Vaal Metro X-Press - THIRD EDITION (July-August 2015) #MandelaMonth

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SONQOBA KUNENE sk@vmex.co.za

54-year old Botiki Mokoena says he thanks God his daughter, Mampho is still alive.

The 23-year old woman was one of seven people shot during a shootout between taxi operators on the Golden Highway on Friday morning.

One man, a taxi owner, lost his life when unknown gunmen opened fire at taxi owners and passengers just outside the Evaton Mall.

Mampho and all others who were injured in the crossfire were rushed to Sebokeng hospital for urgent medical attention.

The distraught father, Botiki, says his daughter suffered a bullet wound on the thigh.

At the scene, he stood near the ambulance door to speak to Mampho, who was explaining what she saw and heard as gunshots rang out.

“Mampho was on her way from work when she was shot. The taxi was making deliveries and drove into a shootout near the 4-way stop sign.

She said bullets went in from one side of the taxi and exited on the other, shattering the windows and that’s when she was hit,” he said.

Mampho lives in Sebokeng Zone 24 with her family and works at Ferrero Rocher, a chocolate-making company in Walkerville.

She was on her way from a nightshift at the company when almost died.

The Golden Highway was closed for several hours to allow police and pathology officials to clear the scene.

As emergency services attended to the injured, scores of policemen and women worked the scene in search of clues as dozens of bystanders looked on in disbelief.

The deceased’s body was lying in the middle of the 4-way intersection and close to it were several cars which were damaged by a hail of bullets.

A white taxi,

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green Toyota Conquest and Fortuner were parked inside the scene and apparent bullet holes could be seen on the rear and side windows.

Police spokesman Constable Tshifhiwa Mitileni said murder and attempted murder cases have been registered and are currently under intense investigation.

Ramaphosa visits a public employment programme in Orange Farm

ArcelorMittal fights to stay afloat

MAYHEM: Pedestrians look in awe as taxi owner lie dead following a shootout that left 6 people injured. TOP RIGHT - 1: A white SUV and a green hatchback parked inside the scene with apparent bullet holes on the rear and side windows. MIDDLE RIGHT - 2: In grief, a family member of the deceased is consoled.

MIDDLE RIGHT - 3: A Taxi owner is certified dead following a shootout. BOTTOM RIGHT - 4: Emergency Response team leads a casualty to a waiting ambulance.

Photos by Dibuseng Phaloane.

EMS blamed as two people succumb to death

SONQOBA KUNENE sk@vmex.co.za

AS shoppers, workers and residents gathered in large numbers at the crime scene where a taxi owner was shot dead, commotion broke out from the nearby Evagold Center.

To wrap up what was a tragic and dramatic Friday morning, a fight between a couple.

One man who suffered a deep stab wound to his left hand had to be rushed to the Levai Mbatha Clinic for urgent medical assistance. Before he left the scene, he told Vaal Metro X-press that the fight started when he and other bystanders tried to stop a man who was assaulting a woman inside the shopping center.

“We were not fighting with him, we just wanted to stop him but he became violent

and took out a knife,” he said.

An eyewitness who wished to remain anonymous said a group of taxi drivers tried to stop a lovers’ quarrel which was becoming violent.

“The man was beating his girlfriend so taxi drivers came running to help, that’s when the man stabbed one of the taxi drivers.

Seeking revenge, the taxi drivers ran to their taxis and came back with spears but the police quickly arrived to stop any further acts of violence,” he said.

Police officers who were at the taxi shooting quickly responded and apprehended the suspect who was armed with a knife.

Police spokesman Constable Tshifhiwa Mitileni, who carried out the arrest together with Constable Alfred Khathide, said the man would be charged with assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.

Deep sinkhole scares family

Ramaphosa pays Orange Farm an oversight visit...

SONQOBA KUNENE sk@vmex.co.za

BIT by bit…the hole in the ground grew and grew…

In no time, the hole became a sinkhole, wide and deep enough to swallow a small zozo and a car!

This is the horror discovered by the Kambule family in Sebokeng Zone 3.

Ponzi Kambule (32) told Vaal Metro X-press the hole is in fact a big sewerage

pipeline underneath the ground.

