BRITS

26 February 2014Volume 2 Week 9

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Another protest in Madibeng…

SEE STORY ON PAGE 2The Madibeng Local Municipality witnessed yet another service delivery protest on 21 February when around 100 members of the Maboloka Community Organization (MACO) took to the streets to voice out their concerns. The protestors exercised their democratic right in a peaceful manner – a departure from the previous strikes in the area which witnessed violence and bloodshed. (PHOTO: MPHO BILWANE)

Lifestyle audits for Madibeng officialsNorth West Premier Thandi Modise is set to spearhead the introduction of lifestyle audits for high ranking officials within the Madibeng Local Municipality and other local government administrations, in a bid to expose and uproot corrupt and fraudulent activities. Lifestyle audits are commonly used as tests that are performed to determine if the lifestyle of an employee is commensurate with that person’s known income. This is usually on the understanding that fraud and corruption is usually committed by means of “off book” transactions or manipulated accounting records. “Though people have a right to live extravagant lifestyles, this should not be at the expense of our communities,”

Modise said during a recent address to residents at the Brits Sports Ground.“Nepotism and jobs for pals

compromise the pace and quality of service delivery and need to be uprooted wherever they rear their ugly heads,” emphasised Modise.The Premier said an administrator appointed to run the affairs of Madibeng would, among other duties, investigate the accuracy of the billing system in the municipality as well as why some infrastructure projects have been abandoned. The administrator would also probe why high mast lights have not worked since their installations, as well as come up with recommendations that the provincial government will consider implementing.“We are going to act against corruption and have already engaged with the Special Investigation Unit, the Hawks and the Director of Public Prosecution to fast

track the process,” added Modise.She committed that the provincial government will assist the municipality to develop economic roads, improve sanitation and waste management while addressing service delivery challenges affecting communities.“We need officials who are able and capable of doing the job. We lost some of our friends and community members who were fighting the corrupt elite,” said Mothotlung shooting survivor Omphile Mahlangu. Mahlangu, who sustained three bullet wounds during the Mothotlung protest, also proposed blacklisting of corrupt officials.Lucky Mathibedi, who is also from Mothotlung, said service delivery protests are caused by councilors who are not accountable and visible in their communities. ADD YOUR COMMENT: e-mail: editor@lesedingnews.co.za

farirai@lesedingnews.co.za Farirayi Kahwemba

SEE STORY ON PAGE 2

02 26 February Leseding News - Brits

10 500 to: Rustenburg. 10 500 to Brits, Marikana and Derby

EditorLevy Mokwele

News EditorFarirayi Kahwemba

JournalistsZanele Sithole

Kutlwano Motsepe

Production ManagerDivan Bekker

Advertising ExecutiveRaymond Selebogo

ClassifiedsPertunia Morekisi

PhotographerAndrew Mahlaba

Although reasonable efforts are made by the owners, directors, publishers, editors and staff thereof (all refered to as “Leseding News”), no responsibility is taken by Leseding News for any errors and/or incorrect aspects and/or misstatements in any format published herein, and whoever provides Leseding News with any information, including editorial, advetorial and/or advertising material, in any format, indemnifies Leseding News against any claim of whatsoever nature which may be brought against Leseding News by whoever

PO BOX 2335, Rustenburg, 0300. Tel: 014 597 9980. Published by Ukhahlamba Newspapers

Leseding News, 360 degree truth24 Heystek Street, Rustenburg, 0300

news@lesedingnews.co.zaKutlwano Motsepe

Close to 100 members of the Maboloka Community Organization (MACO) staged a protest march on 21 February to demand better service delivery from the under fire Madibeng Local Municipality.

