2
MEC UNVEILS RESTORED SA FLAG ON
ALBERTINA SISULU FREEWAY
MANDELA SPECIAL EDITION
In Brief
MOKONYANE EXTENDS
CONDOLENCES TO THE LANGA
FAMILY
The Gauteng Provincial Government has
extended condolences to the family of
former Chief Justice, Pius Langa, who died
in late July 2013. Langa died at the age of 74
at the Milpark hospital in Johannesburg after
a long illness. Premier Nomvula Mokonyane
said Langa had dedicated his entire life to
a struggle and was a champion for the
Human Rights. “On behalf of the people of
Gauteng and the provincial government, we
are truly saddened by the loss of one of our
greatest legal minds this country has ever
seen. We will remember Chief Justice Langa
for his complete integrity, independence
and his immense contribution towards
transforming the country’s justice system,”
said Mokonyane.
JOZI’S MARKET STREET
RENAMED AFTER STRUGGLE GIANT
The City of Johannesburg has recently
undertaken a street renaming process of
the R24 after the late liberation stalwart,
Albertina Sisulu. The R24 is a provincial
road which continues as a municipal road
in Johannesburg from Bruma through the
Inner City to Roodepoort. The renaming
is being implemented through a phasedin process. The streets affected include
Allum Ext, Broadway Ext, Kitchener Avenue;
Buzuidenhout Avenue; Market Street; Main
Road; Central Road; Paarlshoop Street;
Deville Street; Newclare Road; Maraisburg
Road; 10th Road; Lola Street; Kathleen
Street; Hamberg Road; Hoofd Street and
Main Reef Road. These streets run through
the following townships: Bruma; Judith
Paarl; Bezuidenhout Valley; Kensington; De
Wetshof Ext.1 and Ext. 2; Fairview; Industrial
and Industrial Ext. 1; Johannesburg CBD;
Mayfair and Mayfair West.
MUNICIPALITIES TO TAKE ON
COLLUDING FIRMS
The South African Local Government
Association (Salga) intends to explore
damage claims from construction companies
involved in bid rigging for the 2010 FIFA
World Cup infrastructure in some host
municipalities. Salga’s chief of operations,
Lance Joel, said: “We had a meeting with
municipalities, where we’ve all agreed to
take the matter forward through negotiating
with the firms and reaching an agreement
on damages before the finalisation of the
Competition Tribunal proceedings. The
second option will be to pursue civil claims
for damages based on the ruling of the
Tribunal.” The affected municipalities are
City of Tshwane, Johannesburg, eThekwini,
Mbombela, Rustenburg, Polokwane, Nelson
Mandela Bay, City of Cape Town and
Mangaung.
3
PREMIER HONOURS LATE ECONOMIC
DEVELOPMENT MEC
EDUCATION
6
GAUTENG CELEBRATES
MANDELA DAY
SAFETY
8
LOCAL TENNIS ACE ON
TOP OF THE WORLD
HEALTH
SPORT
Gauteng pulls all stops to make
Madiba Hospital a reality
PUTTING CHILDREN FIRST.... Global icon, Nelson Mandela, shares a moment with a nervous boy at the launch of the Nelson Mandela Children’s Hospital a few years ago.
Work at the hospital is expected to start in August. Photograph: NMCH
While construction for the fifth
dedicated paediatric facility in
Africa is expected to start in August,
ordinary South Africans still have
a chance to make former president,
Nelson Mandela’s dream of bringing
free and accessible healthcare to
Africa’s children, through the
Nelson Mandela Children’s Hospital
(NMCH), a reality.
Nozipho Dlamini
Residents have been urged
to donate funds towards the
construction of the hospital or
make donations of equipment.
The Gauteng Government has
partnered with various media
organizations to raise funds for the
building of the hospital.
The hospital is intended as
a place where the legacy of the
former statesman and his love of
children will live.
Construction is expected to
start in August and the hospital is
expected to officially accept its first
patients in 2014. Once completed,
the hospital plans to recruit about
655 specialist doctors and nurses.
According the Nelson Mandela
Children’s Hospital Trust Chief
Executive
Officer,
Sibongile
Mkhabela, the building puts the
children and their families first in
every aspect of the design.
“We have also taken special
care to consult paediatric nurses,
doctors and therapists who have
comprehensive experience and
understanding in what the children
would need to have a comfortable
and positive stay at the hospital.
“The hospital will not only save
lives, but will also give children
the right to be cared for and to
receive advanced medical treatment
irrespective of their social or
economic status,” said Mkhabela.
Although a single facility, the
NMCH will, through its training
and research, build human capacity
and spread the ethos, values and
approach of Mandela throughout
southern Africa and abroad.
“This hospital will provide
state-of-the-art specialist care to all
children…no child will be turned
away for inability to pay,” she said.
The NMCH will be the fifth
dedicated paediatric facility in
Africa. Currently, there are only
four specialised children’s hospitals
on the continent; two are in Cairo,
Contribute towards
the cost of bricks
To make a donation to the Nelson Mandela Children’s
Hospital, SMS ‘GIFT’ to 40301 (SMS cost R20, Ts & Cs apply)
or visit www.nelsonmandelachildrenshospital.org
one in Nairobi and one in Cape
Town.
Mkhabela said the 246-bed
facility (196 inpatient and 50
outpatient) would be sufficient with
an anticipated future expansion to
300 inpatient beds for a total of 350
beds depending on the occupancy
rates.
Above all, Mkhabela said
the Nelson Mandela Children’s
Hospital represented the ultimate
legacy project to carry the great
patriarch’s name as a living legacy
and tribute to his unbounded love
for children.
Wits University has made land
available to the NMCH within its
Education Campus in Parktown for
the construction of the hospital.
