From the far left are Thabo Mohlala, Manaka Ranaka, chanting of the slogan “Each One industry with an aim to empower amaSabelo Makhubo and Thulani Sicongwana at the Ekurhuleni Film Festival.

CONTINUED From page one

Reg: 2012/104980/07

Printed by:

CREATIVES COUNCIL ESTABLISHED TO STIMULATE LOCAL FILM INDUSTRY!

Mapepeza Community Newspaper

teur film makers with necessary skills so that the sector may ultimately contribute meaningfully towards the country’s GDP,” said Member of the Mayoral Committee (MMC) for Sports, Recreation, Arts and Culture Cllr Dorah Mlambo.

The ECC is made up of six members inclusive of both amateur and well-established film makers, each one bringing their own expertise in production, directing, acting, writing and administration.

They are Thabo Mohlala, Manaka Ranaka, Sabelo Makhubo, Thulani Sicongwana, Khanyi Magubane and Sizwe Mzolo.

LESEDI STATE OF THE MUNICIPAL ADDRESS (S.O.M.A. 2015)

of poverty, inequality and unemploy“However, we still encourage our ment” has been attributed in the lo- communities to pay for municipal cal I.D.P (Integrated Development services consumed in order to enPlans) of Lesedi. sure that the municipality can maintain and improve on the current ser“This State of the Municipality Ad- vice delivery levels.” dress is a face if not an implementation tool of our Integrated DevelThe budget for the 2015/2016 fiopment Plans among the many nancial year is as follows: platforms we can use as a municiRevenue is to increase by 10% to pality to communicate our vision to R598million (due to Lesedi’s planned all the affected stakeholders.” tariff increases by both Eskom and Rand water.)

“And it is premised on our key Operational expenditure to inpriorities, which are: Service Deliv- crease by 7% to R581million, (that is ery, Local Economic Development, in line with the current national inflaJob creation and Tourism, Social tion rate.)

Development, Good Governance Lesedi local municipality’s capital and Public Participation as well as expenditure is set to decrease by Sound Financial Management.”

16% to a total of R53 million, (owing the unfavourable grant funding in 1. Service Delivery to this regard.)

Councillor Lerato Maloka reported Cllr Lerato Maloka lauded the imthat the 2014/15 year had been an plementation and reach of the Indieventful and yet another challenggent Policy Scheme, which subsidizing financial year for Lesedi Local es residents that are unable to pay Municipality. for basic services. She has asked for more indigents to register on their “At the beginning of the year, we database. set service delivery targets for ourselves and this address presents “In the same vein, it is worth menan opportunity for us to report back tioning that for the first time in the on our promises. At the beginning history our municipality our regisof the year, we set service delivery tered indigents have surpassed the targets for ourselves and this ad4000 mark. We also expect this numdress presents an opportunity for us ber to increase as part of our objecto report back on our promises,” she tive to ensuring that all our indigents said. in within our municipality do receive “We however cannot be ignorant free basic services.” of the fact that in every noble effort of bringing good, there are always 2. Local Economic accompanying challenges and hurDevelopment (L.E.D) dles that we have to overcome,” the According to the Mayor, unemployExecutive Mayor emphasised. ment has been a serious consideration by the Council when formulating According to the S.O.M.A, the strategies for Local Economic Develeconomic outlook of the country opment. remains under pressure especially with the recent fall of the rand “Our collective efforts partnered against major currencies and as with the other spheres of governsuch our local economic outlook is ment as well as the private sector similarly affected with local spendhave resulted in a total of 4375 jobs ing and investment expected to rebeing created during this term of ofmain under pressure. fice.”

“Despite these adverse socio“It is the mirror and window through economic factors, the municipality which the world sees this municipalremains financially viable with an ity for its capacity to plan in past, as average collection of 88% year to well as for the future,” she said. date.”

The Mayor said that Lesed Local The Mayor strongly passed the Municipality has partnered with a message to the residents of Ratanprivate investor to implement a multida who were present at the S.O.N.A layered project that will yield a proto become active payers of their jected investment of approximately municipality utilities.

