E F SASTERN REE TATE

TEL: 058 ­ 3035411 WEDNESDAY 11 FEBRUARY 2015 WWW.EXPRESS­NEWS.CO.ZA FREE

} Tladi Moloi

TSHIAME. – Thabo Tshabalala(11), a gr. 2 learner of the MabateIntermediate Farm School, is anorphan who lives with his aunt,Nomqebelo Tshabalala, in Khalan-yoni near Harrismith.Thabo and his two siblings,

Tshidisehang (17) and Malehlwa(8), are all being cared for by theirunemployed aunt who struggles tomake ends meet. Apparently theirparents died in 2008.“Life is tough. Sometimes we go

to bed on empty stomachs. I wouldlove to give the children every-

thing, but I cannot,” said Tshabal-ala.Thabo has to walk about 10 km

to and from school daily. He wearstattered shoes.“Sometimes I take them off

when I get to school because theyare no good,” said the boy.Thanks to the Masibonisaneni

Project, however, Thabo is nowable to attend school like anynormal child in a proper, brand-new school uniform.This non-profit organisation

from Tshiame in partnership withAckermans and Pep in Harrismithdonated about 41 pairs of school

shoes and shirts to destitutelearners, and Thabo was one ofthe beneficiaries.Thabo said he was very happy

with the donation and added thatit would feel good to wear brand-new things.“I love coming to school. I will

make sure that I work hard andfinish school so I can help myfamily one day. My aunt is tryingher best to make us happy eventhough she is not working,” hesaid.Collen Charlie, the project

manager, said the donation wasnot something new because it was

their mission to help theircommunities.“We want to change the lives of

our people. We came here to helpwith school uniforms. We gavethem shoes, socks and T-shirts. Weare partnering with Spar, the FireDepartment, the Thabo Mofutsan-yana District Municipality, OldMutual, Pep and Ackermans,” hesaid.He said they had decided upon

the school because it was a farmschool with disadvantagedlearners.“We are going to roll out this

project at other schools in the

Thabo Mofutsanyana District,” hesaid.Motlatsi Moloi, the principal,

expressed his appreciation withthe gesture. “I am happy withwhat the organisation has done forus. We have more learners frompoor backgrounds. So through thisgesture they will be able to havesomething to smile about thisyear,” he said.) Give us you views on ourfacebook page, ExpressEFS, orvisit our website at www.ex-press-news.co.za. You can alsosend your comment via Wats-App to 060-914-1180.

Kids get new uniformsKids get new uniformsA HELPING HAND: The learners of the Mabate Intermediate Farm School with the stakeholders who are part of the Masibonisaneni Project who donated school uniforms andshoes to learners at the school. Photo: Tladi Moloi

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} Tladi Moloi

BETHLEHEM. – Lovey Tshabala-la is a young, ambitious womanwho hails from Bohlokong nearBethlehem.

She worked for a well-knownprivate company, but resigned.

According to her, she did itbecause she wanted to start herown beauty spa.

She attended a five-day hairand beauty technical trainingcourse in September last yearwhich was offered by the SmallEnterprise Development Agency(Seda).

Tshabalala said the traininghad enhanced her existing skills.

“There were also some newthings that I learnt. Usually onewill know about hair withoutgoing to school, but they taughtus the techniques and how totreat the customers,” she said.

She said she saw the light eventhough she had little time.

“We were in one class but Ithink it would have been better ifthey had a class for beginnersand one for those who arealready in business,” she advised.

Tshabalala was among thegroup of 39 people who receivedcertificates during the certificateceremony which was held in theBethlehem Town Hall on Thurs-day (05/02).

The well-known Suga Motloungwas the training facilitator andwith his experience the graduatessaid they had learnt a lot in avery short time.

Peter Changube, businessdevelopment officer: local eco-nomic development at theDihlabeng Local Municipality,said this was their initiative and

they had later invited Seda tooffer training.

“I was touched going aroundtown witnessing women sittingon the pavement doing others’hair.

“I felt they were making moneyout of that and thought aboutwhat we could do to help. We

then decided to give themtraining,” he said.

Changube said they wouldcome with the second round oftraining and added they had notreached all the units in Dihla-beng.

Lesego Zengele, the branchmanager at the Seda in the Thabo

Mofutsanyana District, said theyhad expected 30 people when thetraining started, but they hadended up training 45 becausethere was a great need.

“We only awarded 39 certifi-cates, because some joined us onthe last day of the training.

“We promised them that we

would help and give themcertificates afterwards,” shesaid.

Zengele said they had realisedthere was a big need for trainingand added that they had agreedwith the municipality that theywould combine their budget tohelp others who still needed it.

Course offers new opportunities

THE graduates of the hair and beauty technical training course with the stakeholders during the certificate ceremony which was held in theBethlehem Town Hall. Photo: Tladi Moloi

} Tladi Moloi

QWAQWA. – Mokete Maduna (26) from theHarankopane Village and Pitso Makibinya-ne (25) and his brother Ditabe (26) from theLetshalemaduke Village in Qwaqwa havebeen sent to jail for life plus 15 years bythe Bethlehem High Court.

They were found guilty on charges ofrobbery under aggravating circumstancesand rape. They were sentenced on Friday(06/02).

The trio raped an 18-year-old woman inMarch 2013 and robbed her of her personalbelongings.

