Express nc 31 jul 2013

TEL: 053 8312331 WEDNESDAY 31 JULY 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

} Boipelo Mere

PRES. JACOB ZUMA and thenational government have finallynamed the university to be builtin Kimberley the Sol PlaatjeUniversity.The university is envisaged to

have its first enrolment of 150students next year and will haveits infrastructure built before theend of this year.Announcing the name of the

university at the Union Buildingsin Pretoria, the president wasflanked by the minister of HigherEducation, Dr Blade Nzimande,his deputy, Mduduzi Manana, andthe newly-established interimcouncil members of both the SolPlaatje and Mpumalanga Univer-sities.The joint council of both

universities is led by JennifferGlennie as its chairperson, whilethe Northern Cape is representedby Maruping Lekwene, YvonneMuthien, Vishnu Padayashee andAbel Madonsela in the council.During his address at the

YCLSA ID campaign and rallyover the weekend, the presi-dent confirmed that the SolPlaatje University was targeted todevelop over a ten-year period toeventually accommodate 5 000students after the initial 150enrolments envisaged for nextyear.“It may expand further as a

multiple campus as it will growfrom strength to strength in itsinstitutional, academic andinfrastructure capacity in aplanned and gradual manner.“The university is expected to

provide additional specialistcapacity to the country’s highereducation system, enabling theestablishment of academic nicheareas that do not exist elsewhereor are under-represented in thecountry.

“Given the rich heritage ofKimberley and the Northern Capein general, it is envisaged thatthe Sol Plaatje University willspecialise in heritage studies,including interconnected academ-ic fields such as Museum Man-agement, Archaeology, IndigenousLanguages and RestorationArchitecture,” said Zuma.

“We invested R2,5 billion inFurther Education and Training(FET) Colleges last year tosupport the expansion of accessand capacity building of collegestaff.“The Department of Higher

Learning and Training is estab-lishing 12 new FET collegecampuses in under-serviced areas

across the country and refurbish-ing two other campuses as part ofgovernment’s infrastructureprogramme,” said Zuma.The president said that this had

resulted in an increase of 13% inenrolments of FET collegesbetween 2009 and 2012.He touched on the National

Students Financial Aid Scheme

(NSFAS) and said that it hadassisted 1,4 million students todate.“Investment in FET college

bursaries has increased fromR318 million in 2010, benefiting61 703 students, to R1,9 billion in2013 to assist 222 817 financiallyneedy students,” said Zuma amidapplause from the audience.Meanwhile, Nzimande, who is

also the secretary general of theCommunist Party of South Africa(SACP), said that he had notknown that the family of SolPlaatje had been shocked at theannouncement of the name of theuniversity as they had not beenconsulted.Nzimande, however, said that

he would consult with other stakeholders so that they could send arepresentative to the Plaatjefamily to apologise for themistake.

NC university namedFirst enrolment of students planned for 2014

PRES. JACOB ZUMA arriving at the openair arena in Kimberley over the weekend. Photo: Emile HendricksPHOTO24

‘Given the rich heritage of Kimberley andthe Northern Cape ingeneral, it is envisaged tha t the So lPlaatje University willspecialise in heritagestudies, including interconnected academic fields such asMuseum Management, Archaeology,Indigenous Languages andRestorationArchitecture.’ –Pres. Jacob Zuma

2 EXPRESS NORTHERN CAPE, WEDNESDAY 31 JULY 2013

NEWS

} Boipelo Mere

ITUMELENG RICHMOND GWENDA is theproud troop scout of the 30 Kim-kgolo ScoutsTroop who qualified for the upcoming Jambo-ree.The troop, consistingof boysandgirls, qual-ified for the Jamboree during a recent camp inDouglas where they focused on the fundamen-tals of being a scout.According to Gwenda, he invested in a group

of 30 troop members, who now qualify to wear“interest and advanced badges”. He said theynow qualified after participating in the path-finder, physical fitness, bag-woods and enter-tainers competition. “They have exceeded myexpectations by responding so positively in alltheir performances. I only started with thistroop this year after having been in this scoutfield since 1980.”Hesaid the troopwouldbeparticipating in the

