Thembinkosi crèche is one of the many crèches adopted by Christian Revival Church, which is commonly known as CRC. Every Friday afternoon the youth from CRC visits Thembinkosi and many other crèches in Mangaung to play with the children as part of their outreach programme. Not only do these youth men and women end there, but at time they come with gifts to donate to the crèche. Speaking to one of the youth leaders, Leonard Calitz, he said they have being coming at Thembinkosi for more than six month. “Coming here is the main vision of our senior pastor, Pastor Nyretta Boshoff, who adopted crèches from all over Mangaung” said Calits. Among the youth that came to play were students from UFS and other learners from different school. Calitz added that “we come here to help in whatever way we can and show God’s love. There are specific things that Pastor Nyretta holds close to her heart and we not only come here to play with the kids, but we also help the educators during the week”.

One of the kids’ parents said they are very happy to see people outside their community coming and showing the love to someone else’s child. Mathilda Valashiya, who had been working at Thembinkosi for years, is one of the happy people enjoying the company of the CRC youth playing with the kids. Maria Ramabele, the founder and the manager of Thembinkosi said her crèche has improved since the CRC youth came to her crèche. “They helped me in so many ways and they have even paid for my educators to go to workshops not long ago” said Ramabele. She stated that “I came across Pastor Nyretta through a parent of one of my children and since then my life better here at Thembinkosi”. The CRC adopt a crèche is a continuing programme.

The road to Madiba Cup

Batjha ba ka sebedisa bolo ho lwantsha bokebekwa. Phomolong ena ya mariha dihlopha tsa batjha ba lemo tse leshome le metso e mehlano di itokisetsa tlhodisano ya mohope wa Madiba o qalang bekeng ena. Mohope ona o hlophisitse e le karolo ya ho keteka letsatsi la Madiba la tswalo. Boitokisetsong bona, Young Strikers e ile ya amohela Bad Boys papading e neng e thabisa ebile e tlola ditlhase lebaleng la selehae J. B. Mafora. Papadi e qadile ka monyebe, empa sekgahla sa phahama ha Bad Boys e ne e hlaba ntlha ka Tshidiso Lefata ho tswa thahong ya huku. Mokgahlelong wa pele dihlopha ka bobedi di ne di laola bolo bohareng ba lebala. E ne e le metsotswana pele ho phomolo ha Young Strikers e lekanya dintlha ka Neo Phalatsane. Ntlha ya hae o e hlabile ka mokalangwane. Karolong ya bobedi Young Strikers, e ntseng e di hula pele lokong ya ba lemo tse leshome le metso e mehlano, e ne e lapetse ntlha, empa ya lebala ho kwala lebota le ka morao. Ke moo Tshidiso Lefata a ileng a bona monyetla o mong hape, mme a hlaba ntlha ya hae ya bobedi. Ho thatafatsa ditaba le ho feta sebapadi sa nomoro ya bosupa sa Bad Boys, Tidimalo Nake, se ile sa hlaba ntlha ya ho qetela ya papadi. Mokwetlisi wa Young Strikers, Gomolemo Masekoa o di behile tjena, “Ke kgetlo la pele re hlolwa ke Bad Boys. Ba ke ke ba o besa o tuke hape ha re ya mohopeng wa Madiba.” Ha e le wa mphato wa hae, Lehloonolo Majake yena o itse, “Tlholo ena empa e le monyetla feela, ke ne ke batla ho bona hore re re lokela ho lokisa hokae.” Ebang maemo a dumela, bobedi bona bo tla kopana ho makgaolakgang a mohope wa Madiba mafelong a tlang a beke, papading e ilo bapallwa lebaleng la Mangaung Outdoor Sports Centre.

The poor get solar power this winter.

