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E!
TAKE ON E VOL.7 ISSUE #1
10-24 JANUARY 2020
ONE BUSINESS, MEC HLOPHE P2 ONE STUDENT VISITS RATANDA! FUNDS QUEEN’S FUTURE
INTERNSHIPS + BURSARIES INSIDE
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City official suspended for fraud and corruption! The City of Ekurhuleni has suspended a senior official in the Department of Health and Social Development on allegations of tender fraud and corruption. The manager in the Social Development Division was suspended with full pay after allegations of tender fraud and corruption involving millions came to the City’s attention, and after a complaint of unethical and corrupt behaviour was reported against the same individ-
ual to the South African Council for Social Service Professions (CSSP) recently. “The City has launched a fullscale investigation into the allegations, a process which is driven by the Internal Audit Department. Upon conclusion of the investigation, the City will determine a way forward,”said the City in a statement. According to Ekurhuleni, the manager will remain suspended with full pay until the investigation has been concluded.
Congratulations to Sasha-Lee Laurel Olivier who has been officially crowned the new Miss South Africa. This is after Zozibini Tunzi, who is now Miss Universe, had to take her new role after winning the pageant last month. Shasha-Lee (26) hails from Alberton in the City of Ekurhuleni and is an activist and survivor of sexual abuse.
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News 2
VOL. 7 ISSUE #1 - 10-17 January 2020
Corrupt Home Affairs official out on bail! A Home Affairs immigration official, Jan Langa, has been granted bail after he was arrested on charges of corruption, extortion and defeating the ends of justice. His case has been postponed to 2 March 2020. Langa appeared in the Kempton Park Regional Court on Wednesday (January 15) after he allegedly demanded over R100 000 from a foreign businessman. “In exchange, Langa would allegedly ensure that the businessman and other foreigners would not be deported back to their country of origin,” said Police spokesperson, Captain Vishnu Naidoo in a statement. He was granted bail on condition that he may not interfere with witnesses, hand over his passport to the Investigating
Officer and report to his nearest police station once a week. Captain Naidoo said the matter had been referred to the National Cold Case Investigation Team for investigation. “At approximately 5:40pm on 9 January 2020, Langa was arrested during a sting operation at the O. R. Tambo International Airport departure terminal after allegedly accepting the bribe money.” “We are appealing to anyone who may have any information on such corrupt activities or any other criminal activities to contact the SAPS Crime Stop number 086 00 10111 or information may be communicated via the MySAPSApp. Callers may remain anonymous and all information will be treated with strictest confidence,” said the spokesperson.
Gauteng reopens online system for late applications
Over 2 000 firearms surrendered to police so far!
The Gauteng Education Department (GDE) will reopen its system for late online applications as schools open for the 2020 academic year. The online applications will open for Grade 1 and 8 admissions for 2020. “The department will on 15 January 2020 open the system for late online applications, and close on 24 January 2020. Only schools with capacity will be availed in the system during this period. “Applicants will provisionally be placed, until they submit documents to the school accordingly. No objections or appeals will be [considered],” said Gauteng Education MEC Panyaza Lesufi. According to the department, there is a total of 912 primary schools and 374 high schools with space available for late applications. In an effort to assist parents with applications, from 15 – 24 January, all districts will operate as walk-in centres. Lesufi advised parents who have not submitted documents to visit districts for placement. “Districts are to place applicants and send parents to identified schools with available space to submit documents. Parents who need assistance are encouraged to visit the district offices,” said the MEC.
Police Minister Bheki Cele has urged gun owners to take advantage of government’s firearms amnesty programme and surrender unwanted weapons before May this year. The Minister made the remarks at Linden police station in Johannesburg, where an arms dealer parted with 298 such weapons. Cele said since the amnesty began in December 2019, a total of 2 266 firearms have been surrendered to police stations across the country. Gauteng province leads the pack with 527 firearms surrendered to date. Hot on its heels is the Western Cape with 514, KwaZulu-Natal (309) and Limpopo (252). The Eastern Cape (189) Mpumalanga (173), Free State (163) Northern Cape (48) and the North West (91) follow in descending order. A total of 31 382 rounds of ammunition is now in police hands. “To say that the firearm amnesty period has kicked off on a good note would be an understatement. These numbers keep on growing daily,” Cele said. This, he said, is a clear indication that South Africans are heeding the call to take part in the amnesty and get illegal and unwanted firearms off the streets.