On 23 March 2013 at approximately 19:30the 18-year-old from Qwaqwa was on herway home.

It was raining when the three youngmen, who were under the influence ofalcohol, spotted the victim and made hertheir target. They approached her near theschool yard at the Namahadi Village.

They forced her to the school toiletswhere they robbed her of her cell phone, apair of shoes and money, after which theyall raped her.

They were all arrested after the incidenthad been reported to the police, because thevictim managed to identify two of thesuspects as her relatives.

Sgt Mmako Mophiring, the police spokes-person, said the Namahadi police hadarrested the suspects and they had beenawaiting trial for almost two years.

The case was investigated by Det. WODaniel Maloka of the PhuthaditjhabaFamily, Child Protection and SexualOffences Unit (FCS).

“Rape perpetrators cannot escape theheat, because of the serious nature ofcrimes against women and children,” saidthe Free State provincial commissioner, Lt.Gen. Thabethe Mpembe.

“As members of the community, and alsolaw enforcers, we need to see more menforming part of committees such as Men forChange and Imbizo ya Madoda. Bothprogrammes fall under the police andteaches young men morals and values.

“I want to thank the investigator for hergreat work presenting the accused and thevictim before the court for justice to beserved.”

Life in prisonfor rapistsBETHLEHEM. – The Bethle-

hem Regional Court hasrecently sentenced JosephLebakeng Sephula (33), akaOupa, of Lavender Hill outsideBethlehem, to life imprison-ment for raping a woman (32)in his house, and also assault-ing her.

On 12 July 2013 at approxi-mately 08:00 Sephula arrived atthe woman’s house while shewas in the shack with hergrandmother. He asked to

speak to her and they bothwent to his house.

He locked the door of thehouse and assaulted and rapedher.

She reported the incident tothe police.

He tried several times tocommit suicide by drinkingpoison, cutting his wrists andhanging himself.

He was arrested and takento hospital for medical treat-ment.

Man sentenced for rape

) THE Maluti-a-Phofung LocalMunicipality will broadcast theState of the Nation Address onThursday, 12 February, at thePhuthaditjhaba MultipurposeHall at 17:00. Dress is formal.

) FREE STATE STARS willwelcome Pretoria University onSaturday, 14 February, at GoblePark. Kick-off is at 15:30.) THE Maluti FET College FCwill host the Royal Eagles onSaturday, 14 February, at theCharles Mopeli Stadium. Theevent will start at 15:30.

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EXPRESS EASTERN FREE STATE, WEDNESDAY 11 FEBRUARY 2015 3

NEWS

} Tladi Moloi

BETHLEHEM. – TrephineMalakoena, the owner of theRealeboha Day-Care Centre inLetshalemaduke, Qwaqwa, andVuyelwa Bongoza of the LeratoEdu-Care Centre in Zastronwalked away with the award forBest Early Childhood Development(ECD) Centre of the Year and theaward for the Best ECD Practition-er of the Year in the Free Staterespectively.They received their awards at

the South African Early ChildhoodDevelopment Provincial Awardswhich were held at the LavenderCountry Estate outside Bethlehemon Tuesday (03/02).They each received R5 000 for

their hard work.The awards ceremony was

hosted by the National Develop-ment Agency (NDA) and the FreeState Department of SocialDevelopment.Their victory has made both

Realeboha and Bongoza qualify fora licence to compete at thenational finals that will be held on26 March in Johannesburg.The South African Early

Childhood Development Awards(SAECD Awards) has been inexistence since 2003.Starting at provincial level, the

ECD awards achieved nationalcoverage in 2006.The awards are aimed at

recognising excellence in the ECDsector, innovations in ECDtraining methods and practice,best practice and at encouraging

the pursuit of excellence in theECD sector.The awards are run by a

partnership consisting of theSouth African Congress for EarlyChildhood Development, Absa, theDepartment of Basic Education(DBE) and Social Development(DSD), the National DevelopmentAgency (NDA), Unicef and the JimJoel Fund.The process for the first two

categories begins at provinciallevel and culminates at national

level.Applications are accepted at

provincial level following anoutreach process that calls fornominations.The provincial committee goes

through a process of short-listing,conducting verification site visitsand selecting finalists, after whichprovincial events are held toannounce the provincial winners.The provincial winners then

advance to the national awards.The national award is ceremony is

preceded by a three-day stay inGauteng that consists of a develop-ment workshop, networkingsessions, wellness treatments anda day excursion.Bongoza said she had not

expected to win the competitionbecause it had always been tough.“I am happy that I have managedto win. For the second time I amlooking forward to winning atnational level. I came fourth in thelast competition and I now knowwhat is expected of me,” he said.

Malakoena said she was confi-dent.“I expected it. I always work

hard to make sure things aregoing well. I think I will bringsomething to the national level. Iam going to work harder,” shesaid.Her centre is 21 years old. It

started with five children and atthe moment there are 81.Dr. Vuyelwa Nhlapo, the NDA

chief executive officer (CEO), saidshe would like to see more entriesin the province.“We received 3 911 entries in

2014 and 241 were from the FreeState. I am confident we can dobetter,” she said.She wished the winners the best

of luck going to the nationalfinals. “I would like to wish youthe best of luck. You should beproud of yourselves. Nevertheless,know that the work is not over;this is just the beginning becausefrom now on we are expectingmore good results from you,” shesaid.Sisi Ntombela, the MEC for

Social Development, said she washappy with the commitment thatshe had witnessed in the province.She urged those who had attendedthat they should keep up the goodwork and build the future of thechildren.“This is the beginning of good

things. I am sure we will havemore entries next year.“I am proud of those who have

won and surely they will do wellin the national competitions,” sheconcluded.

