POLIO AND MEASELS CAMPAIGN



Primary health care student, Pauline Chaane immunises Precious Rakololo.

Give polio and measles a final push

By Tebatso Mogaladi

Parents and children supported the immunisation campaign at Maria Rantho public clinic in Soshanguve, Block L to vaccine measles and polio drops in large numbers.

Parents showed keenness to eliminate measles and polio by queuing in a long queue as the primary health care student nurse, Pauline Chaane and Suzan Madise were the only health workers who dealt with the vaccination.

Madise and Chaane gave children under the age of five years polio drops and measles to children from nine months to 15 years.

 

“After the outbreak of 2010 and 2011 that many children were diagnosed with measles, parents came in numbers to immunise their children. So far the community is reacting well to the campaign,” said Madisa.

Madisa added that polio drops contains healthy nutrition. “Vitamin A is important for growth, health and good eyesight. Mothers and caregivers should bring their children to the clinic for their dose of Vitamin A every six months,” she said.

Chaane said “Prevention is better than cure. I think it was a good idea for the Department of Health to introduce this campaign because measles can cause blindness, hearing problems, brain damage and even deaths.”

A parent from Block L, Emily Mofokeng said that the campaign would also prevent the children from getting flu.

According to Madise, sometimes children get a slight fever or rash after the measles injection. Serious side effects from the vaccine were rare compared to the disease itself. Parents should take their children to a clinic or a doctor to ensure that all their immunisations are up to date.

MOTORBIKE AND BMW COLLISION



The beyond repair bike lying on the Buitekant road after a collision with a BMW

  By Tebatso Mogaladi

 

A motorbike collided with a BMW 318I at Buitekant road in Soshanguve Block F opposite Giant stadium on Monday afternoon.

The motorbike seemed to be travelling south to north, whilst the BMW was making its turn into the NAFCOC shopping centre.

The paramedics arrived on the scene a few minutes after the collision. The motorbike rider who was seriously injured, but still conscious was taken away by an ambulance.

The BMW driver sustained minor injuries from the broken parts of the bike.

Eyewitness, Tebogo Sethole, who was going in the same direction as the bike, told Record that the collision came as a surprise to him and did not understand why, both drivers, could cause such an accident on a freeway?

 "The BMW tried to overtake the bike, but the speed of the bike was too fast to be passed. There was no convoy. Even now I am still surprised on how the accident happened on a freeway,” said Sethole.

Another eyewitness from Block FF, Alfred Moloto, said "the bike rider came from the south at a high speed and I am sure that the old man was expecting something big, such as a car. That might be his reason why he crossed without double checking if there was another car coming.”

Moloto further said that a minute later, he heard a terrifying sound and the boy was lying helplessly in the road.

The BMW driver did not want to comment on the scene as he was still shocked by the collision and believed that everything was under the police's hands.

The Soshanguve Block L Police station said that a case has been opened and an investigation will soon commence

IZINYOKAS' HIDING SPOT

The remaining cable covers dumped by Izinyokas in Sun Valley Mountain

By Tebatso Mogaladi

Six houses in Itsoseng phase 8 have been in a dull since earlier April, following the rampant electrical cable theft.

The community started to switch on their electrical appliances last year June. They used paraffin stoves and candles to lighten their homes before they receive electricity. They do not have a year enjoying their spark, but their happiness was stolen by Izinyokas, who continuously cut off their door to door combined cables.

It is believed that the stealing usually took place at around 2am while people are sleeping.

One of the victims, Louisa Ntsoko (56) said “I was still awake when my outside lights went off. I thought maybe it was prepaid electricity units. When I went outside to see what went wrong, I found the small remaining cable laid next to the shack. I then saw that the neighbouring three houses were also in the dark.”

It is alleged that the Izinyokas switch off the main box in the poles before they cut off the cables that connect the houses. Residents will then think that the electricity is off.

Abraham Molefe was not at his home when the incident took place. “I came back from church on Saturday morning and my neighbour told me that my cable was stolen. Without wasting time I went to our office (Old Mutual) to report it. They referred me to the Terminals police station. We are still waiting for the respond from Eskom,” he said.

The Terminas police station said that the investigation group was still busy investigating the case and as soon as they caught up the suspects, they would communicate with the families who were affected. Those who opened cases would be informed about the court proceedings.

The cables were stolen in the begin of April, but still to date, Louisa Ntsoko, Agnes Nkale, Brenda Nkale, Abraham Molefe and others were still waiting for their cables to be re-installed.

methodist women give. back to the community

By Tebatso Mogaladi, Vincent Msimango, and Reneilwe Maluleke

Mothers from the Methodist church in Soshanguve Block L donated food and school uniform to the needy learners at Metsing Primary School. They sang songs of joy and put smile on the faces of the little ones.

 The teachers were very pleased and delighted by what the women from the church did. The women also encouraged the community to help the needy children in any way they can.

A grade 6 learner, Lerato Masha, said “I am happy for receiving the shoes from the church mothers. I wish that God can bless them with many more years in life”          

Senior teacher Mavis Thuputlela, said that they have many pupil who do not have school uniform. “My feeling, I was very touched because every day we encounter this problem. The problem with underprivileged children who do not get help from outside, usually perform badly,” said Thuputlela.

