Platinum Gazette
26 November 2010
Samancor
WRAPPER
leads the
Environmental
WRAPPER
way
Samancor Chrome’s Tubatse
leaders
Ferrochrome operation outside
Steelpoort has just commissioned its
new 5000m3/day Integrated Waste
Water Treatment Plant, taking the lead
in the Chrome Industry ito
Environmental Management.
The opening of the plant last week
Friday, was attended by all
stakeholders in the project, that is the
company, contractors, water treatment
specialists and representatives form
provincial and local government,
WRAPPER community and traditional leaders in
the area.
Speaking at the opening, Tubatse
ferrochrome General Manager,
Desmond McManus told guests the
plant enables Tubatse to become a
zero effluent plant, recycling all its
waste water and thereby reducing its
withdrawal rate from the Steelpoort/
Tubatse River by more than a million
litres per day. He stressed that the
treatment plant does not only aim to
WRAPPER make present day environmental
management a priority, but said that
future generations in the area will also
benefit immensely from the project.
The plant treats contaminated service
water, sewage water, saline borehole
water and “industrial” storm-water.
The waste water treatment plant
incorporates latest technology in its
processes of silt and floating debris
removal, softening and clarification,
oil removal, ultra-filtration, reverse
WRAPPER osmosis and brine evaporators (see
separate box on page 2 for all the
details).
WRAPPER
WRAPPER
Burgersfort, Steelpoort, Ohrigstad, Jane Furse
Tel
Fax
0832719151 (Editorial); 0835431676 (Advertisements)
0865549031/013-231 7147
email: adverts@platinumgazette.com
editorial@platinumgazette.com
Limpopo MEC for Agriculture, Mme
Dipuo Letsatsi-Duba, in her address to
guests focused on watrer pollution as
one of the most dangerous
environmental problems threatening
access to fresh water, saying “The
action that has been taken by Tubatse
Chrome Smelter today needs to be
commended. Although we know that
at this point in time the water is treated
so that it can be used for processing in
the smelter, it is our firm belief that the
work will continue in ensuring that in
the next 15 to 20 years this area will be
rehabilitated so that underground water
is returned to its state of purity, that the
surrounding communities can be able
to use it for drinking,” echoeing Mr
McManus’ concern that water should
be preserved for future generations.
She stated in no uncertain terms that
the government is not happy to deal
with the problem of acid water in the
former gold mining areas, where
companies who had been responsible,
are not contributing in finding a
solution for the problem. “Our Mr Desmond McManus, General Manager of Tubatse Ferrochrome and Limpopo
government is now forced to divert MEC for Agriculture, Mme Dipuo Letsatsi-Duba unvailed the plaque at the new water
millions of rands meant for the treatment plant.
delivery of basic services for our
people to dealing with Acid Mine
Drainage” she said.
After the speeches and the unveiling of
the plaque, Mr McManus led the MEC
and guests on a tour of the new water
treatment plant. The plant tour was
followed by treatment of a different
kind when all the guests departed to
Tubatse Chrome Club for a hearty
lunch.
2 WRAPPER
All the details by: Frank Rosslee (Engineering Manager : Tubatse
Ferrochrome Project Manager) and Anton van Niekerk (Project
Engineer: Tubatse Ferrochrome Project Coordinator)
Background:
On the 19th of November 2010 Samancor’s Tubatse Ferrochrome officially
opened its new 5000m3/day Integrated Waste Water Treatment Plant. The
plant is the culmination of 5 years of effort to produce a plant that effectively
addresses all waste water related issues on the site.
The Tubatse Ferrochrome operation is a major producer of charge chrome,
the main raw material used in the production of stainless steel. Tubatse
produces some 360,000 tons of Ferrochrome alloy per annum from six
submerged arc furnaces, totaling 201MVA installed capacity. The plant
was originally erected by Union Carbide in 1976 and has been expanded
over the last 34 years by various owners and joint venture partners.
Samancor Chrome acquired the Tubatse plant in 2002 from its previous
WRAPPER owners, BHP Billiton. In 2005 it became apparent that the groundwater
aquiver below Tubatse plant was polluted due to historic ash deposits
leaching into the groundwater during the wet season over the past 28 years
of operation. Tubatse management immediately notified the Department
of Water Affairs and Forestry (DWAF) of this discovery and started a major
research project to determine the point sources of the contamination and
develop a strategic plan to remediate the situation. The study showed
widespread pollution in the aquiver and Samancor Chrome, immediately
commissioned Golder Associates to develop a remediation plan. As the
study progressed it became apparent that historical ash heaps on the site,
were the source of the contamination. As the sources were pinpointed
Tubatse removed the material to a licensed HPDE-lined high-hazard storage
facility on the Tubatse site. In this way any continued pollution was
prevented.
