Fetakgomo Tubatse Local Municipality’s mayor, Cllr

Fetakgomo
Platinum
Maudu Johannes Phokane, tendered his resignation to
the council speaker on Wednesday.
Cllr Phokane took the step after the ANC Provin-

Tubatse cial Excecutive Committee in Limpopo recalled seven

mayors of municipalities implicated in the VBS Mutal
Bank illegal investment scandal. His resignation is

Gazette
effective with immediate effect and he puts it on record

Mayor in his letter of resignation that his resignation should not

be seen as an admission of guilt or involvement in the
investment scandal.
As such, the provincial forensic report on the scan-

resigns dal do not directly implicate Cllr Phokane, although the

R230 million was lost under his watch. He remains an
ordinary councillor.

Luke 2: 8 - 14

8 And there were shepherds living out in the fields

i
nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night.
9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the
glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were
terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be
afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great
joy for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David
a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah,
the Lord. 12 This will be a sign to you: You will find
a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”
13 Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host
appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,
14 “Glory to God in the highest heaven,
and on earth peace to those on whom his favor
rests.”

Fetakgomo Tubatse Tel 0832719151 (Editorial) 0835431676 (Advertisements) email: adverts@platinumgazette.com

Burgersfort, Steelpoort, Ohrigstad, Apel 14 Desember 2018 Fax 0865549031 editorial@platinumgazette.com
2 NEWS 14 DECEMBER 2018

Festive Season VBS Forensic investiga-

Best Wishes!
tions results -
Cllr Keamotseng Fetakgomo Tubatse Local
Stanley Ramaila - Municipality
Executive Mayor, The overall findings were that;
Sekhukhune · All Municipal Officials and political office bearers interviewed, admitted knowledge
of the Municipal Finance Management Act, the Municipal Management Act, the Municipal
District Structures Act and the Municipal Systems Act.

Municipality
As we bid farewell to the year 2018, we the people of Sekhukhune do so with a sense of pride
and joy. Indeed 2018 has been a special year, the Year of Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela, the
Year of Mama Nontsikelelo Albertina Sisulu, and mostly the Year of Renewal, Unity and Jobs.
We are very proud for having been part of history when Mr. Matamela Cyril Ramaphosa,
was inaugurated President of the Republic of South Africa in February 2018. It was then that
our beloved country gigantically enter in the New Dawn, this putting concrete expression to
the message of renewal, unity and jobs.
In doing so, I am proud to have led a battalion of elected officials, Traditional Leaders and
ordinary citizens into a brand new campaign dubbed: Thuma Mina, which simply translate
as ‘send me – roma nna ditšhabeng’.
As we responded to the clarion call by President Ramaphosa of Thuma Mina campaign, I
am very elated to report that we have touched lives of the people in villages like Ga-Komane,
Maseven, Thaba Mpshe, Ga-Phaahla, Phokwane, Glen Cowie, Moretsele, were water, VIP
toilets projects were handed over to our people. And I commit that we will still continue the
Thuma Mina campaign and touch more lives.
During this festive season, I am quite aware that our people in the district municipality
are still faced with harsh economic realities of poverty, unemployment and inequality. These
economic conditions are worsened by the increasing prices of food, fuel, electricity and the
general living conditions.
However, I take this opportunity to beseech everyone to extend a helping hand and give
unto the less fortunate so that we do not dampen the spirit of festive. On our part as the
district municipality, we will continue engaging our residents throughout this period in an
endeavour to provide much needed basis services of water and sanitation. We have indeed
achieved more, however, much still need to be done and together working with our com-
munities, we shall overcome. In the meantime, I encourage both residents of Sekhukhune
and visitors to take some time out during this festive season to visit our website on www.
sekhukhunedistrict.gov.za to find places where you can explore the diverse cultural, leisure
and many more lifestyle activities that make us a place for many reasons and the Kingdom
Destination of Limpopo.
May you all have a safe and pleasant festive season Merry Christmas and Happy New
Year. Peace be Unto You! Kgotsong!
· All the municipalities had cash Management and Investment Policies as required by
sections 13 of the Municipal Finance Management Act,
· The policies did not, in various respects, comply with the Municipal Investment regu-
lations. In particular there was material non-compliance with Regulations 4 which sets out
the core elements required in an investment policy. Despite the non-compliance the policies
were tabled and approved by various councils.
· The investment of all individual municipalities were made in contravention of Section
7(3)(b) of the Municipal Finance Management Act. In particular by having bank accounts,
and investment accounts with an institution which is not registered as a bank in terms of the
Banks Act 94 of 1990.
· The investments of all the individual municipalities with VBS Mutual Bank were made
in contravention of Regulation 6 of the Municipal Investment regulations in particular by
investing with an institution which is not registered as a bank in terms of the Banks Act 94 of
1990.
· The investments with the VBS Mutual Bank were made in contravention of the specific
Cash management and Investment Policies applicable in the individual municipalities.
· That the various Municipal Managers and Acting Municipal managers committed finan-
cial misconduct in terms of section 171(1) of the Municipal Finance Management Act.
Fetakgomo/Tubatse Municipality.
· It is recommended that disciplinary actions be considered against the Municipal man-
agers in terms of Section 17 (1) of Municipal Finance Management Act, that they,
(nn) Contravened a provision of the Act,
(oo) Failed to comply with a duty imposed by a provision of this Act, and
(pp) Made or permitted, or instructed another official of the municipality to make, an
irregular expenditure.