“Sometimes it would fill up with sewerage. We discovered it by accident when a child running around the yard stepped on the ground and the earth cracked open and a small hole started showing.

We’re afraid to park our car in the yard because it might fall right through,” she said.

Ponzi said the problem started several years ago but had worsened in the last two years with municipal workers mak-

exceed it”.

REGINALD

NHLAPO nhlapor@vmex.co.za

Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa last week chaired the inaugural working meeting of the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Public Employment Programmes (PEP-IMC) at Orange Farm.

Ramaphosa was accompanied by Gauteng Premier David Makhura, Co-operative Governance Minister Pravin Gordhan, Small Business Minister Lindiwe Zulu and Deputy Public Works Minister Jeremy Cronin.

The PEP-IMC is driving government’s effort to create 6 million work opportunities by 2019 through programmes that create jobs for those who cannot find work and that create public goods in the form of new infrastructure or the improvement of existing infrastructure.

These programmes also address service delivery challenges.

Deputy President Ramaphosa says he is confident that the target of reaching six million jobs by 2019 is attainable and government would “reach it and

ing no less than six visits to the family in that time.

She said the family realized the hole was a serious matter when a zozo which stood in the yard suddenly caved in and fell because the ground underneath had given way.

“They always come when we call them but they just stand there and take pictures and then leave.

We don’t walk or go near that part of the yard because we’re scared of what might happen,”

During his visit to Orange Farm, Ramaphosa and a delegation undertook a walkabout at a skills development centre where computer skills, a community food garden and clothes bank for families in distress are being implemented.

He said it was inspiring work undertaken by the City of Johannesburg and its partners; and that he was particularly impressed with the food garden which produced food for a soup kitchen that fed around 500 people.

“We were impressed by the determination of those working in this project to use this as an opportunity to improve their lives.

Many see this work not only as a source of income, but as an opportunity to gain experience and skills that can stand them in good stead in the future. We encourage all those working in public employment programmes to seize the opportunities that this work provides for developing their skills and capabilities and hereby improve their chances of employment beyond the life of the project,” said Ramaphosa.

she said.

Ponzi said workers of Metsia-Lekoa, a water division of the Emfuleni Local Municipality said the hole was part of old sewerage pipes which must be taken out.

Emfuleni Local Municipality (ELM) spokesman Stanley Gaba said they were aware of the problem.

“Our engineers are working on it, these are old pipes which must be taken out of the yards of the residents,” he said.

CHUCKLES: Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa shares a laughter while shaking hands with food garden workers in Skills Centre which provide food for around 500 families in Orange Farm.

Photo by Reginald Nhlapo.

DITCH: A manhole discovered at Kambule’s residency which has raised concerns and uncertainity as it grows bit by bit.

Photo by Tumelo Mofokeng.

MAIN: Evaton SAPS Constable Tshifhiwa Mitileni arrests a suspect at the scene.

INSET: A knife used in the attack and the victims’s bloodied hand.

Photos by Tumelo Mofokeng.

EMERGENCY PERSONNEL BLAMED AS TWO PEOPLE SUCCUMB TO DEATH

SO LONG: The survivor of the engulfed smoke inhalation Lebo Makoko cries uncontrollably at the cemetery as her siblings are laid to rest.

REGINALD NHLAPO nhlapor@vmex.co.za

The services must come to residents so that we could not stumble upon to crisis.

Speaking in an exclusive interview with Vaal Metro Express, a chairperson of South African National Civic Organisation (SANCO) in Ward 02, Lakeside, next to Orange Farm, Nkosifikile Gqomo has lambasted members of Emergency Medical Services (EMS and firefighters) including South African Police Service (SAPS) by saying they are not devoted to their work.

He said residents are struggling to get services on time.

This came shortly after Setjhaba Thato Makoko, (10), and Thabanga Daniel Toto, (18), were burnt to death in Lakeside in the wee hours of Wednesday last week.

When the incident occurred, Setjhaba, Thabang and their sister Lebo Makoko (18) who escaped the flames were fast asleep.

Lebo smelled the smoke and when she went to the sitting room to probe what was going on, she saw the smoke and fire - she then rushed to awaken Thabanga.

Thabang rushed to rescue Setjhaba but both inhaled the smoke.