The city on the move, Mangaung Metro is still continuing installing solar geyser in most of the RDP houses. On a wet winter Thursday (21 June 2012), Mangaung Issue visited one of the houses in J. B. Mafora as they were still busy installing them. Thinandaba Pheko from Tasol Solar Energy Solutions explained to Mangaung Issue how the whole solar geyser system works. With winter and lack of sunlight, Pheko said the water temperature is low compare to summer days. “However, people can still use it” said Pheko. He added that at some day, especially in the winter morning people will find that water from the geyser is not that warm. “On days such as these it is when you need to use a kettle to heat your water” he said. It was all smiles on Gift Williems’ face when his geyser was installed. “Since the water will be hot and I will be saving money on electricity, I am very happy to have my geyser” said Williems. To have his geyser, Williems said “I heard a message from the street committee that we need to bring a copy of my ID and prove of address to apply for it and they come”. However, not everyone is happy about these solar geysers, as Sarah Tsamai who lives not too far from Williems, said her geyser is licking water inside her RDP. Tsamai has being calling people from the committee to come and fit the lick and no one has showed up. From there, Mangaung Issue took some time to visit ward ten counsellor, Zacharia Motladile to enquire about these problems. He said he has called meeting with the community saying that they are awe of the problem with the geysers. Motladile said “the people responsible for these geysers are in Gauteng and it is hard to get hold of them”. He concluded by saying there will be an action plan to maintain them and “I would like to advice our people to try to fix their geysers themselves where there is a small lick”.

Doing business in a foreign land.

Mangaung Issue was out and about doing a story on foreign-owned shops and we spoke to Tomasi Awano Abiyo who is an Ethiopian. We asked his what lead him to come to South Africa and he replied in few words, “Ethiopia president many problem, political problems” he said. Abiyo has been running his shop since last year in an RDP bedroom. He was not happy to give Mangaung Issue answers about his business, during our interview. However, Abiyo was more than happy to talk about friends he has made so far. With his English still needing some work, Abiyo can hear and speak a few words in Sesotho. Not too far from Abiyo’s shop, is the 67 year old David Mosikara whom has owned his shop for decades. “I have nothing against foreign nationals, but they are cheating our people their change and also they are not treating them right” said Mosikara. When asked if the foreigners would come to him to do business, Mosikara said “we as shop owners in Bloemfontein, we have to come together just like them and not work with them because they took our customers”. Speaking to one of Mosikara’s customers, Alina Matshosa, she said the reason she is buying from Mosikara is because of his prices. When Mangaung Issue got back to Abiyo’s shop he was not willing to talk to us and suggested we talk to someone else. We then spoke to one of his regulars a pensioner, Nomaeza Khoaele and she said “I buy stuff at Abiyo’s shop because is near to my house and I also buy at Mosikara’s shop too”. Abiyo’s land-lady who wishes to be anonymous said her relationship with him is a good one. “He lets me buy his goods on credit since I am a pensioner and then I pay him whenever I have money” said the Land-lady.

Cycle motor?

There are many way to move around in the city of Mangaung. Some people travel in their own cars while many others use a taxi or a bus. On the other hand some chose to use their own power by using a bicycle. However, there is a growing number of people using a motorised bicycle, just like the 56 year old Nqweniso Nqabeni who works at Eunice High School. With a two litre engine, Nqabeni takes less than an hour to get to work. “I have being using this bicycle for over a year now and it has helped me by saving money on transport” said Nqabeni. Mangaung Issue then took to the shop where Nqabeni bought his bicycle and we spoke to Joseph Maruatona who is the manager of Bicycle For Africa (BFA). “These bicycles are commonly used in China and India. We import the mottos from China” said Maruatona. According to him the bicycle can travel at the speed of 45km/h and can carry a weight of 200kg. Maruatona, who was a gardener before, is selling them at R2 880 and uses one as him transport. He said there is no need for one to have a license to use a motorised bicycle. However, the traffic law in South Africa states that a vehicle having pedals and an engine or an electric motor as an integral part thereof or attached thereto and which is designed or adapted to be propelled by means of such pedals, engine or motor or both should have a license for it. Maruatona said “our project Tokoloho is aimed at empowering the community and it is in line with the Millennium Developmental Goals.”

