Thursday, December 17, 2009

Free State News (December 2009 Editions)

FREE STATE NEWS (December 2009 editions)

This web page(s) regularly focuses on the leading Free State (South Africa) newspaper – Free State News – the first regular newspaper to be orchestrated fully by black people in the Free State province (the paper celebrated its 10th year anniversary this year). The paper has been published on a weekly basis since 1999. Regular items like “Feature of the week” have appeared here over the months.

Free State News crew

Publisher
Moses Vinger

Confidential Secretary/Manager
Maki Mohapi aka “Madam Maki” “H.C”

Editor
Kaya M

News Editor
Omoseye Bolaji

News Desk
S. Botsime

Contributors
Raselebeli Khotseng
F. Qoopane

Lay-out artist
Tumisang Takang

Contact number:
051 447 1655




DECEMBER 18 – DECEMBER 17 2009 edition

PUBLISHER’S MESSAGE

A new year has materialised, and is upon us now. For many, threadbare resolutions and similar felicities will be rolled out tentatively, then the treadmill of life will continue unabated

Ideally, this is a time to ponder and reflect, chart out a fresh course and blueprint for the New Year. Those who wallow in being degenerates, wastrels or libertines are advised to re-shape their lives positively, for example.

As that inspiring philosopher, Longfellow wrote: “Life is real, life is earnest. Let us then be up and doing with a heart for many faiths, still achieving, still pursuing, lend to labour and to wait”

Or in the immortal words of M. L. Haskins who commented on the dawn of a new year: “Give me a light that I might tread safely into the unknown. And he replied: “go out into the darkness and put your hand into the hand of God’ that shall be to you better than light and safer than a known way”

Let us grasp the nettle of this New Year and turn it into a triumph for all.

MOSES VINGER (Publisher, Free State News)


FEATURE OF THE WEEK:

“Launch of CRL Rights resonates” By Raselebeli Khotseng

Reproduced here:

Launch of CRL Rights resonates

By Raselebeli Khotseng


Commission for the Promotion and protection of the rights of Cultural, Religious and Linguistic Communities (CRL) organised the CRL Rights Community Councils Launch in the Free State Province. The theme was “The importance of Cultural, Religious and Linguistic Community Councils in building Unity and One South African Nation”

The Launch took place on the 8th Dec 2009 at Mangaung Local Municipality Hall (Auditorium). This event was the first of its kind in the Free State and is the second one to be held nationally (since the first one in Johannesburg)

The event was graced by religious and cultural groups from their different backgrounds, artists, poets, and prominent members of the community who also raised their views with regard to religious and cultural diversity. These included Queen Moroka of Thaba Nchu, members of the Free State Legislature, MLM officials led by Deputy Mayor, Clr M.A Siyonzana who conducted a welcome address.

Deputy Chairperson of CRL Ms Julia Mabale who was the programme director called on the interfaith prayer of all religious leaders from African religion, Christianity, Traditional practitioners, Muslim, Bahai, Hindu and Rastafari.

After introduction of guests, Mr T.E Mafadza, a Community Engagement Senior Manager in Legislature asked the religious and cultural communities to work together so as to strengthen democracy.

Mr. Khetha from the Department of Sports Arts and Culture and Recreation appealed to the attendants to accept pertinent African languages and religions that are in existence. He went on to state that there is no religion or culture that is superior to others. He attacked the SPCA for laying a charge against the Zulu culture of killing a bull. He termed the SPCA criticism as a culture of intolerance to Zulu people.

His views were supported by Mrs Sbongile who heads “Portfolio Committee on Arts and Culture Legislature” She lambasted the attitude of undermining the SA Constitution by SPCA by interfering with other peoples’ culture and tradition.

The issue of July Handicapped was raised that when a horse refuses to enter a racing gauge during the occasion, it is forcefully and painfully pushed inside without mercy but no one criticises that!

Ntate Motsie Lekhoa, on behalf of Lekhotla La Basotho, made the point that every culture is unique and it must be respected; although some people make a business out of (Lebollo) initiation schools

Certificates of recognition were presented to organisations who have already applied with CRL. And there was a moment of entertainment when a children’s traditional group performed, including two well-known poets - Mr. Flaxman and yours truly.

The vote of thanks was done by the CRL Rights Commission Acting Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Cornelius Smuts.


Also:

LETTER:

I wish to congratulate Mr Omoseye Bolaji for the imminent publication of his new book, Tebogo and the pantophagist. His thrilling creativity and extraordinary services to literacy and literature at the grassroots level will always be appreciated.

Probably the most moving aspect of this new book is the way Bolaji dedicates it to Gloria Marobele, who was already shaping up to be an outstanding journalist and writer when she lost her life so cruelly and unnecessarily no thanks to a car accident. It was such a waste!

The beauty of the Tebogo Mystery series is that it largely encourages many of we black people at grassroots level to read and enjoy mystery books with local touches, the way our people talk, go to the pubs and shebeens, interact, the occasional skeletons in closets etc. It is heart warming to have our own detective like Tebogo operating like more heralded white sleuths like Sherlock Holmes or Hercule Poirot or Ellery Queen.

Tebogo and the pantophagist is the latest in a line of interesting books featuring the Free State based sleuth, Tebogo Mokoena. Previous books in the series are Tebogo Investigates (2000) Tebogo’s spot of bother, (2001), Tebogo Fails (2003), Ask Tebogo (2004), Tebogo and the Haka (2008), and Tebogo and the epithalamion (2009)
- Daniel Pela


DECEMBER 11 – DECEMBER 17 2009 edition


FEATURE OF THE WEEK: “Agricultural Educational Tour” By S Botsime (Front page)

Reproduced here:

Agricultural Educational Tour
…Fish hatchery is biggest in SA

By S Botsime

It all started on the 02 December when the Department of Agriculture took pupils from different schools including Vulamasango, Mamello and a Virginia high school. The tour began at Glen College. The principal of Glen, Mr. Snyman said that it is indeed wise for one to take a career in Agriculture because a country without food is a country without a future.

He further stated that the College offers Higher Certificate and Diplomas and the subjects that are needed are English, Biology, Science, Maths and Accounting. Then he gave the podium to Mr.Jansen van Rensburg who is the Agricultural Economist who gave the background of the college and ARC (Agriculture Research Council) gave the tour a meaning by patiently explaining to the learners about the different types of soil and and fertilizers that are used in the soils. Also, the students visited the field.

Then the road led to Home-sek where they learnt about the pasteurising of Milk and the making of yogurt and butter .The tour guide at Home-sek was Annelize who is the Lab Technician who studied Food Technology. She showed attendees the plant and pointed out that they supply Woolworths with their product. The next port of call was the laboratory where diseases and viruses that affect the animals including those that affect humans found in animals were highlighted.

Dr Mashishi, a veterinary surgeon explained the importance of studying being a vet and another specialist, Dr. Motanzi, told students that they must do it for the passion not for the money since it takes a long time before one starts to make money. The job of the Vet is to identify the disease and eradicate it. Then Dr. Kotze, a fixture at the Institution, showed the students how to handle a sick animal and stated the stages that animals go through from a stage of shock to being approved.

At Thutapoo Farm, the students learnt about the essential oils, intensive farming where the daughters of the owner Ntsheuwa and Sebolelo jointly won the National Female Farmer of the year 2009 Award. Part of the service that is offered by the farm is Bed & Breakfast and the making of honey. Most students were impressed by Hydro phonic where plants are nurtured without the using of soil. Thereafter the Rustfontein dam was visited where students learnt at Bloemwater plant. The students learnt about the purification of water, and the design of the dam which uses three pumps, though only two are working. The tour guide stressed that water is very scarce with grim possibilities for 2020. “It’s every one’s responsibility to save water.”

At Xhariep delegates spent the night at the lodge. The next morning we went to Fish Hatchery which houses different kinds of fishes. Part of the programme was for the learners to go through the Fish Hatchery and Environmental Education Centre being operated by Free State Department and the Hatchery is the largest facility of its kind in South Africa and it focuses more on breeding fish for food as well as conserving scarce species.

At Xhariep dam a tour ensued, from the top of the bridge to the bottom of it, being shown the pictures when the bridge was built in 1966 till when it was finished in 1972. The learners were shown even the generator used to pump water in case there is a need of power supply. The learners were given advice and most importantly told that there are bursaries for all those who want to further their studies in that department of water affairs The tour guide pointed out the Orange river and the vaal river, tributary and embraced an extension open grassland landscape and smaller tributaries such as the Riet, Modder, Sand Vet, Vals Renoster and Wilge river which traverse the wide open spaces of the Free State.

The Mayor of Gariep introduced himself and his team and gave the honour to the MEC Mamiki Xabathe who gave a speech about the tour and delegated a representative to get the addresses of the learners so that she can visit them individually. Her main focus was to discover what the learners had learnt about the tour and how are they going to use that information to empower the society when they go back home. The MEC’s last word was that there is indeed lot of opportunities for one to follow in the Agricultural field and the assurance that there are bursaries.

ALSO:

Dear Diary (Column) By Mpumelelo Mtjekelo

DECEMBER

This month December is supposed to be a much anticipated, well respected month in the year of South Africans; we have world AIDS day, Day of Reconciliation, Christmas day and Day of Goodwill. Many teens know these days to be special but do not know why. Instead of doing what needs to be done, they go out to abuse alcohol and drugs.

A lot of things happen especially this month December, learners are out of school; workers are out of work too. This is the month where there are more rapes, more murders, more corruption; people having unplanned pregnancy forgetting about the next month after December, peer pressure also escalates; more sugar daddies, more sugar mommies. People have lost the meaning of this month.

It was the 31st December 2008 when it all began, at that time everything looks and feels perfect. We don’t worry about tomorrow “who said it will come any way”, “Etsa feela” they say.

Here is tomorrow, now two hearts beat as one. Then suddenly you’ll hear a voice saying “I wasn’t thinking straight, I was drunk, I didn’t know what I was doing, I was tempted, I was trying to satisfy him, I - am – afraid!” The two hearts are still beating as one. These two hearts beating are actually unplanned pregnancy of twins!