· It is recommended that disciplinary action be considered against the Municipal Man-

agers in terms of Section 173(1)(a)(iii) of the MFMA Act, in as far as the accounting officers
of a municipality is guilty of an offence if that accounting officer deliberately or in a grossly
negligent way fails to take all reasonable steps to prevent irregular expenditure.
“Doing
· It is recommended that disciplinary action be considered against the CFO in terms of
business the MFMA
without
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32(1)©,(d) and Section 32(2) of the MFMA be considered against the Municipal Managers
and the CFOs
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14 DESEMBER 2018
Taps run dry for days
In the upmarket neighbourhood of Aloe
Ridge West it is expected that the residents
be up to date on their rates, taxes and utility
bills, but when you open a tap in one of the
houses it may take days before you will get a
drop of water.
Regular water supply interruptions was part
of life in this part of town. The situation deteri-
orated much over the last few weeks, with
supply interruptions of five days or more not
being uncommon.
This week residents living in the Swallows
Crest Security Complex hired water tank-
ers to deliver water to Jojo tanks they had
installed to try and cope with the long periods
without water supply.
Platinum Gazette received letters, phone
calls and sms messages from residents
complaining about the situation and the way
Lepelle Northern Water is dealing with the
situation.
The current drought is affecting the amount
of water that can be pumped to supply town
on a daily basis and has been putting Lepelle
Northern Water under pressure. Adding to
the frustration is water leaks that are left
unattended for weeks. In Lepati Street in
Aloe Ridge West a leak has been draining
the system for weeks. To the extend that
some of the surrounding puddles that formed
already have tadpoles in them. Residents
claim they’ve reported it, but Lepelle Northern
Water has not attended to it yet.
Platinum Gazette forwarded some of the
letters received to the Sekhukhune District
Municipality (SDM) and Lepelle Northern
Water for comment. SDM is the authority
responsible for water supply in the area.
“We must speak about the water situation
with urgency as well as the way it is being
handled by Lepelle Water. It goes further
than just saying there is no water available.
Where we live in Swallow’s Crest we’ve not
had water supply for the last five days. Today
we paid someone to come and fill a 5 000lt
JoJo tank. People water their gardens in Aloe
Ridge East and deplete the water before it
can even reach us. What about notices about
water restrictions??? I would like a front page
article about this. Water is almost sold out
everywhere. My question is why is there no
communication about the situation? What
happens if an emergency occur and a house
burns down? What will they do then to pro-
vide everyone with water at the same time?
People want answers about the provision of
this life sustaining resource and their con-
stitutional right to it. I don’t know anymore,
but an investigation to the real facts must
be done to determine the state of affairs.
NUUS
I am again asking for a formal notice on a
letterhead from Lepelle that tells us the state
of affairs - similar to what Eskom is doing”. -
Mrs Havenga
“This is a letter of complaint for the numerous
water issues in town.
Well, in Swallows Crest we don’t have water
every morning from 6am till at least 8pm at
night, we are sometimes lucky to get water a
bit earlier than 8pm.
Today is 5 days we have not a single drop
of water, the excuse Lepelle is making is
that there is no water in the river, which is
the same excuse that we get the whole year
round!!! Thats the only 1 excuse they have.
Right now there are parts in town that have
water full time at full force, even on the high
hills, yes high hills, but the excuse they have
for Swallows is that its too high for the water
to reach, and their excuse is there’s no water.
We suggested that they close valves of the
places that are receiving water and make
arrangements for us, or give turns for people
to get water.. but they do not know where the
valves are situated??? That is what I was
told.. Extremely ridiculous! We pay our rates
and taxes and water bills on time then we still
have to deal with this.
I hope you can help the community out with
this issue.
- Concerned Swallow’s Crest Resident
“To whom it may concern
Herewith find an outline of the Swallows
Crest water problem.
We understand that we have a national water
problem and that the Limpopo region is expe-
riencing drought conditions.
With this said, I am reminded that in 2017 we
had no water in Swallows Crest for more than
two weeks, in 2018 we already experienced
no water, twice, for longer than four days. For
at least the last four or five years we contin-
ually experience low water pressure and no
water conditions during working hours, influ-
encing normal daily tasks like dishwashing,
laundry washing and household cleaning.
Some of the lame and continual feedback
received from water affairs is: River levels
low, Boreholes dry, the town is consuming
too much water, the dam levels are below
75% (Which means that if the dam level is
below 75% Swallows Crest has no water, we
are too high to be fed from that dam).
Talking to some of the workers on the field:
They reckon that we are also receiving water
from alternative sources, that there is multiple
contractors working on the lines that do not
always understand the influence they have
on the system when isolating.
3
SDM responds
Mr Willy Mosoma, Spokesperson for
SDM said:
“We are very much aware of the plight of
The question is: What is the way forward?
residents of Aloe Ridge and for that we
What is the medium and long term plans and
unreservedly apologize for any inconven-
how are we going to address these prob-
ience caused. In the spirit of Ubuntu/Botho/
lems/excuses, we cannot continue to operate
Kindness, we have arranged that a team
this way.
of engineers from the district municipality
As much as we hate to receive the ESKOM
and Lepelle Northern Water, our service
load shedding roster, it actually means that
provider, undertake a visit to Aloe Ridge
they are helping us to plan to overcome the
in particular and all residential areas of
inevitable. In light of our water problem, we
Burgersfort town to ascertain the actual
never know when it is going to hit for how
cause of the water supply shortage, engage
long and to what extent. If it is foreseen and
with affected residents and speedily come
pre-planed, the town should be notified of
up with a solution to correct the wrong that
water restrictions and with better planning the
is happening there. The mission is planned
influence can be managed and maybe Swal-
for Thursday the 13th and Friday the 14th
lows Crest will not be without water totally for
November 2018. In light of the drought
extended periods.
situation that is crippling the entire nation,
Is there a forum that can outline some of
we do not wish to inconvenience our paying
these issues and maybe explain the way
customers with water which is a basic
forward, even if we do not like it, we can plan
service. We are dealing with this matter as
and adopt until the plans are executed?”
a high priority because our water supply, be
Willie du Preez
it minimal, should not impact negatively on
our customers. Once more, we apologize
for the inconvenience caused and we hope
our residents will support us as we resolve
this matter.”
Residents living in
Swallow’s Crest in
Aloe Ridge West,
Burgersfort this week
resorted to installing
Jojo tanks and having
water delivered to
their homes. They
had been without
water for five con-
secutive days and no
indication of when the
situation would be
resolved or improve.
4 NEWS 14 DECEMBER 2018