After two years of intensive drilling, geo-hydrological and geotechnical study
and computer modeling a feasible remediation plan was developed in
collaboration with Golder Associates and in consultation with the
WRAPPER Department of Water Affairs and Forestry (DWAF). The remediation plan
was then taken further to develop an Integrated Water and Waste
Management Plan (IWWMP), which was submitted to the DWAF for
approval. The remediation plan then had to be turned into a workable
waste water treatment plant.
The Tubatse Project team took up the challenge and started the conceptual
design of the waste water plant. It became apparent that significant
advantages could be gained from the project, not only in terms of the
remediation of the contaminated aquiver, but also in reducing Tubatse’s
environmental footprint and ensuring environmentally responsible
operations relating to all water on site.
Tubatse management evaluated the situation and decided to integrate the
full scope of waste water on Tubatse plant into the process design. A
detailed water balance was developed to enable accurate process design
and effective water resource management.
As a consequence the Integrated Waste Water Treatment Plant
incorporates the treatment of the following waste water streams:
process effluent released by the various production units, “industrial storm-
WRAPPER water” that falls within the boundaries of the smelter site, sewage water
from the whole site, and abstracted saline groundwater from the boreholes
as per the remediation plan. The project was therefore developed as an
integrated waste water treatment system that not only incorporated the
new waste water treatment plant, but also involved equipment installations
and civil modifications in the plant to ensure pro-active water management.
For example, all potential sources of oil contamination were identified and
hydro-cyclones from Procon Environmental Technologies were installed
to effectively remove not only large particle oil contamination, but also
microscopic oil particles, as well as oil in solution. These installations
typically address areas such as the earthmoving fleet workshop and wash-
bay. Large areas of the plant were paved and concrete and HDPE lined
trenches were constructed to ensure effective capture of “industrial storm-
water” during rain storms. This assists in preventing contamination of the
surrounding environment, reduced erosion on site, less silt entrained in
the storm-water trenches and availability of the industrial storm-water for
use in the plant processes. The storm-water cut-off trenches further ensure
WRAPPER that the industrial site and the surrounding unspoilt bushland are effectively
separated in terms of storm-water run-off. The new Integrated Waste Water
Treatment Plant was designed in collaboration with VWS Envig and KV3
Civil Engineers on an EPCM basis. VWS Envig and KV3 were responsible
for the detailed process and engineering design, equipment selection and
over-inspection during plant construction. The civil construction work was
started in January 2009 with mechanical installation starting in August 2009
and effective completion at the end of August 2010. Final performance
testing has been concluded, handover to operations is complete and the
5000m3/day plant is now fully operation. The total capital cost of the waste
water treatment plant and related infrastructure amounted to R100 million
and the plant has a design life expectancy of 30 years.
Process Design:
Initially the project team considered treating the different waste water
streams separately, but analyses showed that this had negligible benefits
and therefore at the treatment plant the four streams of water are combined
in a balancing dam to serve as buffer capacity in ensuring a constant plant
throughput. Such constant throughout is essential in ensuring stable
WRAPPER operation at optimal cost and maximized cleanliness levels.
The fundamental user requirement for the plant design was to ensure that
all waste water is retained and treated to produce final clear water that
poses no risk to people or the environment and conforms to industrial water
quality standards, for re-use in the smelter processes.
The waste water treatment plant process basically entails four treatment
processes namely: pre-treatment of the four incoming streams, combining
the streams and conducting chemical neutralization, splitting into two
streams for softening & clarification and filtration & de-salination of one of
the streams. The storm-water stream is kept separated from the other waste
streams due to its highly cyclical nature and high peak flows. All the storm-
water on site runs via concrete trenches to a silt trap where floating debris
is skimmed off the water surface and silt is settled out, prior to the water
flowing into the HDPE-lined storm water storage dam. The silt trap is easily
cleaned with a mechanical loader once the rain storm has abated and is
placed onto a concrete drying bed. The storm-water dam has a 35,000m3
live capacity and is fitted with a double layer HDPE lining with leak detection,
to ensure that the captured storm-water cannot contribute to groundwater
WRAPPER pollution. From the storm-water dam the water is abstracted at a steady
rate of 1000m3/day to the new waste water treatment plant. This water,
captured during rain storms, assists in reducing Tubatse’s abstraction of
river water during the rainy season by a significant quantity. The process
effluent stream is often also contaminated with a significant silt load and
floating debris such as coke (coal). Therefore an innovative, low
Pipeline completed
WRAPPER
WRAPPER
26 NOVEMBER 2010
maintenance, operator-free silt trap was designed in collaboration with Huber Technologies to
remove floating debris, using a revolving bar screen, and silt, using an innovative travelling-
bridge system. The travelling-bridge system incorporates a traversing platform with submerged
pumps that continuously pump out and remove the settled silt to a classifier and screw conveyor
Environmental
mounted on the platform. Such a design is necessary due to the process effluent being a
continuous stream and therefore the silt trap could never be cleaned by a mechanical bucket
loader (FEL), as it is flooded with water on a 365 day/year basis. Both the floating debris and the
settled silt are deposited directly into bins by the automated systems, for easy removal from site.
leaders:
The silt traps also incorporates a hydro-cyclone to remove all entrained oil from the system. This
is required due to the detrimental effect that entrained oil has on the downstream processes.