The 1st January 2009 ushers in the New Year yet it doesn’t mean that all that happened last year shall fade away. For today reveals tomorrow as yesterday reveals today. It took only one day (31st December 2008) to change the entire life of the individual, one day. How long does it take to build a great life? It takes a life time. And how long does it take to destroy it? It takes a minimum of a second, just one second and your life can change dramatically,

Don’t let your life change in a second, be careful. Enjoy your December holiday well and have a happy New Year!

Friday, November 27, 2009

Free State News (November 2009 editions)

FREE STATE NEWS (Nov 2009 editions)

This web page(s) regularly focuses on the leading Free State (South Africa) newspaper – Free State News – the first regular newspaper to be orchestrated fully by black people in the Free State province (the paper celebrates its 10th year anniversary this year). The paper has been published on a weekly basis since 1999. Regular items like “Feature of the week” have appeared here over the months.

Free State News crew

Publisher
Moses Vinger

Confidential Secretary/Manager
Maki Mohapi aka “Madam Maki” “H.C”

Editor
Kaya M

News Editor
Omoseye Bolaji

News Desk
S. Botsime

Contributors
Raselebeli Khotseng
F. Qoopane

Office Assistant
Thato Josephine Nkatswang

Lay-out artist
Tumisang Takang

Contact number:
051 447 1655




NOVEMBER 27– DECEMBER 3 2009 edition


FEATURE OF THE WEEK: “MEC Manyoni embraces Barloworld Occasion” By S Botsime (Front page)

Reproduced here:

MEC MANYONI FERVENTLY EMBRACES BARLOWORLD OCCASION!

By S Botsime

The MEC of Police, Roads and Transport Mr. Thabo Manyoni heartily embraced the glittering function that was held at Barloworld on Tuesday. The occasion celebrated the achievements of thirteen students who were honoured after completing their artisan course at Barloworld in Hamilton.

The MEC pointed out that the Heavy Plant Equipment plays a key role in the development of the Road Infrastructure which is pivotal to economic development in the Province. The Department took a conscious decision to revamp the heavy plant equipment, which has become totally obsolete and with scarce financial resources the Department avoided to purchase new plants, which would have cost in the excess of 25 million. Second phase of life of about 10 years given to these machines at the cost less than 9 million.

On the thirteen learners that were qualified as artisans after an intensive course and the training conducted by Barloworld, the MEC assured the guests that the students will be placed not far from their home town so that it will be easier for them to visit their homes during the weekend. He further stated that Domestic Violence, HIV and roads accident are in the forefront cause of death mortality in South Africa.

This achievement is cause for celebration since it is for the first time that Black persons in the Free State would qualify as artisans. The graduates will amongst other things repair, service and maintain heavy duty equipment such as graders. The department has taken a conscious decision to utilize these newly acquired skills at Barloworld “but this will be done in –house”. It was also stated that it was expected for the government to fork out the cost of 34million which was no longer necessary. The artisans’ work will be to assist municipalities with the maintenance of heavy duty equipment.

The other employee who got the recognition is Oupa Tshabalala who has been winning multiple awards and is a frequent winner in the Driver of the year competitions specializing in the heavy vehicles. Now Mr. Oupa has been invited to participate in the International competitions specializing in the heavy duty vehicles. He will be invited to participate in the International competition to be held in Austria on the 23rd September 2010.

The Phumelela Local Municipality which is being stated as one of the poorest provinces in terms of resources approached the Department of Police, Roads and Transport for assistance and support and the decision has been made to give it support, adding that there is an agreement which was signed at the function. Also, a vehicle has been donated to the Traffic department at Phumelele and this has marked the beginning of the new Inter-governmental


NOVEMBER 20– NOVEMBER 26 2009 edition

FEATURE OF THE WEEK: “The Grim Reaper wreaks havoc” (Front page)

THE GRIM REAPER WREAKS HAVOC

…Sikisi, Mandla, Gloria, give up the ghost

“Out, out, brief candle!”
- Shakespeare

In a horrific scenario, road carnage claimed the burgeoning lives of a coterie of illustrious Free Staters over the weekend.

The whole Province reeled with shock as the news broke that charismatic and brilliant ANC Spokesperson, Teboho Sikisi had lost his life in a car crash. He did not die alone. Mandla Mdali, another ANC stalwart, also perished in the terrible accident.

Incredibly, at around the same time, Free State News – The People’s Whistle – also learnt with great horror that its dynamic, upcoming female journalist Gloria Marobele had also lost her life no thanks to another disheartening car accident.

“Why do so many good and great die young?” many Free Staters have been pondering after hearing about these deaths. Some have added philosophically that it is true that even at our best health one should always think of death so that we may for certain know that we won’t remain in this earth forever.

Teboho and Gloria in particular were already blazing a trail of brilliance in the world of letters. Teboho was a renowned, pungent, committed spokesperson for the ANC who was a darling of the media. Gloria, within an astonishingly short time, was already showing excellence as a journalist with unfettered scope.

This edition of Free State News is dedicated to the unforgettable memory of these brilliant young men, and woman. Their indelible footprints have been stamped on the sands of time. Robalang ka kagiso!!!
- O Bolaji and S Botsime


Also:

“And flights of angels sing thee to thy rest”

At Free State News our hearts are exceedingly heavy and our sadness and pathos know no bounds as we mourn the untimely demise of our brilliant journalist, Gloria Marobele who gave up the ghost last week after an unfortunate car accident.

A cross-section of some of the tributes from our readers over our loss:

“I’m very very sorry to hear that our young and endowed journalist Gloria is no longer around, though many had expected much from her career” – Tiisetso Thiba (0781139406)

“So quick and so fast. Life sometimes doesn’t give us a chance. Another talent gone. This is not fair. Gloria was more than just a journalist. I’m lost for words” - Richard Skietreker (0794333147)

“I know tears are flowing now, particularly at Free State News. The young lady (Gloria) is gone and all Free State News readers have lost a vigorous and enthusiastic journalist. Don’t feel forsaken. God knows why she has been taken. No one is familiar with death because all human beings desire to live and death is cruel” – Ishmael “Dada” Soqaka (0740467177)

Also:

“Siyafunda Kids in the Limelight”. (By Raselebeli Khotseng) Page 5
(Reproduced here)

STREET KIDS IN THE LIMELIGHT
…Siyafunda initiative garners praise


By Raselebeli Khotseng

The purpose of this ground-breaking launch was to combat an increasing number of homeless people and destitute children roaming the streets of big cities with dismal futures ahead of them.

The focus was the prevalence of alarming conditions relating to homelessness, poverty and crime which affect good governance, business sector, economic development and community at large.

The meeting was attended by the so-called street children, SAPS, Social Development, Women’s League and other Community organisations – including both Siyafunda and New Generation Network who were the organisers of this venture. The convener was Nosibele Damane of Siyafunda.

Mr. Patrick Lehare of New Generation explained the position of NGYC as to assist youth to discover their talents and help; “Siyafunda Place of Hope” for street children and orphans to clear children off the streets.

Thereafter street children’s choir showcased their talents by singing a melody gospel song called “Ke Moeti”. Mrs Davis from ABET encouraged children to advise their friends who are still roaming the streets to join them at Siyafunda shelter. She pointed out “that you can’t teach someone whilst his tummy is empty”!

On his own part Mr Mofokeng Albert from Deaf Organisation that also deals with destitute youth, orphaned and street children said that they were worried about the safety of these unfortunate children. Mr Namana, a healer and member of MEN’S SOLIDARITY praised children’s God-given talents and promised to cleanse them with his miraculous water so as to be happy in life.

Mr R Khotseng from Men’s Solidarity on Crime against Humanity performed a poem appurtenant to street children and traced the background of the so-called street children, phenomenon. Mr. Mogomedi from Social Development appealed to children to refrain from drugs and dangerous substances as they are prepared to help their shelter.

Inspector Mdi from SAPS appreciated the existence of the shelter for it will reduce the work of SAPS members. He indicated that there are people who claimed to help this genre whilst they were only interested in money. He concluded by saying that many artists came up from being hobos.

Willem Tsintsi from Befrienders reiterated that you can not make the mistake when you are not hungry. He made a commitment that his organisation will assist in rendering services of counselling children at shelters.

On that note Mrs Susan Skalp of Tswelopele Siyaya which trains disabled people to sew, paint and also teaches them art made the same commitment. Mr Frans reminded the guests that the project does not belong to Siyafunda only but also to Youth Generation and other partners who are interested in their endeavours.

Mr. Mlungusi from Thusano said it was their duty to help organisations that developed lives of the communities, and no one is supposed to live on the streets. “Government does not sacrifice to help children but it helps them because it is a matter of must; we are bound by the constitution”

Mrs Anna from Women’s League requested the Organisers to have a meeting every month with the intention of measuring how far the shelter survives. After a formal prayer, proceedings came to an end. The next meeting will be on the 9th of December 2009.

Details of the launch were as follows:
Date: 11th November 2009
Venue: Setshabelo Centre (Former Ramkraal Prison)
Time: 10h00


NOVEMBER 13 – NOVEMBER 19 2009 edition
FEATURE OF THE WEEK:

“UFS students play a pivotal role in Aids prevention”. (By Gloria Marobele) Page
(Reproduced here)

UFS students play a pivotal role in AIDS prevention

By Gloria Marobele

As people we sometimes think that we have enough knowledge when it comes to HIV/AIDS; we tend to forget people based in farms and the proliferating illiterate. At the University of the Free State an HIV/AIDS Centre has recruited 21 Peer Educators. This campaign is called HIV/AIDS Prevention Program and is being coordinated by Estelle Heideman.