Your views on Eskom’s load shedding

Over the last few weeks South Africans were
back in the dark as the country’s power utility,
Eskom, implemented various stages of load
shedding.
This week Eskom reported that they
are still busy with maintenance of units that
should be providing power to the nation.
They cautioned South Africans to switch off
all non-essential appliances and to assist
them in reducing the demand for electricity.
“We’ve made a commitment to the nation
to keep the lights on, especially this festive
season. And that process has already start-
ed. So, these first three days are an indicator
that when we do as much maintenance as
we can, clearly things will begin to stabilise.
But, I must caution that we still have a huge
mountain to conquer,” says Eskom spokes-
person Khulu Phasiwe on Wednesday this
week.
Eskom is a state-owned entity. Last week
Public Enterprises Minister Pravin Gordhan
and Eskom board assured the public that
they were working on fixing the interruptions
Mr Strike Maroga said: “Load shedding Ms MP Mohloba, Ms Maureen Thobejane, Ms Itumeleng Mkhondo and Ms Andile Ngwenya
of power that was being experienced.
changes everything. It makes life a living said: “Yes, this load shedding has disturbed us a lot. We don’t have things like generators. It
People fearing a “dark Christmas” without
hell. They don’t notify us and the economy is really difficult for us. We depend on electricity so much. Nobody wants a dark Christmas,
electricity were reassured as Gordan said:
is losing money. We hope they will keep the hopefully the issues will be resolved before then”.
“Between 15 December and 15 January,
electricity on for December. They can start
there is a lower demand in any case because
with it in January again if they need to”.
of the shutdown of industry, and no load
shedding should be expected during that
period”.
He also said that it is often difficult to
predict interruptions as breakdowns of gener-
ation units can happen unexpectedly.
Eskom is suffering from a massive debt
burden but according to Gordhan claims that
Eskom might be privatised by government is
“mischievous”. He added that “We are begin-
ning to feel the effects of state capture”.
Platinum Gazette asked readers how they
cope with the loadshedding, what the impact
on their lives has been and what they expect
over the Christmas season.
(Eskom is publishing load shedding
schedules on their website at
www.loadshedding.eskom.co.za if you would Mr Vhahangwele Ntshiombo and Ms Khumbelo Netsianda said:
like to see when your area might be affect- “Where we stay in Ga-Mashamothane there is no electricity, so it is
ed). not affecting us”.

Mr Mark Phaswane said: “I live where we normally don’t have any

electricity. So we are used to burning candles. Load shedding is not a
problem for us”. With him is Mr Emmanuel Hlatshwayo.

Right: Mr Jacob
Makua and Mr
Gabriel Mokoena
said: “It makes life
too difficult. Our
meat gets rotten if
there is no electric-
ity and there is not
always money to re-
place what went off.
We are not coping”.

Mr Sam Mashilo said: “Our country’s main

problem is water and with no electricity, Left: Ms Maria
there is also no pumping of water. It is a big Nkoana and Mr Ali
problem”. Hussain said: “Load
shedding is killing
our business. We
are not reaching our
Mr Malope Mahlaela said: “As an attorney targets. At home
I find it very difficult to cope with the load meat gets rotten. It
shedding. We have to comply with court is also very hot. The
orders and because of load shedding it is load shedding is
very difficult. It think Gordhan will resolve it also damaging our
though. The Guptas and VBS was bad for appliances”.
our country”.

Left: Mr Victor Themba said: “It is bad. Last

week I had to buy a generator and it was
lots of money. I had no choice, otherwise my
fridges will go off”.
14 DESEMBER 2018 NUUS 5

and how you cope when it happens

Right: Mr Sekotoma Tau
said: “I’m from Ga-Rhanto’s
Ntswaneng Village. It is a new
village and we don’t have elec-
tricity. Dwarsrivier Mine want-
ed to assist us, but the prob-
lem is the fighting between
the Kghoshi’s. One of them is
blocking the development for
electricity supply. Load shed-
ding don’t affect us as we don’t
have electricity supply under
normal circumstances”. With
him are Tata, Ralph, Thusego
and Happiness.

Right: Ms Thabiso
Lekolwane and Ms Seboye
Mr Mamthandi Makofane said: “Honestly, our Matlou said: “It is costing
products in the fridge get rotten during load our business money. We
shedding because it is so hot here in Burg- are not even making our
ersfort. We appeal to government to make a Mr Lenet Mogoale said: “It is really incon- daily target. We pay rent,
plan because electricity is our life. It should veniencing me. Especially when we need to but we have to close the
be a priority as we no longer live in the dark prepare food we feel it very badly. I pray that shop when there is load
ages”. by Christmas everything will be sorted out by shedding. It’s been like this
Eskom”. since last year. We don’t
have hope that it will be
resolved soon”.