The de-silted process effluent then flows under gravity to the balancing dam at the new waste
Integrated
water treatment plant.
The sewage streams from the various operational units in the smelter, are piped to a licensed
sewage treatment plant, where it is treated in an activated sludge process. The effluent from
the sewage treatment plant is then chlorinated and flows into the balancing dam at the new
Waste Water
waste water treatment plant.
The saline groundwater is abstracted at a fixed rate from the designated boreholes as per the
approved remediation plan and flows directly into the balancing dam at the new waste water
Treatment Plant
treatment plant. The abstraction rates are accurately monitored
and controlled and the remediation model is regularly revised
to ensure optimal remediation of the aquiver.
As mentioned above all the water streams are combined in the
balancing dam at the new waste water treatment plant from
where the water is fed into the plant at a constant feed rate and
subjected to the various treatment processes.
The chemical neutralization of the hexavalent chromium is done
via chemical treatment with ferrous chloride at a pre-determined
ratio. This is a chemical reduction process and the ferrous
chloride reduces the chrome ion to a chrome oxide, which
settles out in the clarifiers and effectively removes hexavalent
chromium from the water.
Due to the continuous re-use (re-cycling) of the water, with no
bleed off into the environment, it is not only required to soften
and clarify the water, but also to de-salinate the waste water.
If this was not done the process water would become
increasingly saline to the extent were major damage would be
done to the smelter’s process equipment due to the excessive
salinity, leading to high rates of scaling, corrosion and chemical
attack. After chemical treatment with ferrous chloride the water
is split into two parallel streams, passing through compact
lamella clarifiers, supplied by VWS Envig. One of these is an
Actiflo Clarifier which uses fine sand to activate or “seed” the
settlement of suspended solids. The clarified discharge of the
Actiflo clarifier flows directly to the clean water dam from where
it is returned to the smelter’s process water cycle. The second
unit is a Multiflo Clarifier that prepares the second stream of
water for de-salination.
Milk of lime is dosed in both clarifiers to ensure softening of the
water, which effectively precipitates a significant percentage
of the salts in solution, thus reducing the TDS levels.
Polymer is also dosed into both units to enable flocculation
which is essential to the effective functioning of these high-
rate compact lamella clarifiers.
The underflow (slurry waste) stream from both clarifiers are
pumped to two belt-filter presses, also supplied by VWS Envig.
These units compress the slurry between two woven polymer
belts and effectively produces a dry stackable cake from the
slurry feed. The water removed from the slurry is re-cycled
back to the clarifiers. The clarified overflow from the Multiflo
clarifier is the feed to the filtration and de-salination section of
the plant. The filtration and de-salination process starts with
dual self-cleaning strainers supplied by Germ Africa to
effectively remove all particulate matter down to 150um to
protect the sensitive ultra-filtration and reverse osmosis
membranes from damage due to particulate matter. After filtration the water flows through Italy. The evaporators produce water condensate, which flows
snippet and cartridge-type oil removal filters supplied by Procon Enviromental Technologies. to the return water dam, is blended with the other clear water
These filters effectively remove entrained oil as well as oil in solution (i.e. ethylene glycol) to streams from the clarifiers and RO and returns to the smelter
protect the ultra-filtration and reverse osmosis membranes against blinding. After oil removal plant for re-use. The waste stream from the evaporators is a
the water is pH adjusted by sulfuric acid addition, and then pumped through the ultra-filtration concentrated brine with TDS levels in excess of 50,000 ppm.
(UF) membranes where all traces of particulate matter is removed in preparation for reverse This final brine is pumped to a series of lined evaporation ponds
osmosis. The waste streams from both the self-cleaning strainers and the ultra-filtration (UF) where the brine is allowed to solidify under ambient conditions.