Ace speaks out on xenophobia in the Free State

Ace Magashule has condemned on the Xenophobic violence in the Welkom area during last week's portests. Shops owned by foreigners nationals were broken into, set alight and looted in Thabong, Welkom and Odendaalsrus. Magashule said the attacks were a clear violation of the rights of immigrants and foreigners. He said it appeared “criminal elements” had taken advantage of the situation. “These attacks violate the fundamental principles of our Constitution, which rejects discrimination and intolerance on the basis of race, creed or geographic origin.” Free State police said Thabong and Kutloanong (Odendaalrus) were quiet on Wednesday. About 40 people have been arrested in Thabong since groups of youths took to the streets last Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. Warrant Officer Malebo Khosana said a group of jobless youths were unhappy after talks with local mines about jobs and took to the streets. They wanted mines to recruit local people first. Twenty-four businesses were damaged in the three-day rampage in Thabong. Captain Stephen Thakeng said Kutloanong was quiet on Wednesday. Seven people were arrested after youths started to attack foreigners and their businesses on Monday. Sixteen shops were damaged and looted. Police had to escort foreigners out of the township. Police said the violence in Kutloanong seemed to be related to the public violence and looting in Thabong last week. Magashule urged residents in the area to condemn the violent attacks on innocent people, whose lives were threatened because of their geographic origins. “We call upon our people to refrain from participating in such violent acts.” He said the provincial government would continue to work with all concerned parties to find solutions to some of the problems facing citizens. Police said those arrested in the two towns would begin appearing in courts from Wednesday to Monday next week. – Sapa

A worker by night-A student by day… The 19th of November saw the celebration of a remarkable woman, a wife, a mother, a friend, more and above a church leader. Born to a single mother, Baleseng Ruth Matswakeletse celebrated her achievements, after successful completing her Boc Sc degree at Free State University. Quoting from one of Charles Dickens’ book, a Tale of two cities, Zonela Mkhumbeni, the programme director of the day, described Matswakeletse’s achievements saying “it was the best of time-it was the worst of time…” in a nut shell. Speaker after speaker, they all described what tuff times Matswakeletse went through to get her degree. Standing in front of the masses that came to celebrate, Menky, Matswakeletse’s daughter said “it was unusual for us at first; we were all used to having her at home and to help us with school stuff”. Menky said they had to learn to be independent and had to do things all on their own. What she has taken out of her mother’s ordeal is that “I had learnt a lot from mama” in over whelming tears of joy. Free State provincial sport, arts and culture director, Vincent Khetha was the main speaker at the celebration, who said he was honoured to be afforded an opportunity to convey a message of support to Matswakeletse’s achievement. “We know very well Mrs Matswakeletse’s academic struggles and the route she travelled. We have heard her talking to us about Criminology and Sociology exams and analyses of different theories. We have heard her turning down our invitation at our house saying she is preparing to a test” this was in Khetha’s opening remarks. He said these days things are changing, change itself is changing and the question today is what an individual is doing with the changing environment. He went on and said “Just like Mrs Matswakeletse, you have limitless abilities to achieve whatever you want in life”. Khetha referred Matswakeletse as a good dreamer just like Joseph in Genesis 37, “today we are celebrating the manifestation of a good dream” as he added on. He encouraged everyone to keep on dreaming, irrespective of what people say. In a strong nice and slow manly voice, Khetha said “Your background is less important to determine your destiny; your past should not remind you that you can’t be anything in life”. As the people cupped hands, the Director mentioned “Most of you may be aware of the fact that Mrs Matswakeletse comes from a background which is not that glossy but she managed to breakthrough irrespective of unfavourable circumstances”. When asked what role he had played as a husband, Pastor George Matswakeletse proudly said “I inspired her”. However, Pastor Matswakeletse said they had being orphans for more than five years, “her presence was not felt, as she was at work at night or on campus during the day, even if she was at home she had to study”. On the 14th of September when she graduated, the Pastor said he felt relived and “finally we got our person back”. The lady celebrated on the day, she said it was never easy to get her degree. She had to work night shifts and during the day she had to attend classes. “I had to fight to get where I am now, at first I wanted to study nursing but all did not go my way and I fought my way through” she said as a tear drop roll down. Come 2012 Matswakeletse plans to register for her honours degree.