R4.6 billion covering the whole area including Devon and Vischkuil.

Impressions of the following L.E.D plans for Lesedi were presented to the community; the major developments being: • The warehousing port in Heidelberg along the N3 corridor • The Restoration of the landfill-site in Ratanda next to Obed Nkosi to develop a filing station and mixed land use development • Student housing complex in Heidelberg next to the Sedibeng TVET College • The Warehouse park in Heidelberg extension 24 in the industrial area • Office park next to the municipal offices and library in Heidelberg • The turning of the old Heidelberg Jail (‘Shell-Hole’) into the lifestyle café • The upgrading of the AG Visser House into the business information centre and tourism promotion hotspot for Lesedi • Extreme Park and Service centre in Vischkuil • Shopping centre and incubation park for the SMMEs in Devon.

“Through a Private Public Partnership (PPP) this municipality together with Vopak/Reatile intend to build a bulk petroleum storage facility in Jameson Park. A result of which will see quite a reasonable number of decent job opportunities being created.”

“We have made land available to Gauteng Province Department of Roads and Transport to develop and construct a Vehicle Testing and licensing centre in Ratanda, thus bringing services closer to the community,” the Executive Mayor of Lesedi mentioned.

major job-creation opportunity the recently opened Heidelberg Mall, flagship destination for local shoppers and a lifestyle centre for the Heidelberg community.

“Finally, in October 2014, I had a privilege to open the Heidelberg Mall to the shopping public. In this regard, more than 799 permanent jobs were created.”

“The Lesedi Local Municipality in partnership with Transnet undertook a multi-year construction project of a bulk petroleum storage facility and National multi–pipeline running from the KZN coastline to our very own Jameson Park and 1860 jobs are accounted for.”

“As their resultant Community Social Investment programme, Transnet will building a world class skill centre to nurture requisite skills particularly through the youth.”

Tourism development initiatives by the local Council have proved to be only slightly below the anticipated benchmark. The Heidelberg Arts and Music Festival (coined the term HAMFEST) is such an initiative.

“This event is envisaged to be held on an annual basis and it emanates from our Local Economic Development Strategy. The HAMFEST was launched for the first in May 2015. It showcased the appetite for enterprise development and made a strong motivation to market tourism in the area,” the Mayor said.

4. Social Development, Community Services and Housing

“Lesedi Local Municipality has ensured that our Small Medium Enterprises benefited as the 30% value of all our municipal funded projects is shed off to the locals.”

• The municipality has established a Partnership with Hollard Trust to improve the standards at informal ECD’s by providing training to the Educators as well as to develop minimum Norms and 3. Job creation Standards.

• In our endeavour to beautifying and Tourism our areas, an amount of R6m is The mayor has highlighted the currently been spent on our parks

The most anticipated affairs regarding local economic development of Lesedi came when the Mayor mentioned the “Heidelberg Aerodrome” in the “Ekurhuleni Aerotropolis” master plan, with the projected investment of approximately R1 billion into the merger.

in Ratanda township.

• Upgraded various Sports facilities in Impumelelo, Vischkuil and Jameson Park in line with our intention to improving the quality of life of our communities such as the development of the combination courts.

• Together with the Provincial Department of Human Settlements, a Zone of Integration concept was successfully piloted at Obed Nkosi.

This is a Mixed Land Use development. The project will in total build 6000 units.

5. Infrastructure Development

The Lesedi Mayor has said that the delivery of basic services to people was a major priority to the development of local infrastructure, some include: •All Informal settlements are supplied with water standpipes within 200m radius and 98% of formalised settlements are receiving stand piped water.

• About 96% of all formalized settlements receive water and sanitation.

• A plan to develop 2500 housing units at Kwazenzele phase 2, 3 during the 2015/16 financial year and 3400 housing units in Impumelelo Ext. 3 & 4 during the 2016/17 financial year.

• A total of 238 houses will be built during the 2015/16 financial year to accommodate the same number of families who will be relocated from the Ratanda informal settlement.

• LED street lighting bulbs have been fitted in some parts of the Heidelberg CBD and Industrial areas; the municipality also has a contribution to make in reducing the burden carried by the national grid in generating energy for use by residents.