Jamboree on 20 October. “During the Jamboreethey will be participating with other troopswhere they are communicating on air with oth-er scouts around the world. They will do thatthrough amateur radios fromwithinKimberley

with other troops in their respective countriesfor 24 hours.” He also said that he hoped to pro-duce at least two Springbok scouts out of thegroup,which is thehighest awarded scout. “TheonlySpringbokscout in theprovincewasSimonJaphta in 1984, who was also a Kim-kgolo scoutleader. He later passed away. I already saw po-tential in at least two scouts in the Kim-kgolotroop,” said an excited Gwenda. KelebogileSuipers, the school principalwho congratulatedthe troop during a special assembly on Friday,proudly said that her school was very active inextra-curricular activities, thanks to the par-ents’ participation.“We also have the Soul Buddies group that

were awarded theDiamondAward,which is thehighest rated level in their provincial activities.There is also our soccer team that representedthe province during the school’s u.13 league inDecember 2012. Those are our highlights whichI canproudly thankourparentsand teachers formaking it possible,” said Suipers with pride.The principal further added that the school

was also awarded R100 000 for being the schoolof first choice in Galeshewe.

Troop qualifiesfor Jamboree

THE Kimkgolo Scouts Troop who qualified for the upcoming Jamboree where they willbe communicating through amateur radios with other troops worldwide. With them (leftin middle row) is their proud troop scout, Richmond Gwenda.

Formorenewsand

photosgo

toour

website

atwww.express-new

s.co.za

EXPRESS NORTHERN CAPE , WEDNESDAY 31 JULY 2013 3

} Joanie Bergh

RESIDENTS of Kuruman recentlycelebrated Nelson Mandela Day to-gether with the rest of South Africa.People took to the streets on18July,

taking part in the 67 Minute initia-tive. For each individual this day hasbecome significant. It has become areminder of what former presidentNelson Mandela fought for when hehad a rainbow nation in mind, a cele-

bration of the legacy he left behindand a hope that every person wouldbuild on that legacy.Northern Cape Express asked some

of the residentswhatNelsonMandelameant to them.

Mandela their hero

TSUMBEDSO MBENGENI (23):NelsonMandelameans a lot tomeand thewhole of the army. It is because of him that I can pursue mydreams and that my children willbe able todo the same.Andon thisday it is wonderful to be able togive something back.

KUTOO MABUTLWANE (20): Nelson Mandela is my personal hero.He saved us fromall racial inequality. And he has become a real father figure for this rainbownation.

DONALD KOIKAN (38): He is myhero andmy rolemodel. He foughtfor us and he gave us access to education and water in our homes.It is so sad to know he is in hospital, struggling on his birthday. Itruly hope that his legacy will goon and that all generations bornafter 1994 will live a free life.

MPHO GODISAMANG (24): Tata,he means so much to me. He gaveme freedom to live my life. I wantto study for a career. I love him somuch.

KLAAS KERS (53): Nelson Mandela gave us a home to live in. I cannot remember much now, but hegave us a home.

MARIE MINORA (34): Oh, he wasgood for us. We love him verymuch. Is he still in hospital? On hisbirthday?w

ww.exp

ress-news.co

.za

vox pop vox pop vox pop vox pop vox pop vox pop vox pop


NEWS

} Joanie Bergh

“I NEVER knew the man. Hepushed me onto the bed, took offmy clothes and raped me.”This was the testimony of a 15-

year-old girl who testified incamera in the regional court inKuruman.Obakeng Mothupi (29), a taxi

driver, is facing a charge of rap-ing this underaged girl in 2010.Mothupi denied guilt on this

charge before Regional Magis-trate Bailey Mbalu.He said that at the time of the

incident he and the girl had beenin a relationship.