Women awarded for excellence

SISINTOMBELA, theMEC forSocial Development,VuyelwaBongozaof the LeratoEdu-CareCentre in Zastron(Best Early Childhood Development (ECD) Practitioner of the Year), Trephine Malakoena, the owner of theRealeboha Day-Care Centre from Letshalemaduke (Best Early Childhood Development (ECD) Centre of theYear), and Dr. Vuyelwa Nhlapo, the NDA chief executive officer (CEO), during the South African Early Child-hood Development Provincial Awards which were held at the Lavender Country Estate outside Bethlehem.

Photo: Tladi Moloi

SASSA e eletsa baamohedi bohle ba ditjhelete tsa dikerante ba ka tlase ho dilemo tse 60, ntle le batho ba nang leboqhwala, ba fumanang ditjhelete tsa mmuso ka tshebediso ya kgatiso ya monwana ha ba hula tjheletse ho tswamabenkeleng hore:

1. O se o tlamehile ho sebedisa nomoro ya lekunutu ha o batla ho dumela mabenkele hore e be mokgwa wa ho hula tjhelete.

2. O se o tla kgona hore o kgethe nomoro ya lekunutu lebenkeleng la kgetho ya hao mohlang o latang tjhelete ya hao.

3. E bang o kgetha ho se sebedise nomoro ya lekunutu, ha ona kgona ho hula tjhelete ya hao lebenkeleng, empa o tla kgona hosebedisa sebaka seo SASSA e patallang teng kapa o sebedise motjhini wa banka o sebedisang kgatiso tsa mengwana.

4. Batho bohle ba qalang ho ba le karete ba lokela ho etsa bonnete ba hore ba kgetha nomoro ya lekunutu ka dikarete tsa bonatse ntjha tsa SASSA.

Ela hloko: O seke wa fana ka nomoro ya hao ya lekunutu ho mang kapa mang.

TTshebediso ya nomoro ya lekunutu (Pin)shebediso ya nomoro ya lekunutu (Pin) ho netefatatsaho netefatatsabasebedisi ba dikarete mabenkelengbasebedisi ba dikarete mabenkeleng

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4 EXPRESS EASTERN FREE STATE, WEDNESDAY 11 FEBRUARY 2015

NEWS

PHUTHADITJHABA. – DrDipane Hlalele, Dr Cias Tsotetsiand Benedict Sebastian of theUniversity of the Free State’s(UFS) Qwaqwa Campus wererecently honoured for theircommunity involvement.

They were awarded the Vice-Rector’s Award for CommunityEngagement.

Hlalele and Tsotetsi of theSchool of Education Studies werejointly honoured for their exten-

sive research on engaging studentteachers in various community-oriented projects and programmesthat prepare them for their futureroles in society.

Both have over the last fewyears been involved with researchin the sustainable rural learningecologies niche area and areknown to be advocates of theemancipation of rural people inmatters related to education andlearning.

Awards for three of UFS

THE three recipients of the Vice-Rector’s Award for Community Engage-ment are from the left Benedict Sebastian, Dr Dipane Hlalele and DrCias Tsotetsi. Photo: Supplied

ERICMOTLOUNG is 100% correct. Service delivery in Bohlokong is non-existent. Just look at the picture, even though it is of poor quality. Thisiswhatwe experience during heavy rainfall. The area is 9thAvenue fromcircle 2 to Egypt. Photo: Supplied

THE 14th of February is aspecial day to you. But youneed to do the followingwhen you are on a date.You must be positive, becreative with romanticgestures. Share your feel-ings, not your thoughts.Make sure you love the oneyou’re with. Lastly, youshould prioritise your sig-nificant other. – BonganeMofokeng- Bohlokong,Bethlehem.

Getting washed away

Your messagesYour messagesand shout-outsand shout-outs

I JUSTwant to say happy birth-day tomy lovely friendNoziphoNgubeni. She is turning 20years old on 14 February. I wantto say you should enjoy yourday and let no one spoil yourday. – Tshidi Motaung fromHarrismith.

I WOULD like to send a shout outto Zoleka Pauline, whose birthdaywas on Saturday the seventh. Ahappy belated birthday. I wish hermany more years to come. –Martha Mokoena from Kestell.

I WOULD like to wish my wife,Matshidiso Sekhotsoenyane, ahappy belated birthday. I wishher many more years to come.– Matela Mokoena, Bohlokong,Bethlehem.

I WOULD like to say you musthave a nice day to my wife tobe, Mari. – Lebohang Mogoala-di.

ARE you using WhatsApp?If you are, Express Eastern

Free State wants to interact withyou. Tell us what is happeningin your area. This gives you achance to have local events inthe paper. You can also send usnewsworthy photos. Just send amessage to 060-914-1180. Keepon following us as we’ll haveinteresting topics for debate and

will give you the chance tosend birthday wishes to yourloved ones.

