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Fetakgomo Tubatse Burgersfort, Steelpoort, Ohrigstad, Apel
22 March 2019
FTLM surfaces After months of turmoil, the Fetakgomo Tubatse Local Municipality this week managed to conclude a strategic planning session at Lapeng Lodge outside Burgersfort. The new mayor, Councillor Naume Phala briefed the local media, print and radio, about the municipality’s immediate plans to drag itself out of the mud after the VBS scandal. Which means that there is still no money and more questions than clear answers. What was clear is that the new team is at least trying to start and do something about some of the most pressing problems, such as traffic, health services and so on. But, there is no money for a lot of stuff and the new mayor expressed herself in favour of again knocking on the private sector and industry’s doors to assist. The media briefing did not supply clear answers, but the issues under discussion are outlined in the briefing document published on page 2.
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NEWS
New Fetakgomo Tubatse Local Municipality Mayor outlines the way forward
(Information from post-media conference briefing document - published without alteration as far as possible apart from minor alterations to clarify certain sentences.)
22 MARCH 2019
The team
The strategic planning process came at an opportune time as there have been significant changes in the political and administrative leadership of the municipality. The former Speaker and chairperson of Fetakgomo Tubatse Local Municipality Council Cllr Tlakale Naume Phala has been elected unanymously as the new Mayor with effect from 24 January 2019. Mayor Phala’s election comes months after the resignation of Cllr Phokane Maudu Johannes, the former mayor following the controversial VBS Mutual Bank investment. This effectively means that the position of the Speaker is vacant in the council structure. In terms of administrative leadership council has suspended the Municipal Manager Busane Nontotuku Patience due to VBS Investment which hampered service delivery and for having contravened all Treasury requlations. The Limpopo Provincial Government has resolved to place the municipality on section 139 1(b) and seconded Mrs Ntshudisane MJ as Administrator and Mr S Mulenga as Chief Financial Officer. To this end in a special council meeting Mrs Maureen Judith Ntshudisane and Mr Sasa Mulenga were appointed Acting Municipal Manager and Acting CFO respectively. It is against this background that the leadership of FTLM has embarked upon a process to review their current strategic framework to carve a new way forward for the Municipality. The development of a Vision 2030 Blueprint represented the first step in broadening the long term planning horizon to beyond the current term of office. The purpose of the strategic session was to reposition the Fetakgomo Tubatse Local Municipality (FTLM) in order to maximise the efficiency, effectiveness and impact of the Municipal Council both within the municipality as well as the Limpopo Province. The objectives of the strategic planning session as drawn from the Section 32 of the Municipal System Act were thus as follows:
Fetakgomo Tubatse Local Municipality Mayor, Naume Phala.
• To develop a perspective of the imperatives driving the need for repositioning; • To conduct an assessment of the current state and performance of the municipality; • To develop a set of principles and operating framework that reflects the repositioning of the local municipality; • To develop strategies to attain the proposed outcomes and indicators in the IDP and SDBIP; and • To align the strategies to the perspective based on the balanced scorecard that will be used to monitor and evaluate the performance of the municipality on achieving the desired outcomes and indicators. • Ensure that Draft IDP/budget, SDBIP and Performance indicators are finalised It was further aimed at highlighting strategic and prudent areas of required support to enhance the organisational performance record of the Municipality and finally to allow a platform as a theatre of engagement to solicit collective understanding and approach in implementing and accounting on the back to basics in order to strengthen the social contract between FTLM and other roleplayers. A detail cost containment measure based on the circular number 82 of the National Treasury aimed to reduce travelling; over-time for employees (pre-approval should be made four days before);hiring of venues for meetings; engagements with consultants; catering; presence usage of water and electricity; telephone capped and data usage • The Mid year performance report stood at 48% which is a decline of the previous mid-year in 2017/18 due to financial constraints like the purchase of new landfill site and construction of the Praktiseer licensing office. For obvious reasons these projects are planned for completion in the next financial year. Discussions ensued on the amenable powers and function of the municipality to start the process of a feasibility study on the capacity to become a water and electricity function authority. However much more needs to be done. In a larger scale of things, it could be said that the performance of this municipality is pleasing while under-performance and/or mal-performance has negative effects - with the main adverse / inimical consequence being loss of public confidence in municipal government. It thus ought to be mitigated in all material respects. Worth reporting is the approval of Land Expropriation Notice to council which identified 90 properties to be evaluated. We are continuing to engage the Department of Health regarding the conversion of Nchabeleng Health Centre into a Hospital. It is anticipated that this will promote the health status of the population as the fundamental human right and no longer travelling long distance. There is worrying evidence to suggest that we are not making steady progress in the fight against HIV/AIDS.The Municipality have appointed contractor to install 40 transformers as part of reducing crime in affected areas. We are happy to report that SANRAL has committed to widen the R37 road with effect from the 01 April 2019 from Dilokong hospital to Burgersfort town aimed to reduce traffic flow.