[email protected]
MANDELA QUOTES: NEVER, NEVER AND NEVER AGAIN SHALL IT BE THAT THIS BEAUTIFUL LAND WILL AGAIN EXPERIENCE THE OPPRESSION OF ONE BY ANOTHER.
In July, South Africa and
the world at large celebrate
former President Nelson
Mandela’s birthday. 18 July
has been declared Nelson
Mandela International Day,
but in Gauteng we embrace
the chance to celebrate
this living icon’s life for the
whole of July.
We would like to call
upon all Gauteng residents
to make every day a
Mandela Day because acts
of goodwill and kindness
should not be an event, but
rather a way of life. We
use this period to highlight
the spirit of Ubuntu that
embodies social cohesion
and acts of kindness should
continue beyond July, the
Mandela Month.
In this issue of Gauteng
News, we showcase some
of the gestures that were
undertaken
across
the
province in honouring the
legacy of Madiba. We call
upon all South Africans to
play a key role in ensuring
that Madiba’s dream of
building a children’s hospital
in realised. Our readers are
therefore urged to make a
meaningful contribution in
this regard.
On a sad note, our
province suffered a huge loss
this month when the MEC
for Economic Development,
Nkosiphendule Kolisile and
his driver and protector were
killed in an accident. Premier
Nomvula Mokonyane and
ordinary citizens pay tribute
to this jewel and people’s
person on page 3.
On page 4, we showcase
some of the Mandela Day
activities that took place
across the province. The
provincial
government
continues
to
make
meaningful
contribution
in changing Eldorado Park
around.
The MEC for
Social Development, Nandi
Mayathula-Khoza
and
Gauteng Director-General,
Margaret Diedericks handed
out toys and clothes to
underprivileged
children
in the area while the
Minister of Sport, Fikile
Mbalula handed out sport
equipment and soccer jersey
kits to schools.
Vuyo Sabani gives us his
take on Mandela’s legacy.
On page 5, we cover the
recent visit by US President
Barack Obama. He had only
wise words for our young
people.
Also in this edition in the
sport section, we give you
the inspirational story of
Lucas ‘Twister’ Sithole who,
this month, became the first
player from Africa to walk
away with the prestigious
British Wheelchair Tennis
Open Super Series title.
You can send your
letters by fax: 011 355
6245 or e-mail: letters@
MEC Vadi unveils the restored SA flag on
Albertina Sisulu freeway
The recent unveiling of the
refurbished South African flag
on the Albertina Sisulu freeway,
formerly known as the R24, is a
good illustration of what can be
achieved when the government
and citizens work together.
Melitah Madiba
The refurbished South African
flag, which was initially created as a
showpiece for the 2010 FIFA World
Cup, was done in partnership
with Citizens in Partnership with
Government (CPG) and SANRAL.
The CPG aims to provide
a platform for government to
interface with citizens around
common projects, activities and
programmes for the greater good of
the country.
The painted flag now lies
as a national landmark and is
distinctively visible as flights takeoff and land at the OR Tambo
International Airport.
Speaking at the unveiling of
the flag, Gauteng MEC for Roads
and Transport, Ismail Vadi, said
the Albertina Sisulu freeway was
more than a strategic part of the
province’s road network that links
the airport with the metropolitan
cities of Ekurhuleni, Tshwane and
Johannesburg.
Vadi said the freeway also
provided visitors to the country
with their first impressions.
The flag restoration project
formed part of the Gauteng
government’s
programme
to
distribute the national flag and
national orders to all schools,
libraries and other public buildings.
“Our flag represents the pride,
hope and aspirations of all the
HOIST THE FLAG.... The painted national flag lies as a national landmark and is distinctively visible on the R24 freeway.
Photograph: Department of Roads and Transport
people of our country. It is a symbol
of the sacrifices made by so many
men and women to make our nonracial and non-sexist democracy
possible,” added Vadi.
The CPG’s Bheki Shongwe said
there was a need for citizens and the
private sector to form partnerships
with the government and to find
common synergies.
Ten thousand suspects
behind bars - all
thanks to Drug
Watch
After little more than a month since its launch at the end of
June, Drug Watch, an initiative by Lead SA, Crime Line, CPF
Board and the South African Police Services (SAPS) is hitting
druglords and dealers where it hurts the most – in their pockets.
Khuitsemang Diseko
Recent updates by Drug Watch say
the police have in the past month, and
thanks largely to tip-offs from members
of the community through Drug Watch,
confiscated more than 424 kilograms of
drugs worth millions of rand.
“Almost 10 000 suspects – ranging
from drug dealers to users – have
been arrested in the month since the
start of the initiative,” Gauteng SAPS
spokesperson, Neville Malila said.
The arrests include one suspect
arrested at a Diepkloof liquor store
which was allegedly also a drug lab
for mandrax. Police also arrested two
women who tried to enter the OR
Tambo International Airport with 150
kilograms of tik at the beginning of July
worth more than R40-million.
“We believe the success of the
campaign is due to Gauteng communities
saying ‘enough is enough!’ to drug
dealers. Indeed the communities have
played a big role in the success of this
project as they have provided us with
information on drug dealing activities
in their areas. However, we would like
them to give us more information so that
we eradicate the scourge of drug abuse
in our province,” Malila said.
The drugs confiscated include
dagga, cocaine, mandrax, nyaope and
CAT, among others.
Members of the community
have been urged to pass on detailed
anonymous tip-offs to Crime Line’s
32211 SMS service (SMS costs R1), call
Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or submit
information online at www.crimeline.
co.za.
[email protected]
“There is no point in citizens
complaining
about
what
government is not doing but a more
active citizenry would complement
the efforts of government. The
CPG was established to provide a
platform for government and the
private sector and citizens at large
to interact and find common areas
of co-operation,” said Shongwe.
Vadi said that the Albertina
Sisulu freeway must serve as a
reminder to the youth that the
struggle for freedom was led by
people with real depth of character,
personality and great sense of
humanity.