According to the girl, who was13 at the time, Mothupi had mether that night at about 19:30 in astreet in Bathlaros, an informalsettlement just outside Kuru-man.She testified that it had been

the first time they had met. Hetook her by the hand and led herto his house.She said once inside, Mothupi

had used a condom and hadraped her, despite her various ef-forts to push him away.She testified that she had ar-

rived home at about 22:00 thatnight and had been too afraid totell her mother about the rape.Hermother beat herwith a belt

because she came home late.She obtained minor bruises

from the beating.It was then that she told her

mother about the rape.They phoned the police imme-

diately and rushed to the hospi-tal.Rudzani Tshamano, for the de-

fence, said that according toMothupi the girl had agreed tohave sex with him.The girl denied the accusation.“And that is why you did not

tell yourmother about the rape,”Tshamano said. “Because youknew she would be angry if shefound out you had agreed to havesex.”Mothupi testified that he and

the girl had been in a relation-ship for about two to threemonths.They arranged beforehand to

meet that night at a specificplace.He alleged that the girl had told

him that she was 15 years old.He walked her halfway to her

home after they had had sex. Thepolice arrested Mothupi severalhours later.“I never forced her. She want-

ed to come with me,” he said.During cross-questioning

MoetleetsiMogwera, prosecutor,saidMothupi wasmisleading thecourt because he had never men-tioned in his first statement thathe and the girl had made ar-rangements to meet prior to theincident.That Mothupi said he had a

“longing desire” to meet the girland wanted her.Mothupi said his friends could

testify that he was indeed in a re-lationship with the girl.The case is set to proceed on 29

August.

Girl denies knowingman

OBAKENG MOTHUPI (29) facesa charge of raping an underagedgirl. Photo: Joanie Bergh


PREFERENCEWILL BE GIVENTO EMPLOYMENT EQUITY CANDIDATES IN LINEWITHTHE COMPANY’S EMPLOYMENT EQUITY PLAN.

Only candidates who meet the stated requirements will be considered.APPLICATIONS RECEIVED AFTERTHE CLOSING DATEWILL NOT BE CONSIDERED.

How to apply:Interested applicants can forward an abridged CV to:

[email protected] or fax: 086 236 1188.The onus is on you to ensure that the reference

number is reflected on your application.Closing date: 16 August 2013.

If you have not been contacted within 30 days after theclosing date, kindly deem your application as unsuccessful.

www.ayandambanga.co.za 113793

Exciting Career OpportunityKuruman

United Manganese of Kalahari (Pty) Ltd (UMK), a leading empowerment company intent onsustainable mining and socio-economic development, seeks specialists to join its fast growingmanganese mine.UMK has been awarded a Mining Right over 15 000 ha of land to the north of a dynamic Kuruman.Why not become part of the team that plans to mine an output of between 1,5 million and2 million tonnes of manganese each year’With a life of mine in excess of 30 years, this well-poised company will be able to unlock yourtalents.

Instrumentation Technician (Ref. IT 113793)

Post Level Patterson C upperThe successful candidate will be required to perform maintenance and faultfinding on controlinstrumentation equipment including PLC, SCADA programming, installation and commissioningof instrumentation projects throughout the mine site.Minimum requirements: • A relevant MIETTB or equivalent Trade Certificate and N4-N6 withInstrumentation and Process Control, or S4 and P2 Process Control Diploma or equivalent• A minimum of five years’ relevant experience • Sound knowledge of industrial instrumentationand machines, and Siemens S5 and S7 PLC hardware and software • Knowledge of AdroitSCADA software configuration, and Profibus and Ethernet networks • Effective communicationand interpersonal skills • A team player • A valid Code 08 driver’s licence.Responsibilities: • Providing instrumentation support to the plant and opencast operations asassigned • Diagnose faults on industrial instrumentation and control equipment and carry outrepairs accordingly • Plan extensions and modifications to existing instrumentation infrastructure• Examine, test and repair, control and instrumentation equipment as well as Siemens PLCand Adroit SCADA system • Maintain instrumentation and documentation • Responsible forinstallation and maintenance of industrial instrumentation in the plant and opencast operations• Perform standby duties and shift work as required from time to time • Ensure personal and co-workers’ adherence and compliance to the Company’s health and safety policies and procedures• Maintain a variety of instrumentation systems throughout the mine site • Ensure compliancewith government rules and regulations.Please note that the reference MUST be quoted on your application.Please note the following: • Successful candidates will be required to provide a valid medicalcertificate and may be required to undergo certain medical assessments • Psychometric andother assessments may be used as part of the selection process • Verification of all credentialsmay be done • Must be in possession of a valid driver’s licence.

