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OCTOBER 2020 WWW.MPMIRRORONLINE.CO.ZA MPUMALANGA MIRROR @MPMIRROR COMMUNITY COMMUNITY COMMUNITY FEATURES Service “We don’t SA IDOLS: BEAUTY delivery celebrate Vote for MP’s LANE: turmoil in corruption” foursome Miss MP Lekwa - Cosatu 2020 to be 2 2 3 5 crowned TAPS RUN DRY IN LERORO LERORO TOWNSHIP HAS BEEN STRUGGLING WITHOUT WATER FOR THE PAST 10 YEARS

Jabulane khumalo tankers are not servicing the community. No one knows what happened to them and the LERORO – The community of this remote municipality did not even communicate that township is on the brink of despair with to us.” their ongoing shortage of water which has spurned for the past 10 and even more years Response from the municipality with no solution in sight. Spokesperson, Themba Sibiya said the Instead, their taps have run really dry water tankers were used as an intervention with a number of boreholes in existence, against the Covid-19 pandemic donated by but dysfunctional and others only providing the Department of Water and Sanitation. water to the Leroro Police Station while the “The tankers were withdrawn at the end community struggles to make ends meet of August 2020. The Municipality is at an on how to aff ord buying water from water advanced stage to procure one replacement trucks which sell it for R500 to fi ll up a water tanker that will be used to service the water tank. area,” said Sibiya. On September 11, Mpumalanga Mirror On non-functional boreholes, he said was invited to a community gathering led Leroro is one of the driest villages in by Gregory Mashile where various residents the northern areas such that some of the voiced out how for the past two weeks, boreholes had to be abandoned due to not they’ve not been receiving water with water having enough yield or groundwater while tankers having disappeared. other boreholes were never commissioned. “We don’t have water to drink, bath or “There are currently two approved to do the laundry. As it is, we don’t know Community leader, Gregory Mashile with members of the community pointing out one of the projects with one already launched aimed at where water will come from and we’re dysfunctional boreholes. augmenting water supply in the area. This stranded. The municipality did not inform will be done through drilling boreholes in us about what is happening in the past two are not functioning. There are pensioners sacrifi ce some of his pension grant money areas with reasonable groundwater to ensure weeks. We just want water, nothing more. Is in the area who are suff ering because of the to buy water that costs him R500 to fi ll up a sustained supply in the area. it so diffi cult to provide residents with basic lack of water. What frustrates us the most is his Jojo tank. He also pointed out that there “The proposed projects are funded by the needs? the fact that we’re in the dark and no one is are two water tankers stationed at the police Department of Human Settlements and the “I did not even bath this morning, where accounting for what is happening,” said Ida station, however, they are not of assistance National Treasury through their COVID-19 was I supposed to get the water from? We’re Raboa Marule. in time of need to the community. relief budgets. The municipality will be not asking for much, but water. Various An elder in the community, Barney Sedibe “Some of us are pensioners and we can’t responsible for maintaining them with its boreholes are available in the area, but they also vented out his frustration that he has to walk long distances to get water when operational budget,” explained Sibiya.

Mpumalanga Mirror - Reflecting the truth 2 Mpumalanga Mirror COMMUNITY October 2020 Cosatu calls for a new strategy Bongani Hlatshwayo

EMBALENHLE – Has the older generation exhausted ways of tackling gender based in society that has prompted the move to fi nd new ways? This was the assertion expressed by Govan Mbeki’s Cosatu representative, Mduduzi Mazibuko last Saturday when he called on the current leadership to involve young leadership in coming up with better strategies to tackle social ills in society, especially gender based violence. He was speaking during the offi cial celebration of heritage month and addressing Protestors milling around the municipal offi ces. issues of gender based violence as organised by the ANC provincial legislature chief whip, Fidel Mlombo at the Lillian Ngoyi Community Hall. He said: “Despite numerous prayer Ongoing protests disrupt service sessions held countrywide as an appeal for spiritual intervention to fi ght this scourge, we still experience rising fi gures of cases on gender based violence. It is our appeal as Cosatu to try young leadership who may delivery in Lekwa Local Municipality come up with newer strategies. “It’s about time that we invest in youngsters in a manner of training them David Maretlane has reached a boiling point. After fi ve weeks of the ongoing strike, the from a very young age about abuse of the It was at the beginning of August that the Executive Mayor’s political team intervened next human being that it’s an off ense. In that STANDERTON – It’s been two months municipality has experienced problems of and engaged with the union on several manner, we can realize better outcomes with that service delivery has been aff ected at the service delivery when municipal workers outstanding demands. Subsequent to that, a new direction. Lekwa Local Municipality and the situation downed tools on 3 August. The workers, both parties reached an amicable solution on “On the matter of celebrating human affi liated to the South African Municipal the demands and agreed to call off the strike rights and heritage day, we as Cosatu can Workers Union (SAMWU), downed on 8 September. profoundly state that we fi nd nothing to tools and took to the streets to hand- Lekwa’s communications manager, celebrate as workers because as we emerged over a memorandum of demands to the Thobeka Mtshiselwa and SAMWU from the Covid-19 pandemic to Level 1, municipality. chairperson, Vusi Dlamini, confi rmed the as workers, we emerged with a devastating Some of the demands included the agreement. eff ect because as we speak, millions of 6.2% wage increase, personal protective The dust had hardly settled when the workers are without jobs. MANAGING COMPANY: “The loss of one man’s job aff ects almost equipment (PPE), overtime payment, risk Lekwa Community Forum declared a 40 other people dependent on that single EUPHONIA INVESTMENTS allowance, alleged corruption on awarding complete shutdown for two days - Monday income. That is evident with the very long tenders amounting to R47 million and the 14 and 15 September. The shutdown aff ected queues at the department of labour’s offi ces demand for the immediate removal of the businesses and schools. with unemployed workers seeking their Municipal Manager, Gugulethu Ntshangase- The convener of the shutdown, Louis Editor: unemployment insurance fund benefi ts, as Mhlongo. Thabethe said on 17 August the forum we speak. Bongani Hlatshwayo However, a wage dispute was settled, but handed over a memorandum of demands “There’s also the issue of frontline Cell: workers vowed to continue the strike until to the Gert Sibande District Municipality’s workers who have been at the forefront other demands were met. Speaker for the attention of State President, of the fi ght to contain the coronavirus 079-069-1092 The strike has impacted negatively on Cyril Ramaphosa, the Minister of COGTA, pandemic in society. Despite sacrifi cing their Email: service delivery in the absence of workers Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma and the Minister lives for the nation, this year they haven’t to attend to emergency situations including of Human Settlements, Lindiwe Sisulu. received any pay hikes, too. It’s so sad for [email protected] refuse removal. This was after the local municipality and us as Cosatu to be facing such anomalies The business community led by the District Municipality allegedly failed to whilst our members are facing this unknown Lekwa Ratepayers Association, weighed in resolve the service delivery concerns. enemy, Covid-19, risking their lives. News Editor: to hand-over their memorandum of demands “The community is angry over dirty “In Evander alone, we have 83 workers Yoliswa Hlatshwayo to the municipality calling on them to meet tap water, roads ravaged by pot holes, who have tested positive. Around Govan the demands of workers, provide service no refuse removal, interrupted water and Mbeki we have about 75 who have tested delivery and the immediate removal of the electricity supply, spilling sewer, rotational positive, and sadly two workers died as Municipal Manager from offi ce. load shedding, unlawful allocation of a result of their infection, all these are Sports Editor & Digital Manager: frontline workers. Workers continue to picket outside RDP houses in Extension 8 and ravaged Jabulane Khumalo “There’s also a section of our people who municipal building daily, barricaded with corruption in the municipality,” said have benefi ted a lot from this Covid-19 and burning tyres. Thabethe. have become instant millionaires through Layout Artist: The municipality had introduced local He revealed that they have received corruption. They’ve fraudulently benefi ted rotational load shedding from June, much communication from the Offi ce of the from the public purse which also belongs Riaz du Preez to the frustration of businesses and the President and Ministry of COGTA on to the workers. We are saying we can’t community. Tuesday 15 September, but could not be happy when there are unscrupulous That was after Eskom refused to upgrade divulge the contents to the media. individuals who fraudulently benefi t from Physical Address: the notifi ed maximum demand (NMD) With the heavy presence of police, SAPS workers’ unemployment insurance fund. Sunrise Heights 27, from 55MWA to 80 MWA due to failure by communication offi cer, Warrant Offi cer “How does one feel when as a government the municipality to service a debt of R1.2 Nkosinathi Khanyile, confi rmed that the employee you divert the R350 social relief 15 Koraalboom Ave, billion. shutdown was peaceful. funds for the poor and unemployed citizens Nelspruit, 1200 into your own coff ers? They also go on to steal food parcels belonging to the poverty- stricken citizens. “We really support President Cyril Ramaphosa when he issued a warning that all the perpetrators of the above, will Bongani be arrested, prosecuted and imprisoned. Hlatshwayo We will, as Cosatu, be at the forefront of exposing all corrupt individuals because that has led to the increase of suff ering workers in the country. ‘Lastly, we want to voice out as Cosatu Jabulane that the call by the president that we should form dance groups and celebrate through the Khumalo popular song, “Jerusalema,” by Master KG. We want to state categorially clearly that we cannot join in that celebration because our people haven’t received their land, hence it would be a futile celebration, indeed. Yoliswa “We call on the government to develop Hlatshwayo sites with serviced infrastructure, then the people will build their own houses at those sites. Thank you very much, that’s Community leaders. our message from Cosatu,” concluded Mazibuko. Mpumalanga Mirror - Reflecting the truth October 2020 COMMUNITY Mpumalanga Mirror 3 Mpumalanga’s foursome in SA Idols 16

