Metsi Ke Bophelo

Issue 1 - March/April 2011

In this issue

2 Editorial note 9 Sedibeng Water capacitates municipalities 3 Upcoming events 10 Employees introduced toAARTOAct 3 Long service awards 11 Sedibeng Water receives accolades 4-5 Aworld first for Sedibeng Water 12 Incident investigation training 6 Sedibeng Water sponsors river clean-up campaign 12 New vehicles for the North West Region 6 Sedibeng Water adopts Mothibistad Park 13 MDP students graduate 7 Vandalism 14 Mmamokua retires after 28 years 8 Training course for secretaries and personal assistants presented 15-16 Staff profiles Editorial note Steering through the storm

The editorial team welcomes you to 2011, as well as to our term viability and sustainability. Financial stability and first issue of Metsi Ke Bophelo for the year – we are proud to sustainability is not Sedibeng Water's only measure of be part of this organisation and look forward to a productive success. year of achievements for all. Our financial results make it possible to grow and maintain During 2010 Sedibeng Water made its mark in many our operations, while also caring for the environment respects. An independent customer survey indicated that before giving clean water supply and hygienic living we maintained customer satisfaction levels of 80,4% and conditions to even the poorest of the poor! 78,3% amongst our retail and bulk customers respectively. We are also assisting in the implementation of the Blue In addition, Sedibeng Water has once again been Drop programme - we offer training to municipal staff acknowledged when we recently received the Diamond responsible for Blue Drop functions. and Golden Arrow Awards for being the best water services provider in Free State and Provinces We deploy water quality experts to assist with almost all respectively. These achievements do not come without municipal assessments and provide essential information hard work and support from all the staff! and support to the municipalities.

Our Acting Chief Executive, Mr RT Takalani, took over the Teamworkwas a critical factor for organisational success in reigns under very difficult circumstances. The global 2010. In real life Sedibeng Water as an entity cannot exist, economic crisis was taking its toll in the water services grow or prosper in isolation from its employees because, sector, cost-recovery became the biggest challenge and like any other organisation, Sedibeng Water is a collection many municipalities needed assistance in delivering water of individuals interacting with one another. This enabled us services. to achieve our shared objectives.

Government's broader agenda became more demanding, All these achievements would not have been possible while the expectations of communities rose. There was without teamwork by the Acting Chief Executive, Senior much uncertainty about our future. Managers, supervisors and all the employees. Therefore, the editorial team would like to thank you all for your During difficult circumstances all contributions, dedication and hard work as a group during employees at Sedibeng Water the past year. proved to be leaders, who can keep their cool in the face of We are looking forward to an even more successful 2011. adversity. Sedibeng Water's achievements show that we Some highligts in this issue include a world first for are still on the right track. Sedibeng Water at the Vaal Gamagara Water Scheme, long service awards, training for our secretaries and We continue to outperform personal assistants and the graduation of students in the our financial targets and our Management Development Programme. consolidated profit increased by 33,9% to R44,3 million last year. We can therefore expand our services to those in Editorial Team: Ndoyisile Alfred Theys, need. Merafe Isaac Legalamitlwa and Mosala David Maleke

Our financial performance and an unqualified audit report, All the best for 2011 show that we are solidly on route to long

2 Upcoming events

National Water Week 2011 Third Municipal Drinking Water Quality Conference

National Water Week 2011 will be celebrated from 21-27 The third Municipal Drinking Water Quality Conference will March 2011. The theme for 2011 is “Working together we be held from 28 – 30 June in Cape Town. This conference can save more water.” Water Week 2011 will coincide with seeks to present all stakeholders with a platform to share both Human Rights Day celebrations and the United Nation practical ways of treating and managing Drinking Water hosting of the World Water Day in SouthAfrica (Cape Town) Quality from source to tap. on 22 March 2011.

Long service awards

Sedibeng Water honoured its long serving employees at glittering functions across the regions. The Northern Cape event was held on 26 November 2010, Virginia followed on 14 December 2010, Balkfontein celebrated on 15 December 2010 and the North West Region on 11 February 2011.

