TSHWANE BULLETIN AUGUST - SEPTEMBER 2020

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The neglected Mabopane Station Concourse which has become a thieves haven due to acts of theft, vandalism after years of redeveloped. The thieves have stripped it of its infrastructure.

Mabopane Station stripped by thieves FULL STORY ON PAGE 2

. The upgrade project is estimated to cost around R 1 billion and it will be put to tender, said PRASA Administrator. FULL STORY ON PAGE 2

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Thieves takes advantage of lax security Everytime there is a development it never gets completed due to vandalism LEADING STORY

By Letlhogonolo Mosete editorial@tshwanebulletin.co.za

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illions of taxpayers’ money, continue to be squandered at the now defunct Passenger Rail Agency of South African managed Mabopane Train Station Corridor due to brazen

acts of theft and vandalism, at the security lax station.

The station not immune to vandalism, has become a ghost-town after the cancellation of a security contract earlier this year, leaving it unguarded and giving thieves an opportunity

news Newly installed stairway rails have been cut of, windows, doors and cables removed at the troubled station

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“We will be putting up a concrete wall between Mabopane and Pretoria. The other element is to ensure that our security plan, which walling is a big part –of, as well as different types of equipment, CCTV cameras, drones and so forth,” said Mpondo

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WORDS OF FAITH

Hebrews 11:1: “Faith shows the reality of what we hope for; it is the evidence of things we cannot see.”

to strike.

Thieves have stripped the long awaited to be opened station’s concourse of its infrastructure by stealing anything they could get their hands on. From toilets seats, basins, window-frames, doorframes an all its electrical cables were stripped bare, relegating the new building to look like a rundown flat.

The train station revamp has to be the longest in the history of construction, with more than 15 years in the works, even before the construction of 2010 stadiums and the Medupi Power plant, the station was being developed.

Earlier this year Tshwane Bulletin Newspaper published a story about cable theft at the station that brought its operations to an immediate halt, leaving commuters stranded.

PRASA Administrator Bongisiwe Mpondo during that meeting said; “The upgrade project is estimated to cost around R1- billion and will be put to tender that means the bidding process will need to be followed delaying the whole process. Improved security measures and a 80 Kilometre wall is set to be erected in a bid to deter those who vandalise the infrastructure.”

“We will be putting up a concrete wall between Mabopane and Pretoria. The other element is to ensure that our security plan, which walling is a big part –of, as well as different types of equipment, CCTV cameras, drones and so forth,” said Mpondo Mabopane Station Eastern Side Committee Traders Chairperson Esther Mathole said; “Each and everytime there is a development it never gets completed due to vandalism, theft, infrastructural neglect and infighting. We had 3 consultative meetings with PRASA that were fruitless.”

“We told them about the vandalism taking place and suggested that they hire more security guards, but they did not listen to us. They told us that they are cash strapped and rely on donations to repair and replace stolen infrastructure,” said Mathole.

Explaining her recommendations to PRASA Mathole said; “We want PRASA to take hire more security guards in order to reduce crime, fix our electricity and install adequate lights to deter acts of criminality. Also locals must be given first preference pertaining to employment opportunities when they undertake projects.”

What is happening is saddening to say the least because it means delay for service provision to poor commuters who rely on trains to ferry them.

To make matters worse the Railway mobile police station that was on the western side of the station has been relocated.

Rietgat Police Station Spokesperson Captain Stephen Maluleka said; “No case pertaining to the story has been opened.”

When going to print PRASA’s Spokesperson Lilian Mofokeng hadn’t responded to our questions.

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shwane Bulletin subscribes to the Code of Ethics and Conduct for South African Print and Online Media that reports news that is truthful, accurate, fair, balanced and thus not infringe on people’s constitutional rights. If we don’t adhere to the code please report us at the Public Advocate contact numbers (011) 484-3612 or lodge a complaint via email www.presscouncil.org.za

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Bokaba celebrates 13 years of radio broadcasting

By Velencia Senoamadi 13 years have gone by in a blink and the versatile Pheli FM, radio-personality Mahlogonolo Isaac Bokaba is celebrating his milestone through the airwaves.