Yoliswa Hlatshwayo wasn’t a smooth road for some, including where he performed Emcimbini by Kabza Brandon who forgot his lyrics during the de Small and his solo where he sang Lotto With four contestants from the province solo auditions. He admitted that he thought by Samthing Soweto. in the Idols Top 16, it is without a doubt that it was all over. He’s currently unemployed and hoping Mpumalanga is a goldmine of talent. “I wanted to break down and cry, but opportunities will arise. eMalahleni’s Zama Khumalo, Waterval then I was given another opportunity and “My fans can defi nitely expect Boven’s Succedor Zitha, Secunda’s Zahn- redeemed myself. When I was told that I’m entertainment from me, me pouring out my Reece and Barberton’s Brandon Dhludhlu in the Top 16, I couldn’t believe it because heart on stage and healing people with my have sung their hearts out on the SA Idols of the solo audition. I really didn’t think I voice,” he said excitedly. To vote for them 16 stage to garner votes in order to remain would make the cut.” simply log in to www.mzansimagic.dstv. at the top. Speaking to Zama(19), she It has always been Zahn-Reece’s wish to com. You can also SMS by sending your said she’s in to win and is inspired by her be on SA Idols, but always found an excuse favourite contestant’s number to 37400. family’s background. not to go. This year he decided it was now SMS voting is limited to 100 per user. “My parents brought us up well, but I or never would like to give them a better life and “It’s been amazing and with my Zama be able to provide things they cannot do experience in theatre, I can I say I’m coping. SMS number 8 for themselves. “The former Witbank High However, I must point that with as much Succedor learner heard about some members of her as you think you’re prepared, with SA Idols SMS number 5 Zahn-Reece Malgas. church who were going to audition and it’s on another scale. It’s one of the biggest Zahn-Reece decided to tag along. platforms for artists like myself and other SMS number 2 “I passed matric last year, but my results upcoming ones. I love performing and I’ll Brandon were not so good, hence I decided to try out surely give fans the best of me!” SMS number 7 on SA Idols because I love singing and it’s With Succedor, it’s a diff erent something I’ve always been doing. So far, story altogether because it’s been great and I’ve learnt a lot about he is not from a musical music. The experience has been really background. He’s also known amazing and people can expect a more for his unique fashion sense confi dent Zama on stage,” she said. which he said is infl uenced Brandon, who grew up in Barberton and by vintage clothing. Badplaas, later moving to Witbank, never He’s always had a dream thought he would be a singer. to become one of the best “Growing up, I wanted to be a pilot, but entertainers and make it big in then when I moved to Witbank in 2014, I the industry. After matriculating was introduced to music and met several from Belfast Academy, he producers. It was then that I decided to try could not pursue Music and and do music because I was told I could Performing arts studies sing.” He revealed that it was not his fi rst due to fi nancial time trying his luck on the show. problems. “At some point, I had doubts coming His biggest back because I thought I was not meant highlight thus to make it to the top, but here I am in the far is the group top 16 and I am excited,” Brandon said. It performance Succedor Zitha. Brandon Dhludhlu. Zama Khumalo. Be spiritually motivated with the Matsanes Yoliswa Hlatshwayo most, but part of his teachings is to help not accepting such, is competition and people succeed under pressure with the help worrying about what people will say. That MBOMBELA - Leader and co- founder of God. He explained that it is important to is unnecessary pressure and we need to do of the Latter Glory Church (LGC), Bishop build character outside the church, which away with it,” he said. Anderson Matsane is on a mission to change is what he preaches on his radio slot every Their church, LGC in both the Swalala lives through motivational speaking. Friday afternoon. and Sifunindlela branches, also off er Matsane’s vision, together with his wife, “The lockdown brought about change to counseling open not only to church Pastor Shirley Matsane, revolves around many and some had to come out of their members, but to the public as well. Part of the building of the character of the body comfort zones. These are tough times, big their future plans is to establish a day-care of Christ, which includes counselling, people need to be encouraged and reminded and drop-in centre for the community. mentorship, life-coaching and pre-marital that one is able to succeed without putting “Our help comes from the Lord and counselling. unnecessary pressure on themselves.” it is upon us as spiritual leaders in our He said the recent scourge of the Covid-19 Matsane went on to say that there are communities, to help uplift the morale of pandemic has had a damaging eff ect on aspects like divorce, procrastination and the people and we believe that it is only some people psychologically and also in competition, among others, which are through the Word of God that this can be their families. Part of his ministry also unavoidable and are part of one’s journey. achieved,” he concluded. includes counselling at schools for learners “God has a way of revealing things and Catch Bishop Anderson on Voice of who encounter challenges. at times we cannot run away from the fact Hope tackling various topics FM every Bishop Anderson and Pastor Shirley However, he said he realized that the that some may have to go through divorces. Friday at 16:45 as well as on social media Matsane. pandemic has exerted a lot of pressure on One of the reasons why others end up platforms.

Mpumalanga Mirror is looking for Freelance Journalists who can cover news in the following areas

FREELANCE JOURNALISTS OneWANTED journalist to cover One journalist to Mkhondo Municipality cover Thembisile (Piet Retief area) One journalist to cover Hani Municipality INTERESTED IN FREELANCING FOR THIS PUBLICATION?and Pixley ka Seme Victor Khanye Municipality (Kwamhlanga) and (Morgenzon, Daggakraal, (Delmas), Emalahleni Dr JS Moroka Municipality Then email your CV and samples of previous published (Siyabuswa) stories to the Editor, Bongani Hlatshwayo, and Volksrust areas) Municipality (Witbank) and Steve Tshwete Municipality Email: [email protected] (Middelburg)

Mpumalanga Mirror - Reflecting the truth 4 Mpumalanga Mirror FOCUS ON GENDER BASED VIOLENCE October 2020 Ehlanzeni District Municipality to digitally tackle GBV