Acting Municipal Manager Mureen Ntshudisane.
Acting Chief Financial Officer Sasa Mulenga.
Working side by side with other sector departments the construction of SAPS Apel Offices (affectionately known as Masenkaneng) into a fully fledged police station is at advance stage. Critical is also to engage robustly with the mining houses for mining contribution to community development and beneficiation so that poverty and unemployment are reduced and if possible explore other funding mechanisms. The Municipality have since received a feasibility study on a viable option for on the office space. We are currently perusing the contents of the report and will in due course table the report to council for final decisions The discussions during the strategic planning sessions resulted in the formulation of a report that will be adopted by council and drive the organisation’s strategic plan.
Manager and Head of Communications, Rachidi Ngoato, promised that residents in the municipality will be kept up to date with the newest municipal developments through various mediums, which will include the local media.
22 MAART 2019
NUUS
Fraudulent Activities Targeting Univen Security Job Seekers The University of Venda says it has in the past few days been made aware of telephone/cell phone calls made to some applicants of the security and cleaning jobs that were recently advertised by Univen Innovative Growth Company (UIGC) that, they are allegedly being sold by unknown individuals in or outside the employ of the University of Venda, purporting to be representing the University and UIGC. The University of Venda says it views these allegations in a serious light and would like to unreservedly distance itself from such fraudulent activities and to urge all those with information about these allegations to contact the University’s Tip-off Anonymous, 0800 212 755, e-mail univenhotline@tip-offs.com. The University of Venda would like to reiterate that under no circumstances will job seekers be asked for funds in the pre-recruitment and post-recruitment processes. We take this matter very seriously and are taking all appropriate measures, including working with relevant authorities, to bring to book all those involved in this fraudulent scheme. We therefore urge applicants for any advertised position at the University of Venda or UIGC to exercise caution, in order to avoid falling victim to recruitment fraud. We recommend that you do not respond to anyone making unsolicited offers of employment on behalf of the University of Venda. In a situation where you are asked for payment of any kind by a person claiming to represent the University of Venda or UIGC, please contact your local police station or law enforcement authority as this could be fraud.
Comfort ye, comfort ye my people, saith your God. Isaiah 40:1 King James Version
Innovation interventions slow in translating into benefits The Chief Director of Innovation and Technology at the Department of Trade and Industry (the dti), Ms Nonkululeko Shinga says that the reviews indicate that innovation has not been translated into socio-economic benefits and the government funding instruments are inaccessible to the innovators in rural and township communities. Shinga said this during the opening of the two-day Grassroots Innovation Workshop which took place in Limpopo. “It is as a direct response to this imbalance that we have resolved to roll-out this series of Grassroots Innovation Workshops to counter this and to address issues of knowledge production, which are limited to urban areas, in universities and in research institutions only,” she said. She asserted that innovation was not only about hi-technology implements, that it did not only occur in urban settings and that it did not only take place in state-of-the-art laboratories. “Innovation is all around and has been practiced since time immemorial. It has no colour, no gender, no age, no status. It takes place in our homes, in our garages and in the most far-flung of our rural areas. That is the reason we have brought this workshop here in your province, because we believe that knowledge production should be allowed to flourish, irrespective of where it originates from. It is important that innovation taking place in rural areas is taken seriously and that it is made sustainable. We will strive to develop systems that best respond to how we can empower grassroots innovators,” said Shinga. She added that the hosting of Grassroots Innovation Workshops was an attempt to open up and democratise innovation systems to stimulate inclusive growth and economic transformation. The Deputy Director-General of the Limpopo Department of Economic Development, Environment and Tourism (LEDET), Mr Matodzi Rathumbu pointed out the importance of supporting rural inventors to safeguard their inventions. “Our province is endowed with the most brilliant creative minds in the country, but our shortcomings are that we’re not doing enough to safeguard and document these inventions for sustainable economic purposes. It is imperative going forward that we support our innovators trademark and intellectually secure their innovations so they can enjoy their fruits of their brilliance,” he said. Grassroots Innovation Workshops will be rolled out to at least four rural provinces, with Limpopo already serving as a launch pad for the campaign. It is anticipated that these workshops will unearth technologies from underdeveloped communities, they will create networking platforms for technology development and commercialisation and focused technology development and innovative thinking at grassroots levels.
