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Brought to you by Government Communications (GCIS) April 2012 

Celebrating 

freedom 

and justice 

for ALL > p2 

Meet 

SA’s top 

teachers > p4 

Megaprojects 

put SA 

to work 

Stephen Timm 

South Africa will be a country at work 

over the next decade with thousands 

of job opportunities in the pipeline 

as a number of infrastructure megaprojects 

get underway across several provinces. 

With these projects, President Jacob Zuma’s 

vision for the future - as set out in his State of 

the Nation Address – in early February - is 

now starting to take shape. 

“We want to have a country where millions 

more South Africans have decent employment 

opportunities, which has a modern infrastructure 

and vibrant economy and where 

the quality of life is high,” the President said. 

In his Budget Speech, Minister of Finance 

Pravin Gordhan said the Budget sets out a 

sound and lasting financial plan for implementing 

this vision. 

The Budget set South Africa on a path that 

would not be easy, he said. “But the journey 

is under way. We have embarked on the long 

walk to economic freedom.” 

The Budget set in motion plans for several 

Dube Trade 

Port launched 

“I 

am impressed by developments 

at the Dube Trade 

Port,” President Jacob Zuma 

said as he officially launched 

the trade port in March. 

It was a special occasion for the President, 

Vuk’uzenzele is 

road, port, rail and information and communication 

projects, as well as the building 

of new clinics, hospitals, schools and universities 

over the next few years. A number of 

electricity, oil, gas and water projects will also 

be undertaken during this time. 

Framework 

In March, Cabinet approved the Infrastructure 

Development Framework, which 

contains a management and delivery system 

that brings together provinces, national departments 

and municipalities in rolling out 

key infrastructure. 

The plan includes 17 strategic projects, a 

geographic information mapping system and 

job-creation projects, among other things. 

A large number of jobs will be created during 

both the initial construction phase – where 

there will be plenty of opportunities to tender 

for projects across various provinces – and 

following the completion of these projects. 

Better roads, rail, information and communication 

systems, as well as a more secure 

supply of electricity and water will make 

it easier for businesses to operate, unlock 

as he had pioneered the construction of the 

trade port and the King Shaka International 

Airport during his days as the KwaZulu- 

Natal MEC for Economic Development. 

The Dube Trade Port Corporation - a stateowned 

company - is in a position to boost 

economic development and job creation. 

With its strategic location between the two 

largest seaports in the southern hemisphere 

- Durban and Richards Bay - the Dube Trade 

Port will contribute to key economic objectives 

in the province.“The Trade Port is also 

set to be Southern Africa’s premier logistics 

FREE 

Thousands of job opportunities are in the pipeline as plans for a number of infrastructure mega-projects are set in motion. 

investments and expand their operations. 

It will also make it easier for more South 

Africans to start new businesses. 

Incentive to invest 

Corporate South Africa, according to Stanlib 

economist Kevin Lings, is sitting with 

hundreds of billions of rands in savings 

which could be ploughed into the building 

of new offices and factories and hiring more 

staff. All they need is the incentive to invest. 

Government’s infrastructure projects are 

intended to create the confidence needed for 

businesses to take their savings and spend it 

on building the country. 

In all, 43 major infrastructure projects, 

totalling R3,2 trillion in spending over the 

next few years, are in the pipeline. Transnet 

is already set to spend R300 billion over the 

next seven years on capital projects, including 

about R200 billion on rail, with the majority 

of the balance on ports. 

Five regions 

In preparation for the National Health Insurance 

system, hospitals and nurses’ homes 

platform, given that the Port of Durban 

provides connectivity to 53 international 

destinations and access to local distribution 

networks,” said President Zuma. 

“We expect this corridor to also stimulate 

growth in the KZN Midlands, a major 

agricultural and industrial region through 

which this route will pass.” 

After the launch, the President joined the 

Dube family to unveil a statue of the ANC’s 

founding president John Langalibalele 

Dube, at the Dube Trade Port offices. 

Turn to page 8 for more information about the launch 

will be refurbished. A total of R300 million 

has been allocated for the preparatory work 

towards building new universities in Mpumalanga 

and Northern Cape. 

The infrastructure mega-projects will centre 

on five main geographical regions. These 

include: 

In Limpopo – the Waterberg in the west 

and Steelpoort in the east. 

A Durban-Free State-Gauteng logistics 

and industrial corridor. 

A south-eastern node in the Eastern 

Cape to link the province with the 

Northern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal. 

Various projects in the North West, 

Along the west coast in the Western 

Cape. 

Presidency leads 

The infrastructure plan is being driven and 

overseen by the Presidential Infrastructure 

Coordinating Commission, which brings 

together ministers, premiers and metro 

mayors under the President and Deputy 

President. 

The new commission, which has already 

met several times, was formed in September 

last year. 

It also aims to get departments to spend 

their allocations for infrastructure projects 

better, through a number of initiatives. 

They focus on providing staff to struggling 

municipalities using graduate interns, a 

municipal support agency to be set up this 

year and technical assistance provided to 

these municipalities. 

With these mega-projects, it is clear that 

government means business on a large scale. 

South Africans can expect a productive next 

few years, as government partners with 

businesses and workers to build a better 

country. 

. . . but please pass it on when you are done

General 


April 2012 

Celebrating 

our freedom 

Louise van Niekerk 

On 27 April each year, South 

Africans observe Freedom Day to 

commemorate the first democratic 

elections held on this date in 1994. 

This day also serves to remind us of 

the struggle for a free and just South 

Africa and the achievements we have 

made as a nation. 

National Freedom Day encourages 

South Africans to participate in the 

commemoration of the struggle to 

build a non-racial, democratic South 

Africa in which we all have the freedom to 

prosper. 

This year’s Freedom Day theme - “Joining 

Hands to Celebrate 100 Years of struggle for 

Human Rights and Constitutional Democracy” 

- coincides with the formation of the South African 

Native National Congress (which later 

became the African National Congress (ANC) 

in 1912. 

The road to democracy 

The road to democracy was a long and difficult 

struggle of resistance against oppression by a 

minority government. The resistance movement 

became formalised with the formation 

of the ANC. 

The ANC and its allies sought freedom for 

all its people and continued to challenge the 

unjust apartheid laws. When The Congress of 

the People, held in Kliptown in 1955, adopted 

President Jacob Zuma addresses a crowd during Freedom Day celebrations last year. 

the Freedom Charter, the blueprint for a democratic 

South Africa was laid. 

The Charter affirmed that, “South Africa belongs 

to all who live in it, black and white, and 

that no government can justly claim authority 

unless it is based on the will of the people.” 

Following the Soweto Uprising of 1976, the 

liberation struggle gained momentum. Trade 

union movements started to revive and assert 

the rights of workers. Hundreds of residents’ 

associations, as well as sports, student, 

women’s and religious organisations joined the 

resistance struggle. 

By 1988, a stalemate had been reached and 

the apartheid government started looking for a 

way out. As a result, negotiations were started 

with the ANC leadership. This eventually led to 

the unbanning of the ANC, the South African 

Communist Party (SACP), the Pan African 

Congress (PAC) and other organisations on 2 

February 1990. 

Non-racial Constitution 

A non-racial, interim constitution was negotiated 

in 1993 and paved the way for the establishment 

of the first democratic government 

following the 27 April 1994 general election. 

President Nelson Mandela was inaugurated 

as the President of South Africa on 10 May 1994. 

The Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 

1996, was approved by the Constitutional 

Court on 4 December 1996 and took effect on 

4 February 1997. 

Significance of Freedom Day 

Today, we celebrate Freedom Day to mark 

freedom for all South Africans. 

The day is also an opportunity for government 

to reaffirm its commitment to consolidate 

democracy and promote cultural diversity and 

social cohesion. This is done in a system that 

guarantees that never again will humanity be 

taken from any South African, irrespective of 

race, gender, creed or sexual orientation. 

In commemorating the heroes and heroines 

and the role played by ordinary citizens in 

the country and abroad, government calls on 

everyone to unite in creating a better future 

for all. 

Nation-building requires all South Africans 

to live by example, ensuring that the values 

and principles enshrined in our Constitution 

become a lived reality in the development of 

fully functioning communities. 

What the Constitution 

means to the people 

Shanine Hendriks 

I think the Constitution is very important 

for South Africans. It allows them to 

understand their rights as human beings 

and to ensure that they uphold and respect 

the law at all times. Without it society 

would be in chaos. The constitution isn’t 

just important, it is the MOST important 

document ever crafted in South Africa. It is 

the one document that affects every single 

citizen in this country every single day. 

We, the people of South Africa … 

Louise van Niekerk 

The theme for this year’s Freedom 

Day is “Joining hands to celebrate 100 

years of struggle for human rights and 

constitutional democracy”. As such, 

the spotlight falls on South Africa’s 

Constitution, which exemplifies 

human rights, democracy and 

freedom. 

the people of South 

Africa, recognise the 

injustices of our past; 

“We, 

honour those who suffered 

for justice and freedom in our land; respect 

those who have worked to build and 

develop our country; and believe that South 

Africa belongs to all who live in it, united in 

our diversity.” 

These words from the preamble of South Africa’s 

Constitution, refer to the fundamental 

human rights included in the Constitution. 

South Africa’s Constitution is widely recognised 

as one of the most progressive in the 

world. Human rights occupy pride of place 

in the Constitution with the Bill of Rights 

having attracted interest worldwide. 

Contained in Chapter 2, the Bill of Rights 

is the part of the Constitution that has had 

the greatest influence on South Africans. The 

first words of the chapter introduce the Bill of 

Rights as a “cornerstone of democracy” that 

enshrines the rights of all South Africans.” 

Among other things, it protects our freedom 

and our dignity; it promotes equality, tolerance, 

responsible behaviour and respect for 

human life and supports all the other values 

in the Constitution. 

SA first 

Among the rights included in the Bill of 

Rights are the right to life, equality, human 

dignity, freedom of expression, freedom of 

religion, freedom of association, political 

rights and the right to peaceful assembly 

and demonstration. 

These are the “first generation” rights, 

which are guaranteed in most democratic 

countries. 

However, a distinctive feature of our right 

to equality is that it includes a prohibition 

against unfair discrimination based on sexual 

orientation. South Africa is the first country 

in the world to insert such a clause in its 

Constitution. 

Our Bill of Rights also contains socio-economic 

rights, or “second generation” rights. 

These place a duty on government to work 

to provide education, health services, water 

and housing. 

The last group of rights in the Bill of Rights, 

the “third generation” rights, has also attracted 

admiration for our Constitution. They 

include the right to having the environment 

protected, the right of access to information 

and the right to just administrative action. 

The rights conferred by the Constitution 

have been the basis of a number of groundbreaking 

court cases. Examples include cases 

involving the rights for women, children, 

workers and gays and lesbians. 

Supporting democracy 

Another significant feature of our Constitution 

is that it has set up several independent 

bodies to support and safeguard democracy. 

These are the: 

• Auditor-General 

• Commission for the Promotion and 

Protection of the Rights of Cultural, Religious 

and Linguistic Communities 

• Commission on Gender Equality 

• Human Rights Commission 

• Independent Electoral Commission 

• Public Protector 

Collective wisdom 

South Africa’s Constitution was signed into 

law on 10 December 1996, and took effect on 

4 February 1997. It is the supreme law of the 

land and no other law or government action 

can supersede the provisions of the Constitution. 

The Constitution represents the collective 

wisdom of the South African people, as it has 

been arrived at by general agreement. 

The process of drafting the Constitution 

involved many South Africans in the largest 

public participation programme ever carried 

out in South Africa. 

After nearly two years of intensive consultations, 

political parties represented in 

the Constitutional Assembly negotiated the 

formulations contained in this text. It represents 

an integration of ideas from ordinary 

citizens, civil society and political parties from 

inside, as well as outside the Constitutional 

Assembly. 

Marlet Venter 

South Africa has one of the most advanced 

constitutions in the world, which is based 

on freedom and equality for all citizens. 

The Bill of Rights especially makes most 

South Africans feel safe in the knowledge 

that their basic rights are constitutionally 

protected. As the highest law in the 

country, our Constitution was born after 

a great deal of debate and negotiation. I 

was therefore shocked to learn that government 

wants to make some changes and 

it is disturbing to think that it may take 

power or freedom away from the people. 

Gizelle Athman 

The Constitution contains the most important 

rules of our political system. It protects 

the rights of the people inside the country, 

and it explains their obligations. It defines 

the institutions of South Africa, what their 

powers are, and how they may use their 

powers. All South Africans should know 

about the Constitution and what it means 

for them, yet the shocking thing is that 

most South Africans think it’s just a small 

irrelevant book.

April 2012 

Health 


The state of provincial healthcare 

“We have identified critical social infrastructure projects. These include projects aimed at laying the basis for the National Health Insurance system such as 

the refurbishment of hospitals and nurses’ homes,” said President Jacob Zuma in his State of the Nation Address earlier this year. 

In their subsequent State of the Province Addresses (SOPA), the Premiers of the nine provinces spelled out how they planned to spend the money allocated 

to them to improve health services in their provinces. 

Northern Cape 

Students in various categories of healthcare are currently serving 

their contractual obligations towards the Northern Cape 

Department of Health. They comprise 11 dental assistants, 23 

basic ambulance assistants and 11 graduates on the Cuban 

Programme who have completed their studies as medical 

practitioners. A further 12 students have been accepted into 

the Cuban Programme and have started with their studies. In 

total, 64 students are studying towards their medical degrees 

at various institutions. 