Left: Mr Kholofelo
Twala said: “I don’t
have a problem with
load shedding. I am
always at work when it
is happening”.

Mr Jacob Phokane said: “The effect of load

shedding depends on the time of the day. I
just plan according to their schedule. Hope-
fully the ANC will resolve these issues. We
are going towards elections now and they will
want to satisfy the public”.

Mr Muzvarwi Zvidzai said: “We are struggling.
You’ve got to cook in time before the elec-
tricity goes off. We are afraid of the tsotsi’s in
the dark and sometimes there is no water be-
cause the pumps don’t work and then people
cannot bath. It is so hot here”.
Mr Marcus Sello Mamogale said: “Eskom
should have planned to avoid this. We cannot
rely on generators. Businesses are negative-
ly affected. This load shedding is not accept-
able. It is an inconvenience. The politicians
are failing us”.

Left: Ms Ntabiseng
Maile, Ms Salome
Nkune, Mr Karabo
Dleni, Mr Tonny
Mapalakane, Mr
Michael Dennis and
Mr Thabang Mnisi
said: “It is disturbing
our business. Our
customers get angry
when there is load
shedding and lose
interest in shopping.
We struggle at home
because we cannot
cook and don’t have
money to buy take-
aways and we have
small kids to feed”.
6 Advertorial 14 DECEMBER 2018

Christmas message from

outgoing General Manager
It is unbelievable how fast the
years went by, seems like yes-
terday when I started at ECM in
2010. This year is also just about
end with the festive season round
the corner.
We had quite a vibrant year with
development taking place at Lwa-
la and New Chrome Section. The
other operational mines were per-
forming well and for the first time
in ECM’s history we will get close
to the 2, 5 million tons saleable
mark. Unfortunately we dropped
the ball on safety a bit with a
fatal whereby Mr Mahore lost his
life. Our thoughts are still with his
family through this trying time.
With the New Year in sight, we
are excited that the mines will
even improve on this year’s per-
formance. A new business unit
looking after Lwala and Jagdlust
was created and we have a new
General Manager to take the
lead at ECM. I want to welcome
Mosala to the team, I hope it will
be a fruitful stay.
Glancing back at the past nine
years, I am proud of what ECM
achieved. This could only be done
with a super team, I need to
thank all of you for your part in
the success of this great com-
pany. We have a host of values
and rules, the one that I cherish
is that of “Caring”. People are
our most valuable asset and if we
really drive this thought of caring,
all other values will automatically
fall in place.
I wish you a Merry Christmas,
may it be a joyous festive season.
Thank you for your dedication
throughout these years, you are
so special to me!
Emile Britz

