FREE ESTABLISHED 1991 WEDNESDAY 7-9 MAY 2014 WWW.EXPRESS-NEWS.CO.ZA MAKE YOUR MARK: With a simple X you will ensure that South Africa remains the best place to live in. Express encourages all its readers and Free State citizens to go out and exercise their hard-won right to vote. Remember to visit the voting station where you are registered and vote before 21:00. MAKE YOUR MARK: With a simple X you will ensure that South Africa remains the best place to live in Express encourages all its readers and Free State citizens to go out and
Transcript
FREE ESTABLISHED 1991 WEDNESDAY 79 MAY 2014 WWW.EXPRESSNEWS.CO.ZA
MAKE YOUR MARK: With a simple X you will ensure that South Africa remains the best place to live in. Express encourages all its readers and Free State citizens to go out andexercise their hardwon right to vote. Remember to visit the voting station where you are registered and vote before 21:00.MAKE YOUR MARK: With a simple X you will ensure that South Africa remains the best place to live in. Express encourages all its readers and Free State citizens to go out and
2 EXPRESS, WEDNESDAY 7 MAY 2014
MOTHER THERESA said: “If I looked atthe masses I would never act.” Maybe allyoung voters who have lost faith shouldstop looking at collective power and startconsidering how poor our democracy wouldbe without their votes. Student apathyremains a much-debated topic, but ironical-ly is always addressed to the wrong group.Looking at students on the whole (and
disregarding individuality for the sake ofthis exercise), there are many things we donot worry about: global warming, women’srights, civil unrest in the Central AfricanRepublic and our annual Student Represent-ative Council (SRC) election. Last year, lessthan 16% of all students at the Universityof Stellenbosch voted in the SRC election.Accordingly, there are few things that
students, in general, care about. So few thatI have had to think hard to come up withexamples. It seems most students simplycannot be bothered with anything beyondtheir immediate lives (academics, friends,internet connection-speed and parkingrestrictions). This is if we accept enthu-siasm is manifested by mass-participation.I have reason to think this approach is
incorrect. For if we are to believe one
person can make a difference by caring –cue Dr. Seuss: “Unless someone like youcares a whole awful lot, nothing is going toget better. It’s not.” – we cannot measurecontributions by numbers.I am part of a generation of South
Africans known as “born frees” (peopleborn since the dawn of democracy in thecountry). Many believe us to be the “windof change” in South African politics whenwe vote the first time today. This is notonly an unfair burden to place on theshoulders of a group of 20 year olds, it isalso unlikely to be the case.Of the about 2 million born frees eligible
to vote, only 680 000 registered this year,according to the Independent ElectoralCommission. Even if they all vote, theirswill amount to less than 3% of the totalvote. It is highly unfeasible that they shall
pose a serious threat to the ruling party.Again I rely on the notion that numbers
are not the only thing that brings aboutchange. There is something to be said aboutthe enthusiasm of the individuals who dotake voting seriously and who do believethat they can contribute, no matter whatthe statistics say. Because the simple fact ofa democracy is that every vote counts.It is not student apathy or indifference
that prevents born frees (and their slightlyolder counterparts) from making thedifference they are able to, but perhapsrather a disbelief in the power of their vote.While born frees account for a small
percentage of voters, estimates suggest thatby 2019, when the next presidential electionis held, a third of South African voterscould be born frees. It remains to be seen ifthese numbers will lead to change. For mypart, the change will occur when I makemy first mark on an election ballot today,confident that my vote is significant.) Emily van der Merwe is a second yearlaw student at the University of Stellen-bosch and content editor at Die Matiestudent newspaper. She is originallyfrom Calvinia in the Northern Cape.
Each individual vote is significantMy viewEmily van derMerweSocial observer
Will they vote?
MPHO LETHIBA (21), Botshabelo: “Yes, inthe future we need something better, hopefrom our side means ‘hold on, pains end’voting can bring a better life.”
SIPHENATHICHINGO (20),Willows: “Yes, ofcourse. I believe it is my chance to stand formyself, I believe it counts and it will bringchange.
LINDIWE TSHABALALA (20), Klerksdorp:“Yes, I will be voting. You will never knowif there will be change, so just do it. Takea leap of faith and have hope that thingswillget better and change.”
TRISHA FANYANE (18), Grootvlei: “Yes, Iwill vote to help people. My vote counts.People should vote for change.”
Photos: Tshenolo Meruti
DADDY LENTO (21), Bloemfontein: “No, Iam not going to vote. I will vote if Malemawould win, he is a cool guy, he is intohimself and thinks a lot about people. I ama bad boy and so is he, it all just makessense.”
OLEBOGENG CHAUKE (19), Phahameng:“Yes, I will be voting and my vote will bringchange, it will count. I am voting for a betterfuture.”
NONCEBA SOLO (20), Freedom Square:“Yes, I will, I am voting for my country andI have learnt from high school about apartheid and how my parents struggled. I amglad about the elections and know theparty I will vote for will win. I cannotwait for Wednesday (today), I will be firstin line.”
MOHALE TANTSI (18), Phase 10: “I am notsure, but I know I want democracy to continue.Wewerebornwhendemocracy in ourcountry was in its infancy and our peoplesuffered in the past, so I don’t want to regret.”
VOX POP vox pop VOX POP vox pop VOX POP vox pop
WITH today’s national elections being the first elections inwhich the so-called “born-frees” will cast their votes, there iscuriositywhether these young peoplewill vote.Express journal-ist Tshenolo Meruti asked those born in and around 1994whether they will be casting their vote today.
NEWS
EXPRESS, WEDNESDAY 7 MAY 2014 3
NEWS
} Christo van Staden
THE Glen Reenen Rest Camp in the GoldenGate Highlands National Park is not onlythe oldest camp in the park, but also theheartbeat from where most of the activitiesin the park are launched.The rest camp is situated between the
well-known sandstone cliffs in the park, andthe ideal position from where visitors canenjoy the brilliant, colourful shades cast bythe sun on the sandstone rocks, especiallythe imposing Brandwag Buttress, keepingvigil over the camp.