“If the ambulances or EMS came on time, these people could still be alive as we speak. We understand that the

residents rescued them from the fire; they placed them on the lawn and called ambulances.

These people never arrive in time. They arrived around 05:00, the fuming Gqomo explained.

Apparently when the residents called ambulances, they were told that member of EMS were “on strike.”

Neighbours and residents say it took (EMS) them two to three hours to respond to the fire which killed the siblings.

Suzan Mziyizani, who is the mother of the deceased, also pointed fingers at Johannesburg EMS by saying they must be held accountable for her children’s death.

However, Orange Farm is a big area and it is notorious of limited resources.

He also insists that residents must be skilled about electricity.

Sphiwe Mshayisa, a ward councilor applauded residents for their unity during the tragedy.

Mshayisa said residents and volunteers headed the call – they came in numbers to lend a hand since day one.

He explained “Such days are difficult not only to the family but even to us community. This is also a loss to us. I’m impressed on how (community) were so united.

If we could be united like this, we can go far as a country.”

Pedestrian killed in Meyerton collision

STAFF REPORTER

news@vmex.co.za

Awoman has been killed and motorbiker seriously injured this morning following a collision on the R59 in Meyerton, south of Johannesburg. ER24 paramedics responded to the scene, and on their arrival, they found the lifeless body of a female lying in the slow lane of the road.

Unfortunately the pedestrian had already succumbed to her multiple fatal injuries. She was later declared dead on scene.

Paramedics also assessed the male patient who had been driving the

motorcycle when the collision occurred.

On assessment, paramedics found that the man had sustained moderate injuries to his arm and legs.

Paramedics treated the man for his injuries and thereafter transported him to Mediclinic Vereeniging for urgent medical treatment.

It is understood that the biker collided with the pedestrian while she was crossing the road. Following that, a further two vehicles collided with the pedestrian. Local authorities were on scene for further investigations.

REST IN PEACE: Setjhaba Thato Makoko, (10), and Thabanga Daniel Toto, (18), were laid to rest at their final place over the weekend.

Photos by Reginald Nhlapo.

BEST COP STILL A RESERVIST

FOR Alfred Khathide, being a policeman is his lifelong dream…

But the 31-year old reservist constable is running out of time, despite being crowned the Best SAPS Reservist in the Gauteng province last year. Without a permanent job and a wife and kids to look after, Khathide is forced to rent a room in his hometown of Evaton.

Khathide is also the reigning Best SAPS Reservist in the Sebokeng Cluster – rated the best in eight police stations in the Vaal.

Every day, Khathide patrols the streets of Evaton as a proud member of the Evaton SAPS and working with his colleagues, he has helped the police station recover stolen vehicles, remove illegal guns, drugs and criminals from the streets since he joined SAPS in 2007.

When Vaal Metro X-press paid Khathide a visit at the EvatonSAPS, he fled from our cameras and when we followed him to his home nearby, he showed the Vaal Metro Xpress the middle finger, refusing to answer questions on why he is still a reservist.

“I’m not allowed to talk to you, please understand and send all other enquiries to our spokesman Constable Tshifhiwa Mitileni,” he said.

Since 2007, Khathide has several applications to SAPS recruitment in his attempt to become a permanent member of the force but each time he has returned unsuccessful after pass-

ing medical tests and interviews.Vaal Metro X-press is also aware that Khathide has matric and a driver’s license which are some of the requirements set out for those who want to join the men and women in blue.

So the Vaal Metro X-press asked Khathide’s superiors at the Gauteng SAPS questions on why he was still a police reservist, despite being crowned as the best cop amongst reservists in the province.

Police spokeswoman Colonel Noxolo Kweza said members of the reservist police service render duties on a voluntary basis.

“SAPS is under no obligation to permanently enlist any reservist as a police member. This matter is explained clearly in the National Instruction of Police Reservists and was brought un-

FEMALE SYNDICATE TARGETS MALE BOOZERS

der the attention of all serving reservists in the SAPS.

Kunene. POLICE are looking for this woman. The woman and her friends are allegedly part of a syndicate that is targeting men at popular pubs and taverns in and around the Vaal.

Colonel Kweza confirmed Khathide applied to become a permanent member of the SAPS and completed all the psychometric and physical testes that were required.