Bongani Hlatshwayo respective homes, not only in their homes, We also want to appreciate the interest we but religiously, too, we do get stories that have received from stakeholders. MBOMBELA – A rare tactic to tackle our women and children are being molested “Today we are talking of one key gender based violence is in the offi ng for a in those environments. stakeholder we have partnered with in community engrossed in digital components “We want to say through this strategy, realizing this launch, Phepha Afrika that it’s really not a far-fetched idea to utilize we want women to come out and talk about who have already developed this App. it to capture data, report cases and equally it and also develop programmes, not just It will be made available every apprehend perpetrators. programmes, but as a district municipality, Wednesday to diff erent leadership, Executive mayor, Cllr Jester Sidell shares what we appreciate from this strategy, is the whether it’s political, private sector or with the entire community what led them development of an ICT programme where civil organisations, will utilize this App to to believe that the scourge can be directly an App will be developed, whereby, all these talk about gender based violence. tackled in this manner as she said: incidences you fi nd victims reporting cases “So, we really appreciate the stakeholders “There are many voices out there speaking to the police, pending cases with insuffi cient that have come on board. We’ll hold a against gender based violence. We are evidence and not being able to present plenary session where you’re invited. SAPS, saying, enough for us as we are facing the evidence, to stand the test in a court of law. we requested the statistics that have been Covid-19 pandemic. We are saying we can’t “We are saying, such an App will enable recorded and any advances that in terms of aff ord to be losing victims to record having successful cases where people were focus on that as we incidents of violence really arrested and convicted for what they continue supporting taking place or they have done. the communities in It’s diff erent voices, are confronted with “We have also invited Social that regard to ensure one message. Let so that in future when Development at a provincial level, that they are very safe no men create a such cases crop up, whereby, they will share their own under our guard. woman as an object we hope and believe programmes. The Department “There’s the question that such evidence of Health will also be part of of our women being can be permitted in the gathering to share what killed every day and our courts where a they are doing to curb this every morning. It’s one child that has been video can be played or recording, too with scourge. raped and it’s a woman that has been killed evidence pertaining to their cases. “It’s diff erent voices, by someone well known to her. We are “Maybe if we get fi rst-hand information one message. Let no saying that we are very angry. to understand the circumstances that our men create a woman as “We have to channel our labour towards women fi nd themselves under, can be an object. That’s what confronting this challenge. How do we utilized in court. we are saying: enough respond to this challenge? We want to say We want to believe that partnering with is enough, we want to all our local municipalities’ executive diff erent stakeholders, including media women to be part of mayors adopting this strategy as we’ve coming on board, we want to believe this initiative as we done as a district municipality, we’ll help to that victims will fi nd peace when these believe there’s a lot decrease or eradicate the act completely. perpetrators are confronted by their own of potential in women “The objectives of our gender based evidence of circumstances. and that they are given strategy entails, among other things, “They will eventually be arrested and space to deal with encouraging women to come out and talk face a punishment that befi ts their evil acts. their own problems about these things that happen to them. Justice will eventually prevail. This is one for the better,” she Incidents that they experiencing in their area which we want to position ourselves. concluded. Executive mayor, Cllr Jester Sidell. ADVERTORIAL Abuse victims encouraged to break the silence Bulelwa Maphanga keep quiet, the issues will go on and on,” department is going to roll-out programs to services to you as a victim,” Shongwe said. she said. She added that the issue of Gender schools and churches and the community at A victim, Goodmorning Ntini* shared WHITE RIVER - Gender based violence Based Violence should large. how she was abused by his own father continues being problematic in various be on the alert 365 “Government alone, will not be able to from the age of nine. Ntini said the abuse communities, to an extent that various days, which fi ght and win the war against Gender Based continued until she was a teenager. She platforms are being utilized to tackle it, is each day Violence and Femicide. It needs young girls said she told her mother about what was head-on. of the to stand up and speak out about it. happening, but her mother sided with her It was thus that the MEC for Social year, not Break the silence, don’t wait for a person father as she was protecting her marriage. Development, Thandi Shongwe, urged just by to touch you. She said she tried committing suicide parents, especially mothers, to stop hosting “Scream as loud as you can. We know several times because no one wanted to protecting their children’s abusers. She said one they sometimes they threaten to kill you believe her, instead they continued to call this while chairing a Virtual Girls Assembly event per if you report it. Once you report to the her names. held at the Ingwenyama Lodge recently. fi nancial authorities, they will know what to do. They “I tried committing suicide several times, Shongwe said most mothers have been year. will take you to a place of safety which but I failed. I realise and accepted that it was quite for too long and it’s time to speak out. Shongwe is provided by the Department of not my fault. I started to speak out and now “This is not an era where you protect said Social Development and it I am encouraging people to speak out. I get your abuser or your children’s abuser. Don’t the will be able to provide advice and now keep that as a secret, we don’t keep such psychosocial I am advising as secrets because at the end of the day, it people to seek aff ects the victim. for help. It’s In fact, as a mother, you need to protect better to get help your children. Have a good relationship as soon as possible with them, so that they can be able to before the thought of committing come and report issues to you,” she said. suicide comes to their minds. This Shongwe reiterated that they are experience is so bad, I don’t blame trying to save young girls as she myself and I know it’s not my pointed out that it’s too painful for fault,” she said the government to hear sad news Not her real name daily. “We need to make sure that we end this scourge of Gender Based Violence. If you are being abused, run away and you must also utilize our places of shelter. Get someone you trust and tell her so that you can be able to break the silence and if you

MEC Thandi Shongwe addressing young girls during the young girls assembly.

Mpumalanga Mirror - Reflecting the truth October 2020 FEATURES Mpumalanga Mirror 5

Top 10 Miss Mpumalanga fi nalists. What a first for Crowning Miss Mpumalanga 2020

Bongani Hlatshwayo Kebalepile Ramafoko, instead of handing Monareng and Lindokuhle Malinga. this relationship with Moja Love Channel over the crown on 18 April, the initially “Please note, there are no invitations and 157, is not a once-off relationship, but we’ll MBOMBELA – The year 2020 came destined crowning date, she became a new ticket sales for this year’s crowning event stretch it for our future operations. up with lots of surprises for the Crowning record holder as the longest reigning queen due to the limited number of delegates As it is now, we’re supposed to embark on Miss Mpumalanga beauty pageant as it beyond her stipulated period. according to COVID regulations. In auditions for 2021, we’ll still partner with was the fi rst time it encountered with the Keba, as she’s aff ectionately known, is adherence to the National Disaster Reg this channel. coronavirus, hence it had to be put to an readying herself to hand over the crown ulations, we will also conform to the “Our 10th anniversary celebration cannot abrupt stop three weeks before the crowing to the new queen on 17 October at the rules, but we’ll still have that entertainment be celebrated during the Lockdown, but event. Emnotweni Arena during a crowning event buzz behind-the-scenes as it is the judges, it will be properly celebrated with our In all honesty, what was supposed to be that will be held under strict National the production team, the 10 fi nalists with audiences directly once the country opens up a historic event because the year 2020 is Disaster COVID-19 regulations. their choreographer, Kgomotso, two MCs, all economic activities, including the holding rightfully the pageant’s 10th anniversary - There will be three special performances including the entertainers. of events with big audiences, because at a big celebration was in store for patrons by hit-maker, Ndlovukazi, Kingdom of “What’s more exciting for the Mzimari Productions we deal with big who’ve religiously supported the pageant Eswatini’s superstar, Sandz and………., pageant this year is that much as we’re events and as our motto states: If it’s not from its infancy in 2011, but lo, it was not during an event that will only comprise the disappointed that we won’t be hosting the best, it’s not us,” concluded Mzimari to be as Covid-19 took centre stage, and production team, the performers and the our usual sold-out crowds, but we will Productions’ CEO, Gugu Nyarenda. President Cyril Ramaphosa declared the 10 fi nalists namely Nozibusiso Mahlangu, be appearing before a larger audience The Crowning Processions are as follows: National Lockdown from the eve of 26 Bronwyn Marsh, Christel Efraam, than usual by going live on Moja Love, Prejudging - 16 October 2020 at the March - the country was at a standstill. Nontokozo Ngwenya, Nompumelelo he television channel with the highest Southern Sun Emnotweni from 10.00-17.00. In that stillness of the country, another Sithole, Khethukuthula Zulu, Lungelo viewership in the country. Main Event: 17 October 2020 at record was created, reigning queen, Sibiya, Sibonisile Mahlangu, Logan “That’s success in its own right because Emnotweni Arena from 17.00-19.00. “Cory in the universe” - a vital lesson on Covid-19 Bongani Hlatshwayo Ntandoyenkosi obtained her Honours diversity, inclusivity and opportunities for incidental learning,” in Curriculum Issues and Thokozane representation as a stated Kunene and Dyosini. The country went into the National is currently completing her PHD in means to take the Lockdown on the eve of March 26, 2020 and Educational Leadership and Policy Studies.” children of South Social Media: South Africans began to acclimatise with the Africa through this new-normal of life from then onwards. Will there be any provincial launches of rather diffi cult Instagram: As communities readjusted to the new the book? If so, where will they be taking time during Cory in the Universe way of livelihood, schools had already place? this global Twitter: begun to suff er the consequences of the “We are hoping for provincial launches pandemic that Cory in the Universe pandemic as they were abruptly closed down once the lockdown restrictions have been is COVID-19. Facebook: on 18 March – learners had to face the new- relaxed,” they promised. Moreover, Cory in the Universe normal, head-on. According to Minister Nathi Mthethwa: providing That’s what catapulted the creativity of “This is a book that not only speaks to the them with two educationists in former Miss South heart of the children, but also many social Africa and Honours in Curriculum graduate, issues that plague society”. Ntandoyenkosi Kunene, who has teamed To-date, many children are going through up with PhD candidate and Lecturer, mixed emotions, trying to comprehend Thokozane Dyosini as they co-authored a what the world is currently facing due to children’s novel titled: Cory in the Universe. Covid-19. This book places value on the This content has been developed for importance of the characters and their lived children between 9-15 years of age about experiences through various aspects of this global pandemic and it was virtually philosophy for children and their stories will offi cially launched on 8 September 2020. live on beyond this global pandemic. The Department of Sport, Arts and This book will serve as a form of Culture has partnered with this vision, edutainment by bringing educational value with the intention of making reading and through the use of entertainment to start entertainment a reality in South Africa. meaningful conversations between children, According to their publicist, Florence teachers, parents and guardians. Khoza of Flojo Media: “This is not Both authors are educators by commissioned work, but we own the qualifi cation. They are passionate about intellectual property of Cory in the Universe bridging the communication gap through as authors. The Department of Sport, Arts the use of language, literacy and literature and Culture supported us through the within the space of education, arts and Publishing Hub Initiative.” culture having published this book in all 11 offi cial languages. Was it a coincidence that both “It is often said that no crisis should go Ntandoyenkosi and Thokozane were paired to waste. Thus, it would’ve been a grave to this project? mistake for them not to step up and create They responded thus: “We know each a useful resource during this time. We other from Wits School of Education where see the need to use storytelling through Ntandoyenkosi Kunene. Mpumalanga Mirror - Reflecting the truth 6 Mpumalanga Mirror COMMUNITY October 2020 Gijima donates health equipment worth R4 million