THE chairperson ofthe Northern CapeOlder Persons Forum,Don Jacobs, and thechairman and secre-tary, Gayle Plaaitjies,dedicated their 67minutes towardsmak-ing a meaningful con-tribution by changingthe lives of the less for-tunate in Galeshewe.

To honourMadiba’slegacy and act of kind-ness, the forum donat-ed linen and curtain-ing to one of the fami-lies of the two housesthat were constructedand renovated by theSol Plaatje Municipal-ity in greater no. 2 onMandela Day.

According toJacobsand Plaatjies, theNorthern Cape OlderPersons Forum ad-vances health andwell-being into old ageby lifelong health pro-motion, income secu-rity, social protection,ensuring, enablingand supporting hous-ing. “We also addressneglect, abuseandvio-lence,” informedJacobs.

He further ex-plained that the estab-lishment of the OlderPersons Forum cameafter delegates fromall over South-Africaattended a conventionthat was convened bythe National Depart-ment of Social Devel-opment and the SouthAfrican HumanRights Commission tofacilitate its establish-ment in 2005.

Forumdonateslinen


Engineering Production Superintendent(Ref. EPS 113817)

Patterson Grade D LowerThe successful candidate will be taskedwith coordinating andmanaging the activities of teams consistingof Production Foremen, general processing plant staff, Shift Electrician and Fitter in the operation of thecompany’s process plant to attain maximum production.

As a key strategic objective the incumbent will drive managing business strategy, legal complianceand governance, risk management, management of employee relations, performance management,manage safety, health and environment, manage strategic supplier relations, manage budgets, manageassets and equipment and manage day-to-day Processing Plant operations activities.

Minimum requirements: • Academic qualifications: Grade 12 or equivalent qualification (minimum),Qualified Artisan or Process Plant Product Preparation Certification (recommended), MDP or similarqualification (advantageous) • Work experience: 5 years’ crushing and screening plant experience(crushing, screening, conveyor belts, stackers and reclaimers), 5 years’ manganese or similar densitymaterial processing experience (recommended), 10 years’ management experience (Plant ProductionSupervisor/General Engineering Supervisor/Plant Production or Plant Engineering Foreman), 5 years’contractor management experience, 5 years’ maintenance management system experience • Otherrequirements: 24/7 availability, willingness to work extended or infrequent working hours, willingness totravel extensively, valid Code B/EB driver’s licence.

Personality traits and competencies: Competencies: • Ability to make timely and quality decisions• Ability to manage and measure plant and direct report performance and ability to manage and innovateoperational processes • Good organising, priority setting and project management skills • Above-averagecommunication skills (verbal and written) and good presentation capability • Comfortable around seniormine management, ability to motivate people without regular contact. Technical skills: • Technicalreport writing skills • Highly computer literate in plant operating system and end-user applications• Functional skills in plant optimisation and asset management with ability to use system managementtools and techniques such as statistical data and trend analysis to identify and initiate measurableplant performance improvement initiatives • Adequate budget and cost management skills. Attributes:• A self-starter who is action and result orientated who displays unquestionable integrity and safetyconsciousness and who is able to persevere under high pressure working conditions. Key knowledge:• Processing plant systems and operating knowledge and hands-on experience • Grade control principles• Relevant SHE knowledge and understanding • Blasting discipline knowledge and asset managementsystems understanding.

