Asikhulume
Let’s Talk
DRDGOLD – THE PREFERRED EMPLOYER IN THE GOLD MINING INDUSTRY
ISSUE 25 I AUGUST 2013
EDITOR’S NOTE
T
his issue of Asikhulume is dedicated
to our youth, and follows the
celebration of Youth Day in June.
It also contains a number of inspirational
quotes by well-known individuals, past and
present. We hope you enjoy it.
“Once you choose
hope, anything’s
possible”
(Christopher Reeve, actor)
Young people of DRDGOLD – the future
is yours for the taking. If you are reading
this, you are very likely an employee or a
family member of an employee. You are
fortunate to have a job; perhaps to have
had opportunities. Even so, most of us will
want our children to have a better education,
better prospects and live in a better world
than we did. A world where every individual
has access to the basics: shelter, food, clean
water, medical treatment and education. A
world where people live in harmony with one
another, and with the planet. A world without
abuse, war and fighting. These are very high
ideals for the world.
“We cannot always
build the future for
our youth, but we
can build our youth
for the future”
(Franklin D. Roosevelt)
IN THIS YOUTH EDITION ISSUE:
P2
WE CARE ABOUT
CHILDREN
A PROBLEM SHARED IS A
PROBLEM
HALVED
There is a saying that “a problem shared is a problem
halved”. This means if you tell someone else about it,
your problem seems to be just a bit better.
P7
P8
CONTINUED P2
THE RUNDOWN
ON RENEILOE
ERPM’S 67
MINUTES
I
t is this idea that is behind the counselling
service being launched as part of Best Life.
However, Best Life is not just about listening
– it is a practical service. It is designed to help
you with advice, information and other tools to
sort out the problem.
Best Life was officially launched in May
at EBDA’s premises in Brakpan. The event
was attended by management from all areas
of the company, as well as union leaders and
representatives from the operations. Every
DRDGOLD and Ergo employee will attend a
briefing and follow up sessions so the services
can be explained to them.
CEO Niël Pretorius opened the proceedings.
He explained that the aim of Best Life is to help
employees sort out their problems, so they can
be happier both at work and at home. “We live
in a stressful world,” said Pretorius. “Every
one
on of us has to deal with issues from time to
time.
tim We don’t want our employees to struggle
if there is a way of helping them find answers.
So we have partnered with ICAS, which stands
fo Independent Counselling and Advisory
for
Se
Services,”
he explained.
ICAS provides a professional, confidential
su
support
and information service for more than
40 companies in South Africa. The partnership
400
wi DRDGOLD covers every employee and
with
hi or her partner and dependants. “We want
his
em
employees
and their families to get help as early
as possible,” said Pretorius, “And not wait for
th problem to become bigger.”
the
Trained ICAS counsellors are available 24
ho a day, every day of the year, on a wide range
hours
of issues. You can call them as often as needed.
“You are not only
responsible for what
you say, but also for
what you do not say”
(Martin Luther)
However, although none of us can change
the world, we can make a start closer to home
– where our efforts can make a difference. We
need to realise that for our beloved country to
grow and to flourish, each one of us needs to
take responsibility for our actions. We need
to think about everything we do – whether
it is right or wrong; whether we are making
the most of our opportunities, but not being
greedy; whether we are working hard enough
at our education and our jobs; whether we
are helping those in our communities who
are less fortunate; and we need to have
the courage to speak out about things that
are wrong.
“An obstacle is often
a stepping stone to
success”
(Unknown)
As we grow up, we learn that life is a
tough business. Most people – rich or poor have problems. Often, it is how we deal with
our problems that determine our success
in life. Wherever you find yourself today,
or in the future, remember that you are an
individual – you will make the decisions and
choices that influence the path that you take
in life. May all our young readers accept the
responsibility of being a good citizen, and go
on to help make this country great.
2
Asikhulume
ISSUE 25 • August 2013
A PROBLEM SHARED IS A PROBLEM HALVED (continued)
T
hese are examples of problems. You and
your family members can get help with
your problem, even if it is not mentioned
on the list. Call anytime and the counsellor
will help you or give you the advice you need.
Face-to-face counselling is also included in
the package. You and your dependants qualify
for up to six hours with a psychologist.
SOME OF THE PROBLEMS THEY CAN HELP WITH INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING:
STRESS:
CHRONIC ILLNESS: FINANCES:
FAMILY:
NUMBERS TO CONTACT:
how to cope and ways to reduce it
cancer, TB, AIDS
unwanted pregnancies, adoptions,
childcare, dealing with elderly
relatives
Free helpline:
dealing with debt, garnishee
orders, budgeting
0800 213 151
or send a “please call me” to
071 119 2463
EMPLOYMENT:
DEATH AND LOSS: ADDICTIONS:
RELATIONSHIPS:
harassment, workplace conflict,
career matters, maternity benefits
coping with the loss of a loved
one, miscarriages
drugs, alcohol, gambling
family, colleagues, friends
HEALTH:
TRAUMA:
LEGAL:
OTHER:
what to eat, how to exercise, the
importance of regular check ups
robberies, hijacking, accidents
divorce, child custody,
maintenance
state benefits/entitlements,
booking holidays, organising a
child’s party
Note: no labour law matters
“The service is confidential,”
explained Pretorius. “No one at Ergo or
head office will know anything about your
problems. There are very few instances
when ICAS will take action without your
permission: for example, if they think you
are going to seriously harm someone, or if
a child is being violated.
“I urge you to use this employee
programme offered as part of Best Life. It
has been implemented to make your life
better. We are paying ICAS to provide
the service, so I want to make sure our
employees get the benefits. If it helps you
to sort out your life, and ends up making
you happier, then its good for us too,”
he concluded.
We
CARE
about children
On a cold morning in June, 80 children walked, as usual,
through the dark streets of Reiger Park to school. Due to
unemployment and tough economic times, some of them were
not in uniform. Most of them were not warmly enough dressed.
H
owever, later that day, they this group
of children had something to smile
about. Abiot Kekana, transformation
and sustainable development manager and
Josiah Tshisevhe, area manager: east, both of
DRDGOLD, together with representatives from
the local community, visited the school with
packs of new school uniforms.