KA nako e nngwe kena le gotsenwa ke letsapa fa ke tshwanetsego kwala, ke tlhoka se ke tla buangka sona.

Nako nngwe dikakanyo tsame dia kgaoga, di sa gokagane go nnasengwe se se feletseng, se setlhamaletseng, se dira tlhaloganyo.Fa go le jalo ke gopola bogolo jwabatho ba ba lebeletseng sengwe gotswa mo go nna. Gantsi ke bona ekete ke bua ke atlhola, fela fa o kalebelela ke bua gonne ke nna keithuta kgotsa ke rata ba bangwe goithuta go tswa mo diphoshong tsame.

Ke lemogile thata gore dipuisanodi botlhokwa mo matshelong arona. Dikamano tsotlhe di tlhokadipuisano. Ko tirong, ko gae, kokerekeng, ko sekolong, gotlhe momotho o tshelang gone, go tshwan-

etse ga buisanwa. Re bone kgolol-osego ka go buisana. Fa go na lekgotlang e tlise re sa iketlile pelere nna le kgatelelo ya maikutlomme maikutlo a re tswala tlhalo-ganyo, re tlholega go nagana. Fa olwa le mongwe, e ka tswa e lemogatso, go supa gore nako eyotlhe lo ne lo ikgatholosa go buaka dilo tse di masisi, lo di potologago fitlhela o mongwe a thubega kego bipetsana.

Go tlholega go reetsa kgotsa gobua gongwe go ba bangwe goipolelela nnete, go feletsa go lentwa, dilo di senyegile. Fa retlogela go bua go sa le gale ntwa enna e kgolo mme e tla kubuganako e re sa e tlhokeng ka yona. Fadilo di senyegile, di siamise go sale gale. Se di tlogelele di senyegelapele gonne go ka nna thata go disiamisa kgotsa go tsaya matsapa.

Mathata gantsi a tlisiwa ke go saitse se o se batlang kgotsa bobedi losa bone ka go tshwana. Go bayamabaka go dira o eme go lo go legongwe mme gantsi go dira gore otlholege go tsaya maikarabelo. Gorego na le phosho mo nneteng o kabona fa re tshaba go bua ka dilotse di thata, re gata mae fa retshwanetse go tsamaya mmogo, re

tshaba go bua gore re bua phoshomme ra utlwisa yo mongwebotlhoko. Re dira ditshwetso ka goinaganela fela re fitlha dikgang tsedingwe. Nnete ga e yo fa re dula regakgamala kgotsa re swabisiwa keo mongwe, fa re seba, fa re naganagore ke a itse o ikemiseditse engjalo jalo. Gore re siamise retshwanetse ra buisana. Ra botsadipotso mo re sa tlhaloganyeng.Nako e nngwe re a fitlha fa reutlwile botlhoko kgotsa re tenegile.Re nagana fela gore ke a mo itse, ojalo, ke a itse o tla araba a re eng.Itsise o mongwe gore ditlhoko tsagago ke dife.

Letla gore batho ba itse o mang,o rata eng, ga o rate eng, o dumelamo go eng. Go sireletsa maikutlo abatho ba bangwe wena o sakgotsofala ga se yona karabo. A rebueng. A re bue go fitlhela omongwe a tlhaloganya.) Mang kapa mang ya a batlangho ngola kholomong ena, a kaikopanya le Jabulani Dlamini ho051-404-7910kapa email: Jabulani.Dlami-ni@volksblad.com) Mongodi ha ana ho lefiwa.) Where necessary Express editssome columns. – Ed.

Buisanang gorarabolla kgotlhang

Advocate Kuni DitaraAuthor

Letla gore batho baitse o mang, o rata

eng, ga o rate eng, odumela mo go eng.

Go sireletsa maikutloa batho ba bangwe

wena o sa kgotsofalaga se yona karabo. Are bueng. A re bue gofitlhela o mongwe a

tlhaloganya.

A re bueng

Follow Express Newspaperon Twitter @Express_efs

and join in theconversation.

EXPRESS EASTERN FREE STATE, WEDNESDAY 11 FEBRUARY 2015 5

NEWS

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V Oteng Mpete

“MY lobola was R1 200 in 1987. I was themost expensive bride your father’s villagehad ever seen, because I was beautifulwith long flowing hair and red nails,” saysmy mother beaming with pride.The women of Masaleng in Qwaqwa

never stood a chance against my mother’sbeauty and her Tswana heritage.Now, 28 years later, according to the

controversial “Lobola Calculator” app forsmartphones, my lobola would be awhopping R78 000.A series of questions are used to calcula-

te one’s worth. What is your highestqualification? How much do you weigh?(Because your worth is closely determinedby how many vetkoek you had last week)How attractive are you? To which the app’screators crassly ask the quiz-taker to be“honest” on a scale that ranges from not atall, average and really hot.