In closing, the mayor has expressed her gratitude towards the community of Lesedi and its active contributors to a productive and people-centred local government.

“With these efforts and plans we are further giving meaning to exactly what municipalities are about.

Serving the people. Lesedi is exactly about that too. Moving closer to our communities,” she concluded.

4

GOVERNMENT URGES MZANSI YOUTH TO ABSTAIN FROM RACISM AND TRIBALISM!

By Nthambeleni Gabara

President Jacob Zuma has urged young South Africans to embrace unity in diversity, non-racialism and anti-tribalism.

“We want you to inherit that legacy of unity in diversity, non-racialism and anti-tribalism. We want you to love and respect one another as South Africans and as Africans, regardless of race, colour, creed or mother tongue that one speaks.

“That is the South Africa that many of our illustrious leaders such as Oliver Tambo and Nelson Mandela fought very hard to build. It is the South Africa that you, as the youth, should build,” he said.

President Zuma was speaking at the main National Youth Day Commemoration at the Tshwane Events Centre on June 16.

As this year also mark 21 years of freedom, the President used the platform to reflect at the strides that government has made in improving the quality of life of all including the youth and work that must still be done.

He noted that education continues to receive the biggest chunk of the national budget as the weapon for socio-economic development.

Government currently invests more than R6 billion on the National Student Financial Aid Scheme to provide support to young people who are unable to pay. In partnership with the Department of Higher Education and Training, the Na-

Mapepeza Community Newspaper

3

“We are building more institutions of higher learning as well. We are building three new universities and 12 technical and vocational training colleges. “Government also continues to build modern new schools to replace mud schools and other inappropriate structures.

“Our youth has responded positively to our promotion of education.

They continue to flock to higher education institutions each year seeking education,” he said.

National Youth Development Agency (NYDA) Chairperson Yershen Pillay said the responsibility of young people today is to end the triple challenge of inequality, poverty

She said a key focus of the provincial Township Economy Revitalisation Strategy was to promote manufacturing and productive activities.

and unemployment.

“As young people our responsibility is to end poverty, unemployment and inequality, we need to care for the elderly, again our responsibility is to get educated and to be productive in our country, we are not only supposed to talk about racism in this country, but also to end this scourge of racism, class and tribalism,” he said.

“Government procurement will be utilised as a means to developing these types of enterprises. It is Government’s intention to support specified industrial projects as a means of revitalizing the township manufacturing and productive activities sector. This in turn will give greater impetus to the procurement of local content,” Creecy said.

MEC Creecy said the department will revise government procurement guidelines so as to enable faster payment for suppliers for purchases below R10 000. It will also look at mainly directing purchases of below R500 000 to township suppliers.

He also used the platform to urge both government and the private sector to initiate youth development programmes. 2015 marks the 39th anniversary of the June 16 Soweto and other related uprisings.

The uprising ended tragically with hundreds of young people brutally killed.

This tragedy became a rallying point that inspired a nation and a people to rise up against the brutal apartheid system.

Over the past financial year the province had saved R100million through cost-containment measures in areas such as catering, venues, travel and advertising, MEC Creecy said.

Measures will be tightened further this year with a focus on budget blocking items such as consultants, fleet services and property administration to ensure that expenditure allocations are not exceeded.

The R584-million Treasury budget will also be used to modernise financial business systems in the province, support departments in contract management capacity, improve the capacity of the audit services, and provide training interventions on accounting practices.

Following the advent of democracy in 1994, the new democratic government declared 16 June as National Youth Day and June as Youth Month. This year National Youth Day and Youth Month is celebrated under the theme: “Youth moving South Africa forward”.

The theme takes into account the fact that while the youth of 1976 fought for freedom and the creation of a democratic state, today’s youth activism is directed towards successfully tackling the triple challenge of poverty, inequality and unemployment.

-SAnews.gov.za

MINOR RAPED, SUSPECT ARRESTED!