SCHOOL UNIFORMS PROJECT
“Last year we bought uniforms for more
than 100 children at primary schools in
Meadowlands, Soweto, because we care for
our host communities,” said Abiot. “So when
a youth leader in Ramaphosa, an informal
settlement within Reiger Park, read about this
in the December 2012 edition of Asikhulume,
he contacted us to do the same for the children
in his community. He told us that children were
actually teased by others for not wearing proper
school uniform so they did not want to go to
school.”
Sylvester Mokoena, of African Youth Inspiration,
approached local councillors, principals and
teachers in Reiger Park to identify the five
schools with the most underprivileged children.
These are Ekukhanyeni, Drommedaris, Lakeside,
Reiger Park and Goedehoop.
BRIGHTER FUTURE
“It was heart-warming to see the children’s
smiles once they were dressed in their smart
new school gear. Hopefully they will now be
motivated to go to school every day. Education is
key to any child’s development and to building
a better and brighter future for themselves,”
added Abiot. “We hope that this donation will
also provide some relief for the parents who
struggle to put food on the table every day. This
is what corporate social investment is all about:
we are there to help people lead better lives.”
“Don’t wait for good things
to happen to you. If you go
out and make some good
things happen, you will fill
the world with hope, you
will fill yourself with hope.”
(Barack Obama)
Asikhulume
ISSUE 25 • August 2013
3
Niël’s
Note
I was helping my son prepare for a history
test the other day, and this reminded me
of the story of Maximilien de Robespierre
– an important person in the French
Revolution of 1792.
R
obespierre believed in equality and
liberty – that all the people of France,
whether rich or poor, should be free and
equal. He was against the different way rich and
poor people were treated. His party helped give
France a constitution that gave equal political
rights to the poor, and he played a big part in
throwing King Louis XVI off the throne and later
having him executed with a guillotine (this was
a machine that cut a person’s head from his or
her body).
Robespierre began as an activist, with the
support of poorer people, and was against the
death penalty. However, once in power, this
same man soon began executing people he
thought were against his political ideas. More
than 1 000 people were publicly executed
without trial during this time.
The people living in Paris, the capital of
France, soon realised that Robespierre and
his party had not made their lives any better
than when there was a king as the head of the
country. They saw that this new group was
made up of people who were looking after their
own interests, and frightening anyone who did
not agree or was unhappy with their policies.
The group was ignoring the very ideas and
principles that helped get them into power in
the first place. Things were no better than they
had been under the king.
Confused and disillusioned, these ordinary
citizens realised that the people they had
supported into power had turned into tyrants
who were abusing the fragile legal boundaries
of their young democracy to serve their selfish
ambitions. After ten years, the tyrants were
removed by Napoleon Bonaparte in a coup
d’état and Robespierre himself was executed.
I tell this story because this type of behaviour
is all too common – in business, in politics and
in various other organisations. I am talking
about individuals who lie and do whatever they
need to get to the top. They are very ambitious
and have no scruples or doubts, they see in
business or politics the chance to build an
empire – even if it means taking advantage
of the poor. They often really believe that the
business (or the country or the organisation) is
theirs to abuse as they wish. In business, you
sometimes see senior management apply a
different set of rules to themselves e.g. by using
company property outside of working hours. In
politics, you see the political elite start treating
the country, its people and its resources as
though they belonged to them. But we should
never forget that, in a democracy, politicians
have been put in place by the people – and so
they must answer to the people.
In the old days, bullies or dictators could
often get away with this type of conduct.
Nowadays, ordinary people understand what a
liberal democracy means, and they recognise
the abuse of power, and are less likely to accept
it. When the abuse directly affects them, they
are more likely to react. In the 21st century,
bullies who head up organisations, countries,
and companies are increasingly “guillotined” –
sometimes very quickly – from their positions
of privilege, and usually by the same people
who once supported them.
Sadly, the acts of resistance – or standing
up for one’s rights – are often not peaceful or
lawful. The people are disappointed and have
given up hope of a better future, because they
have been let down by “leaders” who turn out
to be self-serving liars. The people, unhappy
at the abuse they are suffering, rise up in a
large group. They abandon their own values,
or what they know to be right and follow what
everyone else is doing. They take matters into
their hands, break the law and behave in ways
that are unacceptable. This results in anarchy
and civil strife.
These ordinary people then become
disconnected from any vision of a better future.
They become cynical and self-centred, they
give up their values, and every activity is
judged against only one thing: “What’s in it for
me?” And then, sometimes, they wonder why
the heck they have become so unhappy…
This edition of Asikhulume is our youth
edition, and the topics we are covering are aimed
more at our younger readers. I therefore want
to ask you – the youth of today – not to become
pessimists or anarchists. We are all born with a
sense of what is right and what is wrong, and a
desire to do more good than bad. We also believe,
at first, that people are mostly good. But then
life spoils it for us and we get kicked around a
bit; people whom we respected turn out to have
hidden weaknesses or faults. The organisations
we supported abandon their ideals and principles
and, instead, serve ambitious or greedy leaders.
The symbols we used to honour, the feeling we
used to experience when we were rallied for a
particular reason, turn out to be either far less
important than we first thought, or they turn into
that very thing we were fighting against in the
first place.
“Our lives begin to
end the day we become
silent about things
that matter”
(Martin Luther King Jnr)
“You must be the change you
wish to see in the world”
(Mahatma Gandhi)
And that brings me to the present: South
Africa today, and what it offers you young
people, the leaders of tomorrow. Up until the
late eighties, this was a divided nation. The
majority of the population was politically
disenfranchised, denied basic civil liberties
and excluded from the political process. The
people supported the liberation of South Africa
via the struggle – much like the French masses
in Robespierre’s time. On the other side of our
struggle was a minority, people who had a say in
the political process, but who were nervous. The
nerves (or fear) were largely due to the support
given to the struggle by countries like the USSR
and Cuba. Finding a compromise for the two
sides – one fighting for freedom, and the other
fighting against the possibility of communist
rule on the other – was never going to be easy.
“An obstacle is often
a stepping stone to
success”
(Unknown)
As it turns out, in the early 1990s the
people of South Africa, together with their
leaders, embraced ideas that were forceful,
universal and forward-thinking, providing a
mandate to the authors of the constitution.
Those philosophies or ideologies that were
based on uncertainty, mistrust and fear lost
their power over the minds of South Africans.
We all enthusiastically gave up our old
ideologies in favour of a better future – based
on a set of values that is accepted world-wide.