Not for the faint-hearted

When Nxobile Khubeka, a stay-at-homemom, met her husband in 2012, she wasonly 17 years old.The following year he proposed andmarried her. Six months later, they wereblessed with a baby girl.“My lobola was R60 000. I was barely out

of high school when my husband marriedme.“I hear a lot of whispers about my

lobola; that it was too much money for anunaccomplished woman.“But I have never really paid attention

to gossip,” says Khubeka.“I am not hurt by the gossip, I believe

that people are just jealous, that myhusband could afford to splurge on lobolaand an extravagant wedding,” she says.Lobola, which is loosely translated to

bride price, is meant to be a symbolicexpression of gratitude from a man to awoman. The groom shows his gratitude tothe bride’s family by paying them a“reasonable” amount of money.Lobola acts as the binding of the couple’s

marriage because it joins two families.“It is founded on two beliefs. First, that

lobola is never finished nor paid in full. Aman is forever indebted to his wife’sfamily for raising a wife for him and themother of his children,” says LesleyMofokeng, City Press columnist and writer.“Second, it is to say that this precious

woman’s value cannot be put into moneta-ry terms. A more romantic man would say:‘This is how far my money can stretch. It’snot enough to afford you, for I’m the luckyone to have you agree to spend the rest ofyour life with me’.”“Everybody is doing it all wrong. The

way lobola is practised nowadays is blatantexploitation of men.“I wouldn’t mind if my partner would

lobola me with just one cow. There shouldnot be a monetary amount attached tolobola,” says Ntando Mbata, heritagespecialist and writer.“It isn’t about the amount of money or

cows one can give, but rather about theblood shed that connects two families’ancestors.”With South Africa’s divorce rate increa-

sing drastically each year, most blackcouples need to bear in mind that lobolamoney is non-refundable. Selloane Khalane,journalist and mother of two, is currentlygoing through an amicable divorce withher husband. She is grateful for the lifethey spent together and the home she hadbuilt with him.“My father didn’t want their lobola

money; he didn’t believe that it was

practical. He always emphasised that thebest thing that must come out of the lobolaprocess is that my husband treats me likea queen,” she says.“My lobola was just over R20 000,

because I was independent, charismaticand hard-working.“I could drive a car and I was studying

at a university.“Although we’re not together anymore,

my husband would never ask for his lobolaback. It is an insult to do so.“The money paid out during the lobola

process is a small part of what lobola trulysignifies.”

Why women do it

Today, more and more women in SouthAfrica are accomplished professionals.These women drive expensive cars, paytheir own rent and buy property.“I would never be able to afford to pay

lobola, I am an artisan and my girlfriendis a dentist,” says Musa Mchunu (27).“I want to marry her, but I know that I

will never be able to afford to please herfamily.”Nevertheless, women with the financial

means to do so, are considering payingtheir own lobola.

Lolola is now a trending topic

The uproar caused by the “Lobola Calcula-tor” on Twitter and Facebook is proof thatthe algorithms used to measure the valueof the woman are flawed.“I knew this app would end up being a

way of making fun of our tradition, butI’m probably being oversensitive,” tweetedMayihlome Tshwete, spokesperson for theDepartment of Home Affairs and the son ofANC stalwart Steve Tshwete who died in2002.Atlegang Moshugi thought it was

ridiculous. “Relax, it’s not like your uncles

are going to use the app during yournegotiations,” tweeted MoshugiSihle Ntsaluba tweeted: “What is the

weighing based on? Does nobody feel thatthis app ridicules the true meaning behindwhat lobola stands for?”

People like to hide behind the name ofculture and do things that are logicallyinsensible and say “it’s my culture”.All one can hope for, as a future partici-

pant of the lobola process, is that sensibili-ty be practised by both families.

Holy cow! I amworth what?

FANIE FOURIE’S LOBOLA was a movie that depicted love between a Zulu woman andan Afrikaans man and the woes that came with negotiating lobola. Photo: Channel24

KHULUBUSE ZUMA, mining millionaire and former taxi boss, paid R600 000 which is 100 cows worth of lobola for his Swati bride,Fikisiwe-Dlamini. Photo: SundaySun

6 EXPRESS EASTERN FREE STATE, WEDNESDAY 11 FEBRUARY 2015

NEWS

} Nthati Motsoeneng

DIYATALAWA. – A Chinesedelegation recently visited theDiyatalawa Agricultural Farm inthe Maluti-a-Phofung LocalMunicipality.

The visit was aimed at monito-ring the agricultural and commu-nity development initiatives onthe farm.

Diyatalawa was identified asone of the sites of the RuralDevelopment Programme by theFree State Government, whichinvests in infrastructure develop-ment, social economic develop-ment, as well as services provi-sion, including water and energyin the community.

The Chinese delegation alsoheld a meeting with CharlesTaetsane, the Maluti-a-Phofungmunicipal manager, who repre-sented the executive mayor, VusiTshabalala.

One of the key points raisedduring the presentation session,was the methodology and strategyfollowed in the early stages of thisprogramme until its final stages,for benchmarking purposes.

Diyatalawa has been developedinto a full agricultural area. Thegovernment bought the land forbeneficiaries who are residents onthe farm. Government also built

houses for the beneficiaries.A primary school and crèche

have been erected for the localfarm children, and also for kids inthe neighbouring areas. Houseswere built for teachers and ahostel facility for the kids.

Solar panels were also installedto supply cheaper power andwater.

There is about 750 ha of landwhere maize and soy beans havebeen planted by the community.

A total of 2 ha of land is coveredin apple trees and approximately40 cows supply milk for dairyproducts.

The farm also boasts 100 head ofcattle and the pastures are underirrigation to provide feed for theseanimals.

“We are grateful to have Chinaas our stakeholder. We are alsograteful for your cooperation withthe South African Governmentand sharing crucial informationwith us,” said Taetsane.