Power Reporting 2011. The African Investigative Journalism Conference. In his opening words, Prof. Tawana Kupe, the dean of the Faculty of Humanities at the University of the Witwatersrand said “the true defenders of democracy are journalists, in this case investigative journalists”. Kupe describe the past Power Reporting Conferences as a platform where young journalists equip themselves with new skills. “This is the place where you journalists can network among yourselves, so feel free to make new friends” added Kupe in a slow and sugary voice. This year Wits ship-in speakers as far as China, US and UK, making it more than an African conference. Closer to home they had speakers from Botswana, Zimbabwe, Uganda, Ghana, Nigeria and Nairobi. Amongst the heavy weights it was The New York Times’ investigative reporter, Ron Nixon. Ron, as they call him, has taught investigative techniques and computer-assisted reporting to journalist across the world. The award winning journalist and special correspondent, Felicity Lawrence, had delivered a presentation on food in Africa. On the African side, it was Nigerian journalist, Eric Mwamba, whom is famous for investigating the trafficking of young footballers in his home country. For all the South African delegates, it was not difficult to miss The Sunday Times’ Mzilikazi wa Afrika. He has uncovered and exposed a number of dodgy deals and corrupt politicians including the government’s controversial arms deal story that landed former ANC chief whip Tony Yengeni in jail. What was on every speaker’s lips was “follow the money-follow the money”. They had advised journalist to investigate who is getting the money, where the money comes from, amongst other things. Topics that were tackled arranged from climate change, mapping news, business and finance, lobbying for oil, China in Africa, the state vs investigative journalism, to mention a hand full. Young and upcoming future journalists from various universities in South Africa gain more inside from the masters themselves. Representing the University of the Free State was Teboho Ntsepe, Irawa’s cartoonist, top student More Tshidiso and Kovsie FM senior journalist Zonela Mkhumbeni. The three were awarded a fully paid bursary from Wits. At the end every signal delegate was awarded with a certificate of attendance. Ending this years’ Power Reporting Conference, was Sunday Times editor, Ray Hartley, who spoke about the ongoing battle between the state and investigative journalism. When asked who is winning, Hartley proudly said “we are!”

Black Wednesday on Tuesday

Today is Tuesday and we the media people we call it Black Wednesday. We remember the role of the courageous journalists, newspapers, anti-apartheid organisations and activists targeted by the apartheid regime in 1977. These men and women sacrificed their freedom in their quest to inform the public about the realities of our country then; and in the struggle for democracy.

I was not born in 1977 on the 19th of October as most of, when The World and the Weekend World newspapers were banned by then minister of Justice Jimmy Kruger, their editor Mr Percy Qoboza and deputy editor Mr Aggrey Klaaste were detained and 17 anti-apartheid organisations were banned.

I read that Mr Nelson Mandela and his colleagues, then they were imprisoned on Robben Island. The Nelson Mandela foundation writes that, it remembers how Mr Qoboza was one of the first public figures to campaign for their release from jail. It goes on by saying that year marked a turning point in the South African state’s oppression of the media, and in the next decade many more journalists were detained and banned and newspapers were shut down. As the struggle intensified, so did the regime’s attempt to silence the media.

When he was finally released from prison in February 1990, Mr Mandela paid tribute to the press, both local and international, for keeping the world informed of his plight and that of his colleagues. The release of Mr Mandela and other political prisoners, the unbanning of political organisations and the return of exiles after 1990 led to democracy in South Africa and the adoption of a Constitution which enshrines press freedom (Nelson Mandela Foundation).