The march culminated in the handing over of a memorandum of demands to the municipality’s Member of the Mayoral Committee (MMC) for Public Safety, B Montsho. Among some of the demands of MACO, which is an organisation based in the ward 6 area of Madibeng, were better roads and water supply. “We also need the municipality to make sure that there are more street lights in community areas as many women are being raped,” said one protestor. The protestors also called on the government to build a police station for them in order to curb the high levels of criminal activities in the area. Some of the marchers also called upon the Minister of Police, Nathi Mthethwa and the Minister of

Water and Environmental Affairs, Edna Molewa to visit them and “see for themselves the deplorable living conditions” they are enduring in Maboloka. The protestors, who marched and chanted songs on their way to the municipal offices, went about their activity peacefully. Montsho, who is also a councillor in the ward 15 area of Hebron, accepted the memorandum of grievances on behalf of the Madibeng mayor, Matshidiso Mangoathe. The mayor could not accept the memorandum in person as she was attending the opening of the North West Provincial legislature in Mafikeng. The protestors have given the Madibeng Local Municipality 21 days to respond to their grievances and promised to take to the streets again if they do not receive any feedback. Maboloka is made up of three wards – 4, 5 and 6.Like a number of communities in the Brits area, Maboloka has been experiencing a number of challenges related to service delivery.

Protest march in Maboloka

MARCHING FOR CHANGE: Protestors make their demands known (PHOTO: MPHO BILWANE)

The North West Provincial Bursary Programme awarded grants amounting to R49.5 million to 1 035 needy young people to pursue studies over the past five years, Premier Thandi Modise reported in her State of the Province Address delivered on Friday.In outlining the extent to which young people had benefitted from government programmes, Premier Modise said that 213 of the young people who benefitted from the programme graduated in various scarce skills needed by the province.“We have a good story to tell regarding the development of our young people,” Premier Modise said, adding that a total of 4 868 unemployed youth and graduates benefitted from the provincial skills development and training programmes that were targeted at youth.About 3833 of the beneficiaries were registered in skills development programmes such as learnerships, internships and apprenticeship.Modise thanked the mining qualification authority for offering 60 students to further their studies in mining engineering this year.With regards to housing, the premier said her government would continue to increase housing delivery.“The programme of giving our people houses has proven to be one of the most fundamental interventions in the history of rolling out services... making a significant impact on their lives,” said Premier Modise.She said they would unblock a number of housing projects to maintain the status of being the best performing province in housing delivery in the country. - SAnews.gov.za

N-West serious about youth development

Leseding News has learnt from various sources that former Madibeng Local Municipality Executive Mayor, Poppy Magongwa, and two axed members of her administration, Solly Malete and Buti Makhongela, will be among the officials that are likely to be probed by a lifestyle audit expected to be implemented by the North West government. The cash-strapped municipality

has been rocked by allegations of tender rigging and deviations from procurement procedures. It is alleged that at least R21 million “vanished” from the municipality’s coffers and is yet to be accounted for. Allegations of overspending and maladministration have been leveled against the three ousted municipality’s former top bosses.

Lifestyle audit – who will be affected? levy@lesedingnews.co.zaLevy Mokwele

Poppy Magongwa In 2013, opposition parties raised concern about the extravagant lifestyle of the former executive mayor. Among the concerns were allegations that the former first citizen of the town arranged a luxurious breakaway for herself and “eleven of her cadres” to Umfula Game Lodge from 25 to 30 August at a cost of R75 000. This, according to the allegations, is on top of the R19 000 that was spent on another outing to the Hartbeespoort Dam Cableway. Besides these allegations, opposition parties have fingered Magongwa in numerous other cases of “financial indiscipline and extravagance” at the expense of taxpayers’ money.

Solly MaleteDuring the days leading up to the removal of Malete, the ANC’s National Executive Committee (NEC) had reason to believe that the former single whip was allegedly colluding with senior officials to commit tender fraud in the municipality.The ruling party also said it will investigate allegations that Malete and others were involved in sabotaging water tanks in the North West municipality. This was reportedly done so as to award tenders to specific water tank companies. It is believed that Malete and other former council members benefited from the contracts.