To supplement the much-depleted nursing corps, 154 students 

are studying towards the four-year Comprehensive Training 

Degree. In addition, the Mapoteng, Riemvasmaak, Boichoko and 

Grootmier Clinics have been completed, the West End Hospital 

State Patients Unit has been upgraded, the De Aar and Upington 

hospitals are being built and the new Kimberley Hospital is in 

the design phase. Additional clinics are being built at Deurham 

and Ka-Gung and a clinic is planned for Heuningsvlei. 

... for more info call: 018 387 5778 

North West 

Premier Thandi Modise said work was progressing 

on the new Bophelong Psychiatric Hospital and 

the hospital building project is expected to be 

completed this year. In addition, the Provincial 

Government will use the hospital revitalisation 

grant to upgrade Lichtenburg Hospital and its 

nursing college, as well as staff accommodation 

for the Brits Hospital. The revitalisation grant 

will also be used to refurbish the Moses Kotane, 

Potchefstroom and Taung Nursing Colleges. 

Extensions of facilities will also be completed 

at Mmabatho and Excelsius nursing colleges. In 

addition, the revitalisation grant will be used to 

renovate Buxton, Tweelingspan and Moshana 

clinics and to build four community health centres 

at Sikhing, Maquassi Hills, Mathibestada and 

Joubertina. 

Limpopo 

The Limpopo Provincial Government has been hard at 

work intensifying the fight against HIV and AIDS by increasing 

the number of healthcare centres and offering 

comprehensive HIV and AIDS treatment. “In 2009, we 

had only 80 healthcare centres with necessary facilities 

to offer comprehensive HIV and AIDS treatment; now 

we have 483 centres accredited to offer the treatment 

to our people and we are determined to increase this 

number,” said Premier Cassell Mathale. 

“We will also continue l devoting special attention to 

diseases such as diabetes, tuberculosis, malaria and 

others. These diseases are affecting many of our people 

and we have a responsibility to reduce and curb them.” 

Siloam Hospital will also be revitalised at a cost of 

R250 million through the Presidential Infrastructure 

Coordinating Commission. 


Western Cape 

The construction of Khayelitsha District 

Hospital has been completed and will be 

officially opened on 17 April, said Premier 

Helen Zille. The first patients have already 

been transferred to the new facility and 

the 24-hour emergency centre, as well 

as the obstetrics and paediatrics wards 

are fully operational. The construction of 

Mitchell’s Plain District Hospital is also on 

track and will be fully commissioned by 

March 2013, the Premier added. 

A number of district hospitals and clinics 

have also been renovated and 

upgraded. These include ARV 

treatment facilities at the 

Crossroads, Gugulethu and 

Retreat clinics, as well as 

repairs to district hospitals 

in Beaufort West, Vredendal 

and Riversdale. 

The Valkenberg Hospital is 

earmarked for a R1 billion revamp, 

which will include 17 buildings 

to be added to the complex and 

an increase in the bed capacity from 

92 to 432. This will contribute towards 

better care for psychiatric patients and 

drastically reduce the waiting lists of 

awaiting trial prisoners who need psychiatric 

observation. The project will be 

completed by July 2016. 


Northern Cape 

Western Cape 

North West 

Free Sate 

Eastern Cape 

Limpopo 

Mpumalanga 

Gauteng 

Kwazulu-Natal 

Mpumalanga 

In preparation for the National Health 

Insurance (NHI), seven community 

health centres and clinics will be built 

and existing facilities upgraded. 

Premier David Mabuza said all health 

facilities in the province are implementing 

quality improvement plans 

in line with the core standards for NHI 

compliance. 

Qualified professionals will be 

appointed to manage health facilities, 

while training of nurses, 

pharmacists and allied health 

professionals will be accelerated. 

An efficient and effective system 

for drug supply management and 

distribution will also be introduced. 

Other measures will include improving 

access to healthcare centres, 

conducting 50 000 male medical circumcisions, 

expanding the HIV Counselling 

and Testing Programme and improving 

the tuberculosis cure rate. 

In addition, the Bethal, Carolina, Matibidi, 

Sabi and Mmamentlake hospitals 

in Dr JS Moroka Local Municipality will 

be upgraded. Community health centres 

and clinics will be built at Tweefontein, 

Phosa Village, Sinqobile, Mbhejeka, 

Pankop, Wakkerstroom and Siyathemba. 


Free State 

On the provision of primary health care, 

Free State Premier Ace Magashule said 

the Provincial Health Department would 

continue to improve primary healthcare in 

all districts and municipalities. 

Special attention would be given to better 

access to primary healthcare services, especially 

through outreach programmes to 

households and communities, he addedd. 

This will include the employment of 600 fully 

trained community health workers into 

family health teams in 47 wards within the 

province. In addition, community health 

centres would be established at Pelonomi 

Hospital in Bloemfontein, as well as in 

Zastron, Sasolburg and QwaQwa, he said. 

“The maintenance of health facilities in 

the province will continue to receive priority 

attention,” the Premier added. The 

province plans to build new hospitals in 

Bloemfontein, Amelia in Sasolburg and in 

the rural areas of Qwaqwa and Botshabelo. 

The Qwaqwa area in the eastern part of the 

province has been selected as one of the 

pilot sites for the National Health Insurance 

(NHI). 


Eastern Cape 

The Eastern Cape Department of Health 

is continuing to work intensively on its 

multi-year turnaround programme. The 

province has been allocated R15,1 billion 

to help the department prepare for its 

National Health Insurance (NHI) readiness 

programme and to retain much-needed 

skilled doctors and health professionals. 

MEC for Provincial Planning and Finance, 

Phumulo Masualle, who presented 

the provincial budget of R56,2 billion, 

said the province was making steady 

progress in its readiness for the NHI. 

The budget will also be used to complete 

the Cecilia Makhiwane Phase 3 project, 

which is the provision of a training college 

and accommodation for nurses. A 

new tertiary hospital complex will also 

be built, while health infrastructure and 

equipment will be upgraded and maintained. 

The province is also making steady progress 

with the treatment and prevention 

of HIV and AIDS and TB with the rate of 

new infections stabilising. 


Gauteng 

As part of the Gauteng Department of Health’s new comprehensive turnaround strategy to 

improve the delivery of public health services, measures will be put into place to prevent a 

recurrence of the financial difficulties within the province’s Health Department. 

Gauteng Premier Nomvula Mokonyane announced some changes to the composition of her 

government by appointing a separate MEC for the provincial Department of Health. 

In addition, more than 200 community service doctors will be deployed in district health 

services and regional hospitals to benefit the province’s poorest communities. 

In line with the turnaround strategy, the construction of the Zola/Jabulani Hospital and the 

Natalspruit Hospital should be completed by October this year. 

To eliminate wastage, the department introduced an electronic gate-keeping system to 

manage tests that are ordered from the National Health Laboratory Services. Mekgwe said 

since the start of the pilot late last year at Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital, the 

hospital has saved R40 000 a month in unnecessary tests. 


KwaZulu-Natal 

Part of this year’s provincial budget of R15 billion, will go towards improving health infrastructure. 

Among the projects earmarked are construction and extension of health facilities 

in Estcourt, Madadeni Psychiatric Hospital and Empangeni group of hospitals, as well as the 

design of John Dube Hospital and several clinics. Work has already started on the construction 

of King Edward VIII Hospital and the Addington Hospital. 

Premier Zweli Mkhize said the province was also making steady progress in the battle against 

HIV and AIDS. To this end, the prevalence of HIV among women has dropped and is stabilising, 

more than two million people have undergone voluntary counselling and testing and medical 

circumcision has exceeded 105 500. 

“The achievements are as a result of added value created by the multiple stakeholder participation 

in the Provincial Councils on AIDS that directs all sectors,” the premier said. 

... for more info call: 033 395 2009

Education 

Samona Murugan 

The The Department Department of of Basic Basic Education Education celebrated 

celebrated the 12th the 12th anniversary anniversary of its of Na- 

its 

National Teaching Teaching Awards Awards this this year. year. This 

signifies This signifies “a landmark “a landmark calendar calendar event for 

the event South for African the South community African to community pay tribute, appreciate 

pay tribute, and salute appreciate teachers and whose salute extraordinary teachers 

to 

efforts whose and extraordinary contribution efforts are the and pride contribu- 

of the nation”, 

are said the Minister pride of the Basic nation”, Education, said Minister 

of Basic at the Education, awards ceremony. Angie Motshekga 

Angie 

Motshekga 

at She the said awards as ambassadors ceremony. and models of good 

service She said and teachers practice in who the received teaching the profession, awards 

teachers played who a vital received role in the shaping awards played our future a vital 

role leaders. in shaping “To our the future winners, leaders. we hope your 

candle 

“To the 

will 

winners, 

light 

we 

other 

hope 

candles 

your candle 

in pursuit 

will light 

of 

oher 

quality 

candles 

learning 

in pursuit 

and teaching’” 

of quality 

the 

learning 

Minister 

and 

added. 

teaching’” the Minister added. 

The theme for this year’s awards is ‘Celebrating 

the heroes of yesterday, recognising 

The theme for this 

today’s achievements and motivating teachers 

for tomorrow.’ 

Mmipe George Mokgehle, Toronto 

Primary School, Limpopo 

Lifetime Achievement Award 

With more than 32 years’ experience as a teacher, 

one could easily dismiss Mmipe George Mokgehle 

as one of the traditionalists of the profession. 

However, he is one of the few who have 

embraced technology in the classroom and 

harnessed it to deliver innovative lessons of a 

high standard. 

Mokgehle, who has been at Toronto Primary 

for 7 years, teaches Technology and Computer 

Systems to Grade 7 learners. He says Technology 

is the best thing to have happened to teaching; 

it has revolutionised the profession and brought 

energy and innovation. 

His particular area of focus is indigenous 

knowledge systems in biodiversity conservation 

where his learners conduct research on 

indigenous herbs and trees in the school garden. 

Mokgehle makes sure other schools in his area 

also benefit from his information technology 

skills. Through his network he has made it possible 

for 47 schools to receive 21 computers and 

printers each and has also organised computer 

training for about 200 teachers at these schools. 

He has received several awards in recognition 

of his creative use of technology. These include 

Best Presentation of Maths and Afrikaans in 1987, 

ISPA ICT Champion, Super Teacher of the Year, 

Microsoft Peer Review and ICT Top Teacher in 

Africa. 

“I wanted to help unleash the potential in children, 

especially those from poor backgrounds, 

to use education as a way of breaking out of the 

cycle of poverty and hopelessness. I want every 

child who passes through my hands to become 

part of the knowledge community and, more 

importantly, to be a responsible citizen.” 

Shehnaz Essop Saloojee, Zinniaville 

Secondary School, 

North West 

Excellence in Primary School Teaching 

Award 

Shehnaz Saloojee believes teaching is not a 

profession but a calling. As such, a teacher 

should always focus on giving the best possible 

education to children. “When I leave this world, 

I want to be remembered as someone who taught 

my learners how to read and write; not for the 

clothes I wore, the car I drove or the house I lived 

in,” she says. 

Saloojee, a Grade 6 and 7 English teacher, has 

gained valuable experience and insight during 

her teaching career of 26 years. She believes 

children should be equipped with the latest 

skills to prepare them for today’s technologically 

challenging world. 

The school caters for learners from mostly 

poor households and the majority cannot speak 

English. Saloojee ensures that her lessons are activity 

driven and uses relevant teaching aids and 

visuals. She also introduced “peer-tutoring” and 

“paired-reading” groups to promote a culture of 

reading among learners. 

“I find involving learners in real-life situations 

and practical classroom activities very effective,” 

she says. 

Selfless and caring by nature, Saloojee has 

spread her love by adopting one of her learners 

infected with HIV. 

Francois Naudé, Hoërskool 

Florida, Gauteng 

Excellence in Secondary School Teaching 

Award 

Francois Naudé is a qualified zoologist who 

should be rubbing shoulders with eminent 

professors at a university laboratory. Instead, he 

opted for a profession he finds more fulfilling: 

teaching. A Grade 8 to 12 Life Sciences teacher, 

Naudé realised he would make a good teacher 

when he was teaching first-year students during 

his fourth year at the University of Johannesburg. 

“The students and some of my friends told 

me how good I was at explaining things and I 

decided to give it a try. I’ve never looked back.” 

Naudé believes the school environment complements 

his love for working with children and his 

interest in sport, culture and community service. 

“It is the only place where all these spheres 

come together,” he says. His preferred teaching 

method is using the latest technology such as 

You Tube, music, movies and games, as well as 

a good dose of humour. He also believes in the 

importance of demonstrating theoretical information 

through practical experiments. 

Naudé says learners’ ignorance of the negative 

influence of HIV and Aids is a major challenge. 

Most of them think it is something that will never 

happen to them. Gender stereotyping is another 

challenge. “Young girls, for example, still associate 

science and technology with white males. 

This is why is I encourage them to follow their 

passions, work hard and believe in themselves.” 

Sentsho Rapoo, Bachana 

Mokwena Primary School, 

Gauteng 

Excellence in Primary School Leadership 

Award 

When Sentsho Rapoo became principal of Bachana 

Mokwena Primary School in 2006, he brought 

with him a wealth of practical experience and 

ideas on how to establish an effective teaching 

and learning environment. This included setting 

up a computer centre and growing a food garden 

to feed disadvantaged learners. 

When he arrived at Bachana Primary, an RDP 

residence, there was not “a single scrap of furniture,” 

he says. Engaging parents to organise 

chairs and mobilising businesses to support the 

school with resources, Rapoo also approached 

a number of companies to donate items. The 


Govt honours top teachers 

Department of Agriculture installed a borehole 

and provided some farming equipment, which 

helped them to start a vegetable garden. 