Mr Mandela had often paid tribute to journalists. In December 1997at the closing session of the ANC’s National Conference, Madiba said: “Instrumental in keeping us in touch and informed, in the dissemination of both, the good news and the bad, the sensational and the mundane, has been the media. I wish to pay tribute on this occasion to their unflinching, and often ill-appreciated, commitment to their task and their contribution to a more informed and hence a better world.”

We at Kovsie FM would like to honour all those journalists who had contributed to the struggle for freedom, and all our media who continue to contribute to the making of democracy. To our entire journalists and up and coming journalists of tomorrow happy Wednesday a happy Black one.

ABSA Macufe Cup 2010

After all music sounds had died out, it was time for the sounds of the vovozelas at the Free State stadium. The defending champions Kaizer Chiefs were outnumbered by the ever green and white Bloemfontein Celtic fans. Both fans were entertained by the curtain-raisers between Premiers eleven and ABSA-eleven, in which premier Ace Magashule was one of the players taking part. Premier eleven won two-one.

Coming the Macufe Cup between the host and Chiefs, the game started with both teams at each other’s throat. Celtic dominated the first opening minute, however, in the eleventh minute Prince Olomu scored the opening goal from a rebound by Benett Chenene. A minute after George Lebese missed a clear cut goal. In the fifteen minute again Lebese was denied by Patrick Tignyemb on the near post.

In the sixteen minute Chiefs was awarded a penalty, after Tignyemb brought down Kaizer Motaung Jnr. Jose Torrealba failed to equalize from the penalty mark. Chiefs came close to equalizing but Kaizer Jnr was denied by Tignyemb. Towards the end of the first half Chiefs played nice football in the middle of the path and Kaizer managed to equalize from Mthokozisi Yende’s pass. At half time both teams where level with the score of one each.

With the start of the second half both teams played an entertaining football but failed to produce any goal at the end. Referee Harry Lekitlane signalled it was time for penalties after a one all draw. In the penalties Kaizer Chiefs’ David Mathebula failed to score his penalty and after that Luyanda Bacela joined him too. After Tshifiwa Mmboi failing to convert his penalty, Bloemfontein Celtics’ Danny Venter scored the penalty that saw Sewelele been crowned the ABSA Macufe 2010 champions.

MEC for Sport, Arts, Culture & Recreation, Den Kgothule, said the Macufe has grown since it started in 2003, and the year it was yet another success. He said it is an initiative that they will continue to support.

NASA helps with the trapped miners in Chile.

A team of NASA doctors and scientists will travel to Chile this week to lend efforts to keep thrifty-three trapped miners fit and healthy. News24 reports the Chilean government had asked NASA to provide technical advice that might assist the trapped miners at gold and copper mine. NASA's expert knowledge of how astronauts deal mentally and physically with arduous space journeys could help the miners cope for months underground.

MySpace allows users to sync posts to Facebook

MySpace has recently revamped it’s image to look more like Facebook, is now allowing users to sync their posts to Facebook, too. News24 reports, users on Facebook can see their friends' MySpace items without leaving Facebook. MySpace users will also be able to share music, videos, game applications, links and photos across both social networking sites. The changes announced are part of an over pull at MySpace, which has faced falling advertising revenue and stagnant user growth.

The earliest known stone-arrow heads are discovered in Kwazulu Natal

A team of South African scientists have discovered the earliest-known examples of stone-arrow heads. Independent on Line reports these weapons are sixty-four thousand year-old hunting scene in KwaZulu-Natal. Dr Marlize Lombard of University of the Witwatersrand says this forms part of the evidence that has enabled a team of South African scientists to deduce the quartz segments that are the earliest-known examples of stone-arrow heads. The findings are published in the team's journal Antiquity.

• Sun-tech sings a solar plants deal with the South African government.

