TEL: 053 ­ 831­2331 WEDNESDAY 1 MAY 2013 WWW.EXPRESS­NEWS.CO.ZA FREE

Northern Cape

Tel. 053 831 2331Fax 053 831 2330

Johan Rossouw

Boipelo Mere

Sales Manager

EditorPO Box 1583Kimberley 8300

Northern Cape

Saulspoort:Memoriesstill painful} Boipelo Mere

OLD wounds were openedover theweekendwhen the 51families of the 2003 MaySaulspoort bus accident wereinvited to the wreath-layingceremony at the West EndCemetery.Even after ten years, it istoo painful for the families tobear when they remembertheir loved ones on the day.Most of the deceased werebread winners at theirhomes.The accident changed thelives of all who were affected.Albert Louw (51), who wasthe only survivor out of eightto attend the ceremony, saidhe can still not lead a properlife after the accident.“These ceremonies makeus feel worse as not all of usare equally strong. On ourway to the rally I was sittingnext to a window. I don’tknow how the accident hap-pened and I do not know howI got the strength to do it, butI managed to break the win-dow and escaped through it.Then I started swimming onand on.“I got lost in the water andsomething insideme just toldme to turn around and returnto the direction I had comefrom. That is when I heardpeople calling me. I saw peo-ple on top of the bus whohelped me to get on top,” saidLouw.

“I cannot even sleep atnight as I keep on dreamingof those people, screamingand shouting. After the acci-dent we, the survivors, weresent for counselling at theKimberley Hospital Com-plex, but it did notmake a dif-ference at all. Two of the sur-vivors later passed away.One had a heart attack andthe other one committed sui-cide.”Themanwho rescued eightof the survivors, LeonardSlabbert, pledged to be part ofthe celebration every year.Slabbert, the owner of a farmnext to Saulspoort Dam,which was renamed the SolPlaatje Dam after the acci-dent, said the Sol Plaatje Mu-nicipalityhasbecomeclose tohis heart since then.“The tragedy will alwaysbe with me and I realise theimportance of rememberingthose who lost their lives onthat day. Itwas a cold day andI had to decide whether to actor to listen to a story whensome of the people came toask for my help. I thank Godfor givingme the strength forit was not easy to save theeight people that I did,” Slab-bert said sadly.The Free State provincialsecretary of Cosatu, SamMashinini, said he can alsoclearly remember the day ofthe rally as if it were yester-day.“I was on the podiumwhen

one of the shop stewards saidtome in tears “bana ba kohaebawetsemetsing” (My home-boys have drowned).“I did not believe her andtold her to go and enjoy therally. When it sunk in thatshe was in tears, I realisedthat itwas true. I diverted theleadershipwhowere fromJo-hannesburg to the scene andthey flew there instead of tothe rally at the CharlesMope-di Stadium.”The wreath-laying ceremo-ny was a build-up to Cosatu’snational May Day celebra-tion that is held at theGalesh-ewe Stadium today wherePres. Zuma is expected todeliver the keynote address.The provincial secretary ofSamwu, Duma Lebakeng, re-vealed at a press-briefing ofthe event that the rallywill beused to unite Cosatu especial-ly after reports that the feder-ation is divided.The the Sol Plaatje mayor,Agnes Nhlangula, made astartling statement that shekeeps on asking herselfwhether Slabbertwould havesaved those people if it hadhappened in 1984 during theapartheid era.This statementdrewamur-mur from the crowd who hadapplauded Slabbert non-stop.The mayor further saidthat as a municipality theyhad done all they could tosupport the families and sur-vivors of the accident.

LENA POHA (mid­dle) was gratefulfor the day whenshe could com­memorate herson’s death. Pic­tured are LeonardSlabbert (right). Onthe left her daugh­ter Patricia andgrandchildrenOhentse, Katlegoand Refilwe Poha.Photos: Boipelo Mere

IT was too painfulfor Juliet Klaas tobear the pain of re­membering howher husband, John­son Kgotlaitsile,had died. Here sheis assisted by JabuCele and ThandiMakhapeloa of theCosatu office.

