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MAYOR VISITS ELDERS ON HIS
BIRTHDAY
By Genevieve Vieira
On 12 July, the Executive Mayor of Matlosana, cllr Thamsanqa China
Dodovu celebrated his 37th birthday with elderly persons in Doornfontein.
Mr. Dodovu shared this day with a remarkable old woman who has reached
the outstanding age of 108. As a declaration of awareness to the
degrading situations of our rural communities, this day was dedicated to
the aged.
It is evident that the social status of our rural communities remains to
be a challenge. Poor sanitation, housing, no access to health
facilities, unclean water, no access to grants and home affairs are just
a few of the problems that the people living in this area have to face
on a daily basis. It is due to such frustrations that this day was
chosen to be shared with those living in these dreadful conditions.
Mrs. Kiti Clara Sekana is one of the farm elders who turned 108 years on
11July. She has embarked upon many journeys, witnessed life-changing
events and still manages to survive in such poverty. Her wisdom has
carried her through three centuries and it is truly a miracle to witness
her endurance. Mrs. Martha Doorin Letlojane, a fellow neighbour, was
entitled “Nelson Mandela's twin” for her and Mr. Mandela share the same
age.
As residents on this farm, these elders challenge many monstrous
conditions but as a witness it is fair to say that “there is great
fellowship in poverty”! This day was also the 50th anniversary of the
women's struggle, when they marched to the union building, protesting
against pass laws.
A day of many gestures, in honour of those who carry with them knowledge
and understanding of the world, was uniquely a joyous occasion. The
Department of Health brought along a mobile clinic which provided
necessary medication and has made a contribution to ensure that routine
checkups will be conducted. Municipal councilors treated the elders to a
pedicure and massage session as a memorable gesture.
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THUPI RESIGNS AS MM OF
MATLOSANA
By Genevieve Vieira
On 10 July, Thupi Mokhatla resigned from his position as the Municipal
Manager of the City of Matlosana. Mokhatla would like to clarify his
resignation as merely an opportunity for embarking to greener pastures.
Recent media has construed this decision in an unsound manner.
Mokhatla returned from Merafong Local Municipality in 2001 to serve the
people of Matlosana as the Municipal Manager. Before this time he served
the city council of Klerksdorp under the Executive Mayor, Dr Masike
followed by Executive Mayor, Jaycee Nxamakele during which the name was
changed to the city of Matlosana. As the accounting officer at the time
Mokhatla challenged head on to deliver to the mandate of the people of
Matlosana.
It was during this time that Executive Mayor, China Dodovu who then was
representative as the Housing Manager created conflict between the two
parties. Mokhatla obtained a judgement against Dodovu in a lawsuit where
Dodovu was instructed to pay R100 000 plus interest. The amount stated
has thus far not yet been paid. Although these matters have not yet been
resolved and Dodovu has been reinstated as Executive Mayor, which now
ranks his position as Mokhatla's boss, it is not these petty grievances
which have lead to his resignation.
Mokhatla has served the city with loyalty and dignity and will leave
behind not only a financially stable city but also a solid
administration to deliver the needs of its community. He will pursue his
career as a Municipal Manager at West Rand District Municipality, where
he feels he is subject to make a difference as a professional.
Mokhatla said “I believe who ever will succeed me will continue to enjoy
the support of both politicians and officials in serving the people of
Matlosana.” We would like to wish Mokhatla a dignified departure and may
his future be a successful and proactive one.
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Last
round for Gautrain
The construction of the multimillion rand Gautrain project may begin
within six weeks. An informed source in the project team recently told
Beeld, that the team members were "holding their breath" in the hope
that final financial negotiations on building the train will be
completed "by the end of August or early in September".
Once this milestone has been reached, construction can "begin
immediately". The project team initially wanted to hold the sod-turning
ceremony in February, but negotiations with the Bombela consortium
responsible for the R20bn project are still dragging on. Court cases by
the industrial and property group AECI and residents of the prestigious
suburb Dunkeld in Johannesburg also threaten to put a spoke in the
Gautrain's wheels, though informed sources in the project team did not
think the cases would delay construction if the final signatures were on
paper.