[email protected]
MANDELA QUOTES: EDUCATION IS THE MOST POWERFUL WEAPON WHICH YOU CAN USE TO CHANGE THE WORLD.
Gauteng Premier pays tribute to late
Economic Development MEC
I am deeply sad to officially inform you of the tragic passing of one of the priceless jewels of the
Provincial Government; the MEC for Economic Development, Nkosiphendule Kolisile.
MEC Kolisile met his untimely
death in a car accident en route a
funeral in the Eastern Cape.
The accident also claimed the
lives of two committed public
servants, Sergeant Tebogo Motsie
and Constable Tshepo Jobo, his
driver and protector respectively.
MEC Kolisile joined the
Provincial Government in July
2012, having served the people of
Gauteng as the Portfolio Committee
Chairperson
for
Economic
Development at the Gauteng
Legislature.
He cut his political teeth in
1991 when he joined the African
National Congress and, in the
same year, joined the South African
Communist Party (SACP).
After matriculating in 1994, he
continued his activism and later
became a Shop Steward for the
National Union of Mineworkers in
Evander from 1995.
He has previously served the
SACP in various capacities as
District Secretary and Provincial
Chairperson.
MEC Kolisile also served in the
National Steering Committee that
re-launched the Young Communist
League in 2003, and was elected to
its first National Committee, also
serving in its National Working
Committee.
On the eve of his passing, MEC
Kolisile was elected as Deputy
Regional Chairperson for the
ANC West Rand. His election is a
reflection of the popular confidence
that Kolisile enjoyed in the
structures of the ANC.
Kolisile truly subscribed to the
notion that the will of the people
is supreme. He struggled side by
side with the people of Khutsong
and waged a battle that eventually
saw the area re-incorporated into
Gauteng.
Kolisile was a trailblazer
with a resilience that is in many
ways unmatched. His sterling
contribution has left an indelible
mark on the soil of this province.
As MEC Kolisile pronounced
four days before his tragic passing:
“The journey to make Gauteng
province a prosperous and inclusive
economy is one that we have to
undertake collectively, side by
side. We must continue to serve
the people of this province with
fervour, tenacity and unflinching
commitment.”
May we find solace in these
words and be comforted by the fact
that our loss is shared by the people
of this province and beyond.
Our sincere condolences to his
family.
Gauteng Premier:
Mokonyane.
Kolisile lauded by
young and old
Thomas
trader
Politicians, journalists, colleagues, comrades and ordinary
Gauteng residents have turned to social media to pay their
tributes to the late Gauteng MEC for Economic Development,
Nkosiphendule Kolisile.
–
informal
Premier praises
selfless protectors
I am saddened by
our loss. I took the MEC
as a parent to us. He
took us from the streets
and put us in a place
of glory where all can now see our work
as traders. He wished the best for us. As
Terri-Liza Fortein
Kolisile,
his
protector,
Constable Tshepo Jobo and his
driver, Sergeant Tebogo Motsie,
died in a car accident.
Kolisile earlier in July
engaged with informal traders
and many of the tributes to him
refer to this act of engagement
with hundreds of traders across
Gauteng.
Then the MEC had told
hawkers that “the informal
economy makes an immense
contribution to the economy
of the country with a great
proportion of informal traders
being located in Gauteng. It
would be a grave mistake to
ignore the sector, its challenges
as well as its demands.”
Edmund
Elias,
a
representative for informal
traders belonging to the South
African National Traders Retail
Alliance (Santra) organization
tweeted:“Tragic
passing
of
Gauteng MEC Kolisile is a huge
loss to the informal sector. He
had direct contact with many
hundreds of hawkers.”
Mathebula
Nomvula
Radio
journalist,
Theo
Nkonki, tweeted “#RIP Kolisile
The man known as uMhlekazi
brought energy into Economic
Development in GP. His
comrades still in shock. Our
condolences.”
Joseph Peter Kgomo who
works in the tourism industry
posted on Facebook that “the
Gauteng province has lost a
visionary in MEC of Economic
Development – Nkosiphendule
Kolisile who was killed in an
accident in the Free State this
morning …RIP Mhlekazi.”
SABC
Presidential
Correspondent
Mzwandile
Mbeje tweeted: “Rest in peace
MEC Nkosiphendule Kolisile! A
life cut short, still promising so
much. Death be not proud.”
[email protected]
he promised, we hope that government
appoints someone in his position who will
be as caring as he was. We are saddened
by his untimely
Johanna
Sibanyoni
–
Fashion
district where she works as a designer
The MEC was like a
brother to me. He has left
us with great sadness,
especially in the way
he died. I still think it’s
a dream. He was a true
leader who fought for our rights. On the
8th of July we did a walkabout, visiting all
informal traders where he committed to
assist us. We are saddened by the fact that
we won’t live to see the fruits of what he
started. May his soul rest in peace.
Joyce Sello – from the Gauteng
Liqour Traders Business and Forum
We have lost a
great
MEC’s
leader
in
passing.
the
He
was a compassionate
leader who understood
that liquor trading is a business just like
any other. He didn’t want to regulate the
business without our input. Last year
in October the MEC had a consultative
meeting with us where he promised to
resolve all the problems in this industry.
ROBALA KA KGOTSO ... Hundreds came in their numbers to bid farewell to the
late Sgt Motsei in Qwaqwa.
Photograph: Free State Provincial Government
The two protectors who lost their lives with late MEC for
Economic Development, Nkosiphendule Kolisile, Constable
Tshepo Jobo and Sergeant Teboho Motsie, were laid to rest as
heroes in Soweto and Qwaqwa, Free State in late July.
Lerato Mailoane
Premier
Nomvula
Mokonyane, on behalf of the
Gauteng Provincial Government,
and several MECs attended the
funerals to pay their last respects
to the men.