2 EXPRESS NORTHERN CAPE, WEDNESDAY 1 MAY 2013

Building a world-classdiamond group

Finsch Diamond Mine

www.humanjobs.co.za Human Communications 98363

Finsch Diamond Mine is located in the town Lime Acres which is situated 160km north westof Kimberley and 109km south of Kuruman in the Northern Cape.

Engineering OverseerThe successful candidate will oversee sections of the Plant to ensure safety, reliabilityand availability through effective maintenance. He/she will also manage stay-in businessprojects, specifically relating to tailings, and manage contracts in the Plant area.

Tasks and responsibilities: • Ensure the safety, reliability and availability of Plant machineryby monitoring Plant performance and identifying problem areas • Ensure effectivemaintenance is carried out according to maintenance schedules • Assist with the planningand integration of shutdown work • Interact with the Plant Foremen • Track project progressagainst plan in the Plant • Develop and maintain a document management system toensure the efficient storage and access of departmental information according to soundadministrative practices • Ensure adherence to and compliance with SHE • Manage thecontract responsible for sampling of tailings

Minimum requirements: • Qualified as an Artisan with a relevant trade certificate/NationalTechnical Certificate (NTC3) from a recognised, accredited training institution • A Grade 12• Proficiency in MS Office • A Code 08 driver’s licence • A minimum of 3-5 years’ experienceas a Foreman • Knowledge of planned maintenance systems • Previous experience inmanaging projects and contracts

Other skills/competencies: • Sound knowledge of Plant discipline • The ability to plan,organise and prioritise • Good customer and interpersonal skills • Good managementskills • The ability to function on own and as part of a team • Independent, self-motivatedand proactive thinking, with the ability to do own planning • Good verbal and writtencommunication skills in English (Ref. FINSCH067)

Finsch Diamond Mine is an equal opportunity employer. Preference will be given to suitablecandidates from the designated groups in line with the Company’s Employment EquityPolicy and Plan. Pre-screening, profile testing, on-mine assessments, medical and securityclearance form part of the recruitment and selection process. Short-listed candidates will berequired to attend a panel interview. Employment of the successful candidate is subject tothe aforementioned criteria. Preference will be given to candidates who reside within our hostlabour sending area of Kgatelopele (proof of residence may be requested).

Please complete an application form (available on http://www.petradiamonds.com/careers/current-vacancies) and forward, together with your résumé, qualificationsand ID, to E2-Recruitment@petradiamonds.com or fax: 086 659 1334. Please note thatincomplete application forms and documentation will not be considered.

Closing date: 10 May 2013

If you have not heard from us within 30 days of the closing date, please regard yourapplication as unsuccessful.

http://www.petradiamonds.com/careers/current-vacancies

NEWS

THE African National CongressWomen’s League (ANCWL)pledged to be 100% behind theirpresident, Angie Motshekga, inher role as minister of Basic Edu-cation and reminds that she hasshown her dedication and deter-mination to see the children ofSouthAfrica receive a decent edu-cation.The ANCWL describes the ac-

tions of SADTU as extremely dis-appointing and therefore accusesthem of not taking education seri-ously.“It is evident their priority is

not tobe in theclassroomwithourchildren, this was made apparentby their actions last week whenthey took to the streets duringschool hours, something whichcould have been done after schoolwas closed if they were seriousabout the work they are supposed

to be doing. There are other op-tions SADTU could have taken ifthey wanted their grievances re-solved, including engagementwith their alliance partners. Asmothers we will not stand for ourchildren’s education being usedas a tool to launch a smear cam-paign against individuals,” statedTroy Martens, head of communi-cations at the national ANCWL,in a press statement.The league further congratulat-

ed the minister of Basic Educa-tionon the sterling job shewasdo-ing despite the challenges shefaced and for the resilience shehas displayed while being insult-ed andhumiliated timeandagain.“The indignity of people dis-

playing underwear with hername on is juvenile, disrespectfuland serves no cause but to inflicthumiliation,” said the league.