His distinct voice, energy, persona and love for radio, has over the years kept listeners captivated to his ‘first love’.

Bokaba has been a fan favourite at numerous community and commercial radio stations, commanding the highly competitive

and demanding afternoon drive time slots with ease.

The Winterveldt born Bokaba’s journey on radio dates back to 2007, when he joined Soshanguve FM as a volunteer. Since then he has managed to build his brand at TUT, Moretele and Jozi FM amongst others.

“When I joined Soshanguve FM it was simply out of curiosity having gotten the better of me. I kept on wondering how one person can command big listenership by talking into the microphone.

From there I wanted to be one of them, I joined the station to gain experience and exposure.

Since then radio has been part of my life. I just love doing this.

People can tell by my voice and my heart, that I truly love doing this. This is my passion. For the past 13 years, I have never been off the airwaves for more than two months,” said Bokaba.

Bokaba said he views radio as not just a medium entertain the listers but a vehicle to inspire them to believe in themselves.

ENTERTAINMENT Isaac “ Dj Machuchu ” Bokaba

Duo team up to feed the nation

By Velencia Senoamadi

editorial@tshwanebulletin.co.za A tertiary dropout Phiki Mfete is a living proof that one cannot let challenges that life throws at them to determine their destiny.

Through his hard-work, passion and commitment the former Tshwane North College student is reaping the fruits of his sweat.

After the devastating experience of dropping out of college, Mfete would not let himself to wallow in self-pity.

The 26 year old would not cry foul over poverty as he had valuable asset at his disposal in form of rich fertile land and passion for farming. Mfete then reinvented himself into a valuable commodity that feeds the nation.

“It was hard dropping out of college due to the lack of financial support. Instead of sitting at home and doing nothing I then decided to try my hand in farming. I then took it upon myself and started doing research and learning as much as possible about farming.

Then my journey started with a back-yard garden. Since then I have not looked back and my passion for farming grew by the day. A year and half later I looked at some of my produce and I was not entirely satisfied,” said Mfete.

Fortunately he receive an invite a friend whom they share love for farming to partner with him in a large scale farming project he was about to start.

As they say the rest is history, Mfete accepted the invite and teamed up with the 23 year old Phillimon Ndima.

“I knew that we both shared the same love and passion for farming. We them started a farming project in Mathibestad.

We plant onions, spinach, butternut, watermelon and tomatoes. Five years later we are still going strong by the day, despite the limited access to water and market” said Mfete.

He listed difficulties with expansion of the project as a result of the failure by the tribal authority to provide them bigger land, transport to take their produce to the markets as some on the challenges they are confronted with.

He slammed government for its failure to assist young and upcoming black farmers who are entering the industry.

He said access to the markets is the most critical component of sector and more should be done to allow them entry.

Lebza how are you, hope you’re well I’m still recovering from that after-tears we hosted last week.

I’m good bro just stressed so many people got infected with COVID-19 from that after-tears, even Charlene.

Charlene? the one I was talking to the whole time, she didn’t even bother to call and let me know...

Yep!! You should get tested and self-isolate. I’m waiting for my results.

Gatherings and close contact remain the biggest risks in the spread of COVID-19 If you have been exposed to a person who tested positive for COVID-19, get tested as soon as possible and self-isolate.

Avoid gatherings , protect yourself and those around you.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Call the COVID-19 Hotline: 0800 029 999 | Web: www.sacoronavirus.co.za Send ‘hi’ on Whatsapp to COVID-19 | Connect: 060 012 3456

Use the MPILO APP and answer questions for self screening.

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FeedMore come to the aid of needy

SOSHTIMES

Soshanguve Donating food parcels, remodelling and building new shacks residents plant seeds of success

AGRICULTURE

social work

CRIME

Volunteers spent their spare time rebuilding a shack for a helpeless old man who lost everything in the fire

By Tebogo Senosha

editorial@tshwanebulletin.co.za

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orisang Ramoshebi and Co-founder Philip Seema have established a FeedMore Foundation with the main of to distributing food parcels to needy families in and around Hammanskraal in the midst of the Coronavirus pandemic.