The Robert Gumede Keni Foundation, tirelessly to ensure that more people get together with ICT company, Gijima tested for Covid-19and remain in good donated fi ve Covid-19 temperature health for the new normal. monitors, face recognition, security metal “We are happy to have partnered detector scanners worth about R4 million with the province and MEC Manzini in to the Mpumalanga Department of Health fl attening the curve of coronavirus. We at Rob Ferreira Hospital on September have witnessed the MEC work tirelessly 23. in the province in her fi ght to save lives Chairperson of the foundation, Dr and livelihoods by encouraging our Portia Gumede was present to hand over people to use health protocols and protect the equipment to the department’s MEC, our fi rst responders, which is doctors, Ms Sasekani Manzini. nurses, health workers and other related The health equipment was donated to personnel. several public hospitalsnandclinics in “The Robert Gumede Foundation and the province.. The benefi ciaries include Gijima hopethat with the donation of the Rob Ferreira Hospital in Mbombela, scanners to the various hospitals, frontline Themba Hospital in Kabokweni, Tonga workers will be further empowered Hospital in Nkomazi, Embhuleni Hospital to decrease the potential second wave in Elukwatini, Tintswalo Hospital in through non-contact screening of Acornhoek and Kanyamazane Clinic. incoming patients. The 4IR smart Covid-19 scanners have “The fi ght to keep our hospitals helped eliminate queues and have assisted available for critical medical needs in identifying high-risk patients with Walkthrough scanner. remains imperative and it is our belief Covid-19 symptoms in time. that the presence of the Gijima smart 4IR ”The scanners donated will remain South Africa has now recorded over and the frontline workers for the sterling scanners will defi nitely assist in fl attening useful as they can still be used post half a million confi rmed infections, job that you’re all doing.” the curve and this will ensure that our Covid-19 as the hospitals will always according to an announcment made The foundation plans to avail more Mpumalanga people, which we see as need temperature detectors. The smart recently by the Minister of Health, funds to develop more scanners and family, remain safe from this pandemic,” scanners also help eliminate fraudulent Dr Zweli Mkhize. donate more to other public hospitals concluded Dr Gumede. civil claims against the Department of About 3 272 cases are still active in and clinics across the country. The move MEC, Sasekani Manzini pointed out Health.,” says Dr Portia Gumede. Mpumalanga Province, this leaves the to Lockdown Level 1 needs an artifi cial that it was not an easy task to get used to The 4IR smart Covid-19 scanners are province as number six in the country intelligence Fourth Industrial Revolution the new normal when lockdown level fi ve placed at entrances and are used as a with regards to the number of people is exponentially growing and requires was implemented in March. People lost walkthrough body detector to detect high who have tested positive. Itis therefore immediate attention. jobs, while everything else was closed, body temperatures, age, gender and if a priority for the robert /gumede “Gijima plans to invest more time completely. However, South Africans the person walking through is wearing a Foundation and gijima to ensure that the in developing solutions that will assist complied because they knew their lives mask or not. province remains in this position and not the country and the world with the were threatened by the virus. This artifi cial intelligence technology one with the highest number of infections containment of life safely in the new era “A lot happened during the pandemic was developed by Gijima and a Chinese in South Africa. of the new normal. It is very important and some of the things we have learnt global digital technology company, “Extreme cases of about 26 479 to remember that the lower the level, the during the period are things that should Hikvision – an alarm goes off if high are from the province. This leave the more the virus strikes. continue post-Covid-19. temperatures are registered as an early province sixth in the country concerning We should not relax as the country We appreciate the fact that we weren’t warning system. the number of people who have tested has moved to level 1. It does not mean alone during this time. The public health This helps the hospitals and clinics to positive. It is, therefore, a priority for we should forget about social distancing system caters for a bigger population in help lessen the number of people entering Robert Gumede Keni Foundation as well and not wearing masks. We still need to the country compared to private health their premises who might potentially have as Gijima to ensure that the province be vigilant because we know that we’re care. Some that have medical aid only use the Covid-19 virus from being in contact remains in this position. in level 1, but the virus doesn’t. Let’s it for certain things and switch to public with other patients. We commend the province, department continue to be vigilant by washing hands health which shows that we play a major and wearing of masks. role. The country is supporting National “The population in the province is Health Insurance because we need a just over three million people, which universal health cover. represents about 7.3 percent of the “We don’t choose to be sick. You can’t total country’s population. More even budget that at some point you’ll get than 65 percent of the population is sick and expect to pay when you do, while underprivileged and cannot aff ord others can’t aff ord. The government has private healthcare worked hard to make sure that we work insurance. towards a universal health care system that The MEC will benefi t everybody. These scanners for Health, form part of what the president said in Ms the early stages of the lockdown, that the Sasekani pandemic was also meant to strengthen Manzini our public health system. has been The scanners will be a great deal of help Dr Portia Gumede and MEC Sasekani Manzini. working in all our health facilities to minimize contact. We are grateful and we managed the pandemic compared to other countries and we continue doing so,” she added.

MEC Sasekani Manzini.

Mpumalanga Mirror - Reflecting the truth October 2020 TOURISM Mpumalanga Mirror 7

Pinnacle rock. MTPA’s Nomcebo Kunene. Unforgettable experience will attract more tourists