The rest camp, erected in 1963 with theproclamation of Golden Gate as a nationalpark, consists of 31 self catering chalets, allfully equipped and with a neat, comfortableand classy interior.Nine of the rondavels are divided in two –
interlinked with a door. The other rondav-els have a loft serving as a second bedroom.There are also family cottages in the
camp, accommodating four to six people.Apart from the hiking trails as well as the
horse trails that all start here, there is alsoa natural swimming pool next to the camp.Glen Reenen is a destination for every
nature lover that needs to break away to ahaven of peace, beauty and hiking.For more information on Glen Reenen
and Golden Gate, go to www.sanparks.co.za,or call the national park on 058-255-1000.) Express and SANParks today start abrand-new competition in which one luckyreader who enters before 28 May stands achance to win a weekend stay for a familyof four in the Glen Reenen Rest Camp.All you need to do, is to visit the Express
website at www.express-news.co.za andfollow the instructions to enter. You onlyneed to answer an easy question. Theclosing date is 28 May.) The winner of a weekend for four at theBasotho Cultural Village in Golden Gate isJoseph Rantseke. This competition ran inApril.
Win weekendstay at scenicGlen Reenen
LEFT: The rondavelsat the Glen ReenenRest Camp againstthe backdrop of thewinter landscape inthe park.
Photo: Victor MokoenaTHE interior of the chalets.Photo: Victor Mokoena
TO the left of thepicture are the greenroofs of chalets atGlen Reenen. Thetrees are hiding thecaravan park, and tothe right is theBrandwag Buttress.
Photo: SuppliedGlen Reenen is a destinationfor every nature lover thatneeds to break away to a haven of peace, beauty andhiking.
SOUTH AFRICA’S unemployment rate roseto 25,2% in the first quarter of 2014, up fromthe 24,1% in the fourth quarter of 2013,Statistics South Africa (Stats SA) said onMonday.The unemployment rate increased in the
first three months of 2014 from the previousrate of 24,1%, according to the QuarterlyLabour Force (QLF) report released by StatsSA.The number of people without work
increased by 237 000, showing that thisamounted to five million people, noted thereport that polls households.Year-on-year figures show that both
employment and unemployment rose by
496 000 and 205 000 respectively.The unemployment rate increased by 0,2%,
while the absorption rate and labour forceparticipation rate increased by 0,7% and 1%respectively.A decrease in employment was mainly
driven by a decrease in employment in thetransport, storage and communicationindustries.“Between the fourth quarter of 2013 and
the first quarter of 2014, the number ofemployed people declined by 122 000 mainlydue to decreases observed in the transport(66 000), community and social services(42 000) and trade (38 000) industries,” notedthe report.
Releasing the report, the statisticiangeneral, Pali Lehohla, said unemployment isthe main poverty driver in the country.In the first quarter, formal sector employ-
ment increased in the construction andmanufacturing industries.In its reaction to the data, Nedbank
economists said the rise in unemploymentreflected a sharp drop in employment in theinformal non-agricultural sector jobs, sayingit was likely to remain high.“The unemployment rate is likely to
remain high in the short term given weakdomestic demand, rising input costs, labourdisputes, significant infrastructure con-straints and other regulatory issues in some
of the key sectors.“Today’s figures provide further evidence
that local economic performance is still wellbelow potential. However, we anticipate thatthe Reserve Bank will tighten policygradually by a cumulative 50 basis pointsover the next few months as inflation risesabove the target range,” said Nedbank.According to the report, youth continued
to be vulnerable in the labour market,although their level of educational attain-ment has improved from 2008 to 2014. “Inthe first quarter of 2014 the unemploymentrate among young people aged 15 to 34 was36,1%, which is 3,4% higher than in the firstquarter of 2008,” it said. – SAnews.gov.za
Unemployment rate shows increase
4 EXPRESS, WEDNESDAY 7 MAY 2014
NEWS
APEELA rre le lelapa. Mo tlhatswetse, otlhwekise ntlo. Fa o sa kgone bona motho yoo tla mo duelang a go thuse go tlhokomelantlo. Gopola gore dijo di tshwanetse tsaapewa ke wena.Fa o sa itse go apaya reka dibuka kgotsa o
kope diresepe. O se ke wa letlelela mme yo odirang mo ntlong go apeela mogatso. Gopolatsela e e yang pelong e feta ka mpa. Fa mmea sa itse go apaya mo thuse, o mo rute.Mmamoruti mongwe o bolela fa mo
ngwageng tse 44 tsa lenyalo la gagwe a saitse go apaya. Rre moruti e ne e le ene aapayang mme Mmamoruti a dira motshingwaneng. Ga go sepe se se phosho.Modimo o re kopantse gore re tlaleletse
batho ba rona – compliment each other. Moke tlhaelang mme mogatsake a kgona o tlantlaleletsa mme mo a tlhaelang ke tla motlaleletsa. Gantsi re kopana re sa tshwane.Motho yo o buang bobe o nyala yo o sabueng thata – fa lo le magano ka bobedi keofeng o o tla reetsang o mongwe.Fa lo le bonolo ka bobedi batho ba tla
tshamekela mo godimo ga lona. Fa mogatsoa na le se a tlhaelang ka sone, se mo tsolediaparo, o mo senolela dira. Se phetlhelemogatla wa nku magodu. Mongwe lemongwe o na le bokowa ba gagwe.Le fa go le dikgotlhang, go se monate, fa
oe tswela kwa ntle, se bontsheng batho gorelo a lwana. Fa dira ditla, re lwana le tsonere le mmogo, re le seoposengwe. Fa mathata
a tla re a dika mmogo. Se letle metsi gotsena ka molelwane.Se lwane fa pele ga bana gonne bone ba
bona fela fa lo tlhalana. Tsenang mophaposing lo bue go fele. Phaposi ya gorobala e diretswe go robala le go ratana.Ntsha thelebishene mo kamoreng. Se balelemo phaposing kgotsa go dira tiro e nngwe.Monna wa gago ke kgosiSe lebale se. Dira gore monna wa gago a
ikutlwe gore ke kgosi. Dira mo o kgonanggore o dire tse di mo itumedisang. Motlhapise dinao, o mo sidile fa a tswa tirong alapile. Fa mmele o katlegile a tswa goitshidila mo sidile.Ga o mo fa dijo teka tafole o e kgabise.