Sedibeng Water paid tribute to those who have served the organisation for ten, fifteen and twenty years.

Speaking during the North West event in , Mr Toto Molobye, Human Resource Manager said: “Sedibeng Water has created an enabling environment in the workplace as people spent most of their time at work. Employees have also been empowered by opportunities for development.”

Mr Rembuluwani Takalani,Acting Chief Executive, told the audience that he was honoured to stand in front of a group of people who epitomise loyalty, steadfastness and commitment. He also emphasised that Sedibeng Water was fortunate to have employees who have spent their lifetime rendering service to communities.

Mr Takalani told the recipients that they have achieved their success because of team work. “When we apply this truth to Sedibeng Water and our unique working environment, it is evident that individual achievement must always be seen within the scope of collective achievement. Being part of a team allows us to excel when it comes to realising our personal goals.”

Mr Takalani thanked the recipients for their loyalty and commitment to Sedibeng Water with many years of continuous service. “Every member, irrespective of duties and responsibilities, has an indispensable contribution to make. We value and salute you, you have all contributed towards making Sedibeng Water bigger and better.” He went on to say “this is a guiding principle that we must adhere to, once team members understand the importance of what they do, they will be much more effective in doing it.”

3 A world first for Sedibeng Water

Sedibeng Water made headlines in July 2002 with the Access into the pipeline is at existing air valves or specially ground-breaking installation of the world’s largest prepared connection stubs. The under-pressure insertion limestone contactor at Fika Patso, Qwa-Qwa. Now we was achieved by removing the air valve and fitting a have achieved another world first: performing CCTV specially fabricated flange and an insertion tube on top of pipeline inspections under live conditions at the Vaal the gate valve. The camera head, inspection cable and Gamagara Water Scheme in the Northern Cape. parachute are then deployed under-pressure through the insertion tube into the pipeline while the pipeline remains SSIS Sahara (Pty) Ltd, in conjunction with Sedibeng Water, in service. The flow of water opens the parachute and conducted these inspections using a revolutionary new provides the necessary drag to pull the camera and cable CCTV video inspection system. along the pipeline.

How does it all work?

Water is abstracted from the Vaal River and treated near (about 60 km west of Kimberley) before being piped as far as Hotazel and Blackrock in the North. The scheme consists of more than 300km of bulk steel water pipelines and fulfils an important role in supplying potable water to towns, settlements and mines in the Northern Cape.

Why did it happen?

Sedibeng Water commissioned a master planning study to assess future upgrading and expansion requirements. Assessing the existing pipeline infrastructure, which is up to 30 years old, formed an important part of the Figure 2: Typical site showing inspection vehicle, insertion investigation. Apart from assessing the corrosion potential tube and winch assembly and external coating integrity, we also needed to perform internal visual inspections on the pipelines. Due to the high water demand on the scheme, the pipelines could not be taken out of service for any length of time, so inspections had to take place under live operating conditions.

What is Live CCTV Video Inspection Technology?

The Sahara® CCTV platform was developed specifically for use when inspections are performed under live operating conditions, and therefore suited this application perfectly. The CCTV camera is inserted into a live pipeline through a standard 50 mm diameter or larger opening, usually at air valve installations and is pulled by the flow of the water, transmitting real-time video images from inside the pipeline.

4 Figure 1: Sahara CCTV System Setup and Components Figure 3: CCTV Camera Head and Parachute Assembly

>> continue to page 5 << continued from page 4

The speed and direction of the camera are controlled from inside the inspection vehicle by a hydraulically operated cable drum and winch fitted on top of the insertion tube. This allows the operator to scan backwards and forwards and record the images to a hard drive and DVD. The camera head is tracked on the surface to accurately locate any anomalies detected. Severe blistering of the pipe lining Pipe joint corrosion What did we find?