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22 MARCH 2019
NEWS
Celebrations as U-bank hands over projects a brighter future and provide hope. The school now also boast with Extramarks Smart Boards in the Maths and Science classroom. Another set of beneficiaries is People Against the Spread of Aids and Starvation (PASAS). They received a brand new building that will be used as a base from where the ladies forming part of the group, can operate. “This provides dignity and safety” said Mrs. Mama Maile from PASAS as she thanked U-bank. Apart from the building U-bank also ensured palasade fencing around the property and a properly equipped borehole to supply fresh water. This handover follows short on the heels of a recent event to empower the community and stokvels with financial advice and knowledge. The recipients thanked U-bank for caring and delivering without fail. U-bank Acting General Manager: Retail Banking Services: Mr George Tlhapi praised both the school and PASAS for creating hope and assisting despite limited resources. Other community stakeholders also thanked the bank for their involvement and recipients were encouraged to make the most of the donations.
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On Friday last week U-bank handed over two major projects that will not only benefit communities in the Driekop area, but also provide empowerment and dignity. One project was a block of three classrooms at Mafadi Academy. Investing in improving educational infrastructure is one of the ways U-bank empower young people to aim for
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22 MARCH 2019
NEWS
Maribeng FC vs Mototolo FC On 7 March 2019 the Maribeng FC played a friendly game against Mototolo FC. The teams were very evenly matched and the game ended in a draw having scored 2 goals on both sides. Sirel Leshaba (Chop Chop) was named the Man of the Match. (Information and photographs: Mmushi Kgopane).
Mpumalanga 400 rally at Dullstroom The 2019 South African Cross Country Series (SACCS) started on a high note for all the teams who managed to finish the Mpumalanga 400, the opening round that took place at Dullstroom last weekend. Competitors not only scored their first points of the season, but five bonus points were added to their tally the moment they took on the challenging event that was voted the best event on the 2018 calendar. The season started on a high note for Toy-
ota Gazoo Racing SA who continued their winning streak of 2018 and their recent historic Dakar Rally win earlier this year when they claimed the first two podium positions in the Production Vehicle category at the Dullstroom event. It was, however, the defending champion, Giniel de Villiers, who ticked off his second consecutive Mpumalanga 400 victory when he and navigator, Dennis Murphy, posted the fastest time with their Toyota Hilux.
Lance Trethewey in action. (Photograph: Nadia Jordaan)
Masters play friendly games Soccer fever still running high Pulana Maroga Soccer League was back at full steam last weekend after a two week break. The resuls of 16 March were: Tshakanya ground: Tearing Lions: 3 vs Mangabane: 1. Mighty Rovers: 1 vs Mighty Blues: 7.
Lenareng: 5 vs Happy Fighters: 0. Bafaladi ground: Golden Spears: 1 vs Stone Breakers: 1. Bafaladi: 0 vs Bull Bull: 4. Driekop FC ground: Real Touch: 2 vs Fast 11 Jnr: 0. Driekop FC: 1 vs Mighty Bucks: 8. Results for play on 17 March 2019: Mohlophi ground: Driekop FC: 3 vs Mighty Blues: 1. Tearing Lions: 3 vs Lenareng: 2. Real Touch ground: Bafaladi: 2 vs Mangabane: 5. Mighty Rovers: 3 vs Bull Bull: 4. Morethe ground: Happy Fighters: 0 vs Maruleng: 2. Golden Spears: 0 vs Mighty Bucks: 0. Young Dribblers: 0 vs Happy Stars: 3.