The foundation which gathered momentum like a house on fire was established on the 17th of April 2020 and has since expanded its reach from just distributing food parcels to even remodeling, erecting new shacks for various communities in Hammanskraal.

Apart from donating food parcels to the destitute families, the foundation has also expanded its horizon to remodeling old shacks as well as erecting news ones for families who do not have roofs over their heads.

Ramoshebi detailed the first incident which led to the foundation’s decision to heed the call of building shacks for communities.

“While we were distributing food parcels in Makapanstad, we found this old man living in a shack, we could not even tell if really that is where a person can sleep for a night. The shack was totally in another form, then we had to come and say this is not right for an old man who has no family around to help so we decided to put the pictures on Facebook requesting people to donate whatever they had, be it material or anything so that we can build a temporary shelter for the old man as soon as possible.

“Then people came through and it has been so good and overwhelming because that is what we are all about. We want to make sure that wherever possible, every person gets a chance to have at least a decent place to sleep, at least a

plate of food on the table. That is what we are all about,” said Ramoshebi in an televised interview with SABC News.

Fresh from helping the old man with a shack revamp, FeedMore Foundation in partnership with Gontseone Thabiso and #GiveAJersey campaign have their sight closely fixed on aiding a Stinkwater family which lost everything including their shack in a fire which left them with nothing including identity documents and birth certificates.

The foundation has so far managed to acquire a new stand for the family and is making significant progress in putting together essentials

and furniture but the material to build is not yet there. Some people are sending funds even though it is not a lot, others are willing to help with manpower to build. We are hopeful,” said Ramoshebi.

She also revealed that the Foundation was doing everything in their power to ensure that the family gets Identity Documents as well as certificates which perished in the fire.

“One of our members has been to the Home Affairs, but unfortunately he was told that Home Affairs was not issuing IDs at the moment, but only issuing Temporarily ones.

But then we will push it as well once IDs are being issued. My partner will be going there on Wednesday. So that one is still in the pipeline as well,” she added.

Some of the food parcels FeedMore donated to the needy people of Hammanskraal to help the family get back on its feet after the shack fire ordeal.

“What is currently happening with this family is that we are waiting for the building materials because we want to build them at least a five roomed house. People are willing to come on board with donations as we have already received beds, clothes

Those who are able to assist with household or personal essentials such as clothes, blankets, furniture, beds or mattresses, shoes, groceries stove, school uniforms etc are more than welcome to call or WhatsApp the foundation on 071 109 1672 or send a message on their Facebook page which is FeedMore Foundation. Their email address is admin@feedmorefoundation.co.za

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or many in the urban areas agriculture is not glamorous.

It still suffers from entranced a negative perception like it is a backbreaking labour that one gets little to show for it.

But on the contrary, the 5 members of Soshanguve based Kopano ke Matla Agricultural Project, believes the sector remains the engine driving most developing countries’ economies.

Their advice to those desperate to make an income is that you need to think outside the box and always strive towards cultivating your dreams.

Made up of four women and one male, the members said they were brought together by their shared love for farming with the hope to fill millions empty stomachs with nutritious meals.

The group has already planted spinach, tomatoes, green pepper, spring onion, sweet potatoes, onions and garlic at Funekile Secondary School in Block V Extension.

“I lost my job in 2015. In 2018 Piet Sehlahla who is also a member of the group, told me about the agricultural training seminar taking place. In which they were teaching participants about importance of farming, marketing and cooperation.

Although I was reluctant at first, I was inspired by one blind man who uses walking stick as a guide but has a successful farming project to give it a try.

I tried to enquire as much information as I could. Then we decided to come together with other members like Jerminah Seema, Elsie Rametsi and Maria Makou to start the project,” said Rose Rallele.

Despite all negativity staged against them by friends the group persisted and approached the principal of Funekile Secondary School for permission to use arable piece of land not used at the school.

“We believe that through this project we can help fight poverty in the community.

Although currently it is just a decent startup but in two, three years we can turn it into a booming agricultural business that can provide decent jobs,” said Rallele.

To set-up the project the group put money together to buy seeds, other neccesities and at times would use left-over’s from the school feeding program.

“When we were growing up during we had gardens at schools. Even at home we would help with the backyard gardens.