The purpose of the Vaal Gamagara inspection was to find Apart from observations of normal bio-film growth inside out the internal condition of a number of selected pipe the pipelines, the following findings were documented: sections, to help in the decision making process regarding the future of the scheme. Sedibeng Water identified 14 · gate valve condition and riser stub corrosion and inspection positions, 12 of the sites, totalling 4.2 km of tuberculoses; pipeline, were successfully inspected. The remaining two sites could not be inspected due to excessive internal · damaged and defective linings (observations included operating pressures. A standard visual classification cracked lining, damaged or missing lining, visible signs procedure was developed to consistently classify of corrosion product build-up, blistered lining and inspection features such as cracked lining, peeled lining physical obstructions inside the pipelines); and corrosion deposits. A basic steel pipe corrosion classification model was also developed to assess and · condition of pipe joints; and prioritise pipe wall corrosion. All visual observations were classified and recorded onto DVD. · pipe barrel corrosion.

The live CCTV inspections on the Vaal Gamagara scheme Where do we go now? provided a good indication of the internal condition of the selected pipe sections. The first CCTV inspection of pipelines under live operational conditions was a resounding success. We now have clues as to the presence and possible type and mode Images showing inside of pipelines: of corrosion taking place inside the pipelines and can make more accurate assessments of pipe conditions and refurbishment requirements.

All the inspections had been performed while the pipelines were operational, meaning that negative impact on operations and costly shutdowns were limited.

What does the future hold?

Early stages of riser stub corrosion Riser stub tuberculoses and condition According to Mr Ian Hasenjager, Manager: Business of gate valve disc Development, on completion of the project the Vaal Gamagara Water Scheme will increase its output threefold by 2017.

He also indicated that new pipelines throughout the area need to be laid. Pump stations, reservoirs and purification works will be upgraded. In addition, this extensive infrastructure will enable Sedibeng Water to deliver water to Botswana and create opportunities for communities in

Corrosion build-up on pipe wall Cracked lining the Northern Cape, especially in Postmasburg and PhotosBlackrock.

5 Sedibeng Water sponsors river clean-up campaign

Thedeteriorated condition of the Harts River in Tswaing, · to clean litter from the river; Sannieshof, has become a cause of great concern. The · to provide education on preserving the environment; Department of Water Affairs therefore decided with · to promote partnerships and volunteer actions to other stakeholders to launch a River Clean-up Awareness fulfill the departmental mission of providing Campaign on 3 December 2010. sustainable water resources; and · create awareness around the establishment of the The objectives of the campaign were: North-West Harts River Forum.

· to create awareness among the residents of the About 100 learners from Agisanang Primary School and 66 Tswaing Local Municipality and Sannieshof of the need from Laerskool Sannieshof took part in the clean up with to take care of our scarce water resource and to other role players such as government departments, participate in the protection and management of our Department of Water Affairs, municipalities, youth water; organisations in the area and local environmental clubs.

Sedibeng Water adopts Mothibistad Park

Sedibeng Water has proudly adopted and renovated the Mothibistad Park situated in Mothibistad in the Ga-Segonyana Local Municipality. This local municipality forms part of the John Taolo Gaetsewe District Municipality in the Northern Cape Province where Sedibeng Water is also a service provider.

The municipality asked Sedibeng Water to adopt and renovate the community park, and of course we happily took on the task! The community and particularly the youth use this park that provides a constructive recreation facility that keeps the children off the streets and away from criminal activities.

6 Vandalism

Vandalism, illegal connections and unaccounted for water · water resource management; losses remain a challenge for both Sedibeng Water and · the cost implication of vandalism; Water Services Authorities (WSAs) especially in rural · the credit policy of the municipality; communities where we are a service provider. This is due to · water conservation and demand management; the communities vandalising, destroying, damaging or · water losses; interfering with pipes by installing permanent illegal pipes. · creating awareness that vandalism can increase the We need to instill in these communities a culture of risk of contamination; and payment and ownership. · inculcating the culture of ownership within the communities. Communal standpipes placed outside the premises are often vandalised and tampered with. There are also Vandalism and theft of installed infrastructure can lead to instances where the community will tamper with water severe injury to the perpetrators, but more importantly to pipes, install their own pipes, reverse water meters and innocent bystanders. The removal of a manhole lid or make use of other devices to steal water or interfere with locking device can lead to injury and even death of accurate meter readings. Vandalism can pollute or pedestrians and especially children. Mr Deon Dippenaar, contaminate water resources. Sedibeng Water in Manager of Free State Region says: “All measures taken partnership with Water Services Authorities have started by Sedibeng Water and the WSAs to curb the spate of awareness campaigns in our area of supply aimed at vandalism and theft results in additional cost that educating the community about: eventually contributes to the rising cost of water.”