John Makoatsane (24) is a Research Assistant at this HIV/AIDS Centre and he started working here since early this year. Makoatsane and his colleagues have been educating the farm workers in Springfontein about HIV/AIDS. “Farmers and their workers were very cooperative and some farmers even went through the training so they can also teach their workers about HIV/AIDS. It was shocking to see that some people still think that they can be infected by HIV when someone is coughing next to them; some still think that they can be infected by HIV if they stay in the same house with someone that’s HIV positive. The list goes on and on but after we taught those people their perceptions towards HIV changed.”

Makoatsane added: “Farm workers do not have enough information when it comes to HIV/AIDS - maybe it’s because they are far from the clinics. These people are the most vulnerable because do not go to the clinic when they have got STIs. Some still have attitudes towards condoms and one other problem is that most of these people are illiterate but we overcame that by using pictures when we were educating these people. My vision is to see a project like this being hosted in all the Free State rural areas”.

“I studied Social Work and I once worked in Family and Marriage Counselling of South Africa (FAMSA) and one day I had a patient that was HIV positive and I did not have much information about HIV so I never dwelled enough on that HIV thing. Even in class one of lecturers once said they will invite someone to come and talk to us about HIV and I was so bored, I even wanted to bunk class but by the grace of God I didn’t. The lady that came to teach about HIV was Astelle Heideman of whom I later became her Assistant!” said Tarryn Nell (HIV Prevention Program Officer).

Nell added: “I realised I had a bad attitude when it came to HIV, I always thought I had enough information but I discovered that I had to empower myself with knowledge. Today I still look back and think that if only I had enough information about HIV I would have helped my clients better”.

Ntebohiseng Sekhele (18), a first year student in BSC Geology who is also a Peer Educator said: “I think there is a lot that has to be done when it comes to HIV/AIDS. I work with my hostel (Akasia) and we gather with others to talk about different topics. People have been coming and they have been participating in these discussions.”

Also:

Dear Diary (Column) By Mpumelelo Mtjekelo

Birthday Wish

The 11th November 2009 - that was my birthday! Turning 18 years old, a part of me is just relaxed about all that but another part of me hates that day. It feels like I have done so little in so much time. 18 years on planet earth, what have I done?

I don’t want to grow old. The best age in my life is 17, so much has happened and not all of it is good though but it happened and of course there are regrets and disappointments but like I said “it happened”. I guess I have to let go the age 17 and welcome 18. I wonder what it has in store for me, now that I think of the age 18 I get scared.

Does the age 18 mean more challenges or more pain or does it mean more discoveries? Is it going to bad or is it going to be good? You know, if it was the right thing to make a wish about my age, I’d wish to remain 17 years forever. Maybe it is not that I fear 18 but because I love the age 17 so much that I don’t want it to change.
Birthday wish - let me make a wish.

I just made my wish, which I shouldn’t share it with anyone because it might not come true.
Let me give you an idea of my wish…I do not wish to grow older but wish to grow wiser, I do not wish for experience but wish for knowledge. I wish for the ability to grow stronger but not older. Uhmm… Let me just wait and see what 18 years has in store for me. Not forgetting that no one said I’m going to be 18 years forever.
My wish is to find peace in my heart.

I wish that all the pain and hurting shall fade away someday and I believe that even though I just told you my wish, it will come true.


NOVEMBER 06– NOVEMBER 12 2009 edition

FEATURE OF THE WEEK:

“SACC revamps its mission”. (By Seleke Botsime) Page 4
(Reproduced here)

SACC revamps its mission
By Seleke Botsime

The South African Council of Churches (SACC) held a mammoth meeting on Wednesday from nine o clock at the jam-packed Hall next to Kenworth Spar. It was a well attended event with some 150 people present from all over the Free State.

The opening of the ceremony was done by Rev P.E Yanta (PCA) and the programme director was Rev. Dr. Vellem (Deputy General Secretary of SACC).
Rev. V. Vellem started by stressing that “All churches belong to the body of Jesus Christ irrespective of how big or small the church can be. And more importantly the role of the SACC is to mold and unite the churches to be one.”

He further stated that the churches united in 1968 to form SACC and the main purpose of starting the organization was to facilitate the body of the churches. Dr. Vellem explained: “We as the SACC are the fellowship of churches and the government leaders must set good example that goes with the principle of SACC.” He made it clear that as the SACC there seems to be a serious crisis within the organization and especially when it comes to Free State province where some of the top officials have been saying that they might as well give up on Free State province since there is no unity in the province.

But Rev Vellem assured all the people that attended the function that he himself is still hopeful about this province. “The SACC is now in the process of evaluation, where a company from Kenya has been asked to evaluate the SACC and bring back the report of strategies that can be applied to improve the service and maximize the work of SACC. One of the findings was that the provincial relies much more on the national where they are expected to be spoon-fed all the time.”

The Reverend went on to state that it was about time the SACC will have to find a vision from now on and look forward; deal with the pandemic of Hiv\aids and most importantly eradicate poverty in the society for everyone to have an everlasting life. He said that there seems to be a spiritual hunger everywhere and people are experiencing a drought in spirituality.

”The SACC will have to address the poverty issue since all the factors that are being experienced in our society that are not tolerated starting from petty crime to girls selling their bodies - the root cause is poverty.” It was much clearer that the SACC work was not as effective as it should have been; and there is a need for change as well as growth. “The ship is sinking and we cannot afford to fold our arms” Those were the words of Rev. Mosala who was the interpreter of Dr. Vallem.

Vallem continued his great speech by saying that if there is one thing that the Government is afraid of, it is the church, but the problem is that the church is fragmented. Thereafter, there was a question and answer session with the church leaders that attended the function in full voice. The motion was to find a way forward. Rev Nkwane said that the SACC has to find a way to engage the government. Ten people were elected to lead the movement and encore of the organisation and the people on the grass roots level.

The message was loud and clear that the aim of the SACC is to create unity. People were divided into groups to discuss the way forward of the organization. The vote of thanks was delivered by Me A Molaka (Interim Coordinator), and proceedings were rounded off.

Also:

DEAR DIARY COLUMN (By Mpumelelo Mtjekelo) Page 6

The love of writing

Dear Diary
Writing is my second best friend. It is neither a he nor she, it’s not human yet it feels like it is a living thing (organism) that listens whenever I need to talk. Without any fear I share all my stories knowing it will only be known by me and my living organism. This organism is different compared to humans because it doesn’t judge me!

In writing unlike talking there is freedom, it gives me the chance to let it all out. Sometimes I share a story with a human but after telling the story to humans there are times when I’d regret saying what I said and other times I fear that he/she might expose my story. With my organism after sharing my story I am able to heal and trust it, and also the funny part in writing is that sometimes within writing I can find a solution to a problem that I had. If not, it gives me the ability to cry and let it all out.

Dear Diary, there was of course a time I thought “why not share this with the world?” It is not that I trust the world with my information but it also feels great having to hear people reading my stories saying hey, this has twisted my life in a good manner or this (article) is actually talking about me. Writing is a different world; it is relaxing and fun; other times it is an adventure. It is to just let your imagination run wild without anyone stopping you.

It can be done anywhere at any time because sometimes I am inspired by something around me to start writing. On the other side, it is often stated that humans (i.e we black people) don’t like reading and if you are to hide a lot of money or a treasure you should consider a book! It is very rare that one will be able to realize that there is something worthy in the book.

And so I write to you…

Friday, October 30, 2009

FREE STATE NEWS (OCTOBER 2009 editions)

FREE STATE NEWS (October 2009 editions)

This web page(s) regularly focuses on the leading Free State (South Africa) newspaper – Free State News – the first regular newspaper to be orchestrated fully by black people in the Free State province (the paper celebrates its 10th year anniversary this year). The paper has been published on a weekly basis since 1999. Regular items like “Feature of the week” have appeared here over the months.

Free State News crew

Publisher
Moses Vinger

Confidential Secretary/Manager
Maki Mohapi aka “Madam Maki” “H.C”

Editor
Kaya M

News Editor
Omoseye Bolaji

News Desk
Gloria Marobele
S. Botsime

Office Assistant
Thato Josephine Nkatswang

Lay-out artist
Tumisang Takang

Contact number:
051 447 1655


OCTOBER 30– NOVEMBER 6 2009 edition

FEATURE OF THE WEEK:

“Curtains drawn on Operation Hlasela” (By Gloria Marobele) Page 3
(Reproduced here)

Curtains drawn on Operation Hlasela

By Gloria Marobele

Jaggersfontein:

Operation Hlasela tapered to an end in Jaggersfontein where Premier Ace Magashule was accompanied by MEC’s and other illustrious people. The national Minister of Mineral and energy, Suzan Shabangu also visibly graced the occasion.

The main purpose of Operation Hlasela was to attack poverty, drug abuse, racism, illiteracy etc. Operation Hlasela went to different parts of the Free State province where people were helped in large numbers. All the departments participated with gusto and each helped where they could.

Free State News spoke to government officials from different departments to ascertain their roles in Operation Hlasela. Dr Sipho Khabane, an Acting Head of the Department for the Department of health said “We as the department came up with a new and unique Mobile Clinic which was supplied to us by donors. It helps us to go to all the rural areas because it can withstand bad roads. This is Gariep District exclusively and in it there is an examination room, a place where you keep your drips etc. Most importantly it can give people ARV’s and so this is to make it easier for people to get them”.

Tsietsi Moqhobai from Home Affairs said: “Our role here is to make sure that people get their ID’s, passports, marriage certificates etc. We sometimes have challenges though; for instance when a person is old and he/she is applying for an ID while she/he does not have a Birth Certificate and maybe the person was abandoned by her/his parents and the person obviously does not have the parent’s particulars. In such cases we then work with the Department of Social Development to do a research about a person and then confirm that the person was really abandoned and then we can make an ID for that person”.

One of the highlights of the day was a couple which got their marriage certificate. One person got her ID, six family members got their birth certificates and two babies that were born in Jaggersfontein hospital were given clothes to wear. Two local soccer clubs received kits and balls, the Friends of the poor (integrated banks which are working together to fight poverty) gave clothes to the government volunteers. Educational toys were donated to a local crèche, a hostel with live children who are from the farms was painted and a local businessman volunteered to take few local children to school.

