Platinum
Gazette
Bokoni is down, but ...
The National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) can confirm that it
received Section 189 notice from Bokoni Platinum in Limpopo to
retrench 2 651 workers. The number excludes contractors and it is
much higher.
The decision by Bokoni Platinum will lead to high rate of unem-
ployment in surrounding communities and dozens of families would
be plunged into poverty. We call on Bokoni Platinum to return the min-
ing licence to the Department of Mineral Resources so that interested
companies must take over. This company does not have the interest
of the workers and the surrounding communities at all. They only care
about profit, said Phillip Mankge, NUM North East Regional Secre-
tary in a media release after last week Fridays shock announcement
that this joint venture between Atlatsa Resources and Anglo American
Platinum, situated at Atok about halfway between Burgersfort and
Polokwane can financially no longer continue.
Said NUM: We, therefore, request the company to reconsider
their position of Section 189 and come on board to deal with the
issues raised by the union in the proper structural meeting.
Following the announcement Atlatsa will place the Bokoni Mine
operations on care and maintenance as soon as reasonably possible.
Anglo American Platinum has agreed to fund, via a loan account to
Bokoni Mine, all once-off costs associated with placing the mine on
care and maintenance, as well as ongoing care and maintenance
costs, up until 31 December 2019.
Making the announcement of putting operations at Bokoni on ice,
Atlatsa said All of the options assessed demonstrate significant cash
outflows in the short to medium term with material execution risk. The
immediate to medium term outlook for Bokoni Mine remains negative,
given the current weak PGM1 pricing environment which is expected
to remain under pressure for the foreseeable future.
In addition to investigating the various mine re-configuration op-
tions, the Bokoni JV Partners have also actively investigated various
potential funding and corporate ownership alternatives, including
seeking to introduce new funding partners and/or a disposal of Bokoni
Mine. However, given Bokonis current operational challenges, contin-
ued operational losses and negative cash generation, the depressed
PGM environment, the negative medium term PGM pricing outlook
and Atlatsa Groups significant debt levels, attempts to implement
such alternatives have proven unsuccessful.
Fetakgomo Greater Tubatse
Burgersfort, Steelpoort, Ohrigstad, Apel 28 July 2017
In the circumstances, the Bokoni JV Partners are no longer able
to continue funding losses at the mine with no reasonable short to
medium term turnaround prospects. The Bokoni JV Partners have
therefore agreed to implement the 2017 Restructure Plan as the
most appropriate strategy, having regard to long term asset value
preservation and potential future sustainability of Bokoni Mine.
Subsequent to implementation of the 2017 Restructure Plan
Atlatsa said that
Atlatsa and Anglo American Platinum will retain their 51% and
49% respective shareholdings in the Bokoni Mine and Anglo Amer-
ican Platinum and Atlatsa will continue to investigate opportunities
for either or both parties to divest of their interests in the Bokoni
Joint Venture.
Meanwhile chrome can just be the knight in shining armour for
the area.
Speaking to Platinum Gazette after an address to the annual
Samancor Chrome Site Indaba at Winterveld on Wednesday, the
companys CEO, Mr Jrgen Schalamon, said the company, af-
ter successfully recalling personnel after a traumatic Section 189
experience, is on a strong growth path for the future. Apart from Not much happening at Jagdlust at the
acquiring the old ASA Metals smelters at Dilokong to accommodate moment (top), but that may soon change ac-
anticipated increased chrome output, the company will also proba- cording to Mr Jrgen Schalamon Samancor
bly tender for the Dilokong Chrome Mine once the mines business Chrome CEO (bottom).
rescue plan comes into fruition.
Mr Schalamon said a Japanese investment vehicle in which
our minority shareholder, Hanwa, partnered with a Japanese gov-
ernment entity, acquired 29 percent of our shares and share our
optimism for the future.
Apart from expansion at existing mining assets, the company is
also set to proceed with the establishment of mining activities along
the R37 road between Burgersfort and Atok at Lwala and Jagdlust,
not too far off from Bokoni. Mr Schalamon lamented the possible
negative impact of illegal mining in the area, but has disclosed that
security are currently safeguarding the mines assets in the area
where the future mining will take place. We are of course sad-
dened by the problems of platinum in the area, he told the news-
paper, but we plan to invest in chrome mining and as such also
in communities and our employees in the area for the foreseeable
future, he said.
Tel 0832719151 (Editorial) 0835431676 (Advertisements) email: adverts@platinumgazette.com
Fax 0865549031 / 013 231 7147 editorial@platinumgazette.com
2 NEWS
Local contractors set to benefit from new tender plan
The Sekhukhune District Municipality controls
about an 800 million budget for infrastructure