But today’s kids do not know anything about farming. We were taught that you do not have to throw any vegetables away as they could be use as seed to grow others.

Now as parents we have to teach our children about the importance of farming.

We have to make sure that they know about vast opportunities in the agricultural sector,” said Sehlahla who is a retired bus driver.

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New taxi rank opened at Tshwane Regional Mall SOSHTIMES

By Letlhogonolo Mosete editorial@tshwanebulletin.co.za

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amelodi residents and its surrounding areas had their shopping and travel problems mitigated, as the newly operational Tshwane Regional Mall recently opened and handed over a new taxi rank to different taxi associations located at the mall.

Chief Executive Officer of Sibonelo Property Services Shadrack Mthethwa addressing those in attendance said “I did not prepare any speech, because I am here to talk to my family. Men and Women, who through their sacrifice and endurance, willingness to partner with us brought us, here today.”

“I would like to say thank you for your support and perseverance throughout the development phase.

You have demonstrated that where there is a will there is a way. I further wish to acknowledge the hardship and challenges we all went through in this project. I say thank you,” said Mthethwa.

Mthethwa further said “It is worth mentioning that the entire

LOCAL NEWS Members of different taxi associations on a walk- about the new taxi rank development of Tshwane Regional Mall, function as one unit, with one purpose to do a profitable business. The retail business needs your services to bring customers to the mall and the commuters need you safely transport them from their home to the mall. This is a mutual partnership which we all need to

nurture and grow.

We as the property owner need you as our stakeholders for the services you provide for our tenants and customers. This a partnership, that require decent and fair treatment at all times. We all need to respect one and another in doing business.

MEGA SAVINGS

This includes respect for the city’s by-laws, respect for the law in general, respect and compliance with the statutory governing bodies in the industry, treating our customers with dignity and respect, respecting the facility and complying with the rules and regulation of the Centre Management team In closing Mthethwa said “To our partners the Public Investment Corporation (PIC), thank you for showing faith and trust in us by investing in this jewel of the North.

I have no doubt that the decision you made will bear fruit. Your decision is pure demonstration of how funds should be used to develop black communities. We have brought a first class development to where people are, because we are fist class in all respect.

Mamelodi Local and Long Distance Taxi Association (MALLDTA) Chairperson Johannes Mahlangu said “As an association w are very happy that we have moved from dust to a new establishment.

We are now moving from taxi people to business people. We encourage commuters to use our services and we will treat them with dignity.”

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Baroka, committed to serving with excellence

By Letlhogonolo Mosete editorial@tshwanebulletin.co.za

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dapting to change by being innovative, Baroka Funeral Services recently celebrated a milestone as they held a virtual grand opening for their new branch situated at 467 Stanza Bopape Street in Pretoria.

The local funeral parlour was founded in 2016 and has been offering clients dignified funeral services in and around Gauteng Province.

“The decision to open a new office in Pretoria cements our growing presence and support from our clients.

We could not have done this without the dedication of our staff and unwavering faith from our clients,” said Ratau Mphahlele, Chief Executive Officer, Baroka Funerals.

In light of the Coronavirus global pandemic, the event was virtually celebrated and streamed live on Pheli FM and Baroka Facebook page.

The grand opening included a virtual tour of the new branch where attendees got to see the main boardroom, showroom and the

SOSHTIMES

BUSINESS

Baroka Funeral Services Chief Executive Officer Ratau Mphahlele during the virtual opening the new Pretoria offices reception area. Mphahlele also honoured key stakeholders with appreciation gifts from Baroka Funerals. In support of small businesses, Baroka Funerals ensured to use local service providers for this event.

“Professionalism and service

excellence govern our business. We want to give our clients peace of mind and offer funeral packages suitable for different budgets. Expanding our business means more people can reach our services,” said Mphahlele.

Our trading hours are 8.00 AM to 5.00 PM from Monday to Sunday and 8.00 AM to 3.00 PM on Saturday, on Sunday we are closed. For more information visit www.barokafunerals. co.za.