ANCWL supportsAngie Motshekga

} Boipelo Mere

DESPITE the denial of AgnesNtlan-gula, mayor of Sol Plaatje, that sheapproved the illegal squatting inColville, people are still continuingto build shanties.Concerns were raised by the Dem-

ocratic Alliance (DA) that the areaposes great danger to children, be-cause the storm water drains couldbe dangerous during rains as thereare underground electric cables inthe area.The party urges themayor to rath-

er provide suitable and availablehousing to the people in need toavoid illegal squatting.TheDA in the province also accus-

es the executive mayor of being irre-sponsible and disloyal towards theresidents and squatters of Colville.It claims that Ntlangula continues

to mislead the squatters by assuringthem that houses will be built on thesame piece of land they are current-ly building shanties on.In anarticle published on 6March,

Express Northern Cape referred to acommunity meeting in OmegaStreet, Colville, where GoolamAkharwaray, the Sol Plaatjemunici-pal manager, gave the residents thego-ahead to stay on the land.On behalf of the mayor, Akhar-

waray promised the residents thatthe municipality was in the processof surveying the area.According to DA councillor Dirk

van der Merwe, who for severalyears has been involved with thispiece of land and studies done on it,it was decided years ago that theland was not suitable for buildinghouses on.He revealed that an impact study

was done and the problem identifiedwas that servitudes are registeredon the land. The municipalityshould first look at the plans andservitudes before decisions aremade.“If shanties or houses are to be

built there, it will cause various dan-gerous situations and safety hazardsfor residents, as there are electricalcables, sewer pipes andwater supplypipes under the ground.“Should a cable burn, people in-

side the shanties or houses could gethurt or even die. It is tremendouslyunsafe to build on such cables,” stat-ed Van der Merwe.He further pointed out that the

open storm water drainage ditchesthat are right next to the open landalso pose a danger.Lionel Askin, DA councillor of

Ward 14, disapproves of the moveand claims that he did all he can toprevent the illegal squatting, includ-ing involving the mayor.He further reported that he did not

receive the necessary support fromthe mayor, who rather ended up ex-cluding him from a meeting held re-garding this issue.However, Martin le Grange, a

former ANC councillor in Colville,told the residents during the meet-ing that the land fromOmega Street,past the St Paul’s Church, up to theBaptist Church had long since beendonated to the Colville communityand had been surveyed in 1989.According to Le Grange, the new

survey to be conducted by the mu-nicipality was to determinewhetherthey could extend the yard sizesfrom 10 to 15 yards and whetherthere was a need to close the nearbywater canal for it to run under-ground or just to reduce its size.According to Le Grange, who

some of the residents claim is usingthe issue to lure votes to be re-elect-ed, they are tired of lies from theircurrent councillor.“We are tired of lies, we don’t in-

volve any councillor in our griev-ances any more, we deal with themayor directly,” he emphasised.Another resident, who preferred

to remain anonymous, said that theywere again using vulnerable peoplebefore the elections.“I knew this was going to happen.

All political parties are rushing intoour community (Colville) again be-cause it is time for elections,” saidDarkie Hammud.They also appeal for the situation

to be monitored in order to preventinjuries or loss of life as the resi-dents that stay on this piece of landare also fed up because their newneighbours steal their water.

Illegal squatting inSol Plaatje continues

THE shacks next to the water canal (at the back) that is claimed to be dangerous.

GOOLAM AKHARWARAY, the Sol Plaatje municipal manager, on behalf of the mayor promised the Colvillesquatters that the municipality was in the process of surveying the area. Photos: Boipelo Mere

EXPRESS NORTHERN CAPE , WEDNESDAY 1 MAY 2013 3

NEWS

K.P.CHABAEMANG,Postmas-burg:

THE housing problem whichprevails in Colesberg is adisgrace.