Many experts and property developers told Beeld that they feared the
building work could disrupt traffic severely, especially in Rosebank and
Sandton, but as soon as the bullet train was running, the future would
be rosy. Dust, greater traffic congestion and construction noise could
mean that "slightly fewer people" would visit the Rosebank Mall and Zone
shopping centre during building operations, but Gautrain consultant for
the Rosebank management district Yasmeen.
Dinath said the prospects after the project had been completed were
"extremely positive". Gautrain stations will be built at Park Station in
Johannesburg, Rosebank, Sandton, Marlboro, Midrand, Centurion, Pretoria
and Hatfield. Johannesburg International (OR Tambo) Airport and
Rhodesfield would connect with Sandton via a separate line.
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ENGEN GIVES AWAY A CHICCO
By Genevieve Vieira
On 12 July, Engen gave away a brand new Chicco to one lucky contestant
in the Win a Chicco Competition, at the Klerksdorp Recreation Centre.
Engen has hosted a competition that has been running for the last three
months. The only requirement being that you were one of Engens' clients,
in which you received a stamp for services offered. During this time 24
contestants were chosen, each from corresponding Engen sites.
Contestants gathered, enthusiastic that they might be the proud owner of
this new car. The contestants were then narrowed down to 10 finalists.
From these 10 finalists the group was once more narrowed down to 5. Each
received a key of which one would open the door, and that lucky
contestant would walk away with the car. The five finalists comprised of
Elsa Nieuwenhuis, William Morolong, AT Buthelezi, Violet Noinyane and
Ephraim.
Ephraim was the first to test his key and with some struggle and
presumably countless prayers, he managed to open the door. Ephraim is a
preacher from Orkney who before this time only possessed an old
stammering vehicle which has served more than enough of its time.
Ephraim said that he is very happy to be the winner for he certainly was
a contestant that truly needed the car.
The evening welcomed the appearance of Dean Ford; the regional retail
manager for Engen. Dean said that “We as dealers, we are not in the fuel
business, but we are in the people business.” Dean continued by stating
that all participating contestants are their clients and if it were not
for them, the business would not be a success.
Therefore Engen would like to thank all their clients for the support
and faith that has been entrusted in them.
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MEC YAWA
TO LAUNCH PROGRAMME FOR CONSTRUCTION WEEK
North West MEC for Public Works, Howard Yawa is to launch his
department's programme for Construction Week on 27 July with the
handover of the newly build Father Smangaliso Comprehensive High School
at Slovoville in Winterveldt.
The completion of the R9, 5 million School Building Project three months
ahead of schedule entrenches the trend of accelerated delivery and
service excellence that have in recent years become the trademark of the
department.
The Provincial Programme for Construction Week, which commences on 27
July-3 till August also includes the handover of Reabetswe Secondary
School in Ipeleng Township near Schweitzer Reneke, visits to learning
institutions to encourage learners to follow careers in the built and
construction sectors, visits to construction sites by youth and a
meeting with consultants and contractors.
The National Construction Week is a nation-wide awareness campaign to
promote the image and profile of the construction sector, so as to give
young learners the opportunity to experience a wide range of exciting
opportunities available in today's built environment and construction
sector.
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Matlosana is muscling in on women, youth and people with disabilities
empowerment
The city of Matlosana is a frontrunner in improving service delivery and
empowering women, the disabled and the youth, and in the process it gave
giant strides to provide more jobs for its own inhabitants. Apart from
the physical construction of houses, street building and the provision
of water and sanitation, the most significant achievements have been in
the realm of job creation and human endeavour.
The city has committed itself to the following key priorities with
respect to all procurement dealings like the increased usage of local
resources, redressing skilled employment and ownership patterns through
black economic empowerment, increasing opportunities for job creation
and poverty alleviation, stimulation of skills development,
fast-tracking growth and ensuring sustainability of SMME's.
Unbundling of contracts and employment of emerging contractors were used
to maximise employment opportunities. An estimated 1500 jobs were
created through capital projects.
The council approved a capacity building programme for housing that
resulted in a partnership between the Supply Chain Management Unit and
the Department of Developmental Local Government and Housing.