Mapepeza Newspaper
Gauteng police officers granted bail for bribe! Two police officers, who were arrested for alleged corruption and defeating the ends of justice, have been granted R4000 bail each. The case was postponed to 14 February 2020 for further investigation. The police officials, Detective Constables Robert Pepsy Lebyane, 38, and Curtus Chauke, 34, made a brief appearance at the Boksburg Magistrates Court in Johannesburg, on Wednesday (January 15). According to Hawks’ Captain Ndivhuwo Mulamu, Lebyane and Chauke were arrested on 15 January 2020, following a report that they allegedly demanded a bribe of R2000 from
the complainant for him not to be arrested for an alleged reckless and negligent driving case against him. “The incident which took place in June 2018, was immediately reported at the Hawks’ Serious Corruption offices in Germiston for further investigation. A thorough investigation was conducted against the two constables for defeating the ends of justice and corruption, which led to warrants of their arrest being issued in December 2019,” Mulamu said. The warrants of arrest were executed on January 15 at Boksburg police station, and they appeared in court facing charges of corruption and defeating the ends of justice.
Queen Mphahlele (centred in the picture), a learner from Alafang High School in Katlehong got seven distinctions. Her achievement include getting 92% results in her Science exam and received 89% in Mathematics. A local businessman has assisted her with funding towards here medical studies. Alongside her are the political leadership of the City of Ekurhuleni. The mayor has a campaign called One Business, One Student where he calls upon the business community to join in and adopt at least one student. This is done by donating a full bursary support for the duration of their studies. The City sets aside a annual budget of R100 million towards bursaries for learners across Ekurhuleni. This is not enough as there are many young people in the area still in need of support to further their studies in tertiary education institutions. That called for the need for such a campaign. For more information or to find out how to participate in the One Business, One Student campaign please contact the Mayor’s Office on 078 313 0840 (Judy).
Mapepeza Newspaper
VOL. 7 ISSUE #1 - 10-17 January 2020
MEC Hlophe visits Ratanda on first school day!
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“THERE ARE MANY OPPORTUNITIES IN SPORTS AND ARTS INDUSTRIES” - MEC
The new academic year got off to a great start in Ratanda when the MEC (Member of Executive Committee) for Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation Ms. Mbali Hlophe visited schools in the area. The tour was joined by officials from the provincial department, including local politicians and the district’s education representatives. After greeting the learners of Kgoro Ya Thuto Secondary School, MEC Hlophe said that their visit is not only to motivate them but to also include them in the development of the province. “You are very lucky to be living in this province. Gauteng is an economic hub. This means this province is the ‘heart’ of the country, also in the continent. We are the land of plenty,” she said. The MEC also noted that the province is doing well in the matric results, however, Gauteng recorded 0.65% decline in its results from 87.88% in 2018 to an 87.23% pass rate in 2019. “If we look deeply at our results, we see there are challenges that we as government
and educators need to fix alike,” responded Ms. Hlophe. She said the premier of the province, David Makhura has indicated that young people must be assisted in any field they want to pursue. In that regard, she spoke to the learners about various fields within her department that range from sports to entertainment. “Not everybody has an interest in universities. Some of you may want to be soccer or netball players, or be in entertainment and so forth. We are here to tell you about the different opportunities that make it all possible. In the department, we speak about what we call the ‘Sports Economy’ or the ‘Business of Sports’,” she explained. The MEC further elaborated to say that in sports, one does not have to only be a player but also there are many fields to participate in. “There is also the administration part of it,” she said. In that regard, the SASCOC leadership was invited to attend the backto-school tour. After her address to the high school learners, the MEC un-
veiled brand new sporting and musical equipments for the school. The gifts also included a book tray with books to encourage literacy. “These are the things that are meant to assist you,” said the MEC. She said the department will launch as Sports and Arts Development programme where they bring experts and legends to work closely with them. MEC Hlophe along with the Lesedi Local Municipality Executive Mayor Cllr. Lerato Maloka, planted trees in the school’s yard to conclude the visit. The
tour also made stops at the Thandisizwe ECD (Early Childhood Development) centre at Ratanda Extension 5. On the next day Gauteng department of Sports, Arts, Culture and Recreation officials including the political leadership from Lesedi Municipality continued the Back-to-School tour with visits to Bertha Gxowa and Lethabo-Siyanqoba (both primary schools) in extension 23. They handed over sporting equipment and book trays to the learners.
