Transnet Foundation Official Newsletter
October 2014
Transnet
supportS
r
e
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Awareness
Content
1-3
Your Health Matters
4
DBE features Phelophepa
in Matric 2014 Exam
5
Sports stars, dignitaries and celebrities
inspire South Africa youth
5-6
Education Portfolio hosts yet
another successful Life Skills
Camp
8-9
YEDP Programme Engages Families
10 - 11 YEDP scouts for
12
13 - 14
its next 10 learners for 2015
Out with CAP, in with SEID
SEID Takes Rail Safety Awareness
to High Schools
15
October in History
16
Answers to the September Puzzle
17
October Crosswords Puzzle
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Transet Foundation Newsletter
Your Health Matters, with
Sister Makhaye
Testicular Cancer, a silent killer
October is a month dedicated to cancer globally. It
has come and gone with a great deal of awareness
created around the dreaded illness. Activities such
as “cancer walks” and “shaveathons” usually held
annually were held by various organisations as a
“fun” way to impart information and to gather everyone affected by cancer. With over 100 types of Cancer ranging from Bone, Kidney, Leukemia, Prostate,
Vaginal, Lung, Skin, Colon, bladder and more others,
in this issue, Sister Thabisile Makhaye zooms in to
focus on Testicular Cancer.
What Is Testicular Cancer?
Many people may be asking themselves about what
Testicular Cancer is and how it affects one’s life.
This type of cancer is the most common malignancy
in 15 to 45 years old males. The vast majority (95%)
of testicular cancer develops from the germinal
cells of the testes.
Description
The incidence of testicular cancer shows marked
variation among different countries, races and
socio-economic groups. The disease is most common in Scandinavia, and rare in Africa. Carcinoma
in situ (CIS) is believed to be the precursor of
cancer. Men with undescended testicles have a 5
– 10 times increased risk of developing testicular
cancer, compared to the general population. Five
percent of patients who have had testicular cancer
develop a second cancer on the other side.
Testicular cancer typically presents with a painless lump in the testes. Left untreated, the tumour
cells can spread via the lymphatic pathways to
the retroperitoneal glands around the aorta at the
level of the kidneys. It can also later spread via the
blood stream to the lungs, liver, bone and the brain
Sister Thabisile Makhaye
(metastasis). Most patients have the disease confined to the testes or the regional lymph glands at
presentation.
Cause
The exact cause of testicular cancer is unknown.
The clinical evidence suggests that congenital
(born with), environmental and genetic factors play
a role. Testicular cancer develops from the primitive germ cells of the testes. During development
the germ cell may be affected by environmental
factors, resulting in disturbed differentiation (cell
development). Factors that may interfere with normal germ cell development include cryptorchidism
(undescended testicle), genetic predisposition or
chemical carcinogenesis.
Statistical analysis indicates that one third of patients with germ cell testicular tumours are genetically susceptible to the condition. The incidence of
testicular cancer has increased fourfold over the
Turn page 2
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Transet Foundation Newsletter
From page 2
last five decades. During the same period an apparent decrease in semen quality and an increase in
genital abnormalities, such as hypospadia (a penile
malformation) and undescended testicles, have
been observed. The higher incidence of testicular
cancer in men with testicular atrophy, undescended
testes and infertility, suggests a common environmental factor as the most likely link between these
genital abnormalities.
Symptoms
Testicular cancer can be completely asymptomatic
in its early stage. Most testicular tumours start
with a painless lump or swelling of the testis, noted
by the patient or his sexual partner. 30 – 40% of
patients complain of a dull ache or heaviness in
the scrotum or lower abdomen. Acute pain is the
presenting symptom in ±10% of patients. Approximately 10% of patients’ symptoms or signs are due
to the spread of the tumour to organs outside of
the testes. Spread to the lymph glands, cancer can
present with a mass in the abdomen or the neck.
Course
Testicular cancer develops in the primordial germ
cell. The pre-malignant (non-invasive) stage of the
disease is called carcinoma in situ (CIS). The tumour
grows as a hard painless lump in the testicle. The
testis has a thick capsule that acts as a natural barrier to tumour spread. Direct local spread beyond
the capsule of the testis is rare.
Risk Factors
Although there is no known cause for testicular
cancer, definitive risk factors have been identified:
Proven
• Undescended testicles
• Previous history of testicular cancer
• Presence of carcinoma in situ (the precursor
of testes cancer)
• Oestrogen administration to mother during
pregnancy
• Brother or father with testicular cancer
• Male infertility
Possible
• Trauma
• Mumps-associated atrophy of testes
One would need to see a doctor if a lump or hardness
is detected in the testicle itself or an unexplained
enlargement of the testicle. It could also be an
unexplained pain, ache or swelling within the scrotum. The diagnosis of testis cancer is based on a
medical history, physical examination and some
confirmatory special tests. It could also be based
on a scrotum ultrasound, which is an excellent test
to define the site and nature of scrotal masses.