This system of values was both strong enough
to convince those on the “right” to give up the
protection that the political dispensation of the
day offered, and those on the “left” to forego the
outcomes typically associated with a socialist
revolution. Thankfully these principles were
given supreme authority at the time, because
more recently they have been under almost
systematic attack from several angles.
“A functioning,
robust democracy
requires a healthy
educated, participatory
followership, and an
educated, morally
grounded leadership”
(Chinua Achebe)
This value system makes us South Africans
different, not only from what we were before, but
from many other nations that have experienced
similar transformation. We are the only country
in this modern era that has undergone a huge
political transformation without a return to civil
discontent and turmoil of the kind experienced
in Tunisia, Egypt and Turkey. Many of the other
countries where a political order has been
overthrown are once again being suppressed, or
drifting slowly toward fundamentalist tyranny.
The people of South Africa are very
fortunate. In the 1990s a group of visionaries
gave us the tools to achieve the three things that
are essential for citizens to achieve sustainable
prosperity, and to live the best possible life.
These are:
• a bill of rights, ensuring liberty and equality;
• an economic and social framework allowing
individuals to pursue prosperity with the
least degree of interference; and
• regulations that strike the appropriate
balance between sustainable environmental
practices and economic progress.
These three things work within the custodianship
of a government that is accountable to its people,
a free press and an independent judiciary.
A healthy society needs to feel safe and sure
that is leaders are accountable to them. Citizens
must know that their efforts will bring rewards,
usually on the basis that the harder you work,
the bigger the payback. And all the while,
making sure that living one’s “best life” does
not harm the environment or planet Earth.
“Liberty means
responsibility. That’s
why most men dread it”
(George Bernard Shaw)
But we need to take care. Prosperity and
poverty don’t live well together. The “have nots”
of society provide fertile ground for rebellion.
Hopefully, all of us realise that it is not enough
just to succeed. For us to reach our full potential
– instead of merely our own selfish ambitions –
we need to exercise a responsibility to society
in addition to working hard. We need to live
our “best life”. We have the privilege of living
– indeed the right to live – in a constitutional
democracy. But we must understand that with
rights come responsibilities, especially to our
fellow citizens.
“We need to restore the
full meaning of that
old word, duty. It is the
other side of rights”
(Pearl S Buck)
So let us not take our liberties for granted.
In our country they have been around for less
than two decades. For hundreds of years before,
it was the exact opposite. The easiest way to
lose everything we have gained by the peaceful
transition to a democracy is simply not to care,
to become indifferent, to live life in a vacuum
and to take these liberties for granted. We need
to uphold the values on which our democracy
is based, to protect civil liberties and prevent
the abuse of power. As long as we, the citizens
of South Africa, do this, no one is at risk of
the “guillotine” that was used to deal with the
protestors in 18th century France.
CONTINUED P6
4
Asikhulume
ISSUE 25 • August 2013
THE “PROFESSOR”
AND THE “BABY”
Affectionately known as the “professor” and the “baby”,
Neville Lane and Charlene Naicker of corporate office
agreed to answer some questions put to them by Reneiloe
Masemene for this issue of Asikhulume which marks Youth
Day. Here are their answers, in their own words.
Where were you born?
(Charlene) In Durban, in a hospital.
(Neville) In a bed (I hope) in Jeppe, in Joburg.
What is your current position at the
company?
(Charlene) PA and office administration.
(Neville)
Environmental manager with
additional across-the-board multi-faceted
assignments.
What was your experience of junior
high school?
(Charlene) School was absolute fun. Valentine’s
Day, fashion shows and fun days – not
forgetting exams and the anxiety of waiting
for my marks!
(Neville) I was excited and strived to be top of
the class.
What memories do you have of your
senior high school?
(Charlene) I can remember life being quite
care-free with no major responsibilities and
the pleasure of ALL the holidays. I especially
remember all my friends and teachers.
I remember my Afrikaans teacher Mrs
Nicolaou, who enjoyed quizzes. She would
throw out chocolates and sweets to those
pupils who answered the questions correctly
and sometimes she would even award prizes
to those pupils who achieved good grades. I
once won free lunch at the school tuck shop.
(Neville) “A” Grade teacher (the mighty atom),
maths, applied mechanics, head of cadets,
carrying Popeye (cane) be careful.
HOW DOES
Ditto (the Don) – art – I had no idea why the
girls sighed.
Ditto (dynamite) – science – accidently blew up
the adjacent cow shed.
Ditto (book worm) – English – most loved
Dickens and Shakespeare.
The cars of the 1950s were extraordinary
beautiful.
Neville, following your high school, did
you do conscription?
(Neville) Three months and one parade – done
(signals).
Tell us about your tertiary qualification/s?
(Charlene) I have a Bachelor of Commerce
degree majoring in Economics which I achieved
through UNISA.
(Neville) Advanced Technical Certificate in
Mechanical and Electrical and Civil Engineering
from Wits Technical College/Wits University/
Mining Engineering AAC.
Mining Law – Mining Rights Act 20 of 1967
from Wits University AAC.
Certificate in Air-conditioning/Refrigeration –
Searle-Bush Compressors, Washington USA
Certificate in Mine Survey and Cartography –
Dept of Mineral and Energy SA.
What was your perception of your
first job?
(Charlene) I first worked at an attorney’s
office, as an assistant to the conveyancers
and conveyancing secretaries. It was quite
challenging considering it was my first job,
however it was exciting, giving me a sense of
When did you join DRDGOLD?
2010.
(Neville) I’ve been in mining for 49 years and
joined DRD in 1997.
(Charlene)
What has been your experience thus far
with the group?
(Charlene) For me, working at DRDGOLD has
been rewarding. I started off with very little
knowledge of the mining sector, but today I
have gained so much and all thanks to the
people I work with. It is an absolute pleasure
working with my colleagues as we strive to
work together towards one goal.
(Neville) New exciting collective working
conditions with no political or domineering
leaders; but friendly fellow workers
influentially united for the company to excel
in prosperity enabling all employees to enjoy
a sense of well-being and security.
What do you do for leisure?
I am a bit of a movie fanatic so I
tend to go to the movies a lot. I also enjoy
reading novels, scientific publications on
how the universe works (astronomy), puzzle
building and baking.
