Platinum FTLM surfaces

After months of turmoil, the Fetakgomo Tubatse Local Municipality this week managed to con-
clude a strategic planning session at Lapeng Lodge outside Burgersfort. The new mayor, Council-

Gazette
lor Naume Phala briefed the local media, print and radio, about the municipality’s immediate plans
to drag itself out of the mud after the VBS scandal. Which means that there is still no money and
more questions than clear answers. What was clear is that the new team is at least trying to start
and do something about some of the most pressing problems, such as traffic, health services
and so on. But, there is no money for a lot of stuff and the new mayor expressed herself in favour
of again knocking on the private sector and industry’s doors to assist. The media briefing did
not supply clear answers, but the issues under discussion are outlined in the briefing document
published on page 2.

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22 March 2019 Fax 0865549031 editorial@platinumgazette.com
Burgersfort, Steelpoort, Ohrigstad, Apel
2 NEWS 22 MARCH 2019

New Fetakgomo Tubatse Local Municipality

(Information from post-media conference
The team
Mayor outlines the way forward briefing document - published without al-
teration as far as possible apart from minor
alterations to clarify certain sentences.)
The strategic planning process came at an opportune time as there have been significant changes in the political and administrative leadership
of the municipality.

The former Speaker and chairperson of Fetakgomo Tubatse Local Municipality Council Cllr Tlakale Naume Phala has been elected unany-
mously as the new Mayor with effect from 24 January 2019.

Mayor Phala’s election comes months after the resignation of Cllr Phokane Maudu Johannes, the former mayor following the controversial
VBS Mutual Bank investment. This effectively means that the position of the Speaker is vacant in the council structure.
In terms of administrative leadership council has suspended the Municipal Manager Busane Nontotuku Patience due to VBS Investment which
hampered service delivery and for having contravened all Treasury requlations. The Limpopo Provincial Government has resolved to place the
municipality on section 139 1(b) and seconded Mrs Ntshudisane MJ as Administrator and Mr S Mulenga as Chief Financial Officer.
To this end in a special council meeting Mrs Maureen Judith Ntshudisane and Mr Sasa Mulenga were appointed Acting Municipal Manager
and Acting CFO respectively.

It is against this background that the leadership of FTLM has embarked upon a process to review their current strategic framework to carve a
new way forward for the Municipality.
The development of a Vision 2030 Blueprint represented the first step in broadening the long term planning horizon to beyond the current term
of office.

The purpose of the strategic session was to reposition the Fetakgomo Tubatse Local Municipality (FTLM) in order to maximise the efficiency,
effectiveness and impact of the Municipal Council both within the municipality as well as the Limpopo Province. Fetakgomo Tubatse Local Municipality May-
The objectives of the strategic planning session as drawn from the Section 32 of the Municipal System Act were thus as follows: or, Naume Phala.

• To develop a perspective of the imperatives driving the need for repositioning;

• To conduct an assessment of the current state and performance of the municipality;
• To develop a set of principles and operating framework that reflects the repositioning of the local municipality; • To develop strategies to
attain the proposed outcomes and indicators in the IDP and SDBIP; and
• To align the strategies to the perspective based on the balanced scorecard that will be used to monitor and evaluate the performance of the
municipality on achieving the desired outcomes and indicators.
• Ensure that Draft IDP/budget, SDBIP and Performance indicators are finalised

It was further aimed at highlighting strategic and prudent areas of required support to enhance the organisational performance record of the
Municipality and finally to allow a platform as a theatre of engagement to solicit collective understanding and approach in implementing and
accounting on the back to basics in order to strengthen the social contract between FTLM and other roleplayers.

A detail cost containment measure based on the circular number 82 of the National Treasury aimed to reduce travelling; over-time for employ-
ees (pre-approval should be made four days before);hiring of venues for meetings; engagements with consultants; catering; presence usage
of water and electricity; telephone capped and data usage
• The Mid year performance report stood at 48% which is a decline of the previous mid-year in 2017/18 due to financial constraints like the
purchase of new landfill site and construction of the Praktiseer licensing office. For obvious reasons these projects are planned for completion
in the next financial year.