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VOL. 7 ISSUE #1 - 10-17 January 2020
No registration fees for NSFAS qualifying students Higher Education, Science and Technology Minister, Blade Nzimande, says all National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) qualifying students do not have to pay upfront registration fees at universities or colleges. “The fact that for the first time NSFAS is able to say you qualify, it means therefore, when you go to register when you’ve been accepted, you’ve got proof to say, ‘I don’t have to pay registration’. “It is also a great improvement in the system because before, you would have a number of NSFAS qualifying students being asked to pay registration fees, that we have eliminated now [and] who ever does this is breaking the law,” Nzimande said. Briefing the media on Post-school Education and Training sector state of readiness for the academic year 2020 on Thursday (January 17), Nzimande said that 430 000 applications have been approved for NSFAS funding. Nzimande said that NSFAS has received a recordbreaking number of applications by the closing date of 30 November 2019, with more than 543 268 firsttime applications (prior year 428 929), received from applicants across the country, with majority of the applicants submitting applications online via the myNSFAS portal. “Applicants include those who were in Matric in 2019, learners in Grade 10 – 11 and those intending to further studies at the TVET (Technical Vocational Education and Training) Colleges, out of school youth, returning/continuing students without NSFAS funding in prior years,” Nzimande said. A total of 281 639 of all applications received so far are South African Social Security Agency's (SASSA) beneficiaries. The Minister attributed the success rate in applications to an extensive outreach campaign, including partnerships with both local and provincial governments; and the private sector. “Premiers from various provinces, together with their provincial departments of education have supported NSFAS in reaching out to most rural areas in various provinces. The National Youth Development Agency (NYDA) also made their facilities available for NSFAS applicants to submit both online and manual applications, as well as submission of the supporting documents,” the Minister said.
Over 30 000 applications still under assessment!
Minister Nzimande said a total of 30 632 are currently under assessment. From the total number of applications received, the minister said 62 275 applications were incomplete or may have outstanding or incorrect supporting documents. “Applicants with incomplete applications have been contacted by NSFAS over the festive season and as receiving the required documents from them, their applications will be processed for funding decisions,” he said. To support the ongoing registration at TVET Colleges, where it is expected ther ewould be an influx of WalkIns, NSFAS has deployed a team of support staff, from 13 January 2020, who will work with the colleges to assist them with NSFAS related issues, especially for late admission.
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Entries open for the 2020 YCAP! Name a school or community in this country (or indeed around the world) that does not have social, environmental or academic challenges… exactly! So how do we go about changing this? There have been many studies, discussions and debates, which have shown that the top down approach to changing the behaviour and mindset of today’s youth is not that effective. However, when that change is motivated by youth for youth through collaboration and mutual understanding of the issues, needs and potential solutions, the power for positive enhancement is exponential. Helping to grow a generation of active and empowered citizens, who can lead SA tomorrow, the NPO Empowervate, set about creating a programme that could at once bring issues affecting the youth (in primary and senior schools) to the fore, workable solutions for these and then recognition for these efforts (and those of teachers involved in driving these change agents) on a provincial and national scale. The result is the Youth Citizen Action Programme (Y-CAP), which was established in 2009. Since inception over 10 years ago, over 41,140 learners have been impacted by the programme in all nine provinces of South Africa. Hoping for more active citizens, Y-CAP is calling on schools to participate. Giving learners the opportunity of becoming agents of change with positive values, is a positive way to boost their confidence and self esteem, as well as development of practical skills, including: communication, organization, project management, team work, Leadership, time management, discipline, commitment, perseverance, public speaking and Information technology. Not to mention boosting self esteem and self confidence. The programme assists in creating a team of proactive learn-
ers in the school who become positive role models for other learners. The added benefit of participating in the Y-CAP initiative is the annual showcase. Provincial winners congregate annually to present their ideas, solutions and outcomes and to share their achievements. This recognition continues to motivate the learners to go above and beyond expectation, driving sustainable impact of the initiative. Powerful examples of change effected by an engaged youth include: • Learners assisted their peers in getting birth certificates in Limpopo • Late coming was solved in Kwanobuhle township, Eastern Cape • Faction fighting was drastically reduced in Kentani Village, Eastern Cape • The stigma and silence was broken around rape in Kuruman, Northern Cape • Lawrence John is from Mafikeng, North West. He recently completed his LLB degree and won the Norton Rose Fulbright Internal Moot Court Competition. He says Y-CAP helped to build his confidence to be empowered as a change maker as he has chosen Human Rights Law because of his experience with helping people. • Clarissa from North West enacted the value of caring when she and her team got their whole school involved in renovating a crèche in the informal settlement nearby Y-CAP is powered by Empowervate Trust (NPO) and endorsed and implemented in collaboration with the Department of Basic Education, and Provincial and District Departments of Education nationally. Entries for the programme close on 28 February 2020. Forms can be accessed here: https://www.empowervate.org/ how-to-enter/ More information: www.empowervate.org info@empowervate.org