(Neville)
Golf,
athletics,
astronomy,
archaeology and Merck’s medical manual.
(Charlene)
What do you enjoy most about working
together? (Charlene, I have forgiven
you for stealing my Nev.)
(Charlene) Every day is like a new adventure
with Mr Lane because that is his outlook
on life. I seem to learn something “old”
and “new” each day as we work together
resolving matters and striving for success. I
think I am quite privileged to have had the
opportunity of working with Mr Lane as he is
a remarkable person.
(Neville) Our company promotes and builds
a family situation, where we don’t work or
answer to any particular colleague, but rather
work together striving for the betterment of
the company.
DRDGOLD’S
DRDGOLD
SIXTY
SEVEN
HELP THE
YOUTH?
B
arry de Blocq, general manager
– corporate services explained
to Asikhulume that DRDGOLD
has a number of initiatives that target the
youth of Gauteng. “We offer bursaries
for mining-related degrees and diplomas
and right now there are five bursary
holders busy with tertiary studies,” he
said. “EBDA was launched to raise the
standards of education and skills in the
community and includes a number of
initiatives that target youngsters. The
Maths and Science programme has
expanded and now includes accountancy,
and an extra teacher has been employed.
We also run the very successful enterprise
clubs for young entrepreneurs. In addition,
we facilitate 150 community learners, all
of whom are learning trades – linked to
the MQA and other bodies.”
independence and the experience of unity
within a company. My first job was definitely
an eye opener into the corporate world and
shaped my views.
(Neville) Given the opportunity to grow, earn
profits and lead the company; perhaps.
MINUTES
D
RDGOLD marked Mandela Day
with a R25 000 donation to the
Alexandra Youth Crisis Centre.
Explained Barry de Blocq, general manager –
corporate services, “This group spent Mandela
Day working along the banks of the Jukskei
River and we provided this donation to help
them with their efforts. Hopefully next year we
can also look at an initiative that will involve
all our staff together as a team, doing some
activity that can make a difference to a less
fortunate community or organisation.”
Stephanie Meyer, assistant to Niël
Pretorius, said that members of corporate
office had each been given five DRDGOLDbranded blankets to give to homeless people.
“The blankets will help keep them warm on
chilly Gauteng winter nights,” she said.
Charlene Naicker
Neville Lane
TIP-OFFS
ANONYMOUS
DON’T BE PART OF THE PROBLEM.
BE PART OF THE SOLUTION!
Theft, fraud and other crimes will, over time,
cause financial loss to the company and so it
affects everyone in a company. It affects YOU!
DO YOU STEAL? CARRY OUT CRIMES?
COMMIT FRAUD?
DO YOU KNOW SOMEONE WHO IS
DOING THESE THINGS?
If your answer is YES, you are part of the problem.
Do the right thing and report it to
Tip-offs Anonymous.
This is what you need to know:
• The Tip-offs line is run by Deloitte
• It operates in a number of countries around
the world
• The Tip-offs line operates day and night,
every day of the year
• DRDGOLD has nothing to do with it
• You can report anonymously without giving
your name
• You can choose to provide your name to
Deloitte only
• You can give permission to provide your
name to DRDGOLD
• Supplying your name means it is easier to
follow up on a case
• You will be given a reference number to
follow progress online
HOW TO REPORT
Call: 0800 20 53 15
Email: [email protected]
Freefax: 0800 00 77 88
FreePost: FreePost KZN 138,
Umhlanga Rocks 4320
Visit www.tip-offs.com to fill in the form –
and to get more information
“Those who are
happiest are
those who do the
most for others”
(Booker T. Washington)
Asikhulume
ISSUE 25 • August 2013
YOUR
JOURNEY TO
FINANCIAL
FREEDOM
saving as much of your non-essential income as
possible. Make savings a priority, so it becomes
a habit.
People who save well treat it more as an
ethic than an inconvenient obligation. If you
start saving early, and then invest the savings
wisely, small contributions can snowball into a
significant sum.
LIVE WITHIN YOUR MEANS
When you live within your means you will
accumulate wealth faster. If you have saved
10% of what you earn that leaves you with
90% to live on. Controlling your “necessary
expenditure” enables you to make good use of
the money you have left after savings.
It is always amazing to see how your
“necessary expenses” seem to grow to equal
your income. Let’s face it, most of us will still
want “more” no matter how much we earn. So at
some point you need to control your spending –
why not now?
You need to define what money means to
you and the difference between what you need,
what you want and what you desire. Benjamin
Franklin, former US President famously once
said: “Money has never made man happy, nor
will it, there is nothing in its nature to produce
happiness. The more of it one has the more
one wants.” The best advice is to focus on your
“needs”, and spend as little as possible on
your “wants” and “desires”, even when your
earnings increase.
MAKE YOUR MONEY WORK FOR YOU
Personal financial management is
not always taught at school, but it
is something that nearly everyone
has to deal with at some point in
their lives.
Craig Barnes, CFO reports
SOUND MONEY MANAGEMENT
S
uccessfully managing your money comes
down to one thing – control. Financial
freedom and good money management
depend on whether you control your money, or
whether it controls you.
Two things make managing money difficult.
Firstly, most of us always want more. We are
not content because of who we are or what we
do; happiness seems to depend on what we
have. The result is we place constant pressure
on ourselves to have more. Secondly, there are
so many choices when it comes to what to do
with our money. For example: how much do we
save for retirement and where do we invest it?
How do we track our spending each month?
Should we buy or rent a house? How much
life insurance should we buy? We often end up
confused and overwhelmed at having to make
these hard financial decisions.
Here I will share some tips that will
hopefully help you manage your money better
and start you on the path to financial freedom.
TRACK YOUR SPENDING AND NET WEALTH
You cannot manage what you do not measure!
To be financially secure you need to develop a
plan and learn how to track your wealth. You
need to know where you are, where you want to
go and how you are going to get there. This is a
tough exercise, but you must face the truth of
how you earn and spend your money so you can
plan where you are going.
You can track your wealth by creating a
budget. This means writing down two lists, one
with all your month’s earnings and another with
all your expenses. Then you have to work out
the difference between the money you earn and
how much you spend. When you do this you
can see more clearly where your money is going
each month. You can also track how much you
are worth by calculating the difference between
your assets (what you own) and your liabilities
(debt). This exercise can be quite enlightening
and you may be in for some surprises.