Almost all solid masses of the testes itself are
cancerous and almost all scrotal masses not
arising from the testes are benign.
Testicular cancer typically spreads via the lymphatic
pathways in an organised step-wise manner. Due to
its embryological development, the lymphatic drainage of the testes is to the lymph glands around the
aorta and vena cava at the level of the kidneys.
These para-aortic lymph glands are the first to be
involved in the spread of testicular cancer. Most
testicular cancers are fast growing, with doubling
times ranging from 10 to 30 days. Patients left
untreated, and those unfortunate enough to suffer
treatment failure, demise rapidly, usually within 2-3
years.
2
Treatment
Testicular cancer is one of the most treatable cancers. The vast majority of patients, including those
with widespread metastatic disease, are cured by
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Transet Foundation Newsletter
and when nodes become apparent. The relapse
rate on surveillance is 20%. Thus, 80% of patients
are cured by orchidectomy alone and will receive
necessary radiation under standard treatment
regimes. The 20% who relapse do so mainly at the
para-aortic node.
A third option in stage is a course of Carboplatin
chemotherapy. Results with Carboplatin are good
and it is a reasonable option for patients with
moderate to high risk seminoma who do not want
radiotherapy.
modern day chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy.
The treatment regimes, however, are not without
complications and despite the excellent overall
results, a small group of poor prognosis patients do
badly despite intensive therapy. A primary tumour is
treated by radical inguinal orchidectomy.
An incision is made in the groin and the spermatic
cord carrying the testicular blood vessels is tied
off. The testes and its coverings are removed. The
testicle is not removed via the scrotum because this
can lead to spread to the scrotal skin and the lymph
glands of the groin.
The orchidectomy specimen is sent for histological
analysis (biopsy) to determine the type of testicular
tumour. Subsequent treatment will depend on the
type and stage of disease. Most of the treatment
options affect fertility.
This needs to be discussed with the patient prior
to commencing treatment. If appropriate, semen
should be preserved for possible future assisted
reproduction. The standard treatment is radiotherapy to the para-aortic lymph glands and to the pelvic
glands on the side of the tumour. Seminomas are
exquisitely sensitive to radiotherapy. The relapse
rate is 3-5% and overall survival is 92 – 99%.
Surveillance is an alternative to initial adjuvant
radiotherapy. This involves regular follow up with
CT scans and Chest X Rays and only irradiating if
The other option is chemotherapy with 4 cycles
of Etoposide and Cisplatin. The overall survival is
85%. For patients with widespread disease beyond
the lymph glands and lungs the survival is 57%.
Prevention
It is not possible to prevent the development of testicular cancer. All men should examine their testicles regularly for swellings or lumps. It is debatable
whether men with undescended testicles or previous testicular cancers should have biopsies of their
testes to rule out Carcinoma (CIS).
Carcinoma in situ is the precursor to testicular cancer and if detected it can be treated successfully
with radiation. This destroys the CIS but preserves
the hormonal function of the testes. As with all
cancer earlier treatment leads to improved outcome.
Testicular cancer is fast growing, and any man with
a suspicious lump in his testes should not delay
seeking professional help.
Advise: Check your testes
Men between the ages of 15 and 40 should
become familiar with the usual level of lumpiness
of their testicles. They should examine themselves
about once a month, preferably after a warm shower or bath when the scrotum is relaxed. To examine,
roll each testicle between the thumb and first two
fingers of both hands. Normal testicles feel smooth
and slightly spongy.
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Transet Foundation Newsletter
DBE features Phelophepa
in Matric 2014 Exam
The 2014 matriculants’ were pleasantly surprised
when, instead of a comprehension question based
on an excerpt from a novel, they were provided with
a comprehension passage on South Africa’s global
flagship project, the ‘Transnet-Phelophepa Healthcare
Train’ known fondly in South African communities as
the ‘Train of Hope’.
The comprehension section of the English paper not
only tested their ability to read and comprehend, but
also tested their general knowledge on events that
happen within South African communities and sensitised
learners on what the Phelophepa project is all about.
Matric exams kicked off on Monday with many matriculants
stating that they were ready and had worked hard enough to
sit the final exam. But none of the matriculants nor did the
Transnet Foundation management have any idea, that the
English Language paper to be written the following Tuesday
would feature the Transnet flagship programme as part of the
set of comprehension questions.