7 Training course for secretaries and personal assistants presented

Our secretaries and personal assistants are of great importance to Sedibeng Water because we cannot do without them. Therefore, Sedibeng Water in association with Peakford Management Consultants Training Company presented a course in Master Secretarial, Personal Assistants Excellence and Minute Taking from 22 - 24 Feruary 2011 in Balkfontein. Secretaries and personal assistants from head office and the three regions attended.

Personal assistants and secretaries, aimed to achieve better professional results by becoming more effective and those wishing to enhance their careers by becoming more motivated, gained a great deal from the training that focused on refining key skills required in the modern, fast paced and demandingoffice environment. Personal excellence, effectiveness, efficiency, decision making, assertiveness, · Become better communicators and learn practical etiquette and optimising technology were emphasised. strategies for building rapport and relationships; · Prioritise effectively and manage the demands on their At the end of this training participants fully understand the time; core functions of a secretary or personal assistant, identify · Maximise their contribution to the success of their the right attitude and mentality for an office professional, respective managers and business units; understand the use of modern technology, apply the · Support their managers to ensure that they achieve principles and best practice in grooming and office etiquette. business objectives; · Understanding meeting protocols and meetings; and Attendees of the course were empowered to: · Understand roles and responsibilities at meetings.

· Manage office politics, conflict and solve problems; The workshop was highly interactive and involved practical · Effectively use time and office resources; discussions and interviews.

8 Sedibeng Water capacitates municipalities

South Africa, like many developing countries, faces significant challenges in the sustainable provision of adequate and safe water services. The Department of Water Affairs (DWA) is committed to exercising incentive- based regulation with Blue Drop assessments, which have recently been conducted. Water Services Authorities (WSAs) and towns receive a Blue Drop status if compliant with drinking water legislative and other best practice requirements.

Results over the last two years show that the majority of Water Services Authorities in the Free State are not complying with the criteria for drinking water quality management. The regional office of DWA has appointed Sedibeng Water as an Implementing Agent to help WSAs meet these requirements.

Sedibeng Water believes that sufficient capacity, skills, competencies and capability are core to achieving these standards. It was therefore important to ensure that all our actions were aligned to capacity building and consequently long term sustainability.

Most municipalities lack credible laboratory services. Therefore, our goal is to assist with the establishment of laboratories by providing training for the implementation of quality management systems. We provided training at the Metsimaholo and Setsoto Local Municipalities. Quality managements systems were implemented and both these laboratories are now capable of producing reliable results. Employees from Ngwathe Local Municipality were also trained and although it has not been completed, substantial progress has been made in the process.

Two employees from Mantsopa and one from Moqhaka Local Municipalities also recently underwent training. The training enabled then to acquire the necessary skills to conduct analyses in their own laboratories.

Training covers the relevant minimum SANS requirements in chemistry and microbiological analyses as well as an introduction to good practices and safety in the laboratory. Training consists of theoretical and practical sessions where each trainee has the opportunity to do water analyses and quality control samples. Calibration of equipment and the reporting of results are also included.

Further training is planned and once the laboratories at these local municipalities are equipped, employees from the Sedibeng Water Quality Control Laboratory will assist with the implementation of quality management. Municipalities will then be able to meet regulatory requirements and improve customer satisfaction.

9 Employees introduced to AARTO Act

Sedibeng Water's employees received Administrative Adjudication of Road Traffic Offences (AARTO) training which was conducted in all the regions on the following dates: Balkfontein on 9 February 2011, Virginia on 10 February 2011, Vaal Gamagara on 11 February 2011, Mothibistad on 14 February 2011 and Taung, and Hartswater on 15 February 2011.