Today, the school is rated Level 4 in quality 

assurance by the External School Evaluation 

System and is the only school in the district with 

that ranking. 

“We set clearly defined, measurable targets and 

we have a monitoring system in place. There are 

also incentives such as academic regalia for learners 

when they complete a grade.” 

Rapoo, who has 700 learners under his wing, 

says his biggest challenge now is that everyone 

wants to bring their children to his school! 

Velaphi Simon Magwa, Phillipolis 

High School, Free State 

Excellence in Secondary School 

Leadership Award 

Velaphi Magwa’s approach to leading a school 

is based Velaphi Magwa’s approach to leading a 

school is based on three principles: “Be in class 

on time, teach and know your learners’ home 

situation.” 

Magwa is head of a no-fee school with 308 

learners. and describes his leadership style as 

democratic and transparent, especially when it 

comes to issues of finance. “I believe in keeping 

people informed and having a sense of ownership 

of their roles in the school,” he explains. 

Since taking over in 2007, he has managed to 

reduce the problems that impeded good performance 

dramatically. Under his leadership, challenges 

such as ethnic tension, drug abuse and 

low parental participation are dwindling, while 

academic performance is increasing every year. 

In 2010, the general pass rate was 94 per cent 

and in 2011 it increased to just under 97 per cent. 

Magwa attributes this to involving parents and 

the community in the school’s activities and 

motivating them to take ownership of the school. 

Magwa attributes his success and winning the 

award to the support of the community; without 

them he would not have been able to raise the 

profile of the school to where it is today. 

Leigh Michael Dunn, Formosa 

Primary School, Western Cape 

Excellence in Special Needs Teaching 

Award 

As a special-needs teacher at Formosa Primary 

SchAs a special-needs teacher at Formosa Primary 

School, Leigh Dunn’s motto is: “Even the 

smallest star can shine in the darkness.” The 

energy he exudes, his accomplishments so far 

and his vision for his learners’ future make him 

a beacon of hope at the school. “We should never 

underestimate even the least significant of our 

learners,” he says. 

Learners at Formosa are from different socioeconomic 

backgrounds and have a wide spectrum 

of learning challenges. To cater for these 

special needs, Dunn designed a curriculum that 

is specific to each need and includes elements 

such as developed pre-reading activities, school 

readiness activities and basic skills such as learning 

how to handle a pen. An example of his curriculum 

is the use of art to teach mathematics. 

Working closely with NGOs for expertise, support 

and sponsorship helps Dunn to accomplish 

this challenging task. 

Nelson Mandela, who achieved greatness 

April 2012 

despite the odds of growing up in a deep rural 

area in apartheid South Africa has always been 

an inspsiration to him. “If one man from humble 

beginnings can change a country, my vision can 

change the world.” 

He is very pleased that Parliament has employed 

physically challenged people, including 

the blind. “This gives me encouragement that 

in my classroom there could be world leaders 

in the making.” 

Belinda Harmse, Woel en 

Werkskaf Pre-Primary School, 

North West 

Excellence in Grade R Teaching Award 

“It is not how much we do as teachers, but how 

much love we put in the doing. It is not how 

much we give, but how much love we put in giving,” 

says Belinda Harmse, who has been at Woel 

en Werskaf Pre-Primary School for five years. 

“The task of a teacher is to polish each and 

every gem [child] for God,” she adds. 

Harmse, who has been a teacher for 24 years, 

knew this was what she wanted to do from the 

age of 10. “I know where my heart lies. I just 

cannot to do any job other than teaching.” Even 

when her brother asked her to manage his coffee 

shop in Hermanus near Cape Town, she turned 

his offer down. 

She believes that every child learns and behaves 

better when he or she receives a high level 

of trust, acceptance and generosity from their 

teachers; in Grade R the most important thing 

is to help children develop a positive self-image 

and to believe that they are winners. 

Harmse’s teaching methods also include peer 

group learning and fantasy play. Peer group 

learning involves teaching learners about the 

importance of working together and helping 

one another. Fantasy play exposes children to 

a wide range of career options they can pursue 

when they leave school. 

Bernadette Joy Bailey, 

Worcester Community Learning 

Centre, Western Cape 

Excellence in Adult Basic Education and 

Training (Abet) Award 

The energy and enthusiam Bernadette Bailey 

exudes as the head of 13 different Abet sites in 

Worcester is inspiring. Not surprisingly, she has 

received several accolades for her work, including 

merit awards, scholarships, Abet awards and 

a an a award for the best skills centre of the year. 

In addition to supervising the 13 Abet sites, 

Bailey is also a substitute teacher at her resident 

site, Worcester Community Learning Centre. The 

centre, which teaches Level 1 to 4 and Grade 12, 

offer a wide variety of activities, ranging from 

sports to computer literacy courses, growing 

vegetables and teaching small, medium and 

micro-enterprise development. 

Bailey’s mission is to raise awareness of the 

value of adult education. “We are tapping into 

the government’s five-point system,” she says. 

Her concern is that the Abet system is generally 

undermined by those who see it as worthless. She 

would therefore like to see the term changed to 

something more meaningful. 

Constant monitoring and evaluation is at the 

top of Bailey’s list of priorities to keep optimum 

levels of efficiency. This gives the centre the edge 

to remain on top of things and to perform well. 

For more information, call the 

Department of Basic Education: 

012 357 3000 or Hotline 0800 202 933.

April 2012 

Rural Development 


5 

Empowering women beats 

poverty in the Eastern Cape 

The Women’s Construction Flagship Project equips women with practical skills such as building. 

Cornelius Monama 

People in rural areas do not have to 

relocate to the cities to access a better 

life, said Minister of Women, Children 

and People with Disabilities, 

Lulu Xingwana. 

Unveiling the Women’s Construction Flagship 

Project in Caguba in Port St Johns, she 

said, “Equipping women with skills will help 

us win the war on poverty and unemployment.” 

The project, which gives hope for a 

better life to many impoverished families in 

the area, marked the roll-out of various rural 

development projects that 

target women, children and 

people with disabilities. 

These include a women’s 

multi-purpose centre for 

income-generating activities, 

a children’s park and a 

memorial community hall. 

Minister Xingwana said 

these interventions were 

meant to address the lack 

of recreational facilities 

for children and youth, 

address unemployment, 

poverty and lack of skills 

development, particularly 

for rural women and people 

with disabilities. 

cutting extreme 

poverty 

She said government 

wanted to promote and 

facilitate the active participation 

of women and people with disabilities 

in infrastructure development and economic 

empowerment. 

“Today we are launching a rural women’s 

construction flagship project, which we want 

to ensure becomes a sustainable development 

project for women in this village of 

Caguba. Through this project, we seek to 

eradicate extreme poverty and to promote 

gender equality and empower women.” 

Through the Port St Johns Project, the 

department would leave behind a team of 

local women who would be empowered to 

continue to run and manage the project on 

their own, Minister Xingwana said. 

“We want to come back here one day and 

arrive to a community where economic development 

has taken shape, a community 

where there will be food in households.” 

Partnership 

The Women’s Construction Flagship Project 

is an excellent example of an integrated 

approach to service delivery where the Department 

of Women, Children and People 

with Disabilities is working in partnership 

with the municipality and other government 

departments. These include Human Settlements, 

Public Works, Sport and Recreation 

SA, Cooperative Governance and Traditional 

Affairs. 


Department of Women, Children and 

People with Disabilities: 012 359 0222 

Farming together we can do more 

T K Sonjica, Department of Rural 

Development and Land Reform 

The Crossways Farm Village project 

in Thornhill near Port Elizabeth is 

the first of its size in South Africa 

to combine a rural residential 

development with scientifically based 

farming. Many new jobs, as well as 

new opportunities for investors are 

also being created. 

Surveying the land for development on Crossways Farm. 

For ten workers who had been on 

Crossways Farm long before it was 

earmarked for development, the 

Crossways Farm Village project has 

brought unexpected benefits. They will be 

rewarded for their hard work with stands 

valued at R400 000 each, registered in their 

names. 

One of the excited beneficiaries, 46-year old 

Vuiyisile Tshunungwa, had never owned any 

property before. The thought of owning some 

land touched his heart deeply and would 

change his life, he said. “I encourage others 

who dream of owning property to be patient 

and never lose hope”. 

Crossways Farm Village fits in perfectly 

with government’s rural development strategy. 

When completed, it will have created 

nearly 3 000 permanent jobs in a largely farming 

area. It will also have expanded existing 

irrigation pastures and a dairy farm, which 

is in line with the government’s commitment 

to food safety. 

Profits of the business will be split between 

Vuk’uzenzele is published by Government Communications (GCIS) 

All rights reserved. Reproduction of the newspaper in whole or in part without written permission is strictly prohibited. 

the homeowners association, the farm management 

and the farm workers. 

Dairy farm 

In its motivation for approving the concept, the 

public enterprises 

Department 

Public Enterprises 

REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA 

Eastern Cape Ministry for Agriculture, 

Forestry and Fisheries said the village 

offered the opportunity for rural development 

and economic stimulation, job 

creation, equity and ownership to previously 

disadvantaged people, as well 

as training and mentoring of emerging 

farmers, education and the expansion 

of existing agricultural activities. 

At the heart of the development will 

be a fully operational dairy farm with 

a 500-strong herd of stud Holstein 

cows. Once this is up and running, 

fruit orchards and vegetable farming 

will follow. All dairy products and 

agricultural produce will be available 

to the residents. 

Property ownership 

While officially launching the construction 

phase of buildings at Crossways 

Farm Village recently, Rural Development 

and Land Reform Minister Gugile 

Nkwinti, said what was happening at 

Crossways was in line with the spirit 

of sustainable property ownership 

contained in the Green Paper on Land 

Reform. “It fulfils government’s goal 

of creating vibrant, equitable and sustainable 

rural communities and food 

security for all.” 

The Minister said the concept of an agrivillage 

was part of the department’s agenda 

and promised that the department would 

work in partnership with the Crossways community. 

“We want to move with you as fast as 

possible,” he said. 

He commended the developers of Crossways 

for including the whole of Ward 7 of 

the Kouga Local Municipality in their strategic 

plan. “We want Kouga to be industrialised 

soon.” 

The Kouga Local Municipality’s territory 

includes small towns like Jeffreys Bay, Oyster 

Bay, Hankey, Patensie and Humansdorp, 

which have the potential for economic growth. 

Ward 7 of Kouga has rural areas like Loerie, 

Thornhill, Kleinfontein and Longmore. 


Department of Rural Development and 

Land Reform: 012 312 8006

Rural Safety Development 

and Security 


April 2012 

Anti-corruption drive claims 

top suspects 


Department of Justice and Constitutional 

Development on: 012 315 1111 

Francis Hweshe, BuaNews 

It will soon be the end of the road for suspects 

of serious corruption. Government is 

set to meet its target of arresting and prosecuting 

100 people suspected of fraud and 

corruption who have more than R5 million in 

illicit assets, by April 2014. 

Justice and Constitutional Development 

Minister Jeff Radebe said significant progress 

had been made towards reaching this target 

in the first 18 months since coordination of the 

law enforcement agencies had been improved. 

Led by the anti-corruption team, 56 people 

were being investigated between April and 

December 2011. Of these, 26 had been arrested 

and appeared in court, while 19 had their assets 

to the value of R579 million frozen. In 2012, 

an additional 32 people will be investigated. 

The current priority case investigation involves 

a total of 157 suspect persons. “Through 

concerted efforts and coordination, the impact 

of our work is beginning to be felt. This, we 

believe, will have a deterrent effect on potential 

offenders,” Minister Radebe said. 

He continued saying more South Africans 

were joining the fight against crime in general, 

and called on everyone to continue to take part 

in anti-corruption campaigns. 

Continued police training, equitable distribution 

of policing resources and the creation of a 

professional police force will be consolidated 

during this and next year as part of anti-corruption 

measures. 

Minister of Police Nathi Mthethwa. 

Speedier justice for all 

The High Court in Pretoria. 

BuaNews 

Court cases dragging on for months 

will soon be a thing of the past, as efforts 

to speed up the finalisation rate 

start yielding results. 

BuaNews 

“The country-wide situation regarding the 

outstanding and backlog cases per court level 

has continued to improve,” said Justice and 

Constitutional Development Minister Jeff 

Radebe. 

“Engagements are underway between the 

Chief Justice and the heads of court to ensure 

that norms and standards are used throughout 

the country in driving and improving performance 

in courts,” he said. 

Reducing backlogs 

“As at the end of December 2011, we had succeeded 

in reducing the backlog numbers to the 

lowest number of backlog cases 32 902 (15,9 

per cent) in the past five years.” 

For the period April to December 2011, 327 

818 cases were finalised. The high courts had 

an average conviction rate of 84,4 per cent (752 

cases); the regional courts 74,2 per cent (21 

886 cases) and the district courts 90,5 per cent 

(185 884 cases). 

To increase capacity in the courts, a total of 

134 new prosecutors, who recently graduated 

from the Justice College, will be deployed 

throughout the country. 

To further minimise delays in finalising court 

cases, the Office of the Chief Justice has initiated 

a process of case-flow management, as 

well as a process to set uniform norms and 

standards for the judiciary. 

More South Africans are and feel safer 

Victims of crime are beginning to see 

results in the fight against crime. 

According to the recently released 

results of the Victims of Crime Survey 

undertaken in 2011, there is a marked 

improvement in the treatment of victims. 

“Among other things, the survey found 

that over 40 per cent of households felt that 

the level of both violent and non-violent 

crime had decreased in their area of residence 

during the period 2008 to 2010,” said 

Justice and Constitutional Development 

Minister Jeff Radebe. 

