Picture: (Mighty Boys FC  captain celebrating after winning the Olehile Sport Club tournament)

By BAKANG MOKOTO

Mighty Boys Football Club continued with their dominance over arch-rivals Manthe Queenspark Rangers FC.

This came after the Mighty Boys pipped the latter to the Olehile Sport Club cup.

The two clashed during a tournament held at Manokwane village near Taung recently.

The two teams met in the first game of the tournament.

Manthe Queenspark Rangers missed golden opportunities in the first 25 minutes of the game where midfielder; Thabang Appie was the main culprit.

Mighty Boys FC players gained their confidence and showed their fangs.

They went on to win the match by a convincing 3-1 scoreline.

Manthe-based football club Public Relations Officer (PRO), Ontiretse Ntlhetlhisang said he is happy that his team continue to have an upper hand against their local rivals.

“Mighty Boys FC is a growing brand and we are happy with our performance thus far. It is always good to wallop our fierce rival, Manthe Queenspark Rangers FC. Our players always perform well against them and that gives us confidence.

“We have illustrious players who could make it into Premier Soccer League (PSL). We also believe that tournaments like this will increase their chances to break into the elite league. The Olehile Sport Club tournament is one of the best in Taung,” Ntlhethisang said.

He urged organisers to invite scouts to unearthed talent.

Ntlhetlhisang added that they are on the right path after winning the tournament.

“This is our second major win after we were crowned winners of Reivilo Soccer Tournament in April 2018. We will continue to work hard and we want to thank our supporters for their unwavering support. This tournament also plays a crucial role in social cohesion,” he said.

The Olehile Sport Club representative, Oduetse Kgoroeaboco said: “We established this tournament back in 2012. However, we are happy how things turned out despite some challenges. We have a security challenge and engaging the Taung Police Station was a futile exercise.

“We do not have any sponsors and we are using our own money to run the event. Remember, the value of sport to communities extends beyond sport. It can play a role in bringing communities together, having a social and cultural impact, developing social capital and reducing crime and anti-social behaviour.

“We deliberately host this initiative during Women’s Month to bring awareness regarding women and children abuse. Our women are the most vulnerable group in our society and we need to bring that awareness,” Kgoroeaboco said.

He said the initiative also encourages local people to participate as volunteers in community life.

Kgoroeaboco said regular involvement in sport can benefit individuals and communities and contribute to a range of positive outcomes.

“This will ensure that local people have a greater voice and influence over decision-making and we will see more cohesive, tolerant and inclusive communities that value diversity. The tournament plays a crucial role in the reduction of youth offending and anti-social behaviour. This contributes to the increase in culture of respect and tolerance among young people too,” he said.

Kgoroeaboco further said they want to have Under 21 players participating in the tournament in the future.

He said that according to research, young people’s participation in sport improves their numeracy scores by 8% on average above non-participants.

“Underachieving young people who take part in sport see a 29% increase in numeracy skills and a 12 to 16% rise in other transferable skills. It is important also to have school sport to maximise the impact of the social benefits.

“We urge other stakeholders to come on board and ensure that the tournament becomes a success. We have now rope in other sporting codes to ensure that our youth benefit from the initiative. The event also creates job opportunities especially our Small Micro Medium Enterprises (SMMEs) owners,” he said.

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Picture: OFM presenter, Alucius Mocumi

By REGINALD KANYANE

For upcoming radio personality, Alucius Mocumi, the airwaves are an oyster from which he derives fun and gets connected to his listeners.

The Klerksdorp-born presenter plies his trade at OFM and says he enjoys every moment behind the microphone.

“I am a fun and active person who is humble and friendly. I am also passionate about art and entertainment industry. However, I’ve realised that discipline, dedication and determination is necessary to go far,” Mocumi said.

“My love for the industry inspired me. All started back when I became a writer for the school magazine. I always wanted to be a television presenter at first, but that changed over the years. I developed a love for radio and I never looked back,” the presenter said.

Mocumi said what he simply did was respond to a calling and is enjoying every moment as he lives his dream.

“Honestly, my family and friends played a crucial role in me becoming a presenter. They said I talk non-stop and I have all needed characteristics to become a radio presenter. It is not easy to become a radio presenter as one must be creative and knowledgeable about what is happening around the world.

“The aim of a radio is to inform, educate and entertain. So, it won’t help to rely on your voice alone. I worked at Star FM which is a community radio station for 5 years and joined OFM back in 2016. I went through rigorous auditions after the station was looking for presenters,” he said.