BUILD YOUR SAVINGS
To build wealth you must save some of what you
earn. The best way to save is to make it a priority.
You must save some of your salary before you
spend anything. Even if your budget is small,
you need to make a plan to save a bit here and
there; around 10% of your total earnings would
be a good start. It is a strange truth, but you will
most likely find that you can still get by just fine
on the remaining 90% of your earnings. Start by
Where and how you invest your money is very
important. You must make sure that the money
you earn on your investments starts earning
money itself. In other words, work to make your
money a renewable source – something that
itself generates a good income. This principle
is known as “compound interest”, which is
sometimes referred to as the eighth wonder of
the world. Benjamin Franklin also famously
once said: “Remember that money is of a prolific
generating nature. Money can beget money, and
its offspring can beget more.”
There are many investment options
available, such as stock markets, money
markets, properties, businesses, and so on.
You must familiarise yourself with the different
investment options. Knowledge is critical, and
you must also understand the risks and potential
exit strategies. Never invest in anything you do
not completely understand.
PROTECT YOUR INVESTMENTS FROM LOSS
You should understand that all investments
have some sort of risk, but any unnecessary risk
is madness. Although you want to earn a decent
return, you must not place your investment
at risk. It is usually a good idea to get advice
from an experienced financial advisor who is
registered with the Financial Services Board.
He or she can make recommendations on
where and how to safely invest your money.
Alternatively, call the ICAS toll free helpline on
page 2 for assistance.
Remember this golden rule about investing:
If the deal sounds too good to be true, then it
probably is. This means what you are being
offered has a huge element of risk, which you
are probably not being told about. Avoid all
schemes that offer returns that are much higher
than normal.
At present, due to the uncertainty in
investment markets, there is one place where
returns are 100% guaranteed, and where the
investment carries zero risk. This is to pay off
your debt.
Investors generally do not consider the
repayment of debt as a form of investing, but the
truth is that people who are debt-free don’t pay
monthly interest. And if you avoid paying interest,
this is most definitely a form of “investing” or
“saving”. And in times like these it’s one of the
best investment decisions you can make.
Most investors would be very pleased with
a guaranteed 9%-10% return (assuming a cost
of debt of prime plus 0.5%-1.5%) on a zero-
5
risk investment in a portfolio. If you have debt,
you have the chance to earn that guaranteed
9%-10% return by paying it down. In today’s
unstable markets, that might be the best riskreturn reward available.
Start with debt that has the highest interest
rate. If it’s your mortgage (home loan or bond),
try paying off an additional amount each month.
Then, move onto your second-highest rate loan,
and begin paying that off. Move down the line,
in decreasing order, until you’ve paid off all
your debts.
HAVE GOOD INSURANCE COVERAGE
They say that smart people expect the
unexpected, and have a plan for what they’ll do
just in case. You never know when you’ll need
a large sum of money during an emergency.
Having good insurance cover can really help
you through a crisis. There are different kinds
of insurance that you can purchase to help you
in the event of an emergency:
• Life insurance (if you or a spouse unexpectedly
dies);
• Medical/health insurance (if you have to pay
for unexpected hospital and/or doctor bills);
• Homeowner’s insurance (if something unexpected harms or destroys your home); and
• Disaster insurance (for floods, fires, etc.).
MAKE YOUR HOME A PROFITABLE
INVESTMENT
It’s a fact that a homeowner usually has a
higher net worth than someone who rents, and
it is generally true that homeowners get rich
and renters stay poor. However, your home
is probably the biggest expense you have to
manage so you have to be smart. Buy a home
you can comfortably afford (living within your
means) instead of one that stretches you to the
limit. Try to pay off the mortgage as quickly as
possible as discussed above.
HAVE A RETIREMENT PLAN
Plan ahead – set your retirement age. Retirement
is more expensive than most of us think it is,
so take the time to figure out what you need to
save. This will help you avoid major retirement
mistakes and make sure your retirement savings
outlast you. By doing this, you may even be able
to retire early.
Don’t forget to prepare or update your
will. There are many benefits of having a will
(including naming a guardian for your children)
and a simple, effective will is relatively easy to
draw up. Some banks will do it as a free service.
INVEST IN YOURSELF
The best way you can increase your earnings
is by investing in yourself. You can do this by
continually learning and developing yourself.
There are many things you can learn on your
own and you should aim to make yourself
well-rounded. Whether you aim to investigate
healthier ways of eating, improve your fitness,
cope with stress, enhance your current work
skills, or learn to make more money, you must
take the initiative to invest in yourself. When
you become smarter and wiser your ability to
earn more also increases. Use the DRDGOLD
Best Life ICAS programme for guidance.
I have used the word YOU a number of
times in this article, because it is only YOU
who can make the changes needed to achieve
financial freedom. There is an old Chinese
saying: “A journey of a thousand miles begins
with a single step”. Use these tips to begin your
journey to financial freedom today. YOU need to
take charge of your life.
“Too many people spend
money they haven’t
earned, to buy things they
don’t want, to impress
people they don’t like”
(Will Rogers)
6
Asikhulume
ISSUE 25 • August 2013
Niël’s Note (continued)
“Democracy is a device
that insures we shall
be governed no better
than we deserve”
(George Bernard Shaw)
H
•
•
•
•
ow is all of this relevant to you, in
everyday life? Simply this:
work out what values and principles are
important to you and follow them, while
living your “best life”;
never become a slave to the ideas of
another person just because he/she is your
friend, boss, the leader of an organisation;
support organisations that you believe in,
but this does not mean you have to agree
with everything the organisation might do or
say. Support what you believe is right and
speak out about things you know are wrong;
never give up on living by your values
and principles, or because you think it
doesn’t matter. It does matter. You can
make a difference, so live up to what
is right;
• choose your role models carefully and
keep an eye on what they say and do.
They should live up to the values they
claim to represent; and
• most important, THINK FOR YOURSELF!
Never before have there been as many
Ne
op
opportunities for enthusiastic, hardworking,
re
responsible young adults as right now. The
pe
people who run established companies want
to help young people to create successful
liv
lives. There are opportunities – all you need
do is reach out and grasp them. That way, you
wo
won’t spend your life saying “If only…”, and
for a person focused on the future, that’s a
ve
very good thing!
Finally take this advice from author
Dr Seuss: “You have brains in your head.