Minister Radebe said of those surveyed, 

about 60 per cent of households were satisfied 

with the way police and courts were 

doing their work. 

The survey also revealed that 32,1 per cent 

of households believed levels of crime had 

dropped, compared to 2007 when 57,1 per 

cent felt that crime had increased. 

Regarding personal safety, 88,2 per cent 

felt safe when walking in their areas of 

residence during the day, while 27 per cent 

felt safe doing so at night. In 2007, the 

response was 76 per cent and 23 per cent 

respectively. 

The Minister said similar victim surveys 

would continue annually under 

the auspices of Statistics South Africa to 

monitor perceptions of the public and 

victims of crime. 

“The results of these surveys will help 

government to develop targeted interventions 

in line with what the people 

in South Africa feel are areas of serious 

concern supported by the trends.” 

Getting the flow going 

Additional measures now in place to assist 

with case-flow management include: 

• a High Court Case-Flow Management 

Structure chaired by Judge President 

Mthiyane 

• a Lower Court National Integrated Caseflow 

Management Committee led by the 

Regional Court 

• provincial integrated case-flow management 

forums are also in place, with most 

of the forums led by either the Judge 

Presidents of the provinces or the Regional 

Court Presidents 

• A case-flow management workshop with 

all lower-court stakeholders took place 

on 1 March to ensure interaction between 

regional and national case-flow management 

structures. 

Partnerships 

Meanwhile, Minister Radebe said the strengthening 

of partnerships within the Criminal Justice 

System would remain a priority this year. 

He said these partnerships would include 

communities, role players within government, 

business, interest groups, media, municipalities, 

religious and youth formations, as well as 

international law enforcement agencies. 

“As part of improving service delivery, we 

are in the process of reviewing our 10111 operations 

to ensure the efficiency of the system. 

This may include the revised deployment of 

resources in order to make the system more 

effective,” he said. 

In the meantime, high-tech equipment, 

vehicles and other tools procured during the 

2010 FIFA World Cup continue to be used to 

safeguard all people within the country. 

More South Africans are feeling safe walking in their areas 

of residence.

April 2012 

Employment 


Employment News 

April 

2012 

Aiming high for job creation targets 

BuaNews 

The Eastern Cape aims to create a total of 

116 958 jobs this year. 

Premier Noxolo Kiviet said although 

the country’s unemployment rate had 

decreased, the provincial unemployment rate of 

27,1 per cent was still high. “However, we are 

pleased to report that out of a target of 94 504 job 

opportunities announced for Phase 2 of the Expanded 

Public Works Programme, a total of 110 

472 work opportunities have to date been created 

in the province. In the coming financial year, our 

target is to create 116 958 work opportunities.” 

Despite the uncertainty in the global economy, 

the province’s two Industrial Development 

Zones (IDZs) were delivering much-needed 

investment. 

The East London IDZ is securing private investors 

to the tune of R4,063 billion in various 

sectors including the automobile, renewable 

energy and business process outsourcing sectors. 

Green economy 

Of the more than R4 billion, R3,3 billion is earmarked 

for two renewable energy projects – he 

Langa Renewable Energy Project in Berlin and 

the Ikhwezi Photovoltaic Project. “It is clear that 

our focus on the green economy is starting to pay 

dividends,” said Kiviet. 

In the other zone, the Coega IDZ, 3 645 construction 

jobs, and 2 985 direct jobs have been 

created. 

An additional a R7,6 billion projects are in the 

pipeline. 

The province has already conducted feasibility 

studies for the construction of a dam 

to be built in the former Transkei part of the 

province, using the Umzimvubu River as the 

source to expand agricultural production. 

“Other water infrastructure development 

projects include seawater desalination in Port 

Elizabeth and Port Alfred,” Premier Kiviet 

explained. 

Energy infrastructure 

In the meantime, the province has concluded 

talks with power parastatal Eskom to invest 

over R10 billion in energy infrastructure over 

the next six years. This includes the increasing 

transfer of power to the Nelson Mandela Bay 

and Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipalities. 

It will also strengthen the integration of the 

KwaZulu-Natal-East London line, which will 

improve energy supply to Mthatha and the rest 

of the province. 

“We are pleased to announce that the Alfred 

Nzo region will be serviced by Eskom in the 

Eastern Cape, and no longer KZN as it has been 

the case,” said Kiviet. 

Regarding road infrastructure, jobs will be 

created with the construction of the N2 Wild 

Coast, which will cost approximately R9 billion. 

“It is estimated that this project will create 

well in excess of 6 800 direct jobs and open up 

the Wild Coast and key towns such as Port St 

Johns for investment and economic development.” 

The Eastern Cape provincial government aims to create around 117 000 jobs this year. 


Eastern Cape Provincial Government on: 040 635 0123 / 609 6626 

Marula beer bears economic fruits 

BuaNews 

Hundreds of unemployed women in 

Limpopo have recently discovered 

that marula beer is more than just a 

traditional drink; they realised that it 

could also put money in their pockets. 

During the past marula season, women 

in villages near Thohoyandou 

in Limpopo collected wild marula 

fruits and started making beer to sell 

to locals and people from as far as Gauteng. 

Marula fruit ripens between January and 

Relief for farm workers who reap a better wage 

LIoyd Ramutloa, Department of Labour 

Many farm workers will find it easier to make ends meet 

this month thanks to the rise in their minimum wages 

that took effect in March. Labour Minister Mildred 

Oliphant announced the rise as part of legislation to 

protect vulnerable workers. 

“In terms of sectoral determination for farm workers, the minimum 

wages will be adjusted upwards from 1 March 2012 to 28 February 

2013 from an hourly rate of R7,04 to R7,71; a weekly rate of R317,51 

to R347,10 and monthly minimum wages of R1 375,94 to R1 503,90, 

calculated on a 45 ordinary hour week,” said Page Boikanyo, 

spokesperson of the Department of Labour. 

The minimum adjustment of rates for the successive periods of 1 

March 2013 to 28 February 2014 will be the previous year’s minimum 

wage plus the consumer price index (CPI) + 1, 5 per cent, said 

Boikanyo. 

The Minister set the wage increase on the advice of the Employment 

March each year and collecting them to brew 

beer is an age-old tradition. However, women 

in the area only recently discovered that brewing 

marula beer could bear economic benefits. 

making money 

The women from Shakadza, Muswodi, Tshiungani, 

Tshipise-Zwigodini and other villages 

outside Mutale near Thohoyandou have been 

making enough money to help them feed their 

families. 

“We collected marula from the trees and 

started making the beer, which took three to 

four days to be consumed by drinkers. We 

learned how to produce marula beer from our 

elders who used it for traditional rituals only,” 

said Julia Mammbeda, one of the producers. 

fighting poverty 

Mammbeda said in the past, women never 

saw the business opportunity in producing 

and selling the beer to the locals; they only 

made marula beer for recreational purposes 

and gave it away for free. Now it is helping 

them to fight poverty. 

“Today we sell 20 litres of marula beer for as 

much as R100 and two litres for R10 and we 

make good money. This is better than being 

beggars because I can now smile all the way 

to the bank,” she said. 

Conditions Commission following a long consultation process and 

public hearings. They took into consideration the views of various 

stakeholders. 

Sectoral determination deals with the protection of workers in 

vulnerable sectors. The determination sets minimum working hours, 

minimum wages, number of leave days and termination rules. The 

latest adjustment follows that of the domestic sector, which was 

nudged upward in December 2011. 

“The department wishes to inform employers who choose to ignore 

the farm workers’ sector determination, to do so at their own peril,” 

Boikanyo said. 

“Our inspection and enforcement teams will be at hand to ensure 

that the law is implemented to the letter.” 

For more information call the 

Department of Labour: 012 309 4000. 

Tasting the first fruit 

THE marula fruit has played an important 

role in Limpopo for centuries. 

Marula trees, which grow in abundance 

in the northern and northeast parts of 

Limpopo, have nutritional benefits and 

are used for many different purposes. 

The bark, for example, is used by traditional 

healers for medicinal purposes, 

while other parts of the tree such as the 

fruits are used to produce hair products, 

jam and soap, among other things. 

The provincial “Ku Luma Vukanyi” 

(Tasting of the First Fruit) ceremony is 

held every year in March at a different 

venue. This year, celebrations took 

place at Ga-Shongoane village near 

Lephalale (previously Ellisras). 

“By rotating the event, the department 

hopes to bring this age-old ceremony 

closer to all communities throughout 

the province,” said Department of 

Sports, Arts and Culture spokesperson 

Adele van der Linde. 

Celebrated since 2004, the event 

marks the official start of the harvesting 

and brewing season in the province. It 

involves the offering of marula beer to 

the ancestors, which is done by pouring 

the beer on the ground at their shrines. 

More than 200 traditional healers 

performed rituals to mark the occasion. 

For more information, call the Limpopo 

Department of Sports, Arts and Culture: 

015 295 7414 or 015 295 7415.



April 2012 

No more long walks to school 

Xoli Mngambi, Gauteng 

Provincial Government 

Days of young school children walking 

long distances to and from school 

will soon be a thing of the past for 

the secluded Ga-Mohale village residents 

in the West Rand. This follows the unveiling 

by Gauteng Premier Nomvula Mokonyane 

of a R120 million boarding school project in the 

farming community. 

Accompanied by Gauteng MEC for Infrastructure 

Development Bheki Nkosi and West 

Rand Executive Mayor Mpho Nawa, Mokonyane 

said Gauteng Provincial Government was 

committed to ensuring the provision of quality 

education. 

“Through this project, we aim to improve 

the quality of education, eradicate poverty 

and create job opportunities for our people,” 

Mokonyane said. 

Mama Action 

Mama Action, as Mokonyane is affectionately 

called, said although the province was happy 

with the improvement in matric results, they 

remained concerned about the numbers. 

She said they could not pretend as if everything 

was well when almost 20 per cent of 

their matriculants failed their senior certificate 

exams. 

“That is why we are not taking the foot off the 

pedal, but instead working even harder than 

before to ensure that we produce learners who 

will be able to contribute significantly towards 

the economic development and growth of this 

province and the country.” 

Flanked by Gauteng MEC for Infrastructure Development Bheki Nkosi and West Rand Executive Mayor Mpho Nawa, Premier Nomvula Mokonyane turns the sod for 

the construction of the Magaliesburg Boarding School in the West Rand. 

Stay, play and eat 

Mokonyane said that the the odds were stacked 

against children who had to walk for about 

five kilometres or more to get to school in the 

morning on an empty stomach, walk back from 

school and still had no guarantee of a decent 

dinner before going to bed. 

“The burden of these socio-economic challenges 

are too much to deal with. By investing 

in this project we are saying let these children 

have a better and world-class facility where 

they will stay, play and eat.” 

Mokonyane also announced that a contractor 

had already been appointed to start work on 

the project and that the company was 100 per 

cent female owned. She urged the community 

to take ownership of the project and to be the 

eyes and ears of the government. 

For more Information, call the Gauteng 

Provincial Government on: 011 355 6000 

Trade port a major boost for economic growth 

Gateway to Africa 

President Zuma welcomed the decision of airline 

SA Express to make Durban its base for expanding 

into the southern African region. This 

is in line with government’s African agenda of 

promoting trade and economic growth on the 

continent by opening up new routes or expanding 

existing ones on the continent. 

SA Express has concluded an agreement with 

the Dube Trade Port Corporation, which will 

see a connection being established between 

King Shaka International and the region, especially 

to Zimbabwe, Zambia, Botswana and 

Mozambique. 

There are also plans for SA Express to expand 

into other African countries including 

Namibia, Malawi, Angola and the Democratic 

Republic of Congo. 

“There can only be positive results from this 

strategic move,” President Zuma said. “Three 

regions alone – SADC, the East African Community 

and the Common Market of Eastern 

and Southern Africa – bring together about 

600-million people. Added to this, Africa 

provides a market of one-billion people. The 

focus on our continent is therefore a step in 

the right direction in terms of the country’s 

strategic goals.” 

Lulu Dube – daughter of John Dube – inspects the statue of her father at the launch of the Dube Trade Port, while President Jacob Zuma, accompanied by KwaZulu-Natal 

Premier, Dr Zweli Mkhize, Minister of Transport Sibusiso Ndebele, KZN MECs and other senior government officials look on. 

Francis Hweshe, BuaNews 

The Dube Trade Port is set to be a major 

logistics platform for Southern Africa, 

as the Port of Durban provides connectivity 

to 53 international destinations 

and access to local distribution networks, said 

President Jacob Zuma. 

The President launched the state-of-the-art, 

multi-billion rand cargo terminal, trade zone, 

agriculture zone and IT and telecommunications 

platform at La Mercy, KwaZulu-Natal. 

Located between the two largest seaports in 

the southern hemisphere – Durban and Richards 

Bay – the Dube Trade Port has huge potential 

to boost economic growth and job creation 

in the province and the country. 

The port, in which the King Shaka International 

Airport is located, has been operational 

for 22 months and the first phase has been 

completed. In the long term, the plan is to 

establish an “aerotropolis” to the north of 

Durban, stretching from Umhlanga to Ballito. 

Job creation 

KwaZulu-Natal premier Zweli Mkhize, also 

speaking at the launch, said the Dube Trade 

Port would greatly expand the province’s 

import and export capacity. 

In 2003, a decision was made to relocate the 

old Durban International Airport to La Mercy 

and to establish the Dube Trade Port, incorporating 

the new King Shaka International 

Airport. 

Passenger traffic at the new airport, which 

was completed in 2010 ahead of the FIFA World 

Cup, has been steadily growing since then. 