One of the many benefits of this partnership was the training of women,
youth and disabled people in construction management, financial
management, tendering and contracting. On 13 July, the Executive Mayor,
the Speaker, MMC Infrastructure, Manager in the Office Executive Mayor,
Officials from Department of Labour, Director Capacity Building from
province and staff of Supply Chain Management Unit congratulated 498
unemployed women, youth and people with disabilities, 210 of whom were
women, who had completed NQF level 2 in the construction contractor
course conducted in 2005 and 2006.
At the moment these women are engaged in various projects around City of
Matlosana which include housing, hostel redevelopment and construction
of streets. It is evidence that unemployed people are not merely trained
and left to perish. They are appointed in different projects as
sub-contractors to enhance their skills.
The main aim of the construction contractor programme is to give women a
better understanding of the construction industry to enable them to
participate in the mainstream economic activities of the city. One of
the greatest success stories of the City of Matlosana's training
programme is the 5 000 housing pilot project. In order to create as many
jobs as possible during construction phase, the unemployed women and
youth who were trained to perform plumbing, bricklaying, carpentry,
plastering, electrical and financial management were called upon rather
than private companies.
City of Matlosana's strategic objective with the training of unemployed
women, youth and disabled persons, as well as emerging contractors, is
to provide visible delivery of sustainable infrastructure and services
to the disadvantaged areas of Matlosana.
Three training centres are currently operative in Jouberton, Kanana and
Khuma -- where plumbing, electrical, plastering, bricklaying, carpentry
and financial management courses are offered. The partners in this
initiative are the city of Matlosana, the department of labour and the
department of local government and housing.
The city of Matlosana strives to work smart in building bridges between
enhancing development through partnerships with communities, businesses
and service providers.
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R350m investment scam exposed
One of the largest investment scams yet seen in South Africa will test
new legislation aimed at protecting consumers and will send shock waves
through the financial adviser industry.
In the coming months, Financial Advisory & Intermediaries Services (Fais)
Act Ombud Charles Pillai will rule on a number of complaints levelled
against financial advisers centred on a failed foreign exchange trading
product sold to investors - many of them pensioners - that cost
consumers in SA around R350m. Advisers who sold the product - marketed
in SA by a company called Leaderguard Securities - without the necessary
licence to deal in forex products could lose their right to work as
financial advisers.
However, more importantly for duped investors, both the Fais office and
the Financial Services Board (FSB) are determined to try to make
advisers refund money lost by clients. If successful, it would be the
biggest shakeout seen in the industry - probably putting a number of
advisers and firms out of business. More than 200 advisers - mainly
individuals but also firms and "broking networks" - are believed to have
been named in the Ernst & Young report. The FSB has sent them circulars,
asking for submissions and details on how they plan to refund clients.
At the same time, complaints are being lodged with the Fais Ombud at the
rate of around two a week with regard to brokers and the Leaderguard
product. Pillai says that he's received 15 complaints to date on which
he will make determinations, which in terms of the Fais Act carry the
same weight as a judgement. He expects his findings on two complaints to
be issued "soon". FSB CEO Rob Barrow said he can't reveal the contents
of the Ernst & Young report. But a contact at the accounting firm
believes the majority of cases under investigation took place after Fais
became law.
Like most dodgy investment schemes, the Leaderguard product was
characterised by high-pressure marketing and enticement - in this case,
particularly high commissions paid to advisers who sold the product.
Gregg Sneddon, an adviser who also runs a consumer education service,
The Financial Coach, says he heard about the product and was aware of
some advisers selling it.
Though Sneddon was only aware of individual brokers selling the product,
one fairly big name has come up - Hamilton Solutions, an organisation
with more than 400 financial service provider members. CEO HL "Kiep" van
der Westhuizen says that Hamilton isn't a brokerage but "a network of
individual brokers" and he feels strongly that brokers are being
unfairly blamed with regard to Leaderguard.
Van der Westhuizen says that 13% of Hamilton's members - which must be
around 50 people - are under investigation. "Including some of our top
guys." Pillai confirms that Hamilton is one of the names that has
appeared in complaints to his office.
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Flu still poses a
threat, worst is over
The strain of influenza that has hit South Africa this winter season
seems to be abating, but it still poses a risk to the old and the weak.