While our councillors live inexpensive houses the communi-ty is suffering. Let the rulingparty get its house in order

and not allow this patheticsituation to be used as anelection toll.

They must not use it to scorecheap political points in nextyear’s election. The homelessresidents of Colesberg shouldstand up and occupy those RDPhouses by force so that thelocal municipality must act.

Party must get house in order

ROSIE LUDICK,Kimberley:

AS we are approach-ing Freedom Day weall need to be freefrom oppression. Butin the longrunwe for-get about factoryworkers who are try-ing to make a livingfor their familieswith their meagresalaries.

Then there’s the is-sue of short time. Atone company in Kim-berley they are work-ing two or three daysa week. You can im-agine how muchthose people are ta-king home.

In these two daysthey are expected toperform miracles.They are pushed forproduction and haveto endure the threatsof management. Isthis freedom? Canthose workers per-form on an emptystomach? Where arethe shop stewards?The big question iswhy is SACTWU sosilent?

These are our peo-ple working in ap-palling conditions.What happened totheir basic condi-tions of employment?Those people are un-happy and yet every-body is turning ablind eye to theirplea.

Takecare

} Boipelo Mere

FOR the first time in history 60 unem-ployed graduates from the John TaoloGaetsewe District had the opportunity toimprove their employment opportunitiesat the Sishen Mine’s Small Business Hub.

This is part of the mine’s developmentand youth empowerment drive budgetedat R3 395 770.

The aim was also to counteract the pre-vailing challenges in order to assistyouths in becoming part of the economy,and to give them access to employmentor to be self-employed.

The programme is further expected toaddress gaps in graduates’ training ashighlighted by various companies in-cluding Eskom, the Joe Morolong Munic-ipality, Gamaraga Local Municipality,National Youth Development Agency(NYDA) and the Ga-Segonyana Munici-pality.

Candidates who entered this pro-gramme included graduates with degreesand national diplomas in Accounting,Electrical and Mechanical Engineering,Tourism, Information Technology, Com-munication, Land Reform, Marketing,Human Resources, Public Management,Logistics, Statistics and Agriculture.

Various life skills including communi-cation, teamwork, effective time manage-ment, conflict resolution and how to ana-lyse, organise and evaluate information,also formed part of the programme.

Sishen’s Small Business Hub promisedto invite potential employers in the areato a prestigious event through which theskilled graduates would be able topresent themselves to ensure maximumexposure for the candidates in terms ofpotential work and business opportuni-ties.

According to Sydney Ntili, local economicdevelopment (LED) practitioner at Sishen’sSmall Business Hub in Kathu, rural re-search conducted in 2009 indicated thatthere were many unemployed youths in theJohn Taolo Gaetsewe District.

“One of the key indicating factors contri-buting to the challenge for these unem-

ployed youths is the lack of resources to ena-ble them to become more employable,” hesaid. “Youth development and empower-ment is one of the strategic areas across allsectors in South Africa.”

Paseka Gaenakgang, a 28-year-old malewho holds a national diploma in ElectricalEngineering of the Tshwane University of

Technology, said this programme hadbeen very helpful because it had taughthim a lot about project management andhad enabled him to obtain his driver’s li-cence.

“It has also motivated me to start myown business afterwards, something I al-ways dreamt about,” concluded Paseka.

Graduates part of programmeGraduates part of programme

A GROUP of Ga­Segonyana graduates who are enrolled in the Graduate Development Programme at the Sishen Small BusinessHub. Photo: Supplied

LettersExpress Letters, POBox 1583, Kby, 8300Boipelo MereBoipelo.mere@volks-blad.comTel: 053-831-2331Fax: 053-831-2330