Learn
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iting t
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“It is amazing. Actually it took us by surprise too. It is an endorsement of our flagship project by the
Department of Education. We truly appreciate the endorsement by the department. Our two TransnetPhelophepa trains have brought immense hope in areas where basic healthcare is needed seeing over
360 000 patients annually,” says Sibusiso Ngomane, Transnet Foundation Senior Manager: Communications & Special Projects.
Thabiso Moloto, a matriculant at Cosmo Primary School who sat the examination yesterday said “it was an
interesting question. I knew there was a train like that because my grandmother got some spectacles off
the train in North West . . . but I had no idea this could feature in our examination and be the determinant
of our future.”
Cedric Madzhive who also sat for the examination at a college in Braamfontein said he had no idea about
the train but “one thing for sure, this train is doing amazing things for the people of South Africa. I hope
that Transnet continues with programme reaching more people in the process.” Asked if he had passed
the paper, Cedric replied “yes” confidently.
In conclusion, Mr Ngomane explains that the Foundation and its staff work extremely hard to make the
Phelophepa a success it is. “A lot of planning goes into the operations of these two trains, Phelophepa I
and Phelophepa II, thanks to Shamona Kandia, the Senior Manager: Health portfolio and her dedicated
team of administrative and health professionals. Transnet would also like to thank all our partners and
stakeholders who have made this project a resounding success over the years.”
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Transet Foundation Newsletter
Sports stars, dignitaries and
celebrities inspire SA youth
Germiston Stadium bustled with activity as
learners from across the country converged on the
east rand stadium to battle it out in the prestigious
annual, fiercely contested Transnet Rural and Farm
Schools Tournament 2014, whose launch took
place on the 6th of October 2014.
The programme, which generally runs over two
days annually, normally starts with an evening
launch and is attended by learners, coaches,
sports officials from different sporting bodies,
sports celebrities and the Transnet Executive. This
is normally followed by two days of intense sports
competition battled out during the day at the
stadium. This year’s event was nothing different
from the previous year’s, with the highly energetic
Hulisani Ravhele, better known as “Cece”, a former
Yo-TV show presenter as programme director
urging the learners at the stadium to come down
to the track province by province and dance to the
tunes on offer.
The prestigious event begins with over 22 000
learners across the country competing in interhouse challenges. After several inter-schools and
provincial tournaments, the number of competitors
is brought down to about 2 000 of the best sporting
champions to battle it out at this three day long
National Tournament.
and dream about becoming a great soccer player.
Now I am playing and captaining the national team
and showing everyone involved that determination
can make all your hopes a reality,” he said to a roar
of the stadium.
Transnet Chairman Board, Mr Mafika Mkhwanazi
said the programme is about recognising and
acknowledging achievement and celebrating success by all our sportsmen and women. “We want
to show all South Africans that we are praising the
spirit of human triumph and not mediocrity,” said Mr.
Mafika Mkhwanazi, the Transnet Board Chairman,
speaking at the launch. “Winning brings us instant
gratification but at the same time, we must also
value the recognition of good sportsmanship . . .
It develops a person’s moral, ethical and spiritual
values, because the highest standards which are
practiced in this field will be absorbed into one’s
personality and become a code of ethics.”
“We at Transnet are dedicated to building a
healthier, better educated, safer and skilled
population that is positive about our country and
motivated to grab the opportunities that empower
them to live fulfilled lives. And to our learners . . .
may you continue to live by your passion in sport,”
concluded Mkhwanazi.
This year’s opening ceremony was attended
by a number of inspiring local sporting
celebrities in support of South Africa’s
youth such as Itumeleng Khune and Jabu
Mahlangu-Pule.
Khune’s inspirational five minute state-ment
left all learners screaming and shouting
for more from the former Bafana Bafana
captain. “Like many of you sitting in the
grand stands, I was one of you. When I was
younger, I would sit and watch the game,
looking up to sports stars such as Jabu Pule
Teams
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Transet Foundation Newsletter
Education Portfolio hosts yet
another successful Life
Skills
Camp
Ms. C Mgijima – He
ad of Transet Foun
ation | Ms. Nonkul
Transet Group Exec
uleko Sishi –
utive HR | Ms. T M
oila, Senior Manag
er: Education
Glenburn Lodge was a hive of activity, painted in
red and green – Transnet corporate colours – as
the Education Portfolio’s Life Skills Camp for grade
eight (8) learners from the different schools kicked
off with a bang on the 3rd to the 6th of October,
2014 Learners attending were from Prestige College, St Mary’s Kloof Girls College, Durban Girls
College, Kearsney College, Woodridge College and
Kingswood College. The aim of the camp was to
get the learners in one environment, teach, see
progressand engage to get feedback that will help
develop a better programme in the coming year’s
camp.