A message for Christmas from the

incoming General Manager
As I start my exciting Journey in Sa- I believe that 2019 will also be
mancor Eastern Chrome Mines with you, our best year in terms of our number
valuable assets of our company. one goal - Zero Harm and Production
I want to say that I am looking for- because we are going to make use of
ward to working with you as we deal with every opportunity before us as we focus
our daily challenges and bring solutions on our Core Business.
together, continue to make this place a As most will be travelling during this
better place for us, our children and our December 2018 and January 2019, please
children’s children. let us remember to respect ourselves and
2018 was a challenging year for Sa- other road users by complying to road
mancor with regards to safety, and I wish rules.
to send my deepest condolences to our I would like to wish all ECM colleagues,
fallen Heroes’ families and friends. friends and family members a Merry
I would like to plea with everyone to Christmas and a Prosperous New Year.
take a moment to ponder and think of the May God bless us all, God bless Africa.
2018 learnings, find and implement no
repeat solutions. Mosala Letebele Learners assisted with
scientific calculators
Samancor ECM Long Service Awards Samancor, Eastern Chrome Mines
(ECM) focusses on caring for its sur-
rounding communities through various
recognises employees’ loyalty LED and CSI initiatives. They continue
to identify opportunities where they
Samancor Eastern Chrome Mines (ECM) recognised service Mr Emile Britz, General Manager of Samancor ECM also can assist with the social and educa-
excellence and loyalty during their annual Long Service expressed his appreciation for the years these employees tional upliftment of communities.
Awards. gave to the company. A request from Mashupje Senior
Mr Pieter Brits, HR Manager for Samancor ECM praised He also touched on the future of Samancor ECM, encour- Secondary school based in the Roka
and thanked the group for their combined years of service aging these long serving employees to train the younger Phasha Community, to assist through
of more than 800 years. ones and provide guidance through the experience they’ve sponsoring 350 learners with scientific
gained in their years at ECM. He assured them that the calculators was received. The team
company is here for the long run and that hopefully many from ECM was glad to assist and hand-
more long service achievements will be celebrated in fu- ed over the calculators to the school
ture. A special touch to the event was the fact that some on 17 October 2018.
of the employees brought along their spouses to share the
moment. Each long service recipient received a certificate
and a gift.
The following employees had 15 years service: T. Mo-
hlala, MA Mohore, MS Nkomo, MA Rachoshi, MS Shongwe,
PJ Mathebula, NE Sekopa, BE Magagula, MS Moraba, HF
Tshehla, RM Conradie. 30 Years service: LL Makofane, JM
Maroga, TS Mashilo, C Rieger, MI Malatji, AS Makola. 35
Years service: PT Maroga, SMS Mabelane, NJ Moima, ENN
Ndimande, PB Monareng. 40 Years service: J Choma, J Ma-
baso, M Mabelane, PK Masehlela, FM Matemane, L Mshwana
and A Nkosi.
(Sadly Mr Mahore passed away after a fatal injury. He had
15 years service. This ECM stalwart will be missed)
14 DESEMBER 2018
Grade 1 pupils start the year
equipped thanks to Samancor ECM
Samancor, Eastern Chrome Mines (ECM)
takes pride in the relationship that has
been established with various institutions
and especially schools that fall within its
footprint. This relationship is built on trust
and a strong bond to improve the circum-
stances to which children are exposed.
The vision of ECM is to collectively make a
difference.
This year was no exception. Various initia-
tives were launched during 2017 and with
the support from the project’s sponsors
(Samancor Chrome, Macdonalds Trans-
port, Ngululu Transport, Atlas Copco, Tyre
Corporation, Remax, Zizwe, Nomakanjani,
Sylvania, Thorburn, Cranbrook and AQS)
more than 300 ‘back-to-school’ parcels
were distributed to Grade 1 pupils attend-
ing schools in the area during January
2018. The ‘back-to-school’ parcel included
a school bag, lunchbox and juice bottle.
Some of these schools include Mangabane
Primary, Makgakantshe Primary, Boer-
boomkraal and Laerskool Steelpoort.
Samancor ECM would like to express their
Advertorial
Samancor Eastern Chrome Mines brought
career possibilities to learners
Samancor Eastern Chrome Mines
(ECM) participated in the Eastern
Limb HRD Career Expo for Grade
11 learners in August this year.
This annual expo shifted the
focus to Grade 11 learners this
year, to assist them with not only
possible career opportunities, but
also bursaries, apprenticeships
and learnership opportunities
they can apply for.
Approximately 6 000 learners
visited the Career Expo. Trans-
port was provided to make it
easy for them to attend.
Samancor ECM has shown
their commitment towards the
improvement of education and
development within the area
through current and previous SLP
projects. Millions of rands have
been invested in improving and
creating new infrastructure at
schools in the area. The Com-
pany sees education as a way in
which everyone can improve their
own future. By investing in school
sincere gratitude to all the sponsors that
support our initiatives in this regard during
the year.
infrastructure and development
they contribute towards creating
better equipped leaders and pos-
sible employees for the future.
Samancor ECM’s exhibition
included the full spectrum within
the company, including Human
Resources, Finance, SHEQ, Min-
ing, Ventilation, Rock Engineer-
ing, Engineering, Diesel Mechanic
and other artisan careers, Met-
allurgy and many more. Each
station was manned by employ-
ees working in the specific fields
on display. They were able to not
only provide learners with back-
ground on what their careers are
about, but also answer any ques-
tions about subjects needed for
further studies towards obtaining
a qualification.
Learners were kept engaged
with inter-active games and
demonstrations related to the
career areas on show.
Samancor ECM is also commit-
ted towards providing assistance
Samancor Eastern Chrome Mines
values the youth of the area
Youth Day was celebrated in style
at Mangabane Village thanks to a
sponsorship by Samancor Eastern
Chrome Mines (ECM).
The event was held on Friday 15
June and learners from Manga-
bane Primary School and Mak-
7
in terms of bursaries and appren-
ticeships. The learners received
information explaining the oppor-
tunities available and the require-
ments needed to apply.
Learners made the best of their
time at the event, collecting in-
formation and asking questions.
Each received a boerewors roll
and a goodie bag as well.
During the opening of the
event the Fetakgomo Tubatse
Local Municipality (FTLM) Mayor,
Cllr. Maudu Johannes Phokane
emphasised the need for strong
ties between government and
the public sector. He added that
events such as the Career Expo
are testimony to the mines’
commitment towards improving
education and creating opportu-
nities in the area. He had a mes-
sage to parents and learners to
also take responsibility and make
use of the opportunities and not
contribute towards instability in
the area.
gakantse Primary School were
transported to the Samancor
ECM sports ground at Mangab-
ane. Kohin’s Youth Workers and
the Steelpoort AGS interns and
pastors were ready to help them
learn something and enjoy the
day with fun and games. The
learners re-
ceived a snack
upon arrival
and a message
focused on Ed-
ucation - a door
to a brighter
future. Then it
was fun on the
jumping castles
and other ac-
tivities with the
youth workers.
8 Advertorial 14 DECEMBER 2018