Both Jobo and Motsie were
afforded official funerals after
passing way in the fatal crash.
“The work of a protector is a
thankless job,” said Mokonyane.
“We stay alive today because
of these men and women who
dedicate their lives to protect us
as VIPs. They are selfless until
they go to the grave.
Speaker lindiwe Maseko,
who Jobo used to protect for three
years, was equally distraught.
“I am saddened by the loss. He
was not only my protector but my
son. He was humble; one of the best.
We will miss him,” said Maseko.
Free State MEC for Police, Roads
and Transport, Butana Komphela,
spoke highly of the late Motsie at
Marakong in QwaQwa.
“Motsie chose to sacrifice his life
to serve this country; few people
can do that. He had chosen to be
the protector of the MEC, a huge
responsibility that was worth his
life because he had to shield the
MEC from any harm coming his
way,” said Komphela.
[email protected]
MANDELA QUOTES: LET FREEDOM REIGN. THE SUN NEVER SET ON SO GLORIOUS A HUMAN ACHIEVEMENT.
Mandela Day
celebrations keep
spotlight on Eldos
After being under siege from drug dealers for many years, signs of
life returning to normal for the people of Eldorado Park, south of
Johannesburg are beginning to emerge.
And on 18 July, the government continued to place the area under its
attention, with residents from across a wide spectrum converging
at the Eldorado Park sport grounds to celebrate the 95th birthday of
global icon, Nelson Mandela.
SHARING MADIBA’S DAY ... Gauteng MEC for Social Development, Nandi Mayathula-
Legacy to make Madiba proud
Vuyo Sabani
Since Nelson Mandela was
admitted at the Pretoria’s Med-Clinic
Heart Hospital on that cold winter’s
night in June; the country and the global
community has been on a reflective
mood.
This reflection has centred on what
Madiba’s legacy is and how best we can
preserve his teachings, values and all
that he stood for.
The admiration for the man
transcends colour, boundaries, gender
and age.
Maybe Madiba’s anti-hero stance
makes him more loveable. When he
chides us not to refer to him as a hero
and points out that he did not bring
about the end of apartheid by himself.
In a vainglorious world where
everything is about ‘me, me, me’,
Madiba’s humility and commitment
to the betterment of others remains
inspirational.
The vigour and zeal shown by
South Africans and people of the world
during the Nelson Mandela Day on his
95th birthday was something out of the
ordinary. It demonstrated the esteem
people hold Madiba in.
But of all the things he would
bequeath us when the inevitable
finally happens; the Nelson Mandela
Children’s Hospital (NMCH) has to be
the most important one.
I would think, because of his
supreme love for children; this would
also be his proudest milestone.
According to the Nelson Mandela
Children’s Fund, the NMCH will cater
for children across Africa. This would
ensure Madiba’s legacy extends far
beyond this country’s borders.
Furthermore, this would make
childcare accessible to countries that
would ordinarily not have children’s
hospitals near-by.
The Nelson Mandela Children’s
Fund, further notes that there are only
four children’s hospitals in Africa to care
for the health needs of about 450 million
children. The paediatric healthcare
system in South Africa is behind all
documented health-related Millennium
Development Goals to reduce child
mortality.
The creation of a tertiary and
quaternary paediatric facility is in line
with the National Health Department’s
“Modernisation of Tertiary Services”
plan. The establishment of the hospital
will further assist the government
by freeing up much-needed funding
required for primary and secondary
healthcare.
Moreover, the Nelson Mandela
Children’s Fund says it aims the NMCH
to be a facility guided by a child-centred
approach to specialised, paediatric
care; continuation of Mandela’s dream
to make available world-class; health
care to all children in southern Africa;
critical child healthcare resource; state-
of-the-art specialist hospital housing
Centres of Excellence in Haematology
and
Oncology,
Cardiology
and
Cardiothoracic Surgery, Neuroscience.
This, again, shows Madiba’s insight
and leadership. The funding of this
project is projected at R1-billion for
the first phase of 246-bed facility with
an operating expenses calculated
approximately R530 million per year.
The operational costs will be
covered by the National and Provincial
Departments of Health through its
unique partnership with the NMCH. But
because the NMCH is a project of high
magnitude, donations are encouraged
and welcomed.
I would like to implore South
Africans to show the same enthusiasm
and drive we have shown towards the
Nelson Mandela Day towards ensuring
that the Nelson Mandela Children’s
Hospital becomes a reality.
To ensure easy accessibility the
hospital would be based in Gauteng;
which is both the economic hub of the
country and the continent at large.
Gauteng also houses the majority of
South African population.
To donate towards the building of
the hospital, SMS “Gift” to 40301. SMS
costs R20.00. For more information visit
www.
Khoza and Director-General Margaret Diedericks handed out toys to kids in Eldorado
Park as part of their 67 minutes for Mandela Day.
Photograph: Roads and Transport
Ntoni Rampolokeng and Vuyo Sabani
While young lads enjoyed a
game of soccer, their parents were
painting the Andries Meyer old
age home and cleaning-up a local
crèche.
The event was attended by the
Minister of Sport and Recreation,
Fikile Mbalula and his deputy,
Gert Oosthuizen, who together
rallied the sporting fraternity to
land a helping hand as part of
Nelson Mandela Day activities.
They were joined by the likes
of Sibusiso Zuma of Supersport
United; SAFA president Kirsten
Nematendani;
music
duo,
Mafikizolo and other well knownpersonalities.
Mbalula joined thousands
of people across the globe in
celebration of Nelson Mandela Day
which implores citizens to give
67 minutes of their time to a good
cause. This is in honour of the 67
years the former president spent
fighting for liberation and justice.
Mbalula said: “We will always
remember this day [Nelson
Mandela Day] come what may.
Whatever happens in life, Nelson
Mandela will never die in our
spirits and our souls. He will
always be with us.”