"The flu epidemic which has been sweeping across South Africa is over
its peak and is waning," said Johan Cloete, spokesperson for pharmacy
group Alpha Pharm. He added that the declining sales of flu and cold
medicines indicated that South Africa was over the worst.
Dr Lucille Blumberg, the head of the Outbreak Unit at the National
Institute of Communicable Diseases, said the number of new cases of
influenza being reported had been decreasing significantly. Despite
this, those vulnerable to influenza still needed to be cautious. "It is
important to remember that influenza can cause significant illness and
even death to those who are most vulnerable, and that people should
still take precautions," she said. Blumberg added that those in
high-risk groups such as the elderly, those with cardiac disease and
diabetics should get vaccinated in April each year.
Members of the public were advised to ensure they maintained and boosted
their immune systems by eating a balanced diet, getting enough rest and
avoiding high levels of stress. "Supplementing with vitamin C and other
immune-boosting products is also advisable," she concluded. – Sapa
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MTN signs
up as first African FIFA World Cup Sponsor
For the first time, an African company - MTN Group Limited - has signed
up as a FIFA World Cup Sponsor. This historic agreement awards MTN
global rights to the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa as well as to the
FIFA Confederations Cup in 2009. The new partnership, sealed by FIFA
President Sepp Blatter and MTN Group President and CEO Phuthuma Nhleko
at a private signing ceremony, underlines the commitment of both
entities to empower Africa through football.
"We are proud that MTN has chosen FIFA for this landmark commitment
which creates a true partnership with many opportunities for both of us.
Telecommunications play a key role in uniting people and we are
convinced that we have found a highly dedicated partner in Africa and
the Middle East's leading mobile telecommunications group, which is also
the keenest supporter of African football on the continent," said
Blatter.
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VOORSTELLE INGEWAG VIR KONSERTE IN POTCHEFSTROOM GEDURENDE 2007
Die Skool vir Musiek aan die Noordwes-Universiteit, Potchefstroomkampus
bied jaarliks 'n verskeidenheid van konserte van uiteenlopende aard in
hulle konsertreekse aan. Konserte word gedurende die week op Dinsdag- of
Donderdagaande aangebied, asook tydens 'n Sondagkonsertreeks.
Aangesien die konsertreekse vir 2007 reeds in beplanning is, word
uitvoerende kunstenaars, agente en promotors uitgenooi om voorstelle in
te dien wat daarvoor oorweeg kan word. Die sperdatum vir voorstelle is
31 Augustus en 'n finale besluit word teen 31 Oktober verwag.
Die nodige vorms en verdere inligting kan aangevra word by (018)
299-1692.
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More Value for your Money
Tata Motors entered the South African market in October 2004 with an
impressive range of passenger and light commercial vehicles. Targeting
the entry level market, Tata Motors have changed the rules of the game
producing affordable vehicles without compromising technology or
quality.
The range of passenger vehicles include the Indica Hatch which is
available in four derivatives namely the LEi, LSi, the LX and the LXi.
While the Indigo is available in two models the Sedan and the Station
Wagon, which is the new addition to the stable, both are available in
the GLS and the GLX derivatives. The light commercial range consists of
the Telcoline 4 x 2 and Telcoline 4 x 4 which are both available in
Single and Double Cab models.
Since its introduction to the local market, Tata is perceived as one of
the best value-for-money brands in both passenger and light commercial
vehicles. To ensure that they compliment your TATA driving experience,
they have developed an array of value-added products that will ensure
that the time you spend owning a TATA, is mostly on the tarmac. The Tata
Motors stable includes a range of quality commercial and passenger
vehicles with options to extend and add value to your vehicle. Sometimes
it is the little things that they do that count, like offering value
added services to make your life a little easier and more reliable,
giving you peace of mind. That is why you'll be happy to hear about
their Comprehensive Extended Warranty and Tata Roadside Assistance.
Most vehicles on the road are sold with a 3 year factory warranty, but
what happens when this warranty expires? Tata Motors offers you an
option to extend the factory warranty by two years with a Tata
Comprehensive Extended Warranty Plan. This gives you the benefit of
knowing that if there is mechanical failure you will receive immediate
Roadside Assistance and the Extended Warranty will take care of
everything else. If you are interested in these value added services
contact Tata in Klerksdorp for all of the above and more.