Charity Golf Day for Samancor

Samancor Eastern Chrome
Mines invest in
communication tools for
local Traditional Authorities
Samancor, Eastern Chrome Mines is
committed in supporting the communi-
ties and traditional authorities within its
footprint.
ECM once again assisted with the do-
nation in the form of Laptops, Printers,
Cartridges and Modems to the com-
munities of Ba Binanoko Ga-Mampuru,
Roka Phasha Phokwane and Bakoni
Phuti Traditional Authorities. This will
be registered as the assets of the men-
tioned Traditional Authorities to assist
the community structure in running the
affairs of the offices. Mapodile Develop-
ment Forum (Proclaimed) also received
the same type of donations.
Eastern Chrome projects a
roaring success
Samancor Eastern Chrome Mines (ECM) hosted their annual Charity
Golf Day on 24 February 2018.
The event took place at the Lydenburg Golf Club and players had the
opportunity to mingle with retired rugby and cricket players forming
part of the day.
These sport star guests were Danie Gerber, Chester Williams, Divan
Serfontein, Jannie de Beer and Fanie de Villiers.
The money raised with this day goes into some
of ECM’s community projects like the distribution
of school supplies to schools in the mine’s feeder
area.
An auction at the end of the day saw players bid
for signed items from the sport stars.
The day’s winners were Kobus Rademeyer and
Manie Muller. (photo top right). The second place
was taken by Bertus Swart and Clintin Janse van
Rensburg. Third place went to Jehane Claase and
Chester Williams.
Next year’s Charity Golf Day is already being
planned and promises to be an even bigger event
than 2018.
Samancor Eastern Chrome Mines gives
early childhood development a boost
Samancor, Eastern Chrome Mines to cater and look after the needs of 67
(ECM) takes Early Childhood Devel- children who were enrolled for 2018.
opment programmes very seriously Samancor ECM representatives delivered
and will continue to invests in initi- toys and clothes to the crèche.
atives for the benefit of the children The Principal, Mrs. Damaries Maluleka,
and also to the upliftment of commu- expressed her gratitude towards Saman-
nities within the footprint of Saman- cor ECM.
cor. Samancor ECM believes that
these type of initiatives create the
foundation towards the intellectual
development of the child.
Samancor ECM earlier this year
received a request from Moopetsi
crèche, which is situated within the
area of Riba Cross for donations that
will assist in the development and
growth of the children that is attend-
ing the crèche. The crèche needs

Investing in community health through

HIV Peer Educator Training
This year Samancor Eastern Chrome
Mines (ECM) hosted an HIV Peer
Educator Training Course.
The event was attended by 28 peo-
ple who were selected from com-
munities surrounding the mine and
include areas such as Eerstegeluk,
Ga-Mampuru, Riba-Cross, Driekop
and Ga-Maroga.
The group received training from Posi-
tively Alive’s Employee Wellness Consult-
ant and Specialist trainer, Alan Brand.
Over the course of the three days the
group expanded their knowledge of
HIV, learned how to help people in the
community living with HIV, they were
empowered to now offer counselling
and support and teach others about the
illness.
Brand has been living with HIV since
1997 and has been taking anti-retroviral
medication since 2004. This gives him
a perspective that makes the training
relevant and filled with impact.
The group will then embarked on a 20
week practical implementation pro-
gramme in their communities and had to
complete a test to receive certificates for
their attendance and training.
14 DESEMBER 2018 Advertorial 9

Zero Harm is the goal

Samancor Eastern Chrome Mines (ECM)
kicked off their “Shine your light on
safety” campaign in November.
It is the time of the year that people
often call ‘silly’ season. Traditionally
people cannot wait for the December
Christmas holiday and this often leads
to unnecessary accidents and incidents
due to a lack of concentration and let-
ting small safety issues pass. These can
have an impact on the total safety of
employees at the mines.
ECM encourages employees to work
safely, use the ‘Red Stop Cards’ and use
the right to withdraw from
an unsafe environment.
They are also encouraged
to be a ‘brother’s keep-
er’ and take the lead to
address any safety related
issues as soon as they are
observed.
The campaign will
stretch until March 2019.
A special industrial the-
atre crew brought a safety
message that underlined
the need to ‘Shine your
light on safety’. Characters
in the play explained very relatable situ-
ations employees have to deal with every
day. It was also explained that safety
and production could never be separated.
Production is needed for business surviv-
al and job security, but safety is key in
achieving the production for everyone’s
benefit. Employees enjoyed participat-
ing in the question and answer sessions
where great prizes were up for grabs.
They danced and were eager to lead and
light the way with safety at their various
sites.
SHEQ Manager, Murendeni Ngobeli
encouraged them to take responsibili-
ty for their own safety so everyone can
return home safely at the end of the day.
Achieving zero harm every day.

Winterveld Festival
Samancor ECM engages with delivered fun for everyone!
employees through
The annual Winterveld Fes- competitions and live entertain-
tival took place at the end ment. It was complimented by
of August and saw hundreds flea market stalls and free kids

Site Indaba 2018 of people flock to Winterveld

Samancor Eastern Chrome
Mines held its annual Site
Indaba in July this year.
This important event on
the mine’s calendar is one of
the ways in which the com-
pany engages with employ-
ees on every level.
Recreational Club in Steelpoort
to participate in the festivities.
entertainment. Visitors to the
festival danced and enjoyed the
entertainment until late night.
It is an opportunity for em- cerns that might be raised The event is organised Samancor Eastern Chrome
ployees to hear about the state during the different sessions. and sponsored by Samancor Mines thanked suppliers and
of the company, the state of the To make sure all employ- Eastern Chrome Mines and sponsors whose support added
industry and the plans and chal- ees had an opportunity to boasted a full programme of to the success of the event.
lenges in the foreseeable future. attend, sessions were split
The leadership team attended into three to include all the
the event and was available to different mines.
answer any questions and con- The event also included an
industrial theatre
with a motiva-
tional theme.
Employees were
reminded that
the company’s
success directly
affects them and
their families.
When every-
one within the
company can
passionately
work together to
enhance safety
and productivity
it has a positive
impact every-
where.
Samancor ECM
cares about its
employees and
is committed
towards open
communication
between man-
agement and the
work force.
10 Platinum Gazette 14 DECEMBER 2018