The AARTO Act was promulgated in 1998 and started with a pilot phase in Pretoria in 2008 under the watchful eye of the Tshwane Metropolitan Police. Johannesburg Metropolitan Police joined in November 2008, as the second municipality to adopt AARTO. This pilot phase ended on 1 April 2010.

South Africa's road traffic fatalities are amongst the world's highest with over 35% involving pedestrians. The AARTO Act seeks to tackle this problem by imposing hefty fines and demerit-points on driving licenses, leading to suspended driving licenses for regular offenders.

The training covered:

· What is AARTO?; · Why AARTO?; · Important provisions and information (payment of penalties); · Allocation of demerit points; · Prohibition to drive or operate a vehicle; · Failure to comply with provisions; · Charges to offences and applicable demerits points; · Traffic fines notice types; and · HandlingAARTO traffic fines.

According to Mr Frans de Vos, Acting Operation and Maintenance Manager, North West Region who presented the course, “AARTO does not replace the National Road Traffic Act, it merely removes its administration under the Criminal Procedures Act for less serious offences. Serious offences still fall under the Criminal Procedures Act, which means that you will get a criminal record if you are convicted of one of these offences.”

10 Sedibeng Water receives accolades

Our Marketing and Communication Department has done Sedibeng Water proud and received an accolade from The South African Association of Water Utilities (SAAWU) Chief Executive, Ms Ntombenhle Thombeni. Mr Ndoyisile Theys, Manager Marketing and Communication was congratulated for a sterling job done in assisting and mentoring Ms Nomthandazo Mhlope, a Public Relations intern, to finalise her portfolio.

Mr Mosala Maleke, Marketing and Communication Officer in the North West Region was assigned to assist the student with the following projects, enabling her to complete her diploma:

· Media release – writing and distribution; · Events management; · Media relations; · Communication with clients; · Production of publications; · Compiling public relations programmes; and · Internal communication programmes.

Nomthandazo obtained 71% and successfully fulfilled all the requirements for her diploma.

ForAttention: Mr.ATheys 31 January 2011

Sedibeng Water Private Bag X5 Bothaville 9660

Dear Mr. Theys

LETTER OFAPPRECIATION

We would like to express our thanks and appreciation to you as the Manager of David Maleke for the kindness and professionalism you displayed to SAAWU as an organization. This serves to express our sincere appreciation and gratitude for your professionalism in organizing and deploying your employee to help in developing an intern student who was helping SAAWU office with Communication and Public Relation exercises. It was very good of you to allow David to mentor and develop Nomthandazo Mhlophe, a Public Relation student at University of Johannesburg. That was very much appreciated by the SAAWU family.

This letter comes to you with great appreciation for all the efforts from you and David for making Nomthandazo's portfolio of evidence a big success. Your dedication helped her to achieve her diploma and without you, she could not have achieved it.

Expecting more such contributions from the Water Utilities in future.

Yours sincerely

Ntombenhle Thombeni Chief Executive – SAAWU Tel: 011 455 0591 / 0176 Fax: 011 455 0182 Email: [email protected] 11 Incident investigation training

Safety, Health and Environment in the North West Region organised an Incident Investigation training course from 22 to 23 February 2011, conducted by Dekra at Barons Galley Hartswater. The course was attended by 16 employees from the ranks of supervisors and superintendents.

The training covered: · Understanding the legal requirements for an investigation into incidents occurring in the working environment; · Understanding the reason, range and scope of the investigation; · Knowledge of relevant hazards and risks likely to be encountered in the learner's area of responsibility; · Knowledge of basic investigation techniques, · Knowledge and skill in completing the necessary documentation; and · The importance of conducting an investigation into workplace incidents and explaining the consequences to the operation of the organisation.

The following incident investigation steps were dealt with: · assess the situation; · collect information; · analyse information; · develop and implement remedial; action plan (RAP); and · conduct audit.