Buti MakhongelaThe former Speaker of the Madibeng Local Municipality is unlikely to go untouched by the proposed lifestyle audit. Makhongela was fingered in the damning Ministerial Task Team report (MTT). The report many believe was the catalyst of the recent Madibeng protest.Makhongela’s detractors also accuse him of travelling to Brazil at the municipality’s expense. However, the former Speaker has said that the ministerial report (which led to the removal of the former Magongwa-led administration) said nothing about prosecuting him.

Go to www.tametimes.co.zawww.lesedingnews.co.za

0326 FebruaryLeseding News - Brits

ElelwaniDirected by: Ntshaveni Wa LuruliProduced by: Florian SchattauerElelwani (Florence Masebe) is a young university educated woman, brought up in an environment steeped in tradition, who has to choose between love and duty, between cultural traditions and modernity. Her parents have promised her hand in marriage to the Venda Prince as his third wife and as a dutiful daughter she wishes to obey their wishes and protect their honour. But in order to fulfil this promise of marriage to the Prince, she must relinquish her dreams of travel to further her education, in order to bear the Prince an heir. But at the Royal Palace she discovers that the Prince is controlled by his powerful half-sister who distrusts Elelwani and her self-confidence to question tribal customs. This is an exciting movie, one that will certainly get your attention.

Captain PhilipsRelease Date: 31 January 2014Director: Paul Greengrass Producer: Dana Brunetti, Michael De Luca and Scott RudinMovies about pirates, hijackings, heroes and villains usually have a special place in the hearts of a number of moviegoers. If you are one of them, then you will enjoy watching Captain Philips, which was released on the Ster Kinekor circuit. The movie is based on the true story of Captain Richard Phillips and the 2009 hijacking by Somali pirates of the US-flagged MV Maersk Alabama, the first American cargo ship to be hijacked in two hundred years.Full of adventure, action and humour, Captain Philips is bound to be popular with those who are in for some action and fun.

Leseding Girl of the Week

Portia Masiane (19) is our girl of the week. Born in Rustenburg, she has always had an ambition of becoming a professional model and is waiting for the right “door to open” so that she can pursue her goals.

A person who enjoys reading, Portia is currently studying IT Management and Retailing.

However, she says her real passion is in the modelling industry. In the few events she has taken part in, Portia says the thrill of walking on the runway and doing fashion shows always leaves her fulfilled. Models aged between 17 and 28, who are interested in appearing in this space are requested to phone Rapula Mancai on 073 970 9671.

Born on October 13 1985 in the Ledig Village of the North West, Molebogeng Thekiso – better known as Melebza de’Dj – is a multi-talented artist. A DJ, entertainer, entrepreneur, MC and motivational speaker, Malebogeng developed a keen interest in the entertainment industry at the age of 10. Soon after completing her matric in 2003, she followed her dreams and went on to study TV and Radio Broadcasting at Damelin College before undergoing further training at the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC). She developed an amazing love for spinning the discs and decided to go for lessons. In 2007, she eventually fulfilled a huge part of her dreams by becoming a “Disc Jockey”. She also wrote her own piece of history by becoming the first female resident Dj at the Siyangcoba NGO, which takes care of disadvantaged children from Zandspruit. Her manager, Jabulani Dhladhla, said she did not seek any payments for her services. “As another token of giving back to the community, she played for free at their thanks giving events, birthday and Christmas parties and so forth.“As time progressed, she got another opportunity

to become one of the resident Dj’s who played at one of the clubs in Kempton Park, and that’s where she was spotted by one of the Kwaito stars in South Africa, Brickz “Mabrigado”,” Dhladhla explained.“She then got invited by him to come and play at a gig in Lehurutshe Stadium. She went there, she played and made the crowd dance like crazy. From then, she started playing for Brickz at his gigs,” he said. In 2010, she moved back to the North-West to pursue her trade. This was largely due to numerous requests by her fans, who had already got used to her entertaining displays at night clubs, parties and college and corporate events. More exciting opportunities came through in 2013. She co-hosted an Afternoon Drive Time Show on Radio Mafisa, and also appeared on Soweto TV, on a music show called Street Radio. Malebza de’Dj is determined to be counted amongst South Africa’s top lady Dj’s and is determined to achieve this dream.It is also her dream to impart some of her knowledge and experience to the upcoming DJs in Rustenburg and surrounding areas. Among one of her ambitions, is to be involved in the second edition of the Rustenburg Music and Lifestyle Festival, which is expected to be held sometime this year. The festival – which the Rustenburg municipality