“We are honoured to be a partof the programme which nurturesagricultural growth and communi-ty upliftment. Joining forces withthe South African Governmentwill enable both our countries toachieve a common goal,” said ZuoChangsheng, the director generalof the International PovertyReduction Centre in China.

} Tladi Moloi

BETHLEHEM. – Working onFire’s (WoF) firefighters recentlyworked hard in the BethlehemRegional Hospital after thehospital’s lifts had a mechanicalproblem and eventually brokedown.

The hospital managementrequested the WoF to assist withthe logistics in the four-storeybuilding while the lift problemwas being attended to.

Firefighters helped by deliveringfood to patients, walking patientsto their wards and taking thebodies of patients who had died tothe mortuary.

The two groups of firefightersworked in alternating 12-hourshifts from 06:00 to 18:00 and viceversa to ensure the smoothrunning of the hospital.

Dr Liam Selfridge, who was incharge of the hospital over theweekend, said the fire fighters hadbeen of great value to the hospital.

“They were brilliant; theywalked up and down the hospitalhelping patients in and out. Wewould not have been able to copewithout their help,” he said.

He said the part necessary to fixthe lifts had been ordered fromDubai and usually took two daysto arrive.

Although he was not sure, hehoped things would be back tonormal on Tuesday.

Willem van Aswegen, thegeneral manager of WoF in theFree State, said he was veryproud of the firefighters who had

contributed to the easy running ofthe hospital.

“We are always there to helpwherever we can, it’s part of theprogramme to save people’s lives

and make things better.”WoF is a government funded

programme established in 2003.In the programme, young people

from disadvantaged backgrounds

are recruited and trained as veldand forest firefighters.

The firefighters are professional-ly trained and employed all yearround.

Apart from their fire- fightingwork during the fire season, theyalso participate in fire preventioncampaigns in communities mostlyaffected by veld fires.

Firefighters help out at hospital

EMPLOYEES of Working on Fire (WOF) in Bethlehem were temporarily working at the hospital until two elevators which had been damagedby lightning, were fixed. From the left are MookgoMatuka, Jacob Radebe Ntsebeng, Maitse Charl Genis (chairman of the Bethlehem Fire Associa-tion), Ntseke Zongezile, Seipai Mokoena, Papiki Mthimkulu, Rantho Mofokeng and Joyce Zulu. Photo: Susan Maré

THE cast ofMoratuwa, the newSouthern Sotho movie fromQwaqwa, at the Phuthaditjha-ba Hall in Qwaqwa. The moviewas supposed to be launchedhere on Saturday (07/02). How-ever, the event did not takeplace due to load shedding. Po-kotho Zondo, the producer,said he was disappointed andadded that load shedding wasone of the problems they couldnot solve. He said they wouldannounce another date for thelaunch. Photo: Tladi Moloi

Chinese delegation visits Diyatalawa Farm

Launchpostponed

CHARLES TAETSANE (left), the Maluti-a-Phofung municipal manager, shakes hands with Zuo Changsheng,director general of the International Poverty Reduction Centre in China. On the right is Jiang Xiaohua, vice-minister of poverty alleviation and development. Photo: Nthati Motsoeneng

EXPRESS EASTERN FREE STATE, WEDNESDAY 11 FEBRUARY 2015 7

SPORT

IVORY COAST won a second African Cupof Nations (Afcon) title by edging outGhana 9-8 on penalties in the final onSunday (08/02).

Veteran goalkeeper Boubacar Barryslotted the winning kick after saving theprevious attempt by his counterpart fromGhana, Razak Braimah.

Frenchman Herve Renard consequentlybecame the first coach to win the competi-tion with two countries, having guidedZambia to their sole continental triumph in2012.

The tense shootout, which involved everyman in the park and saw the Elephantsmiss their first two penalties, followed anotherwise dull 120 minutes of football inBata, Equatorial Guinea.

In a combative opening period, the BlackStars came agonisingly close to scoringwhen Christian Atsu struck the post in the25th minute.

At the other end, Wilfried Bony failed tohit the target on the half-hour mark afterbeing teed up on the edge of the area bySiaka Tiene.

Ghana X four-time Afcon champions Xthreatened again soon after, as AndréAyew’s attempted cutback was deflectedonto the upright.

The second stanza was similarly physical,but woefully short of goal-mouth action, aswas extra time.

The Ivorians first won the tournament in1992, ousting the same opponents 11-10 onpenalties in Senegal.

The penalty sequence played out asfollows: Wakaso scores, Bony misses; JAyew scores, Tallo misses; Acquah saved,Aurier scores; Acheampong misses, Doum-bia scores; Ayew scores, Yaya Toure scores;Mensah scores, Kalou scores; Agyemang-Ba-du scores, Kolo Toure scores; Afful scores,Kanon scores; Rahman scores, Bailly scores;Boye scores, Serey Die scores; Braimahsaved, Barry scores.– KickOff.com

Ivory Coastclaims Afcon

ARE you good atsport – or issomeone in yourschool or place ofeducation good atsport?

Are you motivat-ing or trainingothers to be good at sport?

Are you getting people active at yourschool, in your community or at yourgym?Express Eastern Free State (EFS) wants

to hear from you.SuperSport’s Let’s Play identified the

need among the youth to get more activein sport.