development in the form of Municipal Infrastruc-
ture Grant (MIG), Regional Bulk Infrastructure
grant (RBIG) and Water Service Infrastructure
Grant (WISG).
As a result, Executive Mayor Cllr Keamotseng
Stanley Ramaila made a commitment for a
need to ensure localization of procurement
to benefit local entrepreneurs as a new policy
directive to enhance radical economic and
agrarian transformation.
Milestone agreement signed
Every CEF member signed the document to make it binding.
Currently, majority of contractors are from start the new financial year, we are initiating
outside the district due to capacity issues and a process of contractor development to target
stringent tender requirements (CIDB grading, locally owned contractors. The initiative will
experience, qualifications, bank rating etc.) benefit mostly youth and women contractors
During this weeks briefing with senior manage- who are between grade 1CE- grade 3CE. The
ment held in Groblersdal, Ramaila said: During contractor development program will focus
my inaugural speech as the new Executive on skills development, mentoring, Incubation,
Mayor following the 2016 Local government compliance issues (SARS , EPWP, etc).
elections, I have made a commitment to the The process the be followed will take the
people of the district that the five year term form where at the inception stages, At least
given to this new Council will be characterized five contractors per local municipality will be
by a business unusual approach. And as we targeted on an annual basis. The program will
capacitate at least 60 local contractors in the
Wimpy Steelpoort now open
Wimpy Steelpoort has opened its doors and the public can
now enjoy their fresh food and friendly service. See their
amazing specials on page 5. Managers Randy Hlase and
Sisanda Tshaya and their team are waiting to serve you.
A
milestone agreement also known as
Terms of Reference (TOR) was signed
and officially accepted on Friday, 21 July
2017 at Twickenham Mine.
The agreement between AngloAmerican and
communities surrounding local operations sets
out the path for future conduct and engage-
ment. It will act as a type of constitution for the
Community Engagement Forum (CEF) and the
interaction with the Mine.
The Phasha-Makgalanoto Tribal Authority,
Phashaskraal Tribal Authority, Nareng-Thokoane
Tribal Authority, Ga-Mashabela Tribal Authority,
Swazi-Mnyamane Tribal Authority, Ga-Makgopa
Tribal Authority, Ga-Mampa Tribal Authority,
Ga-Mashishi Tribal Authority and Magadimane
Ntweng Tribal Authority are part of the stakehold-
ers represented within the CEF. The traditional
leaders and CEF members, DMR, SAPS and
Fetakgomo Greater Tubatse Municipality attend-
28 JULY 2017
next 3 financial years.
When rolling out the VIP sanitation program
there will no longer be a requirement for high
CIDB grading but will allow local contractors
and contractors under the contractor develop-
ment program to participate.
And Procurement for Major water projects
will be designed in such a manner that local
benefaction will be part of the tender document
requirements. All big external companies will
be compelled to sub-contract 30-40 % of their
work to local contractors.
In addition, Executive Mayor has commissioned
a process to design an institutional Social De-
velopment program aimed at empowering local
companies and creating jobs for the youth. At
least 4 companies will be appointed locally to
train and manage external ISD officers who will
deal with issues of;
a) Combating water losses; b) Combating ille-
gal connections; c) Encouraging communities
to pay for water rates; d) Responding to issues
of water and Maintenance; e) Conducting
research and alerting municipality about ser-
vice delivery challenges; and f) Reviving and
strengthening ward based water committees.
The district municipality is calling upon Sekhu-
khune Business and Community forums to
work with the municipality in addressing issues
of empowerment in a structured and system-
atic approach. Office of the Executive Mayor
and MMC of Water and Infrastructure will be
meeting with the advocacy groups in order to
facilitate information on this project.The munici-
pality will soon invite CDIB, SARS, Department
of Water and Sanitation, to workshop potential
local contractors on how to comply with tender
processes.
ed the historic signing ceremony.
The acceptance of the TOR came after a long
process of consultation and hard work between the
CEF and the mine.
Mr Abednico Mashabela, the CEF secretary
presented some of the established and complet-
ed projects through the joint efforts of the CEF
and AngloAmerican Platinum. These range from
Cadetships for 500 community members, lease pay-
ments for all affected traditional authorities, bursary
schemes, building of local schools, solar street lights
for different communities, construction of a tar road
from Magadimane to Mashabela and the empower-
ment of local companies to name a few.
We are here today to sign the Terms of Refer-
ence because this is our marriage with the Mine. We
first signed the TOR in 2014 at the Ranch Hotel and
then agreed to sign it again here today in front of all
the stakeholders. I thank you all for your support on
this path, said Mashabela at the event.
28 JULIE 2017 NUUS 3