Meanwhile, Premier Ace Magashule encouraged students to work hard and finish school because government has bursaries. “The MEC of Social Development will send 35 Social Workers to come and help in this area. One ambulance will be given to Jagersfontein, 60 bicycles were given to students who live in farms. Home Affairs Offices have been opened and cleaners and health workers were employed permanently at the local clinic”
It was a celebratory occasion. The community members rejoiced, chanted and ululated. Joy was written on their faces. Hope was brought to those that were hopeless; and those that did not have food were provided with food!

Also:
MY MIND AND MY HEART (Poem) Page 7

BY TIISETSO M THIBA


My mind and my heart
Shall you let me breathe the decent air?
Because pleasant odours improve the liberation of my health
My mind and my heart
Decide my future route
So let my footpath be remarkable
Let me be the enduring heady scent
Be my derrick to up-lift me from the muck

Show me the blazing future
Let me be the good taste not the awful one
Let me the example of the ambitious
Give my heart strength to be serenity
And to accept things that I couldn’t change in life
Because in life I’m not making rules
I’m just trying to be me
And I’m not the provoker or the pugnacious
Connection as a tongue and saliva
Is what you are

My heart and my mind
Revamped my intact life
Absurd of bravado success
Your seminar was bizarre
You conclude to make me the masterpiece
You are my leading-stick when I can not glimpse danger from afar
I was a fade rose and they keep watering me until I mature inside
Like an ant mind and paste forever beam on my face
Resenting sanctimonious folks and their smirk
My mind and my heart
Edify me to forgive and forget
Let me be the amicable savour
Superior of mine is because of your affiliation

ttiisetsomatthew@yahoo.co.za

OCTOBER 23– OCTOBER 29 2009 edition

FEATURE OF THE WEEK:

“Ntombela tackles poverty head on” (By S Botsime). Front page
(Reproduced here)

NTOMBELA TACKLES POVERTY HEAD ON!

By S Botsime

The MEC of Social Development Sisi Ntombela is a woman of substance, a colossal lady with strong empathy for the disadvantaged. She made it very clear that she has been given the mandate that “that no child must go without food”. The message is loud and clear that her department is at war against poverty!

Their strategies include starting a bank in the social development that people will donate food and clothing to help the needy working hand in hand with NGO’s. Free State news learnt during the media briefing that she was at Clarens in a place called Mokobobo. She went on to state that 60% of the people living there are HIV positive and only two families have decent jobs! She added that there is a home where there are eleven children there, and six of them are HIV positive.

The entourage with the MEC started by visiting hot spots in town, starting from Hoffman square where she magnanimously gave the children bread and soup and fruits. Thereafter the vicinity of Super clean (next to Central park) was visited; here, three street children were the lucky beneficiaries of food from the MEC. Mme Ntombela even ordered her staff to take their shoe sizes in order to donate to them on her next visit. One of the street kids there confessed that he started to sleep on the streets since 1992!

The next port of call was Setshabelo Center at Raamkraal where the horrific living conditions of more than ten street children, with one of them being pregnant was witnessed. Free State News had the chance to interview one girl who claimed that she is from De-Aar. The minister suggested that renovations should be made since the Center was in a very bad state and even there was no widow at the Center. Another child Free State News spoke to admitted staying there with her boyfriend. “It’s a survival of the fittest for ever on, since we are afraid to stay alone because we are terrorised both physically and sexually by men who are staying in the township who know our conditions.”

Then after the MEC heard their complaints, apprising them about what the department could do for them, all roads led to the dumping site where about 311 people work mostly recycling waste and selling it to Scorpions and OFS for them to survive. The minister urged all the people who were working at the dumping side to be patient with the government and she promised to bring the Premier Mr. Magashule “next time, so that he can witness and listen to your grievances”. She also suggested that she will try to give them clothes, so that it could be easier for them to do their jobs. It was all in a day’s work for the indomitable Sis Ntombela!


OCTOBER 16– 22 OCTOBER 2009 edition

FEATURE OF THE WEEK:

“Tsoseletso learners off to Germany” (By S Botsime). Page 3
(Reproduced here)

Tsoseletso learners off to Germany

By S Botsime

The hall of Tsoseletso High School was packed full with learners and journalists, including top officials from the government as the departure of two students going overseas was formally celebrated. The occasion was graced by Honourable MEC Magoe.

These students will depart for Germany tomorrow (17 October) where they will be based till 8 January 2010, staying approximately three months in a foreign country. The students who are bound for Germany are Bonolo Motsalanea, girl in Grade 11, and Bafana Tshabalala, a Grade 10 boy.

The purpose of the trip is part of a youth exchange programme which has been going on for a few years now. The programme will broaden the learners’ knowledge and help them to be more independent and learn how to solve problems, but most importantly to help the Free State Authority in pragmatic fashion during the World Cup next year. Bonolo is going to stay with the host family, Angela& Dirk Helmo staying north of Germany; and Bafana is going to stay with the host family Johannes Rammela in Ochsenhausen in the south of Germany.

Mr Motlolometsi, the principal of Tsoseletso was emotional throughout the ceremony and very proud of the students that were going to Germany. He thanked the honourable MEC Magoe who took time off from his busy schedule to attend the function. Some of the sponsors who were there were Lengau Community Bus Service and Mr. David Ferreira of Sportsmans Warehouse. The principal thanked all the sponsors saying that they are now “friends of Tsoseletso”.

The guest list, apart from the MEC, included Mr Mofokeng, Mr Khoarai Khoarai (the master himself!) and parents of the chosen learners. In his speech the MEC said: “Tsoseletso is indeed the centre of excellence and it must be institutionalised. Other learners come and learn from Tsoseletso”. He continued by pointing out the cardinal role of education especially to an underprivileged child - since he came from a poor background.

Me van Resburg proudly presented the learners bound for overseas to the audience. It was pointed out that she was responsible for writing the powerful proposal to the MEC that led to the successful sponsorship of the two learners in the end.

Mr.Khoarai impressively stated that any one can have a title as long as he or she occupied the post but that’s where one can be called a principal even when he is sinking the ship. I was very humbled to be part of an excellent school that has been doing so well since inception. Mr. Sello Nduna (of Bloemfontein Celtic fame) who is also a teacher at the famous school was the MC and he confirmed that Tsoseletso is the best. Pele ya Pele basotho.

Also…

DEAR DIARY (Column for teenagers) by Mpumelelo Mtjekelo


WORDS

Words constitute a very powerful tool. Words can build a person and words can destroy a person. Words have changed my life in so many ways and I have to admit that they have changed my life in both good and bad ways.

There are people who say things without thinking straight, they don’t think about what impact the words can play in an individual’s life. As a teenager we are told a bunch of things by elders, I believe they want a better life for us all. Looking at school, there was a point in my life when my results were dropping. Please do realize that no one plans to fail, the little results which were not so impressed were actually my best shot.

As a child who is trying so hard to stand up and to succeed but yet keep tripping and tripping, at the same she doesn’t stop trying. Then comes a teacher, he looks at the report of the child, looks down at the child; in front of other pupil and say to her you are failing! Just tell me, after being told that to the face. Will that child be able to try to stand again?

Some people have to be told that they are failing in order for them to succeed while others don’t want to be told. It is OK, I do understand that the teacher was only trying to alert the child about her school work but how is the teacher doing that? Is the teacher building or destroying the learner? At the end of the day it is not about the teacher telling the learner that she is failing but it is in how the teacher tells the learner.

But hey! People say a lot of things and so it is up to an individual to choose which words do they absorb. These kinds of words we choose to absorb are supposed to be the words that build us; we should not let words destroy us. After all, we are what “we” say we are!



OCTOBER 9 – 15 OCTOBER 2009 edition

FEATURE OF THE WEEK:

“Sublime poetry lights up Pacofs” (By S Botsime). Page 6

(Reproduced here)

Sublime poetry lights up Pacofs

By S Botsime

Distinguished bards and wordsmiths converged at Pacofs last Friday to showcase their skills at the Lesedi jazz room. The atmosphere was feisty and exciting as the night wore on.

The master of the ceremony was the one and only “Crazy dude” Superman (GAO). Among the poets who graced the occasion included the likes of Raselebeli “Magic” Khotseng, Jah- rose, Rita Chihalwa, Naledy, Icebound, the polished Sipho Mnyakeni to mention a few.

Poetry enthusiasts were also present, soaking in the atmosphere. It was a night when lovers of well crafted and well delivered lines of poetry could enjoy themselves. Rita and Sipho were particularly impressive.

The jazz room was packed with artists. A strange element was added when a minority fringed protested, carrying placards calling for the boycott of the Mangaung cultural festival (Macufe) - since the show was part of it.

Ice-bound took us back down memory lane with a display of one of his favourites. As for Rita, she was overwhelming and impressed that evening. Dammit, you rock girl! She was sincere, downright sassy, and was highly applauded by the audience.

As for Sipho Myakeni he delivered three excellent poems, but the one that blew so many minds was the one called Cliffhanger part 2. He examined the saga of Caster Semenya. He also delivered a message that local artists were being undermined, and not appreciated enough. All in all it was a memorable occasion.

OCTOBER 02– OCTOBER 8 2009 edition

FEATURE OF THE WEEK:

“FS learners revel in Road Safety Competition”. (By Gloria Marobele) Page 3
(Reproduced here)


FEATURE

FS Learners revel in Road Safety Competition

By Gloria Marobele

Last week in Kroonstad, ten schools competed against each other in a laudable venture called Participatory Educational Techniques (PET). They presented the rules of the road using drama, PowerPoint presentations and dance.

At the occasion, two schools came from each district in the Free State and were randomly chosen. The purpose of this competition was to help learners understand that Road safety is not only the government’s responsibility but of everyone.

These students had to find a problem in their road and resolve it working together with South African Police Services (SAPS) and the Traffic Department. Sbongile Malinga, a Project Manager explained that this Competition started in KwaZulu Natal in 2004 by the Provincial schools. “Five boys and five girls per schools for Grade 10 and 11 were supposed to participate. Learners attended workshops which were to clarify what was needed from them and they started rehearsing in June. Learners have done well and the message has been passed”.