Louisa Luvuno, 30, of City of
Joburg said: “Nelson Mandela Day
teaches people to give because
uTata Mandela gave his life for us.
We should also be appreciative of
what he did. The least we can do is
give back.”
Her sentiments were echoed by
senior citizen, Jacobeth Dhlamini,
who said she still remembers
vividly the ravages of apartheid.
“Unlike the young ones, I know
what it was like to live under
apartheid. Mandela Day means
everything to me. We know how to
move around without the dompas
because of him. We are free because
of him. I wish God could bless him.
I wish him a speedy recovery.”
Meanwhile, 40-year-old Faith
Morule said Nelson Mandela meant
a lot to her.
“Whatever I’m doing here helps
because in our lives we don’t have
time to give back to people that
are needy like the residents of this
place. I wish Madiba recovers, even
though we know he is old. But we
still need him too,” she said.
Mbalula said he wanted to
move the youth away from drugs
and as part of Nelson Mandela
Day he gave all the schools around
Eldorado Park sport equipment and
regalia.
“We must fight drugs in our
community ourselves. We must
stand up and do things ourselves.
We, as government will come in
and offer support and arrest the
drug lords,” said Mbalula.
Ntoni.Rampolokeng@
gauteng.gov.za and Vuyo.
[email protected]
Deputy President Kgalema
Motlanthe on Mandela Day
rolled up his sleeves to help
learners at Boikgantshong
Primary School.
SANews.gov.za
Motlanthe visited the school in
Mamelodi East, where he dedicated 67
minutes helping at the school’s library,
in honour of Mandela Day, where
people are invited to dedicate their time
to make a difference in other people’s
lives.
On his arrival at the school,
Motlanthe, who made it clear that the
day was not about speeches, but rolling
up sleeves, said: “The day lays down
the foundation and will open horizons
to the world we are living in. Children
in this school today will look back to
this day and say they’ve benefited due
to the generosity of Madiba. As we
say the past will inherit the future, the
future of these children will depend on
what we do today because what we do
will impact on how their future would
shape”.
He added that he hoped that out of
learners will emerge many Mandelas to
make the country successful. He also
noted that the visit today and handing
over of school books was only the
beginning of interaction with the school,
adding that tomorrow they would bring
more learning equipment.
School Principal, Abby Kobo
thanked Motlanthe for spending his 67
minutes with learners and teachers at
their school. “We are most honoured that
the Deputy President chose to celebrate
this day as we know that knowledge is
power and reading is the way,” he said.
One of the volunteers from the
University of Pretoria, Erin Rennie, 20,
stressed the importance of volunteerism
not only on Mandela Day, but throughout
the year.
Rennie and other students at the
university have been at the school from
24 to 28 June 2013, assisting them with
painting and cleaning of the school’s
library. They also came back today to
help pack the school books.
“We know how important reading
and literacy is and we want to encourage
it from young kids. If you can help, you
should, especially on something which
is important like this,” said Rennie.
Another volunteer, Diana Bakwa,
of Ward 18 in Mamelodi East, also
stressed the importance of volunteering,
adding that it teaches children to give a
helping hand whilst they are still young.
“They must know that Tata wants
them to focus on education. This should
not be a once off event but we should live
it on a daily basis,” said Bakwa, wishing
Former President Nelson Mandela a
speedy recovery.
MANDELA QUOTES: I REALLY WANTED TO RETIRE AND REST AND SPEND MORE TIME WITH MY CHILDREN, MY GRANDCHILDREN AND OF COURSE WITH MY WIFE.
Keep the faith, despite challenges – Obama
“In your lives, there will be
a time to test your faith. But
no matter how old you grow;
I say to all of you today:
don’t lose those qualities of
youth.”
Vuyo Sabani
These were the words of
advice by the American President,
Barack Obama, to young leaders
at the University of Johannesburg
(UJ) last month.
The 44th United States of
America president, and the first
black person to occupy that
position, held court with young
leaders at the University of
Johannesburg’s Soweto Campus
and with other young leaders
from across the continent via
satellite.
At the talk, which was titled
Young African Leaders Initiative
Town Hall, President Obama
announced that he was extending
the skills development training
for African students. He added he
was hoping more young leaders
would take up the opportunity to
widen their horizons.
“So today, I’m proud to
announce a significant expansion
of this initiative. We’re launching
a new programme that’s going
to give thousands of promising
young Africans like you the
opportunity to come to the United
States and develop your skills
at some of our best colleges and
universities.
“It’s called the Washington
Fellowship for Young African
Leaders, and I hope all of you apply
because we’re joining with our
top schools – public and private.
We’ll focus on civic leadership
and public administration and
business and entrepreneurship,
OFFERING A HELPING HAND … US President Barack Obama told young Africans in Soweto that his country will start a fellowship to help improve civic leadership and public administration.
Photograph: Thomas Chauke
“Because the future of this continent
is in your hands, and if you keep your
head pointed towards the sun and you
keep your feet moving forward”.
the skills you need to serve your
communities and start and grow
businesses and run effective
ministries,” said Obama.
He said the scope of the
programme was wide and the
US would also benefit from the
programme.
“You’ll
interact
with
Americans from all walks of life,
because our citizens – especially
our young people - can learn from
you, too. You’ll meet with leaders
in business and non-profits and
government, including me. And
I look forward to welcoming
you at a summit that I’ll host in
Washington, because I want to
hear directly from you - your
hopes, your dreams, what we can
achieve together,” added Obama.
To make the talk interactive
More Mandela art for Joburg City
The City of Johannesburg has yet again honoured former president, Nelson Mandela. This time
the City has unveiled a shadow boxing sculpture of the world-revered statesman in the CBD of
Johannesburg. The statue was unveiled just weeks ahead of Mandela Day.