Bongani Hlatshwayo

MATIBIDI – In order for tourism to grow, the province needs to create a conducive environment for tourists to keep on coming back and sharing that wonderful experience with many other people. That was the assertion shared by diff erent tourism stakeholders that gathered to celebrate tourism month at the Bourke’s Luck Potholes on 19 September. This was celebration that was organised by the Mpumalanga tourism and Parks Agency (MTPA), it Board of Directors, the Department of economic Development and tourism (Dedet), Regional tourism Organisations (RTOs) from Ehlanzeni, Nkangala and Gert Sibande districts, traditional authorities from the Mashile, Mashego and Maile, Ehlanzeni District Municipality and other stakeholders. They were gathered at this resort, whereby, during their walk-about viewing the potholes, they were exposed to the new signage recently installed by MTPA at all Nomcebo Kunene and the curator on the far right. resorts under their management, including Bourke’s Luck Potholes, where for the fi rst delegates also throwing their coins and contributory factor. time in my experience, there was a curator at praying silently. “I’ve personally had that experience hand to explain the essence of the potholes. Further, the curator informed us about the driving from the Graskop Gorge around We also had the opportunity to be introduced healing waters upper stream, whereby, you 19.00 and got a puncture. My assistance to the newly-launched Belvedere Day Walk immense your feet and they are soothed – only arrived around 23.00 because they were hiking trail to add to the adventure available I’ve been there many times, but have never also delayed by the numerous potholes along at the resort. been informed about such – of course, there the road. Believe you me, this was the fi rst time were families of Asian origin who gathered “Let’s make it conducive for tourists to there was a curator at hand to explain the around those waters with their feet deeply drive around our heritage sites on safe road origins of potholes in many years since immensed in the water. terrain. We need to attract more tourists and I’ve been visiting the place for many years. An interesting factor here is that make it worthwhile for them to share the Maybe it’s because there was hierarchy Africans of black descent, their target experiences with their friends and families, of the tourism industry at hand that as the area they visited was the braai area where that way we will benefi t more,” explained media we were privy to such valuable they braaied, danced and enjoyed meat Pilane. KLCBT president, Oupa Pilane. information that, in my analysis, is a great themselves with their families and loved MTPA board chairperson, Thulani Nzima seller to attract thongs of tourists to the ones. President of the Lowveld Chamber said: “Our appeal to tourism practitioners, is province. of Business and Tourism (LCBT) and to make it aff ordable for everyone to be able Imagine that the curator even informed chairperson of the Ehlanzeni Regional to travel across the province. As it is, there us about the convergence of three rivers tourism Organization (RTO), Oupa Pilane are no international tourists at the moment, that led to the formulation of the portholes. painted a grim picture of dwindling numbers they should lower their rates for domestic He further told us a myth that dropping of tourists, both domestic and international tourists to aff ord them. coins at the potholes leads to fortune for over the past few years and also pointed a “That way, we will witness a sudden boom some visitors – we witnessed some of the fi nger at the roads infrastructure as another in tourist numbers domestically. As has been articulated that tourism infrastructure is our golden egg that needs to be preserved in order to contribute to the economic recovery of the industry,” he said. Thaba Chweu executive mayor, Cllr Fridah A spokesperson from the tribal authority Nkadimeng. said: “As a community of the Blyde River Canyon, our duty is to root out the criminal elements that attack tourists within our vicinity. They are known to communities around, it is everybody’s duty to expose them, then we shall all enjoy the benefi ts that come with a booming tourism industry.; Our crew later visited God’s Window with new signage, but no curators. We further went into the Pinnacle Rock, where also there was no curator. Imagine how many tourists, both domestic and international these places would attract, if the curator component can be resolved as a matter of New signage at God’s Window. Photos: Bongani Hlatshwayo urgency. MTPA Board chairperson, Thulani Nzima. Mpumalanga Mirror - Reflecting the truth 8 Mpumalanga Mirror COMMUNITY October 2020 Grow Great’s campaign is poised for positive change

GROW GREAT is a multi-funder initiated from conception to age two), adopting a 2 Empowering practitioners through and empower pregnant and new campaign with the aim to galvanise South multi-sectoral approach, garnering high- a national Community Healthcare mothers through the critical fi rst 1000 Africans towards a national commitment to level government prioritisation of stunting Workers Club & community of practice days. achieving zero stunting by 2030. and driving community level interventions Using a carefully crafted curriculum The prevalence of stunting among South grounded in high quality data. 3 Inspiring the public through mass that speaks to the various drivers of Africa’s children is worryingly high, with media campaigns that increase public stunting, a delivery method that excites prevalence rates estimated at 27% for Informed by the international awareness on stunting and change the and affi rms mothers and passionate children under fi ve, far higher than would literature and the local context, culture of early child feeding practices local franchisees, the antenatal & be expected for an upper middle-income the GROW GREAT Campaign is postnatal groups seek to drive mom- country and far higher than many of South galvanising South Africa towards a 4 MoBiLising poLicy makers through empowered behaviour change that Africa’s developing country counterparts. national commitment to zero stunting data-driven advocacy results in improved maternal health as The determinants of stunting are not by 2030 through: well as communities of affi rmation and limited to an absolute lack of food alone but With this in mind, the Grow Great encouragement for new and expectant are perpetuated by both nutrition sensitive 1 Supporting parents through universal Campaign launched Flourish, a national mothers and their partners. and nutrition specifi c factors such as poor access to antenatal and postnatal social franchise of community based You can follow GROW GREAT on maternal health (pre & post pregnancy), classes antenatal & postnatal groups that support Facebook and Twitter poor breast- feeding and complementary feeding practices, poor hygiene and sani- tation, gastrointestinal infections and/ or worms, a lack of dietary diversity and the low purchasing power of vulnerable households. Although the burden of stunting attributable to the various risk factors is not clearly defi ned for South African, South Africa performs poorly on many of the known key drivers (see table opposite), suggesting that through a concerted multi-pronged approach, there are some substantial wins to be made in this area with potentially high gains for South Africa’s children. Countries, such as Senegal, Ghana, Peru, Brazil and Mexico, that have demonstrated noteworthy reductions in stunting, have done so by prioritising interventions targeting women of repro- ductive age and children under fi ve, with an emphasis on the critical fi rst thousand days of life (i.e.

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Mpumalanga Mirror - Reflecting the truth October 2020 EDUCATION Mpumalanga Mirror 9

Graduates from various Russian state universities. Russian graduates ready to make a difference

Jabulane Khumalo One of the graduates, Justice Manoka took in studying with various students who come said reminiscing. the the podium to thank the department and from all corners of the world. He said having to integrate into that MBOMBELA - The Mpumalanga share some of the experiences during their “When I was awarded the bursary, I was diverse environment and be with them on a Department of Education welcomed 20 four-year stay. thrilled. I chose to study civil engineering daily basis, was an unforgettable experience. Russian graduates back in the province at “I’m proud to say that I’m a graduate. because I’ve always been fascinated by With their dedication, they were able the Ingwenyama Lodge on September 18. When I look back to 2016, I had no buildings and structures. When I got to to pull through in understanding those The graduates jetted off to Russia to plan. I would be talking a diff erent story Russia, I was scared on the fi rst day because languages. pursue degrees in Civil Engineering, today. Through it all, our parents and the it was my fi rst time in a foreign country. “It was indeed a surreal experience and for Medicine and Veterinary Science, among department entrusted Racuss and allowed “The reports I got before my departure others as well,” he said. other courses in 2016. 17 of them graduated us to be something. I can assure you all that was that Russia was a racist country. As The department’s Transversal Human from the North Caucasus Federal University investing in us was not in vain. We are ready an African, I was petrifi ed only to fi nd that Resources Development, Cyprian Sipho in the Russian Federation with a Bachelor to serve after sending us to represent the there was no such thing. Russians were Mkhabela, said the department’s human of Science Degree in Civil Engineering. province in Russia. This group of graduates welcoming and getting to meet people from resource strategy needed the department to Three graduated from Tambov State Medical has been in their best behaviour and they can diverse cultures, languages, among other focus on the technical and specialised fi elds. University, Nizhny Novogorod Medical attest to that,” said Manoka. things. This is a move to bolster the province’s State University, as well as Ryazan State Benedict Sello Tokollo from Lydenburg We had to adjust how we communicate as economic strategy into strengthening the Medical University. described his experience as an eye-opener most African people spoke Portuguese,” he provincial economy.

Mpumalanga Mirror - Reflecting the truth 10 Mpumalanga Mirror MUNICIPAL AND GOVERNMENT NEWS October 2020

General Manager for MTN Foundation, Kusile Ntunzi-Hairwadzi. Thaba Chweu boarding school receives multimedia centre