‘n Tropiese afsluiting vir 2018

Die Christen Gemeente Kerk in Extention 10, Burgers- afgesluit.
16 Days of Activism
fort het verlede naweek die jaar met ‘n tropiese tema Hulle het terug gekyk op ‘n jaar vol uitdagings, vreugde en
meer.
Die gemeente gee graag dank
against Women and
aan die volgende: “Dankie aan
ons Hemelse Vader wat alles vir
ons moontlik maak. Dankie aan
Child Abuse
Pastoor Williams vir geduld en The commemoration of 16 Days of Activism for no violence
lankmoedigheid. Mag die Here against women and children saw the Sekhukhune District Munici-
hom seën in al sy weldade. Dankie pality become in many events to create awareness.
aan suster Geraldine vir die décor On 3 December an event was hosted at the Bosele School for the
en dankie aan die jeug vir hul Blind in Monsterlus and on 10 December a march saw the com-
behulpsaamheid. Aan die Vroue in munity of Sephaku fill the streets to go from the Sephaku Clinic to
Christus groep, baie dankie - met the SOS Children’s Village centre.
God aan ons sy, kon ons die beste A call was made to report abuse, be responsible and to empower
van die jaar maak. Dankie vir julle children to talk about any abuse they may suffer.
liefde en deursettingsvermoë. Various stakeholders participated in the events and the message
Geseënde Kersfees en voorspoed to unite against abuse was loud and clear.
vir almal in 2019”.
Die gemeente het ook geskenke
onder mekaar uitgeruil om hul
waardering vir mekaar te wys.
(Inligting en foto’s: Rosa Williams).

(Information & Photographs: Puleng Mmotla, Khomotso Ndlovu)

New look for the festive season

Some of the stalls along the R36 between Ohrigstad and

Strijdom Tunnel revamped for the festive season. After a new
coat of paint and some structural improvements they are ready
for the tourist rush with fresh fruits and vegetables.

Platinum Gazette Klein Advertensies • Smalls

Beánnla Celliers Place your small advertisement via e-mail or fax or contact Beánnla Celliers
on 083 543 1676 or 083 271 9151. E-mail: adverts@platinumgazette.com •
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Human Communications 144668
14 DESEMBER 2018
Spend wisely
As the festive season gets into full swing, the
National Credit Regulator (NCR) is urging
consumers to spend their hard earned money
wisely.
“We are advising consumers to be cautious
of their spending during this festive season
and only spend what they can afford. Con-
sumers should not overdo it,” said acting
manager for education and communication at
the NCR, Jimmy Golele.
Golele said 2018 has been a difficult year for
consumers with increasing petrol price hikes,
the VAT increase as well as interest rate and
electricity price increases.
The regulator, which was established under
the National Credit Act, is responsible for the
regulation of the South African credit industry.
The regulator, which is an agency of the
Department of Trade and Industry, said
during the silly season, people spend money
on unnecessarily on things they do not need
as they have additional income in the form of
bonuses.
“Additional income can be used to settle debt
and also be saved in platforms that will grow
the money unlike spending it on things you
do not need and those that will finish your
money,” said Golele.
The regulator said while spending during
the festive season, consumers should think
Message from the Provincial Exco
The Limpopo Provincial Government held
its last Executive Council meeting for the
calendar year on 5 December 2018, to
discuss service delivery issues. During this
meeting it was confirmed that government
is ready for the festive season.
“It is a norm that during the festive sea-
son, there is an increase in the movement
of people within the country due to various
reasons. Our Police and Traffic Officials
will be visible throughout the province to
ensure that our society is always safe and
protected in all corners of the province
including Malls and Towns. The province
has also experienced a high number of fa-
talities on roads and we wish to have a ze-
ro-incident festive season. I am making an
appeal to all travellers who will be visiting
Limpopo for tourism, holidays and other
activities to obey the rules of the roads and
exercise patient at all times,” said Limpopo
Premier Chupu Mathabatha.
“We continue to wish condolences
to those who perished on our roads.
Visible policing and speed enforcement
will concentrate on crucial roads. From
Maubane to Beitbridge on the N1, a traffic
NUUS 11
Modikwa blasting
about the New Year which is around the
corner. assistance learners
He said consumers should only use regis-
tered credit providers when seeking credit
because using unregistered lenders can end
up being their worst nightmare in the near
celebrate the end of the year
future. Modikwa Blasting Assistance
“Unregistered lenders will take your identity learners had their year-end func-
documents, bank cards/PINs and SASSA tion at Badikila Road house on
cards and withdraw your money immediate- Friday last week.
ly after you get paid. They will literally pay The group really enjoyed the
themselves first and leave you with change experience. During the different
to get by for an entire month,” he adds. trips they expanded their knowl-
Golele says this will lead to a debt-trap and edge and learned many things.
make such consumers dependent on these “We really thank Modikwa for
lenders for a very long time. the skills development that they
The danger of being charged unreasonable gave us. We wish every Modikwa
interest rates is that consumers will battle to employee a safe holiday and may
finish repaying the loan, meaning they will be God protect them until they come
stuck with that lender. back next year.
“This means that you will be enslaved to the
micro-lender. According to the National Credit
Act, each and every one who gives out credit
and charges interest must register with the
(Information & photographs:
National Credit Regulator”, says Golele.
KS Makgopa)
The NCR urged consumers not to fall for
gimmicks such as “buy now, pay after three
months” and then incur additional credit dur-
ing those three months.
“Do not be afraid to request for a pre-agree-
ment statement and quotation
when applying for any type of
credit, remember, it is your right
according to the National Credit
Act,” he said.
The regulator urged consumers
to use their bonus to reduce their
debt burden by paying off existing
debt.
In addition, the regulator urged
consumers who have lost their
job to inform their credit providers
about their situation.
“If you were paying for credit life
insurance, contact your credit
providers for assistance as the
aim of credit life insurance is to
pay the consumer’s debt either
in full or a portion in case the
consumer dies, gets retrenched
or disabled whilst still owing that
particular credit,” says Golele.
Remember the following tip to
spend wisely during the festive
season: Draw a budget for the
month and include all debt, rent,
electricity, water, insurance,
transport, gifts, entertainment,
etc. When going shopping, have
a shopping list to avoid buying
unnecessary items.
police vehicle will be visible at least every
40 Kilometres. 10 high speed vehicles fitted
with Moving Violation Recorder (MVR)
will be deployed. All our weighbridges will
be activated to focus on overload control
and fitness of trucks and public transport
vehicles. Public transport operations will be
conducted in every district. The Provincial
Department of Transport and Community
Safety has identified the following routes
as hotspot, N1 between Mookgophong
and Modimolle, N11, R71, R521, R36, and
R37”.
“In conclusion, the festive season
mood is upon us, with all the excitement
that comes with this time of the year, let us
remember that our lives matters. Drive safe
on the road as you’ll be travelling to various
destinations. Don’t drink and drive, take five
minutes rest after every 200 kilometres or
two hours drive, be healthy, stay safe and
explore Limpopo a destination of choice.
Do not text and drive, Buckle-up as Road
Safety is everyone’s responsibility! Motor-
ists are urged not to bribe officers as both
the briber and the bribee will face the full
might of the law”.
12 14 DECEMBER 2018