Key responsibilities: Perform plant business planning and performance monitoring including: • Assistmanagement in compiling operational strategy and setting of achievable production targets • Managecontractor performance against service level agreements • Supervise service contractor compliancewith all legal, regulatory and UMK policies and COPs • Supervise safety compliance by all processingemployees and contractors in collaboration with the safety officer • Support the health and safety officer.Provide operational support to manager and direct reports including: • Monitor all identified processingoperational risk according to a plant risk schedule and regular reporting • Review and maintain allrelevant plant and process policies and procedures • Support the line manager with reporting anddata collection as required by UMK policies and procedures including daily production report, safetyreporting, HR reporting and financial reporting according to the UMK reporting standards •Attend regularengineering and production meetings and reviews (including production meetings, plan review meetingsetc.) and all other meetings as delegated by the line manager. Manage plant people and suppliersincluding: • Develop, review and monitoring the plant operational and financial budgets • Hold directreports (Foremen) accountable for their managerial duties and provide effective management supportaccording to the UMK management standards • Ensure effective execution of unit specific projects• Ensure workforce compliance with relevant Mine Health and Safety Act and Regulations and companypolicies, procedures and requirements, and actively encourage and participate in a positive attitudetowards safety • Ensure effective contractor management and engage the line manager to personallyintervene in consistent non-performing service providers • Execute all other “manager of manager”activities according to the UMK management standards. Manage plant operations including: • Analyseproduction and asset performance trends against set operational targets • Report plant performance asper UMK schedule • Oversee effective product processing facilities and asset management • Reviewdaily plant performance data and with the teams adjust operating parameters to optimise production• Participate in scheduling planned plant maintenance • Ensure proper application of 1st linemaintenanceprinciples by plant engineering • Improve plant asset management strategies and equipment life cycle.Manage and ensure product throughput including: Analyse production performance trends againstset operational targets • Report processed product volumes as per UMK reporting schedule • Ensureaccurate stacking and reclaiming of product according to the blending, stacking and reclaiminginstructions • Ensure correct reclaiming and filling of silo according to the loading • Ensure effective trainreceiving, loading and dispatching and Ensure effective cleaning of the plant from the crusher to the silo• Able and willing to perform ad hoc managerial duties as instructed by your supervisor.

Engineering Production (Plant) Foreman(Ref. EPPF 113817)

Patterson Grade C UpperThe successful candidate will be tasked with coordinating and managing the activities of a shift-basedteam consisting of General Processing Plant Operators, Shift Electrician and Fitter, Cleaning Supervisorand Control Room Operators in the operation of the company’s process plant to attain maximumproduction per shift.

The incumbent will report to a plant superintendent and will be responsible for managing and ensuringemployee relations, team and individual performance, safety, health and environment, manage strategicsupplier relations, manage budgets, manage assets and equipment and manage day-to-day ProcessingPlant operations activities.

Minimum requirements: Academic qualifications: • Grade 12 or equivalent qualification (minimum),Qualified Artisan or Process Plant Product Preparation Certification (recommended), MDP or similarqualification (advantageous) • Work experience: 5 years’ crushing and screening plant experience(crushing, screening, conveyor belts, stackers and reclaimers), 5 years’ manganese or similar densitymaterial processing experience (recommended), 10 years’ management experience (Plant ProductionSupervisor/General Engineering Supervisor/Plant Production or Plant Engineering Foreman), 5 years’contractor management experience, 5 years’ maintenance management system experience • Otherrequirements: 24/7 Availability, willingness to work extended or infrequent working hours, a valid CodeB/EB driver’s licence.

Personality traits and competencies: Competencies: • Ability to make timely and quality decisions• Managing and measuring plant and direct report performance and ability to manage and innovateoperational processes • Good organising, priority setting and project management skills • Above-averagecommunication skills (verbal and written) and good presentation capability • Comfortable around seniormine management, ability to motivate people without regular contact. Technical skills: • Technicalreport writing skills • Highly computer literate in plant operating system and end-user applications• Functional skills in plant optimisation and asset management with ability to use system managementtools and techniques such as statistical data and trend analysis to identify and initiate measurableplant performance improvement initiatives • Adequate budget and cost management skills. Attributes:• A self-starter who is action and result orientated who displays unquestionable integrity and safetyconsciousness and who is able to persevere under high pressure working conditions. Key knowledge:• Processing plant systems and operating knowledge and hands-on experience • Grade control principles• Relevant SHE knowledge and understanding • Blasting discipline knowledge and asset managementsystems understanding.