MEC for Education, Bonakele Majuba, Multimedia Center and as well as mobile to our children in keeping to the demands together with the General Manager for MTN data for the school for the next 12 months. of the Fourth Industrial Revolution. We Foundation, Mrs Kusile Ntunzi-Hairwadzi This Multi Media Center will contribute are grateful for this generosity from MTN offi cially handover a fully resourced media more towards enhancing e -Learning and Foundation. centre at Thaba Chewu Boarding School on Technological Studies for learners. “We pledge to ensure that learners take 8 September 2020. “This resonates very well with our quest advantage of this benevolence to improve The MTN Foundation donated a R750 000 to instil the love for Information Technology their academic performance,” said Majuba. MEC for Education, Bonakele Majuba. GS TVET College hands-over house to a pensioner COGTA obtains David Maretlane 7th clean audit DAGGAKRAAL - 91-year-old pensioner, Gogo Julia Dlamini was the fi fth benefi ciary MBOMBELA - The Department of the two bedroomed and fully furnished of Co-operative Governance and house donated by Gert Sibande TVET Traditional Aff airs’ (COGTA) College since the inception of Nelson determination to achieve a clean audit Mandela legacy housing project in 2015. for the seventh time, has yielded The hand-over function that changed the positive results. life of Gogo Dlamini’s life for ever, took The Auditor General, an independent place on 31 August to mark the end of auditing institution for the public Women’s month with a bang. sector, has given COGTA a clean audit For decades of her life, she was living in a for the 2019-20 fi nancial year. dilapidated mud house with a grandson and MEC for COGTA, Mandla Msibi nephew living with disability. says the achievement signifi es Family and friends brazed the cold the high level of commitment by weather to witness the momentous occasion. the Department to comply with GS TVET College principal, Portia legal prescripts provided for in the Mange, addressing a handful of guests to Cutting the ribbon at the back are Cllr Lamlile Mkhwanazi and GS College principal management of public funds. explain the purpose of the gathering said: Ms Portia Mange while College council chairperson Mr Bongani Mwale looks on. In front are “This achievement is an expression “GS TVET College has gone a long way to GS College Ms Jabu Mhlabane and Ms Julia Dlamini. of our commitment to comply with make a signifi cant diff erence in the lives of you the most signifi cant life changing University of Pretoria for entrepreneurship the Public Finance Management Act those vulnerable in diff erent municipalities moment. God has remembered you at the programmes and courses.” he said. (PFMA), Treasury Regulations and to honour the legacy of Nelson Mandela. right time and you have been blessed with a He applauded the dedicated College legal prescripts in the management of “I wish to thank Community Development new decent shelter, fully furnished, grocery executive team, the contractor, public funds,” he explained. Workers of this municipality who identifi ed provided and the yard fully fenced for Sebanesethu students, the team led Eff ective internal controls, according a deserving benefi ciary in Daggakraal. I also security purpose.” by College Acting Assistant Director to Msibi, are a recipe for a clean want to thank Civil engineering students Mwale added: “The quality of the house is Business Innovation and Partnership, Jabu audit outcome. He says COGTA from Sebanesethu campus who volunteered a true refl ection of council’s vision.“ Mhlabane for working hard to deliver a pays attention to this aspect in the to build the house and all sponsors who He said TVET Colleges empower students successful project. beginning of every fi nancial year as contributed in to the project,” she stated. with certifi cates and skills, not to be job An emotionally touched Gogo Dlamini a building block for the clean audit The chairperson of the College Council, seekers but future entrepreneurs. thanked everybody for the beautiful achievement. Bongani Mwale told Gogo Julia Dlamini: “The College Council has mandated the house and wished them an abundance of “The clean audit achievement is “It is an honour for all us to celebrate with principal to embark on a research with the blessings from God. an outcome of sound fi nancial and performance management, eff ective internal audit IT Governance and the New township for Ermelo residents in the pipeline Implementation of sound decisions. Through this 7th clean audit, our ERMELO - A sod-turning ceremony was (low-cost sites and 20% which is for middle aff ordable housing, located in areas which Department has positioned itself as held by Msukaligwa Local Municipality of to high-income earners); rental stocks, are easily accessible and are closer to job a public institution with a reputation a newly-establish township proclaimed as institutions, schools, community halls, opportunities, ultimately leading to a better for the proper spending of the public Extension 44 on September 2. business stands, parks as well as servitude quality of life. “In this very moment with purse,” he explained. The project consists of 4 772 sites, with for infrastructures such as sewage, water much excitement, it would be proper to Msibi credited the management 5 760 stands. The fi rst phase will cost streets and electricity. thank our councillors in the previous terms and offi cials of the Department for R21 937 086.45. Construction will start on There are 4772 residential sites. The of offi ce who identifi ed a need, as well as a the achievement and dedicated it to March 14, 2021, at portion 6 of the farm township establishment will cover suitable site where the aspiration and needs the late Chief Financial Offi cer, Mr Rietspruit 437-IS. The land is situated approximately 413.65Ha,” said the of Msukaligwa residents could be advanced. Sibusiso Matsebula, who passed away south of the N11 road to Amersfoort, executive mayor, Cllr Buti Mkhaliphi. We are just facilitators of a great plan that in July 2020. approximately 2km from the Ermelo CBD. The plan was registered with the offi ce of was done in the previous term.” “Without your contribution, this The land was purchased by the the Surveyor-General as number 1849/2012. According to the IDP, the Spatial achievement could not be possible. Department of Human Settlement, Water It was also registered with the Deeds Development Framework for Msukaligwa Our next challenge is to sustain this and Sanitation on behalf of the municipality. Offi ce in terms of section 46 of the Deeds Municipality indicates that there are achievement as a legacy that The land was offi cially handed over Registries Act 47 of 1937 which indicates infrastructure and housing backlogs in the Mr Matsebula has built over the years. by Charlotte Poulten, the Regional Town each site number on a particular area. municipality. There are currently 6 000 By treating every day as an audit Planner for Gert Sibande District area Mkhaliphi went on to say that the informal unserviced shacks in Ermelo/ day, we will be able to keep this legacy on the day. “This project is the Human municipality is committed to building Wesselton and approximately 22 300 alive,” Msibi reckoned. Development Settlement Entail Residential quality, economically sustainable and housing units needed in Msukaligwa. Mpumalanga Mirror - Reflecting the truth October 2020 OPINION Mpumalanga Mirror 11 Reflections... Moving to Lockdown Level 1

Following President Cyril Ramaphosa’s announcement on September 16 of the country moving to Lockdown Level 1, we spoke to various stakeholders. They expressed the following views:

Vusi Shongwe, MEC for DARDLEA Robert ‘Mr G’ Gumede It is good news that President Cyril Bruce Kgapane, CEO of We welcome President Ramaphosa’s Ramaphosa after consulting various Ziyaphenduka Marketing and Events level 1 announcement, especially for stakeholders including health experts put Logistics the people of MP as we rely on tourism the country on Level 1. But that does not where massive jobs and investments mean we can now go back to old ways It was defi nitely a slap in the face for have been lost. Covid-19 is still around, of doing things. Our way of life should the industry. but we have to be vigilant and practice change and we must all stick to basic No consideration has been made about the health protocols as businesses and safety precautions, covering our faces the industry at all after having been in travel are opened. Let’s protect each with masks, sanitizing and regularly dire straits for six months. other as the economy recovers to create wash our hands, and keeping a social Why open the borders and other jobs by balancing lives and livelihoods. distance. Level 1 does not mean that industries, but expect us to organise an Covid-19 has suddenly disappeared from event for only 500 people at a stadium. the face of the earth, and therefore we It is just not viable and does not make cannot aff ord to live a reckless lifestyle. sense. You must remember that the department Our government is not caring for the I lead, Agriculture, Rural Development, hundreds of thousands of people who Thulani Nzima, MTPA Board Land and Environmental Aff airs, we depend on the proceeds of organising Chairperson were declared an essential service, events. and we have been to every length and We feel insulted by the Level 1 It’s a welcome gesture by our breadth of the province, during the dispensation for the events organising President but we still have to be height of this pandemic. industry. Shame on President Ramaphosa careful. Throughout our journey, with farmers, and his Cabinet. The hard lockdown was farm workers, small holding farmers, beginning to cause more harm Gugu Nyarenda, Mzimari and our staff , the message has always than good, forcing people to make Productions been, safety fi rst. a choice between contracting Our people, who we serve with utmost COVID - 19 (and probably survive Events have been hard-hit by the dedication and humbleness, must not as we recorded 89% recovery), or pandemic since March this year. disappoint government’s eff orts to make die of hunger with the economy We welcome the reopening of the their lives better. Speaking as a leader of crumbling. economy even though we are allowed to Government Business, I urge our people It was a diffi cult balancing act by accommodate 50 percent of the capacity to also take responsibility for their own the President to also make sure he of venues. It comes as a loss for us lives. Government alone cannot police remains in charge of the country because that’s exactly where we make everyone especially in their private and its citizens, before the people our profi t as events companies. At least space, so, our people must know that take charge of lockdown levels. half a loaf is better than nothing at all. their precious lives are “in your hands”.