“It was however discovered that he had a tattoo on his right lower arm which resulted in his application to be rejected. In terms of the employment Regulations of the SAPS, Regulation 11 of the SAPS Act an applicant may not have any tattoo marks of which will be visible when wearing a vest, shirt or short and not be irreconcilable with the objectives of the Service.”

However, Khathide has long removed the tattoo and together with his colleagues, he’s a member of a newly reestablished trio task team.

In the most recent case, a man from Vanderbijlpark picked up the women at a popular hang-out spot in Sebokeng after the ladies pretended to be stranded without transport and a place to sleep.

The man then drove home with the women only to wake up in the morning with his car, wallet, cell phone, laptops and other valuables stolen!

The stolen black Golf 5 has the registration plates TPK 871 GP and BBS rims.

Although it is not confirmed, it is suspected the women drugged the man which allowed them enough time to disappear with his belongings.

SASOLBURG’s Social Crime Prevention members and community patrollers.

TUMELO MOFOKENG tumelo@vmex.co.za

ZAMDELA Cluster held Social Crime Prevention project with community patrollers to fight crime. Police spokesperson, Sergeant Sellwane Mapamela, said in a statement.

Zamdela and Viljoensdrift Social Crime Prevention and community patrollers reported at Zamdela, Sasolburg with their equipments earlier in the week.

Mapamela said they embarked on an awareness and visibility campaign by distributing pamphlets that address crimes such as Assaults, Burglaries and Robberies in Sector 4, Zamdela.

She said community patrollers are joining police in the fight against crime to ensure that community members are safe and to educate them on how to prevent crimes affecting them. According to Mapamela, further crime prevention campaigns will be held to fight crime in the Zamdela Cluster.

ZAMDELA

CLUSTER HELD SOCIAL CRIME PREVENTION PROJECT

Speaking for physically challenged

SONQOBA KUNENE sk@vmex.co.za

JERRY Ncingane has a dream…

The 40-year old man on a wheelchair wants the government to do away with special schools for the disabled and allow all people with physical and mental disabilities to come out and live normal lives.

Theparaplegic is a proud resident of Sebokeng Zone 7 and has been advocating for the rights of the disabled for decades.

Jerry told Vaal Metro X-press that the days of hiding family members with disabilities away in houses and behind closed gates were over.

“Disabled people should be allowed to use public schools where normal learners go, why must we put them in so-

called special schools where it looks and feels like they are discrimi nated against?” he asked.

Jerry the exclusion of disabled kids from public schools fuelled beliefs that physically challenged people should be sidelined from social and economic activities.

“We still face a lot of challenges including taxi drivers and their passengers who don’t have the patience and care required when dealing the physically challenged.

Jerry serves on the provincial and regional committees of Disabled People South Africa, an organization that fights for the rights of disabled South Africans.

The police in Vanderbijlpark have confirmed they are searching for the woman and are appealing with members of the public to assist with information.

If you know the woman in the picture or have any other information about this case, please contact Detective Constable Buti Mamatela on 016 910 9104 or 083 743 3696.

“Our people live in congested households which are usually too small for them to move around in wheelchairs,” he said.

And if all goes his way, Jerry plans to become his area’s next ward councillor.

“I want to be a councillor so I can teach our government that we’re not only important during election campaigns.

Politicians only remember the disabled and the elderly when they need the numbers for election votes,” he said.

EQUALITY: Jerry

Ncingane yearn for better care for people with disability.

SONQOBA KUNENE sk@vmex.co.za

LINE OF DUTY: RESERVIST Alfred Khathide (fourth from left) with some of the accolades bestowed while selflessly serving the community of Evaton.

Photo by Sonqoba

Photo: Supplied.

Passengers caught in the crossfire!

When Gauteng Roads and Transport MEC Ismail Vadi threatened to close down taxi operations following the deaths of drivers and owners at Palm Springs Mall, there was an uproar from passengers and taxi owners.

The horrific scene made headlines around the country, with an unforgettable image of one deceased taxi owner’s leg sticking out of a taxi.

Sadly, commuters continue to be casualties a war that has nothing to do with them. Last week, we watched in shock and disbelief as yet another taxi shooting

For news, tip-off or stories you would like us to investigate send us an e-mail news@vmex.co.za

081 3808 266

REGINALD NHLAPO nhlapor@vmex.co.za

City of Joburg’s Member of the Mayoral Committee (MMC) for Environment and Infrastructure Services, Matshediso Mfikoe officially opened Pikitup Depot in Orange Farm on Monday.