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Hangover? Who Me?
So you overindulged a bit the night before? Your head feels like it's
just been through ten rounds with Mike Tyson, your stomach's churning
and you can virtually chew on your breath. Before you pop a handful of
pills and try to sleep it off, try some of these natural ways to make
the morning-after bearable.
Hangover foods
• Drink a large glass of fresh, unsweetened orange/grapefruit juice and
take a good multivitamin and mineral supplement.
• Drink a cup of peppermint tea to soothe the stomach.
• If you can get out of bed and face the kitchen, or if your partner has
forgiven you for your behaviour the night before and is willing to help,
whip up a simple, wholesome breakfast:Yoghurt/porridge and honey with a
sprinkling of wheatgerm, followed by a slice of dry rye toast.
SOS for your liver
If you are prone to overindulgence or if your social calendar consists
of endless parties and restaurant meals, then you have to give your
liver a break every now and again. Rich or stodgy foods and alcohol can
clog your lymphatic system, which will hamper the effective release of
toxins from your body. The resulting build-up will put strain on your
liver, kidneys, your digestive and immune systems.
Help take the load off your lymph and flush out toxins in your system
with this simple detoxifying drink:
• 3-4 tablespoons of pure cold-pressed olive/almond oil.
• 6-8 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice.
• 3-6 garlic cloves.
• Freshly grated ginger to taste.
Pop all the above ingredients into a blender until frothy and drink it
immediately. Note: People with a history of gall stones should seek
medical advice before drinking the drink and pregnant and breastfeeding
women should not take it.
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NWU-Pukke druk 'n drie vir
rugby
'n Belowende jong rugbyspeler het 'n beurs van R20 000 vir studie aan
die Pukkampus verower ná sy uitstekende hardloopwerk en verdediging
tydens die NWU-Puk se uitnodigingsweek wat die vakansie in Potchefstroom
gehou is.
Johannes (Joe) Seerane, vleuel van die Limpopo Bulle wat sy rugby vir
die Hoërskool Merensky speel, het reeds op die eerste dag van die
o19-rugbyweek die oog van die beoordelaars gevang en is aangewys as die
Speler van die Week.
Nog twee spelers, Corne Cordier (Hoërskool Monument en die Goue Leeus se
Welpies) en Douw Steyn (Hoërskool Elspark en die Valke) het elk R5000.00
ontvang as onderskeidelik die voorspeler en agterspeler van die week.
Altesame tien spanne van nege provinsies en Botswana het aan dié week,
wat vanjaar vir die tweede keer gehou is, deelgeneem. Die Puk beplan om
die uitnodigingsweek uit te brei deur spanne van Namibië en ander
Afrikalande ook betrokke te kry.
“Die ontwikkeling van jong mense is ons passie en dié week is 'n
belangrike voertuig waarmee ons iets kan teruggee aan dié skole wat ons
hoofvoedingsbron is. Die vernaamste doelwit van die
NWU-Puk-uitnodigingsweek is talentidentifisering en geleentheidskepping
en die universiteit beplan om 'n eiesoortige identiteit en tradisies vir
die week te vestig,” sę prof. Annette Combrink, kampusrektor.
Sy is oortuig daarvan dat die week, nes die Cravenweek, 'n impak op die
ontwikkeling van jong rugbytalent in Suid-Afrika sal hę. Die week sal
voorts help om die rugbyvangnette wyer te span om sodoende te verseker
dat minder spelers jaarliks vir Suid-Afrikaanse rugby verlore gaan.
Die Limpopo Bulle het vanjaar se week onoorwonne afgesluit na hulle die
hoofwedstryd op die laaste dag teen die Valke met 12-0 gewen het. Pieter
Schutte het al Limpopo se punte aangeteken met drie strafdoele en 'n
skepdoel.
In die ander wedstryde op die laaste dag van die week het Vrystaat die
Leeus Welpies met 17-14 geklop, die Blou Bulle was met 39-28 baas teen
die Luiperds se Stedelike span, die Griffons het Botswana met 56-3
afgeransel en die Luiperds se Platteland span het ook die week
onoorwonne afgesluit met 'n 30-22 oorwinning oor die Pumas.