Motswela Senior Secondary School which is based in Kroonstaad also participated in this competition. Free State News had a chat with Motswela learners and they said “this project made a very big difference in our school and society, because after we had identified what was wrong in the road next to our school, we then had a meeting with the community members and taught them about the rules of the road. We painted a pedestrian crossing next to our school and taught the children of a Primary school which is next to our school to cross only in a pedestrian crossing.”

Grace Radebe (16) is a Grade 10 learner and this is what she said: “This competition helped us to be aware of things that we were not aware of. After school we used to play soccer on the road and not even think about cars that are passing, but now we started a Sports Day in our school. Every Wednesday, we close the gates in our school and play in our playgrounds. My message to all the South African learners is that safety is our number one rule and we need to be sober minded”.

“It’s good that the learners took an initiative and did something like this because most accidents that we have in our locations involve learners. They walk slowly across the roads and don’t think about cars which are behind them. I hope that next time many learners will be involved so that this can make an impact in many learners” said the Sergeant.

Meanwhile, all the learners that participated received school bags and medals. Beang tse Molemo came in third, winning themselves R6 000. The second position was taken by Ngwathe Secondary School which went home with R8000. The pole first position was taken by Motswela Secondary School who went home with R12000. Motswela will be representing Free State at the National Competition in KwaZulu Natal.

Martha Pertesen, a learner at Motswela who participated in this competition told Free State News “It’s like it’s unreal, when they were announcing we had lost hope because we were the last school to be called. We are now going to rehearse and fix our mistakes. We are going to sit down and discuss how we are going to spend the money that we won.”

Sam Motshabi, a judge at the event said: “Their presentation was good, focused and covered all the objectives. They met the requirements and their display was good. They are brave and we trust that they will represent Free State well. We will make sure that they are well groomed but we are still going to sit down and talk about that”.

Friday, September 25, 2009

Free State News (September 2009 editions)

FREE STATE NEWS (September 2009 editions)

This web page(s) regularly focuses on the leading Free State (South Africa) newspaper – Free State News – the first regular newspaper to be orchestrated fully by black people in the Free State province (the paper celebrates its 10th year anniversary this year). The paper has been published on a weekly basis since 1999. Regular items like “Feature of the week” have appeared here over the months. Free State News crew

PublisherMoses Vinger

Confidential Secretary/Manager
Maki Mohapi aka “Madam Maki” “H.C”

EditorKaya M

News Editor
Omoseye Bolaji

News DeskGloria Marobele
S. Botsime

Office Assistant
Thato Josephine Nkatswang

Lay-out artist
Tumisang Takang

Contact number:
051 447 1655


SEPTEMBER 25 – OCT 1 2009 edition

FEATURE OF THE WEEK:

“The quintessence of Heritage Day” (By Gloria Marobele). Front page
(Reproduced here)

The Quintessence of Heritage Day

By Gloria Marobele


Yesterday (24th of September) was identified as a special day set aside to celebrate and recognize what all South Africans are proud of and identify with.

Indeed South Africa is a diverse society, with tantalizing culture, systems, religion, languages and races. The word “heritage” comes from inherit and that means our heritage is what we have learnt or what we have gained through learning.

Sfiso Maling, a government official from the Department of Education (Values in Education) told Free State News: “The history that we have is our heritage and also our heritage is the link between the past, the current and the future. For us as the Department of Education it’s not just celebrating the Heritage Day but we have taken out the month of September for celebrating. We have got the events as the department and activities which include acknowledging the national symbols like coat of arms, national anthems and national flags.”

Meanwhile, Free State News spoke to a number of people in Mangaung who basked in the significance of Heritage Day this week. “Our country is diverse and I like the fact that we can be free to speak our languages and practice our cultures. I think we should preserve our heritage sites for the next generations. I think we should all be proud of where we come from and of who we are because we are privileged to have a country which takes pride in the history that we have,” Ukhona Makalima (22) told Free State News.

Angela Phahlane(32) said: “ I am just going to sit in my house and spend some quality time with my family. I am going to tell my children about the importance of knowing who we are and where we are going. My oldest son, Nathan is seven but he knows that we are a rainbow nation and we should integrate with people from different cultures. I personally think that integration is part and parcel of our heritage because as South African we paid a terrible price to get to where we are today.”

Also note in same issue:

“Bafana ends losing streak” (Back page sports)

BAFANA ENDS LOSING STREAK

It had become a nightmare, as the national football team lost six consecutive matches in a row. This unpalatable run embraced defeats by Spain (twice), Brazil, Serbia, Germany and a pitiably under-strength Ireland (who also won 1-0).

Fans across the land were incensed with these losses. It seemed that Bafana Bafana were not learning anything at all, and were toothless bulldogs, as it were. With the 2010 World Cup finals just around the corner, millions at home and abroad feared that imminent disgrace could be on the cards next year.

In his colourful way, Jerry Seekoei, the Freedom Square based intellectual and polemicist, also known for his love of sports had commented after the loss to Ireland: “This latest loss has shown a rigid losing streak, a calamitous range. Is it a reality myth to say that one day they (Bafana) will show up in office and have a good field day and never look back? In sweeping generality, will they ever shift from bad days?”

But against Madagascar last weekend, locally based players representing Bafana Bafana were at last able to win 1-0 win over minnows Madagascar…

SEPTEMBER 18 – SEPTEMBER 24 2009 edition

FEATURE OF THE WEEK:

“Accolade for Sports, Arts, Culture and Recreation”. (By Gloria Marobele) Front page

(Reproduced here)

Accolade for Sports, Arts, Culture and Recreation

By Gloria Marobele

The South African Institute of Government Auditors (SAIGA) has awarded the Free State Department of Sports, Arts, Culture and Recreation with SAIGA Annual Public Sector Reporting Awards. This award seeks to encourage other public bodies like the Municipalities to be transparent in how funds have been spent.
The SAIGA Awards started in 2002, and the Free State

The Department of Sports Arts Culture and Recreation has won it for two consecutive terms; now reaching the highest score of 95.90 since inception. Professor Deiter Gloeck, the Executive President of SAIGA, said: “This complete transformation may sometimes be embarrassing for government departments, especially as the published information provides the media with a lot to write about. The comparisons I have made are not done with the intention of blemishing the private sector, but allow us to fully appreciate the rate of public sector development and reform, and to view the public sector achievements in the proper sector.”

Gloeck added: “Applying the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA) requirements of transparency, relevancy, (being) understandable, accurate, timely and trustworthy financial and performance information means actual empowerment of South Africa’s citizens to participate in a free democracy. In striving to deliver the above, the massive organization called the state needs leaders and examples.”

The MEC of Sports Arts, Culture and Recreation, Dan Kgothule said: “The fact that the award is for the best performance, both at provincial and national level further speaks volumes about the good work that has been done by the Department in putting together an annual report that is reflective of the work being done in the department.”

He added: “I heard that last year the Department won this award, and Mr. T.J. Kambule who was then the Executive Manager, and now the Head of the Department challenged his colleagues not to lower the standard but to rise to the occasion and keep the standard - or escalate it to greater levels.”

SEPTEMBER 11 – SEPTEMBER 17 2009 edition

FEATURE OF THE WEEK:

“‘Ma Leburu’ harvests lofty award”. (By S Botsime) Page 3
(Reproduced here)

‘Ma Leburu’ harvests lofty award

By S Botsime


Diemiso Leburu of ofm radio station has won the Vodacom award for Journalist of the year, Central region. She was named the winner in the radio general news category.

Diemiso, still a young lady, cut her teeth at Free State News a few years ago when she was a reporter, feature writer, columnist and general office administrator. Her versatility stood her in good stead to move on to other genres of journalism, where she has now carved a niche for herself.

Khaya Mntsantsa, Free State News editor, said this week: “We are all delighted with Diemiso’s success. When she was at Free State News she showed her ability and efficiency in diverse ways. On a personal level ‘Ma Leburu’ – as we affectionately call her - was always courteous, respectful with a lot of Ubuntu. She also has a great sense of humour!”

In recent times Diemiso has shown her prowess as a great news hound and presenter on radio. She has interviewed countless people and her dexterity in her field has now been recognised at a very high level. She was the only Black winner in the Central region. She will now travel to Johannesburg next month (October) for the national finals of the Vodacom awards.

A well travelled, Diemiso has visited a number of African countries, and ventured overseas as far as the United States of America.


SEPTEMBER 4 – SEPTEMBER 10 2009 edition

FEATURE OF THE WEEK:

“Women are ‘multi-taskers’”. (Opinion By Gloria Marobele) Page 2
(Reproduced here)


FEATURE

Women are multi-taskers

By Gloria Marobele

Yes – women’s month (August) has just petered to an end. As women we must take time out to reflect on our lot, our achievements, our dreams; our vision.

Some people take women as incompetent people, some take them as “losers” but I feel that this is a smoke screen – actually, women are multi-taskers; a woman can raise children and work two jobs at the same time, a woman can also carry a baby on her back while cooking.

There is a truism that “God made women to be strong but he gave a Black woman more strength” and I definitely agree with that. I have seen a couple of Black women working assiduously for White families while taking care of their families at the same time. A Black woman will wake up in the morning and prepare food for her children and go to work where she will do the same (amongst many other duties) for the children of her employers.

Usually when we celebrate women’s month we always mention famous women and honour them whilst forgetting the ones who are unrecognized. I mean the hapless women in the rural areas or should I say the poor women. These women actually had to deal with lots of challenges during the apartheid government and some of them also marched to the Union Building in 1956.

For example, in Ladybrand, there is a woman called Ellen Kopele, this woman is 97 years and she was part of the 1956 march. This woman is still beautiful and you will swear she is 50 years old. Even though she is not well known she is a heroine and I think next year when we celebrate Women’s month again, we should honour such women.