The depot which cost R16million to built boost a Buy-Back centre where community can bring unwanted garbage like plastic, bottles magazines and newspapers in exchange for cash.

It is also said that it is solar system equipped in terms of load-shedding, that it is rain harvest and is deemed energy efficient.

Addressing Pikitup’s employees, MMC Mfikoe said, “The depot took two years to finish and thanks to the contractors but I won’t dwell much on the challenges in relation to that, furthermore I don’t want what happened at Zondi Depot to be emulated here.

claimed another life on the Golden Highway. This shooting comes a few weeks after the brutal murder of taxi driver Lerato Moloto who lost his life when unknown gunmen opened fire in the car he was driving.

He died in a hail of bullets near West Side Park, near the Golden Highway. His girlfriend of two years, Buhle Maseko wept uncontrollably at the scene after seeing the lifeless bullet-ridden body of the love of her life in her bloody car.

Buhle was at the most recent scene of taxi violence on the Golden Highway where one taxi owner was gunned down and six others were injured and rushed to hospital for urgent medical assistance.

She told the Vaal Metro X-press team at the scene, “Labantu bayasiqeda!” (These people are out to finish us). This week, we learned of another taxi shooting at Sangweni taxi rank in Tembisa where another taxi passenger was gunned down. Authorities must step in to stop this war before more innocent lives are lost.

The taxi industry is notorious for its mysterious killings and while any type of violence is condemned in the strongest terms, passengers should never be injured or killed for violence beyond their knowledge.

Government must act against hooligans in the taxi industry

Taxi violence in Vaal is becoming too much lately it’s like gangster wars now and commuters are not respected at all as our government become spectators of this hooliganism so I ask how many lives must

be lost for this to be put to an end?

Enough is enough Vaal Wits

Taxi Association must account for the violence and it must be put on a halt, it must not function until the violence is resol-

writes Sipho Ncwadi

ved. Workers lose jobsbecause of them and students fail because of them they have turned our area into a playground regardless of who is around and no one is coming to rescue us from this madness.

Orange Farm Depot – Fact Sheet

Total Households: 58, 804

* Formal – 44926 units 240Lt Bin

* Informal – 10,878 units 240Lt Bin

* Informal – 3000 units Bags

Monthly Tonnages removed:

* RCR – 1718, 947

* Illegal Dumping – 1427, 600

* Street Cleaning – 234, 916

* SOS – 234, 916

This project is a collective effort and Orange Farm is far more developed than it was.”

Mfikoe also stressed the importance of the community’s role in looking after the premises.

“We pledge to our community to take pride on such project and premises built for them more especially since it is managed and run by people from around this area and that they should commit to keeping the environment clean at all times.

Instead of dumping everything, some stuff can actually be recycled and reused,” Mfikoe expressed.

WE’RE

AWAY R500!!!

Midvaal - “The best performing municipality in Gauteng”

Midvaal Local Municipality is the best performing municipality in Gauteng province, that is according to Rating Africa; the agency that specializes in ratings and similar opinions gauging the soundness of governance in different entities including municipalities.

The agency outlines the financial stability for all municipalities as: “The financial ability to deliver services, develop and maintain the infrastructure required by its residents without unplanned increases in rates and taxes or a reduction in the level of services, and

the capacity to absorb financial shocks caused by natural, economic and other adversities without external financial assistance.”

The latest Municipal Financial Stability Index ((MFSI) report released by the agency on 30 June 2015, shows that about 50% of the most prominent local municipalities in South Africa are in financial crisis.

The average index score for the sampled 100 municipalities indicates that it (index) has dropped from 52 in 2008 to 45 in 2014, in terms of revenue, as analysed and reported by Ratings Africa.

The index measures the ability of municipalities to deliver services; a drop in

this index indicates a waning of cities to carry out its duties.

Gauteng, the country’s smallest, but richest province, occupies the fourth lowest position with an average of only 33 and which broadly reflects weak financial governance. Two of the three Gauteng Metropolitan Municipalities also exhibits the trend, as reported.