With this in mind, SuperSport and Let’sPlay, in association with Express EFS,annually present a special initiative.

We want to find and give recognition tolearners at either primary or high schoollevel who excel in sport or who arehelping others to be more active in theirdaily lifestyle.

The SuperSport Let’s Play Sports Star ofthe Month is a competition for anyoneaged six to 18.

You can nominate yourself or even benominated by a friend or teacher, lectureror coach at your school or place ofeducation.

The winner will be chosen from all thenominations received for that month.

The monthly winner will receive a Let’sPlay hamper filled with goodies.

From all the entries received eachmonth, one player will be chosen as theSuperSport Let’s Play Sports Star of theMonth.

At the end of the year only one playerfrom all the monthly winners will bechosen as the SuperSport Let’s Play SportsStar of the Year.

Your nomination must include thefollowing information: your name andsurname, your age and a short paragraph(less than 200 words) on what you haveachieved on the sport sphere.

Your contact details must also beincluded.

You can email your nomination tosupersport@zpr.co.za or send a fax to086-552-4922.

Search foryoung sportsstars is on GENERAL &

HOME SERVICES

MISCELLANEOUS

1845

FOR ALL TOMB-STONES and repairs todamaged tombstones, aswell as epitaphs, etc.Phone 058 303 4840. BHM.

LEGAL & TENDERS

GENERAL

NOTICES

4010

NOTICE OF PUBLIC PAR-TICIPATION PROCESS

Notice is given in terms ofthe National EnvironmentalWaste Management Act,2008 (Act 59 of 2008) ofintent to apply for a licencefor the upgrading of the exi-sting landfill site in Koffie-fontein. The public participa-tion process will be mana-ged according to Section56(2)(c) of the regulationspublished in GovernmentNotice No. R. 385 publishedin Government Notice 28753of 21 April 2006 of theNational EnvironmentalManagement Act 1998 (Act107 of 1998) as amended.The proposed licensing ofthe existing waste siterequires an application sub-ject to a Scoping and Envi-ronmental ImpactAssessment Process (EIA).Table 1: Project DescriptionPROJECT NAMEKoffiefontein SWS LicenceApplicationSITE LOCATION: Portion 1and 2 of Rorich’s Hoop, tothe West of Koffiefontein.The activity is listed inGovernment Gazette No.37083 (29/11/13) under theNational EnvironmentalManagement: Waste Act(59/2008), as:Activity number: Activity B8: New licence applicationfor the disposal of generalwaste to land covering anarea of in excess of 200 sqm and with a total capacityexceeding 25 000 tons.The projected has been regi-stered with the Departmentof Economic Development,Tourism and EnvironmentalAffairs, ref:WML/EIA/11/2014.In order to ensure that youare identified as interestedand/or affected partiesplease submit your name,contact information andinterest in the matter inwriting to the contact per-son given below within 40days of publication of thisnotice.

PLEASE NOTE THAT THEDRAFT SCOPINGREPORT IS AVAILABLEFOR REVIEWEnvironmental AssessmentPractitionerLorato Tigedi(T) 051 430 1041/2 orlorato@nsvt.co.zaPO Box 42452, Heuwelsig9332

X1PQ81AW-QQ110215

X1PQ80ER-QQ110215

SEEK, BUY, SELL

NKETOANA (F.S. 193)(Reitz, Petrus Steyn, Lindley and Arlington)

LOCAL MUNICIPALITY

Notice is hereby given in terms of Section 127 (5)(a)(i)(ii) of theMunicipal Finance Management Act, Act 56 of 2003, for thecommunity of Nketoana to submit their representation and publiccomments on the Draft Annual Report for 2013/2014 financial year,which was tabled before Council on 29/01/2015. A copy thereof maybe scrutinized at the following places:

1. Public Libraries in Reitz, Petsana, Mamafubedu, Lindley,Nthaand Leratswana.

2. Municipal Offices in Reitz, Mamafubedu, Lindley and Arlington

Any comments or representations must be submitted in writing to theMunicipal Manager’s Office or send by post to: PO Box 26 Reitz9810 and to reach him on or before 4 March 2015.

Any person who cannot write may come to the Manager IDP & PMSduring office hours for assistance with the transcribing of commentsand representations on the report.

For more information please contact the Manager IDP &PMS,Stephani Venter onTel number : 058 863 2811 x 220Fax : 086 402 9244E-mail : stephani@nketoanafs.co.za

LI MokgatlheMunicipal ManagerPO Box 26REITZ9810

ANNUAL REPORT FOR 2013/2014INVITATION FOR COMMENTS AND INPUTS

X1PQBM89-QQ110215

8 EXPRESS EASTERN FREE STATE, WEDNESDAY 11 FEBRUARY 2015

E F SASTERN REE TATE

Valid Between 12 February and 14 February 2015For Bookings Contact - 051 410 2121

SUN INTERNATIONAL SUPPORTS RESPONSIBLE GAMBLING. GAMBLING FOR PERSONS 18 YEARS AND OLDER. WINNERS KNOW WHEN TOSTOP. NATIONAL RESPONSIBLE GAMBLING TOLL FREE COUNSELING LINE 0800 006 008. SUN INTERNATIONAL CASINOS ARE LICENSED CASINOS.

suninternational.com

SPECIAL VALENTINES OFFER PRICE PACKAGE INCLUDES

French Café in the Boulevard R 600 per coupleTickets available at the Casino

• French Café Finger Dinner - A variety of speciality dishes ranging fromfresh bread, Tantalizing flambé and mouth watering deserts.