will become a major feature on the city’s arts and entertainment calendar – brings together established and upcoming artists for a three-day fest of musical celebration. Molebogeng will be eager to showcase her skills in the “Battle of the DJs” event of the festival, which

last year included the likes of Phat K, Liquideep, DJ Nation, Ralf Gum and HHP.

farirai@lesedingnews.co.za Farirayi Kahwemba

AIMING HIGH: Molebogeng Thekiso (PHOTO: SUPPLIED)

Meet one of the country’s rising DJs

04 26 February Leseding News - Brits

0526 FebruaryLeseding News - Brits

Leseding News06 26 February Leseding News - Brits

Used to taking shots of people from many angles and at different occasions and gatherings, photographer Rapula Mancai opened up to Leseding News about what he has experienced so far in his short but eventful career.Mancai is a freelance photographer who has managed to make a name for himself in Rustenburg and the surrounding areas of Ledig, Sun City, Moruleng and Mogwase. At the age of 25, Mancai says his love for photography has taken him to places such as Durban, Mahikeng and even to one of South Africa’s neighboring countries, Botswana. “I was born in Ledig and I attended Itumeleng Middle School,” Mancai said in an interview with Leseding News. Mancai used the small income he made from taking photographs to put himself through school. “For me, money was very scarce at that time. So the little money that I got was used to pay for my school fees and buy uniforms. It was a matter of survival,” he said. Mancai said he started taking his photography seriously in 2004. “I became excited with photography. It was no longer a way of just making money. I actually realised that I could now pursue the professions as a career. “I started to shoot pictures during weddings and other social events and gatherings. I also took pictures of tombstones as well as individual

pictures. “My popularity grew as time went on and people used to phone me and request for my services. I quickly learnt that one important aspect in photography is always to make sure that you are ready to attend an event. “This means that the batteries to your camera must always be fully charged before you go and take pictures. It is also important to have an idea of the event that you will be attending, as this will affect how you take your pictures,” Mancai added. He said photography has taught him to communicate better with people from various backgrounds and walks of life. Mancai is also excited with the many adventures associated with his profession, as his travels often bring him into contact with new people and places. “I do not regret that I became a professional photographer. Apart from making a substantial amount of money, I have also made many friends and have seen a lot of places while working,” he said. Asked about his future plans, Mancai revealed that he is working towards the completion of his Advanced Digital Photography course, which he is pursuing with the College of South Africa.“I am doing Customer

Service Skills, Communicate Across the Miles and other subjects in my course,” he said. Mancai offered some advice to people who wanted to pursue photography as a career: “People who want to follow photography must be patient because not all customers are the same. You will meet different customers with different tastes and the most important thing is to always cater for their tastes.” “Do not expect quick money. Exposure is more important because this will help to build one’s profile.”

Getting to know:

Rapula Mancai

PLATINUM PEOPLE

Drowning cases on the rise – SAPS farirai@lesedingnews.co.za Farirayi Kahwemba

In the wake of an increase in the number of drowning incidents across the North West province, the police have advised the community against swimming in quarries – a practice which becomes rife during the summer. In Taung, Vryburg, Madikwe and Potchefstroom, cases of drowning incidents, which have occurred during the month of February, have been brought to the attention of the police. “A number of these cases are accidents. We get a number of drowning reports during this time of the year. It is very hot in many areas and people cannot resist the urge to swim,” Captain Pelonomi of SAPS told Leseding News. The police are investigating the circumstances leading to the drowning of two boys, aged 10 and 15. The boys drowned in a quarry at Rosendaal farm in Vryburg on 15 February after deciding to dive in for a swim. Two days later, three people, aged between 12 and 20, also drowned while swimming in a quarry at Pela village, Madikwe during the early hours of the evening. “Their bodies were only retrieved the following morning,” Makau explained. In Potchefstroom, the police are also probing an incident in which the body of a 7-year-old boy was found floating in a swimming pool at his parent’s house in December. “It is alleged that the boy was last seen sleeping in one of the bedrooms, but was not found there when the grandmother looked for him,” Makau said. The other case involves a man from Taung who