“Midvaal Local Municipality achieved a clean audit for the 2013/2014 financial year, and has implemented various measures to ensure that financial sustainability and excellent service delivery are the key priorities for the municipality to achieve,” said Aaliyah Dangor, Media Liaison Officer, Mid-

vaal Local Municipality, in a statement.

Councillor Patricia Hutcheson, Member of Mayoral Committee (MMC) for Finance, Midvaal Local Municpality, asseverated, “Achieving this top position is confirmation that we are doing the right thing and moving in the correct direction as a municipality. We are extremely proud of the result, but moving forward now, [sic] we are already looking at ways to improve relative to our own score for next year. Without financial sustainability, we cannot implement our core mandate of service delivery.”

STAFF REPORTER news@vmex.co.za

SALES & MARKETING

Felleng Lepele Zanele Mbatha

Joburg’s Environment and Infrastructure Services, MMC Matshediso Mfikoe cuts the ribbon marking the opening of Orange Farm Depot while Councillor Simon Motha looks on. Photos by Reginald Nhlapo.

REGINALD NHLAPO nhlapor@vmex.co.za

SA’s largest steel maker, ArcelorMittal said that it was putting its Vereeniging long steel works into “emergency care” until the end of next month, underlining the dire state of the industry.

This comes after ArcelorMittal’s rival Evraz Highveld Steel and Vanadium announced it planned to temporarily close its steelworks and halve its 2200 strong workforce.

ArcelorMittal South Africa (AMSA) said it has already spoken to about 1,200 affected employees about the decision.

And that it’s “going to fight” subsidised steel from China.

AMSA CEO Paul O’Flaherty said it had been slowing down

output at the Vereeniging facility for some time now, and staff was already working on “short-time”.

“The steel is being sent to South African ports at prices as much as 25% below local production costs, making producers uncompetitive. This is survival time. We cannot allow the company to burn cash nonsustainably,” O’Flaherty said.

The company was considering moving all billet production from its Vereeniging works to its more efficient Newcastle furnace in KwaZulu-Natal.

AMSA has reported losses for four years amid weakening demand and rising operating costs. Steel prices slumped in 2015 as China,

the biggest producer, shipped excess output overseas.

“The company has asked the government for tariffs on Chinese steel imports 10% to 15% on three products, and will submit more applications by the end of the month and is also considering anti-dumping applications on wire rods and rebar products,” said O’Flaherty.

The 102 year-old Vereeniging Works is the South Africa’s oldest steelworks. Department of Trade and Industry spokesman, Sidwell Medupe, said the government was concerned by the demise of the steel industry. “The government is committed to resolving the matter,” he said.

BOXER SUPERSTORE DONATES GROCERY TO POOR GOGO

FOR many years gogo Mapakiso Mokoena bought small groceries at the Sharpeville Boxer Supermarket.

The 89-year old woman from Tshepiso Phase 1 in Sharpeville was overjoyed when the store she has supported for several years returned the favour and donated free groceries for her family.

The elderly citizen lives with her granddaughter Dikeledi Mokoena (22) who is a student at the Sedibeng Technical College in Vanderbijlpark studying a course in Marketing.

The two survive on the pensioner’s monthly grant and this means some weeks in the month are long

and difficult with food and other needs putting gogo Mapakiso under serious pressure.

After realizing their elderly customer was struggling to make ends meet, Sharpeville Boxer Supermarket Manager Tuelo Mathe (42) and his staff at the store decided to lend a helping hand and donate food parcels to the family.

The store donated maize meal, rice, meat, tinned food, sugar, washing powder and several other items which will go a long way in helping the family keep hunger at bay for a while.

Mathe said the donation was a way for the store to give back to the community

as part of its “Ubuntu Project”, which is a corporate social investment project.

“We always see Mme Mokoena and her granddaughter in our store where she buys her groceries and today we thought we’d show her a big thank you for her continued support,” he said. Other staff members who accompanied the store manager included Tuki Moeletsi, Elisa Nhlapo, Isaac Mthombeni, Lucky Khumalo, Doreen Mokoena and Ndikho Mavumazonke.

Gogo Mapakiso was grateful for the donation and said she was overwhelmed by the gifts she received.