“It is anticipated that the airport’s passenger 

traffic for the 2012 financial year will exceed the 

five million mark,” Zuma noted. 

Infrastructure pipeline 

The Dube Trade Port will also form an important 

part of government’s new pipeline of major 

infrastructure development projects. One 

of them is the improvement of the movement 

of goods and economic integration through 

a Durban-Free State-Gauteng logistics and 

industrial corridor. 

“This project is intended to connect the major 

economic centres of Gauteng and Durban/ 

Pinetown. At the same time, it will link these 

centres with an improved export capacity 

through our sea ports and improved railway 

lines,” the President said. 

“We expect this corridor to also stimulate 

growth in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands, a major 

agricultural and industrial region through 

which the route will pass.”

April 2012 



Great strides in rural job creation 

Job creation initiatives in rural areas 

have seen positive strides in creating 

work opportunities during the past 

financial year especially for the 

youth. 

BuaNews 

the vulnerable groups, 

particularly women, have 

been linked to income 

“While 

generating activities, it is 

the youth that has benefited the most in terms 

of skills development programmes and jobs 

created”, said Rural Development and Land 

Reform Minister Gugile Nkwinti. 

He said a total of 7 398 youth had been 

enrolled in the National Rural Youth Service 

Corps (NARYSEC) programme in 2010 and 

further 5 000 are being recruited. 

NARYSEC is a two-year programme aimed 

at empowering rural youth from each of the 

3 300 rural wards throughout the country. 

Participants are unemployed young people 

from rural areas, aged between 18 and 35. 

Community Works Programme 

The Minister noted that the Expanded 

Public Works Programme (EPWP) was 

another programme that made an impact on 

employment through creating 540 423 work 

opportunities and 137 525 permanent jobs. 

Of these, 66 355 were under the Community 

Works Programme. 

The agricultural sector, including the 

Comprehensive Agriculture Support 

Programme, contributed 7 092 jobs of which 

1 105 were permanent. 

The housing and infrastructure sector also 

contributed significantly to job creation and 

skills development through the use of local 

labour, Minister Nkwinti said. 

Environment and Culture 

Sector 

The environment and culture sector of the 

EPWP had created a total of 307 731 work 

opportunities by the end of last year, . 

Nkwinti said initiatives to improve 

employment opportunities and economic 

livelihoods included an aquaculture 

(farming of organisms harvested from 

the sea such as fish, shellfish and plants) 

programme and an inland fisheries 

programme to be launched this year. 

The Department of Trade and Industry 

was expanding its efforts to support the 

processing of materials derived from 

agricultural products (agro-processing) such 

as local maize milling in rural areas. These 

efforts are supported by the Department of 

Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries. 

For more information, call the Department 

of Rural Development and Land 

Reform: 012 312 8006 

Better trains to 

steam in soon 

During the past financial year, the agricultural sector contributed 7 092 jobs of which 1 105 were permanent. 

Nursing opportunities 

for Gauteng job seekers 

The Gauteng Department of Labour, 

together with its counterpart 

in health, is offering hundreds of 

unemployed residents the opportunity 

to sign up for nursing courses. The provincial 

Department of Labour has through 

its Public Employment Service Unit, teamed 

up with the Gauteng Department of Health 

and Social Development, to recruit applicants 

for nursing opportunities. 

“The actual collaboration involving the 

two departments will see in excess of 800 

out-of-work individuals signed up for a 

four-year nursing diploma course which 

will consist of theoretical and practical 

training in various hospitals in and around 

Gauteng. Successful candidates will receive 

a stipend while on training,” the Gauteng 

Department of Labour said. 

The minimum requirements for applicants 

are a Senior Certificate with a D symbol for 

higher grade English or a C for standard 

grade; alternatively a National Senior 

Certificate with four points in English and 

four other 20-credit subjects with at least 

three points (excluding Life Orientation 

and English). 

If an applicant has successfully completed 

at least one year’s post-Grade 12 education, 

the English symbols are not taken into consideration. 

The applicant then qualifies to 

progress to the second stage of the selection 

process and has to write an assessment. Applicants 

who are in Grade 12 this year are 

required to submit a Grade 11 report or their 

first term Grade 12 report to the Gauteng 

Department of Health. 

Applicants employed by the department 

are exempted from English proficiency and 

score calculations. Prospective candidates 

have from 1 March to 30 April to submit 

their applications. 

Candidates, who qualify according to their 

academic requirements, will be psychometrically 

assessed. 

Those with the required results will then 

be referred to the Gauteng Department of 

Health for interviews - the final selection 

phase. 

The application form, which can be obtained 

from any of the 26 labour centres in 

Gauteng, should be accompanied by certified 

copies of a senior certificate, first page 

of identity document, marriage certificate/ 

divorce order/affidavit if customary married 

and proof of address. 

Applications can be submitted, at no cost, 

to labour centres in Gauteng on Mondays, 

Tuesdays and Wednesdays until 30 April 

For more information, call the Gauteng 

Department of Labour on: 011 853 0300 


A 

passenger rail transport system that 

will make South Africans proud will 

soon be on track. In addition, some 

65 000 jobs will be created. 

The Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa 

(Prasa), which is responsible for the provision 

of passenger rail services, has rolled out a Stock 

Fleet Renewal Programme aimed at bringing 

passenger rail services up to standard and 

creating jobs. 

A study has found that trains used by 

Metrorail, a division within Prasa, has aged 

beyond its economic life. This has led to 

high maintenance and refurbishment costs, 

inefficient rail service, customer delays and 

customer dissatisfaction. 

The study also pointed out that it would be 

uneconomical for Prasa to continue with the 

existing rolling stock (locomotives,railroad 

cars and coaches) fleet and that the entire fleet 

needed to be replaced. 

New coaches 

“The people of South Africa must have a mode 

of transport that they will be proud of,” said 

Prasa CEO Lucky Montana. He said some of 

Prasa’s trains were built more than 50 years 

ago and desperately needed to be replaced with 

more efficient coaches and locomotives. 

Some of the old coaches will become museum 

pieces at railway stations and others will be 

leased to other African countries. 

The renewal programme will see an estimated 

7 224 passenger coaches being bought and 

introduced into Metrorail between 2015 and 

2035, over a period of 20 years. 

Montana said the new trains would look 

completely different from the ones currently 

in use; they would be fitted with public 

announcement systems and information 

screens indicating the name of the station that 

the train was approaching and would be more 

energy efficient. 

Local content 

Two 10-year contracts will be awarded to 

manage the local content aspect of the project, 

which it is hoped will exceed 70 per cent. 

The total cost of R136 billion will see the 

project create 65 000 direct and indirect jobs. 

Of the total amount, R13 billion will be spent 

on infrastructure development and about 

R3 billion on the construction of new depots in 

Cape Town and Gauteng. 

The first new trains are expected by 2015. 

Metrorail expects to receive in the region of 

500 to 600 coaches a year until 2032. 

For more information, call 

Passanger Rail Agency of South Africa 

(PRASA) on : 012 748 7000



April 2012 

National study loans change lives 


For many matriculants from disadvantaged 

backgrounds tertiary studies 

seem like an impossible dream. However, 

if you don’t have the financial means 

to fund your own studies you can apply for a 

loan from the National Student Financial Aid 

Scheme (NSFAS). 

NSFAS study loans are meant for students 

who cannot pay for their own studies and/or 

cannot access bank funding, other study loans 

or bursaries. 

The four students highlighted below are 

among those who dared and won with NSFAS. 

Maluta Nnditshedzeni (Eric) 

Eric was born in a remote rural village called 

Mafukani, Limpopo Province and was the fifth 

born in a family of six siblings. His father was 

the only bread winner in the house and when 

Eric matriculated, it was hard for his father 

to fund his tertiary studies. My older siblings 

were all working to help my father pay our 

family bills. 

Eric decided to speak to the NSFAS administrator 

at the University of Limpopo at the 

Turfloop campus and explained his situation. 

“I started using NSFAS from my first year 

in 1998 until my third year to complete my 

BSc Degree in Physics and Mathematics. In 

2000, I graduated and then registered for a 

BSc Honours in Physics and received the NRF 

honours bursary. After finishing my honours in 

2001, I joined the University of Venda (Physics 

Department) in 2002 to work as a Laboratory 

Technician. I started paying back the NSFAS 

loan and finished paying back the full amount 

in October 2008. The major advantage of the 

NSFAS loan is that if one is performing well 

academically only 60 per cent remains as a loan 

and the remaining 40 per cent is converted into 

a bursary. Hence one has to pay only 60 per cent 

of the loan each year provided all the registered 

courses are passed,” he explained. 

After completing his Master’s degree, Eric 

applied for funding and obtained the Ford 

Foundation Fellowship to pursue his PhD. 

“It doesn’t matter where you come from and I 

Thank NSFAS for the support without which I 

would not have come this far in my academic 

and professional career.” 

Mpho Mogobo 

If you had met Mpho Mogobo in the 1980’s 

there is a good chance that you would have 

found her barefoot and out in the fields herding 

cattle in rural Limpopo where she grew 

up. At any given time there would be up to 15 

people in her tiny home in Seshego and as a 

result, young Mpho often went about her day 

on an empty stomach as food was a scarce 

commodity. 

The grim reality of going to bed hungry and 

not having shoes to walk the distance to school 

each day only drove Mpho to strive for a better 

education. “I wanted more, and thus a family 

friend who was studying told me that I had 

to work harder than an average person to get 

A NSFAS study loan can help students from disadvantaged backgrounds to realise their dreams of graduating at a university or college. 

where I wanted to be,” she says. As a result, 

Mpho spent most nights studying by candlelight 

and many afternoons in the library so that 

she would achieve good results. 

After matriculating in 1999, and with no 

money, Mpho heard about the National Student 

Financial Aid Scheme and qualified for 

a loan to pay for her studies in accounting. At 

19, she became the first member of her family 

to graduate from university. But this in itself 

was still not enough. 

Mpho persevered and in 2006 she started 

her articles. In 2008, she joined the Thuthuka 

Programme through SAICA (The South African 

Institution of Chartered Accountants) and 

completed both her QE1 and QE2 examinations, 

ranking in the top 10 of her class. What 

seemed impossible to some became a reality 

to Mpho, who is now a qualified chartered 

accountant. She is presently employed at 

Wesbank as a Financial Specialist. 

Isaah Alexy Mhlanga 

Isaah Alexy Mhlanga graduated with honours 

from the University of Johannesburg’s Department 

of Economics and Econometrics. While 

studying, he came third in the Nedbank and 

Old Mutual Budget Speech competition and 

had an opportunity to meet former Finance 

Minister, Trevor Manuel. But it hasn’t always 

been easy. 

“I knew that my father couldn’t afford university 

fees, so my matric results had to get me 

in,” he explains. “My duty was to study hard. 

In the end, I matriculated with straight As.” In 

his matric year, Isaah participated in Pro Maths 

in Dobsonville, a programme sponsored by 

Investec Bank’s CSI department. His excellent 

results soon got the attention of the CSI head of 

Investec Bank, Setlongane Mancidi, who made 

it a point to offer Isaah a bursary. 

The bursary he received was administered 

through one of the partner organisations of 

NSFAS, namely Study Trust. NSFAS was 

therefore further able to assist Isaah with his 

study-related costs to complete his undergraduate 

degree. 

Today he is employed as an economist for 

the International Monetary Fund. I want to 

make people richer and myself wealthy in 

the process,” he says. Isaah’s advice to young 

people: “If you can’t afford to study, that’s not 

a train smash. Work like there is no tomorrow. 

Get those results - good results - and don’t give 

up. Do your research and apply for bursaries or 

financial aid as early as you can. Be positive - if 

you have a brain and you use it wisely, you’re 

bound to succeed.” 

Langelihle Nkosi 

In 2005, Langelihle Nkosi stood on the verge 

of an exciting career when he graduated as 

Civil Engineering Technical from Mangosuthu 

University of Technology. Looking back, he 

continues to be grateful for the opportunity to 

study further and better his future, for himself 

and his family, who strugglingto make ends 

meet. 

Since he didn’t have money to pay for 

tertiary studies, he applied for funds from 

the National Student Financial Aid Scheme 

(NSFAS) and was successful - one less burden 

for his family to worry about. 

Langelihle could now dream of making 

something out of life. His course in Engineering 

also gave him hands-on experience in the 

industry and while he was completing his 

studies he had the opportunity to work in 

the field for Umzinyathi Construction as well 

as Thekwini GeoCivil Engineers. He then 

joined public works in 2007 as Chief Works 

inspector in KwaZulu Natal and at the end 

of 2008 he ventured into the role of Project 

Manager for the Department of Works in 

Pietermaritzburg. 

Today Langelihle owns a flat in Durban 

and drives his own car. He has realised that 

education can open up many doors and also 

encouraged his youngest sibling to apply for 

NSFAS funds for his studies. “And I say thank 

you to NSFAS for their help!” 

How can I get a NSFAS loan? 

To qualify you must be: 

• a South African citizen 

• registered as a South African university or university of 

technology 

• an undergraduate, studying for a first tertiary educational 

qualification 

• able to demonstrate potential for academic success 

• financially needy. 

How do I apply for a study loan? 

Application for a study loan should be made at the institution 

where you would like to study, not at NSFAS. Some institutions 

will issue you with an application for study together 

with an application for financial aid. You need to enquire from 

the institution about their processes and deadlines for both. 