Reka dikerese le ditsheshe.Mo supetse gore wa mo rata. Mo reneketse
o mo bitse ka maina a a amonate – rragweDikeledi – mmagwe Itumeleng - mogatsake.Apara se a se ratang. Itire montle go
kgatlhisa monna wa gago. Le e ne fa a saitse go apara, mo thuse, a lebege. Fa a ya
tirong kgotsa gongwe mo ntshetse diaparo, obone gore a di siame. Fa di batla go phuthu-lolwa di baakanye. Mo tshelele metsi atlhape. Fa o na le nako tlhapa le ene.Gopola gore ga lo tshwane. O seke wa
bolaya bonna ba gagwe.Banna ba rata fa e le basireletsi, e le
batsomi mme ba tlhokomela mosadi le bana.Nako tsa jaanong bomme ba bantsi ba a diramme ba amogela lotseno lo lo fetang lwa borre.Se, gantsi se tlisa gore mme a nyatse rre
kgotsa ene rre a inyatse a bone e ka re mmega a sa mo tlhompha gonne a bona letsenole le fetang la gagwe. Se se ka thusang kegore batho ba lebogele se Modimo o bafileng sone.Gore ke amogela madi a a fetang a ga rre
ga go bolele gore ga e sale rre. Mo lefatsh-eng la rona go baakanngwa kgatelelo yabomme mme bomme gantsi ke bone babonang ditiro tse di kwa godimo.Gopola fela gore rre ke kgosi mme o se ke
wa dira gore a ikutlwe a nyatsegile. Fa o samo fe bothitho go bangwe ba ba tlang go mofa bone kwa ntle.) Mang kapa mang ya a batlang ho ngolakholomong ena, a ka ikopanya le Jabu-lani Dlamini ho 051-404-7910 kapa [email protected]) Mongodi ha ana ho lefiwa.This is the third article of a four-partseries on Marriage. The last article willbe published next week – Ed.) Where necessary Express edits somecolumns - Ed.
Monna wa gago ke kgosiA re buengKuni DitiraAdvocate
‘Fa o sa itse goapaya reka dibukakgotsa o kopediresepe.
O se ke wa letlelelamme yo o dirangmo ntlong go
apeela mogatso.’
GOOD news for consumersis that the price of all gradesof petrol dropped 15c a litretoday.The Department of Energy
announced that the price ofdiesel in the Free Statewould decrease by 29,78c alitre, that of illuminatingparaffin by 25c and that ofliquefied petroleum gas by4c.“The decrease in the price
of illuminating paraffin andLPG will benefit householdsthat use these products,especially as winter ap-proaches,” Ben Martins,Energy minister, said.The price decreases took
effect today.South Africa’s fuel prices
are adjusted monthly,informed by internationaland local factors.The decrease in the prices
of all the petroleum productsis due to changes in interna-tional factors, namely, crudeoil prices, the Rand/Dollarexchange rate and the pricesof finished products, thedepartment said in a mediarelease.The Rand appreciated
against the US Dollar from$10.76 to $10.55 during theperiod under review. Itcontributed to the fuel pricedecreases.Locally, the price changes
have been influenced by thereduction of the slate levy by8,78c per litre, in line withthe self-adjusting slatemechanism. A slate levy isthe money that is collectedfrom motorists to compensatethe industry for cumulativeunder recovery. This arisesbecause the fuel prices areadjusted once a month, butinternational factors changedaily.
Fuel pricesdrop fromtoday THE For Our Children Project in
aid of Engo Free State’s children inneed was launched last week at theBloem Show.A Chevrolet Spark Campus to the
value of R112 400 is the prizevehicle for this year’s For OurChildren competition. By making adonation of only R20, you stand achance to be the owner of theSpark.But more importantly – your
contribution of R20 is one of thesparks that might kindle a flame ofcaring. This flame will make a bigdifference in the lives of thousandsof children. Tickets, at R20 perticket, are available at all Engooffices and centres in the FreeState. The closing date for entrieswill be on 23 November.Five finalists will be announced
on 9 January 2015 with the help ofPwC. The final draw function willbe on 23 January 2015 in Bloemfon-tein. The winner will drive awaywith a brand new Chevrolet SparkCampus.There will be several promotions
during the next seven monthsacross the Free State. People willbe encouraged to buy tickets in aidof the For Our Children Project atthese promotions. The SparkCampus will also be at the Kos-en-kunsmark of Volksblad, the Vryfeesin Bloemfontein, the CherryFestival in Ficksburg and severalshopping centres across the FreeState.The project would not have been
possible without the support ofloyal sponsors. This year’s sponsorsare Imperial GM Bloemfontein,Radio Rosestad and VolksbladSentrale Plaaslike Koerante.Engo Child and Youth Care
(youth care centres, formerlyknown as orphanages) is a non-profit organisation that takes careof children who were removed bythe Children’s Court from theirparental homes, because they werein urgent need of care. These childand youth care centres create ahomely atmosphere for the childrenand is located within the communi-ty. About 800 children from theages 0 to 18 years, in 34 child and
youth care centres across the FreeState, are being cared for. Addition-al help and support is provided toapproximately 2 500 children insurrounding communities who livein risky conditions.The vision is to create hope in
the lives of children. The goal is toprovide protection and care for as
many children in the Free State aspossible.Engo Youth Care Centres in the
Free State are struggling financial-ly. The government’s subsidieshave increased very little over thepast few years and the centres arestill expected to provide food forthe children with less than R12 per
child per day.It has become essential for the
community to get involved inprojects such as the For OurChildren Project.For more information on the
project and the availability oftickets in your area, call 051-407-7222 or visit www.engo.co.za.
Your donation can win you a car
THE Chevrolet Spark that can be won.