Discussions ensued on the amenable powers and function of the municipality to start the process of a feasibility study on the capacity to be-
come a water and electricity function authority.
However much more needs to be done. In a larger scale of things, it could be said that the performance of this municipality is pleasing while Acting Municipal Manager Mureen Ntshud-
under-performance and/or mal-performance has negative effects - with the main adverse / inimical consequence being loss of public confi- isane.
dence in municipal government. It thus ought to be mitigated in all material respects.
Worth reporting is the approval of Land Ex-
propriation Notice to council which identified
90 properties to be evaluated. We are contin-
uing to engage the Department of Health re-
garding the conversion of Nchabeleng Health
Centre into a Hospital. It is anticipated that
this will promote the health status of the pop-
ulation as the fundamental human right and
no longer travelling long distance. There is
worrying evidence to suggest that we are not
making steady progress in the fight against
HIV/AIDS.The Municipality have appointed
contractor to install 40 transformers as part of
reducing crime in affected areas.
We are happy to report that SANRAL has
committed to widen the R37 road with effect
from the 01 April 2019 from Dilokong hospi-
tal to Burgersfort town aimed to reduce traffic
Acting Chief Financial Officer Sasa Mulenga.
flow.

Working side by side with other sector

departments the construction of SAPS Apel
Offices (affectionately known as Masen-
kaneng) into a fully fledged police station is
at advance stage.
Critical is also to engage robustly with the
mining houses for mining contribution to
community development and beneficiation so
that poverty and unemployment are reduced
and if possible explore other funding mecha-
nisms.

The Municipality have since received a

feasibility study on a viable option for on the
office space. We are currently perusing the
contents of the report and will in due course
table the report to council for final decisions
The discussions during the strategic planning
sessions resulted in the formulation of a re-
port that will be adopted by council and drive
the organisation’s strategic plan.
Manager and Head of Communications,
Rachidi Ngoato, promised that residents in
the municipality will be kept up to date with
the newest municipal developments through
various mediums, which will include the local
media.
22 MAART 2019 NUUS 3

Fraudulent Innovation interventions slow

Activities in translating into benefits
Targeting The Chief Director of Innovation and Technology at the Department of Trade and Industry (the dti), Ms Nonku-
luleko Shinga says that the reviews indicate that innovation has not been translated into socio-economic ben-

Univen Security efits and the government funding instruments are inaccessible to the innovators in rural and township commu-
nities. Shinga said this during the opening of the two-day Grassroots Innovation Workshop which took place in
Limpopo.

Job Seekers “It is as a direct response to this imbalance that we have resolved to roll-out this series of Grassroots Innovation
Workshops to counter this and to address issues of knowledge production, which are limited to urban areas, in
universities and in research institutions only,” she said.
The University of Venda says it has in the past few days been made
aware of telephone/cell phone calls made to some applicants of the
She asserted that innovation was not only about hi-technology implements, that it did not only occur in urban
security and cleaning jobs that were recently advertised by Univen
settings and that it did not only take place in state-of-the-art laboratories.
Innovative Growth Company (UIGC) that, they are allegedly being
sold by unknown individuals in or outside the employ of the University
“Innovation is all around and has been practiced since time immemorial. It has no colour, no gender, no age, no
of Venda, purporting to be representing the University and UIGC.
status. It takes place in our homes, in our garages and in the most far-flung of our rural areas. That is the reason
we have brought this workshop here in your province, because we believe that knowledge production should
The University of Venda says it views these allegations in a serious
be allowed to flourish, irrespective of where it originates from. It is important that innovation taking place in rural
light and would like to unreservedly distance itself from such fraud-
areas is taken seriously and that it is made sustainable. We will strive to develop systems that best respond to
ulent activities and to urge all those with information about these
how we can empower grassroots innovators,” said Shinga.
allegations to contact the University’s Tip-off Anonymous, 0800 212
755, e-mail univenhotline@tip-offs.com.
She added that the hosting of Grassroots Innovation Workshops was an attempt to open up and democratise
innovation systems to stimulate inclusive growth and economic transformation.
The University of Venda would like to reiterate that under no circum-
stances will job seekers be asked for funds in the pre-recruitment and
The Deputy Director-General of the Limpopo Department of Economic Development, Environment and Tourism
post-recruitment processes. We take this matter very seriously and
(LEDET), Mr Matodzi Rathumbu pointed out the importance of supporting rural inventors to safeguard their
are taking all appropriate measures, including working with rele-
inventions.
vant authorities, to bring to book all those involved in this fraudulent
scheme. We therefore urge applicants for any advertised position at
“Our province is endowed with the most brilliant creative minds in the country, but our shortcomings are that
the University of Venda or UIGC to exercise caution, in order to avoid
we’re not doing enough to safeguard and document these inventions for sustainable economic purposes. It is
falling victim to recruitment fraud.
imperative going forward that we support our innovators trademark and intellectually secure their innovations so
they can enjoy their fruits of their brilliance,” he said.
We recommend that you do not respond to anyone making unsolic-
ited offers of employment on behalf of the University of Venda. In a
Grassroots Innovation Workshops will be rolled out to at least four rural provinces, with Limpopo already serving
situation where you are asked for payment of any kind by a person
as a launch pad for the campaign. It is anticipated that these workshops will unearth technologies from underde-
claiming to represent the University of Venda or UIGC, please contact
veloped communities, they will create networking platforms for technology development and commercialisation
your local police station or law enforcement authority as this could be
and focused technology development and innovative thinking at grassroots levels.
fraud.