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Pre-chopped vegetable business booms Mahlangu set sight on pre-chopped packaged vegetable business

By Velencia Senoamadi

editorial@tshwanebulletin.co.za

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35 year old, entrepreneur Botshelo Mahlangu saw a niche in the market place for a more customer based business, that addresses the needs of mothers who appreciate home cocked meal but hardly ever finds enough time to spend in the kitchen.

She came up with one of a kind ChoppD Veggies, a convenience business enterprise that supplies food lovers with variety of fresh pre-chopped and packaged vegetables ready to prepare a sumptuous meal.

Mahlangu started the business earlier in the year with husband turned business partner whom she describes as a pillar of her strength.

“I started the business because I wanted to challenge myself and to try out new things especially in the industry I did not know much about. Even

though I initially had doubts about my capacity to handle such kind of business, my husband was there with me and encouraged me to take that step of faith.

I have struggled with small things like keeping up with the inventory, pricing and getting reliable suppliers.

She believes that her years of experience as a call centre agent will help her to keep customers satisfied.

“As a fairly new business, I appreciate it when customer’s voice out their dissatisfaction.

This will help us to improve on our service and keep up to our commitment to always strive for customer’s satisfaction.

And always keep my customers happy,” said Mahlangu.

While people were busy complaining about the stringent lockdown regulations, Mahlangu was singing a different tune.

She took advantage of people’s hesitation to go out shopping to promote her home delivery business. She intends to work more with female farmers.

BUSINESS Mahlangu holding some of the pre-chopped packaged vegetables that she sells

Operation Basadi nets wanted suspect

By Letlhogonolo Mosete

T

he police in the Tshwane District made strides and waged war against criminality in the Tshwane North Corridor. Through a concerted effort with the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) Tshwane Metro Po-

nabbed and found in possession of an illegal firearm in the Loate policing precinct during the operation.

Amongst others, during Operation Okae Molao under the banner #Operation Basadi, Eleven undocumented foreign nationals were also arrested and three other suspects were also arrested for contravention of the Disaster Management Act Regulation 45 (10, while one

Basadi led by Brigadier LehabeMetsi, the police in the capital city accumulated R61 000 through Aarto fines

LOCAL NEWS

South African Police member searches taxi passanger during operation Basadi in Tshwane

lice Department, Emergency Services, Environmental Health, Tracker SA and the Gauteng Traffic Police, the law enforcement agencies descended on the Rietgat ‘ precinct to help curb the scourge of crime.

During this women led operation dubbed operation Basadi led by Brigadier LehabeMetsi, the police in the capital city accumulated R61 000 through Aarto fines on Soutpan Road in Soshanguve.

A wanted suspect for armed robbery and illegal possession of firearm committed in 2017, was

drug dealer was nabbed.

Six warnings were issued, while five drug houses were searched and 16 spaza shops and one was nabbed in the second hand goods. 411 vehicles were stopped, 1130 people searched, 262 people got screened, 75 vehicles were also tested.

Brigadier Metsi said “We strongly condemn Gender Based Violence. We further advoceate the protection of the LGBTI community against perpetrators who clam correction of these vulnerable groups.

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Burn survivors embrace their scars

The programme gives hope to burn survivors to live their life to the fullest LOCAL NEWS

Some of the proud members of Omolemo Omogolo burn survivors who through the programme have learnt to love and accept their scars and living life to the fullest

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By Velencia Senoamadi hrough her support group, Omolemo Omogolo Burn Survivors SA, the Winterveldt based Neo Mocumi is using her pain, experience to give hope to burn survivors to live their life beyond their scars.

Her world came down tumbling at her feet when she suffered third degree burns to over 85 percent of her body, a fatal car explosion.

As if that was not enough, 13 years later the proverbial lightning struck home again this time at the cost of her younger sister’s life.

Her traumatic experiences have since then taught her how to love scars and use them inspire other burn survivors to accept their differences.

This as she knows that unlike others, burn injuries leave behind an emotive and physical scars that can last a lifetime.

“I was seated at the back seat of a car, enjoying the ride when all of a sudden it exploded and there were flames all over.

Everything happened so fast, I was so scared, I feared for the worst. I guess it was by God’s grace that I survived,” said Mocumi.

Since then Mocumi has launched #Stopstaringitsonlyscars a support programme that helps burn survivors to

cope with the long-term effects of their injuries.