On 16 March the Tubatse Masters soccer team visited the Bothashoek Masters soccer team. They played a friendly match. The day’s play was dominated by the Bothashoek Masters who also won the game 3-1. Tshepho Lesese, Simon Sekgobela and Musk Mashubeng scored the goals for the Bothashoek Masters. The single goal scored by Tubatse Masters was thanks to the boot of Isaac Mndawe.
(Information and photograph: Pulana Maroga Soccer League). (Photographs: Judas Motswiane; Information: Jerial Mvundlela).
Modikwa runners at ‘Om die Dam’ race On 16 March two of Modikwa Marathon Club’s athletes participated in the Om die Dam Ultra Marathon at Hartebeespoort Dam. Isaac Mkhabela (photograph left) and veteran runner, Herman Mogale both ran the 50km race. Both finished in great times and the Club congratulates them on their achievements. Isaac finished the race in 3:55:05 and Herman in 4:45:59. They also bettered their seeding for this year’s Comrades Ultra Marathon. (Photograph and information: Willem Montgomery).
22 MAART 2019
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Players battle it out at Chrome Club Championships Tubatse Chrome Golf Club members played in the annual Chrome Club Championships last weekend. The competition is determined over 18 holes of play on both Saturday and Sunday. The course challenged most of the players and weather conditions also added to the challenge. Despite this, the event took place in good sportsmanship. At the end of Sunday’s play, a nail bite finish ensured that Tyron Luck walked away as the Chrome Club Champion for 2019. He closely beat Thinus Labuschagne and Dean van Staden. Read more about this and the other winners on page 8 of this newspaper.
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SPORT
New Chrome Club Champion crowned The new Chrome Club Champion for 2019 is Tyron Luck. It was all skill and not luck as Tyron kept his
cool during the last couple of holes when two Birdies on his last 9 sealed the win. Tyron’s par on the last hole gave a one shot victory over fellow provincial team mate Thinus Labuschagne and Chrome Number 1 Junior, Dean van Staden. Tyron will be heading to the Country Districts’ tournament with Thinus in May. After the recent rains the course had thick rough and tricky placements. Windy conditions also tested players. Play stretched over two days and at the end of day one the leaders were: 1. Dean van Staden 2. Tyron Luck T3. Thinus Labuschgane T3. Gert van der Merwe 5. Martin van Rooyen T6. David Digoro T6 Wim Barnard 8. Pierre van Staden T9. Bertus Swart T9. Baard Langauge The winners at the end of day two were: Club Champion - Tyron Luck, Overall Nett - August Kgoete, A-Division - Dean van Staden, B-Division - August Kgoete, C-Division - Louis Ludike and Ladies Winner - Mel Swart. (Photographs and information: Willem Montgomery)
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Chrome Golf Club achievers On Saturday, 16 March 2019 the Chrome Golf Club not only kicked off the Chrome Club Championships, they also held their official prize giving for achievers during the last year. On the right is Deon du Plessis with Thinus Labuschagne. Deon was named the Players’ Player of the Year. He was also the winner of the Captain’s Cup during the last year.
Left are Dean van Staden with Thinus Labuschagne. Dean was the Junior Player of the Year at the Club and also walked away as the winner of the Talisman Cup. A long term tough competition that takes commitment and skill to win.
Right is Jaco Els with Thinus Labuschagne. Jaco was named the Most Improved Player of the Year for 2018. Left: Baard Language with Thinus Labuschagne. Baard became an honourable member of the Chrome Golf Club. He has been a member for the last 35 years playing golf at this course in Tubatse Residential Village. Baard and his golfing partner, Johan Dreyer were also the Doubles Champions for 2018 (Better Ball Cup winners). (Photographs & Information: Willem Montgomery)