When applying for a NSFAS study loan at a university or 

university of technology, you’ll need to take the following 

documents with you: 

• Grade 12 certificate 

• Green SA identity document with barcode 

• Proof of parents’ latest income (e.g. a pay slip, pension, 

grant or affidavit if the parent is unemployed) 

• Proof of registration of siblings (i.e. brothers, sisters who 

have registered for studies or at school) if they live in the 

same household 

• If you are disabled, you’ll need a letter from your medical 

doctor showing proof of permanent disability 

• Letter of acceptance from institution (university, university 

of technology.) 

Contact the NSFAS Call Centre on 021 763 3232 

for more information.

April 2012 


Youth Matters 

Leleti Khumalo stars as ambassador 

of hope for KZN youth 

Kemantha Govender, BuaNews 

Popular South African actress Leleti 

Khumalo has joined forces with the 

KwaZulu-Natal government to help 

improve the standard of living for 

many youths. 

The Durban-born star is the ambassador 

for the Leleti School Grounds project, which 

forms part of Operation Sukuma Sakhe – a 

provincial government initiative aimed at assisting 

communities to rise above their current 

circumstances. 

Khumalo, who is known for her outstanding 

performances in Sarafina and Yesterday, 

will co-ordinate and host Uzogcwala La! - a 

magazine television show which will be filmed 

in townships around Durban and rural areas 

across the province. 

Moving into top gear 

Khumalo joined MEC for Finance Ina Cronjé 

at Eastwood Secondary School in Pietermaritzburg 

to interact with the local community, 

informing them of the purpose of the programme. 

“We are here to listen to you. We brought 

you all the government departments to give 

you answers. But by the same token, we would 

also like to encourage young people to stand 

up and do things for themselves and come up 

with solutions so that the government can meet 

us halfway,” said Khumalo. 

“For too long, communities have been stuck 

in first gear. We are going to turn this skoroskoro 

into a racing car. But we have to push together 

if we are to win the race against poverty, 

unemployment and the social ills of alcohol 

and drug abuse, teenage pregnancies an HIV 

and AIDS,” said Cronjé, who is a champion 

of the uMgungundlovu District Municipality. 

“Government is moving service delivery for 

young people in this area into top gear. I am 

happy to engage with learners, teachers and 

communities about the issues that lie close to 

their hearts. Our engagement does not end 

here, we will follow up on your issues.” 

Substance abuse 

Learners at Eastwood Secondary School 

used the opportunity to talk about teenage 

pregnancy, substance abuse and financial assistance 

towards further education. 

One learner, who did not want to be named, 

asked that government come up with a strategy 

to teach parents at home about substance 

abuse. The learner said although schools had 

programmes in place to educate them, they 

still had to go back home to parents with 

substance abuse problems. 

To ensure government visibility at a household 

level, “each household will be profiled 

and the various departments and role players 

will assist the household members with their 

respective needs,” Cronjé said. 

Leleti Khumalo 

E Cape learners learn to speak their minds 

Sithembele Sakati, BuaNews 

More than 100 Eastern Cape 

learners took over the province’s 

legislature to participate 

in an inter-school debate 

competition recently. 

The State of the Province Address 

Schools’ Debates competition, hosted 

jointly by the Office of the Premier and the 

provincial Department of Education, was 

aimed at fostering interest in government 

programmes for the youth and to improve 

learners’ public speaking abilities. 

“The provincial government is concerned 

about the non-participation and lack of interest 

among the youth in government programmes, 

which led to the competitions 

being introduced. The aim is to involve 

and expose young people to the work of 

government,” said spokesperson for the 

Office of the Premier Manelisi Wolela. 

Participants were selected during regional 

competitions where they debated 

Premier Noxolo Kiviet’s State of the Province 

Address. 

Enhancing education 

“These debates are also aimed at engaging 

children in activities that enhance 

their education. Debate and public 

speaking are very important, and we 

hope they carry this skill through to 

tertiary level,” said Office of the Premier 

chief co-ordinator Nomfundo 

Nqinana. 

Sipho Dlebusuku,15, a Grade 10 

learner from Enoch Sontonga Secondary 

School, said the competition was a 

great way of informing young people 

about how government works. 

“I really hope that our school gets 

to participate in the competition. It is 

a big step towards grooming future 

leaders,” said Dlebusuku. 

Career guidance 

Staff and students from Fort Hare and 

Walter Sisulu Universities will also be 

involved in the competition, offering 

career guidance to the pupils. 

Prizes include certificates signed by 

Premier Kiviet and Education MEC 

Mandla Makupula for all participants, 

sets of encyclopedias, and trophies for 

the winning school and individual 

pupils. - 

More scientists 

and engineers 

in the making 

The number of first-year students taking 

up studies in sciences and engineering 

at universities is on the rise. This is 

good news for the economy as South 

Africa is experiencing a shortage of skilled people 

in these fields. 

According to the Department of Higher 

Education and Training, a total of about 180 

000 students are studying in these field this 

year. This up by 6,8 per cent from last year’s 

projection of 175 072 students. In 2010, the 

enrolment was 168 408 students 

Director General of Higher Education, 

Gwebinkundla Qonde noted a rise in the number 

of veterinarian first-year students, saying 

that a total of 184 students were expected to 

enrol this year. This is up by 145 per cent from 

last year’s projection of 95 students. Plans are 

on the cards to take up more students in this 

area. 

He said in 2010, 75 students enrolled for the 

programme, adding that universities had the 

capacity to meet the growing number vet students 

but more should be done to help them. 

Veterinary studies 

Oonde said they were negotiating with 

Tshwane University of Technology, the University 

of Pretoria and North West University to 

increase the number of students in veterinary 

science. 

He said they were also in negotiations with 

the Department of Rural Development and 

Land Reform for the acquisition of a farm 

which would be used by the University of 

Pretoria and the University of South Africa, 

among others, for veterinary studies and research. 

He emphasised the fact that most universities 

offering medical sciences were looking at 

increasing enrolments but lacked funds for 

such expansions. 

FET colleges 

Meanwhile, 270 000 students nationwide have 

enrolled at various Further Education Training 

46 272 students enrolled for the Engineering National Certificate (Vocational) for the 2012 academic year. 

(FET) colleges for the 2012 academic year, an 

increase of 60 per cent compared to 2011. 

This year, these colleges opened up more 

space to absorb a further 17 145 students which 

had initially not been accommodated due to 

programmes being full. 

FET colleges director Steven Mommen said 

46 272 students had enrolled for the Engineering 

National Certificate (Vocational) and 

38 116 had registered for N1-N3 engineering 

certificate. 

He added that the demand for engineering 

studies had gone up by 70 per cent compared 

to last year. 

For more information, call the Department 

of Higher Education and Training 

on : 012 312 5911 / 0800 872 222


April 2012 

International Relations 

SA and Nigeria to strengthen relations 

Department of International 

Relations and Cooperation 

The governments of the Republic of 

South Africa and the Federal Republic 

of Nigeria are considering implementing 

various measures to strengthen the 

historic bilateral relationship between the two 

sister African countries. 

South Africa and Nigeria have long-standing 

bilateral relations and share a common commitment 

to the unity and prosperity of the African 

continent. 

Notwithstanding the above, recent unfortunate 

events involving immigration matters may 

have created contrary impressions. 

Deported 

On 2 March 2012, 125 Nigerian citizens were 

deported from the OR Tambo International 

Airport for allegedly being in position of 

fraudulent yellow fever vaccine certificates. On 

this day, there was an operation at OR Tambo 

International Airport to check all passengers 

arriving from countries which require yellow 

fever certificates. 

Subsequent to that, 28 South African citizens 

were deported from Lagos, Nigeria, after arriving 

at the Murtala Muhammed International 

Airport on a South African Airways flight on 

the evening of 5 March 2012. 

The passengers were deported on grounds 

of invalid documentation and relevant health 

certificate clearance. Some passengers were 

also asked for their letters of invitation, stating 

their reason for visiting Nigeria. 

The governments of South Africa and Nigeria 

view these developments in a serious light. 

Accordingly, the two countries have, through 

diplomatic channels, consulted at the highest 

levels on ways of avoiding a recurrence of such 

developments. 

Furthermore, the South African government 

has sent a letter of apology to the Nigerian 

government following the incident, which the 

South African government believes could have 

been handled better. 

Agreement 

Among other things, the two countries agree 

that: 

• The South Africa-Nigeria Bi-National 

Commission should be revived as soon as 

possible. There is also agreement that the 

Immigration Working Group should be 

revived. 

• The National Department of Health and 

the Gauteng Health Department should 

consider re-opening the vaccination clinic 

at the OR Tambo International Airport 

so that passengers who do not have the 

yellow fever card can be vaccinated upon 

arrival at the airport, rather than be deported. 

• The South African and Nigerian health 

authorities would exchange vaccine batch 

numbers and details about the official institutions 

that administer the vaccine for 

verification purposes at the port of entry. 

This information would also be made 

available to the diplomatic missions in 

Lagos and Abuja where visas are issued 

based on the proof of a yellow fever certificate. 

The airlines will also be informed 

about the verification process. 

Deputy Minister Ebrahim Ebrahim briefs the media on the deportation of Nigerian nationals. 

• Immigration officials should be the first 

officials that deal with the passengers at 

the port of entry and if they experience 

challenges, they should invite other units 

to help and not the other way round. 

• When it comes to mass deportations, it 

was agreed that senior officials at the Department 

of International Relations and 

Cooperation (including Protocol) should 

be consulted by Immigration and Health 

officials at the airport before undertaking 

such action. The senior officials should 

then consult with the department before 

deporting large numbers of people. 

The South African government believes that 

these measures, when fully implemented, will 

address the current immigration challenges 

affecting citizens from the two sister African 

countries and help avoid a recurrence of recent 

incidents. 

For more information, call DIRCO 

on: 012 315 1000 

SA’s worldwide voice 

Thandi Mgxwati, South Africa’s High Commissioner in Lagos, Nigeria. 


South Africa maintains diplomatic relations 

with countries and organisations 

through 124 missions in 107 countries 

throughout the world. This is hard 

work, done by representatives of our country 

who promote South Africa, its beauty, values 

and economic potential; and make our country’s 

voice heard in the international arena. 

What is an embassy? 

An embassy is the larger and more important 

than a consulate and is described as 

a permanent diplomatic mission which is 

generally located in a country’s capital city. 

The embassy is responsible for representing 

the home country abroad and handling major 

diplomatic issues, such as preserving the rights 

of citizens abroad. 

What is an ambassador? 

The ambassador is the highest official in the 

embassy acting as the chief diplomat and 

spokesperson for the home government. 

Ambassadors are typically appointed by the 

highest level of the home government. 

What is a consulate? 

A consulate is a smaller version of an embassy 

and is generally located in the larger tourist cities 

of a country but not the capital. Consulates 

(and their chief diplomat, the consul) handle 

minor diplomatic issues like issuing visas, 

aiding in trade relationships, and taking care 

of migrants, tourists, and expatriates. 

Living and 

learning in 

Lagos 

To find out first-hand what it is like to be 

a representative for South Africa in a foreign 

country, Vuk’uzenzele spoke to Thandi 

Mgxwati, who heads the South African High 

Commission in Lagos, Nigeria. 

What do you enjoy most 

about living in Lagos? 

Although Lagos is the smallest state in 

Nigeria, it has the highest urban population, 

estimated at 27,4 per cent of the national 

population. Lagos is a socio-cultural melting 

pot, with about 18,5 million people living 

here. The city contributes more than 30 per 

cent of Nigeria’s gross domestic product. 

My favourite thing about living in Lagos is 

that one gets to experience what makes Nigeria 

tick in terms of culture, entrepreneurial 

activity and markets. In addition, Nigerian 

people, specifically those in Lagos, make you 

feel welcome in their city by their warmth and 

politeness. What fascinates me is that, despite 

the hardships ranging from irregular power 

supply to horrendous traffic congestions and 

communication network challenges, Nigerians 

always find a way of making it work. 

What challenges have you 

faced living in Nigeria? 

One major adjustment I had to grapple with 

was changing my mind-set and resisting the 

temptation of comparing the way things are 

here and at home. For instance, I had to get 

used to the fact that having electricity for 

about five hours in a day without power outage 

is a luxury here, so I had to get used to the 

overpowering noise of generators wherever 

I went. I also had to get used to the fact that 

meetings and functions can never start on 

time; they can easily start an hour or more late. 

What do you like most about the Nigerian 

people, and what can we learn from them? 

The most striking thing for me is that they 

are hard workers who try to make ends meet 

with their creativity and dedication. Informal 

traders range from tailors carrying sewing 

machines on their shoulders in the streets 

looking for customers; and people running 

mobile offices from the boots of their cars 

in street corners using small generators for 

services such as photocopying, printing, and 

laminating of documents; to street vendors 

who sell anything usable until the middle of 

the night. 

The attitude is “Walala Wasala”, which 

roughly translates to “If you snooze, you 

lose”. 

What are your duties at the 

South African Embassy? 

My duties include strategic management 

and playing a leadership role. This involves 

building lasting relationships with the Lagos 

State Government as well as governments of 

the eight other Nigerian states, Ogun, Oyo, 

Osun, Ondo, Delta, Rivers and Bayelsa. 

More importantly, Lagos is the economic 

hub of Nigeria and West Africa. It serves as a 

gateway for business, including a number of 

South African companies aiming to expand 

their business interests into Nigeria and 

West Africa. Therefore, it is my responsibility 

to assist our companies to identify business 

opportunities, study the economic environment 

in Nigeria and advise them accordingly. 

There are currently about 100 South African 

companies operating in Nigeria, with interest 

growing in this big potential market. 

The Mission often gets requests to address 

forums such as the Nigeria-South Africa 

Chamber of Commerce, universities and civil 

society groups. It is my job to use these platforms 

to promote South Africa’s interests 

and discuss the country’s position on topical 

issues. 