“The programme attracted lot of burn survivors. Because their lives are altered forever, we offer them mental and emotional support programme. This is done so that they would not allow their scars to determine who they are.

The campaign did not only make positive impact in the lives of the burn survivors only. It also touched a lot of people who are battling internal scars also.

It gave them courage, strength, healing sense that they can turn their lives to normalcy,” said Mocumi.

She also launched # I'menough campaign focuses on building self-esteem, self-love and self acceptance.

Mocumi explained why the programmes are closer to her heart; “My younger sister who was living with epilepsy fell on top of a hot plat during her seizure. In the moment she suffered burn injuries to her body.

She died a month later due to kidney failure as her body was not responding to medication. During that time she struggled to cope and accept her burn injuries. She became so traumatised that she would not cooperate with nurses,” said Mocumi.

"Now I live my life to the fullest, I have accepted everything about myself even my scars too. My scars are now my stars and they shows that I am a victor and a survivor," Mesa Mokhethi a burn survivor who benefited from Mocumi’s programme.

Hammanskraal to get a visually impaired centre

By Letlhogonolo Mosete editorial@tshwanebulletin.co.za

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Jubille Mall recepients of the project of Muslims of Tshwane food hampers

he Project Muslims of Tshwane in conjunction with the Garden Social Services showed their benevolent side by donating 50 hampers, 30 canes to the visually impaired and orphans at Hammanskraal’s Jubilee Mall

recently.

Falling under their activities scope includes social work, empowerment, agriculture, feeding, assisting the visually impaired and orphans. The organisations have established a good partnership with the local communities.

Founder of the Garden Social Services Abubakir Chouglay said “We have acquired a piece of land in Kanana in partnership with a local organisation, where we are going to build a center for the visually impaired and orphans.”

“The centre will also accommodate an

in-house feeding project, but its scope will not only be limited to the centre but to the community as well. We are grateful for the people

of Hammanskraal for welcoming us with open arms, we have built good partnerships with them, for the empowerment of locals,” said

Chouglay.

We hope to extend our reach to neighbouring communities as well with our projects.

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Designer’s dream hangs in the balance

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The vision is to build a brand that symbolises elegance, prominence and luxury

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By Letlhogonolo Mosete n emerging Fashion Designer’s dream to dazzle and wow the international audience, hangs in limbo due to the costs related with travelling abroad. He is imploring the generosity of South African to attend the runway show, in a form of donations.

The funds requested will allow the brand to procure material to produce the garments, travel costs and accommodation at Paris.

Kagiso Mac Mashilo from Klipgat in Mabopane has been invited to present his Haute Couture collection at Paris Fashion Week in March next year. The philanthropic fashion designer will get the chance to showcase his collection under the theme ‘’ The deepest darkest tears of the Atlantic ocean,’’ at the luxurious Ritz Hotel, Place Vendome.

The 27-year-old graduated from Tshwane North College, will share the stage with other designers from around the world, with A-listers onlookers and sponsors such as Vogue, Harpers’s Bazaar Magazine, our very own Times Live and E-News!

He explained that the theme was inspired by the ocean, its depth, length and enormous voice of the Sea, where slaves were horrifically drowned during the slave trade.

That allowed him to take note and express the emotions of discomfort, based on the history of slavery in his designs.

He added that the ocean also allowed him to connect and question the untold and told stories, which he noted coexisted, fierce and powerful but also tender and calm.

He said:’’ Through introspection I realized that the ocean is a physical representation of the African spirit, my Haute

FASHION

Klipgat born Fashion Designer Mac Mashilo is set to showcase his collection in Paris

Couture collection of the ocean will play a significant role as a reminder on the runway that our ancestors died along the coldest nights of the Atlantic winter and were

thrown in the ocean. ‘’To me their souls represent immense bravery, courage and freedom. The vastness of the ocean is life and death, and it became

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their new home. The depth and intricacies hold a very important history to the forgotten unknown souls within. The theme is there to make sure that every piece is purposeful and important,” said Mashilo.

As an emerging fashion designer, an artist and a creative by nature, he said he understood the need to remain authentic in his work.