Die deelnemende spanne was dit eens dat die NWU-Puk week 'n besliste
bydrae lewer tot die ontwikkeling van die spel en die broodnodige
blootstelling aan o19-spelers gee wat nog op skool is.
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Puk-navorsing beďndruk
adjunkminister
Die adjunkminister van omgewingsake en toerisme het die
Noordwes-Universiteit geloof vir die navorsing wat met persisterende
organiese besoedelstowwe (POP's) en die geheel-benadering tot
landbou-ekosisteembestuur gedoen word en hulle genooi om aan
werkswinkels van die regering deel te neem.
Me. Rejoice Mabudafhasi het die Pukkampus van die NWU se Skool vir
Omgewingswetenskappe en Ontwikkeling onlangs besoek waar sy twee nuwe
laboratoriums, waar navorsing op POP's en entomologie gedoen gaan word,
amptelik geopen het.
Sy het 'n beroep op die universiteit gedoen om saam te werk en
vennootskappe met die regering aan te gaan. “Julle doen hier omtrent
alles waaraan ons departement aandag gee en ons sal graag wil saamwerk.”
“Ons weet dat POP's toksiese stowwe is wat die natuur, diere en mense se
gesondheid węreldwyd benadeel. Navorsingsfasiliteite en inisiatiewe oor
dié toksiese stowwe is uiters belangrik om kennis, nie net in
Suid-Afrika nie, maar ook in die res van die vasteland uit te brei.” Sy
het ook aangedui dat die ekologiese benadering tot geďntegreerde
insekplaagbestuur kan bydra tot volhoubare voedselproduksie in Afrika
soos reeds geďllustreer is deur die internasionale belangstelling in
omgewingsvriendelike plaagbeheermetodes wat by die NWU ontwikkel is.
“Die data wat deur die navorsingsinisiatiewe gegenereer word sal 'n
groot gaping in kennis van toksiese stowwe help vul, en sal bydra dat
Suid-Afrika 'n meer beduidende rol in streeks en internasionale -inisiatiewe
kan speel.”
Sy het gesę mense moet die omgewing hulle eie maak want dan eers sal
hulle die passie hę om die omgewing te help bewaar. Die mens is van sy
omgewing afhanklik en moet versigtig daarmee omgaan.
Mabudafhasi was so beďndruk met die navorsing wat gedoen word om
besoedelstowwe in die natuur te identifiseer en hoe om natuurlike
metodes eerder as gifstowwe te gebruik om peste onder mielies en sorghum
te beheer, dat sy navorsers genooi het om met die regering se
werkswinkels te help.
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Delays Cause Land Claims To
Expire
Farmers were forced to finalise a land claim themselves, after it had
dragged on for 4 years. The land claim was to be dealt with by the Chief
Land Claims Commissioner, Mr Tozi Gwanya, but farmers claim he made
threats to expropriate the land.
“Gwanya's threats that agreements must be reached within six months or
else he would expropriate the land, are preposterous in the light of the
fact that farms with willing sellers have to be revalued nine times when
government does not respond," says Dr Theo de Jager, Vice Chairperson of
Agri Limpopo. "In the light of the way that the process had been handled
up to now, it would be impossible to meet the land claims deadline, even
if all land owners were willing sellers. Only a small percentage of land
claims have been published in the Government Gazette, and after
publication, all claims drag on for longer than two years. Less than 11%
of Limpopo's land claims have been completed, and Limpopo is way ahead
of the rest.”
According to De Jager, the Mashishimale claim near Phalaborwa had to be
revalued three times since 2002. "The claim was accepted, the price was
accepted, but it keeps expiring because government is taking its time.
"Farmers involved in the Seloane claim between Giyani and Letsitele had
accepted the government's offers in January 2004 already, but received
draft contracts only in April 2006. In the mean time, the prices have
become outdated." At Burgershall in Mpumalanga, land has been registered
in the names of the new owners, even though the farmers hadn't received
their money yet.
Gwanya had assured Mr Ben Cilliers of Mpumalanga that he will personally
ensure that his land claim is taken care of within two months if he
would be willing to accept 30% less than the average of two government
valuations of the land. Mr Cilliers then agreed simply to get it all
behind him. The claim was published in November 2002. The farm had been
revalued nine times and six written offers had been signed before it was
suddenly finalised in March this year after it became known that
Cilliers was planning to force government in the High Court to either
withdraw its claim on the land, buy the land, or expropriate the land.