drowned while attempting to cross a flooding river with his donkey cart. While police divers managed to recover the cart, the man’s body was only recovered after five days of searching. In advising community members, Makau underscored the need to observe important rules: “The most important rule of water is that everyone should respect it, the water environment and the dangers involved.”She noted that people must also take note of advisory signs while travelling on the roads.“Always be on the lookout for advisory signs in both natural and public environments. Alcohol and water safety do not go together. “Alcohol abuse blunts your sense of judgment, strength and stamina,” Makau said. She pointed out that children must never be allowed to swim in an unsupervised environment. “Do not get into water alone, unless you are a strong swimmer. Children should never swim without supervision. “Ensure that the water depths are appropriate for swimming and diving. Children should be constantly supervised when they are near water, even during bath time,” Makau said. Community members, she said, must never

attempt to cross overflowing rivers, while extreme care must always be taken when entering rivers because of their unpredictable nature. “The police are appealing to members of the community to inform someone of your

whereabouts, where you are planning to go and when you can be expected to return, and to be aware of where to get assistance if necessary, especially when going to picnics or for swimming,” she said.

ABANDONED: People are being advised against swimming in pools, streams and rivers(PHOTO: SUPPLIED)

Leseding News - Rustenburg 0726 FebruaryLeseding News - Brits

Help police find this man

Awareness drive addresses liquor abuse

‘Incarceration is an opportunity for rehabilitation’

The police in the Letlhabile area of Brits are searching for the whereabouts of Jerry Thipe – a man who is allegedly involved in a murder incident that occurred in August 2010. The murder incident resulted in the death of a 57-year-old, who has been shot, allegedly by four suspects at Oukskraal, Ipopeng Section. “We are yet to locate the whereabouts of Mr. Thipe and we urge the public to assist us in this regard,” one of the policeman investigating the case told Leseding News. According to information gathered by the police, Thipe is regularly seen at Rabokala, Centerville, Hebron and Kgabalatsane.“Anyone with information of the whereabouts of this person is encouraged to come forward and help us at Letlhabile Police Station,” Brits police spokesperson

Meile Talane said. “The public can also contact the Investigating Officer Captain Tlhapi on the following numbers: 082 843 2099/012 253 1000. Your assistance is appreciated in advance. Let us work together to stop crime in our community,” he added. In unrelated incidents, the police in Brits arrested 23 suspects for various offences during a “Suspect Raiding Operation” on 13 February. “All the arrested suspects are aged between 18 and 48. The cases which were opened against the arrested suspects include House breaking, House Robbery, Robbery with Weapon and Theft,” Talane said. The suspects are expected to appear in court soon where they will be charged. “The investigations are proceeding. The police would like to urge the members of the community to be vigilant and watchful at all times and report crime at any police station that is near because this will help the police,” he added.

news@lesedingnews.co.zaKutlwano Motsepe

WANTED: Jerry Thipe (PHOTO: SUPPLIED)

TOUGH TALK: MEC Motlalepula Rosho addressing delegates at the Awareness Campaign in Wolmaranstad (PHOTO: Keorapetse Mosipidi)

REFLECTIONS: Sharon Khunene, Acting Regional Commissioner in the Department of Correctional Services (PHOTO: FARIRAYI KAHWEMBA)