Yo
You have feet in your shoes. You can steer
yo
yourself in any direction you choose. You’re
on your own, and you know what you know.
An
And you are the guy who’ll decide where
to go.”
UPDATE ON
FLOTATION/
FINE-GRIND
PROJECT
SNAPPED AT WORK
Zameka Mthunase (left) and Beauty Manana take a break from their duties. Both are team leaders at
Ergo’s new float plant in Brakpan. There are 27 women working in the Ergo plant, and DRDGOLD
employs a total of 120 women in an operational capacity.
YOU TOO COULD BE A
BRAINBOX WINNER
WIN
R5000
POST YOUR IDEAS
ON IMPROVING
EFFICIENCIES AND
SAVING COSTS IN
THE BRAINBOXES AT
THE OPERATIONS
Bruce Ebell, manager, metallurgical technical services, reports
on the latest from the Ergo flotation/fine-grind project.
S
lurry from Elsburg has already been
introduced into “C stream” – one of
three flotation streams in the new plant.
Reagents have been added to the slurry and
once air is introduced the froth forms on top of
the flotation cells and the pyrite containing froth
floats over the top of the cells. “B stream” will
come on line in the next couple of days when the
No. 1 thickener is ready.
The tails from flotation have been reporting
to the No. 4 thickener. This initially gave some
problems, but these have been addressed and
the thickener seems to have settled down. The
thickener overflow circuit – which returns water
into the process for slurry dilution – has also
been commissioned.
The concentrate produced has been pumped
to the high grade pyrite thickener and this has
performed without any problems. The pyrite,
which has to be thickened before milling, has
been transferred to the stock tank ahead of the
mills. The No. 1 and No. 2 mills have been
started up, grinding media has been added and
pyrite introduced. It is still early days for the
mills, and some of the equipment still has to be
balanced in terms of volumetric capacity.
When both “B stream” and “C stream” are
on line, it means that all the Elsburg material
will report to flotation, with the concentrate
going for fine-grinding. Until the leach and
reagents plants are completed, expected by the
end of July, the concentrate will report to the
existing CIL plant for gold recovery.
No. 2 tailings thickener requires extensive
work and will only be completed in August.
Th
This is when the Crown and City material, which
re
reports to “A stream”, can be floated. The pyrite
el
elution plant, due for completion in August, will
en
enable the gold to be adsorbed in the new CIP
pl
plant. The project will then be fully operational.
Ea
Early indications are that the plant will perform
as expected.
Recruitment of operational staff for the new
pl
plant is well advanced at the time of writing.
A
All senior positions down to the shift supervisor
le
level are in place, as well as all the category 4
po
positions. A few team leader vacancies still exist
bu
but interviews have been completed. Process
an
analyst positions were also recently filled. All
ne
new employees from external sources have been
th
through a three day in-house flotation orientation
an
and plant induction course held at EBDA.
Ea
Earlier this year, all the senior operational staff
– as well as the Ergo metallurgists – attended
a more detailed flotation course conducted
by an external facilitator. More recently, a
representative from F L Schmidt (the Canadian
re
mill supplier) arrived to help commission the
m
mill and train operational staff.
m
Said Ebell: “There is a lot of excitement
about the new plant and the new recruits have
ab
tackled their tasks with enthusiasm and vigour.
ta
In line with company goals and values, we have
selected our own people for promotion wherever
se
possible. All candidates were subjected to an
po
assessment and interview process. New recruits
as
in entry level positions were selected mainly
from the youth of the surrounding communities,
fro
and were required to have a matriculation
an
certificate.”
ce
OVERSEAS STUDENTS VISIT ERGO
P
rofessor Dennis Buchanan of the
Imperial College, London, brought
a second group of post-graduate
students to visit the Ergo operation in May
this year. The students, who are studying
towards the MSc Metals and Energy
Finance degree, come from a wide range of
countries. Said Buchanan, a South African
and former employee of the local gold
industry: “The site visit to Ergo worked
very well. The authoritative presentation
by Henry Gouws set the scene effectively.
He provided key insights into the strategy
behind the DRDGOLD business model
and some of the technical challenges and
hydrometallurgical processes being applied.
Please express to our hosts our appreciation
for the visit.”
Asikhulume
ISSUE 25 • August 2013
THE RUNDOWN ON
RENEILOE
Reneiloe Masemene
Josiah Tshisevhe placed
Reneiloe Masemene under
the microscope for the youth
issue of Asikhulume.
Tell us about yourself, who are you?
I was born in Egypt, the youngest of two girls.
We moved to Lesotho at a young age and I boarded
at St Mary’s School in Waverley, Johannesburg
from 1992 until matric in 1998.
I obtained a degree in Law at the University
of the Witwatersrand in 2004 and worked at the
Wits Law Clinic while reading for my Masters.
Later in the year I worked at the Labour Court with
Judge Landman, whom I consider the authority
on labour law. In September 2004, the Judge was
appointed to the High Court in Mmabatho and I
returned to my studies at Wits. I then worked at a
large law firm in Sandton as a candidate attorney,
and was appointed an associate in 2007. During
that time, I completed three certificate courses:
Prospecting and Mining Law, Pension Fund Law
and Telecommunications Law.
Shortly after my admission as an attorney in
2007, and in the capacity of senior consultant,
I joined a corporate that provided broad-based
black economic empowerment (BEE) advice to
the market.
Most people refer to you as “that Indian
lady”, are you really Indian?
No, I’m not although I have heard that a lot.
I assume people say I look “Indian” as I have
what I call “exotic features” and not traditionally
ethnic features. For example, I have a sharp
pronounced nose. However, being told that I look
like an ethnicity other than my own is really not
the huge compliment that people think it is. I am
me – a product of my mom and dad.
Tell me why you joined DRDGOLD?
I had reached a plateau and become too
comfortable in my position as a consultant. So I
was looking for a new challenge where I could
show my full potential. Working at DRDGOLD
was an opportunity for me to combine my
prospecting and mining law knowledge with my
general legal training and experience.
How do you balance your heavy schedule
with family life?