“I’m so happy, we’re so lucky to receive such a special donation,” she said.

VAAL GETS A NEW TAXI RANK

SONQOBA KUNENE sk@vmex.co.za

THE Gauteng Department of Roads and Transport has started a multi-million rand project of rebuilding the Vereeniging Taxi Rank.

Known as the Taxido Taxi Rank, the facility helps taxi operators ferry residents from a variety of destinations including the kasis of Sebokeng and Evaton.

Gauteng Roads and Transport MEC Ismail Vadi, together with the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa, Sedibeng District Municipality and the Emfuleni Local Municipality are spending a combined estimated figure of over R200 million in this exciting upgrade.

In the first phase of the project, the taxi rank was relocated to a big piece of land next to the train station to allow for construction to begin. The taxi rank will be rebuilt into an intermodal transport facility, while PRASA has assumed the respo-

nsibility to renovate the Vereeniging trainstation, develop a commercial and shopping mall, improve the train drivers’ facility and increase parking at an estimated cost of 165 million.

Speaking last year at the launch of the project, Gauteng Roads and Transport MEC Ismail Vadi said the existing taxi rank was designed to accommodate only 400 taxis, but currently almost 800 taxis are using the facility.

“Consequently, the rank is heavily congested and the facility is in a poor physical condition.

The newly launched project will redress this situation by creating ranking facilities for more taxis,” he said.

A year later, it appears the MEC’s promise of delivering a newly-built intermodal transport facility has become a reality.

Sedibeng District Municipality spokeswoman Lebo Mofokeng told Vaal Metro X-press extensive consultation was done to inform and involve stakeholders and taxi associations, particularly the Top Six and the South African National Taxi Council around the structural designs of both the temporary and the actual

taxi rank undergoing reconstruction.

“Inputs from both the informal traders and the taxi associations were received and incorporated into the actual plans. These include the market area for the hawkers and the creation of an exit road for the taxis to limit congestion.

would like to thank all the role players who were involved in the process, for the leadership role that they have shown in allowing government to improve the lives and safety of residents through this massive development,” she said.

DEMISE: 102 year-old ArcelorMittal’s Vereeniging Works future is bleak and facing closure. Photos: Sourced.

TUMELO MOFOKENG tumelo@vmex.co.za

GENEROUS: Gogo Mapakiso Mokoena (seated) received a special donation of grocery from Boxer Supermarket.

Photo by Sonqoba Kunene.

Sedibeng Executive Mahole Simon Mofokeng

The old and dilapidated Vereeniging taxi rank has made way for new development.

Photo by Tumelo Mofokeng.

LIFEStyle

Chuchi by day, MUDYASOUL by night...

REGINALD NHLAPO

Adisc jockey (DJ) since the late 90s, Chuchi Mudyasoul Radebe has had a lengthy career associated with house music; this long association has led him being not just your regular house dj but a house music experience itself.

Mudyasoul can effortlessly play 5 house genres ranging from Deep Tech, Deep Soulful, Afro Soulful, and Soulful to Jazzy House Music. Inspired by the love he has for good house music and music broadly, he feel that people are not exposed to as much as they should be.

MudyaSoul is all about edutainment, entertaining party go- ers while educat- ing them about good

Minister Zulu spends her 67 minutes in the Vaal

SONQOBA KUNENE sk@vmex.co.za

MINISTER of Small Business Development

Lindiwe Zulu spent her 67 minutes for Mandela Day in the Vaal.

The minister was accompanied by Sedibeng District Municipality Simon Mahole Mofokeng for a visit to the rural areas of Bantu Bonke, a small town on the outskirts of Three Rivers in the Midvaal Local Municipality.

Midvaal, Emfuleni and Lesedi Emfuleni Municipalities make up the Sedibeng District Municipality.

In Bantu Bonke, young men and women have come together to form the Bantu Bonke Agricultural Cooperative.

The organization has a massive piece of land and specialized areas where seeds are planted for growing a range of vegetables for sale.

Export Credit Insurance Corporation of South Africa handed a cheque of 30 000 to the Bantu Bonke Agricultural Cooperative. The cooperative’s Chairwoman,

house music.

Playing his first set in the Eastern Free State, Mudyasoul says it was nerve wrecking, excitement coupled with an overwhelming fear of making mistakes, more especially looking at the massive crowd and spot a few of the veteran dj one looks up to.