Melerinerose was established in 2014, Kagiso Mac Mashilo, the current Head Designer of the house, explained that his vision at the time was to build a brand and a fashion house that had qualities of an ultimate symbol of elegance, prominence and oozed luxury in the continent of Africa.

Early this year Kagiso and his team, were involved in changing the objective of the business, so it becomes a conscious lifestyle brand that will also offer a wide range of interior design products.

According to Mashilo, the story behind the naming of the house, was inspired by women of different ages and backgrounds. “Melerine is an older woman who appreciates quality and elegance by being a phenomenal woman with a larger than life personality. On the other hand, Rose is a young, classy woman who has so much to offer the world, she radiates strength as well as confidence and is inspired by the fashion impression style of Melerine,” said Mashilo.

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Police, organisations and community condemn GBV

The campaign was also characterized by song and dance where campaigners chanted around with banLOCAL NEWS ners bearing messages such as, “No respect for abusers and stop GBV” while others engaged with the community.

The Rietgat Station Commander, Colonel Stephina Nkosi lauded all the stakeholders for embarking on a journey to combat GBV. “I am very excited to see women of all ages getting together in one voice to speak out against gender -based violence. It goes to show that indeed GBV is not only a government but civil society is also supporting initiatives to curb the scourge,” said Colonel Nkosi.

Nkosi further hailed praises to men who took part in the campaign, and vowed to support all the upcoming initiatives to fight all social ills within the precinct.

The campaign had aimed to Members of South African Police Service, African National Congress womens league during a GBV have more stakeholders on board awareness campaign as part of the women’s month stakeholders from Soshanguve took to the activities, but the COVID-19 streets to raise awareness on the appalling regulations dictated that participants

By Captain Stephen Maluleka scourge of Gender Based Violence (GBV). should not exceed 50.

The campaign took place in a rather ietgat South African Police Services in conjunction with the MEC unusual fashion, where the campaigners The Rietgat Station Commander, for Community Safety in Gauteng, formed a motorcade and stopped at identified Colonel Stephina Nkosi Community Policing Forum, spots to dish out flyers to the community. lauded all the stakeholders for Over 2000 flyers were distributed at Gauteng Traffic Police, Brothers embarking on a journey to Batho Plaza Shopping Complex, Block X, for Life, the African National ConBlock JJ clinics and Pick N Pay respectively. combat GBV. gress Women’s League and other

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NEWS Social-media SOSHTIMES

proves success in fight against unemployment

By Velencia Senoamadi With the explosion of social media in society, an innovative activist from the dusty streets of Winterveldt, Mbulelo Nyathi has sought to the power of technology in his fight against poverty and unemployment.

Through his passion for sharing information, Nyathi has turned his sight sharing to a free, messaging and voice cross-over medium, WhatsApp to inspire hope.

Nyathi said he chose the medium because of its affordability and ability to attract large demographic.

Through the group-chat titled ‘ Winterveldt Job Hunting’ Nyathi has created a vehicle that allows its members easy access, share vital information on-line.

“Many people across the world are turning to mediums like Whatsapp to gain access and share information with ease than before. These we see with different companies turning to social media platforms to market their products, get business and recruit potential employees.

In this group we mainly assist one another by sharing different job opportunities that would have necessarily been difficult to access before. We share tips how to write your CV, how to conduct yourself during interviews and motivate one another,” said Nyathi.

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LATE MAY 2018

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Furniture World learners exhibit their fashionable work

FASHION Some of the products that were exhibited by learners of Furniture World Private College upholstery and Fashion Designing programme accredited by FP& M SETA in Soshanguve

By Tshepo Marutha Cut from the same cloth, learners from Furniture World Private College’s ambitious Fashion Designing, Manufacturing and Business Venture learnership Programme recently came together under one roof to showcase their eye catching designs.

From stylish couches, dazzling display of comfy wedding gowns, comfy duvet covers, accompanied by matching linen, inners, pillows to curtains set to make any bedroom feel more than a place to lay your head.

To trendy masks and aesthetic traditional range that captures the latest style, all made by students completed the day.

The year long is programme accredited by FP&M SETA is designed to empower the recruits with skills they need to establish, manage and sustain their own businesses.