In a move aimed at addressing liquor abuse in the North West and combating activities related to this trend such as domestic violence and risky sexual behaviour, the provincial Department of Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism is holding community dialogues in a number of areas. During a recent event of this kind – held at Tswelelang Community Hall in Wolmaranstad – the department’s MEC, Motlalepula Rosho, urged liquor traders to adhere to their ethics by desisting from selling alcohol to minors. The event, held under the theme “Combating Alcohol Abuse is Everyone‘s Responsibility” sought to educate the community and instil disciplined practices amongst liquor traders.“You cannot become a good business person within your community with ill-disciplined behavior that is breaking morals within families and selling liquor to children under age”, Rosho said, while addressing around 600 community members inside the hall. Wolmaranstad is among the areas experiencing an upward rise in incidents related to alcohol abuse, particularly violence and sexual activities. Such incidents also makes communities more vulnerable to contracting Aids and HIV related illnesses that have resulted in the death of many. “As a provincial regulator, we promote the development of a responsible liquor industry in a manner that inculcates the ethos of social responsibility. “With these campaigns, we intend to encourage liquor traders to partner with government by ensuring that our fellow citizens

are protected from irresponsible consumption”, Rosho pointed out. Through the Provincial Liquor Bill, the Department aims to review issues such as liquor trading hours and the radius between taverns. “We are aware of those farmers who licensed liquor premises as pay points when paying wages to their farm labourers and thus encourage their employees to spend their hard earned wages on liquor. “This includes some of our financial institutions who have Automatic Teller Machines installed on some of the liquor licensed premises. We spoke about these ill practices last year. We have no choice but to introduce very stringent measure to curb some of these irresponsible practices”, Rosho said.The awareness campaign was preceded by a pre compliance inspection that took place two days prior to the event, where a total number of 157 businesses ranging from local taverns, restaurants and bottle stores operating in areas around Haartebeesfontein, Jouberton, Leeudoringstad, Maquassi, and other areas were visited and assessed. Only 90 businesses were found to be compliant during the operation, intended to determine whether or not facilities complied with licensing requirements.The Department is in the process of finalizing the Provincial Liquor Bill and will soon host a number of stakeholder meetings to create a platform for inputs on the formulation of a new law.

farirai@lesedingnews.co.za Farirayi Kahwemba

farirai@lesedingnews.co.za Farirayi Kahwemba

One of the challenges faced by the Department of Correctional Services is to try and convince society to welcome back – by giving another chance – to men and women who are released after having completed their prison terms for the various offences they would have committed.Speaking during the opening of the National Offender Athletics Championships, held recently at the Olympia Park Stadium in Rustenburg, Acting Regional Commissioner for Limpopo, Mpumalanga and North West – Sharon Khunene – underscored the need for communities to change their attitudes towards former inmates. “Nelson Mandela believed in the successful reintegration of offenders once they had served their sentences,” Khunene said. “This is the time to implement these beliefs because offenders are still members of the community. We believe in them,” she added. Society often does not appreciate, said Khunene, the fact that offenders are human beings also capable of turning over a new leaf and be able to make a meaningful contribution to society.One of the duties of a correctional facility is to empower and equip offenders with the necessary skills and abilities in life – in order to help them add value to their communities

once they are released. “Incarceration is an opportunity for rehabilitation,” she said.During an ex-offender Indaba held in Klerksdorp last year, around 200 former inmates asked the government to assist them in securing job opportunities. The inmates pointed out that many employers were unwilling to offer work to people with previous convictions. Tebogo Kgabje – an ex-offender who completed a law degree while he was incarcerated – pointed out how his criminal record had shattered his dreams of practicing as an attorney. Kgabje, who was sentenced to 15 years behind bars for armed robbery in 2005, was urged to pursue his law studies while serving his term at Rooigrond Correctional Centre. After completing a law degree with UNISA in 2012, Kgabje failed to secure employment owing to his brush with the law. Today, however, the picture is different. Kgabje has since been offered a tutoring post at North-West University – a development that means he can now put his educational skills to empower others.South Africa’s correctional facilities have around 120 000 sentenced offenders – one of the highest number of inmates when compared to other African countries.