Mapepeza Newspaper
VOL. 7 ISSUE #1 - 10-17 January 2020
“Maponya's legacy lives on through township economy” - Pres. Legendary businessman Richard Maponya has left behind a legacy that extends well beyond the brick and mortar of his companies, says President Cyril Ramaphosa. “Through his struggles and successes, he forever changed the face of business in South Africa. In return for all he gave to his people and to this country, his head was anointed with oil and his cup overflowed,” said the President while delivering the eulogy at Dr Maponya’s funeral. Following the passing of the doyen of black business on January 6, President Ramaphosa declared an official State funeral in honour of Maponya. The funeral service took place at the University of Johannesburg’s Soweto Campus on Tuesday (January 14). Maponya’s funeral service was teeming with esteemed guests, among them former Presidents Thabo Mbeki and Kgalema Motlanthe and Mrs Motlanthe; Speaker of the National Assembly, Thandi Modise, chairperson of the National Council of Provinces, Amos Masondo, Mama Graça Machel and Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi. In his formative years, Maponya, a trained teacher, took up a job at a fabric and clothing store in downtown Johannesburg while awaiting a teaching assignment. It is here where he first cut his teeth as a salesman in the retail space, ultimately positioning him for opportunities in the retail supply chain. Together with his late wife, Marina, a qualified social worker who practised for a short
while before joining her husband, the couple went on to establish a milk business called Dube Hygienic Shop. With businesses such as supermarkets, motor franchises, petrol stations and bottle stores, Maponya established a successful business empire. President Ramaphosa hailed Maponya as an ethical and principled businessman. “He was appalled at the practices of some businesses that provided substandard services and inferior goods because the public they served were poor. “He encouraged young people to be disciplined, demonstrate initiative and to be serious about training and studying,” said the President. A visionary, Maponya realised a lifelong dream of establishing the largest regional mall in a township - Maponya Mall. “His story is a window to the mean-spiritedness of the apartheid regime on the one hand, but a tale of triumph over adversity, on the other. He was a champion of black business. “He was adamant that economic development begins in communities and saw the great potential of the township economy. Like a true entrepreneur, he could always spot an opportunity,” said the President. The recipient of the Order of the Grand Counsellor of the Baobab in Silver for his excellent contribution to entrepreneurship despite oppressive apartheid conditions, Maponya was laid to rest at West Park Cemetery.
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VOL. 7 ISSUE #1 - 10-17 January 2020
Mapepeza Newspaper
Opportunities USA Fulbright scholarship applications open!
The United States Government has invited South Africans interested in pursuing a Master’s or Doctoral degree to apply for a Fulbright scholarship to study at any accredited tertiary institution in the US. The Fulbright Program is the US Government’s flagship international educational exchange. It was established in 1946 to increase mutual understanding between the people of the United States and other countries. It currently operates in South Africa and more than 150 other countries worldwide.
The US Embassy said the applications for the 2021-2022 Fulbright Foreign Student Program are now open. “The scholarships cover the full cost of tuition and living expenses in the United States for up to two years. Highly motivated South Africans wishing to pursue a Master’s degree must have completed a four-year BTech degree or a three-year Bachelor’s degree with an Honours degree. Prospective Doctoral students must have successfully obtained a Master’s degree,” the US Embassy said recently.
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According to the US Embassy, in 2019, 23 South African students and scholars received fully-funded Fulbright scholarships to complete postgraduate studies at American academic institutions and to conduct research in the United States. “These talented South Africans are currently pursuing studies in fields ranging from molecular biology and viticulture to mechanical engineering and philosophy, at institutions including Ohio State University, the University of Missouri, the Rochester Institute of Technology, the University of California, and the
University of Pennsylvania.” Students with disabilities and from under-served communities are encouraged to apply. South Africans interested in applying for the Fulbright Program can visit za.usembassy.gov/Fulbright. South Africans interested in applying for the Fulbright Program can learn more by visiting za.usembassy.gov/Fulbright. The closing date for submission of applications for scholarship is 31 March 2020 and applicants are encouraged to start the application process as soon as possible.