SAPS donate on Mandela Day

The Burgersfort SAPS partnered with the CPF, Youth CPF, Women Against Crime, Pastors
Against Crime, Kohin and the Department of Social Development for Mandela Day on 18
August. They provided 25 orphanag-
es with gifts. They also assisted Mr
michael Maloma from Apiesdoring, who
is living with a disability by cleaning his
yard and house and donating blankets.
Pick n Pay Steelpoort donated a special
Mandela Day SAPS cake for the day.
(Information and photographs: Consta-
ble V. Maluleka).

SAPS talk to
churchgoers
at Longtill
On 16 July the SAPS Burgersfort and
Youth CPF visited Corner Stone Church
at Longtill.
They spoke to the congregation about
domestic violence, fraud at banks,
housebreaking and theft as well as
neighbourhood watch.
(Photographs and information: Consta-
bel V. Maluleka, Burgersfort SAPS).
4 Advertorial
DCM gives with a warm heart
D
warsrivier Chrome Mine (DCM) donated 14 wheel-
chairs to residents from the Ngwaabe area.
The beneficiaries received the wheelchairs at
a special func on focused on health and wellness at
Ga-Mphana Village on Tuesday, 25 July 2017. The ben-
eficiaries had been on a very long wai ng list to receive
government sponsored wheelchairs and DCM stepped up
during Mandela Month to bring them some relief.
The func on was a ended by the MEC of Health, Dr.
Phophi Ramathuba, local poli cians, representa ves from
DCM, local health organisa ons and mobile clinic sta,
community members and tradi onal leaders.
MEC Ramathuba praised DCM for their kind-hearted
Various speakers addressed
the audience, while mobile
clinics were assis ng peo-
ple coming for tes ng of
blood glucose, blood pres-
sure, TB and HIV. A er the
event the group embarked
on a special door-to-door
health awareness campaign
within the Ga-Mphana and
surrounding villages.
28 JULY 2017
dona on saying, the backlog on delivering things like
wheelchairs is unfortunately massive. Government can
simply not get to everything.
She proudly told the audience that Limpopo is working
hard to fight TB and HIV/AIDS pandemics. The province
has surpassed the na onal target in these areas. She
encouraged them to keep being vigilant and taking care of
themselves, to make use of tes ng oered at clinics, mobile
clinics and wellness days. She also encouraged local busi-
nesses to make sure their employees get themselves tested
regularly as TB is indiscriminable and can be transmi ed
through the air. She stressed that tes ng posi ve is not a
death sentence, but with the available medica on it can be
cured.
Mr. Silas Hlopolosa from DCM said: We
feel blessed to donate these wheelchairs, not
because we are giving them, but because you
are willing to accept the gi . Giving is not what
blesses, but the act of acceptance of good-
will. He said that honouring the late Nelson
Mandela through acts of goodwill during July
is important, but that every day should be
Mandela Day.
DCM is ac vely suppor ng the wellness of
the local community through various aware-
ness days where free tes ng of various diseases
are oered and residents can be advised on
ge ng treatment when needed. Most recently
DCM sponsored a Mental Health Awareness
Day that was well supported by the local com-
muni es. They had also completed home based
care facili es from which vulnerable individuals
receive care.
28 JULIE 2017 NUUS 5

Buy your property legal-

ly and keep the receipt
A man was arrested on 15 July for possession of
suspected stolen property and possession of an
unlicenced firearm.
He was arrested by the Burgersfort SAPS during an
operation at Makgemeng Village.
He appeared in the Praktiseer Magistrates Court
and was denied bail. He will appear in court again
soon.
The community must stop buying stolen property.
Especially business owners are warned not to buy The stolen property and unlicenced firearm found during an opera-
just any property offered to them. The public should tion at Makgemeng Village.
keep their receipts as proof that they are the owners
of specific properties and business owners that it
was legally acquired.
(Information & photographs: Constable V. Maluleka)

Keep your firearm safe Drug dealer

The Burgersfort SAPS arrested two men
on 14 July 2017 for possession of a firearm
without a licence.
The two men aged between 40 and 50
years arrested during an operation in
the taxi rank area near ACE Hardwares
loading zone. They were
found with a 9mm pistol
with magazine and holster.
They did not possess a
licence for it. The owner
of the firearm was traced
after investigations and
also charged with negli-
gent handling of a firearm
because he did not keep
it safe.
The community must
know that the firearm
act does not allow the owner to leave the
fire-arm just anywhere. It must be in a safe
if you are not carrying it with you, said
Constable V. Maluleka.
(Photograph and information: Constable V.
Maluleka, Burgersfort SAPS).
sentenced
Oyoro Onyekachi Felix (36) was this
week sentenced for dealing in drugs.
He was arrested at Aloe Ridge West
on 24 February 2017 in possession on
47g of crystal meth and 20g of CAT.
He appeared in the Praktiseer Magis-
trates Courst on two counts of dealing
with drugs.
His sentence includes 2 years im-
prisonment or a R10 000 fine and
on the second count sentenced for 3
years imprisonment with 1 year and 6
months suspended on condition that
he does not commit the same offence.
(Information: Constable V. Maluleka).
28 JULIE 2017 NUUS 7