Lecturer at the college Sempotseng Lelaka Seabi said the programme addresses

the need for a more businessfocused education required in the country.

“Fashion designing and entrepreneurship skills are two pieces of the puzzle here. We placed them at the core centre of the programme, because we believe that self-employment is the only solution to the unemployment crisis we are facing in the country.

We believe that with the skills they have acquired they can now go out and turn around the rising tide of poverty, unemployment and inequality.

The students have shown us that they are almost ready to go out and start their own businesses and create jobs for others,” said Seabi.

A 27 year-old graduate, Pertunia Lesego who got her passion for sewing from her mother sang praise of the programme.

“I started sewing at the age of 10. I would help my mother with little putting together pockets, alterations and making

belts. As time went by she taught me how to combine a garment, cutting patterns.

I believe the programme is a perfect platform that empowers one with skills that no one can take away from them. I have in the past couple of months grown so much. I believe that the skills I have gained will help me to put bread on the table,” said Lesego.

Upon graduating from the programme Lesego said she intent opening her own boutique shop.

The college Principal Jacob Seloane said the day bore testimony to the institution’s slogan that they are in business of producing employers rather than employees.

“Today we are encouraged by what we saw. They came to the college to challenge the world and we are happy with the skill and confidence they are displaying. This is proof that at Furniture World we are committed to producing employers rather than employees,” said Seloane.

beauty & Lifestyle

CITY NEWS

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LATE MAY 2018

SOSHTIMES

Sibeko changes complexion of society

By Velencia Senoamadi

T

editorial@tshwanebulletin.co.za he 2016 G Sport Women of the Year award winner, Faith Koba Sibeko continues to fight to break the padlock that bars multitudes of young people from gaining entry to the wealth of opportunities out there.

Through her non-profit organisation Faith and Hope foundation, Sibeko has throughout the years dedicated her life to the fight against drugs and substance

abuse the thought promotion of education, career guidance and offering them access opportunities.

Her long list of impressive achievements includes running a football, netball, softball teams and cultural groups amongst others.

“I guess my greatest inspiration is my late mom. I am who I am today because of her.

She has taught me that “Motho ke Motho ka Batho” loosely translate (We are who we are because of others). It is through this mantra that I realised how blessed I am, and it is now my turn to bless others,” said Sibeko.

It is through her hard-work, dedication and commitment to

community development that the President of Region 1 Sports Council in Tshwane has become of hope to the residents of GaRankuwa were she was born and bred.

Her organisation regularly donates sanitary towels and school uniforms to underprivileged learners.

“Ordinarily, young people get to know about opportunities through word of mouth and internet which often they don’t have the resource to access it.

As an organization we go out look for those opportunities and bring them home closer to young people.

We publish them at public spaces, advertisement walls at shopping centres for them to

SAFA Update on resumption of amateur football

T

he South African Football Association (SAFA) has submitted a request for the resumption of amateur football under Level 2 to the Government in line with Regulations gazatted on 17 August 2020.

As soon as the Government approves the application, the Association shall

communicate with all stakeholders on commencement dates and processes.

The Association commits that two clubs from the ABC Motsepe will be promoted to the National First Division, in line with the standing football regulations.

In the meantime, all amateur football must remain suspended until SAFA gets the go ahead response from the Government.

see. We then provide them with access to computers, internet, printing, photocopy and fax machine to apply. If it means hand deliveries, we even submit them on their behalf just to save them the transport fare,” said Sibeko.

Evidence to her continued fight to change the complexion of society is students who through the assistance of her foundation are now furthering their studies now at different universities.

“I definitely think we are making an impact in our community. As we speak we have 7 students from poor families who through the foundation we have managed to get them bursaries to further

their studies. We are also donating school uniforms, sanitary towels to the girls so that they would not miss out on classes due to menstruation.

Although the road is long and tough it is worth it. With determination and commitment anyone can do this. I think all communities could have people doing what we are doing then we will see bigger change,” said Sibeko.

She named lack of funding, bigger venue and transport for the planned road shows as some of the challenges they come across on a daily basis.

Sibeko called anyone who would like to partner with the organisation feel free to contact her.