Transnet Cares writer, Tania Moeng, met up with
Katlego Madiope, Aviwe Dyantyi, Kgothatso Sibasa,
Emily Ramonyai, Tsholofelo Sambo, Thokozile Tshabalala, Salmina Moloto and Lehlohonolo Mohlue
from Prestige College and got some really positive
feedback and their thoughts around the October
2014 camp.
6
During the October camp the learners were taught a
variety of life lessons including: dealing with change,
self-confidence, safety and security, financial management, budgeting and resisting the temptation of
over spending. “They taught us to stick to a budget. If
I go to the shop to buy airtime, I must not be tempted
to buy something else I did not intend to buy,” said
Aviwe Dyantyi one of the Ambassadors .They were
also taught creative thinking through playing some
informative games that require team work. Katlego
Madiope said, “we understood better through the
games than if we were just taught theoretically. We
got the lessons but because we are teens sometimes we don’t take them much to mind.”
The learners also had the privilege to be visited by
Johannes Ruberu, an ex-member of the “Transnet
Foundation Sharp Minds Group”, a programme
Transnet once had which helped students with extra
classes for Maths, Science and English. Johannes,
who has recently graduated at the Tshwane Univer-
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Transet Foundation Newsletter
sity of technology with a diploma in Electrical Engineering, was selected as part of the top 100 in his
region when he was in grade 8, after he sat for a
round of selection tests.
necessary support for them to thrive in the schools
where they are placed. Ms. Sishi then engaged
with each of the 20 Grade 8 youth on their school
work and their lives.
“Ms. Moila heard I was graduating and she saw
me as a perfect candidate to come and address
the learners. I was telling my story, my journey, to
encourage and tell them I’ve been at their level. I
was just in a different programme. The programme
made a difference in my life because of the extra
classes and the help of the staff that came and
all the help we received from Transnet back then,
maybe I would not be here.” Johannes explained.
As part of the consistent and structured support,
the Education Portfolio always prioritises the needs
of its learners. It held successful family support
workshops for KZN learners, Eastern Cape youth
and its 10 Transnet Foundation Youth placed at
Prestige College and their families/guardians and
caregivers.
Head of the Education Portfolio, Ms. Theresa Moila
was also present throughout the camp days. She
took part in the activities the learners were involved
in, including the high energy Zumba dance- which
was both fun and helped keep the participants
physically fit. Ms. Moila displayed so much passion
and affinity for the learners and expressed so much
hope for all learners to succeed in their studies.
“Johannes is an innovator. When we took him back
then, he was not 100% smart, but he is innovative.
We do not choose learners only based on smartness but because they are different. He is doing
really well. He has graduated and has a great job
already. These learners needed to get motivation,”
said Ms. Moila proudly.
t with
anagemen
t Foundation’s m
Some of Transne
learners
The last evening of the camp culminated in a drumming session that was enjoyed by all the young
people who learnt how to strengthen teamwork
through drumming rhythmically and in unison to
the beat guided by the enthusiastic drumming
instructor from ZAM entertainment.
The highlight of the camp was when the Group
executive: HR Ms. Nonku Sishi and Head of
Transnet Foundation Ms. Cynthia Mgijima visited
on the last day of camp and shared breakfast with
the TF Youth. Ms. Sishi encouraged the youth to
make the most of the opportunity given to them
by Transnet and strive to exit with a tertiary qualification from the programme. She assured the TF
Youth that the Foundation will continue to offer the
Life Skills Camp
participants play
ing drums at the
gala dinner
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Transet Foundation Newsletter
YEDP Programme Engages
Families
Transnet Foundation’s Youth Education Development Programme
is the Education portfolio’s brainchild targeted at academically
gifted students. The main aim of
the programme is to promote a
culture of academic excellence
in South Africa by providing comprehensive educational and psycho-social support to vulnerable
youth in strategically targeted
areas. The nine year programme
targets youth from Grade 8 and
the first five-year phase focuses
on high school education while
the last four years, tertiary studies.
The 2012 pilot intake saw an enrolment of ten
grade 10 learners with the number doubling
with the 2013 intake. One of the many roles that
Transnet Foundation takes on once the learners are in the programme is that of a parent and
this is achieved by carefully selecting Transnet
mothers and fathers who act as caregivers within
the school environments. The Education portfolio
believes that in order for the learners to be content
and eventually thrive in the programme, a strong
family support environment needs to be in place.