Gladys Malaka, Director General of the Methodist Church said “Today’s event went remarkably well. We are happy because the kids are happy as well. We would also like to urge the community to help the children who are in need of uniform and food.”

It was tears of joy to teachers of Metsing primary school as they witnessed the good work done by the Methodist mothers.

The Principal of the school was also pleased and he wished that God can bless the Methodist Church women to continue doing what they do best, by helping the needy. He also added that the women can go on and help other children from other schools.

New Balance’s cross country night race



Twin sisters, Malethabo and Lethabo Seema receive their prize. Photo by Robert Mabusela

 By Tebatso Mogaladi

New Balance in partnership with Tshwane University of Technology (TUT), held the third night cross country race at TUT, Pretoria campus on Friday night.

The anticipated race saw different people ages from eight to 70 years and all types of races participate in. The race had different rounds ranging from 4km to 8km. Learners aged 8-21 years participated in the 4km race.

TUT FNB stadium was filled with excitement throughout the entire event. Parents came in large numbers to support their loved ones and encouraged them as they were running alongside with youngsters aged 8.

The races became more intensive and interesting when learners aged 8-13 started to show real emotions of tiredness but continued to give their best.

The young runners received various prizes. Event coordinator, Alan Smith said that he thought it was very important for young people to stand on a podium that would make them feel they want to run.

“New Balance organises good races and we want to attract the best and reward the people at cross country as well,” said Smith.

Cliton Lombard from Tuine Laerskool was the first youngster who won the boys under 9 year’s race in 11 minutes time. The opening man 8km was won by Gladwin Mzazi for the 3rd year in a row. Kgosi Tsosane won the 1st hot spot in the race but thereafter, Gladwin Mzazi took the lead and won the 2nd and 3rd Hot spot and went on to win the race.

Twin sisters from Rosina Sedibeng High School, Malethabo and Lethabo Seema took first and second position in the 4km girls under 16 year’s race. The sisters attracted the crowd with their excellent running.

One would push another one to cover the gap in between and continued to jog altogether with the same pace. However, this was shattered in the last lap when Lethabo broke through to reach the finishing line first.

Second place, Malethabo said “I am so excited that I took second position although it was a difficult race and cold. I just want to thank New Balance for supporting us and also my twin sister who made me to take second position.”

“Our training sessions are tough, but tonight it proved to be worth having it. One day I want to be world champion just like Caster Semenya and represent my country,” Malethabo added.

Dangerous bridge shelter for homeless

 The dangerous bridge which Putana Nyathi calls home

 A place where Putana put his clothes 

 By Tebatso Mogaladi

A dangerous bridge in Mabopane Block S has become the home of a mentally disabled man, Putana Nyathi who claims to be from Phalaborwa in Limpopo.

Nyathi and his friends are among the destitute people who seek food around Mabopane station and Soshanguve Plaza daily.

However, the bridge where Nyathi and his friends stay has become the talk of the township as it is alleged that people are being robbed at the bridge. Among the items that have been stolen are cell phones, jewellery, hand-bags and expensive clothes. The attacks usually occur early in the morning or late in the afternoon.

Equally so, house breaking in the proximity of the bridge is rampant.

Kutlwano Tau is concerned about the deteriorating situation surrounding the bridge.

“I think a question needs to be asked about the guys staying under the bridge. How do they survive in a dangerous environment? This is causing sleepless night to the residents,” she said.

She further called upon government to come forward with a solution that would see the community working closely with them to remedy the situation.

On the other hand, the chairperson of Community Police Forum, Lina Mthimunye was optimistic about a speedy solution.  She strongly believed that working hand-in-hand with the police would curb crime around Mabopane Block S and Sun Valley.

“People cross that bridge when they go to work and they have been complaining about young men taking their hand bags, earrings and money. Patrollers are on duty every night to deter criminals from attacking commuters,” said Mthimunye.

Mthimunye also said that they have recently lodged a complaint with the police about this matter which resulted in a police van being deployed to the streets of Block S starting from 16:00 until midnight. 

However Record’s interactions with Nyathi were fruitless as he seemed to be confused when asked about his safety under the bridge and for those who pass daily. “I do not rob anyone and I know nothing about that. Mina (me) I eat from dustbins at Mabopane Station,” he said. According to Nyathi, he was just a victim of government’s failure to look after its people.

 

Taxi association’s Voice of the Voiceless Forum

In the middle: the chairperson of the National Taxi Forum, Ben Machiba

By Tebatso Mogaladi

The Taxi Association of Soshanguve and Mabopane launched a new forum called the National Taxi Forum at Giant stadium on Thursday.

The forum will primarily take charge of the issues that affect the taxi industry and increase the operational business in and around the communities where taxi associations operate.

The NTF's vision is to empower communities and give back to society. It will also assist schools, and hospitals with resources.

NTF chairperson, Ben Machiba said that the taxi association is an industry that is the backbone of the economy of South Africa.

"Every value that is generated in the community is through the taxi industry. It has a profound contribution to the South African economy," he said.

Machiba further said the taxi industry does not only generate entrepreneurs, but it will also help to uplift the whole society.

According to Mochiba, taxis transport more than 72% of South Africans and NTF is aimed to ensure that the safety of passengers comes first at all times.

The forum is against the misbehaviour of taxi drivers who do not take their taxis for testing every three months.