FREE STATE NEWS September 2011

FREE STATE NEWS (September 2011 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 has been published on a weekly basis since 1999. Regular items like “Feature of the week” have appeared here over the years.

Free State News crew

Publisher
Moses Vinger

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

Office Assistant
Thobeka Funani

Editor
Kaya M

News Editor
Omoseye Bolaji

Contributors
Seleke Botsime
Flaxman Qoopane
Nthabiseng Lisele

Columnist, Feminine Flutters:
Regomoditswe Motsalane

Sesotho editor:
Kgang Abel Motheane

Lay-out artist
Tumisang Takang

Contact number:
051 447 1655

SEPTEMBER 30 – OCTOBER 6 2011 edition

FEATURE OF THE WEEK: “Parliament to the people!” By Seleke Botsime. Page 3

Reproduced hereunder:

Parliament to the people!

By Seleke Botsime

The parliament of the republic of South Africa successfully conducted People's Assembly at the Seisa Ramabodu, Stadium, Mangaung in the Free State Province, which petered to an last weekend.

Speaking at the launch, Nomi India Mfeketo emphasized that this was a national event, with different committees. “The main purpose of the event is to build an effective people's Parliament that is responsive to the needs of the people and is driven by the ideal of realizing a better quality of life for all the people of South Africa Parliament and the people.”

Free State News further gathered that there will be committee that will do the oversight on Free State issues. It being the sixth people’s Assembly, plans and ideas have been addressed in order to make it not just a talk-shop. Apart from deputy minister, India Nomfeketo, the occasion was graced by MEC Zwane of Agriculture and rural development, Mamiki Qabathe from GOCTA, and the Free State speaker B. Sesele.

Speaking at the launch, MEC Zwane said that the Parliament came at the right time. “We still have fresh memories of the World Cup and we are only few months away from the centenary. The project will surely improve our province and the service that is going to be given the first priority must be from the people of Free State.”

He added: “It is gratifying to note that this is an event where all districts and the nine provinces of the country are represented. The committees of Parliament are conducting site visits all over the province, and will compile reports that will constitute part of discussion during the thematic sessions. The MP'S from the National Council of Provinces are currently conducting visits all over the country and they will be able to provide national perspective on the status of the service delivery and other matters that need Parliament attention.”

The new approach towards the people’s assembly is that it is program-based and no longer events -based. It is a development program that will run from 2011-2014. The significance of the 2011 Assembly is that it will lay the foundation, and 2013 will be the culmination of the fourth Parliament program for the people's Assembly.

It was further revealed that there is well thought-out process that will ensure that the deliberations of the people’s assembly are processed in a manner that would yield the expected results. All the deliberation of People's Assembly will be compiled and tabled in Parliament as prescribed by the applicable rules of procedure. The report will then be referred to the relevant committees for their interaction with relevant departments. After a period of seven months, members of Parliament will again make follow-up with the communities and their challenges as reflected in the People Assembly reports. At the end of the day some sort of vision will be reflected in the People's Assembly reports, including pertinent challenges raised by the communities will be addressed.


SEPTEMBER 23 – SEPTEMBER 29 2011 edition

FEATURE OF THE WEEK: “Minister Baloyi on the qui vive” By Nthabiseng Lisele. Page 2

Reproduced hereunder:


MINISTER BALOYI ON THE QUI VIVE!

… inspects public services with aplomb

BY NTHABISENG LISELE

The Free State province was part of the Public Service week which was graced by the Minister of Public Service and Administration, Richard Baloyi. He personally conducted the programme which took place this week (from 19 - 23 September) around the Free State.

The Minister was accompanied by the MEC for Police, Roads and Transport in the Free State, Butana Komphela. South Africa as a whole observed the Public Service week with dignity, where public services were inspected.

This programme indeed attracted participation from ministers, public servants across the three spheres of government, state owned enterprises, ambassadors, institutions of higher learning, civil society organization, and the citizenry at large.