Comfort ye,
comfort ye my
people, saith
your God.
Isaiah 40:1 King James Version
4 NEWS 22 MARCH 2019

Celebrations as U-bank hands over projects

On Friday last week U-bank handed over two major projects
that will not only benefit communities in the Driekop area,
but also provide empowerment and dignity.
One project was a block of three classrooms at Mafadi
Academy. Investing in improving educational infrastructure
is one of the ways U-bank empower young people to aim for
a brighter future and provide hope. The school now also boast
with Extramarks Smart Boards in the Maths and Science
classroom.
Another set of beneficiaries is People Against the Spread of
Aids and Starvation (PASAS).
They received a brand new building that will be used as a
base from where the ladies forming part of the
group, can operate. “This provides dignity and
safety” said Mrs. Mama Maile from PASAS as
she thanked U-bank. Apart from the building
U-bank also ensured palasade fencing around
the property and a properly equipped bore-
hole to supply fresh water.
This handover follows short on the heels of a
recent event to empower the community and
stokvels with financial advice and knowledge.
The recipients thanked U-bank for caring and
delivering without fail.
U-bank Acting General Manager: Retail Bank-
ing Services: Mr George Tlhapi praised both
the school and PASAS for creating hope and
assisting despite limited resources.
Other community stakeholders also thanked
the bank for their involvement and recipients
were encouraged to make the most of the
donations.

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6 NEWS 22 MARCH 2019

Maribeng FC vs Mototolo FC Mpumalanga 400 rally at Dullstroom

On 7 March 2019 the Mar-
ibeng FC played a friendly
game against Mototolo FC.
The teams were very even-
ly matched and the game
ended in a draw having
scored 2 goals on both
sides.
Sirel Leshaba (Chop Chop)
was named the Man of the
Match.
(Information and photo-
graphs: Mmushi Kgopane).
The 2019 South African Cross Country Se-
ries (SACCS) started on a high note for all
the teams who managed to finish the Mpu-
malanga 400, the opening round that took
place at Dullstroom last weekend. Compet-
itors not only scored their first points of the
season, but five bonus points were added
to their tally the moment they took on the
challenging event that was voted the best
event on the 2018 calendar.
The season started on a high note for Toy-
ota Gazoo Racing SA who continued their
winning streak of 2018 and their recent his-
toric Dakar Rally win earlier this year when
they claimed the first two podium positions
in the Production Vehicle category at the
Dullstroom event. It was, however, the
defending champion, Giniel de Villiers, who
ticked off his second consecutive Mpuma-
langa 400 victory when he and navigator,
Dennis Murphy, posted the fastest time
with their Toyota Hilux.

Lance Trethewey in action. (Photograph: Nadia Jordaan)

Masters play friendly games

On 16 March the Tu-
batse Masters soc-

Soccer fever still running high cer team visited the

Bothashoek Masters
soccer team.
Pulana Maroga Soccer League was back Lenareng: 5 vs Happy Fighters: 0.
They played a friend-
at full steam last weekend after a two week Bafaladi ground: Golden Spears: 1 vs Stone
ly match.
break. Breakers: 1. Bafaladi: 0 vs Bull Bull: 4.
The day’s play was
The resuls of 16 March were: Tshakanya Driekop FC ground: Real Touch: 2 vs Fast
dominated by the
ground: Tearing Lions: 3 vs Mangabane: 11 Jnr: 0. Driekop FC: 1 vs Mighty Bucks: 8.
Bothashoek Masters
1. Mighty Rovers: 1 vs Mighty Blues: 7. Results for play on 17 March 2019: Mo-
who also won the
hlophi ground: Driekop
game 3-1.
FC: 3 vs Mighty Blues:
Tshepho Lesese, Si-
1. Tearing Lions: 3 vs
mon Sekgobela and
Lenareng: 2.
Musk Mashubeng
Real Touch ground: Ba-
scored the goals
faladi: 2 vs Mangabane:
for the Bothashoek
5. Mighty Rovers: 3 vs
Masters.
Bull Bull: 4.
The single goal
Morethe ground: Happy
scored by Tubatse
Fighters: 0 vs Maruleng:
Masters was thanks
2. Golden Spears: 0 vs
to the boot of Isaac
Mighty Bucks: 0. Young
Mndawe.
Dribblers: 0 vs Happy
Stars: 3.