The mother looked for the child and couldn’t find her and reported a missing child to the police. The following morning whilst she was preparing to work, the child arrived home and upon enquiries, she revealed that she was forced to the suspect house where she was raped.

Suspect was arrested, and he will appear before Heidelberg Magistrate Court soon.

The Gauteng Provincial Treasury has developed a procurement strategy to grow the number of township suppliers and increase awareness of market access opportunities.

Addressing the Provincial Legislature on the Treasury and Finance Budget votes on June 23, Finance MEC Barbara Creecy said township based businesses faced many difficulties in accessing formal markets in general and government procurement opportunities in particular.

Following the advent of democracy in 1994, the new democratic government declared 16 June as National Youth Day and June as Youth Month.

This year National Youth Day and Youth Month is celebrated under the theme: “Youth moving South Africa forward”.

Several government departments also provide bursaries in various fields such as social work, science and technology, teacher training, medical training and many others to open the doors of learning to the children of the poor and the working class.

However, he said one of the biggest difficulties facing high school learners is knowing which career to choose. He said almost 900 000 young people were supported through the NYDA’s career guidance programmes.

The suspect forced victim to his house and repeatedly have sexual intercourse and keep her in his place for rest of the night.

Gauteng to grow township suppliers, increase awareness of opportunities!

5

by Mapepeza Reporter

tional Youth Development Agency (NYDA) in the Presidency also runs the Solomon Mahlangu Scholarship Fund which has disbursed more than 40 million rand and has helped 586 poor, mostly rural youth to access higher education between 2014 and 2015.

A 24 years old male suspect arrested for raping a 13 year old girl at Shalimar Ridge in Heidelberg on Friday 26 June 2015, during the night.

Mapepeza Community Newspaper

PROJECTS SEEKING INVESTOR FUNDING MEC Creecy said the ambitious task of implementing infrastructure projects cannot be achieved through public funds alone.

17 July 2015

The Gauteng Infrastructure Funding Agency (GIFA) therefore leverages private sector finance and expertise to address backlogs and accelerate the delivery of infrastructure in the province. GIFA prepares projects to a state where they are bankable and attractive to the private sector.

MEC Creecy announced that GIFA had identified seven projects that will be taken to the market for alternative pri-

vate sector funding.

The agency’s projects for this financial year include seeking investors for the following opportunities: • Rooftop Solar Panel Project; • Tri-generation Project; • Kopanong Precinct Project; • Jewellery Manufacturing Precinct Project; • Development of Enterprise Building 2; • Development of Enterprise Building 3; • Additional Rolling Stock for the Gautrain Project

MODERNISING THE BROADBAND NETWORK MEC Creecy unveiled a new e-government strategy for the Gauteng City Region to improve access to online and digitised services particularly in township and informal settlement areas of the province.

“Implementation of this strategy will improve linkages and integration amongst the city region governments and their departments. It will over time improve access by citizens to government services particularly those who live in townships and informal settlements. By linking Thusong Centres, schools and clinics in these historically marginalised areas, we will also open up possibilities to launch the township economy into the digital age,” she said.

One of the objectives is to modernise and upgrade the provinces broadband network. The Gauteng Department of Finance is rolling out, together with municipalities, a 1600km core fibre optic, high-speed 10 Gbs Core / backhaul transmission network running throughout Johannesburg, Tshwane, Ekurhuleni, Sedibeng and the West Rand.

tion of all data, voice and video services onto GBN, resulting in significant estimated savings of R162m per annum on the province’s telephone bill while improving the efficiency of services.

The following are some of the e-government services in the pipeline: • E-tendering: to allow the public to download, complete and submit tenders online. They can also follow all the steps in the awarding process electronically.

• Supplier on-line self-service registration: this will allow vendors to register themselves without needing to travel to government offices.

A particular focus of the strategy is revitalising Gauteng’s economy in general and the township economy in particular.

The R1.2-billion investment in broadband over five years effectively addresses the challenge of connecting ‘the last mile’ in our province.

“This significant investment of over a billion rand over five years means that we are opening up possibilities for ICT linked enterprises in communities where once this would never have been possible,” MEC Creecy said.