Mocumi is also a recording artist who sings RnB, Hip Hop and House music.

He has released a few tracks that are in high rotation in various radio stations.

“I have released three mixtapes thus far and I am now working on promoting my new EP titled “Open Minded” which is a house music EP. My love of being a singer started when I heard the song called “Practice What You Preach” by Berry White.

“That song twisted me inside and encouraged me to focus more on other musicians. I believed in myself and drew inspiration from groups like Malika and Mafikizolo to say the least. I also met Nhlanhla Nciza of Mafikizolo who gave me advice about music,” Mocumi said.

He added that he wants to be one of the most respected media and entertainment voice.

Mocumi said he would also like to be the ambassador of South Africa in global platform.

“I believe that the sky is the limit and sharing stage with the likes of K- N9ne and Cassper Nyovest inspired me. In most cases, I was the Master of the Ceremony (MC) at those major events. It was impressive to introduce world renowned artists to the crowd and also interviewing them.

“Those who would like to get my music; they can find it for free on audiomack and soundcloud. I would like to encourage our youth especially upcoming artists to put more focus on their education,” said Mocumi.

You can follow Alucius Mocumi on Facebook and Twitter@AluciusMocumi or Instagram: @alucius_mocumi

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By REGINALD KANYANE

A call to declare 16 August a ‘public holiday’ in honour of the miners, who were killed during Marikana massacre back in 2012, has gained momentum. The commemoration was held at Koppies in Marikana where 34 miners were gunned down in Hollywood-style by police.

More than 3000 miners embarked on illegal five month-long strike demanding salary increase. Various political parties, Non-Government Organisations (NGOs) and other stakeholders attended the event.

North West Premier, Prof Job Mokgoro said: “On behalf of government and the people of the North West, we would like to take this opportunity today to join millions of South Africans and people around the world to remember the tragic Marikana day when 44 people perished exactly six years ago.

“We wish to pass our heartfelt condolences to the families, colleagues and friends of all those that departed on that day as well as those that lost their lives days prior. This was as a result of the labour unrest that had gripped the Platinum Belt, where workers were demanding a better wage from the employer at the time.”

The South African National Civic Organisation (SANCO) said that the Marikana Massacre remains a painful blot and repulsive chapter in the history of South Africa’s young democracy.

Sanco spokesperson, Jabu Mahlangu said: “The lessons learnt from the collapse of constructive engagements that led to violent confrontation and what could have been done to avoid it though invaluable were too costly in terms of the lives of the 44 miners who were killed.

“What is worrying is that the methods of engagement have not changed much since the horrible incident that shocked the world. All assortments of weapons are still being carried during protests which are still characterized by violence and no visible improvement in crowd control and public order policing.”

He said that exploiting the massacre for political expedience has compromised and delayed the healing process.

Democratic Alliance leader, Mmusi Maimane said 34 mineworkers were killed and 78 injured. Maimane added that those miners stood up and spoke about their living conditions and their wages.

“These men were shot down, some at point blank range in these fields and koppies by a government and its police force whose only response to protest is brutality.

“A police force was urged to take strong action against the protesting miners by the man who would go on to be elected ANC president, and by default our president,” he said.

He said this day was a ‘shameful moment’ that exposed the government to the world for what it was. Maimane said the government is no more the visionary and compassionate government of Nelson Mandela.

“This is a brutal and authoritarian ANC government that won’t hesitate to turn on its own people. I have written to President Cyril Ramaphosa and asked that he declare 16 August a Marikana Memorial Day because his predecessor, Jacob Zuma refused,” he said.

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By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

A 50 year-old woman allegedly burned herself to death at Molelema village in Taung on Friday. According to eyewitnesses, Maki Mokgaudi (50) was speaking to her husband on the phone before the incident happened.

It is alleged that there was a ‘misunderstanding’ between the two and that prompted Mokgaudi to set self and the house on fire. The North West police spokesperson, Lieutenant Col Amanda Funani said a case of inquest has been opened at Taung Police Station.

“We can confirm that a case of inquest has been opened by the Taung police after a woman died in a fire. We do not know the motive behind the atrocity and the investigation continues,” Funani said.

The atrocity left Molelema community shocked.

The Positive Youth of Taung (PYOT) chairperson, Phemelo Mohutsiwa said: “It is imperative for our communities to go and find help before is too late. Depression is real and we should not take it lightly. There are so many institutions across the country where people can get marriages and relationships therapy.