Pulana Maroga Kom vier saam
soccer teams on Geloftedag by die
a roll Watervalsrivier
Pulana Maroga Soccer League teams played
some league games at the various sports-
grounds in the area on 8 December 2018.
Two games were played at each of the partic-
ipating team grounds.
The results were:
Mighty Blues ground:
Mighty Bucks: 0 vs Barcelona: 0.
Tearing Lions: 2 vs Mighty Blues:0.
Lenareng ground:
Mohlophi Fast 11 Jnr: 0 vs Morethe Young
Platinum Gazette
SPORT
Dribblers: 2.
Driekop Happy Stars: 0 vs Bafaladi: 2.
Lenareng: 2 vs Lebalelo Hungry Vultures: 0.
Maruleng ground:
Driekop FC: 2 vs Golden Spears: 1.
Feesterrein
Vanaf 14 - 17 Desember 2018 vier kultuur
Mangabane: 2 vs Tshakanya Mighty Rovers:
hoogty en word daar by die Watervalsrivier
0. Maruleng: 0 vs Stone Breakers: 6.
Feesterrein tussen Burgersfort en Lyden-
burg saamgetrek.
Die kamp kommandant is hierdie jaar Ruan
(Information and photograph: Pulana Maro-
Potgieter en hy kan gekontak word by 082
ga Soccer League).
339 4406 om te reël vir spasie om saam te
kom kamp.
Daar word ‘n vol program vir die naweek
beplan:
Vrydag 14 Desember 2018:
16:00 Laer trek tot 18:00.
18:00 Lekker saam braai (pap en sous
word voorsien). Bring eie eetgerei en slaai
as u wil.
18:00 Die Voortrekkers vermaak die
kinders tot laat
20:00 Kampuur saam sing.
Saterdag 15 Desember 2018:
08:00 Die Voortrekkers vermaak die
kinders vir die hele dag - lekker boeresport
en speletjies.
17:00 Potjiekos pret. Kampeerders
maak potjie vir almal wat wil saam eet.
Kampeerders moet uithaal en wys. Bring
eie eetgerei saam. Potjiekos vir besoekers
R100 per volwassene en R50 per kind.
19:00 Kannie Warrie Boereorkes vastrap
dans. ‘n Fooitjie word gevra vir die orkes
vir gaste.
Sondag 16 Desember 2018:
04:00 Saluut skote onder leiding van Ruan
Potgieter.
07:00 Geskiedkundige fliek oor die gelofte.
09:00 Erediens, diens waargeneem deur
Ds. Doyer. Voortrekkers voorsien koffie en
tee na die diens.
10:30 Algemene jaarvergadering
13:00 Saam eet (elke gesin moet ‘n vleis-
gereg, ‘n slaai en ‘n poeding bring)
18:00 Toespraak oor Angola oorlog
20:00 Flieke sonder brieke (bring komb-
erse en stoele).
Maandag 17 Desember 2018:
08:00 Ontbyt by die waterval (voorsien
asb. jou eie kos, drinkgoed en gasbraaier).
13:00 Afbreek van die laer.
Almal is welkom om die naweek saam te
kom geniet en ook saam te kom kamp. Dit
beloof ‘n heerlike saam kuier geleentheid
te wees. 2018 is die jaar van pret, makie-
tie, saam braai, boeresport, kultuur, plesier
en erfenis.
Die Gelofte: “Hier staan ons voor die
Heilige God van hemel en aarde om ‘n
gelofte aan Hom te doen, dat, as Hy ons
sal beskerm en ons vyand in ons hand sal
gee, ons die dag en datum elke jaar as ‘n
dankdag soos ‘n Sabbat sal deurbring, en
dat ons ‘n huis tot Sy eer sal oprig waar
dit Hom behaag, en dat ons ook aan ons
kinders sal sê dat hulle met ons daarin
moet deel tot nagedagtenis, ook vir die
opkomende geslagte. Want die eer van Sy
naam sal verheerlik word deur die roem en
die eer van oorwinning aan Hom te gee”.