DA at Platinum Gazette contact details:

Editorial: William Zwart

Ga-Kgwete for Tel: 083 271 9151

E-mail: editorial@platinumgazette.com

Advertising: Bennla Celliers

Mandela Day Tel: 083 543 1676

E-mail: adverts@platinumgazette.com

Fax: 086 554 9031/013 231 7147

The Democratic Alliance (DA) visited Ga-Kg- Postal address: P O Box 2208, Burgersfort, 1150
wete Village in Ward 15 for Mandela Day.
Website: www.platinumgazette.com
They donated new soccer kit and goalpost
nets to a local soccer team as part of their 67 Printers:
Printed by Lowveld Media, 12 Stinkhout Crescent, Nelspruit.
minutes to make a difference. They also encour-
aged and motivated the youngsters to develop Copyright: All rights concerning any advertisement and /
or other material contained in the Platinum Gazette are
their talents. expressly reserved in terms of Section 12 (7) of the Copyright
(Photographs and information: Ideon Jackson). Act (98 of 1978).

Luke 6:27-28 King James Version (KJV)

27
But I say unto you which hear, Love your enemies, do good to them
which hate you,
28
Bless them that curse you, and pray for them which despitefully use
you.

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8 28 JULIE 2017
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4x4 action filled weekend ahead
This weekend the annual Wildevy 4x4 Family
Day will be taking place again.
This event is always a highlight on the social
calendar and is filled with fun for everyone.
The morning will kick off with the Wildevy
MTB Race. This will start at the PLM
Boskamp and there are different categories
in which riders can participate - 50km, 20km,
10km and 2,5km. Remember - no helmet
no race. Participants can still enter on the
morning of the race, but be early to do so.
There will be campsites available and for the
mountain bike participants shower and toilet
facilities separate from the main 4x4 event.
People entering the Wildevy MTB race will
also get free access to the Wildevy 4x4 Day.
For more information contact Pieter Heyns,
the race organiser on 082 806 5622 or Piere
Joubert, the route organiser on 083 396
2820. This part of the event will start at 07:00.
The vehicles participating in the 4x4 day will
start at 08:00 and they will move through the
different points where they will face different
challenges. Visitors will be able to watch
them and enjoy the action. To make sure you
will be able to get all the action the Wildevy
Manne organised a special tractor transport
system on which you can travel for free be-
tween the points.
There will be a variety of stalls and food on
sale at the venue. A beer tent will also open
at 10:00 and will make sure that nobody
goes thirsty. Please remember that no cooler
boxes will be allowed into the venue.
Platinum Gazette
SPORT
There will be live entertainment at the stage
and the programme there is as follow: 11:30 -
12:00 Soundcheck; 12:00 - 12:45 Moonshine
Band; 13:00 - 13:30 Marissa; 14:00 - 14:30
Lubbe; 14:30 - 15:00 Moonshine Band; 15:00
- 15:30 DJ Robbie; 15:30 - 16:30 Sound-
check; 16:30 - 19:00 DJ Robbie; 19:00 -
19:45 Beeskraal; 19:45 - 21:00 Almur, Maris-
sa & Lubbe; 21:00 - 21:30 Beeskraal; 21:30
- 22:00 Almur and from 22:00 DJ Robbie.
One of the highlights of the day is the Show
Stopper. This is scheduled for between
15:30. This will be close to the main stage
with lots of areas from which the public can
watch the brave men take on the ultimate
mud challenge.
The prize giving of the 4x4 competition will
take place at 18:30 at the main stage.
There will also be a potjiekos competition and
lots of entertainment for the kiddies. There
will be horse riding, a muddy playhole, slip &
slide, foefie slide, face painting, clowns and
step carts for them.
There will also be helicopter flips over the
venue.
Everyone is invited to the days fun. Entrance
for the public will be R50 per vehicle and R20
per person. All the money raise with this day
will be going back into the community into
charitable work for which the Wildevy Manne
has become known.
See the map on the right for all the different
points on this years event. For more infor-
mation contact 013 231 7498/9.