08 26 February Leseding News - Brits

Go to www.tametimes.co.zawww.lesedingnews.co.za

SPORTSPORT

YOUNG GUNS: These players are part of a football development initiative. Safa has been encouraged to also focus on small towns such as Brits. (PHOTO: SUPPLIED)

The failure by Brits to regularly produce prominent football players of late is becoming one of the major talking points of football in the North West province. For a town that has produced Kaizer Chiefs striker and former national team player Katlego Mphela, Brits seems to have “gone missing” on the football map. There are virtually no footballers from this area playing in the topflight league. Mphela, who was born on 29 November 1984 in Brits, went on to play for NFD side Jomo Cosmos before also turning out for RC Strasbourg and Stade Reims in France. Upon his return to South Africa, Mphela played for Supersport United and Mamelodi Sundowns. Ardent football followers will remember how he finished the 2009 season with 17 goals from 30 games, an achievement which earned him the league’s top goal scorer award.However, today there are very few prominent football players from Brits, a town of slightly more than 53 0000 people. Only Jaftha Merase, a goalkeeper who plays for United FC in the National First Division (NFD),

and William Nkuna, a right winger for Orbit FET FC), are among the few notable players who have been produced by Brits. “I think it is a case of having very few football academies and development programs in the area,” observed Kabelo Sibiya, a football agent and talent scout.“There is a lot of potential in terms of football development because if a player such as Mphela can emerge from this area, then there is definitely a lot of talent,” he added. Sibiya urged the South African Football Association (Safa) to work hand in hand with football associations in the Brits area to ensure that more players are identified and groomed. “Associations in the Brits area must invest in football development initiatives from u/13, u/15 and u/17 levels. This is the only way that more players can be identified. “The talent is definitely there. We just need a coordinated effort from all the stakeholders to make sure that players are identified and put in a professional set up where they can be taught the fundamentals of the game,” he added.

Where is the football talent in Brits?farirai@lesedingnews.co.za Farirayi Kahwemba

The National Offender Athletics

Championships, held at the Olympia Park Stadium in Rustenburg from 20 – 21 February, went a long way in showcasing the talent and sporting potential of inmates incarcerated in various correctional centers throughout South Africa.Held under the theme “Effective rehabilitation helps break the cycle of crime for our safety”, the championships brought together close to 500 athletes. These athletes, who put in long hours of training, took part in long distance races, sprints, long jump and other disciplines. The athletes qualified to compete in this national event by winning their respective disciplines in the regional finals. The championships, which are coordinated by the Department of Correctional Services, have been held each year since 2003. Dr Joey Coetzee, Deputy Commissioner: Personal Development, said the championships form a major component of the department’s rehabilitation programme. “The rehabilitation programme for offenders

involves education, skills development, agriculture, sports and recreation and the arts,” Coetzee told Leseding News on the sidelines of the event. “The championships give offenders a chance to achieve balance in their lives through performing in a relaxed environment. “Athletes put in a lot of practice before these championships. This also teaches them valuable lessons in life. “The endurance and perseverance that the athletes go through teach them never to give up on life and this is what they must take with them when they are released,” Coetzee explained. “In the Western Cape, inmates recently took part in a 7s rugby event as part of the rehabilitation programme.” Coetzee explained that the athletics championships also help to prepare the inmates for life outside prison, “There is a psychological and social aspect to the competition as well. “The objective is to make sure that when they walk out of their correctional centres, they are able to make a meaningful contribution to society. “They must be ready to take

responsibility. Some of the inmates have wives and children and such programmes help them to develop the kind of character that will make them excel. “We have discovered that sport and recreation is a very important aspect of the rehabilitation programme. “

Around 200 spectators, mostly inmates from the Rustenburg Correctional Centre, were also brought to the event as a way of encouraging them to take part in such activities.Over the years, the two-day event has become one of the major highlights on the Department of Correctional Service’s calendar.

Rehabilitating inmates through sport

CATCH ME IF YOU CAN: Athletes compete in the 3000m event. (PHOTO: FARIRAYI KAHWEMBA)

farirai@lesedingnews.co.za Farirayi Kahwemba