Mpumalanga Mirror - Reflecting the truth 12 Mpumalanga Mirror BUSINESS October 2020 Mpumalanga SMMEs thrive against all odds

MBOMBELA - Seda Mpumalanga productivity by diagnosing, advising, and Productivity SA have lauded the implementing, monitoring and evaluating great results achieved by Black Owned solutions aimed at improving South companies in the Forestry industry with Africa’s sustainable growth, development the implementation of the Productivity and employment through increased SA’s Workplace Challenge Programme and competitiveness. Kaizen Management Philosophy. Seda is mandated to implement According to the Chief Executive Offi cer government’s small business strategy. Its (CEO) of Productivity SA, Mothunye mission is to develop, support and promote Mothiba, there are 47 companies in small enterprises throughout the country, Mpumalanga that have benefi tted from the ensuring their growth and sustainability in Productivity SA-Seda relationship. co–ordination and partnership with various Speaking at the Seda and Productivity SA role players, including global partners, who Mpumalanga Milestone Virtual Workshop make international best practices available held recently, Mothiba says 40 companies to local entrepreneurs. in Mpumalanga implemented the Kaizen One of the local companies that have Programme for three months and the implemented the Workplace Challenge programme has also helped the companies Programme, Ngwenya Forests, says Zoey Mkabela has the right sustain themselves during the COVID-19 Productivity SA enabled the company to pandemic. improve its productivity. Seven companies have implemented The Chief Financial Offi cer of Ngwenya prescription for your hair the Workplace Challenge Programme. Forest, Zodwa Ngwenya says the The Workplace Challenge Programme is programme has assisted their company in Zoey Mkabela, founder and Chief Productivity SA’s fl agship programme, multiple ways. One of the examples cited by Executive Offi cer of Zoe Creations, funded by the Department of Trade, Ngwenya is that by focusing on eliminating Volumcious believes her brand has a Industry and Competition (the dtic), and waste during the production process, permanent solution for those struggling with it is designed to improve productivity in Ngwenya Forest managed to save R127 008 confi dence due to hair loss. businesses. per annum by implementing the methods Mkabela, from Matsulu shared her story The implementation of the programme advocated by Productivity SA programmes. of hope and her journey in the hair business has seen the creation of 16 jobs. The Kaizen Ngwenya Forestry is a Black Owned with Mpumalanga Mirror. Programme is a Japanese management company that is B-BBEE compliant level philosophy characterized by fi ve features: 1 contributor. It believes in a science of Seeing your interaction on social, it’s it’s participatory, continuous, scientifi c, planting and taking care of small and large easy for one to tell that you’re passionate economical and universal. trees in Mpumalanga Province at Graskop about hair. What inspired your brand? Kaizen activities are designed to improve and Sudwala-Lowveld. Ngwenya Forestry Volumicious is a hair product that provides work quality and productivity, to reduce does not just grow trees, but also people as a permanent solution to diff erent hair time and cost, and to create comfortable and well, with job opportunities and internships. problems experienced by men, women and safe working environments. It contributes to the community by helping children. The product was founded in 2016 With Kaizen having a human-centered those who help themselves. The company by me after I lost my hair during pregnancy. Zoey Mkabela. approach, it has six eff ects; 1) improves joined the Workplace Challenge Programme I was inspired by my BSc Honours project quality and productivity, 2) changes in 2017. which I did at the University of Stellenbosch on a daily basis is receded hairlines, balding, managers’ and workers’ mind-sets, 3) The Provincial Manager for Seda in which involved investigating a plant that bald patches, thinning hair and breakage. develop workers who can think for Mpumalanga, Mashiba Kgole, echoed the was eaten by pregnant sheep, resulting in the themselves, 4) builds teamwork and sentiments expressed by Productivity SA newborn lambs being born without fur. Regarding the Clicks hair advert that enhances communication, 5) develops CEO, Mothiba and says COVID-19 has I found that there was an active compound caused a social media frenzy, what would strong institutions which continuously aff ected many SMME’s negatively. that was responsible for this problem. your view be on the matter? and consistently evolve, and 6) creates a However, the Department of Small It was an advert gone wrong. It displayed comfortable and safe working environment Business and Development together through the African hair in a bad light which is not Mothiba says the partnership is a good its agencies (Seda and Sefa) has lunched The most common the case. start of Productivity SA ‘s dream for a the COVID 19 support schemes to support we encounter on a It, however, did make women appreciate ‘Joined-up Government’, where government the struggling township and village-based daily basis is receded their hair more and it was great to see many departments and State-Owned Entities enterprises. black women come forward to show off their providing Enterprise Support Programmes These schemes include the support for hairlines, balding, bald hair, really emphasizing the fact that African are collaborating and coordinating their spaza shops and general dealers; bakeries patches, thinning hair hair is beautiful. I also believe that it made eff orts to improve the competitiveness and confectionaries; clothing, textile, and breakage women realize that they need to nurture their and sustainability of SMMEs as well as leather; automotive aftermarkets support hair more and embrace it. economic performance. It is a good start scheme; fruit and vegetable hawkers; for implementing South Africa’s Economic personal care services; and shisanyama and I then won an award for the best poster What sets your products apart? Recovery Plan post COVID-19. cooked food. In his conclusion, Mr Kgole presentation for my research project. What sets our products apart is the The vision of Productivity SA is to lead urged Mpumalanga businesses to approach During my maternity leave, I began to results. We show what the products can and inspire a productive, competitive South Seda in Mpumalanga for assistance and research and investigate active compounds do and that is important. They can use our Africa. It assists companies to improve COVID-19 business relief and support. that are responsible, not for hair loss but hair products to grow, maintain, and restore growth. I found a signifi cant amount of them their hair. A product that is multifunctional and through a process of trial and error, I and provides a permanent solution to the restored to use a diff erent number of them diff erent hair problems experienced not and test them out to see their effi cacy. only by women, but men and children too. Through a friend, I contacted a local We cater for all the diff erent textures, afros, cosmetic manufacturing company who relaxed, dreadlocks. Our products fi x the mixed those active compounds and gave me problem from the root. Over and above that the samples. I tested it on my own hair for we educate our customers on how to look a period of one year and my hair grew from after and we walk with them through their next length to almost midback length. journey and we celebrate their progress through the before and after pictures we How has solving both men and women’s share on social media platforms. hair problems been? It’s a rewarding and fulfi lling experience What’s your mandate and what can be when you see people regain their confi dence. expected from you in future? Over and above that is the relationships Our mandate is to spread our message one builds post sale, providing value beyond of hope across the continent of Africa and the product through hair care education and globally to the men and women who have walking the journey with them and being given up on their hair, to continue to drive accessible to them when needed. hair education and providing an exceptional service to our clients. What would you say is the most common We listen to our customers’ needs and as problem that people encounter with their a result, we will continue launching new hair? products and have a complete range of People face diff erent kinds of hair products to meet and satisfy our customers’ problems. The most common we encounter needs. Mashiba Kgole. Mpumalanga Mirror - Reflecting the truth October 2020 ADVERTISEMENT Mpumalanga Mirror 13

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You are considered a NEW STUDENT if you are: Applying or intending to apply at Ehlanzeni TVET College for the rst time

Here is how you apply if you are a NEW STUDENT: (NB: Applicants must have passed grade 9 for both NCV and Report 191 N1 and obtained a National Senior Certi cate (NSC) for Report 191 N4) 1 Visit the campus to book an online application/placement assessment session (you will be assisted by sta at the campus to do the application online) 2 Preference will be given to prospective students who are residing in the catchment area of the college /campus 3 Bring along the following documents (not older than 3 months) • Certi ed copy of your South African ID • Certi ed copies of parents/ guardian’s IDs • Certi ed copies of IDs of other dependents living in the same house (e.g. brothers, sisters) • Certi ed copies of your latest results • Proof of address with contact details of next of kin or responsible persons • Proof of parents/ guardians’ income (salary advice/letter of employment /pension advice) Should not be more than R350 000 per annum if you want a NSFAS Bursary Foreign students (Documents should not be older than 3 months) • Certi ed copies of passport • Valid study permit • SAQA approved foreign quali cation • Proof of Medical insurance or cover

All documents will become property of the College. If documents are not in English, they must be accompanied by a certi ed translation in English. 4 You will also be assisted with the online application for an NSFAS bursary during your session as NO academic application will be considered without proof of application for an NSFAS bursary 2021. 5 Once you have applied, a Selection Committee will assess your application and academic record. The selection criteria are available on our website. If you meet the requirements you will be noti ed via as SMS whether you have been provisionally accepted or not. Please make sure that the contact number you provide us is valid and working.

Please take note that no nal approvals for registration in 2021 will be done now. If you have been informed that you have been provisionally accepted, you will be required to bring your nal results to the campus from 01 February 2021. Only after you have submitted your nal results you will be able to register for 2021.