I don’t regard it as juggling roles as I always
expected to be a professional and a mother. One
has to avoid tension between the two roles at all
costs, otherwise take leave – from work! In both
ro I have learnt to triumph partly because of my
roles
ow abilities and skills, and also because I have
own
an incredibly supportive partner who embraces
fat
fatherhood
and has no aversion to stepping into
“m
“mommy
shoes” when I am not there. My family
pr
provides
incredible support: my mother, now
re
retired
and living in Lesotho; and my sister, who
is a second mother to my daughter. I seldom go
in panic mode at home; at work, I gnash my
into
tee in frustration – no, I’m being facetious – I
teeth
se
seldom
panic at work because I try to manage my
tim efficiently. I work late and over weekends to
time
re
reduce
my workload.
Yo have joined the Manco team at Ergo.
You
Te me about that?
Tell
I am the senior legal advisor for the group’s
legal affairs and after my appointment as the
leg
“p
“prescribed officer” of the group (in terms of
th
the Companies Act, 2008 and the Regulations
th
thereto), I joined the Ergo Manco team. My
ro
role as prescribed officer is similar to that
of any company director within the group.
My appointment ensures that, as a group
M
representative, I am governed by the regulations
re
in terms of my conduct and liability, in the same
way as the other directors.
wa
What is your vision for DRDGOLD and
W
how do you intend contributing to it?
ho
I would like every employee to recognise
that we are working together towards the same
th
go
goal. We are all cogs in the large wheel that
is DRDGOLD. No one employee should feel
di
disheartened by this – we are all important parts
of the whole. Each employee must realise that he
or she has a role to play in the organisation, and
by striving together we can achieve more.
Management has made great strides to
communicate the information – that every
co
employee, no matter how junior, is vital to the
em
optimal functioning of the company. Campaigns
op
such as “Vuselela” and “Best Life” demonstrate
su
the company’s commitment to changing
th
employees lives in a positive way.
em
If you could change something at
DRDGOLD right away, what would it be?
D
I feel there is some apathy in the way the
company deals with “freeloaders”. They are
co
th
those employees with an air of entitlement; who
be
believe the company “owes them” and should
be grateful they are working for DRDGOLD. An
employment relationship is symbiotic – which
em
means it involves both “give” and “take”. The
me
em
employee offers skill and expertise in exchange
for a salary. Every DRDGOLD employee must
re
realise that the company can only thrive if both
pa
parties benefit from the employment relationship.
This simple analogy should explain it: if you go
to a restaurant to have a meal, you do not pay for
the meal in advance. You pay after you have had
the benefit of the meal. The relationship between
employer and employee is similar – the employer
must receive a benefit from an employee – usually
by the provision of skills or knowledge – and the
employer then pays for that benefit in the form of
a monthly salary.
Mining remains a male-dominated industry.
Can women play a meaningful role in
changing this?
Mining has historically been a maledominated industry. However, over the past
10 to 15 years, there have been important
developments that have helped develop the roles
of women in mining. This is particularly so in noncore functions, such as executive management,
finance, consultancy, legal and others.
The small number of women represented in
core functions may be partly attributable to a
general tendency by women to be risk averse.
For this reason it is important that the industry
continues to enhance the empowerment of
women. For example, DRDGOLD is considering
a moratorium on the recruitment of males in core
functions within its operations for a period of
time. Although this initiative would be intended
to advance employment opportunities for women,
appointments would be on merit and prospective
candidates will have to possess the necessary
skills to be considered for the job.
What legacy do you eventually want to
le
leave
– at work and at home?
I’d like to leave my daughter a deep sense
of self and cherished memories. And to be a
reflection of me, as I have been of my mother,
refl
and her of her mother and so on. If I am to do
an
anything right in my lifetime, it is for my daughter
an
to mirror my soul. For my colleagues, memories
of my enthusiastic zeal and devotion; and my
attachment to “Bacchus”, the Greek god of wine!
att
7
I always use this example to show that a
person is not defined by circumstances. My
pe
mother was born in a small village in Lesotho, one
m
of seven children. Her mother, my grandmother,
w
was poor, but she was resourceful and wanted
m
more for her children. She built up livestock
an
and grain holdings. As a result, my mother was
ab
able to study pharmacy. Her siblings also fared
w
well; one became a maths lecturer, one a vet,
on
one an architect, one a teacher and Lesotho’s
H
High Commissioner to South Africa, one a wool/
m
mohair technician. My paternal grandmother was
a qualified teacher but they were also poor and it
w
was necessary for her to sometimes do domestic
w
work. She had two children; one of these, my
fa
father, went on to become a medical doctor.
Po
Poverty is just a condition, and not a destiny.
So
So, remember what Niël said in the last edition
of Asikhulume, “you are not limited in your
op
options”. You can have a humble upbringing,
an
and still become remarkable and “grow beyond
th
the limitations of [your] restricted childhood
ci
circumstances”.
The Vuselela campaign had its challenges.
T
How do you think the ideals of “Best Life’
H
can become a way of life?
ca
Of course this type of campaign will have
its challenges. It is odd how, despite “change”
be
being the only constant in life, we are hardwired
to resist it. Vuselela was, in my view, a precursor
to “Best Life”. Vuselela is about self and doing
w
what is in one’s best interest; it’s about renewal
an
and embracing a better version of oneself. I
se
see Vuselela and “Best Life” as a means to
us becoming better and more enlightened
– spiritually, intellectually, professionally,
em
emotionally and socially.
OBITUARY:
ANDRONICA MAHLASE
Ch
Choose three words to describe yourself.
Diligent, pedantic and reliable.
If friends and colleagues were to describe
you in three words what would they be?
yo
I think my colleagues would say: like a
Rottweiler – steady, protective and aggressive;
Ro
my friends would say loyal, self-assured and
loving.
lov
Our
O
society is facing many challenges.
What
W
message do you have to inspire the
youth, especially young women?
yo
You don’t have to be a graduate to feel the
ache of ambition. We have all, at some point,
ac
felt
fel the frustration of our failures alongside our
dreams
dr
of accomplishment. What we need to
remember
re
is this bitter truth; in general very
little
lit
is achieved without hard work. Hard
work
wo eventually pays off. Challenge yourself
continually
co
to be better. The archenemy of
success
su
is to lack ambition, or to hide behind
your
yo shortcomings.
I was lucky to be brought up by parents who
instilled
in
in me what some would term “delusions
of grandeur”. As a result there is nothing,
supernatural
su
or otherwise, that can hamper my
self-worth.
se
I own me.