After the successful completion of the course, employees will be proudly appointed as internal incident investigators. New vehicles for the North West Region

In December 2010 North West Region was thrilled to receive 43 new vehicles, obtained through Avis on a lease agreement. The new vehicles are fitted with steel canopies, roof racks and observer management and tracking systems allowing for each vehicles to be monitored.

Fleet vehicles allow staff to do their daily activities in the region. The impact of bad roads warrants that management review the state of the vehicles from time to time. Cost effectiveness must however also be taken into account. Vehicles will be allocated as follows: Mothibistad - 10, Treatment - 6, Taung– 19, TechnicalServices – 5 and Finance – 3.

“The acquisition of these vehicles indicates renewed emphasis on sound business principles, aimed at utilising assets to ensure uninterrupted service to customers,” 12 said Mr Moses Lebitso, Acting Regional Manager, North West. MDP students graduate

We all know that managers are important to the development and future of any organisation. Here at Sedibeng Water we identified three categories of learning that our supervisory and middle management needed. To address these needs, our candidates attended the Management Development Programme presented by the School of Management of the University of the Free State.

This programme covered the following: · Emerging competencies that require greater emphasis as the organisation pursues its particular strategic path; · Transitional competencies that employees require during a change process; and · Stable competencies central to the organisations performance in the present and the future.

The graduation certificate ceremony for the Management Development Programme students was held on 26 November 2010 at the Centenary Complex on the main campus of University of the Free State in Bloemfontein. Twelve of the 17 enrolled students were awarded certificates in Management Development.

Mr Hans Mey, Operational Superintendent for the Free State Region, emerged as best overall student with 12 distinctions in the subjects of; Diversity Management, Economics, E-Commerce, Entrepreneurship, Finance, Human Resource Management, Industrial Relations, Leadership Development, Marketing, Project Management, Strategic Management and Continuous Assessment. Hans achieved an overall result of 79%.

Mr Mey says that the qualification will help him not only to unleash his own potential, but also to develop and manage the potential of the rest of the team to the advantage of the Operational Department and Sedibeng Water as a whole.

Mr Mey has his sights set on more studies. “I would love to do an MBA degree in future, but because of the workload in the Operations Department, it will have to wait. I am, however, proud that one of the Process Controllers in my Department, who also completed the MDP,has just enrolled for an MBAdegree at the University of Potchefstroom.”

Well done, Hans, we are very proud of you.

13 Mmamokua retires after 28 years

Colleagues and management of Sedibeng Water in the North West Region gathered at the Hartswater Regional Office on 29 October 2010 to say their last goodbye to Ms Ponatshego Maria Mokua, also affectionately known as “Mmamokua”.

She joined what was previously known as the Water Cooperation on 8 November 1982. This institution eventually became the Department of Water Affairs. Ms Mokua worked as a tea lady in the Taung district before being transferred to Mogwase region in 1989 after the birth of Bophuthatswana Water Supply Authority. In 1996 she returned to Taung and worked at Bogosing Water Treatment plant until she was promoted to regional office in Hartswater in 2001.

Ms Mokua is loved by many because of her humbleness. She has always shown an interest in Adult Basic Education and Training. Ms Lolo Chabedi, ABET Facilitator in the North West Region, describes “Mmamokua's” retirement as bitter-sweet. “Bitter because we have to part with someone so loved and sweet in that she leaves us in a good state of standing and has been an example by showing that learning is not only for the young, but is a life long journey.”

Mr Aboka Baeba, Human Resources Officer in the North West Region, spoke at the event about three key areas for retirement namely:

· Your finance, you need to seriously review your budget, as your income would drop drastically; · Your role in the community, community members will expect you to play an active role in their activities; and · Your health, keep healthy by doing chores and regular exercise.

In conclusion, Mr Toto Molobye, Manager Human Resources, thanked Ms Mokua for her years of service and her loyalty and wished her a well deserved retirement.

14 Staff profiles Malebogo Molaolwe

Malebogo Molaolwe was born in Gamopedi village and grew up in Mapoteng village near Kuruman in the Northern Cape Province. She started her primary education at Gamopedi Primary and matriculated at Batlharo Tlhaping High School.