Sun-tech Power Holdings has signed a deal to develop solar plants in South Africa with up to one hundred megawatts as South Africa looks to boost clean energy output. SABCnews reports the signing of the memorandum of understanding is one of a dozen of deals involving investments in energy, power transmission and railways between China and South Africa. Zuma has urged China to invest more in infrastructure and manufacturing in South Africa.

A man has been sentenced for ninety-five years imprisonment.

Bloemfontein High court has sentenced a man for ninety-five imprisonment for hijacking truck on the N3, between Ladysmith and Villiers. He was arrested and never got bailed and his sentence came after four cases of truck hijacks were investigated against him by the Hawks in Free State. The accused once hijacked a truck of fish oil and attempted to murder a driver of a truck transporting new vehicles.

The National Credit Regulator CEO resins.

The National Credit Regulator (NCR) says its CEO, Gabriel Davel, will resin with effect from the first of January. His contract has expired and he has decided not to renew. Davel has been with the NCR since 2006 and lead to the development of the National Credit Act. He believes he has made an important contribution in establishing a more equitable credit market which has an important role to play in improving the lives of South Africans.

Today's science and technology

A review on medicines prescribed last year shows many South Africans are living unhealthy lifestyles. News24 reports that the findings clearly shows that more money was send on medication for high blood pressure, cancer, high cholesterol and others. The report shows lifestyle factors such as smoking, incorrect diet and heavy alcohol use are known to increase the risk of developing chronic diseases. According to a science research company, medication for high blood pressure constituted 10.8% of expenditure on medicines.

A national committee has been set up to tackle rhino poaching in South Africa. News24 reports that the committee is to improve communication and co-ordination among the anti-poaching initiatives and government. The newly-elected committee-chair, Sam Ferreira, says four initial priorities are set to fight rhino poaching are agreed upon by the committee. He says the first to set up a national number where people could phone to report rhino poaching activities.

BlackBerry may provide some solution next week to help Indian security agencies access corporate email by obtaining encrypted data in readable format. This is after threatening to shut down BlackBerry if it did not address the security concerns by the end of this month. The Indian authorities want BlackBerry to give them the means to track and read BlackBerry Enterprise email and its separate BlackBerry Messenger service. It says it is concerned about the potential for militants to use the secure BlackBerry network to carry out attacks.

A study published by Nature Geo-science says the solar system could be nearly two million years older that it had been believed before. Independent on line reports, evidence comes from a 1,49-kilo meteorite, found in the Moroccan desert in 2004, that contains a "relict" mineral, which is one of the oldest solid materials formed after the birth of the Sun. Analysis of lead isotopes suggest the mineral was formed 4.4 billion years ago, making the meteorite the oldest object ever found

Murder investigation under way in Kgotsong Location

The Hawks are investigating a murder case of a (36) thrifty-Six year old man, who was shot and killed by an unknown suspect this past weekend. Sergeant Mmako Mophiring says the man was watching TV with his girlfriend when the incident took place in Kgotsong Location. It is alleged that the suspect shot (3) three bullets at the victim and die instantly. The motive behind the killing is not yet known and no arrest has being made.

The Hawks investigates a case of fraud in Bethule

The Hawks are investigating a case of fraud against a woman employed by a loan company in Bethule, Free State. Sergeant Mmako Mophiring says the woman was employed as a check and she used client’s personal details to defraud fifty thousand rends (50 000). When clients were confronted for repayment they say they knew nothing about the applications taken on their names. The suspect will appear in court on Monday in the Bloemfontein Magistrates' court.

The 2010 Liberation Marathon

UMendo Trading has organized 2010 Liberation Route Marathon scheduled for 17th October this year. The sixty-five kilometer (65km) distance marathon is open for every athlete and registration will be closing on 10th October. The marathon will start at Mmabana Stadium in Thaba Nchu and will finish at Vodacom Park Athletic Stadium in Bloemfontein. It aims to celebrate the contribution played by heroes of the liberation struggle as the route has a historic significance.