• Musical Sounds from the Delivery Boys.

Rosie’s Valentines Buffet R 185• A spectacular spread of hot and cold dishes that are sure to satisfy

everyone’s taste buds.

Package 1(Value of R 4 350)

Platinum - R 1 500Gold - R 2 999New members (Membership free) - R 3 900

• 2 nights’ accomodation incl breakfast• Picnic basket (Saturday afternoon)• Dinner x 2 - Friday night at Rosie’s• Spa Voucher to the value of R300• R 1 000 Free Play for members only (Membership Free)

Package 2(Value of R 2 260)

Platinum - R 900Gold - R 1 500New members (Membership free) - R 2 100

• 1 nights’ accomodation incl breakfast• Picnic basket (Saturday afternoon)• Spa Voucher to the value of R300• R 500 Free Play for members only (Membership Free)

} Tladi Moloi

PHUTHADITJHABA. – Maluti FET CollegeFC will be hoping for positive results intheir National First Division (NFD) leagueencounter against Santos at the CharlesMopeli Stadium in Qwaqwa today (11/02).Kick-off is scheduled for 15:30. With a new

coach in charge, Jonny Mafereka, thestudents know that they will have to fightfor dear life in this second round of theleague.They are sitting at a dangerous position

on the log table that could see them beingrelegated to the ABC Motsepe League ifthey don’t wake up.Maluti is rooted at the bottom of the table

with only eight points after 16 games.

They are coming head-to-head against theCape Town outfit who is sitting on positionfive on the table with 23 points after thesame number of games.They are just nine points away from the

log leaders, Jomo Cosmos.In their first leg encounter, Santos

narrowly beat Maluti 3-2 in the game thattook place at the Athlone stadium in CapeTown.However, nothing much could be said

about the two teams since they have beenwarming up themselves with friendly gamesduring the African Cup of Nations break.Mafereka said the team was ready for the

game and added that the players wereaware that it was a must-win game.“We should make sure that we collect

points as soon as possible,” he said. “Win-ning the Santos game will give us moreconfidence going into the next leaguegame.”He said he was happy with the team’s

performance.“We played a few friendly games and all

of them yielded positive results. Our lastgame was against the Premier Leagueoutfit, Free State Stars, and we held them toa 2-2 draw.“We have managed to instil discipline at

the back and goals have been comingaround lately,” he said.Mafereka said they needed 30 points to

avoid relegation. “We just need to win tengames out of the remaining ones and wewill be safe.”

NFD encounter amust-winON THE BALL: Modibedi Mokoena (left, the Maluti FET College right winger), will be hoping to guide his team to their first win of2015 when they face Santos at the Charles Mopeli stadium. The other player going for the ball here is Mopapa “Zidane” Mofokeng(right). Photo: Tladi Moloi

For more sports newsand photos go to

www.express-news.co.za

BETHLEHEM. – Free StateStars have hired former Ea LlaKoto gloveman Walter Khumaloas their interim goalkeepercoach.Khumalo takes over the duties

from Jo Stock, who resigned on

Tuesday. Stars general managerRantsi Mokoena said on theclub’s website: “Khumalo willwork as an interim keeper coachuntil the management meets tofinalise his future at the club.”– KickOff.com

Khumalo takes over reigns

BLOEMFONTEIN. – Bloemfontein Celtichave announced the signing of defendersMarubini Alushavhiwi and Tshepo Mbhazi-ma Rikhotso of Roses United.The two have signed four-year deal with

Phunya Sele Sele, having also previouslyplayed for Celtic Colts and National FirstDivision side Vasco da Gama.Alushavhiwi (23) told Celtic’s official

website: “My vision has expanded to newhorizons. I’m eternally blessed for theopportunity. I recall how I travelled toBloemfontein from Venda a few years ago insearch of a brighter future and now can seethe light. I will not only commit, but makesure I play my heart out for this beautifulbrand.”Rikhotso (22) added: “Most players are

dying for such a great opportunity. I’mshaking in disbelief knowing how huge theCeltic brand is. I promise that the desire toprosper will keep me focused.”– KickOff.com

Pair signswith Celtic

} Tladi Moloi

BETHLEHEM. –Free State Starsare looking forthree points inthe Absa PremierLeague clashagainst Super-Sport United in the Lucas MoripeStadium in Pretoria on Wednesday(11/02). Kick-off is at 18:30.The PSL resumed on Tuesday (10/02)

with three games after a long Christ-mas combined with the African Cup ofNations break.Ea Lla Koto come into Wednesday’s

encounter sitting on the wrong end ofthe table. They are third from thebottom of the league, above PlatinumStars and Amazulu.The Bethlehem-based outfit have

collected 18 points in 17 league games,which means they still have a moun-tain to climb in order to avoidrelegation, which they dodged at the11th hour last season.However, they know that playing

Matsatsantsa in Pretoria will not be awalk in the park. United are onposition 11 with 20 points in 16 games.Gordon Igesund’s boys will be

gunning for revenge after they hadsuffered a 3-2 defeat to the same sidein August last year.

Stars needthree points