Lerato Mailoane
It stands tall - towering over
the city. The five-metre tall steel
sculpture of President Mandela was
unveiled in central Johannesburg,
between Chancellor House and the
Magistrate Court, two buildings
where Mandela spent some time in
the 1950s.
At the unveiling, Mayor Tau said
the new artwork provided a way of
thinking about the apartheid legal
system of the time as Mandela was
boxing, fighting for the rights of
many South Africans.
“Faced by an oppressive legal
system, Nelson Mandela also did
battle at the courts. As both an
attorney and an accused, Mandela
became familiar with the courts of
law from both sides of the dock.
“Nelson Mandela boxing is
symbolic of the fight for dignity
and human rights which continues
in our day,” said Tau.
He further noted that the science
and tactics that Nelson Mandela
admired the sport of boxing were
still relevant to today’s generation
as they were to the generation of
that time.
“Our generation is faced with
the triple challenges of poverty,
inequality and unemployment,”
said Tau.
Built at a cost of R504 500,
the shadow boxing sculpture
is a new addition to the City’s
growing public art portfolio which
the Johannesburg Development
Agency,
together
with
the
Department of Arts, Culture and
Heritage, implement.
The sculpture is from the
late Bob Gosani’s famous 1953
photograph of Mandela sparring
with professional boxer, Jerry Moloi,
on the rooftop of the South African
Associated Newspapers building in
downtown Johannesburg.
The sculpture is by South
African artist, Marco Cianfanelli.
Cianfanelli said it was a challenge
to capture a flat photograph in a
piece of art, with all the nuances of
the boxer’s movement.
The artwork stands tall; it is
painted steel plates in shades of
grey, black and charcoal, creating
subtle shadows in the figure.
“I have never seen anything in
my life that is so beautiful; it is out of
this world. I am sure if my husband
were alive he would be proud,” said
Tilly, Bob Gosani’s widow.
Members of the public are
welcome to view the statue free of
charge.
the US President took questions
from the hall and via satellite
from Nigeria, Kenya and Uganda.
Questions ranged from US
foreign policy to environmental
issues and the reasons for not
visiting Kenya, a place where
his father was born. His answers
were detailed and sincere.
President
Obama
also
expressed gratitude towards
ailing former President Nelson
Mandela in his address and
pleaded with young leaders to
emulate his leadership style.
“Reflecting on his years in
prison, Nelson Mandela wrote
that there were dark moments that
tested his faith in humanity, but
he refused to give up. And he said,
‘I am fundamentally an optimist.’
Whether that comes from nature
or nurture, I cannot say. Part of
being optimistic is keeping one’s
head pointed towards the sun,
one’s feet moving forward.
“Because the future of this
continent is in your hands, and
if you keep your head pointed
towards the sun and you keep
your feet moving forward, I
promise you will have no better
friend and partner than the
United States of America.”
[email protected]
MANDELA QUOTES: I HAVE CHERISHED THE IDEAL OF A DEMOCRATIC AND FREE SOCIETY IN WHICH ALL PERSONS LIVE TOGETHER IN HARMONY AND WITH EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES.
MANDELA DAY
IN PICTURES
1. TEARS OF JOY ... Danville housing recipients could not contain their joy when President Jacob Zuma
handed them the keys to their new home on Mandela Day
2. THANK YOU, MADIBA! ... Bernard Jacobus
only had good wishes for Madiba after receiving
his new house.
3. BORN-FREES ... Young Danville residents
wished Mandela a speedy recovery on his birthday.
3
4
4. REMEBERING THE ELDERLY ... Ekurhuleni mayor, Mondli
Gungubele, handed out vegetables to the metro’s elderly residents as
his contribution to Mandela Day.
6. GETTING HANDS DIRTY ...Several artists joined Minister
Fikile Mbalula in cleaning and painting a home for recovering addicts
in Eldos.
5. THERE SHALL BE HOUSING! ... President Zuma and Premier Nomvula Mokonyane lead the crown
in song as they gave out new houses to Danville residents on Mandela Day.
7. IN THE NAME OF MADIBA ... MEC Nandi Mayathula-Khoza gave out clothes to children in Eldorado
Park.
MANDELA QUOTES:
IF YOU TALK TO A MAN IN A LANGUAGE HE UNDERSTANDS, THAT GOES TO HIS HEAD. IF YOU TALK TO HIM IN HIS LANGUAGE, THAT GOES TO HIS HEART.
New outdoor gyms for
Gauteng communities
Traditional playgrounds in
Zola; Lehae, Meadowlands
and Sophiatown will soon add
outdoor gyms to their offering
of recreational facilities.
Fireworks expected
as Jozi’s Arts Alive
turns 21
The gyms will be completed
in less than 12 months and
young people who are looking
to get fit while having fun will
be spoilt for choice with the
range of equipment available.
Terri-Liza Fortein
Entry to the parks, and the use of
the facilities, is completely free and
members of the community who will
use the gyms will also have access to
an on-site trainer.
According
to
Bulumko
Nelana, Managing Director of the
Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo, the
six outdoor gyms which are already
operational have been a roaring
success.
“A recent survey found that
regular users lived near the parks,
yet many respondents also indicated
that they were prepared to travel to
get their daily dose of fitness, with the
number of users averaging 80 during
peak times at some of the busiest
parks.
“We discovered that residents
wanted a liveable city that encouraged
family-friendly
recreation.
The
outdoor gyms directly address this
as they are environmentally-friendly
and cater for people who are unable
to afford gym memberships,” said
Nelana.
The upgrade to the Sophiatown
HEALTHY LIFESTYLES ... Residents of Johannesburg are line for new outdoor gyms, which
have proven to be very popular since being launched a couple of years ago.
Photograph: Thomas Chauke
park will take place in 24 hours as
City Parks once again undertakes
its extreme park makeover mission,
which sees an entire upgrade taking
place in record time.