Lastly, I think that we as women also give ourselves these labels, being seen as incompetent people. I mean if you want a promotion why should you charm your boss instead of doing your job with passion allied to hard work? Sisters, we have brains like men; many of you would even say we have brains more than men! Let’s just prove that to the rest of the world.

Thursday, August 27, 2009

Free State News (August 2009 editions)

FREE STATE NEWS (August 2009 editions)

This web page(s) regularly focuses on the leading Free State (South Africa) newspaper – Free State News – the first regular newspaper to be orchestrated fully by black people in the Free State province (the paper celebrates its 10th year anniversary this year). The paper has been published on a weekly basis since 1999. Regular items like “Feature of the week” have appeared here over the months.

Free State News crew

Publisher
Moses Vinger

Confidential Secretary/Manager
Maki Mohapi

Editor
Kaya M

News Editor
Omoseye Bolaji

News Desk
Gloria Marobele
S. Botsime

Adverts Consultant
Tanya van der Walt

Lay-out artist
Tumisang Takang

Contact number:
051 447 1655


AUGUST 28 – SEPTEMBER 4 2009 edition

FEATURE OF THE WEEK:

“Fizz as Mangaung celebrates grand old man’s birthday”. (By Gloria Marobele). Front page
(Reproduced here)

Fizz as Mangaung celebrates grand old man’s birthday

By Gloria Marobele


On Monday this week the Executive Mayor of Mangaung, Playfair Morule invited a medley of veterans to come and celebrate Bishop Cecil Shuping Dibe’s 80th birthday at the City Hall. Dibe is one of the people who fought stolidly during the apartheid government when he was arrested several times.

Makhonza Mbange, Councillor in Mangaung was the Programme Director and he described Dibe as a source of information to them. “He is a soldier, a role model to many and we hope to see many other Dibes”

Dibe stood up to the accompaniment of a moving hymn and was cheered by the crowd. He shouted “Amandla, Viva ANC Viva, Viva COSATU Viva.” The grand old man said: “I joined the ANC in 1950 and in 1952 I was arrested, we were also arrested in Hoffman Square.”

Indeed Dibe was over the moon on his special day. He basked in the occasion and was refulgent. He beamed as he was lustily cheered and congratulated all over. One of the highlights was the cutting of the cake in which he was accompanied by his wife.

Bishop Jingoes, one of the celebrant’s colleagues told Free State News: “Old people have not been honoured for a long time, so this is remarkable. By this we are seeing the Mayor is working!”

Mangaung’s Executive Mayor Playfair Morule was a wonderful host and conducted himself with class and élan. He concluded by saying “Dibe laid a foundation and we are gathering here to thank him. During those days of yore ANC was the only voice to our people and we are grateful that veterans like him are still alive to witness the new dispensation”


AUGUST 21– AUGUST 27 2009 edition

FEATURE OF THE WEEK:

“Operation Hlasela launched with fanfare in Batho location”. (By Gloria Marobele). Page 5

(Reproduced here)

Operation Hlasela launched with fanfare in Batho Location

By Gloria Marobele


It was an awe-inspiring occasion. Premier Ace Magashule and all the members of the Executive Council visited Batho Location last Friday to launch various Projects through Operation Hlasela campaign which is aimed to uplift communities, eradicate poverty and promote livelihood.

Batho Location is one of the oldest townships in South Africa and prides itself as the home of many legacies such as being the founding place of the ANC in 1912 and the place where the official residence of Thomas Maphikela, the former ANC President was located.

“We are attacking poverty, we are attacking crime and corruption, we are attacking child and women abuse, we are attacking racial and gender discrimination” This is the slogan of operation Hlasela which was initiated by the Free State government.

The distinguished cavalcade first went to Mangaung School where they were welcomed by the school principal who pointed out that the school is old and it should be demolished. Meanwhile a student in this school stood on the platform and poured her heart out to the Premier saying one of the students was currently in hospital because of sinuses which were caused by the dust which rises when the classes are being swept. Magashule responded and said everything that they have asked will be done. A tree was planted by Magashule when they were leaving the school.

Tears flowed down the Goitsemodimo Lechoano(37) who is a carwash owner when Magashule told him that they will build a Shopping Complex and next to it there will be this newly renovated car wash. Lechoano said: “The business people wanted to remove us from this area because this was a place for ANC veterans and that tore me apart because we make a living by washing cars”.

Moremi Botlhoko who is employed in this car wash told Free State News: “We are very excited about the renovations of this place because this place helps us to put food on our families’ table”. Jan Hamer is a Project Manager for Operation Hlasela and he confirmed that R15 000 will be used to renovate this place.

The second port of call was Batho Clinic where there were volunteers of Operation Hlasela and Magashule spoke to them with compassion, saying: “How long are you going to work here?” They responded “Ten days and we are getting R50 per day”. Magashule then gave them exhilarating news: “You are going to work here for two years and get R1 200 per month”. The volunteers were overwhelmed with joy.

Also visited were people whose houses were being demolished because they were old. Sylvia Magwentshu (69) expressed her gratitude to Magashule when she was told that her house which was destroyed by fire will be built and be fully furnished.

Finally, Magashule handed food parcels and blankets to the poor people of this area.


AUGUST 14 – AUGUST 20 2009 edition

FEATURE OF THE WEEK:

“A Woman’s place is not just in the kitchen!” (By Gloria Marobele). Page 3

(Reproduced here)

A woman’s place is not just in the kitchen!!

By Gloria Marobele


It all started on the 9th of August 1956 when twenty thousand South African women from all tribes marched in resistance against the current pass laws. They were marching to the Union Building and all chanting: “wathinta abafazi wathinta imbokodo” - you strike a woman you strike a rock. This day showed how significant women are in our communities. They are sisters, mothers, aunts and daughters. It also showed that women have the ability to work together in harness regardless of colour or race.

Free State News spoke to Pulane Thys (32) who sells vegetables and chickens in Batho Location. She has two children and she is a single parent. Thys said “Life in South Africa is very difficult mostly because of the recession, but I am proud to be a South African woman. I think it is very important for us as South Africans to celebrate Women’s day because it shows that we are valued as women.”

Emelia Staat 67) sells cookies and fruits in Rocklands and she started in 1999. She told Free State News that in 1956 she was still at school but she heard that women were marching to the Union Building. “We are so blessed to have this new South Africa where we can walk free because during those days we were oppressed. In the past, I was not even allowed to sell fruits as I am doing now and that made it difficult for us to support our families.”

Betty Mohala (29) is the Administrator of Sisonke Investment and she also emphasized the importance of Women’s Day. She said: “I think it is very important for us to celebrate Women’s Day because we as women play a very pivotal role in our families. A home is not a home without a woman. What I love most about us women is that we don’t wait for handouts but we help ourselves.”

She added: “Women should be treated with respect in our communities because currently many of them are abused and disrespected”


AUGUST 07 – AUGUST 13 2009 edition

FEATURE OF THE WEEK:

“CUT hosts 2nd Regional Innovation Summit”. (By Tanya van der Walt). Front page

(Reproduced here)

CUT Hosts 2nd Regional Innovation Summit

By Tanya van der Walt

The 2nd Regional Innovation Summit was held in the Jappie van Lill Auditorium at the Central University of Technology, Free State. This illuminating summit was held on the 30th of July.

Government role players included delegates from the Department of Science and Technology, the Department of Trade and Industry, the Free State Provincial Government and the Industrial Development Corporation. Also represented were the Development Bank of South Africa, the Link Centre and the University of the Free State. The focus of the summit was on addressing the need to establish a platform for innovation in the Free State in the form of a Regional Innovation Hub.

The first innovation summit held at CUT in May focussed on developing a strategic framework within which the CUT could improve upon the commercialisation of the innovation support systems that it makes available to SMMEs and to industry. Professor Thandwa Mthembu, Vice Chancellor of CUT sketched the background events leading up to the 2nd RIS. From the early 1990’s with the announcement that then technicons could now offer high level degrees, and on into the new millennium, the focus became the establishment of niche areas of research and innovation. This led to the creation of the Centre for Rapid Prototyping and Manufacturing (CRPM) and the Product Development Technology Station (PDTS) with the emphasis being on manufacturing. During the last quarter of 2008 discussions were held with stakeholders in business, industry and government in order to shape emerging concepts around innovation.

In plotting the way forward, Prof Mthembu outlined the need for a revised Regional Innovation Strategy for the Free State that aligns itself with the National System of Innovation (NSI) and the 10-year Innovation Plan 2018. The location of the Free State Regional Innovation Hub has yet to be finalised. Funding for the project requires partnerships with investors from sectors other than the provincial government and national departments such as the DTI. Mthembu also added that there was a possibility of innovation sub-hubs being located in various regions of the FS.

The aim of establishing a Regional Innovation Hub is to enable all the various stakeholders from the various centres in the science and technology field to come together and pool their physical and mental resources in order to rev up the pace and quality of innovation in the Free State.

Advocate Ditara-Lekoeneha, acting head of the ETEA reiterated the five areas of priority identified by government: namely job creation, rural development, affordable education, a functioning health system and safe, secure communities. Innovation and experimentation are the major driver in economic development and for the Free State to attract investment it has to exploit areas of innovation that can set it apart from others such as production of bio-fuels, agro-processing, chemical down-streaming from Sasol and tourism. She called on business, industry and higher education institutions to collaborate with government to build the Free State economy, echoing the ANC slogan “Together we can do more.”


A project that is in the pipeline is a possible Aviation Maintenance and Innovation Centre. At present South African Airways fleet of Airbuses must fly to France for maintenance and repairs. It is hoped that the necessary skills and equipment can be brought to South Africa so that the Airbuses can be maintained in the country, thus creating employment. Another area under the spotlight is agro-processing. For example, the Free State produces the bulk of South Africa’s potato crop, but does not possess a single facility to turn those potatoes into chips or any other product.