In a nutshell, my job is to contribute towards 

strengthening of bilateral relations between 

South Africa and Nigeria, and to promote 

South Africa in all her facets. 

What do you miss most about South Africa? 

Our open wide roads and weekend coffee 

sessions with my friends at the House of Coffees 

or Mugg & Bean. I also miss my favourite 

cheesecake and the big shopping malls that 

we have in South Africa.

April 2012 

Presidential Hotline 


Hotline still making a difference 

The Presidency 

From recent statistics it is clear that the 

Presidential Hotline continues to make 

a difference to the lives of ordinary citizens, 

while making government more 

accessible. 

According to the latest statistics, the hotline 

has an overall case resolution rate of almost 80 

per cent, which is a significant milestone since 

its establishment in September 2009. 

Since 31 January 2012, the hotline has logged 

a total number of 122 589 calls nationwide 

with the overall case resolution rate standing 

at 79,89 per cent. This is a major improvem 

ent since 2009, when the resolution rate was 

at 39 per cent. 

Better coordination 

According to the Presidency, most of the 

complaints are around housing, unemployment, 

social services, citizenship, water and 

electricity, law-related matters and education. 

The majority of these calls are from KwaZulu- 

Natal, Gauteng and the Eastern Cape, which is 

attributed to the population size. 

The Presidency attributed the success of the 

hotline to better coordination at the Directors- 

Success 

stories 

Lost and found 

The Presidency cited two examples of 

successful direct responses by the hotline. 

One relates to divorce attorney Ms Thembisile 

General and senior management levels of 

government. Also, responsiveness reports 

have been regularised on the agenda of the 

Forum of South African Directors-General and 

a periodic item on Cabinet’s agenda. 

“We are gradually making progress and living 

up to President Jacob Zuma’s promise that 

citizens will have a platform to communicate 

with government and get the assistance they 

deserve,” said Minister in the Presidency, Collins 

Chabane. 

“As we have begun with our frontline service 

delivery monitoring, the hotline provides us 

with good data about which areas need immediate 

attention and we will respond.” 

More call-centre agents 

On average, it takes 67 working days to resolve 

a matter that has been recorded with 

the hotline. However, there are queries which 

get immediate response, such as requests for 

information on government services. 

To ensure that the hotline operates optimally, 

the Presidency says it will increase the number 

of call agents from 20 to 30 as of June this year. 

This will see an increase to 15 agents per shift 

operating on two shifts a day. 

The Department for Performance Monitoring 

Dlamini’s complaint about delays caused by 

constant loss of files at the Central Divorce 

Court in Johannesburg. 

On intervention by the Presidential Hotline, 

the case was referred to the Department of 

Justice and Constitutional Development, which 

intervened immediately. On investigation, 

it was established that the particular file 

had been transferred to Vereeniging. The 

department had the file delivered to the 

attorney’s office, and the attorney was able to 

proceed with the case. 

Paid out in full 

The second case involved Ms Thandi Joyce 

Toso, who had gone to the Department of 

Labour’s offices in Gauteng to find out 

why she was not getting the money due 

to her after her husband’s death. She was 

told that her late husband’s information 

and Evaluation was now using the hotline to 

inform its “unannounced Front Line Service 

Delivery Monitoring visits”, the Presidency 

said, and had begun to engage with departments 

and municipalities that were often 

targeted by hotline complaints. 

The Presidency said it was aware that there 

were still a number of citizens who were waiting 

for responses and that a lot still needed to 

be done to achieve a 100 per cent call resolution 

rate. But it was committed to ensuring that 

every citizen received a response. 

Call the Presidential Hotline on 

17737 

did not appear on their system. 

On investigation, it appeared that the deceased 

husband was also married traditionally and 

had another wife. An investigator from the 

Unemployment Insurance Fund investigated 

the matter further with the assistance of the 

Department of Labour head office, and after 

the correct documents were submitted at the 

provincial Department of Labour office, the 

claim was paid out in full.” 


Brought to you by Government Communications (GCIS) 

Letters to the Editor 

Give us a piece of your mind... 

Lerato Ramasesane, Worcester, 

Western Cape, wrote our winning letter. 

Prizes are sponsored by On the Dot. 

winning letter 

Community development 

It’s high time we started doing things for 

ourselves so that government can focus on 

things that we cannot do. If you can afford 

to build a house, please remove yourself 

from the list of RDP applicants so you can 

ease the financial burden on government. 

People should also start saving instead 

of complaining of not earning enough 

money while they splash their money 

on unnecessary items. The State can only 

extend its arm to a certain extent, but for 

the rest we must really get up and do it 

ourselves! 

– Lerato Ramasesane, Worcester, 

WesternCape 

Respect people with 

disabilities 

I am very disappointed with the way we 

as South Africans behave towards our 

sisters and brothers with disabilities. In 

my opinion we must not call them cripples 

nor should we call them disabled people. 

Although a person does have a particular 

disability, we must refer to him or her as 

a person with disability. When we refer 

to people with disabilities as “disabled 

people” we imply that they are unable to 

do anything, even though they may have 

only one disability and lead a full and 

active life. 

It is our responsibility as a nation to 

show them the respect they deserve. Some 

of them are robbed of their pension money 

by their relatives or people known to them 

because they are vulnerable. Some of them 

are even raped or abused. 

Let us stand up as nation and consider 

this as a matter that needs our special 

and urgent attention. if you suspect 

that a person with a disability may be 

mistreated, please notify the necessary 

organisation. By doing so, we will 

motivate our people with disabilities and 

show them that they are valued members 

of our loving South African nation. 

– Sello Matlhaji, Hammanskraal, 

Gauteng 

Anything is possible 

We are living in a world that has 

opportunities and so much talent, and 

yet some people say they can’t make it. 

But remember, the only thing that counts 

is how you look at yourself, how you set 

your mind in reaching your goals. Even 

if people tell you that you are not good 

enough, remember the more they talk 

bad about you, the harder you must try to 

become better at what you do best. 

Don’t sell yourself short, don’t let 

negative people pull you down; in fact if 

you are surrounded by negative people, 

just cut them out of your lives and delete 

them from your social network. You will 

see that by being positive and believing in 

yourself anything is possible. 

– Thabo Sempe, Excelsior, Free State 

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State of the Province 


April 2012 

Sketching the state of the provinces 

President Jacob Zuma’s State of the 

Nation Address (SoNA) highlighted 

infrastructure development, which 

will enhance economic growth and 

job creation in the nine provinces. 

A glance at the SoNA and the spending pattern 

among the nine provinces, clearly indicates 

that provincial growth and development strategies 

are aligned with the President’s vision, 

particularly in the priority areas of job creation, 

education, rural development and health. 

Vuk’uzenzele unpacks some of the highlights 

of the provinces’ State of the Province Addresses 

and their alignment with the SoNA. 

Premier Modise noted that the province had 

exceeded its own job-creation target of 52 898 

jobs by creating 80 433 jobs. 

In addition, the rehabilitation of the Vaalharts 

water scheme would create jobs and boost 

economic growth. This would not only benefit 

the North West province, but also the Northern 

Cape, she added. 

North West Premier Thandi Modise 

North West 

PREMIER Thandi Modise highlighted education 

and recreation as priorities, saying the 

North West government would be building 

libraries and recreational centres at Lomanyaneng, 

Mahikeng, Manthe, Moretele, Lichtenburg 

and Schweizer-Reneke. 

She said the Taung and Potchefstroom agricultural 

colleges were being refurbished and 

the provincial government would be launching 

the Kgora Training Centre to afford emerging 

and aspirant farmers practical farming experience. 

Regarding the planning of roads, the provincial 

government has approached the South 

African National Roads Agency for assistance 

with improving the roads infrastructure. 

Electricity infrastructure received a boost 

with an Eskom investment of R10,85 billion 

over the next five years. During the current 

financial year, a total of 10 162 new electricity 

connections will be made. 

Limpopo Premier Cassel Mathale 

Limpopo 

PREMIER Cassel Mathale said infrastructure 

expansion had been identified as one of the 

key pillars for improving living conditions in 

Limpopo, while also creating jobs. 

The provincial government aimed to create 

124 626 jobs by the end of the third quarter of 

the current financial year, he said 

Infrastructure development programmes include 

schools and the revitalisation of hospitals 

and clinics. Mathale noted that 32 schools and 

2 431 classrooms had been built. Seven new 

clinics had also been built and 32 upgraded 

and the Siloam Hospital would be revitalised. 

He said the province had signed a memorandum 

of understanding with Transnet Freight 

Rail to create logistics hubs to bring together 

transport infrastructure for agriculture, mining 

products and other commodities that had 

to be railed to other parts of the country and 

abroad. Logistics hubs, which will reduce the 

number of heavy goods on the roads, will be 

created in Polokwane, Musina, Burgersfort and 

Lephalale. 

The Lephalale corridor and the plan to develop 

and integrate rail, road and water infrastructure, 

centred on Lephalale and Steelpoort 

will attract more investment. In the north, the 

Musina to Africa Strategic Supplier Hub Initiative 

(MUTASSHI) will promote north to south 

trade relations. 

Agriculture will receive a boost in the North West with the refurbishment of two agricultural colleges and the launch of 

the Kgora Training Centre for aspirant farmers. 

As part of rural development in Gauteng, roads in five rural development nodes will be upgraded. 

Gauteng 

PREMIER Nomvula Mokonyane said the 

Gauteng provincial government was committed 

to accelerating the implementation of mega 

Gauteng Premier Nomvula Mokonyane 

projects to drive growth and development. The 

projects formed an essential part of the Integrated 

Infrastructure Development Programme 

to promote job creation. 

More than R500 million would be spent on the 

construction and maintenance of roads. This 

would include major rehabilitation of the N14 

and the R25, Mokonyane said. 

“We will also upgrade the R82 (the old 

Vereeniging Road) linking Johannesburg and 

Sedibeng, as well as William Nicol Drive. The 

construction of the K154 will be undertaken, 

stimulating development in the rural parts of 

south Sedibeng.” 

As part of rural development, roads in 

five rural development nodes would be 

upgraded, Mokonyane noted. “Through the 

S’hambaSonke road maintenance project, we 

will capacitate 100 new contractors and create 

6 500 jobs.” 

On the information, communication and 

technology front, Premier Mokonyane said 

the province had embarked on efforts to build 

the knowledge economy as a driver of development. 

This will be done through the G-link 

Project, which aims to achieve 95 per cent 

broadband coverage in the province, roll out 

e-government services and grow the economy. 

The provincial government is also planning 

a climate innovation centre and a bio-science 

park at the Innovation Hub in Pretoria to help 

entrepreneurs to develop green technologies. 

On job creation, Mokonyane said that by the 

end of December 2011, the provincial government 

had exceeded its job creation targets, 

creating 281 686 jobs against a target of 229 904 

by the end of March 2012. Of these, 5 629 were 

permanent jobs, 40 898 were temporary and 235 

159 were jobs created through the Expanded 

Public Works Programme. 

Regarding human settlements, progress had 

been made with implementing of 14 mixed 

housing developments, while 69 informal settlements 

had been formalised. 

Free State 

Free State Premier Ace Magashule 

FREE STATE Premier Ace Magashule said a 

partnership between the Free State Development 

Corporation, the Mangaung Metro and 

the provincial Department of Human Settlements 

would facilitate the building of 3 000 

housing units for people who earn above 

R3 500, but who do not qualify for housing 

loans from banks. 

A similar partnership was entered into with 

the Moqhaka Local Municipality to construct 

2 000 mixed housing development units at 

Viljoenskroon and Kroonstad. 

Various initiatives, including a dairy project 

in Vrede would see the creation of 33 954 job opportunities. 

In addition, the provincial government 

had drawn up a database of unemployed 

graduates for placement in internships, the 

Premier said. 

Regarding infrastructure development, the

April 2012 


State of the Province 

Harrismith Logistics Hub, now part of the 

Durban-Free State-Gauteng corridor, will 

promote and stimulate economic growth in 

the Free State. 

This includes a containerised manganese project 

in Bloemfontein in a partnership between 

the Free State Development Corporation and 

Transnet. It will link the mines of the Northern 

Cape, containerising the manganese cargo in 

Bloemfontein and transporting it by rail to 

Durban for export. 

The provincial government has strengthened 

its relationship with Eskom to promote service 

delivery. Last year, Eskom completed 6 559 connections 

and is targeting an additional 1 454 

this year. An additional six compact fluorescent 

light (CFL) roll-out projects and 11 energy efficiency 

projects were implemented at a cost 

of R128 million. This is in addition to the 2,1 

million CFLs, 14 684 solar water geysers and 

24 897 ripple control units that have been delivered 

since 2007. 

Eastern Cape 

THE Eastern Cape’s East London industrial 

development zone (IDZ) has secured private 

investors to the value of R4 billion. Of this, R3,3 

billion had been set aside for renewable energy 

projects, Premier Noxolo Kiviet said. 

Eastern Cape Premier Noxolo Kiviet 

The Coega IDZ has 21 operating investors 

and has created 3 645 construction jobs, and 

2 985 direct jobs. In addition, the Coega IDZ 

is implementing projects to the value of R7,6 

billion. The R1 billion First Automobile Works 

automotive investment will create 2 000 direct 

jobs. 

The Eastern Cape government supports cooperatives 

through the Imvaba Fund, with 46 

cooperatives established and 16 new entrants 

supported so far. 

Of the targeted 94 504 jobs announced for 

Phase 2 of the Expanded Public Works Programme 

(EPWP), 110 472 have been created. 