4 EXPRESS NORTHERN CAPE, WEDNESDAY 1 MAY 2013

NEWS

} Boipelo Mere

THABISO LESLEY MASEGELA,training instructor at the SishenMine, believes that women can makea significant contribution to the min-ing industry.The mine proudly got its first all-

women grader operator trainingteam in their Mining LearnershipProgramme. The women are beingtrained as grader operators on theo-

ry, aswell as an experiential trainingcomponent, for the next nine weeks.The women are excited about the

programme. Omphemetse Sephiri islooking forward to the next nineweeks and believes that the trainingis going to be challenging and re-warding.“It is nice to be part of the Kumba

family, and to show the nation thatwe as women can work in a predomi-nantlymale environment, and be just

as good,” says Boitumelo Mokwena.“Not only are womenmore punctu-

al than men, but they are also moreaccurate, and thereforemore likely tobe productive. They say if you teacha man, you teach an individual, butif you teach a woman, you teach a na-tion.We are all equal, nomatterwhatour race or gender is. We need tobuild a legacy to leave to the next gen-eration, and we can only do so if wework together,” says Masegela.

Mine believes in women

FROM the left are, front: Constance Buchwane, GomolemoMothibi, Thandi Segano and BoitumeloMokwena;back: Lorato Mohutsiwa, Cecilia Ngakaemang, Thabiso Lesley Masegela (instructor), Doris Mosiane and Om­phemetse Sephiri. Photo: Supplied

RUTH OLIPHANT’S final resting place was at the West End Cemetery where hundreds of peoplebid her farewell. Photo: Boipelo Mere

Oliphant honoured at service} Boipelo Mere

SHE was described by manyas brave, daring and intelli-gent, with unconditional lovefor her family.Everyone said that she was

not chosen as a deputysecretary of Sadtu in theprovince by mistake, but shewas flying the red flag.All this was said during the

memorial service of the lateRuth Oliphant from Colville.Speaker after speaker

elaborated on how she wasalways showing genuineconcern about the constructionof the Northern Cape Universi-ty. She kept on remindingeveryone that it had to offeropportunities to the workingclass by being accessible tothem.Oliphant was reported to be

an unapologetic and highstriver for the working classand transformation, as wasexpected of her.According to different

speakers, the death of Oliphantwas a great loss to the rulingparty, unions and, especially,her family.“She died satisfied that her

life as a educator was celebrat-ed.“She must be remembered as

a proud mother because shesaw her son Dr Clive Oliphantgraduating as a qualifieddoctor and her daughterClivine working hard tobecome a law student at theNelson Mandela MetropolitanUniversity,” said the MEC ofEducation, Grizelda Cjiekella.She continued: “Ruth, we

deemed to bid you farewell inthis manner for God granted

you half a life, but we aregrateful that you came along.You gave years of long serviceto our people, a service thatthey will empower themselveswith.”Cjiekella added that the life

of Oliphant must be celebratedwith gratitude, as she hadtaken part in fighting for therights of girls and the futureof women.“She did everything for us

and more. We thank God forgiving her to us and willtherefore never remove herlegacy from us,” addedCjiekella.According to Anele Gxoyiya,

the provincial secretarty ofCosatu, Oliphant made thedreams of many a reality.“She was super-intelligent,

respectful and never under-mined anyone,” he added.

RUTH OLIPHANT’S sister Mieta Mgantanna, her daughter Clivine andson Dr Clive Oliphant. Photo: Boipelo Mere

DEBT CONSOLODATION.Blacklisted? Earning morethan R3 000.Phone Mogotsi, 071 947 4578

EXPRESS NORTHERN CAPE , WEDNESDAY 1 MAY 2013 5

NEWS

}Boipelo Mere

EACH CHILD was rewarded with a hotdog,juice and a packet of chips as well as a crimeawareness booklet by Maj. Gen. Hilda Mo-hajane, the SAPS Women’s Network deputyprovincial commissioner (DPC): Crime Detec-tion, at the Diamantveld Primary School inKimberley.Mohajane encouragedabout 120 learners be-

tween the age of 6 and 13 years to report anykind of abuse and assured them that the policewere their friends and that all forms of abusehad to be reported.The SAPS Women’s Network in the North-

ern Cape reached out to the community andvisited various institutions as part of theircrime awareness campaign.