EXPRESS, WEDNESDAY 7 MAY 2014 5
} Qondile Khedama
THE executive mayor of Mangaung, ThaboManyoni, on 23 April, delivered the firstannual Bram Fischer Memorial Lecture onthe day that Fischer, an icon of the politicalstruggle, would have celebrated his 106thbirthday.
As part of the city’s 20 Years of Libera-tion celebrations, this memorial lectureserved to recognise the sacrifices that weremade by people like Fischer who lived alife aimed at promoting social cohesion andsocial justice during a volatile period inSouth Africa.
Through this lecture, the city seeks toremind the youth, particularly that ofMangaung, that Bloemfontein is the birth-place of an icon who can be mentioned inthe same breath as the likes of NelsonMandela and Oliver Tambo.
Delivering the lecture to an audience thatincluded Home Affairs Minister NalediPandor, renowned academics, students andMangaung residents, Manyoni emphasisedthat in order for South Africa to become anation that was envisioned by the fallenheroes, every citizen of the country neededto be involved in the national mainstreamof political, social and cultural activitiesbenefiting South Africans.
“It will take leaders of the likes of him toencourage people to reach out to others, tojoin hands, to share knowledge, experienceand expertise towards making South Africaa truly united society where all care for thewell-being of others, where all relate withmutual respect and recognition.”
Manyoni said nation-building and anon-racist and non-sexist society were someof the ideals envisioned by all those whofought against the apartheid regime.
These are but some of the ideals thatSouth Africa’s democracy was borne from,“and perhaps we need to be reminded of
the vision that all fighters against theapartheid regime were striving for. If not inmemory of the slain, then it should be forgenerations that will come after us.
“An insurmountable legacy was left byFischer and his peers; one which we needto continue with and not throw to thewolves. It is true that a lot has beenachieved in the past 20 years, but morework needs to be done.”
Manyoni had previously said it was timeto acknowledge this legacy and the respon-sibility it placed on everyone to worktogether to lighten the burden on peopleless fortunate, whether in South Africa orelsewhere.
“Our voice is not loud enough. Instead weare saying: Everyone for himself. I don’tbelieve those great men who sacrificed somuch for our freedom were thinking this.They felt they needed to do something tochange the status quo and we need tofollow in their footsteps. The country, itspeople and its leaders had a responsibilityto live up to the potential that was born outof the fight for democracy. This responsibil-ity comes not only from the country’seconomic power on the continent, but alsofrom the faith placed in the liberationstruggle by Africa’s people,” Manyoni said.
This quest was not only the preserve ofthe giants of society, and everyone had todo what they could to reverse the ills ofpoverty and inequality.
“I don’t think the struggle heroes ulti-mately thought South Africa would bewhere it is today, but because they had avision they felt that, bit by bit, they wouldreach that destination.”) Khedama is the communicationsmanager of the Mangaung Metro Munic-ipality.) This is the second of a four-partarticle series on Bram Fischer. The thirdwill be published next week.
‘Reach out likeBram Fischer’
NEWS
ADVOCATES BRAM FISCHER (left) and Vernon Berrangé during the Rivonia Trial.Photo: Archives
6 EXPRESS, WEDNESDAY 7 MAY 2014
NEWS
} Oteng Mpete
THE heart of South Africa isembracing an idea that wouldhave been unthinkable 20 yearsago: interracial relationships.In 1927 the Immorality Act was
designed to ensure that the unionbetween whites and non-whiteswould be illegal.This act allowed their homes to
be raided. Those found guilty ofsuch unions would be arrestedand intimate artefacts from theirhomes would be used as evidencein court of their blatant defianceof the law. Once the ImmoralityAct was repelled in 1985, it wasclear that white rule was comingto an end.
Black and whiteWith the celebration of our
20-year-old democracy came also achallenge to find positive storiesthat have transpired over thisperiod.Lerato Modise and Dylan
Myburgh are a handsome pair andat first glance one would beoblivious to the fact that they arean interracial couple.“When I realised that he was
not perfect I knew I had to bewith him,” said 25-year-oldModise.“I realised that she was a
blessing,” said Myburgh, the26-year-old manager of Bella-Sarmie.The one thing that they both
agree on is that they never tookeach other’s race into considera-tion.Myburgh and Modise are one of
very few couples that are fortu-nate enough to receive supportand understanding from bothsides of their families. This isprobably because both Modise andMyburgh are children of mixedrace couples.They both will be voting in the
upcoming national elections.They assertively express that
the state of current politicalaffairs is purely based on anticsand gimmicks.They hope that in time South
Africa’s government will providesocietal transparency and consist-ency.The couple believes that there
should not be any racial classifica-tions for South Africa to become acolour blind society.“We have never experienced
discrimination as a couple,” saidModise.Myburgh retorted: “There are
certain places that make meuncomfortable. We get stared atand are given dirty looks. I canhandle being stared at by five orten people. However, when 30people are making it difficult forus to enjoy our dinner, then I feellike we are being discriminatedagainst and I leave.“If South Africans would
adopt a humanist approach,interracial couples would notexperience hostility,” said My-burgh.
Not a new thing in South AfricaInterracial couples are not new
in South Africa; some iconiccouples include renowned 90stelevision personality Dali Tamboand his wife of 15 years, RachelTambo. The now divorced politi-cian Mosima Tokyo Sexwale andJudy van Vuuren, who weremarried for 20 years is anotherexample.