This project in Sophiatown is also
significant because of its rich history
since all residents who were mainly
black; Indian; coloured and Chinese
were forcibly removed in the 1940s. The
areas name was changed to Triomf,
the Afrikaans word for triumph. In
2006 the name was restored and it is
once again called Sophiatown.
The park is expected to have an
outdoor gym and soccer fields, which
community members in Sophiatown
and
surrounding
areas
have
welcomed.
Melusi Nyanda said: “I have seen
the board up at the park saying they
will be upgrading the park and I am
looking forward to it.”
He is particularly pleased because
the park is very close to his home.
“There isn’t a lot happening this
side so I think it’s a good initiative,
especially for young people,” he said.
Where are the other outdoor gyms?
•
Petrus Molefe Eco-Park
in Soweto
•
Diepsloot Park in the far
north of the city
•
Mushroom Farm Park in
Sandton
•
Krematart Park in Eldorado
Park
•
Protea Glen Park in
Soweto
•
Claremont Park in the west
Moshiywa brings it
home to Gauteng
Claude Moshiywa, 39, is a true example of what one can
achieve through hard work and perseverance. This after
the Sebokeng-born Moshiywa won this year’s Comrades
Marathon.
Bongo Sonqishe
Moshiywa became the first
South African man to win the “up
race” after 21 years, proving that the
Gauteng province is truly the Home of
Champions.
Speaking to Gauteng News,
Moshiywa said his passion for running
started in 1999 and in 2000 he ran the
Comrades Marathon for the first time
and came in at the 1400th place.
When he started running it was
just for fun.
However, with time and after
learning more about running, he
came to realise that he could better
his life and that of his family through
running.
“That’s when I started taking the
sport seriously,” he said.
He ran the Comrades three more
times before he won his first gold
medal in 2005 when he came in at 10th
position. In 2011 Moshiywa finished in
3rd position and 9th last year.
In preparing for this year’s
marathon, he said he had a very
intense training programme which
included waking up at 03h00 Monday
to Friday for a morning run which
would last for two and half hours.
He would also train after work for an
additional three hours which usually
left little time for him to spend with
his family.
“It was very difficult to strike a
balance between, training, work, and
family time, but I had to do it if I was to
make my dream come true and I thank
my family for their understanding,”
said Moshiywa.
During the last lap of this year’s
race, with just 10kms to go before the
finish line, Moshiywa started getting
cramps but did not allow this to deter
him from realising his goal of winning
the Comrades Marathon.
“When I got to the finish line; I
was very tired and did not realise
that I had won the race - all I wanted
to do was rest. I saw and heard people
congratulating me but it was only
when I watched myself on TV at home
that I realised that I had won the
Comrades Marathon,” said Moshiywa.
And his advice to all the aspirant
Comrades Marathon runners?
“In life if you want to succeed you
need to have a vision and know that
there are no short cuts to success,” he
said with a serious look in his eyes.
He jokingly told Gauteng News
that his two boys have decided not to
follow in his footsteps of running but
have instead opted to play tennis.
CELEBRATING JOZI ... The 21st edition of Arts Alive promises to be a party to remember.
Photograph: Mandla Nkosi
This year’s Arts Alive International Festival promises
to be bigger, better and even more exciting than ever
before as the organisers and other stakeholders prepare
to mark the 21st anniversary of the landmark annual
entertainment event.
Launched at the Houghton
Boardroom in Johannesburg on
Wednesday July 17, this year’s
edition will be held throughout
the city as well as in other parts of
the country – including Pretoria
and Durban – from September
1-15.
This year’s line-up will include
700 local and 19 international
artists.
Speaking on behalf of Clr Chris
Vondo, the Johannesburg Member
of the Mayoral Committee (MMC)
on Community Development,
the City’s Deputy Director of
Communications,
Nthatisi
Madingoane, said the festival,
which started way back in 1992,
played a crucial part in the
promotion of social cohesion in
the city, which he said was lacking
during the apartheid government’s
divisive and discriminatory rule.
He said Johannesburg as a
cosmopolitan city would continue
to attract people from other South
African cities and provinces, as
well as from other parts of the
world.
Madingoane said “cultural
connection”
was
necessary
because it promoted social
cohesion.
“It links people from Orange
Farm to those in Diepsloot, and
from those in Diepkloof to those
in Roodepoort. Cultural activities
have the power to unite people,”
he said.
“In 2040, we want to see an
exclusive city that is lovable.
We are eradicating apartheid’s
formations, which effectively put
our people on the periphery of the
city.”
The organisers want to make
this year’s edition a memorable
one for the audiences.
Among other the things, it
will showcase the finest that the
Indian culture and cuisine have
to offer and feature the legendary
and internationally acclaimed
trumpeter
Hugh
Masekela;
Egberto Gismonti, the husbandand-wife team of performer and
composer Shubhendra and Saskia
Rao; the Sufi Gospel Project, and
others.
For
theatre
lovers,
a
performance
based
on
Shakespeare’s Hamlet, produced
by The Company Theatre, can be
watched at the State Theatre in
Pretoria on 10 and 11 September
and in the Durban City Hall.
Other venues where the
festival’s events will be staged
include the Wits Theatre, Lyric
Theatre, Mary Fitzgerald Square,
Zoo Lake and Club Latinova.
Representatives of various
arts and culture organisations
applauded the City’s ongoing
support for the festival.
Said renowned actor James
Ngcobo: “We thank the City for its
continued support of the event. It
has over the years shown strong
commitment and unyielding
support to make each and every
event successful.”
www.joburg.org.za
MANDELA SPECIAL EDITION
SUPER SITHOLE
MAKES TENNIS
HISTORY
Phenomenal
wheelchair
tennis player, and Gauteng
Sports Awards inaugural
winner in the category of
Disabled Sportsman of the
Year Award back in 2011,
has continued to raise the
Gauteng and South African
fly abroad.