Please take note that provisional acceptance of your application does not guarantee you a space in 2021 as you will be considered registered once you have received a proof of registration from our system. APPLICATIONS DATES FOR CAMPUSES

Barberton Campus Kanyamazane Campus Mashishing Campus Mapulaneng Campus 28 September 2020 - 30 October 2020 14 September 2020 - 30 September 2020 01 October 2020 - 30 October 2020 01 September 2020 - 30 October 2020

Nelspruit Campus Mlumati Campus Mthimba Campus 28 September 2020 - 01 October 2020 01 September - 30 October 2020 14 September 2020 - 18 September 2020 05 October 2020 - 08 October 2020

CAMPUS CONTACT DETAILS Barberton 013-712-6640 Mashishing 013-590-0238 Mthimba 013-590-0015 KaNyamazane 013-794-3767 Mapulaneng 013-590-0016 Nelspruit 013-741-3016 Mlumati 013-590-0028

GET IN TOUCH WITH US www.ehlanzenicollege.co.za Ehlanzeni TVET College Ehlanzenitvet

Mpumalanga Mirror - Reflecting the truth 14 Mpumalanga Mirror SAFETY AND SECURITY October 2020

Provincial Commissioner, Lt Gen Mondli Zuma, father of the late Cst Khutsho Sedibe and Gifts for families. MEC Gabisile Shabalala. SAPS honours fallen heroes and heroines

Jabulane khumalo

MBOMBELA - The South African Police Service hosted their National Commemoration Day at the Union Buildings in Pretoria on September 6. The Minister of Police, Gen Bheki Cele had an opening address while the former premier Deputy President, David Mabuza laid the wreath in honour of the offi cers who died in the line of duty. The Provincial Head Offi ce was connected virtually led by the Provincial Commissioner Gen Lt Mondli Zuma and MEC of community Safety, Security and Liaison, Gabisile Shabalala. The province commemorated three offi cers who died on duty with their families present. Gen Zuma and MEC Shabalala handed over gifts to the families who were present. The father of the late Cst Khutsho Sedibe described the ceremony as a healing process. “I was emotional, but this day has settled me down. It’s a form of a healing to me. I now realize that I’m not alone because there are others who share the same pain. When I’m alone at times, I feel like I’m Provincial Commissioner, Lt Gen Mondli Zuma, MEC Gabisile Shabalala and HOD Busisiwe Nkuna. alone but this event shows that my son’s He also described his son as a good boy heart until the day of his death. in me and now I’m all alone, but I’m starting memory will forever be remembered,” he growing up. “He was a good son and our relationship to accept his death so that I move on,” said said. Someone who was always close to his grew into a friendship as well. He was best Sedibe senior. TVET college and Absa reinforce fi ght against Covid-19 MBOMBELA – Public-private sector College Principal, Mr EM Mbuyane. He also highlighted a number of activities, to donate the 1 600 facemasks and partnerships are the way to go in order to Nkosi indicated that ABSA has made it wherein, the bank is involved in resonance 766x750ml of hand sanitisers to Ehlanzeni tackle multi-faced ills of society, including their culture to make social contributions to with their social responsibility culture. TVET College. Covid-19 related issues. their clients throughout the country. These included, but not necessarily limited Nkosi mentioned that since they are in It is thus that Ehlanzeni TVET College The donation of the PPEs to the College to helping those who were unable to pay partnership with the College, they believed saw it fi t to sustain its partnership with are consistent with the bank’s social their house bonds and related bills. that the donation will go a long way in ABSA Bank Limited under the guise that responsibility commitment. In this instance, ABSA felt it appropriate fi ghting the Coronavirus pandemic. public institutions are encouraged to engage Accepting the donation, Mbuyane in benefi cial partnerships with the private expressed his gratitude for the generous sector in eff orts to ensure that the College gesture shown by Absa in donating products are holistically developed and the highly valued Personal Protective moulded not only for the world of work but Equipment to the College. also for responsible citizenship. He described the donation as perfectly This, therefore, means that the skills alone timed as it came at a time when are not suffi cient if the social element is not complacency was beginning to creep in, enhanced as well. when most are beginning to think that The College has a good relationship Coronavirus is over. with ABSA and that got demonstrated He further pleaded with all the when ABSA donated personal protective benefi ciaries, the students and staff to utilise equipment aimed at combating the Covid-19 the noble gifts appropriately. spread on September 16. He further gave ABSA the assurance Ehlanzeni TVET College received that the equipment will never be traded for donations from ABSA Bank Limited during anything, but used to save the lives of the an occasion that took place at the Nelspruit Ehlanzeni’s community in line with its noble Campus. intent. The Campus Manager, CL Cronje, warmly The Deputy Principal Academic, FHJ welcomed the attendees whom he thanked Siboza, welcomed the donation and thanked for observing the social distancing protocols. ABSA for staying true to the benefi cial In his welcoming remarks, Cronje public-private partnership existing between recognised the presence of the ABSA the two institutions. Siboza described the delegation led by Mr Nkosi and the College donation as “an investment beyond literal delegation led by the recently appointed investment” Mpumalanga Mirror - Reflecting the truth October 2020 COMMUNITY Mpumalanga Mirror 15

Mpumalanga Mirror - Reflecting the truth MIRROR

SPORTOCTOBER 2020 WWW.MPMIRRORONLINE.CO.ZA MPUMALANGA MIRROR @MPMIRROR Rugged Terrain

Jabulane Khumalo

Firstly, we congratulate those who won GLORY DAYS ARE BACK at the Mpumalanga Sports Awards for a job well done. Hard work, dedication and consistency fi nally paid off when you were awarded. However, there’s still a lot of work that lies ahead when it comes to quality AT MBOMBELA control, especially on a national platform. This is after I’ve noted that the awards show, rather looked much rehearsed for the better part of the show. There were glitches here and there, but that can be fi xed moving forward and making sure that it comes off naturally on STADIUM screen. Another astonishing moment, was when Jabulane Khumalo TS Sporting was awarded the Best Team award. I question the validity of the award Mpumalanga offi cially has a team that will because they were just at the brink of campaign in the top fl ight league 2020/21 relegation. What criteria was used to and season since the Mpumalanga Black Aces why? It just didn’t add up. years. There were also questions concerning TS Galaxy Club President, Tim Sukazi the fact that they were hosted in Gauteng. successfully purchased the Highlands Park’s It raised eyebrows, but I’m sure there Premier Soccer League status. were reasons to this. Could it have been The club released a statement on Covid-19 related? September 17, confi rming the news. The Or there’s no reasonable capacity to purchase comes after lengthy discussions, host them in the province? Those are where a mutual agreement was fi nally some of the lingering questions that came reached by both parties which will see The fl ooding on social media. However, that is Rockets campaigning in the PSL 2020/21 season. Galaxy sold their GladAfrica a conversation for another day. Championship back to its former holders, I can’t wait for the football, rugby, cricket Cape Town All Stars. and other leagues from various sporting In preparation of the new season, the team codes to resume their 2020/21 season. tweeted a series of videos where Sukazi was A lot has been happening in football, outlining some of the team’s plans. particularly, in the province with TS “We are not drawn too much to the Galaxy acquiring their Premier League excitement because there’s hard work that status. lies ahead of us. They will also be playing their home We cannot aff ord to fail our people. I games in Mbombela Stadium and my also want to pay homage to the people of wish is for supporters to give them a KwaNdebele who never had a professional welcoming they deserve. football club before. They’ll be representing the province and “Going into the new season, many would they need the support more than anything know that players come with deals and the to cut through the season and remain in purchaser must put himself in the shoes of league. the seller from a transaction point of view. On the other end, we’re hoping another This is football and our technical team will matter that is hanging in the balance, be assessing players and they know where Mpumalanga United formerly known as exactly to reinforce. Acornbush. “On that basis, that decision on players Will they be playing in the GladAfrica will be made. Now that Galaxy has acquired Championship or not? I’m in the dark, let’s the PSL status, it should not mean we hope there will be clarity what their next should not reinforce the squad. Mamelodi move is concerning their status. Sundowns just bought 11 players, Orlando Pirates will also announce their new signings, as well as Kaizer Chiefs and other clubs, too. In doing so, we also have to let go of some players. It’s natural in football business that every season the squad is revamped in one way or the other,” he said. The Rockets have roped in Dan “Dance” Malesela back who will serve as the head coach. Malesela will be assisted by Esau Mtsweni who joined the club last season as an assistant coach. Meanwhile, Mabhuti Khenyeza was appointed to coach the Multi-Choice Diski Challenge side. Former Bidvest Wits FC player and goalkeeper coach, Tyron Damons will be heading the goalkeeping department. Veteran defender, Thabo Nthethe, who signed with the club last season, will now TS Galaxy owner, Tim Sukazi. serve as the Team Manager.