This year’s theme in this wise was called, “Transformative Leadership in Public Administration and Governance: Creating a better future for all; My Public Service-My future”. Free State News gathered that the theme is a platform for participation and engagement for the delivery of quality public services.

Other activities as regards this event included the deployment of senior managers to service delivery; unannounced visits to service delivery institutions; service delivery exhibitions, and creating awareness to enhance access to citizens by provincial and national departments.

Richard Baloyi said: “We are looking at finalising the regulations dealing with disciplinary actions against senior managers by October”.

The senior management service conference will also take place where the ethics and integrity, progress made on the work of the special anti-corruption; register of financial interest by senior public servants will be considered.

SEPTEMBER 16 – SEPTEMBER 22 2011 edition

FEATURE OF THE WEEK: “MEC Zwane brings a smile to orphans” By Nthabiseng Lisele Page 3

Reproduced hereunder:

MEC ZWANE BRINGS A SMILE TO ORPHANS

BY NTHABISENG LISELE

The MEC for Agriculture in the Free State, Msebenzi Zwane visited the town of Ficksburg to extend a generous, helping hand to orphans.

He started his day at St Paul’s Anglican Church at Ficksburg where he thanked the church for taking part in praying to solve the divisions at Meqheleng local municipality. He also prayed for the local municipality elections to be a success, and indeed they were successful.

The MEC gave the amount of R 1 000-00 to the sermon collection at this church, and also gave R 300-00 to an unfortunate, hapless learner. The latter is doing matric this year, and now she can at least afford to go to matric farewell like any other learners.

Thereafter the MEC went to have a special lunch with the orphans and children who came from the less fortunate families. There is a centre called the Ficksburg child care forum which is responsible for taking care of these kids; this project was created in 2009. Free State news learnt that the caregivers are not being paid, and are taking care of these children out of their hearts.

He gave them hats and scarf printed with the South African flag to support the springboks, and polar blankets. He also gave them toys worth R 16 000-00. Meanwhile, Mr Zwane promised the kids land where they will grow different types of vegetables. They are expected to sell them, and use the accrued money for other purposes.

The day became even more colourful as the choir of the MEC (Zwane) organised a music concert at Meqheleng Hall where people paid an entrance fee to watch the concert, and many other groups participated.

50 percent of the money that was allocated here was given to the Ficksburg child car forum. There was also a young man, Bongani who is physically disabled, but could still talk a little. He made a wish that he wanted to see Tsholo Leokaoke, a presenter from Lesedi fm.

And right on the spot, the MEC queried Bongani about his heart’s desire, and assured him that his dream will come true. Tsholo promised to come to Bongani’s birthday on the 27th September this year.


SEPTEMBER 9 – SEPTEMBER 15 2011 edition

FEATURE OF THE WEEK: “Women’s month rounded off with aplomb!” By Nthabiseng Lisele. Page 3

Reproduced hereunder:

WOMEN’S MONTH ROUNDED OFF WITH APLOMB

…. Gwede Mantashe revels at the occasion

BY NTHABISENG LISELE

The Women’s Month celebration ended on a very high note at Qalabotjha in Villiers where different departments in the Free State gathered together to unveil the projects dedicated to women.

It was an exhilarating occasion which was embraced by a host of dignitaries, including the ANC General Secretary, Gwede Mantashe. Also present was the Premier of the Free State, Ace Magashule, Minister Lulu Xingwana, MEC Sisi Ntombela, MEC Mamiki Qabathe and MEC Tate Magoe.

One of the laudable projects that were officially opened was the Qalabotjha Clinic, which is sited right in the location. The clinic is ample and it has a maternity unit so that pregnant women won’t struggle anymore when ready to give birth. Jobs will be created as cleaners and nurses will be hired for this new clinic. The Department of Health is determined to ensure that this clinic becomes a success for the community.

The MEC for Human Settlement, Mamiki Qabathe handed over 100 houses to a coterie of women. The MEC for Social Development, Sisi Ntombela also announced that her Department will build two crèches very soon at Qalabotjha.

Premier Magashule took the opportunity to announce that 50 learners who have matriculated but never got the opportunity to go to schools, will be sent to driving schools to be trained for driving licences, free of charge.