East and westGrant Richardson, an assistant
researcher at the University of theFree State’s Medical Faculty,knew he had to be with 24-year-old professional nurse Jo-anna Luthe moment a mutual friendintroduced them at a braai.Richardson was concerned about
how his family would react thefirst time they met Lu.“Within the first five minutes of
meeting Jo-anna, they loved her,”said Richardson.“My family is old school and
they grew up in that (conserva-tive) era. My great-grandfathercame to South Africa during theBoer War, that is how white I am,but my decision to be withJo-Anna was unconscious.”For Lu her decision to be with
Richardson was a natural one.Lu’s parents are of differentethnicities.“My mother is a white woman
with blonde hair and blue eyesand my father is Taiwanese.“We have never experienced
discrimination as a couple,” saidLu.Lu has had her fair share of
discrimination; she recollects:“When I was in high school, a boytold me I was not white enoughfor him to date. I have sincelearned to overlook such com-
ments and ignore the bad.”Lu has been exposing Grant to
Asian dishes. “Chicken feet aredelicious. Grant is trying and isopen to suggestion but he does notalways like what I try and forceon him,” chuckles Lu.“We want children and mixed
babies are the best. Our childrenwill be taught and will understandexactly who and what theirparents are,” said Richardson.The couple will be voting
together. They both think thatSouth Africa is headed in theright direction.“If we can be given all the
principles of good governance, wewill have a better South Africa.We need justness and fairnessfrom our government,” said Lu.Grant’s sentiments are that it
will take up to four or fivegenerations to justify and correctthe injustices of apartheid but itwill happen.
It is now easier to fall in loveOn 27 April 1994, the one-man-
one-vote dream became a reality.The realisation of this dreammeant a new South Africa. ASouth Africa that would eradicateall unjust laws from the apartheidera, ultimately ensuring thatSouth Africa belongs to all thosewho live in it. Nelson Mandelaurged all to forgive and reconcileand these very messages resonatethrough the relationships of theseinterracial couples.Love in the age of technology
makes interracial interaction fareasier than going up and talkingto someone of a different race.More than half of South Africa’spopulation never willingly engagea person of a different race. Thisis according to a study done by
the Institution of Justice andReconciliation.
Mild and spicy“The first time I met Shiraz was
when I found out that he waswhite,” said Faheeza Morris, a26-year-old Indian women.“We met online in a chatroom; I
was 17 years old. We physicallymet when I was 20 years old, infront of Sweets from Heaven inMimosa Mall.“I knew that I was going to
marry this woman,” said WernerShiraz Morris, 28.Faheeza grew up in Wepener, a
small town near the border ofLesotho. Faheeza recalls that sheand her sister were the onlychildren of colour in the school.The community was predomi-
nately white Afrikaans in 1993,but they accepted our family. Inever experienced any discrimina-tion,” said Faheeza.“My father wanted me to be
with a good Indian man fromIndia so it was hard for him toinitially accept my relationshipwith Werner.”Shiraz was born in Hermanus
and comes from a staunchAfrikaans home. His decision tobe with Faheeza was not receivedvery well by his family.“Right up to our engagement,
my mother thought that myrelationship with Faheeza was aphase and that I would eventuallyget over it. My family is veryAfrikaans; my ancestors wereprobably on the same boat thatJan van Riebeeck came on,” saidShiraz.The couple decided to be
together even though they werecompletely different people.Morris converted to Islam for his
DYLAN MYBURGH and Lerato Modise.
GRANT RICHARDSON and Joanna Lu. Photos: Conrad Bornman
THEmarried couple Faheeza en Shiraz Morris.
Love is (colour) blind
bride because it was important forher grandmother. He did that fortwo years and he followed all therites and passages to becomeShiraz, his Muslim name.The couple had to have two
weddings to accommodate theirfamilies; a traditional Indianwedding with a red dress and atraditional church wedding with awhite dress. Since their wedding,both families have reconciled withthe couple and support theirunion.The couple has been married for
two years, with no plans of havingchildren any time soon.“We are still learning how to
enjoy each other and workthrough all the quirks we faceeach day,” said Shiraz.The couple shares completely
different viewpoints on politics.Faheeza will be voting alone. Eventhough she has not made up hermind about which party she willbe voting for, she knows what sheexpects from the government.“Transparency and a governmentthat is not selfish is important.”“I have no interest in politics
but I do believe that South Africahas a great future. We were ableto achieve what most countriescannot; a democracy without waror bloodshed. I can be proud ofthat,” said Shiraz.Faheeza’s hope for South Africa
is that South Africans can learnto open up to people of differentethnic backgrounds.Even after apartheid, South
Africa remains largely a raciallysegregated country, in that thedifferent racial groups leadseparate existences. The consensusis that most South Africans agreethat reconciliation and movingforward is essential.
Keep our future safeThe responsibility of rectifying,
this past lies with the currentgeneration of young people, notonly simply taking up the inher-ent role of being the custodians ofthese freedoms, but also theburdening role of being the safekeepers of the constitution of therepublic.The urbanisation of Bloemfon-
tein will indeed create opportuni-ties for people of different ethnicbackgrounds to interact, eventhough South Africans find iteasier to identify with people whospeak the same language or sharethe same cultural and ethnicbackgrounds.Interracial couples break these
constricts and create a story thatis worth telling; a story thatcelebrates the growth of ouryoung democracy, a story ofprogress, hope and determination.A new South Africa was indeedpossible and not a misplaceddream.
EXPRESS, WEDNESDAY 7 MAY 2014 7
NEWS
} Prophet Godfrey Thomas
GOD brings in seasons just asHe gets rid of them.A wise man, skilled in
interpreting seasons, wrote: “May the nameof God be praised forever and ever; wisdomand power belong to Him. He changes timesand seasons . . .” (Daniel 2:20-21a).According to the Scripture, the responsi-
bility to change seasons lies with God.Unfortunately, we look at things from ahuman point of view and blame others forour misfortunes.In reality we cannot just put the blame
on others; many things may have happenedthat are beyond human comprehension.Politicians are not entirely sure of the
final outcome during an election; this iswhy they all embark on aggressive market-ing strategies.History shows that every political party
can be shaken.The only unshakeable authority is God’s
kingdom. Perhaps this may be the reasonfor the “shaking”. God allowed the state ofthis coming election to be tense so that wemust stop blaming each other and startfocusing on Him.The greatest protection against change is
to expect it. This tense state left us all inobscurity because we’ve never expectedsuch changes and the posed threats of
other parties who’ve joined in.Lack of preparation is the
reason why so many are in thedark. Think of what will happento you if God does not save you
from seemingly impossible situations.When King Nebuchadnezzar threatened tothrow Shadrach, Meshach and Abednegointo the fiery furnace, they replied: “If theGod we serve exists, then He can rescue usfrom your hand, O king.But even if he does not . . .” (Daniel
3:17-18). This kind of faith is necessarywhen confronted by challenges. You mustbe certain that the other party is reliable,trustworthy, stable and faithful.God and His promises never change
(Isaiah 43:2). the words of God cannot failwithout him failing, because his wordsreflect his essential character (Numbers23:19). Nothing in this life is permanentexcept God and what He has promised inHis Word.God also promises seasons in our lives
(Ecclesiastes 3:1-8). Always prepare yourselffor the final outcome of any season,because seasons are temporary and linkedto a life-span.) Those who wish to join the group thatwill be visiting the Synagogue Churchof All Nations, Lagos, Nigeria, can call074-210-4096/071-164-8928 or email:[email protected].