Five letters of enquiry to the Minister of Agriculture and Land Affairs
elicited no response except acknowledgement of receipt, and assurances
that the matter is "being dealt with". According to him, he is not aware
of any land claims which were dealt with by Gwanya which took as long as
stated in Mpumalanga. The Sanford farms near Hazyview suffer the same
problems. Farmers have been given assurances by the provincial land
claims commission that claims will be taken care of quickly if they
accept lower valuations. Some of these farmers have agreed to this. They
have accepted lower valuations on two occasions. Their contracts have
been "finalised and sent to the minister for approval" 27 months ago.
Nothing has happened since. They are now going to court. property24
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HANDELAARS
FORUM KLERKSDORP GROET KOOS VAN RENSBURG
Die Handelaars Forum van Klerksdorp wens graag vir Koos van Rensburg,
Handelaarshoof van Oranje Toyota Klerksdorp geluk met sy welverdiende
bevordering as Handelaarshoof van die baie groter Oranje Toyota in
Bloemfontein.
Hierdie handelaarskap is die vlagskip in die Oranje groep en sy
bevordering gaan nie ongesiens verby nie.
Die Handelaars Forum in Klerksdorp is baie jammer om Koos as 'n vriend
en kollega te verloor, maar wens hom en sy gesin baie sterkte toe met
hierdie groot bevordering. Koos het diep spore in sy termyn as
Handelaarshoof in Klerksdorp getrap en sy weggaan sal sekerlik 'n leemte
laat in die gemeenskap.
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Medicine prices drop in South
An independent report which has just been released has revealed that the
average cost of medicines has dropped by just over 8% in South Africa
since December 2004.
This is in stark contradiction of widely expressed views in the
pharmaceutical and pharmacies sector a couple of years ago, when South
Africa's Department of Health introduced a plan aimed at reducing the
end cost of medicines to the consumer. Many role players declared that,
far from reducing prices, the plan might increase the cost of
pharmaceuticals and that it would certainly limit access to medicines by
frightening off major multinationals and causing bankruptcies in the
pharmacy sector.
Mediscor's Medicines Review 2005, which was recently unveiled to members
of the medical schemes sector, clearly shows that a significant
reduction in the cost of the average drug prescribed had been achieved
in the last year. Mediscor is a major supplier of drug management
software in South Africa - the company supplies the interface between
pharmacies and medical schemes, so is uniquely placed to gather evidence
about patterns of medicine utilisation and the cost of medicines.
The figures show that the introduction of single exit pricing and a
dispensing fee have resulted in a significant decrease in average item
costs, says Mediscor's Business Development Director, Margot Brews.
However, this has not translated into reduced cost to the medical
schemes, as at the same time, the prescribing behaviour of doctors
appears to have changed. For example, there are more items on the
average prescription than was the case in previous years. It is not
clear whether this is driven by the fact that medicines are less
expensive, and that the patient can therefore afford more, or whether in
fact abuse is a factor. In fact, the increase in utilisation and the
decrease in drug costs literally balance each other out.
The Mediscor Medicines Review 2005 reveals that another government
priority appears well on the way to being achieved: use of generic
medication is increasing steadily - up by 8.7% from 40.2% in 2004 to
43.7% in 2005. At the same time, the average item cost of generic
equivalents decreased by 21%. This is a very good sign, says Mediscor
CEO, Christo Rademan. It is in line with the Department of Health's goal
of decreasing medicine costs the more generics can be prescribed or
substituted, the more affordable good quality care will become. The
Review also shows that the chronic 'diseases of excess', characteristic
of a rapidly developing country, are most prevalent in South Africa.
Most of these reflect lifestyle diseases, says Brews.
Around the world, cardiac disease and high cholesterol, obesity,
digestive problems and other conditions like Type 2 diabetes are shown
to increase rapidly in a population, which is experiencing a change to a
developed-world lifestyle. These are all issues that are susceptible to
intervention, however, we believe that a drive to educate South Africans
at all levels about good lifestyle choices in terms of food consumption,
exercise and the like, would be rewarding and ultimately cost-effective.