In light of this, Senior Manager Theresa Moila has
created a family support structure to integrate the
two family trees that the learners are seen to have
(Transnet Foundation family tree and the family of
origin/foster home/orphanage).
Moila has been holding workshops with the learners and their respective family to introduce the initiative.
“As the Foundation family, we want to introduce
and nourish a solid relationship with our children’s
other families. The family has an important role to
play in the child’s life and our children are in the
8
p in session
Family worksho
middle of the two family trees and we want to create a balance between the two. We are saying to
the families that they still have the responsibility for the socialisation of the child each family
structure has an important role to play. It is much
our role as is theirs, to impart values and be role
models for the children’’, Moila says.
Moila continued to say that the young people
are part of the partnership and are to play their
role wherever they are. When the learners are at
school, they are expected to follow the school rules
and when at home, house rules must be followed
just as Transnet Foundation protocol is observed
by the students.
“As partners let’s keep the conversation going and
let’s strengthen support for the children. We live
in a time where children are there to be seen and
heard. Children have rights and unfortunately they
also have responsibilities. These children are still
part of the family structure, a structure that has
rules. The students must not be exempted from
family rules just because they are Transnet ambassadors because without these protocols the child
is like a dying tree”, Moila told the family gathering
at a workshop held at Kingswood College.
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Transet Foundation Newsletter
Moila urged the families to continue to seek ways
to lay an even stronger foundation and further contribute towards building healthy, committed and
confident young people.
Thandi Mngxongo, one of the caregivers who has
been with the programme for all its life skills workshops encouraged the youth to listen to their elders
and subject themselves to the rules of their homes.
She also urged families to be more supportive and
not to use the resources such as the cell phones
allocated to the youth people.
Julia Matjene a Transnet mother based at Prestige
College who is responsible for taking care of the
seven girls indicated the need for families to take
an interest in what is happening in the lives of the
young people, to encourage them to study even
holidays. She explained the discipline structure
of Prestige College and the importance of the TF
Youth abiding by the code of ethics of the school.
Portia Moatshe and Johan Engelbrecht, the Grade
11 Transnet Ambassadors based at Prestige
Thandi
iver for Life
- A careg
Mngxongo
shared with the audience how the programme
had transformed their lives for the better and how
they had grabbed the opportunities with both
hands. Kgothatso Sibasa echoed their sentiments
and added that her life has never been the same
since she joined the programme and that she
planned to make the most of this golden opportunity.
Salmina Moloto’s grandmother spoke on behalf
of the families and expressed appreciation that
Transnet Foundation sought to engage with them
and actively involve them in the programme. She
expressed the need for more frequent meetings.
She urged all families to play a meaningful role
in the upbringing of the young people. She also
encouraged the young people to take counsel from
their elders and not to look down on others because
their circumstances had drastically improved.
Enrolment for the 2015 intake has commenced
and 10 successful candidates will this time form
part of the Youth Education Development Programme’s success story and their lives changed
forever.
Skills Cam
rt workshop
mily suppo
ing the fa
ps address
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Transet Foundation Newsletter
YEDP scouts for its next
10 learners for 2015
The programme has been running for
three years now and the Education portfolio’s Transnet Foundation Youth Education Development Programme has so far
directly changed forever the lives of 30
students currently under the programme.
Targeted at students who demonstrate
or have the potential to demonstrate
outstanding intellectual aptitude and
specific academic ability, the initiative
provides financial support, including
tuition, boarding, and programme support fees for a period of 5 years respectively to successful students.
In 2012, ten grade 10 learners became
the first students to be enrolled. The
selection process however was later
modified and in 2013, 20 grade 8
learners were selected for the second
intake.
Armed with determination to impact
the lives of as many youths as possible,
the Education portfolio has increased the number
of students to be enrolled in 2015 to 10.
On September 26 2014, the Portfolio conducted
selection tests and interviews at Prestige College
in Hammanskraal near Pretoria. The tests and
interviews were in line with the portfolio’s careful
selection and recruitment procedure to ensure fair
and unbiased process when selecting the children.
The learners from seven schools, (3 from Braamfischerville and 4 from the North West) wrote an
hour long test which was based on Mathematics,
Science and Critical Thinking. Senior Manager of
the Education Portfolio, Theresa Moila said in an
interview during the selection process that, “competition is stiff and I do not wish to be in the shoes
of the learners, some of whom are very scared and
10
Learners waiting
for the test
stressed out. We are conducting the tests to check
the level of knowledge and the knowledge gaps
to some extent. For example, learners who have
knowledge gaps of up to 3 years are not taken into
the programme as it would be difficult for them to
cope.”