Khuitsemang Diseko
Twister – as Sithole is
popularly known in tennis
circles – in July made tennis
history by being the first
player from Africa to scoop
a British Wheelchair Tennis
Open Super Series title. The
ever-improving Sithole beat
top-rated David Wagner
from the United States 7-5,
6-7 and 6-4 to snatch the
quad’s singles title.
Sithole has won 23
singles titles recently, also
taking the Korea and Daegu
Open in June.
The talented Sithole
walloped British player,
Antony Cotterill 6-2, 6-1 to
march on to the semi-finals
where he dispatched of rival,
Jamie Burdekin to make it to
the finals.
“We are very proud of
Lucas,” Coach Holger Losch
said after the win. Losch
said the victory was a good
stepping stone for Sithole
in his quest to be the World
Number One.
Glamour Boys rout Phunya Sele
Sele for Gauteng Cup
Any self-respecting soccer pundit knows fully well that preseason tournaments should not be taken seriously because
they have little or no meaning at all. That said; it is hard not
to take Kaizer Chiefs rout of Bloemfontein Celtic 4-1 in the
Gauteng Sports Challenge last month seriously.
Vuyo Sabani
Amakhosi defended their
Cup with aplomb, with a
performance that seemed to send
a warning salvo to opponents in
the league this coming season.
Chiefs played Phunya Sele
Sele in the final of the one-day
tournament organised by the
Gauteng Department of Sport,
Arts, Culture Recreation which
showcases the province’s ability
in organising competitive sport.
In the first game of the
tournament
Celtic
beat
University of Pretoria on
penalties after a 1-1 draw.
The game had all the
hallmarks of pre-season game;
it was slow, with both sides
cautious and committing silly
mistakes early on.
Amakhosi had their full
strength squad with the likes
Morgan Gould and Tshepo
Masilela back from injuries.
This game also saw the
return of the ‘Smiling Assassin
- as Zimbabwean marksman,
Knowledge Musona, - is known.
Muson is on a year-long loan
from German Bundesliga side,
1899 Hoffenheim.
From the first minute, Chiefs
made their intentions clear with
neat passes with Siboniso Gaxa
and Masilela making wide runs.
With 30 minutes played,
Chiefs
destroyer,
Willard
Katsande, gave the game it first
goal.
He struck a long-range
short near the centre line which
gave Celtic goalkeeper Moses
Thembalethu no chances.
Celtic upped their game
in search of an equaliser, but
Roderick Mutuma scuppered a
chance with a wide strike in a
FORMIDABLE … Absa Premiership and Nedbank Cup Champions, Kaizer Chiefs recently paraded
their trophies at the Gauteng Legislature. Chiefs added the Gauteng Cup to their haul after beating
Bloemfontein Celtic.
Photograph: Andronica Nedzamba
one-one situation with Chiefs
goalie, Itumeleng Khune.
Immediately
after
that
incident, the Amakhosi turned
the tables with a counter-attack
which saw Siphiwe Tshabalala
scoring
acrobatically
from
George Lebese’s cross.
Celtic’s gallant fight was
rewarded, though, on the 56th
minute captain Thabo Nthethe
pulled a goal back for the Free
State side.
It was not long before Musona
made his presence felt. On the
67th minute, the cowd favourite
opened his Chiefs account with
a fine goal.
Kaizer Motaung Junior who
came as substitute finished the
rout.
[email protected]
Mountaineers climb Kilimanjaro in
honour of Madiba the giant
Sibusiso Vilane, Joshua
Awesome
and
Richard
Mabaso have of late become
synonymous
with
the
Mandela name. The three
Ekurhuleni- sponsored
mountaineers took to the
Kilimanjaro Mountain to
conquer the highest peak in
Africa in honour of former
president, Nelson Mandela.
Ekurhuleni Communications
Pic: Reg Caldecott
The trio successfully summited
on July 18 and were named
the “Mandela Boys” by fellow
mountaineers.
The Ekurhuleni Trek4Mandela
Challenge team touched down at
the O R Tambo International Airport
the Saturday evening following
the statesman’s 95th birthday having conquered Africa’s highest
peak which is over 5 895 meters
above sea level. This determination
to accomplish the feat reflects
Mandela’s resilience over adversity.
Sibusiso Vilane said to be
associated with Mandela by fellow
mountaineers brought a special
feeling.
“People from other continents
took keen interest on us and asked us
questions about Mandela’s health.
They expressed their love for the
TREK 4 Mandela ......Sibusiso Vilane, Joshua Awesome and Richard Mabaso successfully summitted Kilimanjaro Mountain for charity.
Photograph: EMM
icon and that moment was too great
to trade it for anything,” he said.
According to Richard Mabaso,
the
Ekurhuleni
Trek4Mandela
Challenge was aimed not only at just
reaching the peak but to raise funds
to sponsor 500 underprivileged
school girls at two of the priority
areas in Ekurhuleni (Winnie
Mandela and Zonkezizwe) through
the provision of a year’s supply of
sanitary pads.
The sanitary pads will come
with complete hygiene kits and
educational manuals. This will
be done in partnership with the
Caring4girls Foundation.
Joshua Awesome said the
mission has been accomplished and
surpassed its target to sponsor 500
girls.
“We have been able to raise
more than we expected. We can now
sponsor more than 500 girls and
this is thanks to the good hearts of
South Africans and the support from
media organisations,” he said.
Ekurhuleni spokesperson, Sam
Modiba, said the City of Ekurhuleni
is ready for the distribution the
toiletries.
“For the City of Ekurhuleni, this
is an urgent matter which seeks to
restore the dignity of the girls as
well as to ensure that there are no
girls that will miss a week of school
every month because they don’t
have the required necessities,” he
said. Modiba also confirmed that
organisations who are interested in
joining the partnership were still
welcome to do so.