Working with the Gauteng Infrastructure Funding Agency (GIFA), the department will put out a call for proposals on “appropriate partnerships that will forge collaboration to build durable and productive township ICT businesses, to mainstream and revitalise the township economy, and to generate inclusive growth and improve the quality of life in these areas,” she said.

The speed and size of the network will enable a new generation of e-government services to run on the network. This year the GDF will connect 263 access sites across the Gauteng Province meaning that all provincial buildings will be connected.

In addition this year the department will: • Connect seven township economic zones; • Pioneer public access to e-government services at 24 Thusong centres which include Soweto, Tembisa, Alexandra, Dieplsoot, Kagiso, Vosloorus, Sebokeng, Mamelodi and Hammanskraal; • Migrate 100 pilot digital schools to the GBN fibre connectivity; • Migrate five GPG departments to the GPG cloud - these are the Department of Economic Development; Sports, Arts, Culture and Recreation; Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs; Infrastructure Development; and Agriculture and Rural Development.

The department will, this year, complete the phased migra-

Gauteng Province Finance MEC Barbara Creecy said township based businesses faced many difficulties in accessing formal markets in general and government procurement opportunities in particular.

SEVEN SUSPECTS ARRESTED IN THE BURNING OF A COUNCILLOR’S HOUSE IN ZONKEZIZWE!

By Mapepeza Reporter Following the recent violent protests in Zonkezizwe, wherein a City of Ekurhuleni councillor’s house and two Eskom mobile offices were torched and the R550 road barricaded with rocks and burning tyres.

The Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department (EMPD) Community Liaison Unit as well as EMPD Public Order Policing members conducted a special operation on Thursday evening (30 June) that yielded seven suspects believed to be linked in the burning of the Councillor’s house.

The EMPD officers accompanied by the Acting Chief of Police Isaac Jabu Mapiyeye, were able to make seven arrests – three women and four men.

The intense police operation in Zonkezizwe was concluded at around 2 a.m. in the morning (01 July).

All the suspects were picked up from their homes without offering any resistance.

The rioting took place on Thursday, 25 June while the Councillor’s house was torched at around 7 p.m. on Saturday, 26 June.

Fortunately, there were no casualties reported.

Charges of arson and public violence were registered against the seven suspects at Zonkezizwe police station.

The women are aged between 27 and 55 and the men are between 27 and 36.

They are expected to appear in the Heidelberg Magistrate’s Court soon.

6

Mapepeza Community Newspaper

SEND YOUR PICTURES TO: mapepezacn@gmail.com

Mapepeza Community Newspaper

INDEX

EVENTS, CELEBRATIONS, CEREMONIES, PARTIES, ‘SELIFES’ AND MORE...

PROPERTY

Flats/Room (For Sale) Flat/Room (To Let) Hotel accomodation House (Rental) House (For Sale) House (Wanted) Offices (Rental/To Let) Office (For Sale) Storage space

7

CL ASSIFIEDS

“Affordable advertising for everyone!”

Word of caution from the editor: Please examine all services/offers carefully, request quotes and deposits before purchasing or accepting.

Mapepeza CN will not be liable for any misleading claims or damages to our readers.

E&OE

#youth MONTH 2015

BUSINESS

Arts/Crafts Banking/Insurance Business Services Clothing & Cosmetics Computer Services Construction Day Care Service Doctor (Medicine) Domestic Services Education/Tutoring Electrical/Electronic Repairs Financial Services Firearms / Weapons Food and beverages Herbalist/Medicine Health & Beauty Internet Cafe/Service Legal Services Multimedia Services Music (Artist/Group) New Business Pawn/2nd Hand Printing Services Public Benefit Organization Retailers Security Services Transport Hire/Tours Furniture/ Uphostery Repairs

HEIDELBERG WHEEL ALIGNMENT CALL: (016) 341-5414 / 083 649 6780 *R150 FOR WHEEL ALIGNMENT *R220 FOR WHEEL ALIGNMENT & BALANCING