Madeelein Hayhurst, the academic programme
manager from the Independent Schools Association of Southern Africa (ISASA) took the leaners
through the questions papers and explained the
instructions for the tests. The final 10 learners
would have done really well in the assessments
and in the oral interviews conducted by a panel.
The verbal assessment tests the learners’ level
of motivation, dreams for the future and why they
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Transet Foundation Newsletter
should be selected. Interesting answers were forthcoming with one learner indicating that he wanted
to be a lawyer in order to ensure that justice prevailed in South Africa. Another learner wanted to
become an electrical engineer and join Transnet
when he completed his studies.
future endeavors and hope that there will be other
education initiatives that you can tap into for further assistance”.
Prestige College, where the selection process was
held in Hammanskraal is a centre of academic excellence that currently has 10 beneficiaries of the
Transnet Foundation who are excelling (eight in
grade 8 and two in grade 11). Four of the Ambassadors in grade 8 made it into the front page news
of the school and their photos adorn the schools
wall of fame. Emily Ramonyai received a gold star,
Thokozile Tshabalala - bronze, Kgothatso Sibasa
and Aviwe Dyantji received silver exceptional for
being best improved learners in Grade 8.
In conclusion Ms. Moila said: “We are excited by
the process we have followed for selecting the new
group for 2015 and we can’t wait to unveil and
introduce the new recruits to the Transnet family
and the rest of South Africa. For those who will not
make it to the programme we wish you well in your
e test
Learners writing th
fore taking their test
s with learners just be
sse
Ms Theresa Moila po
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Transet Foundation Newsletter
12
Out with CAP, in with SEID
Over the years, it has simply been called CAP. But the Foundation’s Container Assistance Programme
portfolio has seen a restructuring, in operations, name and function. Still under the management of the
charismatic Ricky Maharaj, the portfolio’s name has been changed to Socio-Economic Infrastructure
Development (SEID) to align it with community needs, government priorities and the Transnet Infrastructure Plan (TIP), based on the corporate plan of Transnet.
“This now means that the portfolio will solidify its focus on socio-economic development through infrastructure and services provision in order to accelerate community service delivery. To date as CAP, we
have been at the center of over 60 projects including the construction of police stations, multipurpose
community centers, Transnet community centers, clinics and classrooms.
“And with these said projects, about 34 000 people countrywide have and continue to benefit from
them. It is with pride that I say that both safety and social development service delivery has been greatly
enhanced in many communities as a result of our portfolio’s contributions”, Maharaj explains.
Maharaj further added that the SEID portfolio will continue to utilise available containers and buildings
to provide CSI infrastructure. “SEID is an expansion and development of the base on which CAP has been
we and look forward to striving towards greater growth through Socio-Economic Infrastructure Development. The enhanced functions of the portfolio will promote the core business of Transnet as a whole and
add even more value to the Foundation’s contributions,” he concludes.
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Transet Foundation Newsletter
SEID Takes Rail Safety
Awareness to High Schools
The Socio-Economic Infrastructure Development (SEID) portfolio’s Khuma
Transnet Community Center in Potchefstroom waltzed differently into the
spring season this year. The center held
a rail safety campaign from September
3rd to the 5th; albeit differently from
the way the sister centers have been
conducting their safety campaigns.
This was done in partnership with TFR
our key rail safety partner, local government and their agencies and the
NGO sector.
Over and above the traditional level
crossing awareness where pedestrians and motorists are handed flyers,
Khuma center threw into the mix a rail
safety trailer. Spreading the rail safety message, the trailer moved around
and visited busy intersections as well
as Khuma and Stilfontein taxi ranks
on all three days of the campaign.
There was even greater activity in
the community high schools as preparations for the first ever SEID sponsored inter-schools debate on rail
safety kicked off. The robust debate also sought to
highlight the importance of efficient rail infrastructure in upscaling of the South African economy.
Ndivhuho Takalani, assistant manager for the SEID
portfolio, explained that the 1st semis for the debate were between Vuyani Mawethu High School
and Thuto Thebe High School on September 3rd
2014. Each school was represented by five leaners
and a student Vuyani Mawethu, came out victorious.
“Second semi-finals were held on September 4th
and were between Borakanelo High School and
Dirang Ka Natla High School. Like the first semi-finals each school had five participants. Borakanelo
came out victorious. The finals were held on 12
September 2014 at Khuma Community hall from
13h00 to 16h00.
“The participating schools were Vuyani Mawethu
High and Borakanelo High, with Vuyani Mawethu
High School walking away with the ultimate prize of
a gold trophy, a Lenovo Laptop for the school, five
Transnet branded gold medals and five Transnet
branded golf shirts,” Ndivhuho explained.