The SAPS Women’s Network’s biggest aimis to partner with civil society to bolster thetype of community which is supportive.The police educate the community and help

them to provide children with the kind of safeand nurturing environment they need to growup in.The SAPS promises to continue in their

commitment of arresting criminals who com-mit crimes against children, and to creategreater awareness amongst parents andguardians to look after and protect children.“Crimesagainstwomenandchildrenareapri-ority for the SAPS and communities are urgedto rally behind the SAPS in eradicating thesetypes of crimes as it can only be throughwork-ing together that more can be done to ensuresuccess,” she said.

Women’s Network visits school

MAJ. GEN. HILDAMOHAJANE, SAPSWomen’s Networkdeputy provincialcommissioner(DPC): CrimeDetec­tion, taught thechildren aboutmat­ters regarding childabuse and chil­dren’s rights at theDiamantveld Pri­mary School. Photo:Supplied

} Boipelo Mere

PETRUS GOEIEMAN (20) showed the worldthat being blind is no reason to end up a fail-ure. He made his teachers at the RetlamelengSpecial School proud by becoming the firstblind learner to achieve a university entrancein 2011. Petrus, who grew up in Phutanang,earned the respect of his community further-more when he started studying for his degreein Education at the University of the FreeState (UFS).Every teacher’s face lit up when they spoke

to Northern Cape Express about Petrus.Petrus said the first schoolwhere hewanted

to teachwould be Retlameleng in order to giveback to them what he had received.“Although I have other options, I feel I owe

it to myself and Retlameleng because I under-standbetter the dynamics and challenges theygo through,” he said.He described his academic year of studying

through long distance learning as totally dif-ferent.“Being at varsity is quite an experience. Al-

though there is a lot ofworkhere, at least thereis support material as compared to the pre-vious institution that I studied with. I do notexpect to get special treatment though. I endedup doing only four modules last year insteadof ten, as I received most of mymaterial late,”he said.“He has always been a brilliant learner. I

taught him at foundation level (gr. 1 to gr. 3)where he used to show inquisitiveness andwould listen attentively. I had the feeling thatone day Petrus would be able to make a differ-ence,” Viginia Sekwati, a teacher at Retlame-leng, said proudly. According to Ethne Grey,an assistant teacher at Retlameleng, Goeie-man has always been a motivation to otherlearners at the school. He is also a good per-former in sports even though he is tiny. Hewas also part of the blind cricket teamandwas

selected to represent the province in the SouthAfrican team to India. “He used to fly to CapeTown to attend coaching lessons. Although hedid not end up going due to a lack of funding,he did not dispair.”The school’s principal, Joyce Philander, re-

vealed how confused the other learners atGoeieman’s schoolwerewhenGoeiemanwentto conduct teaching practicals at Retlameleng.“Hey. sonny, o ntse o sa tle sekolong so

lank,” meaning “you have not been coming toschool,” they said. “We had to explain to themandmotivate themtoalso followPetrus’ exam-ple,” she laughed. Petrus’s ecstatic mothersaid shyly: “I am very proud of my son as hehas always showndetermination inhis schoolwork. He always told us at home that he want-ed tobea teacheratRetlameleng to giveback.”Margaret revealed thatPetrusdidnot let the

situation of his poor background affect him.“I feel so blessed. He has always made me

proud, like when he first started playing thekeyboard at church. There were times whenhe would fly to Cape Town without a cent inhis pocket, but hewould encourageme by say-ing things would get better. He has alwaysbeen chasing his dreams.”

Blindness doesn’tkeep Petrus back

PETRUSwith his mother, Margaret Goeie­man. . Photo: Supplied

6 EXPRESS NORTHERN CAPE, WEDNESDAY 1 MAY 2013

EXPRESS NORTHERN CAPE , WEDNESDAY 1 MAY 2013 7

8 EXPRESS NORTHERN CAPE, WEDNESDAY 1 MAY 2013

You can nominate your sports starsARE you good at sport, or is someonein your school or place of educationgood at sport?