No. 3 MEYER STREET, HEIDELBERG

CAREERS & JOBS

Artisans Builders (Contractors) Drivers Internship Opportunities Learnership General Workers Help Wanted Holiday Jobs PA/Administrator Sales & Marketing jobs Student jobs/training Technical and Engineering Volunteers (Wanted)

#76

SAM PANELBEATERS LIVESTOCK FOR SALE

Adult Services Birthday Announcements Churches Community Centres Entertainment/Recreation Event Notices Funeral Notices Personal Pets/Livestock Public Announces/Notices Rewards Societies (Burial Schemes) Sports Club Traditional Healers/Samgoma Women’s Club Youth Clubs

VEHICLES

New/Used Cars Spares & Accessories Driving School/Tutor Trucks/Bikes/Utility Vehicle Service

Bring ANY car/vehicle that need SERIOUS panel beater or re-spray

Kismet Street No.4, Shalimar Ridge ( Next to Shalimar Taxi Rank) (016) 341 2011 / 079 694 3308

LEGAL Contracts Legal Notices Municipal Notices Public Notices Town Planning Schemes Testimonials Miscellaneous

Chickenland

EXTENSION 23 (BIG STREET)

S PECIAL PACKAGE #1

1 Cattle (+- 300 kg) 1 Sheep (+- 55 kg) 1 X 25kg MaizeMeal 10 X 2lt. Coke All for only: R7800-00 SPECIAL PACKAGE #2 2 Small Sheep - R1700 plus 12 Cans of Beer FREE! SPECIAL PACKAGE #3 2 Big Sheep - R3000 plus 1 Case of Beer FREE ALL WHILE STOCKS LAST. CHOOSE FROM WHAT IS ON SALE AND ORDER TODAY. CATTLE. SHEEP AND YOUNG LAMBS ANY SIZE AVAILABLE.

CONTACT LOUIS ON

084 859 0216

EMAIL: lou.bot@vodamail.co.za

FISH Baby Hake 5kg box - R160 Baby Hake 1 kg - R32 Battered Hake 1kg - R30 Maasbanker 1kg - R25 CHICKEN Drumsticks 5kg - R155 Wings 5kg - R145 Thighs 5kg - R140 Leg Quarter 5kg - R140 Mix Portions 5kg - R140 Mix Portions Goldi - R50 Fillets+skin+boneless 1kg - R38 Livers+Gizzards+Necks+Heart R15 per packet Clean Chicken Feet 1kg - R20 Yellow Feet 1kg - R16 Chicken Soup Pack 1kg - R20 Chicken Mala - R5 per packet Chicken Heads - R5 per packet Extra Large Farm Eggs Tray - R36 Six-pack XL Farm Eggs - R8 PORK Pork trotters 1kg - R28 Pork Tails 1kg - R28 Pork Tjops 1kg - R42 Pork Heads 1kg - R25 POLONY French loaf 1kg - R20 Mongola 500g - R10 Fench 250g - R6 BEEF Complete Ox Afval (from Head to Toe)+/- 45kg - R250 1kg Afval (Pens+Derm) - R23 Trotters 1kg - R23 BONES Springbok Bones 1kg - R15 Beef Bones 1kg - R10

We also doWiring and Auto Electrician to ALL makes of CARS!

Contact Us Today 076 1337 595 Sam (PanelBeater) 073 2092 340 David (Electrician) 076 7146 836 Sipho (Mechanic)

Visit Mugg & Bean and come in for free 30 minutes WiFi and some coffee.

Mugg &Bean is situated right in the center of Heidelberg Mall complex (Shop No.12 - Cnr R42 and N3 Road,Heidelberg).

Alternatively you can call us on 016 340 9631.

Giving you more and more

8

Mapepeza Community Newspaper

@mapepeza GOT A STORY TO TELL THE PEOPLE? DO YOU WANT TO SHOW US YOUR TALENTS? NEED SOME PUBLICITY? EMAIL US YOUR REQUEST ON mapepezacn@gmail.com OR FAX (086)403-3024

HAVE YOUR SAY FOR MAHALA! MEETINGS, CEREMONIES, INVITATIONS, GIGS, EVENTS, CELEBRATIONS AND MORE...