Projects under discussion by the Department of Trade and Industry include the setting up of a Technology Innovation Agency (TIA) which will build on existing instruments such as the Innovation Fund and the creation of Science Parks which would provide purpose built infrastructure in order to facilitate the creation and growth of innovation-based companies.

Obstacles that hamper development and innovation in the Free State include the fact that the province is largely rural with a small, insular population which is heavily reliant on the agricultural and mining sectors for its revenue generation. With the mining sector in decline, other avenues of generating employment are desperately in need. In today’s knowledge-based economy the low densities of fixed line and mobile communications and lack of widespread broadband access in the Free State are key issues that need to urgently be addressed if the province is to move toward economic prosperity.

Thursday, July 30, 2009

Free State News (June/July 2009 editions)

FREE STATE NEWS (June/July 2009 editions)

This web page(s) regularly focuses on the leading Free State (South Africa) newspaper – Free State news – the first regular newspaper to be orchestrated fully by Black people in the Free State province (the paper celebrates its 10th year anniversary this year). The paper has been published on a weekly basis since 1999. Regular items like “Feature of the week” have appeared here over the months.

Free State News crew

Publisher
Moses Vinger

Confidential Secretary/Manager
Maki Mohapi

Editor
Kaya M

News Editor
Omoseye Bolaji

News Desk
Gloria Marobele (new)
S Botsime

Sports Desk
Mahlomola Moshe

Adverts Consultant
Tanya van der Merwe

Lay-out artist
Tumisang Takang

Contact number:
051 447 1655



JULY 31 – AUGUST 6 2009 EDITION


FEATURE OF THE WEEK:

“Ace to ring the changes at Diyatalwa Farm” By Gloria Marobele. Page 3.

(Reproduced here):

Ace to ring the changes at Diyatalawa Farm

By Gloria Marobele


In a laudable gesture, the Free State government visited Diyatalawa farm and Makgolokweng location with a view to listen to their requests in order to assist them. Premier Ace Magashule graced this exciting event which took place on Thursday (the 23rd of July) last week.

Diyatalawa farm is a very poor place which lies between Harrismith and Qwaqwa in the Eastern Free State. Free State News learnt that Government had a project in 1996 where they started an apple farm which was unfortunately burnt down by fire.

Poverty was etched on the faces of many of these unfortunate people in this area. Houses and schools here are built with mud; there are no roads, no toilets and no clinics.

Mavis Mnguni a Pre-school teacher told Free State News:”Mobile clinics come twice a month here, we are far from the town and it becomes difficult for us to see the doctors when we are sick. We have got a mud school which has only four classrooms and the school starts from Grade R to Grade 7. We don’t have taps and a water truck comes when we have called it from Qwaqwa. Sometimes we sit for a week without clean water and we have to use water from the dams which is not clean.”

She went on to explain that most children end up not finishing school because after they have passed Grade 7, parents do not have money to take them to schools in Qwaqwa or Harrismith. “Alas, they end up sitting down at home with nothing to do.”

Free State Premier, Ace Magashule, and the Mayor of Maluti a phofung, visited two houses in this farm to listen to the community members’ problems. The first house visited was the Radebes; an old lady called Maradebe came out with her family and took centre stage. “My greatest wish is to be buried in this farm, I worked here all my life and this is now my home,” she said passionately. ”My children are not employed and we only live by my pension money,” she added.

Premier Ace Magashule said: “We are now fulfilling the promises that we made during the election campaigns, making a better life for all. We will start a farm and your children will all be employed so that they can put food on the table. We are making a better life for all,” he added.

Eddie Mohoebi, the Chief Director of Land Affairs communication services told Free State News: “In this project, all government departments are integrated, so that gives us more confidence in this project. We will plant maize and apples, we will build roads, clinics and schools and in all of those projects one person from each house will be hired for two years. This person will sign a contract whereby he/she would agree that fifty percent of her or his income will go to the family,”

Ace Magashule also said that the Department of Home Affairs and Social service will be in this village for a week making sure that all the community members get pensions, social grants and Identity books. Magashule rounded off the memorable occasion by stating that in ninety days’ time they will start with the project.


JULY 24 – JULY 30 2009 edition

FEATURE OF THE WEEK:

“FS Health Care under the Microscope”. (By Tanya van der Walt). Front page
(Reproduced here)

FS HEALTHCARE UNDER THE MICROSCOPE

By Tanya van der Walt

The Free State Provincial Government led by Premier Ace Magashule held a Health Summit in order to address the issues facing the healthcare sector in South Africa and the Free State. The summit which took place on the 16th and 17th of July last week was attended by MECs for Health, Doctors, Nurses, Pharmacists, Emergency medical personnel and various other stakeholders.

In South Africa infant mortality rates have steadily been on the increase and due to TB patients prematurely discontinuing their treatment before being cured Extreme Drug Resistant (XDR) TB and Multi-drug Resistant (MDR) TB have emerged. There is an enormous backlog in the roll-out of anti-retroviral drugs to HIV/Aids patients. These and other problems, coupled with over spending, gross underfunding, low staff morale due to conditions of service, doctor’s strikes and the lack of a national service standard, and healthcare not only in the Free State but South Africa as a whole is in as one speaker termed it “a moerse crisis”.

Researchers are currently developing three new vaccines in an attempt to curb infant mortality. A system to trace TB patients who have defaulted on their treatment is on the cards. A new dual therapy program me for the treatment of HIV/Aids will be implemented. A national office of service standards that will set and monitor compliance with quality standards is in the pipeline.

The future of the nation’s healthcare system also appears to be in the balance as the lack of basics such as gloves, masks and syringes is making the training of future doctors and nurses very difficult. Lecturers at university health departments are leaving the profession, either through retirement or because of more lucrative offers from the private sector. Attracting new academics and researchers is hampered by the lack of status and remuneration attached to such posts.

Measures to address staff retention at hospitals and clinics are being put in place, starting with Occupational Specific Dispensation (OSD) which will see healthcare workers being paid according to seniority and years of service. OSD also outlines career pathing for healthcare workers. The building up of teaching capacity and teaching aids is to receive urgent attention, as is the retention and recruitment of lecturers and researchers.

Communities are being encouraged to value their healthcare facilities and health workers by keeping facilities clean by picking up litter outside and treating the staff with respect. The Director General for Health in the Free State called on the community to volunteer at outpatient facilities as marshals in order to help out-patients to find the correct queues and assist with other queries. In light of the recent doctors’ strikes nationwide, a matter receiving urgent attention is ways to engender a culture of ethical behavior and discipline amongst healthcare workers.

Hospitals and clinics are also faced with the shortage of medicines. In some cases patients have to hurriedly have their prescriptions changed by doctors so that pharmacists can dispense the appropriate type of medication of which there is stock. Others are turned away as there simply is no medication to treat them.

Contracts with companies that supply medications are to be renegotiated in order to ensure that there are adequate buffer stocks available at the end of the contract so that pharmacies are able to dispense the correct medication even after the contract has ended. Methods to speed up the approval of new drugs and to increase the supplier base are under discussion.

The bulk of healthcare funding in South Africa is generated through taxation. More affluent individuals pay higher income tax, while the poor pay more tax in terms of “sin tax” levied on alcohol and cigarettes as well as “fuel tax” which is calculated into the cost of fares for public transport.

Other sources of funding are the contributions made by medical aid scheme members, co-payments on services not fully covered by the medical scheme and out of pocket payments made by members when their funds are depleted and by non-members when using private healthcare facilities. Fees for membership of medical aid shemes now constitute 30% of the average monthly income earned by members.

To address the soaring cost of contributions to medical aid schemes by members and the lack of adequate spending on public healthcare a National Health Insurance has been proposed. This would see mandatory payroll deductions being made and the revenue generated invested in infrastructure and capacity building in the public healthcare sector.



JULY 17 – JULY 23 2009 edition

FEATURE OF THE WEEK:

“Volksblad Arts festival in fine fettle”. (By Gloria Marobele). Page 3

(Reproduced here)

Volksblad Arts festival in fine fettle
By Gloria Marobele

The University of Free State in conjunction with Volksblad is hosting an arts festival this week from Tuesday till Saturday at main campus of University of Free State (Kovsies). UFS and Volksblad are the main sponsors of the festival and this festival was started by Media 24 nine years ago.

Adri Herbet who is the head organizer of the arts festival told Free State News that everyone was invited to apply if they want to perform and the committee chose fifty theatre productions, market art etc. Adri added that they chose this time because it the only time which is available during the holidays after the Grahamstown Arts Festival.

The Kovsies campus was filled with tents which are selling food, clothes, liquor, bags, motorbikes, decorations, children’s games, and slimming products. Families were enjoying themselves and the exhibitors were showing their creativity.

This year’s theme is fire, and the slogan “ons vonk ansteeklik” meaning our fire is contagious (communicable).


JUNE 12 - JUNE 18 2009 edition

FEATURE OF THE WEEK:

“March against rampant child abuse” (By Mahlomola Moshe). Page 4

(reproduced here)

March against rampant child abuse

By Mahlomola Moshe

The Free State Psychiatry Complex under the Department of Health organised an eye-opening children’s march at the weekend in Bloemfontein.

The march began at Kenworth in Rocklands (Mangaung) with solid determination on the part of the participants. It ended at the Fatima church in Bloemfontein. Free State news learnt that the march was aimed at demonstrating and highlighting the impact that child abuse has on children. Additionally, the message was intended for the community of Bloemfontein.

The march was organised for the first time by Free State Psychiatry Complex on child abuse and it conscientised people the way the organizers intended. It was supported by the Traffic Department and South African Police Service.

According to the assistant manager of Free State Psychiatry Complex, Me N Mabizela, the reason they organised the march on that day was because it shared the day with celebration of international Child Week. She stressed to Free State News that the primary purpose of the march was to create awareness in the community about the child abuse.

She emphatically explained that the issue of child abuse is a very serious and rampant one, and we should all take a stand against child abuse. She indicated that the Psychiatric Complex intends to organise such event again next year.