The MEC for Education, Tate Makgoe also did his part as the ABSA bank handed over a cheque worth R20 000-00 to two secondary schools, Retshedisitswe and Gugulethu. Each school will receive R10 000-00.

Free State News learnt that this money will be used to buy pads for all the girls at these schools because the department of Education saw a need that some girls were struggling to afford them.

It was also revealed that past matriculates who failed will be helped with studying their past subjects so that they can be ready to re-write their exams.
The ANC women’s league demonstrated its magnanimity and empathy with the terrible human situation in Somalia by contributing food, money, clothes and many other necessary acquirements to support them through their painful period.

In closing of the Women’s Month, Gwede Mantashe told the ANC women’s league that the national body will support them every step of the way “because they are the greatest pillar of the ANC.” His appearance was warmly received and appreciated.


SEPTEMBER 2 – SEPTEMBER 8 2011 edition

FEATURE OF THE WEEK: “Sadtu pulls out all the stops!” By Seleke Botsime. Page 3

Reproduced hereunder:

SADTU pulls out all the stops!!

By Seleke Botsime

The SADTU conference in Mangaung lasted for four days and proved illuminating in its ramifications. Among the distinguished guests at the occasion was the MEC of Education, Tate Makgoe. The opening of the conference was done by Phel Parkies, the SACP Provincial Secretary who said that the occasion would elicit clarity.
It was an occasion to unravel inter alia the communist Manifesto which a medley of speakers reveled in. Parkies, for one said that communists are distinguished from each others’ working class parties with the national struggle of the proletarians of different countries.

It was stressed that political power, if properly understood, is merely the “organised power of one class for oppressing another.” He further said that as the SACP, nothing is easier than inculcating every aspect of social life, even Christian ascetism with a communist tinge. He queried: “For how long shall we change the curriculum in our schools? The education system has not stabilized, yet we are into 17 years of democracy.”
He added: “We need to talk about salaries of educators, more of those at foundation level, since these are the people that educate your children about our culture and moral orientation of a child.” He added that because of the gender struggle that is so embedded in National Democratic (NDR), economic emancipation of women should not be reduced.
He indicated the context of the SACP Mid term Vision which stipulates “six pillars” - the political program - economy, workplace, community, ideology, international solidarity.

The ANC regional conferences towards its 2012 elective conference were also touched on. “Any ruction for the movement and malicious campaign led by vacuous elements must be pulverized in the movement and we are desirous of a successful conference.”
Tate Makgoe said that one of the issues that needed to be addressed was to engage and discuss with earnestness. He said that many comrades are afraid to speak their mind. “Now is the time to restore the culture of our organisation. There is no need to separate both the ANCYL and the mother body. SADTU is a strong movement and surely it will take South Africa forward…although there are many challenges, we need to find solutions as the movement and move forward,”

The MEC said that the young ones need to participate and get more involved, especially on subjects like Mathematics, and Science. “We must remember that education can be used as a weapon. It is our challenge to open the doors of learning culture, since the level of unemployment is rising at an alarming stage. If we want to change the education system, we need to change it from school level. Furthermore, we need to believe in the capabilities of our teachers. Let’s not deny our children their first love, which can be science subjects,”

The other speaker was Sam Mashinini, the provincial secretary of COSATU who said that the movement had to be streamlined, with progress etching every step ahead. “If we don’t speak out, we inadvertently allow caucus to be held at the ‘corner’. Additionally, the problems of the ANC and the Youth League are everyone’s problems,”
Mr. Mashinini said: “One cannot dub part-time employment as decent, and we need to give decent education in order to avoid the children getting derailed; then they should go for further school. SADTU members should be conscientised and boosted with revolutionary educators…on the 05 of October the decision is that there will be a downing of tools. Let’s be an integral part of change!”

He also indicated that he was appealing to everybody to “campaign against Wall Mart…the entry point of Africa is through South Africa and now we have the support of the Government and are happy that the wall mart will have to go through their condition. Let’s bail the country out!”