W
What
does “Best Life” mean to you, and
wh would you like to say to employees
what
about it?
ab
The “Best Life” initiative, in its simplest
form, aims to get employees – that’s all of us – to
for
be the best we can be, professionally and beyond.
It is in this context that my belief in myself as a
“superhero” is enhanced. I am not saying that I
“s
am perfect. I am not saying that I am the best.
However, in everything that I do, I put in all of
Ho
my effort. That way, whatever the outcome, I can
be satisfied knowing that I gave the best of me.
“Best Life” is a campaign aimed at making us
understand that our circumstances do not define
un
us. Just because you are a “general assistant”
us
now does not mean that is as far as you can go.
no
You can dream, and you are encouraged to aim
Yo
higher, seek more. But you can’t just dream. You
hi
also have to do! It takes work to achieve.
als
1976/08/01 – 2013/04/19
I
t is with great sadness that we announce
the sudden death of Andronica Mahlase
on 19 April 2013. Andronica, or Andy
– as she was known – was receptionist and
administration assistant at the DRDGOLD
corporate office. Andy was born on 1 August
1976, and went to school at Marishane
Primary, Makgatsike High Primary and
Tseke Marishane High School, where she
matriculated.
Andy’s association with DRDGOLD
began in 1999 when she was deployed
to the company by cleaning contractor,
Yebo Shine. Andy soon demonstrated her
potential and DRDGOLD arranged for her
to attend training courses in secretarial
and computer work. She was employed by
DRDGOLD on 1 November 2004 to take
over DRDGOLD’s front desk.
According to Kobus Dissel, group
financial manager, Andy carried out her
duties in a very professional manner. “Andy
was an efficient and dependable employee,
always willing to walk the extra mile for her
colleagues and for the company,” he said.
Andy’s kind, friendly personality
and her patience made her very popular
with head office staff, employees from
the operations and visitors from other
companies. “Andy’s loyalty made her a
great asset to the company and she is sadly
missed,” said Kobus.
8
Asikhulume
ISSUE 25 • August 2013
CLEARING THE AIR
RIVERLEA GAS PROJECT
DRDGOLD has engaged Delene Bailey, an independent
communications consultant, to conduct a community
survey in Riverlea, near the Crown tailings complex.
T
he company has responded to concerns
from local residents about their health
as a result of a perceived dust issue.
According to Barry de Blocq, general manager –
corporate services, although the dust in Riverlea
is a nuisance, the health issues are far more
likely the result of burning wood and coal for
cooking and heating. “We strongly believe that
the health problems that people report are due
to the excessive carbon fuel emissions, which
are obviously more concentrated in winter when
people are burning wood and coal for heating as
well as cooking,” he said.
Delene was able to make use of some of the
unemployed youth members of the Riverlea
area to visit homes and assist residents in
completing the six page survey. As a result
we have obtained some interesting results. We
have also identified almost 600 homes that are
totally reliant on a combination of wood, coal
and paraffin for fuel.
“We have sourced a supplier of two-plate gas
stoves, and our intention is to provide these to
homeowners on a subsidised basis. The initial
ho
purchase will include the gas bottle. We are
pu
also working on setting up a gas supplier in the
al
area who can refill the cylinders or bottles at a
ar
gas shack. This is far less costly than the system
ga
more widely used in the suburbs where residents
m
swop their used or empty cylinder for a full one.
sw
Many of these cylinders still have some gas
M
in them when they are swopped. However, using
the gas shack is more like filling your petrol
th
tank or buying airtime. You buy what you need,
ta
or can afford, and you don’t lose what is left in the
cylinder when it is replaced.”
cy
De Blocq confirmed that the company is
looking at a local entrepreneur to undertake the
lo
business of refilling gas bottles. “We want to give
bu
every advantage to the local community in this
ev
effort to clean the air and help improve living
ef
conditions and health,” he explained. “Every
co
bit of local employment helps the residents,
bi
and we hope that it will also lead to increased
an
job opportunities once the programme is up
jo
and running.”
an
67
MINUTES
AT COMET
Needy families at Comet
settlement, situated adjacent
to the ERPM footprint,
benefited from the mine’s
Mandela
Day
initiative.
According to mine manager,
João Jaine Mahumane, the
idea was born a few days
before Mandela Day.
M
ost people probably know that when
ERPM was placed on care and
maintenance in 2009 there were
retrenchments that badly affected the people
of Comet. Just over a year ago, the shaft was
reopened and the company tried to re-employ
locals wherever possible. Unfortunately there
are still about 10 families in the area without any
form of income. These families range in size from
two to six people, and some include children.
“I was delighted when, at our Monday
meeting on 15 July, someone suggested that each
employee should bring food and supplies for
Comet. It was heartwarming that those who have
the benefit of jobs decided to make a difference
in the lives of their neighbours,” said João.
According to João the shaft went on to
celebrate a 180-day injury-free record on
ce
17 July. “That lifted everyone’s mood and made
us all focus on doing the right thing to celebrate
Madiba’s life,” said João.
M
The 41 ERPM employees (26 underground,
15 surface) did their homework in order
to determine who should benefit and what
products should be included in the packages.
pr
ERPM staff put together parcels containing
ER
drinks, sugar, samp, mielie meal and tins of
dr
pilchards, beans, beef and mixed vegetables.
pi
Although the mine representative Esron
Al
Ramoroka was not available on the day, the
Ra
selected, needy families were delighted to
se
receive their parcels from a small group, led
re
by João.
Barry de Blocq and Riverlea residents consider the advantages of the clean burning gas stoves at one of
several demonstrations held in the area recently
“Education is the most powerful weapon which
you can use to change the world”
(Nelson Mandela)
MARIMBA EDUCATION FOUNDATION
D
RDGOLD provides annual support to
the Marimba Education Foundation
for the National Marimba Festival.
This year the event is being held in Soweto
on Saturday 7 September. “Although we have
provided funding which helps the organisers
to bring together bands from disadvantaged
communities around South Africa so they can
compete on the day,” said Barry. “It would
be great if our employees could also provide
support by going to the event and enjoying
su
the music and the festivities.”
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As advertised below, the festival will
ta
take place at Morris Isaacson High School,
M
Mputhi Street, Soweto from 08h30 – 18h00.
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There’s plenty of parking, food will be on sale
and there are prizes to be won. Entrance is
an
R8
R80 per person.