She completed her N3 certificate in Electrical Engineering at Kathu Technical College (2000). Malebogo did not stop studying then, but went on to do her S1 in Electrical Engineering at Free State Technikon (2001). In 2006, she completed her N5 in Electrical Engineering at the Northern Cape Further Education and Training (FET) College in Kimberley.

She joined Lichi Property Consultant in Kimberley as an Administration Clerk in 2006. She then moved to B-SAFE Consulting in Kuruman as an Administration Clerk. She joined Sedibeng Water as a Meter Reader in September 2009. Her responsibilities include repairing and disconnecting meters, distributing invoices and notices to consumers and inspecting bulk meters. Malebogo loves music, reading and cooking.

Jacob Christians

Jacob Christians was born in Delportshoop in the Northern Cape where he completed his primary education. He completed his high school education at Homevale Senior Secondary School in Kimberley. Jacob started to work as a Pump Operator at Vaal Gamagara Government Water Scheme in January 1986.

He joined Naborn Construction as an Apprentice in the Carpentry and Joiner section. In 1990, he completed his training at Bifsa Training College. Jacob joined Stocks and Stocks in 1992 when the building of a reservoir in Delportshoop and a pipeline from Vaal Gamagara to Delportshoop commenced. In 1993 he started to work at Sydney on Vaal Lodge, which later became to be known as Guilford LTD. Jacob’s main functions here included looking after the lodge, houses and gardens. He joined Sedibeng Water in April 2010 in the Civil Department. He loves soccer, athletics and fishing.

Letlhogonolo Desiree Jabane

Letlhogonolo Desiree Jabane grew up in Zeerust in the North West Province. She completed her primary education at Maanoane Primary School and her secondary education at Jangjo High School.

In 2005, Desiree enrolled for a National Certificate in Mechanical Engineering at Klerksdorp Further Education and Training College. In 2006 she started her apprenticeship as a Fitter at Uranium One Mine in Klerksdorp. Desiree completed her trade test at Matlosana Training Centre (Stilfontein) in 2009.

She started to work as a Fitter at Springs Gold-One Mine in 2010. Desiree joined Sedibeng Water as a Fitter and Turner in the Mechanical Department at Balkfontein in December 2010.

Desiree spends her quality time with her family and friends and watching sports on television. >> continue to page 16 15 << continued from page 15

Kelebogile Cleopatra Mohatlhe

Kelebogile Cleopatra Mohatlhe was born and grew up at Vergenoeg near Ganyesa in the North West Province. She started her primary education at Gaegane Primary and matriculated at Kgononyane Secondary School.

She completed her National Technical Certificate (N6) in 2004 as well as a National Diploma in 2006 through Vuselela Further Education and Training (FET) College, Taung Campus. She is currently doing an Advanced Diploma in HRM through Southern Business School.

Kelebogile joined Sedibeng Water as a Human Resource Clerk in November 2004 and is responsible for the coordination of all Human Resources functions in the Kudumane district. She is a laid back type of girl who enjoys watching soccer, reading and jazz music.

Tshepiso Christopher Mmekoa

Tshepiso Christopher Mmekoa was born and grew up at Kameelrivier village in Mpumalanga. He completed his primary education at Andisa Primary School and his high school education at Hlanganani Secondary Education.

In 2007 he completed a Diploma in Water Care at Tshwane University of Technology where he is continuing his studies with a B-Techin Water Care at the moment.

Tshepiso worked for Dr J.S. Moroka Local Municipality as an Engineering Technician: Water from February 2008 to August 2009 and was responsible for monitoring water quality and water plant operation, sampling and testing of water and drinking water quality management.

In September 2009 he joined Sedibeng Water as a Process Controller. His responsibilities include controlling water quality; managing the treatment process, monitoring and controlling dam and reservoir levels; conducting inspections of network pump stations; supervising and training staff in the section as well as ensuring adherence to SHE rules and regulations. He also takes samples and conducts analysis on a routine basis to ensure the optimal functioning of the plant. Tshepiso is a sports fan and watches soccer and cricket.

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