“Taking your own life does not remove the pain, but passes it to others. We also urge women to speak out about any challenges they come across either in their marriages or relationships. We would like to send our heartfelt condolences to Mogaudi’s family. Let us make sure that our homes are filled with possibility.”

He added that it is important for couples to create a friendly, caring connection homes where it is safe to explore and express unique self. Mohutsiwa said this will encourage partners to have a ‘sense of freedom’ and talk to each other openly about challenges they come across in daily basis.

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By REGINALD KANYANE

Six people from Molelema village in Taung briefly appeared at the Taung Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday. Gaorongwe Mooki, Kenny Letebele, Ompolokile Leeuw, Malefane Motswakae, Olebogeng Monchusi and Tebogo Makoloi were subsequently arrested and charged with public violence after the community of Baga-Maidi embarked on violent protests demanding tar roads on D208 and D209 routes few months ago.

The accused were granted R500 bail each and they will be back in court on the 25 September 2018. Those who were released on bail were instructed to report at Kokomeng Police Station every Friday between 6am and 6pm.

Shops were looted, while the community hall and few schools torched during protests. One of community leaders, Mothibi Makoro said: “The community embarked on a protest demanding tar road on D208 and D209 after the North West Public Works and Roads department failed to honour its promises to construct those roads on 1 April 2018.

“There was an agreement between the community and the department to construct those roads during 2018/19 financial year. Our roads are inaccessible especially during rainy season. We have met with the department regarding the matter, but nothing positive came forth.”

MEC for Public Works and Roads department, Mmule Maluleke said the department can only afford to construct a 10km tarred road due to financial constraints.

North West MEC of Education and Sport Development department, Sello Lehari also condemned the arson after Molelema Primary School’s administration block and the National School Nutrition Programme kitchen were reduced to ashes.

“The destruction of schools was never a solution to challenges residents face in communities. On behalf of the department, I condemn in the strongest terms the burning of the two schools in the province. Last year pupils of GS Phoi Secondary School in Madibogo village, near Mahikeng lost about three months of teaching and learning due to strikes.

“The GS Poi obtained only 46% pass rate when coming to matric final examination last year. So, I am pleading with our communities to desist from burning schools as this act creates a huge backlog in the infrastructure for schools too,” he said.

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By BAKANG MOKOTO

A career expo is crucial for Grade 12s as it prepares them for various career paths and assists them to meet their potential employers. Taung Grade 12 learners came out in numbers to attend a career expo held at Taung Depot Hall in Taung recently.

The initiative was organised by Dr Boitumelo Phakathi, who was the youngest South African black female surgeon in 2014. Phakathi originates from Taung but now plies her trade in Gauteng province.

“It was important to organise career expo as our young people sometimes underestimate themselves because of where they come from especially in a far-flung areas like Taung. So, we brought in different professionals like doctors, lawyers, accountants, professors, pilots and others who were born in Taung as a living testimony to encourage them.

“Remember, your place of birth does not determine how far you can go in life. So, we have put our focus on education because the former Republic of South Africa president, Dr Nelson Mandela once said education is one of the most powerful weapons that we can use to overcome unemployment, inequality and poverty hence we emphasis on it,” she said.

A 33 year-old doctor said it is imperative that opportunities find you ready. Phakathi said they also encouraged young people to create job opportunities for themselves and be employers instead of employees.

“I realised that the poor standard of health system at our local clinics and hospitals and I wanted to be one of those people who could improve the quality of health service delivery in our country. I worked hard after I went to a medical school and I am now a specialist in general surgery,” said Phakathi.

She said she is in the process of completing my PhD. Phakathi added that the career expo will be an annual event.

“We managed to organise mentors from different fields and we will be concentrating on Grade 12s for now. The aim is to ensure that we mentor these young ones for them to also plough back in the future,” she said.

Joint Aviation Awareness Programme (JAAP) Chairperson, Tebogo Mokgejane said: “There are vast opportunities in the aviation industry. So, it will depend on what field of interest you want to embark on. We have a pilot which is a popular career and it requires pure Mathematics and Physical Sciences.

“We also have avionics engineers who are working in the aerospace engineering which is subspecialty field of avionics”

A well-known Dj, Orapeleng “Dj Nation” Mokgwabone, who works as Air Traffic Controller for South African Air Force (SAAF) shared the same sentiments.

“We have four arms of service at the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) like Navy, Army, Military Health Services and SAAF. So, those who want to join must ensure that they follow relevant channels and have required qualifications according to the specified fields they want to embark on,” he said.

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