Similarly, 2 622 EPWP beneficiaries throughout 

the province were trained in technical and life 

skills. “Our target is to create 116 958 jobs in 

the current financial year”, Premier Kiviet said. 

The upgrading of the N2 Wild Coast, at a 

cost of approximately R9 billion, had been 

approved and construction would start soon. 

This project would create some 6 800 direct jobs 

and open up the Wild Coast for investment, the 

premier noted. 

Regarding housing, 8 303 houses had been 

completed while a further 7 870 are being 

constructed. In addition, 2 397 units have been 

repaired. 

Western Cape 

PREMIER Helen Zille said the provincial 

government had established an Economic 

Development Partnership (EDP) to develop a 

shared agenda for economic growth, development 

and inclusion. The EDP would focus on 

developing a shared economic vision, strategy 

Western Cape Premier Helen Zille 

and brand for the province. 

In addition, the Western Cape has compiled 

an infrastructure agenda that includes regeneration 

projects in conjunction with the City of 

Cape Town and the private sector, the building 

and upgrading of roads including a divisional 

road between Gansbaai and Bredasdorp and 

the Wingfield interchange bridges and a roads 

network improvement project in support of 

the Saldanha Industrial Development Zone 

initiative. 

The Premier announced a massive new investment 

in education infrastructure. “We have 

increased our schools maintenance budget by 

46 per cent in the last two years,” she said. 

Plans for the next two years include building 

eight new schools and replacing 23 current 

school buildings. There are also plans to build 

768 new classrooms and replace 583 current 

classrooms by the end of next year. By the end 

of the 2011/2012 financial year, 11 new schools 

and five replacement schools, as well as 570 

classrooms will have been completed. 

A public-private partnership has been established 

to bring broadband access to every 

school in the province. 

KwaZulu-Natal 

PREMIER Zweli Mkhize said the provincial 

planning commission had worked very hard to 

ensure that the Provincial Growth and Development 

Strategy and Plan were fully aligned 

with the National Development Plan. 

Last year, the province obtained an allocation 

of R11 billion, which has since been raised to 

R15 billion for schools infrastructure, roads and 

water, as well as the upgrading of ports and the 

KwaZulu-Natal Premier Zweli Mkhize 

rail transport strategy. 

The Department of Water Affairs has started 

a massive water supply programme to increase 

bulk water supply and establish more water 

The Western Cape’s infrastructure agenda includes regeneration programmes in the City of Cape Town. 

treatment plants and storage facilities in the 

province. Around R18 billion has been allocated 

to raise the wall of the Hazelmere Dam, 

complete the construction of Spring Grove 

Dam in Mooi River, Umgungundlovu to augment 

the Umngeni River catchment. 

Other major water projects include Ngagane 

water treatment works and transfer, Jozini- 

Ingwavuma bulk water supply, Mandlakazi 

water scheme, Msinga and Vant’s Drift bulk 

and Mhlabashane Dam. Water supply and 

sanitation projects are also in the pipeline for 

Amajuba and Umkhanyakude districts. 

NORTHERN Cape 

Northern Cape Acting Premier Grizelda Cjiekella 

IN a quest to improve the quality of teaching 

and learning, Northern Cape Acting Premier 

Grizelda Cjiekella said the provincial government 

has, in collaboration with the Sishen 

Iron Ore Community Development Trust and 

Rhodes University, entered into a four-year 

capacity-building programme for teachers. 

Some 108 teachers would study towards 

bachelor of education degrees in the foundation 

phase, mathematics and languages. The province 

would also soon have its own university 

as announced during President Jacob Zuma’s 

State of the Nation Address, the Premier noted. 

She said from the first to the second quarter 

of 2011, 3 000 jobs had been created in the 

Northern Cape. Various projects had also been 

identified to drive job creation. They included 

a rooibos tea processing and packaging project, 

revitalisation of Warrenton Superchicken and 

the Vaalharts irrigation scheme, upgrading 

of the Heuningvlei bulk water infrastructure, 

a hydroponics packing facility at Tshwaraganang 

hydroponics, the Blocuso irrigation 

development and the Riemvasmaak irrigation 

development. 

For 2012/2013, R336 million has been set 

aside to develop human settlements, which 

will go a long way towards addressing the 

housing backlog. A total of 2 515 houses will 

be built through different projects. 

mpumalanga 

PREMIER David Mabuza said the provincial 

government concluded the crafting and adoption 

of the Mpumalanga Economic Growth 

and Development Path, which would guide 

the province in terms of job creation, economic 

growth and development. 

From April 2009 to date, the province had 

created 135 793 jobs through the Expanded 

Public Works Programme. The province had 

also established more than 13 000 job opportunities 

through the Comprehensive Rural 

Development Programme – the beneficiaries 

being predominantly youth and women, he 

noted. 

As announced by President Jacob Zuma in 

his State of the Nation Address, the province 

will soon have its own university into which a 

tertiary training hospital will be incorporated. 

As part of enhancing comprehensive support 

to poor learners, the no-fee school policy has 

been rolled out in 1 604 schools. In addition, 

832 254 learners in primary and secondary 

schools are benefiting from the school nutrition 

programme. 

The province will continue to enhance its 

Artisan Skills Training Programme benefiting 

at least 90 learners in line with the Comprehensive 

Rural Development Programme. 

In partnership with the Department of 

Higher Education and Training, the province 

intends to create and strengthen system-wide 

partnerships with training institutions to help 

graduates obtain workplace training. The 

province will allocate 200 bursaries in scarce 

and critical skills. 

The Mpumalanga Regional Training Trust has 

trained more than 600 young people in construction-related 

trades linked to the implementation 

of the Peoples Housing Programme. Almost 

2 000 houses have been completed and further 

2 547 are being built. 

The Marapyane Agricultural College has 

been officially opened with 120 students enrolled 

and 20 lecturers already appointed. 

Mpumalanga Premier David Mabuza


April 2012 

Sports 

Blade Runner scoops Laureus Award 

Kemantha Govender, BuaNews 

Oscar Pistorius made South Africans 

proud again recently when he 

scooped the 2012 Laureus Award for 

the World Sportsperson of the Year 

with a Disability. The awards honour sporting 

personalities and teams for their performances 

in the previous year. The winners are determined 

by the Laureus World Sports Academy. 

what a kick-off! 

Pistorius, also referred to as the ‘Blade Runner’, 

is a double amputee and runs on specially designed 

carbon fibre blades. Now 25, he was born 

with a congenital absence of the fibula and his 

legs were amputated below the knee when he 

was 11 months old. 

He received a Laureus Award for becoming 

the first amputee to win a track medal in the 

non-disabled World Championships – a silver 

in the 4 x 400-m relay in South Korea. Aided 

by his carbon fibre blades, Pistorius went on to 

become a Paralympics gold medalist in 2008. 

Congratulating Oscar Pistorius on his achievement, 

South Africa’s Olympic governing body 

President, Gideon Sam said, “What a kick-off 

to our Olympic and Paralympic campaign! 

There’s no doubt Oscar will be one of the key 

weapons in our battle to win even more medals 

at the Paralympics. He is not only a Paralympics 

legend already, not only a fine ambassador for 

South Africa, but also a role model for both athletes 

with disabilities and able-bodied athletes.” 

such a privilege 

Pistorius received the Laureus statuette from 

Spanish actress Elsa Pataky and skateboard 

legend Tony Hawk during the globally televised 

awards ceremony in London. “It’s such a great 

privilege ... it is really humbling to be here. To 

all the Laureus Academy members, all you guys, 

thank you very much,” an elated Pistorius said. 

He ran a personal best 400-m time of 45,07 

seconds in Italy last year to qualify for the world 

championships and is now bidding to be part of 

Team South Africa at this year’s 2012 Olympic 

Games in London. 

South Africa’s Olympic governing body chief 

executive officer, Tubby Reddy, also congratulaed 

Pistorius. “Oscar is a remarkable young 

athlete. The impact that he has had on uplifting 

the image of sportsmen and women with disabilities 

is enormous. Coming as it does in an 

Olympic and Paralympic year, this honour is a 

huge boost for South African sport.” 

Other winners 

Laureus World Sportsman of the Year went 

to tennis player Novak Djokovic, who has 

won three Grand Slam events, the Australian 

Open, Wimbledon and the US Open. 

The Laureus Sportswoman of the 

Year Award went to Kenya’s longdistance 

runner Vivian Cheruiyot, 

who won gold medals in both the 

5 000-m and 10 000-m events at the World 

Championships in Daegu. 

The Laureus World Team of the Year went 

to FC Barcelona, a favourite among football 

fans in South Africa. The Spanish team 

continues to dominate European football 

and the domestic league. 

The Laureus World Breakthrough of the 

Year went to youngster Rory McIlroy, who 

won the US Open, his first major championship. 

Laureus World Action Sportsperson of the 

Year was presented to Kelly Slater. This was 

Slater’s fourth Laureus Award, equalling 

the record of Roger Federer, the only other 

four-time winner. 

England’s football legend Bobby Charlton 

received a Laureus Lifetime Achievement 

Award, while Rai Souza Vieira de Oliveira, 

the former Brazilian footballer, now social 

justice campaigner, won the Laureus Sport 

for Good Award. 

Win-win approach 

for heritage sites 

Department of Arts and Culture 

“Blade Runner”, Oscar Pistorius in action. 

Thulasizwe Mxenge. 

Caption 

Pistorius with his Laureus Award. 

Young Soweto cyclist heads for glory 

Thembisa Shologu 

Cycling is not popular as a competitive 

sport among township children. 

However, one boy hopes to change 

this after being selected to be part of 

the South African National Junior Track Squad 

participating in the Junior World Track Championships. 

The competition is taking place in 

Invercargill, New Zealand in August this year. 

A grade 12 learner from Senaoane Secondary 

School in Soweto, Thulasizwe Mxenge, 18, 

says he wants to see more children of all races 

participating in the sport. “This kind of sport 

is not popular in the township and considered 

to be a white people’s sport. I am proud to be 

one of the people to debunk this myth.” 

Love for cycling 

“I used to see a guy here in the township 

cycling, that was when my love for cycling 

started and I told myself that I would do 

it one day. In 2009, a friend took me to join 

Medscheme Development Team,” he says. 

“We practise every day except for Mondays 

as it is our day to relax. It is going to be difficult 

this year, since I am in matric an have 

to make time for my studies,” Mxenge said. 

Mxenge and four other talented youngsters 

from Gauteng are part of the team of 19 cyclists 

from all provinces that will be taking 

part in the Track Training Camps during the 

course of 2012 en route the Junior World Track 

Championships in New Zealand. 

Track training camps 

Another cyclist, Jac Steyn (17) says that he 

was attracted to mountain biking at first 

but got into cycling three years ago. 

He shares the same concern as Mxenge 

about going on camps and missing out on 

some of his school work as he, too, is in 

Grade 12. “Cycling is great fun and develops 

one, but my school work is important 

to me. It is difficult to try and catch-up 

on the school work you missed out on,” 

he said. 

CyclingSA has held a highly successful 

Track Training Camp in December 2011 in 

Cape Town where the team was selected. 

The identified team is divided into three 

groups; Male Endurance, Female Endurance 

and Male Sprint. Both Mxenge 

and Steyn are looking forward to going 

to the camps and are honoured to have 

been selected in the team. According to 

CyclingSA, a new talent identification 

squad for 2013 will be chosen at an open 

training camp, which will once again be 

held in December. 

In a gesture towards nation-building and 

reconciliation, government is to declare 

the Voortrekker Monument in Pretoria a 

national heritage site, while unveiling a 

series of monuments to celebrate the heroes 

and heroines of the country’s struggle for 

liberation. 

The move follows the opening of an access 

road between two previously divided 

South African institutions - Freedom Park 

and the Voortrekker Monument - on National 

Reconciliation Day, 16 December, 

last year. 

Following an announcement by Home Affairs 

Minister Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, 

the Voortrekker Monument - inaugurated 

in 1949 to commemorate the pioneering 

history of southern Africa and the history 

of the Afrikaner - was declared a national 

heritage site in March. 

Economic player 

Arts and Culture Minister Paul Mashatile, 

said the projects would not only help 

highlight the country’s history, but would 

also boost local economies and make arts 

and culture a serious economic player in 

the country. 

“We need to understand that our economy 

is driven by cultural heritage,” Mashatile 

said. “So by embarking on these projects 

we expect to revitalise the local economy, 

because there are massive benefits for people 

living in those areas where we plan to 

implement these projects. It’s a win-win 

approach.” 

Dlamini-Zuma also announced details of 

a massive nationwide heritage route project 

to be set up over the next few years at an 

estimated cost of over R1 billion. 

The project will include the building of 

museums and historic sites in both rural 

and urban areas to highlight government’s 

drive to unite all South Africans and 

promote the role of arts and culture in 

economic development. 

Dlamini-Zuma said the homes of struggle 

veterans such Winnie Madikizela-Mandela, 

OR Tambo, Bram Fischer and African 

National Congress first president John 

Langalibalele Dube would be revamped 

as part of the project. 

Madikizela-Mandela’s home in Brandfort 

in the Free State will be restored and protected 

as an important historic site. 

The graves of PAC founder Robert 

Sobukhwe, former ANC leaders Oliver 

Thambo, AB Xuma, Walter and Albertina 

Sisulu, Pixley Ka Seme as well as activists 

Rahima Moosa and Steve Biko will also be 

upgraded and declared heritage sites. 

The Steve Biko Centre in the Eastern Cape 

is near completion, while the second phase 

of the Ncome Museum at Freedom Park 

will also be completed soon.

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