Turn page 14
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Transet Foundation Newsletter
From page 13
The second best school, Borakanelo High School,
was presented with a smaller gold trophy, five Transnet branded silver medals as well as five Transnet
branded golf shirts.
The two eliminated schools in the semi-finals
(Thuto Thebe and Dirang Ka Natla High Schools)
also walked away with five Transnet branded golf
shirts.
Ricky Maharaj, SEID Senior Manager, applauded
the community for coming out in great numbers in
support of the portfolio’s cause. Mr Maharaj was
even more impressed by the full participation of
the area’s high schools in the debate.“With such a
massive turnout and participation in our first ever
rail safety debates our plan is to now roll out the
initiative to other Transnet Community Centers and
incorporate these debates into the frequently held
rail safety campaigns nationwide,” he concluded.
SEID: Rail Safety
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Awareness
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Transet Foundation Newsletter
October in History
1. 2 October: Birthday – Indian political and spiritual leader
Mohandas (Mahatma) Gandhi (1869-1948) was born in Porbandar, India. He achieved worldwide fame for his devout lifestyle and nonviolent resistance which ended British rule over
India. He was assassinated by a religious fanatic in the garden
of his home in New Delhi on January 30, 1948.
2. October 3, 1863 – President Abraham Lincoln issued a
proclamation designating the last Thursday in November as
Thanksgiving Day.
3. October 4, 1965 – Pope Paul VI became the first Pope to
visit the U.S. and the first to address the United Nations.
4. October 4, 1830 – Belgium gained its independence, after
having been a part of the Netherlands since 1815.
5. October 6, 1981 – Egyptian President Anwar Sadat (19181981) was assassinated in Cairo by Muslim funda-mentalists
while watching a military parade. He had shared the 1978
Nobel Peace Prize with Menachem Begin of Israel. He had
signed an American-sponsored peace accord with Israel, but
had been denounced by other Arab leaders.
6. October 8, 1993 – The U.N. General Assembly lifted economic sanctions against South Africa following the end of racial
apartheid. The sanctions had been imposed since the 1960s.
7. October 9, 1962 – Uganda achieved independence after
nearly 70 years of British rule.
8. October 9 Birthday – John Lennon (1940-1980) was born in
Liverpool, England. He was a member of The Beatles, an influential rock group which captivated audiences first in England
and Germany, and later in America and throughout the world.
He was murdered in New York City on December 8, 1980.
9. October 11, 1899 – The Boer War began in South African
between the British Empire and Boers of the Transvaal and
Orange Free State. The war ended in 1902 with the Treaty of
Pretoria in which the Transvaal and Orange Free State became
British colonies.
10. October 12, 1492 – After a 33-day voyage, Christopher
Columbus made his first landfall in the New World in the Bahamas. He named the first land sighted as El Salvador, claiming
it in the name of the Spanish Crown. Columbus was seeking
a western sea route from Europe to Asia and believed he had
found an island of the Indies. He thus called the first island
natives he met, ‘Indians.’
11. October 14, 1964 – Civil Rights leader Martin Luther King,
Jr., became the youngest recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize.
He donated the $54,000 in prize money to the Civil Rights
movement.
12. October 24, 1945 – The United Nations was founded.
13. Birthday – Hillary Rodham Clinton was born in Park Ridge,
Illinois, October 26, 1947. She was First Lady from 1993-2001
during the presidency of her husband Bill Clinton. In 2000, she
became the only First Lady ever elected to the U.S. Senate,
serving as a Democrat from New York. She was re-elected in
2006 and then began a presidential campaign, hoping to become America’s first female president. She lost the Democratic
nomination to Barack Obama who went on to win the general
election and appointed her as U.S. Secretary of State in 2008.
14. October 28, 1636 – Harvard University, the oldest institution of higher learning in America, was founded in Cambridge,
Massachusetts. It was named after John Harvard, a Puritan
who donated his library and half of his estate. Distinguished
alumni include; Ralph Waldo Emerson, Henry David Thoreau,
Henry James, and NAACP founder W.E.B. Du Bois.
15. 30 October, 1974 The historic boxing match bet-ween
Muhammad Ali and George Foreman in Kinshasa, Zaire (now
Democratic Republic of Congo) took place on 30 October 1974.
Ali won the fight when he knocked out Foreman in the eighth
round. The event is regarded as one of the greatest sporting
events of the 20th century. A film and a documentary have
been made about the fight.