Are you a young coach workingwith future stars? Are you gettingpeople active at your school, commu-nity or gym? We want to hear fromyou and make you famous.

In 2008 Z PRandSuperSport identi-fied theneedamongst theyouth togetmore active.

With this in mind, SuperSport andLet’s Play, in association withMedia24’s Express Group, haslaunched a special initiative: Wewant to find and give recognition tolearners at either primary or highschool levelwhoexcel in sport orwhoare helping others to be more active.

The SuperSport Let’s Play Star ofthe Month is a competition for any-one aged 6 to 18.

You can nominate yourself or benominated by a friend, teacher, lec-turer or coach at your school or placeof education.

You can even be nominated by afamily member or friend who knowshow good you are.

The winner is chosen from all thenominations received for thatmonth.

The monthly winner will receive aLet’s Play hamper filled with good-ies.

From all the entries we receiveeachmonth one playerwill be chosenas the SuperSport Let’s Play Star ofthe Month.

At the end of the year one playerfrom all the Star of the Month win-nerswill be chosen as the SuperSportLet’s Play Star of the Year.

Let’s Play is an initiative to en-hance recreation and development atschools through play and sport. Eve-ry school or place of education has

talented sportmen and -women.Don’t be shy – we want to know

who you are.Send us your nomination today

(nominations received before the20th of every month will be includedin that month’s selection. Nomina-tions received after the 20th of everymonthwill be carried over to thenextmonth’s selection).

Your nomination must includeyour name, age and a short para-graph (less than 200 words) on whatyou have achieved, as well as yourcontact details.

For example: name, age and grade,school or place of education’s name.What you have achieved (200 wordsor less), contact telephone number oraddress.

You can email your nomination tosupersport@zpr.co.za or SMS 072-311-7716 (no phone calls will be ac-cepted; normal cellphone rates ap-ply) or fax 086-552-4922 or hand- deliv-er your entry to Z PR at 22A ReidStreet, Westdene, Bloemfontein.For more information please call

Lynne at Z PR on 051-430-3027.

} Boipelo Mere

MANAGERS at Meriting Investment areconfident that they are on the right trackof reviving the u.19 school Wednesdayleague.

They heeded the call after they had beenapproached by the South African SchoolsFootball Association (SASFA) to partner apilot project, which would only run in theSol Plaatje Municipality’s schools.

Although only four schools (two girlteams and two boy teams) participated inthe launch games, 21 local high schoolshave already completed the registrationprocess.

The schools that played during theopening games were the !XukhwesaCombined School against the Girls’ HighSchool and the EP Lekhela High Schoolagainst the Floors High School in thecategory for boys.

According to Aubrey Isaacs, the vice-president of Sasfa, they plan on spreadingthe league throughout the whole of theFrances Baard District if all goes well.

Marcus Banga, who is the chairperson ofthe investment company, said that some ofthe officials and shareholders within thecompany had experienced those kinds oftournaments during their school days. He

revealed that in their time, parents wouldsupport their children by attending soccermatches, which motivated them more.

“Thus they saw it as important for thechildren on the field, and cut off the Okkapipe time. This is not our first partnershipwith Sasfa, but a continuation, as we usedto invest in the u.14 school league. Theonly difference is that this time wedecided to concentrate on high schoolsinstead of primary schools,” said Banga.

Refusing to reveal the amount of moneythey had invested in the tournament,Banga said: “As our social responsibilityprogramme we have invested a substantialamount of money into this tournament.After seeing the progress, we’ll definitelytake it to other regions.”

Results: The !Xukhwesa CombinedSchool beat Girls’ High 5-0, and EPLekhela High and Floors High school drew2-2.

Schools take part in tournament

AUBREY ISAACS, the vice­president ofSasfa, wishing the girls’ teams good luckbefore the game.

THE first goal was scored by the EP Lekhela High School. Photos: Boipelo Mere