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.

Mandela Kings on for the draw

Castle League second leg: Invaders' defender' Zolani Maseko denies Piet Sello of Mandela Kings a way to penetrate.

By Tebatso Mogaladi

Mandela Kings secured a 1 point share against the Invaders at Giant stadium on Sunday following a loss of 2-0 during their first leg.

Kings had the upper hand in the 9th minute relying on the pace of left winger Piet Sello. Kings’ keeper, Thebe Mogashoa's clumsy saves nearly caused an own-goal, but Daniel Chabalala was in his position to clear it out near the corner pole of the net. A corner kick was awarded to Invaders.

Kings' leftwing, Sello saw Kagiso Ringane making a run passing through Invaders' fullback, Tshepiso Njine but he was already in an offside position.

In the 35th minute the game was goalless when Invaders' keeper Phanuel Hlogoane, made a good save to palm the ball over for a corner. Hlogoane was called into action again and made a good save down low.

Kings' striker, Ro-shin Wang brought the ball down master-fully, but he did not keep his shot down.

Invaders' Mpho Moreetse made a lovely run showing real speed, but he failed to pick out the man in the striking force. When the halftime whistle was blown, it was still nil all.

Kings re-grouped as the game progressed after halftime. They were almost rewarded in the 62nd minute when striker, Wang headed over the bar from rebound after keeper Hlogoane failed to hold on to Ringane's terrific cross.

Ringane, Sello and Wang combined well outside the box Wang nearly broke through, but the keeper was quick off his line.

Invaders' fans breathed a huge sigh of relief when Moreletse started to play as an attacking midfielder. He changed the mood of the match with some lovely touches in the build-up.

Numerous shots went wide for both teams. Kings' keeper was brought down several times, but in the 86th minute a yellow card was issued.

Towards the end of the game, both teams tried hard to score a winning goal in order to avoid a nil all draw, but the defenders stood firm.

Under 15 SAFA Tshwane Junior League 2012-2013 gets underway

Karabo Masemola of Mabopane Juventus FC triple passes Kgotlelelang’s defender, Adam Chauke 

By Tebatso Mogaladi

The Kgotlelelang boys showed a lot of confidence and Comfort Komane scored an opening goal in the 9^th minute after kick off. Komane (14) received a massive square pass from left footed Vusi Nkabinde.

In the 13^th minute of the game, Kgotlelelang’s goalkeeper David Maziva committed a foul just outside the eighteen area that created a good opportunity for Juventus to put the ball in the back of the net. Karabo Masemola took the responsibility for the free kick and equalised the score.

 The game went to half-time with 1-1. Kgotlelelang came back from half-time with more determination and 15 year-old Nkabinde kept on supplying super killing crosses from left side. Molekwa who was also on a mission to demolish Juventus, produced a well spotted cross to Komane who simply touched the ball and it went in to make the score 2-1 in favour of Kgotlelelang.

Juventus came back to the game and pressurised Kgotlelelang’s defence and managed to found the back of the net to level the score from Lesego’s header in the 44^th minute.

 Kgotlelelang was awarded a free kick outside eighteen areas but the troublemaker Nkabinde missed his chance to give his team the lead of the game.

Juventus started to use three strikers to confuse Kgotlelelang’s backline. However, they were unable to penetrate the defence, which gave Kgotlelelang an opportunity to launch a counter attack towards Juventus keeper Mpho Mogajane. Mogajane was unable to save the shot from Nkabinde.

Kgotlelelang changed their game plan and became more defensive as they were leading by 3 goals to 2. After two minutes of added time, Juventus put more pressure inside the sixteen area and Kgotlelelang’s central back Adam Chauke conceded an own goal that levelled the score to a 3 all draw.

Invenders rang the changes in search of the goals

Sosh All Stars’ Tshepo Mokhombothi chase after Invenders’s striker Koketso Phoshane who is pressing forward to score his second goal in the game

By Tebatso Mogaladi

Sosh All Stars FC welcomed Invenders FC for their second Castle League match at Giant stadium on Saturday. Invenders played a home game against All Stars during the first leg of Casttle league that Invenders lost 1-0.

 Invenders had been struggling to collect points since the league started but the nightmare came to an end when they beat Sosh All Stars FC 1-4 and collected all three points during Saturday’s match.

 Both teams had a tentative start and made several clumsy challenges. Invenders grew in confidence when Zolani Maseko pressed forward and tried his luck from outside the box, but miss-hit his shot.

In the 28th minute of the game Invenders had a free kick but All Stars goalkeeper, Eric Mahlakahlaka made a massive save to keep the scores level.

Invenders right winger, Karabo Phaahla made a wonderful touch after a well-weighted Thabang Lebese pass saw him through on goals but the keeper, Mahlakahlaka got down well and made the save. 

Lebese controlled the tempo of the game well from the middle of the park leaving All Stars players looking for the ball alone. All Stars’ central mid-fielder, Simphiwe Mlombo saw a golden chance to open the scoring but he misjudged the cross.

Phaahla showed a good bit of skill to beat his man, but he failed to pick out a man in the box.

The game came back from half-time still 0-0. All Stars’ left winger, Thabang Moloke tried to find the run of Mlombo through the middle of the park. He over hit his pass and the keeper collected it very well. Invenders’ striker, Petrus Seeqel made a good run from the right hand side, beat one man but it was dispossessed by the All Stars covering defender, Nkosinathi Mahlangu.

 

Mpho Mareletse broke free and scored an opening goal from far out that gave Invenders a lead in the 61^st minute. Mareletse troubled All Stars defence through coming from middle centre and used Lebese to provide squares. Players of All Stars  made some lovely work down the wing, but Invenders’ defence was up to the task and cleared all the crosses.

Phaahla made a lovely flick to pick out striker, Koketso Phoshane, who scored his brace in the 66^th and 67^th minute. In 74^th minute, Fana Chauke scored the fourth goal for Invenders.

The game came to life when Tshepo Makhombothi put the ball in the back of the net through a penalty shot that passed Invenders goalkeeper, Phanuel Hlogoane in the 2^nd minute of added time, leaving the Invenders walking away with three points.

All Stars coach, Monnies Dlamini said they will go back to the drawing board and rectify their mistakes.