16. 30 October 1906 Archibald Campbell Mzoliza Jordan,
a Xhosa writer and linguist, was born at the Mbokothwane
mission station in the Tsolo district of the Cape Colony. Jordan
was the first black African to be appointed as lecturer in the
School of African Studies at the University of Cape Town and to
receive a Ph.D. at that university. He died on 20 October 1968
in Madison, Wisconsin, USA. Jordan was the son of an Anglican
minister. He was educated at St John’s College in Umtata and
Lovedale College at Alice. In 1934 he obtained a BA degree
from the Fort Hare University College, after winning a scholarship. He taught for 10 years in Kroonstad, mastering Sesotho, and was later elected president of the African Teachers’
Association.
17. In 1997 South Africa completed destroyed a total of 261
423 anti-personnel mines. Eighteen thousand mines were
etained for training purposes. In the 1990s South Africa began
to revise its policy on the use of landmines. In December 1996
the United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution
entitled “An international agreement to ban anti-personnel
landmines”. This resolution was supported by 155 countries,
including South Africa. On 19 February 1997 the South African
cabinet resolved to prohibit, with immediate effect, the use,
development, production and stockpiling of anti-personnel
landmines. The cabinet further agreed to dstroy South Africa’s
existing stockpile of anti-personnel landmines.
On 18 September 1997 the Diplomatic Conference adopted
the Convention on the Prohibition of the Use, Stockpiling, Production and Transfer of Anti-Personnel Mines. This Convention
was ratified by 81 states and signed by 133 states. In December 1997 South Africa signed the Convention.
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Transet Foundation Newsletter
Ansers to the September Puzzle
Across:
1. Tutu: Who became the first Archbishop black
head of South Africa’s Anglican
3. Disc: Planet named after the Roman God of war
5. Tot: Small measure of spirit
6. Hydro boil: System used on the Phelophepa train
to provide hot water throughout the trail
7. Kwacha: Zambia’s currency
8. Grade oil: Which pipeline was converted to gas
transmission line in 1996
14. TFEVP:(Abbrv)Transnet Foundation’s Employee
Volunteer Portfolio
15. Sukwene: Who won South Africa’s Idols 2013
17. Rolihlahla: Late member of the ANC who
became a member of the organization in 1994
and later became the SA president in 1994
18. Four: How many times has the Keasney College
Choir been crowned world champions.
18. Four: How many coaching staff does the SAFA
school of excellence have
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Down:
2. Two years-For how long has Transnet been
sponsoring the Wiehahn Eksteen Karate Team?
4. Cynthia Mgijima: Head of the Transnet foundation
5. Tea: A beverage served hot or cold
9. Aries: First sign of the Zodiac
10. Lee: Chief operations manager in the Cape
Town
multi-purpose terminal for Transnet port terminal
11. Petro net: Transnet pipelines was formally known
as––––
12. Health: The phelophepa train brings –––– and
hope to the thousand rural South African’s in
need of access to health care facilities
13. Barack: First black American President of the USA
14. True: True / false the South African flag was
adopted on the 27 of April 1994
16. Nersa: National energy regulator of South Africa
18. Forty seven: The SAFA School of excellence
started in 1994 with how many leaners
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Transet Foundation Newsletter
October Crosswords Puzzle
Across:
Down:
2. Not drunk
5. Meat cooked on the outside but still raw on
the inside
8. Where would one find the Oribi Gorge Nature
reserve in SA
9. Second largest and second most popular
continent in the world
10. How many island nations are in the world
11. Month in which Elvis Presley died in 1977
13. Where would one find a former cooling tower,
currently used for bungee jumping in SA
14. The Maputo Corridor Joint Operation Centre
was formed by how many Countries
16. Surname of Senior Manager of the Transnet
Employee Volunteer Programme
17. Deputy President of South Africa from 2005
to 2008
18. Personal Identification Number
19. Where do you find the Lions Head Mountain
in South Africa?
1. In which stadium did the 2014 Transnet Rural
& Farm schools Tournament take place?
3. South Africa’s national bird
4. In which month did (TPT) Transnet Port Terminals
get awarded with the coveted President’s
award in 2014
6. In which month was the late mother Teresa born
7. Mother to Charles, Prince of Wales
12. How many colours are on the South African Flag
15. A group of countries or people combined by a
common interest or aim
16. Well-known American activist and leader in the
African American Civil Rights who passed away
in April 1968
17
Contact us Now
Address:
24th Floor, Carlton Centre,
150 Commissioner Street, Johannesburg, 2001
Phone: +27 11 308 2775
Fax: +27 11 308 2573
Mail: [email protected]
Website: www.transnetfoundation.co.za