“Though I had enough practise and felt that I was ready, the nerves eventually got to me and spoilt my entire set, that’s when I realised that no amount of practice in my backroom can prepare one for the massive crowd of party goers out to have a good time.

Like the saying goes, what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger, I learned a lot from the experience and never looked back since” Mudyasoul lamented.

His first ever gig was at Lejweng Nightclub in Vanderbijlpark, which exposed him to a number of Vaal DJ’s legends such as Nation Mahlatsi, Boy Legend, Jay T and Baba Mzwakhe who took him under their wing and mentored him.

Through their guidance, Mudyasoul started getting gigs at various

places ranging from varsity res gigs in the Vaal, Sasolburg and Meyerton.

Later on in his DJ journey back in 2010, he met a much younger than he is disc jockey by the name of Paseka Deeprootz Exclusive Tshabalala who then introduced him to being a resident dj at one of the best places in the Vaal, Lefelong Café.

He then co-residented there for 3 years but all good things come to an end and moved on as a team to much greener pastures. With a list of guest slots on local radio stations such as Lekoa FM, Sedibeng FM and VUT FM Chuchi Mudyasoul is now a resident dj at Thetha FM’s 100.6 Mhz Dance Flo Lockdown show that airs every Saturday from 7pm to 10pm. He is also a full time resident disc spinner at Ebuhleni Upstairs in Tshirela for a good 2 years since 2014 thus displaying his notable presence in the Vaal Dj Industry.

Sasolburg SAPS celebrated Mandela Day with Ledibohong Primary School pupils

Puseletso Gloria Mthunzi said the money would go a long way in helping the organization achieve its objectives.

“We are grateful, the project had not money for electricity, diesel and other consumables and this money will help our project survive,” she said.

ECIC’s Mapula Madonsela challenged other businesses to come out and support cooperatives in the country.

“If they saw what we’re doing, they would be more inclined to participate,” she said.

Mayor Mofokeng said he was excited to accompany

Minister

“We’re thankful for ECIC’s involvement and we’ll come back here in a month’s time to see how the seeds have grown,” he said.

Minister Zulu said she was worried about shortage of skills, a problem which threatened to close down the cooperative in recent times. “We’re here to support this cooperative and encoura-ge the members to work harder. We’re hoping this co-operative will grow,” she said.

JUBILATION: Children from Ledibohong Primary School during the SAPS Mandela Day initiative Photo: Supplied.

STAFF REPORTER news@vmex.co.za

Sasolburg SAPS members celebrated Mandela Day with children from Ledibohong Primary School at Milos Farm.

The Social Crime Prevention Unit, Support services in partnership with local businesses launched a “soup project” in the rural area.

The men and women in blue devoted their 67 minutes last week by cutting grass and cleaning the school yard.

The children were spoiledwith soup, bread, beanies,

scarfs, party packs, fruits and cake.

Sasolburg Station Commander, Colonel Paul Kubheka said he realises how fortunate we are from where we stand and should be thankful for what we have and stop complaining.

He thanked all stakeholders and members who contributed to make sure the event was a success and will teach children to be responsible and share with others who are in need.

RESTORING THE LEGACY: Bantu Bonke’s Puseletso Gloria Mthunzi with Mayor Mahole Simon Mofokeng and Minister Lindiwe Zulu.

Photo by Tumelo Mofokeng.

Zulu in planting seeds in the tunnels for harvesting.

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HEROES: Talented dancers of the Vaal Important Pantsula flew to Finland for a week of showcases. The VIP dancers from Small Farm, Evaton and Sebokeng represented the country in a cultural exchange program. They arrived back in the country last Friday.

Formorepictures visitour socialmediapages

Public Works Deputy Minister Jeremy Cronin, Gauteng Premier David Makhura and Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa seen here during an EPWP oversight visit in Orange Farm.

Sedibeng District Municipality Housing MMC Assistance “Chief” Mshudulu and Midvaal Municipality Mayor Bongani Baloyi visited Savanna City to see progress of the housing development.

BRAVING THE COLD: Our roving lensman, Tumelo Mofokeng snapped these young boys doing somersaults on an old mattress in Evaton.