Key responsibilities: Perform plant business planning and performance monitoring including: • Assistmanagement in compiling operational strategy and setting of achievable production targets • Managecontractor performance against service level agreements • Supervise service contractor complianceto all legal, regulatory and UMK policies and COPs • Supervise safety compliance by all processingemployees and contractors in collaboration with the safety officer • Support the health and safety officer.Provide operational support to manager and direct reports including: • Monitor all identified processingoperational risk according to a plant risk schedule and regular reporting • Review and maintain allrelevant plant and process policies and procedures • Support the line manager with reporting anddata collection as required by UMK policies and procedures including daily production report, safetyreporting, HR reporting and financial reporting according to the UMK reporting standards •Attend regularengineering and production meetings and reviews (including production meetings, plan review meetingsetc.) and all other meetings as delegated by the line manager. Manage plant people and suppliersincluding: • Develop, review and monitoring the plant operational and financial budgets • Hold directreports (Foremen) accountable for their managerial duties and provide effective management supportaccording to the UMK management standards • Ensure effective execution of unit specific projects• Ensure workforce compliance with relevant Mine Health and Safety Act and Regulations and companypolicies, procedures and requirements, and actively encourage and participate in a positive attitudetowards safety • Ensure effective contractor management and engage the line manager to personallyintervene in consistent non-performing service providers • Execute all other “manager of manager”activities according to the UMK management standards. Manage plant operations including: • Analyseproduction and asset performance trends against set operational targets • Report plant performance asper UMK schedule • Oversee effective product processing facilities and asset management • Reviewdaily plant performance data and with the teams adjust operating parameters to optimise production• Participate in scheduling planned plant maintenance • Ensure proper application of 1st linemaintenanceprinciples by plant engineering • Improve plant asset management strategies and equipment lifecycle. Manage and ensure product throughput including: • Analyse production performance trendsagainst set operational targets • Report processed product volumes as per UMK reporting schedule• Ensure accurate stacking and reclaiming of product according to the blending, stacking and reclaiminginstructions • Ensure correct reclaiming and filling of silo according to the loading • Ensure effective trainreceiving, loading and dispatching and Ensure effective cleaning of the plant from the crusher to the silo• Able and willing to perform ad hoc managerial duties as instructed by your supervisor.

Exciting Career Opportunities – KurumanUnited Manganese of Kalahari (Pty) Ltd (UMK), a leading empowerment company intent on sustainable mining and socio-economic development, seeks specialists to join its fast growing manganese mine.

UMK has been awarded a Mining Right over 15 000 ha of land to the north of a dynamic Kuruman.

Why not become part of the team that plans to mine an output of between 1,5 million and 2 million tonnes of manganese each year.

With a life of mine in excess of 30 years, this well-poised company will be able to unlock your talents.

www.ayandambanga.co.za 113817

How to apply:Interested applicants can forward an abridged CV to:

[email protected] or fax: 086 236 1188.The onus is on you to ensure that the reference

number is reflected on your application.Closing date: 16 August 2013.

If you have not been contacted within 30 days after theclosing date, kindly deem your application as unsuccessful.

Please note that the reference MUST be quoted on your application.Please note the following: • Successful candidates will be required to provide a valid medical certificateand may be required to undergo certain medical assessments • Psychometric and other assessmentsmay be used as part of the selection process • Verification of all credentials may be done • Must be inpossession of a valid driver’s licence.

PREFERENCEWILL BE GIVENTO EMPLOYMENT EQUITY CANDIDATES IN LINEWITHTHE COMPANY’S EMPLOYMENT EQUITY PLAN.Only candidates who meet the stated requirements will be considered.APPLICATIONS RECEIVED AFTERTHE CLOSING DATEWILL NOT BE CONSIDERED.