God’s promises never change
EYES ON ME: From the left are Tlamelo Magano, Dineo van Rooyen and PhemeloMoshodi with little Kamo Moshodi at the unveiling of the new viewing platformat Naval Hill in Bloemfontein last Friday. Photo: Sidwell Guduka
Enjoying the view from Naval Hill
THOUSANDS of visitors visited the Bloem Show which ended on Saturday. Photo: Voight Mokone
Fun at theBloem Show
8 EXPRESS, WEDNESDAY 7 MAY 2014
ABOUT 40 entrepre-neurs in the Lejweleput-swa District Municipali-ty have received thenecessary boost in theform of equipment thatwill keep them on theforefront of job creation.The equipment will
capacitate the existingentrepreneurs to thriveto possibly curb thehigh unemploymentrate.The much-needed
assistance is providedby the Free StateDepartment of Econom-ic Development,Tourism and Environ-mental Affairs throughits flagship empoweringprogramme known asJwale Ke Nako yaKotulo – which meansnow is the time toharvest.The empowerment
tools were officiallyhanded over at theBronville CommunityHall in Welkom lastweek Wednesday by theMEC of Tourism,Economic and Environ-mental Affairs, Mose-benzi Zwane.The majority of the
entrepreneurs, youthand adults, falls in thesmall-scale economy assome operate fromhome and lower-classsectors in the town-ships. They trade incatering, photography,media, security, clean-ing services, sewing,knitting, carpentry,mechanics, shoeshining, refuse bincleaning, music produc-tion, tuck-shops,confectioneries andbutcheries.The beneficiaries
were identified by thedepartment’s tradeadvisors that identifiedthe deserving business-es and then registeredthem for capacitytraining.They were identified
on the basis of who hadpotential to createemployment.Ensuring their
sustainability, allbeneficiaries areobliged to attendtraining that cover thebasics such as book-keeping, stock manage-ment, pricing, customerrelations, marketingand other businessskills.Furthermore, the
department and thelocal municipalities willconduct on-goingassessments to ensuresustainability andprogress.
Equipment provides huge boostNEWS
A GROUP of beneficiary entrepreneurs of the Free State Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs’s flagshipempowering programmeknown as Jwale KeNako ya Kotulo. From the left are, front: Fumane Mohono, BusisiweJantjies, Charissa Williams,Rachel Dijane and Nobonke Jija; back: Lefanyana Masolane,Moeti Mphatsoe, TumeloMpanyane, Mpho Mantutle,Majalefa Shuping, Lauden McFarlane and Tseliso Thulo.
LEFT: Agroupof the beneficiaryentrepreneurs of the Free StateDepartment of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs’s flagshipempowering programmeknown as Jwale KeNako ya Kotulo. From the left are, front:Modiehi Thabane, Merry Johane and Albertina Mohapi;back: Mahlomola Mosolotsane, Mabuti Mojahi, Eric Kometsi and Ben Motilane.Photos: Te-boho Setena
EXPRESS, WEDNESDAY 7 MAY 2014 9
GENERALNOTICES
COMMUNITYNOTICES
1210
Engo Adoptions requestsTheopista Seekoei (born12/9/1987) to contact Lor-raine Botha regarding herchild, Hope Seekoei (born3/2/2012) at PelonomiHospital.
PERSONALSEVICES
CATERING &VENUES
1401
available at showgroundsfor weddings, functions andspecial shows. We can alsoassist you with tablecloths,cutlery, crockery, draping,
etc. Premises also availableon long term.
Contact Juanita attel. 051 448 9894/5/6.
VENUES
HEALTH &BEAUTY
1430
HERBALISTS
1435
DR MAXPENIS ENLARGEMENTBring back lost loveron same dayFinancial problemsAbortion same dayContact 083 354 2398in Bloemfontein,Botshabelo.
DR MPHO.SAFE ABORTIONS.Very discrete andprivate. Bring back lostlover. Same-dayresults.Penis enlargement.Financial problems.Bloemfontein andBotshabelo.Call Mama Mphotoday 073 973 7694.
SAFE AND PAIN-FREEABORTION FROMR200.Womb cleaning andcounselling. Call DrSarah on 076 710 4686.
LEGAL
1440
LOANS
1445
O kgathetse ke dikoloto?Letsetsa Alice.083 763 9109.
Na o na le mathata a dikoloto?Letsetsa Betty.072 822 1029.
PERSONAL
1460
DR POWERExpert in penisenlargment. Brings backlost lovers in 2 days.Financial prblems.Promotion at work. Doyou need a child? WinCasino, Lotto. Pregnancyproblems. Longejeculation, many rounds.Find Dr onwww.whatsappCell: 060 441 6371
Fauna: R880 000 NEG.3-bedr house with 2bathrooms and beautifulkitchen. Hannetjie072 155 4758 Rawson.
Sell me your three- orfour-roomed house forcash amount of± R30 000 to R50 000or more including tran-fer costs please.No chancers! Onlyoffers with title deedwill be fully paid incash. Areas must be (ornot far from) Rock-lands, Phahameng,Bochabela, Batho,Heidedal, Grassland.Call for payment andevaluation 082 5672813.
A corner house inGrassland consisting of:3 spacious wooden floorbedrooms with largebuilt-in cupboards, 2modern-looking bath-rooms, spacious studyroom that can be convertinto bedroom, 2 receptionrooms with wooden floors,spacious dining room,big kitchen, 1 garage.Selling price: R770 000.Contact: Valentine 084589 3089. No agent.