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'N DROOMSEISOEN VIR NOËL MEYER!
Noël, 'n matriekleerling van Hoërskool Klerksdorp, is pas by die
internasionele atletiekbyeenkoms vir die suidelike streek in Mauritius
weer as kampioen gekroon nadat hy die spies 75,19 meter ver geslinger
het.
Dit nadat hy as 0/17-atleet in 2005 as lid van die Suid-Afrikaanse
Atletiekspan aan die Junior Węreldspele in Morocco gaan deelneem het en
as węreldkampioen gekroon is met 'n gooi van 80,52 meter. Die afstand
wat hy nou behaal het met die swaarder spies, is ook Noël se persoonlike
beste en plaas hom derde op die węreldranglys.
Hiermee is hy en sy afrigter, Willem Geyer se voorbereiding vir die
Węreldkampioenskappe in Beijing, China, later vanjaar ook stewig op
dreef.
Noël is sedert laerskooljare versot op die spies en is die 0/12
spiesgooirekordhouer in Suid-Afrika. Met die jare het hy dan ookal meer
as twee handevol medaljes by die SA's (USSASA en ASA) verower.
Kan J.P. van der Schyff oor sy eie kop spring?
Op papier lyk dit inderdaad so, want hierdie 0/17-atleet van Hoërskool
Klerksdorp kan definitief hoër spring as wat hy lank is!
J.P. het pas aan die Internasionale Gimstrade in Griekeland deelgeneem
as lid van die Suid-Afrikaanse 0/17 atletiekspan as enigste Klerksdorper
en daarin geslaag om op 2,17 meter oor die dwarslat te seil.
J.P. verdien hiermee 'n silwer medalje in die kompetisie waaraan 34
lande deelgeneem het.
Was dit nie dat die Griekse hitte hom so met krampe laat sukkel het nie,
kon hy volgens sy pa, wat hom saam met mnr. Dirk Burger van KHS afrig,
dalk selfs nog beter gevaar het, want hy het op elke hoogte met sy
eerste sprong geslaag.
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INDOOR CRICKET RESULTS
B League: Dodge Balls lost to Late Entries (65/72)
C League: E.B. Motors lost to Tusk (90/145)
D League: Midtown beat Maxi Trans (143/104); I&I beat Hydro Pressure
(122/97)
E League: Damelin beat Watercon (127/100); Mighty Ducks lost to Watercon
(60/68); Highlanders beat Antera's (151/60); Westvaal beat Damelin
(136/80)
Mine League: Kopanang 1 beat Kopanang 2 (B) (120/88); Engineering beat
Management (142/85); Tau Lekoa 1 beat Suvey (110/87); Kopanang 2(A) beat
Tau Lekoa 2 (114/105)
Mixed: Aribier Tiere lost to The Squad (93/102); Damelin beat Antera'
(124/112); New Team lost to BCX (68/70)
Social: M&M lost to Pick & Pay (61/85); Auto Den beat Springs (163/127);
Auto Den beat Springs (163/127), WHL lost to Bad Boys (77/88); Senwes
Speedy lost to Senwes Eno's (74/95): Senwes Kaktysse beat Senwes Baron
(181/47); Senwes kaktysse beat Senwes Eno's (124/79); Senwes Baron beat
Senwes Speedy (99/97), LFCDF lost to Haco (60/90)
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Ellis Park to be
taken over by football
The Ellis Park precinct, South Africa's premier rugby venue, will now be
taken over by football after a new management company, headed by Irvin
Khosa (who is also the Orlando Pirates boss), took up the reigns.
The area includes Ellis Park stadium and swimming pool, Johannesburg
Stadium, and the Standard Bank Arena. A Black Economic Empowerment
company has acquired a 51% ownership of the precinct. The new owners
want to increase the venues value by building a skywalk, a sports museum
and indoor entertainment facility. The new-look precinct is expected to
be financially viable during and beyond 2010.
Initially Pirates wanted to buy Orlando Stadium, but the venue is now a
heritage site. The club's offices will now be based at Ellis Park. The
Buccaneers will continue alternating between Ellis Park and Johannesburg
Stadium for their home matches. The Lions will still play their matches
at Ellis Park.
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