NEWS

} Boipelo Mere

BLADE MZIMANDE, the ministerof Higher Education and Training,encouraged members of the YoungCommunist League to drive theimplementation of the YouthEmployment Accord in order for itto be translated into a document.

“Share your perspectives. This isa progressive accord, but remains apiece of paper until you begin totranslate it into a document. We’llnever be able to grow and developour economy unless we skill ouryouth, not subsidise them like theDA wants. Their youth representa-tives signed the presented youthaccord, but the DA says we don’twant it and refers to the youth

subsidy.“The Youth Accord is good

because it combines a whole rangeof things rather than the notion forproduction of cheap labour. Whereyou just give a subsidy to the boardjust to employ someone with nolinkage to training or training at acollege or university in order foryou to be actually empowered whenyou come out of that job.

“This way we’ll never be able togrow and develop our country,”added the minister.

Nzimande emphasised theimportance of the Youth Empower-ment Accord and said that it linkedany kind of incentives to skills,education and training. Thus hereiterated the importance of

motivating the private sector tobecome role players in the infra-structure development programme,of which he accused others ofhaving terrible reasons for notbeing role players.

“It is nice to be a capitalist, youknow that. If you steal, it is calledcollusion. But if you steal becauseyou are poor, it is called corruption.But if you steal billions from thebuilding of World Cup stadiums, itis called nicer names like collus-sion. This is theft, its is fraud andcorruption, and we must actuallyfight this thing for what it is, sothat we are able to focus oninvestment in infrastructuredevelopment programmes that willcreate jobs and benefit our youth.”

‘Youth need to beskilled, not subsidised’


} Boipelo Mere

MOSITI MOKWENA, principal of theIsago Primary School, is very proud of hislearners for displaying their disciplinaryand artistic ability.Despite financial challenges and hard-

ships on the side of the school gymnasticsteam, they brought home bronze from theSouth African Games in Gauteng.The team consisted of five learners of

Isago Primary and one of the WilliamPescod High School who represented theprovince at the recent South AfricanGames during the school holidays.“I am very proud of them. It is great

that they are exposed to extra-curricularactivities and other art forms and disci-plines, and if they master these activitiesit can also have a positive impact academi-

cally,” said the principal.He also directed his gratitude to Daphne

Moitse, the school’s gymnastic coach and ateacher at the school, whom he said hadthe quality to encourage the learners.“Her attitude will also draw more

support for the sport in terms of sponsor-ships, which presents us with enormouschallenges.”According to Moitse, the competition had

been tough during the tournament,because her culture was slowly becomingused to gymnastics.“I must admit that it was difficult, but

my team performed to the best of theirability in all three levels of rhythmicgymnastics, and we managed to returnwith a bronze medal, which we are veryproud of,” said Moitse.“My team worked very hard during the

recent South African Games and competi-tion was tough.“You can imagine that almost all the

schools had been practising with the rightequipment, unlike us.“But we’ll not give up, we’ll strive

until we become successful,” said thecoach.She confirmed that gymnastics were

showing great improvement in townshipschools.“The biggest challenge remains sponsor-

ships,” concluded Moitse.

Team takes bronze

THE Isago gymnastics teamwith their coach, Daphne Moitse, and school principal, MositiMokwena, with their medals and trophies from local and provincial competitions. Fromthe left are, front: Masisa Motsoasele (13, two silver, one gold, four bronze medals anda trophy), RebaoneMmusi (13, trophy, bronze and gold medal), Matlakala Swaartbooi (12,bronze at one of the competitions in Johannesburg) and Tumelo Moilwa(13, four gold,two silver and a bronze medal); back: Keitumetse Modise(10) and Omphile Molale(8).

Photo: Boipelo Mere

‘But we’ll not give up, wewill strive until we becomesuccessful.’– Daphne Moitse, coach

Express nc 31 jul 2013

Documents

Transcript of Express nc 31 jul 2013