PROPERTIESWANTED TO BUY
3301
PRIVATE SALE: I am lookingfor an RDP four-roomed housein Namibia, Sejake or Mafora.Contact 073 422 3280.
EMPLOYMENT
ADMINISTRATIVE
3605
Admin. clerks needed fordata listing work. SMS fullname and address to 081537 0801 or [email protected]
GENERAL
3680
POSITION AVAILABLEFOR A QUALIFIED DENTALTHERAPIST AND/OR DENTIST.MUST BE REGISTERED WITHTHE HPCSA AND AVAILABLETO START ASAP. EMAIL CVTO: [email protected] PHONE DR R. BRIT-TAIN: 051 447 1974.
Call us now for exciting jobsin BFN CBD. Hurry! Call Vin073 012 9334 /084 066 5239.
JOB OPPORTUNITYAVAILABLE!
• Training providedbefore working.
• A certificate will beissued after training.
DIVISIONS OPEN:• Government pensionclaims.• Company inliquidation and lateestate.
REQUIREMENTS:
• Grade 10 and above.• School report or copyof Grade-12 certificateand CV, if available,application letter.
SEND ALL OF THEREQUIRED TO:
THE ADMINISTRATORREF: KTP507PO BOX 7292BLOEMFONTEIN9300
CLOSING DATE:30 MAY 2014.
NB:• You only need to sendyour application, thenwe will SMS you onceyou have been selected.• Only one applicationmust be sent to us.
Send your own A4-sizestamped envelope foryour certificate.
121 APPLICATION TO THECOMMISSIONER OF CIPCPlease take notice that ACLabuschagne, intends to makean application to the Commis-sioner of CIPC for the restora-tion of 2001/008563/23.Please take further notice thatany objection to the applica-tion must be lodged with theCommissioner of CIPC within21 days of the date of publica-tion hereof. CIPC, PO Box 429,Pretoria 0001.
121 APPLICATION TO THECOMMISSIONER OF CIPCPlease take notice thatBekikwe Emily Nkoe, intendsto make an application to theCommissioner of CIPC for therestoration of Masite Upgra-ding 2003/05540/23.Please take further notice thatany objection to the applica-tion must be lodged with theCommissioner of CIPC within21 days of the date of publica-tion hereof. CIPC, PO Box 429,Pretoria 0001.
121 APPLICATION TO THECOMMISSIONER OF CIPCPlease take notice that Ste-phen Buti Melk, intends tomake an application to theCommissioner of CIPC for therestoration of Bosele Signs2002/076967/23.Please take further notice thatany objection to the applica-tion must be lodged with theCommissioner of CIPC within21 days of the date of publica-tion hereof. CIPC, PO Box 429,Pretoria 0001.
10 EXPRESS, WEDNESDAY 7 MAY 2014
EXPRESS, WEDNESDAY 7 MAY 2014 11
12 EXPRESS, WEDNESDAY 7 MAY 2014
Deadline for bookingsand material of auctionswill be Friday before
12:00.
Deadline for bookingsand material of auctionswill be Friday before
New! Sex aid's, cosmeticand traditional medicines.
We also hire outpiggy back's / trailers
Behind Welkom Post Office
EXPRESS, WEDNESDAY 7 MAY 2014 15
NEWS
WITH the Absa Premiership seasondrawing to a close this weekend, theattention will quickly turn to the PremierSoccer League (PSL) Year-end Awards.Last Wednesday saw the Hyatt Regency
Hotel’s auditorium in Rosebank, Johan-nesburg, filled with some of SouthAfrica’s finest journalists who gatheredto debate and motivate support fornominees in the various categories ofthe awards.Express’s sports editor, Sidwell Guduka,
was again invited by Absa and the PSL tobe a member of the judging panel thatwill decide on the outcome of the winnersof the prestigious Absa PremiershipYear-end Awards. Boipelo Mere, ExpressNorthern Cape editor, spoke to him.
Boipelo Mere (BM): Hi, Sid, congratu-lations on your invitation to be a judgefor the PSL awards.
Sidwell Guduka (SG): Thank you. I amvery pleased and honoured indeed to havebeen invited to be on the judging panel.
BM: This is not the first time that Absaand the PSL have invited you to be ajudge in their awards, is it?
SG: Very true. I have been one of thePSL Awards judges for over four yearsnow. Absa and PSL keep on inviting meto help in these awards every year.This shows that the two organisations
trust my judgement.
BM: Please explain how the AbsaPremiership Year-end Awards are decided.SG: First, three nominations for each
category are made, and each journalistchooses his personal choice of one to
three in each category.Then the results are officially counted
and the winners chosen.Journalists get together a week before
the final matches are played.We nominated three people per catego-
ry, but asked if we could all make ourfinal choices after the final matches; forexample, giving the three nominees ineach category a ranking one, two or threein our eyes.Points are awarded for your number 1
choice (he gets 3 points), number 2 (2points) and number 3 (1 point). We didthis on Wednesday, 30 April.
BM: Who is part of the judging panelfor the 2013-’14 Absa Premiership Year-endAwards?
SG: It is a panel of journalists that isselected.There were approximately 30 of us –
which means various opinions. Therewere writers from all over the country,including radio guys and televisioncommentators.The veteran journalist Ramatsiyi
Moholoa from Sowetan, Duane Dell’Oca,SABC commentator, Timothy Molobi fromCity Press, Billy Cooper, the chief soccerwriter of Daily Sun, Carol Tshabalala,SuperSport presenter, Lindani Makwelafrom Thobela FM, myself, Rodney Reinersfrom Cape Augus, John Goliath fromCape Times, Jonty Mark from The Star,and Kgomotso Sethusha from SowetanSunday World, you name it, they were allthere.
BM: What is the procedure for nominat-ing the player of the season?SG: Well, we do not have anything to
do with this process. The media are calledin for the other awards only, namelycoach of the season, goalkeeper of theseason, young player of the season andAbsa-lutely awesome goal.The PSL instruct the clubs to get all
their players to vote. The clubs then sendthis back to the PSL and they give out theshortlist of three nominees.This has been done already.