(Information and photo-

graph: Pulana Maroga
Soccer League).
(Photographs: Judas
Motswiane; Informa-
tion: Jerial Mvun-
dlela).

Modikwa runners at ‘Om die Dam’ race

On 16 March two of
Modikwa Marathon Club’s
athletes participated in the
Om die Dam Ultra Mar-
athon at Hartebeespoort
Dam.
Isaac Mkhabela (photo-
graph left) and veteran
runner, Herman Mogale
both ran the 50km race.
Both finished in great times
and the Club congratulates
them on their achieve-
ments. Isaac finished the
race in 3:55:05 and Her-
man in 4:45:59. They also
bettered their seeding for
this year’s Comrades Ultra
Marathon.
(Photograph and informa-
tion: Willem Montgomery).
22 MAART 2019 NUUS 7

Players battle it out at Chrome Club Championships

Tubatse Chrome Golf Club members played in the annual
Chrome Club Championships last weekend.
The competition is determined over 18 holes of play on both
Saturday and
Sunday.
The course chal-
lenged most of
the players and
weather conditions
also added to the
challenge.
Despite this, the
event took place in
good sportsman-
ship.
At the end of
Sunday’s play,
a nail bite finish
ensured that Tyron
Luck walked away
as the Chrome
Club Champion for
2019. He closely
beat Thinus Labus-
chagne and Dean
van Staden.
Read more about
this and the
other winners
on page 8 of
this newspaper.

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8 22 MARCH 2019

It‛s child‛s play to read your

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com SPORT
New Chrome Club Chrome Golf
Champion crowned
The new Chrome Club Champion for 2019
is Tyron Luck.
cool during the last couple of holes when
two Birdies on his last 9 sealed the win.
It was all skill and not luck as Tyron kept his
Tyron’s par on the last hole gave a one
shot victory over fellow provincial
Club achievers
team mate Thinus Labuschagne On Saturday, 16
and Chrome Number 1 Junior, March 2019 the
Dean van Staden. Tyron will be Chrome Golf Club
heading to the Country Districts’ not only kicked off
tournament with Thinus in May. the Chrome Club
After the recent rains the course Championships,
had thick rough and tricky place- they also held their
ments. Windy conditions also official prize giving
tested players. Play stretched for achievers during
over two days and at the end the last year.
of day one the leaders were: 1. On the right is Deon
Dean van Staden 2. Tyron Luck du Plessis with Thi-
T3. Thinus Labuschgane T3. nus Labuschagne.
Gert van der Merwe 5. Martin van Deon was named
Rooyen T6. David Digoro T6 Wim the Players’ Player
Barnard 8. Pierre van Staden T9. of the Year. He was
Bertus Swart T9. Baard Langauge also the winner of
The winners at the end of day the Captain’s Cup
two were: Club Champion - Tyron during the last year.
Luck, Overall Nett - August
Kgoete, A-Division - Dean van
Staden, B-Division - August
Kgoete, C-Division - Louis Ludike
and Ladies Winner - Mel Swart.
(Photographs and information: Willem Montgomery)
Left are Dean van Staden with Thinus Labus-
chagne. Dean was the Junior Player of the Year
at the Club and also walked away as the winner
of the Talisman Cup. A long term tough competi-
tion that takes commitment and skill to win.

WOODZONE Right is Jaco Els with Thinus Labuschagne.

Jaco was named the Most Improved Player
of the Year for 2018.

YOUR NO. 1 BOARD

Left: Baard Lan-
guage with Thinus
Labuschagne.
AND CUPBOARD Baard became an
honourable member

SPECIALISTS of the Chrome Golf

Club. He has been
a member for the
last 35 years playing
We design, cut, edge and golf at this course in
Tubatse Residential
drill to customers required Village.
Baard and his golfing
measurements partner, Johan
Dreyer were also the
Doubles Champions
for 2018 (Better Ball
TEL: 013 231 7437/54 Cup winners).
E-mail: woodzone@telkomsa.net (Photographs &
Information: Willem
Montgomery)