Mabizela also pointed out that they have organised other programmes which they are going to visit schools to make them aware about the child abuse. “We have other programs that are intended to bring awareness to the community about the ravages of child abuse”

June 5 – June 11 2009 edition

FEATURE OF THE WEEK

“Artists revel at Centre” (Page 2)

Artists revel at Centre

By S BOTSIME

The Old Market building at the ARTISTS IN ACTION center is majestic in its own way. The old building has an artistic structure that is convenient for sundry Free State artists to showcase their talents.

I spent time with the project manager, Mr. Moses Sebitlo who welcomed me at the center and told me that the center had been established since last September and almost twenty people are working in the center. There are fourteen women and five men at the center. The aim of the center is to empower individuals with skills including sewing, pottery, Embroidery, Bead work and painting.

The department of sport, arts and culture has been investing in the project which is expected to be self sustaining after three years.The vision of the center is to be able to compete internationally and showcase their talent beyond the borders and at home to places like Grahamstown. The SASOL is now running a competition and they are about to compete in July.

“It has not been an easy road for the Center since from the beginning, but with focus and dedication there seems to be a light at the end of the tunnel. We are currently doing uniforms of Kopanong Secondary School for eight hundred children and Mr. Melesi, the principal of the school is impressed with our work” Mr. Sebitlo further explained.He told Free State news that they can churn out work to individuals’ taste and matric farewell attire. “We urge other schools in need to place an order for their uniforms to be done by the people at the center.

Other achievements that the center can boast of include a joint venture a project with the University of Free State under Kellog Foundation where some students will be taught by the University to do pottery.” Kudos for the Center and for any business related issues one has to call Mr. Sebitlo@ 073 269 0806 or Mr. Pitso Kgojane@ 072 858 4659.

I must say that spending time at the Old Market building at the ARTISTS IN ACTION center was a privilege for me since I myself am a living and breathing artist!

Sunday, May 31, 2009

FREE STATE NEWS (May 2009)

FREE STATE NEWS (May 2009 editions)

This web page(s) regularly focuses on the leading Free State (South Africa) newspaper – Free State news – the first regular newspaper to be orchestrated fully by black people in the Free State province (the paper celebrated its 10th year anniversary this year). The paper has been published on a weekly basis since 1999. Regular items like “Feature of the week” have appeared here over the months.

Free State News crew

Publisher
Moses Vinger

Confidential Secretary/Manager
Maki Mohapi

Editor
Kaya M

News Editor
Omoseye Bolaji

News Desk
Mahlomola Moshe
S Botsime

Sports Desk
Michael Tlhakudi

Adverts Consultant
Tanya van der Walt

Lay-out artist
Tumisang Takang

Contact number:
051 447 1655



HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!

Free State news celebrates its 10th year anniversary! 10 years of veritable excellence in South African black journalism – with many accolades along the way. Champagne, comestibles and the like! Meanwhile we welcome our new Marketing Executive, Tanya van der Walt.

MAY 22 - 28 2009 edition

FEATURE OF THE WEEK:

“Preferred Sounds in the groove”. (By Kaya M). Page 4


PREFERRED SOUNDS IN THE GROOVE

By Kaya M

Preferred Sounds Music Production is a Mangaung based group that comprises of 14 artists who have been involved in the music industry for a number of years pursuing their solo projects and as backing vocalists. The group is managed by a Management Team of four people who have experience in the Music Industry:

Mr. Sidwell Tlhapi: Music Producer
Mr. Jacob Modise: Legal Adviser
Mr. Kgotso Tlhapi: Artist Manager
Mr. Tshidiso Tlhapi: Marketing and Distribution Manager

The objective of Preferred Sounds is to empower young people and encourage artists to grow spiritually and to minister through their music to all nationals without fear or favour and to stand for what they believe in.

Preferred Sounds aims to nurture and develop artists to reach their full potential. The group strives for excellence and encourages moral regeneration by sending positive message of hope in Christ.

In April 2009 Preferred Sounds released their first album entitled Preferred Sounds Vol. 1 in Bloemfontein. The CD has been well received and so far the CD has been playing. The group has had interviews with a number of radio stations. “We also want to thank Mike for the Job well done on our CD. We have already performed in Sasolburg, Welkom, Bloemfontein and Botshabelo and soon we’ll be having shows in Bothaville on the 30 May 2009, Koffiefotein on the 06 and in PETRUSBURG on the 07 2009.” they point out.One of the artists of the group, Tumelo Pebane recorded for Gospel Gold on SABC 2 and he was backed by some of UOR artista. The group is in a mission to Pioneer in the field of contemporary Gospel, improving the sounds and style of Gospel music for the urban contemporary age.

Preferred Sounds is located in Bloemfontein and is always ready to spread the good news of Christ through their music to all people regardless of race , age , gender and Background.
Details

Name of the Album: Preferred Sounds Volume 1
Title Track: Moya wa Modimo
Producer: Preferred Sounds
Marketing and Distribution: Preferred Sounds
Recorded at Mixbri Studios
Company: Preferred Sounds Productions



MAY 8 – MAY 14 09 edition

FEATURE OF THE WEEK:

“Ace Magashule in the saddle at long last!” (By S Botsime)

Ace Magashule in the saddle at long last!

By S. Botsime

The crème de la crème assembled, agog with anticipation – as Ace Magashule was sworn in as the Premier of the Free State on Wednesday this week at the Mangaung Indoor Sports Centre.

Clad in outstanding finery, assorted guests witnessed an unforgettable ceremony. There were about four panel of groups that were sitting in front with top politicians like Motlagomang Xabathi, Thabo Moses, Sefora Ntobela, Mme Mantwa just to mention a few.

The protagonist himself, Ace Magashule, was beaming at the august occasion, with his customary smiles, hugs, and handshakes. He was superbly dressed in designer suit with all the trimmings. People lined up to congratulate him. Even his entry caused pandemonium as excitement reached a peak!The name of Mr. Sesele was nominated as the Speaker without opposition and every one supported the name .Thereafter he was appointed as Speaker of the Free State legislature. Mme Anna Tshopo was appointed as the deputy speaker. In his short speech Mr. Sesele thanked every one, the representatives and the working class ending his short speech that “working together we can do more”.

As he was officially sworn in as the Premier of Free State, Mr. Ace Magashule elicited excitement on many people’s faces. People chattered and whispered to the effect that it had been a long walk for the new Premier. He took the stage by thanking everyone from the SACP, COSATU, and the working masses of South Africa and churches irrespective of whether they are black or white, for their support.

The new Premier went on to remember some of the late comrades who devoted their time to fight for liberation, naming illustrious people like Oliver Tambo, Chris Hani, Kaizer Sebothelo, and Harry Qwala just to mention a few. “The people have spoken!” he concluded, to rapturous applause. Members from Opposition parties rose gallantly to the occasion, including Mr. Roy Jonkilshon of DA who congratulated Mr. Ace Magashule and said that he must use his position most importantly to uplift the standard of those who are underprivileged. “He must create a conducive environment for everyone in Free State.” he added.

Mme Sefora Ntombela also stressed that Mr. Magashule knew that the people essentially supported him because they wanted him to be a catalyst of change in the Free State. “He must always remember what the Freedom charter stand for.” she added.

Different political parties delivered speeches and their general massage was that Mr. Magashule must surround himself with strong and very focused people. Thereafter people proceeded to Clive Solomon Stadium where the official inauguration took place.


MAY 1 – MAY 7 2009 edition

FEATURE OF THE WEEK:

“Young wordsmith makes his mark”. By Paul Lothane. Page 2

(reproduced here)


Young wordsmith makes his mark

The article below has just been published internationally. It is also available on a number of websites on literature on the internet. Free State News is proud that it first discovered and published the protagonist, Masakala. The article is reproduced below:

Teboho Masakala, a proud Free Stater, is still only 21 years old but the literary fraternity is already drooling about him and predicting great things from him. He’s the latest whizz kid in imaginative writing.

Yet Teboho (not surprising because of his youth) has only thus far written a number of short stories, and published a few of them. But this has not stopped countless people raving about his talent and potential and praising him.

Peter Moroe, respected literary critic says: “It is understandable why there is excitement about Teboho Masakala. The truth is that imaginative writers from the grassroots are very few and thin on the ground, and are hardly encouraged anyway. Most writers just want to write poetry. But Teboho writes imaginative short stories and his potential is awesome. Really, this very young man – he is actually a ‘boy’ but one has to be politically correct these days – has the literary world at his feet. What impresses me most is that considering his youth you would expect a lot of naivety and inadequate characterization in his works, but that is not the case,”

Pule Lechesa, acknowledged as an impressive literary critic says more cautiously: “We should not go overboard about Teboho Masakala. His writing career, such as it is, has just started really. But internationally one must note for example that Uganda’s (late) great writer, John Ruganda started his career by writing and publishing short stories too, as Teboho is doing now. He should be encouraged. I understand the young man is very respectful with his feet on the ground,”

Teboho Masakala’s short stories (like The other side of love) have appeared in sundry publications and on the Internet. He is also scheduled to be published in the next edition of The growth of Free State Black Writing journal – an excellent start to his writing career.

Omoye Bolaji, writer and literary activist who ensured that Teboho Masakala was published for the first time, says: “Sometimes I feel like Rip van Winkle - as if I have gone on too long! It’s great to see fine, fecund new writing talent emerging. Just within months, it was gratifying to see the awesome imaginative potential of very young writers like Neo Mvubu and Teboho Masakala,”

Over the decades African black literature has witnessed superb writers starting their careers with impressive short stories. Gomolemo Mokae and Es’kia Mphahlele published good short stories early in their careers. Chinua Achebe as a youngster in the University many decades ago began writing short stories which were published only much later on in book form. Literary commentators expect Teboho Masakala to write a novel (s) in due course.

“He must not be rushed,” Pule Lechesa however warns. “He (Teboho Masakala) must develop at his own pace. At the moment it’s too early to criticize his writing; all I can see so far is that he seems to love writing stories that end in tragedy and death! But I am sure I’m judging him prematurely,”
- Paul Lothane