BM: And who nominates the player’splayer of the year?
SG: It must be said that we have noidea who would win the player’s player ofthe year. That is done separately betweenAbsa and the players.
BM: Do you guys also do judging forthe MTN8, Telkom Knockout and NedbankCup Awards?
SG: No. Each competition organises itsown panel of judges. I am led to believethey also consist of media people, I amnot certain, though. I have only everworked on the Absa Premiership nomina-tions.
BM: Lastly, when are the nominationsand winners going to be announced?
SG: The nominees and venue for theawards ceremony will be announced at apress conference in Johannesburg tomor-row. Winners will be announced at thePSL Awards on 18 May.
BM: Thanks for your time, Sid, it isalways a great pleasure talking to you.
SG: You are welcome.
PSL Awards soon to be decided
SIDWELL GUDUKA Photo: Voight Mokone
} Sidwell Guduka
THE Absa Premiership reaches thefinishing line on Saturday with MamelodiSundowns and Kaizer Chiefs embroiled in abattle for the topflight crown.At the time of writing this article
yesterday, Sundowns were leading the titlerace with 61 points while Chiefs werebreathing down their neck with 57 points –both sides had played 28 matches apiece.The Brazilians were last night set to play
against their neighbours Supersport Unitedin the Tshwane Derby at Loftus VersfeldStadium, and victory over Matsatsantsawould have handed Pitso Mosimane hisfirst Premiership title as a coach.Mosimane’s men needed to win last
night’s match to be crowned Absa Premier-ship champions for the fifth time – withone game remaining before the season ends.Any slip-up would have given Chiefs somehope to defend their title going into the lastround of matches.Chiefs were also scheduled to face the
team of the University of Pretoria in amust-win game at the Mbombela Stadiumin Nelspruit.If they had won against AmaTuks and
Sundowns had lost or drawn their match,then the league championship would bedecided on Saturday.In their last match of the season, Ama-
khosi welcome Amazulu to the PeterMokaba Stadium while The Brazilianstravel to the Harry Gwala Stadium for adate with Maritzburg United.Away from the title race, Golden Arrows,
Free State Stars, Polokwane City andMoroka Swallows will all be fighting forsurvival.Any of the four sides will be automatical-
ly relegated to the National First Division(NFD) on Saturday.And the team finishing 15th on the log
will be involved with relegation/promotionplay-offs.
The Saturday fixtures (all matchesstart at 15:00) are as follows:) Kaizer Chiefs vs. AmaZulu at PeterMokaba Stadium) Moroka Swallows vs. Free State Stars atDobsonville Stadium) SuperSport United vs. Polokwane City atLucas Moripe Stadium) Golden Arrows vs. Orlando Pirates atMoses Mabhida Stadium) Platinum Stars vs. Ajax Cape Town atRoyal Bafokeng Stadium) Bloemfontein Celtic vs. Bidvest Wits atKaizer Sebothelo Stadium) Black Aces vs. University of PretoriaMbombela Stadium) Maritzburg United vs. Mamelodi Sun-downs at Harry Gwala Stadium
Curtain comes down onPremiership this weekend
SUPERSPORTUNITED werecrowned the Safau.19 champions after they defeatedAjax Cape Town 41on penalties in thefinal in the CliveSolomon Stadiumin Bloemfontein lastThursday. The sidesweredeadlocked00after regulationtime.
Photo: Voight Mokone
CrownedSafa u.19champs
CELEBRATING CENTURY: Toyota Cheetahs captain, Adriaan Strauss, made his 100th Vodacom Super Rugby appearance on Saturday. Photo: Charl Devenish/Foto24
} Sidwell Guduka
ADRIAAN STRAUSS, the ToyotaCheetahs’ captain, made his 100thVodacom Super Rugby appearanceas his side lost 26-21 to theVodacom Bulls at the LoftusVersfeld Stadium in Pretoria thispast weekend.Despite his team’s loss to the
Bulls, Saturday’s encounter wasdifferent to this Cheetah as hecelebrated his century of matchesin Super Rugby.What made the day even more
special to Strauss was the factthat Loftus Versfeld was the place
where he made his Super Rugbydebut on 17 March 2006. He wasplaying for the Bulls against theHurricanes in that match.“Strauss’s rugby dreams started
when he was a small boy in thePhilippolis district, and it laterbecame more of a reality duringhis primary and secondary schooldays at Grey College in Bloemfon-tein.“His leadership abilities became
visible here (at the Cheetahs) asvice-captain and hostel captain.He already had a taste of first-team rugby in his gr. 11 year and,in his matric year, he represented
not only Grey College’s first team,but also the Free State and SASchools teams,” Ronel Pienaar,the Cheetahs’ manager of strate-gic communication, tells Express.After finishing his matric,
Strauss studied Financial Mathe-matics at the University ofPretoria from where his rugbycareer started with the BlueBulls.During his time in Pretoria he
played Absa Currie Cup andVodacom Super Rugby for theBulls, but returned to Bloemfon-tein in 2007.Only a year later, on 19 July
2008, at age 22, he got the opportu-nity to wear the green and goldcolours of Springbok rugby whenhe made his national team debutas reserve hooker against Austral-ia in Perth. He became Springbokno. 800.“With tight competition on
hooker, Strauss only played innine test matches (eight asreserve) during the following fouryears. This waiting period onlymade him more content to playmore test rugby and today, with33 tests behind his name, heplayed as vice-captain of theSpringboks and has become one
of the best-known rugby playersin South Africa,” Pienaar says.Strauss was awarded the South
African Super Rugby Player ofthe Year Award for 2013. He alsoled the Toyota Cheetahs in morethan 50 Super Rugby matches andis among the few players whohave played more than 100 SuperRugby matches.“Free State Rugby is truly
proud of this special player andcongratulates him on this excep-tional milestone. His work behindthe scenes to make a success ofCheetah rugby is invaluable,”Pienaar concludes.