Mapepeza Newspaper
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VOL. 7 ISSUE #1 - 10-17 January 2020
Sports
Comments invited to the proposed amendments to Sport Bills! MAPEPEZA NEWSPAPER
P
APER LAY
The department of Sport and Recreation South Africa has commenced with the process of amending both NATIONAL SPORT AND RECREATION ACT No. 110 of 1998 and SOUTH AFRICAN INSTITUTE FOR DRUG – FREE SPORT ACT 25 of 2006. Both documents referred to D B ABillsL as M the IdraftP Amendment are currently on various public H K N F E H T platforms for all interested parties and the public at large who
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SUDOKU
have keen interest in them to sion of written presentation this at 66 Regent Place, C/o Queen submit their written represen- might have sparked as initially and Madiba Streets, Pretoria, appeared on SRSA website. or e-mail it to nkosana@srsa. tations to the Department. Unfortunately, two dates were Kindly note that the confirmed gov.za or LegalServices@srsa. therefore listed on both adverts and final date for written rep- gov.za. with this somehow sparking resentations is the 28 February Name: 2020. confusion on the finalCreated date for with TheTeachersCorner.net Word Search MakerNB: No late submission of writwritten submissions by inter- Interested parties who still have ten representations past the to submit, kindly forward your mentioned date shall be acested parties. The Department of Sport and written inputs on or before 28 cepted. Note that copies of both A N CSouth E Africa T Ctakes W February O O 2020 D Eto Adv. D Nkosana O draft Amendment Bills and their Recreation this opportunity to apologise Mehlomakulu of Legal Services, Memorandum of Objects can be R A E X S E R U T A E R C for the confusion the mention- SRSA, Private Bag X896, Pre- downloaded from the website ing of both dates for submis- toria, 0001 or hand-deliver it of SRSA: www.srsa.gov.za.
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VOL. 7 ISSUE #1 - 10-17 January 2020
WINNER OF 2019 GAUTENG SPORTS AWARDS: Community Media of The Year
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Sports
3rd annual Maboe ComSports Minister congratulates munity games a success! Coach Desiree Ellis! The Ministry and Department of Sports, Arts and Culture have congratulated Head coach of the Sasol-sponsored Banyana Banyana, Desiree Ellis for being named Women’s Africa Coach of the Year recently. Ministry and Department further wish her the best of luck as she continues with her coaching career as the Senior Ladies National Team Coach (Banyana Banyana). Ellis, hailing from Salt River, was honoured once more by CAF when she clinched another top international football award after being named Women's Africa Coach of the year. This award recognition comes after her 2018 award of Confederation of African Football Women's Coach of the Year. Her success follows the great ambassadorial role played by SA senior ladies’ National team (Banyana Banyana) during the Ghana 2018 Women Africa Cup of Nations where they successfully went on to finish the tournament as runner up’s to Nigeria
losing on penalties. Desiree Ellis during her club career, played as a midfielder for Spurs Ladies among other teams and went on to captain Banyana Banyana before making it to the technical team and ultimately landing the coaching job. “Definitely, from Humble beginnings comes great things,” said the department. Ellis became the first South African to win the CAF Coach of the Year Award back 2018. In that historic year – she was the first person to win the COSAFA Women’s Championship as both player and coach, and also the first coach to lead Banyana Banyana to FIFA World Cup qualification.
14 February 2020
Soccer lovers in Ratanda township were treated to some diski flair during the December holidays when the annual Sydwell Maboe Community Games took place at the Ratanda Stadium. This year’s tournament was hosted in partnership with Sedibeng Sports Federation chairperson and fellow legend, Disco Phadime. The tournament mixes the township’s young and senior teams who affiliated to participate. The teams also included ladies football. The finals on December 29 was a great show, with the community of Ratanda coming in their numbers to support the local talent. The final results at the 3rd Maboe Community Games: Under 11: In a repeat of last year’s tournament - Terfca and Bokamoso played to a 0-0 draw. Bokamoso won 4-3 on penalties. Under 13 girls: Ratanda Ladies showed skill when they beat Danone Stars 6-0. Under 13 boys: Fast 11 won 2-0 when they went against Fire Stars.
Under 15: Bokamoso showed their strength when they beat Stone Beakers 3-1. Under 17: Flowers defended their title and beat Lesedi United 3-1. Masters: La-Liga battled against last year’s champs, Big Nuz to clinch the win at 1-0. Seniors: Lifestyle defeated Remember by a score of 2-1. Winners in the junior division shared the trophies, medals and received new playing kits. Cash prizes were also handed to the senior winning teams. “A special thanks to SPAR Heidelberg, Thabang, Wonder and Tshwelopele for their contribution to the tournament’s success,” said the organizer Dan. The annual festive soccer showcase is named after local legend, Sidwell Maboe, who is the former striker who played for Orlando Pirates and Amazulu just to name a few. This is one of many other soccer legends who have their own tournaments in their townships.