return to the balancing dam, from where it re-cycles through the clarifiers. The UF system was The evaporation ponds extend over 5 ha and all have a triple-
supplied by VWS Envig and manufactured by Siemens Memcor (Australia). The clear UF layer HDPE lining with double leak detection to ensure zero
permeate is now ready for de-salination and is then pumped through the cellulose acetate reverse environmental contamination potential. The solidified brine
osmosis membranes (RO) at pressure of 2500kPa. The RO membranes produce a high quality (salt) consists mainly of carbonates, chlorides, nitrates and salts
permeate and a brine solution. The waste stream (brine) produced is relatively large and would of magnesium, and could potentially be used in the agricultural
require very large dams or very expensive technology, such as crystallizers, to dispose of. industry. The river water abstraction is incorporated into the
Therefore the process was designed for the brine to be re-cycled through a second set of RO overall plant design, but is kept as a separate system that does
membranes, to increase the recovery rate. This increases the TDS of the final brine stream and not make contact with the waste water under normal operating
reduces the volume to a manageable flow-rate. The high quality de-salinated RO permeate is conditions. The river water is de-silted in a classifier supplied
discharged to the clean water dam, where it blends with the clarified water and returns to the by Huber Technologies that removes all silt particles very
smelter’s process water cycle. The final brine from the RO system then flows to two LED effectively. The river water is pumped to a storage dam (360ML)
evaporators that reduce the brine even further through a process of evaporation under vacuum. from where it flows to the smelter site as make-up water and
The evaporators were supplied by VWS Envig and are fully imported package plants from VWS forms a buffer storage capacity for the dry winter months.
Education boosted Tubatse Ferrochrome invested in the development of
potential mathematic and science achievers in local
schools.
One of the major complaints local communities have
is that the mines and large industries do not appoint
local residents. This problem however is a two sided
sword as these industries have minimum requirements
to ensure the maximum safety and eventually output
in their operations. In almost all cases where bursaries
are awarded to worthy students mathematics and
science with good results up to grade 12 is required.
To help remedy the situation Tubatse Ferrochrome’s
HR department launched the Big Brother initiative.
The Big Brother initiative involves four schools in
the area. Learners from grades 10 to 12 are involved
in the project. They received additional classes every
Saturday. The project will continue in 2011.
Tubatse Chrome this year also handed over a new water pipeline to
the community in Tukakgomo as part of the company’s social
investment projects.
The pipeline is meant for the high pressure transportation of
household water from the source to the reservoir on the hill at
Tukakgomo. The old pipeline , constructed about 30 years ago by the
company, gave problems because not only was it used for feeding the
reservoir, but also for further reticulation in the villages. The
purpose of the new pipeline was only to feed the the reservoir. The
old pipeline will not be removed as it still has to play an important
role as a reticulation pipe. The new feeding pipe is totally sealed
from the source to the reservoir and no need exists to tap into this
pipe.
General manager of Tubatse Chrome, Mr Desmond McManus,
officially handed over the pipe to representatives of Greater Tubatse
Municipality and members of the community.
The local government is now administrating matters around the
pipeline in conjunction with Sekhukhune District Municipality who
is responsible for water provision in the area.
Platinum Gazette
26 November 2010
Burgersfort, Steelpoort, Ohrigstad, Jane Furse
Tel
Fax
0832719151 (Editorial); 0835431676 (Advertisements)
0865549031/013-231 7147
email: adverts@platinumgazette.com
editorial@platinumgazette.com

Shop where Burgersfort, Morone Centre

© Platinum Gazette
South Africa shops! Tel: (013) 231 8090 or 087 808 4022/3

Stealing from the poor Personnel of the Limpopo Department of

Health and Social Development working at
the SASSA building in Praktiseer, were
shocked on Tuesday morning when they
were robbed in broad daylight of foodstuff
destined for orphans, the vulnerable and the
needy.
A spokesperson for the office told
Platinum Gazette that harrassment started
on Monday afternoon, when a man
demanded that food stored at the building
released to the community. Niothing further
happened on Monday, the man a a number
of other people were back, together with a
a number of women with buckets. The were
dancing and chanting, forcing themselves
into the gates of the premises in into a room
where bags of mealie meal are stored. They
started plundering the bags, filling their
buckets and fleeing through the gate.
Acoording to the spokesperson they do not
no what the motive for the plundering was,
but they think it was politically motivated
as the man that initiated the plundering,
has been identified as a prominent member
of a political party.
“This is not right, the food is not meant
to be just dished out to the community”, the
spokesperson said. People apply for grants
when they are too poor to buy food. In the
eman time we give them food in the form of
food parcels. The food stolen from the
premises was meant for orphans,
vulnerable people and the needy who are
waiting that their grant applications be
approved. We give food to more than 5000
people. Seven bags of meal were taken”.
The Police at the Police Staion just
across the road were notified of the incident.
“When they arrived at the scene, the
plunderers have already left. They said we
must open a case before they invetigate”,
the spokesperson told the newspaper. A
case was opened on Wednesday. (personnel
at the SASSA office did not want to be
identified for fear of victimisation).
2 NEWS
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MBBCh (WITS); Practice No: 0247308
(at Dr. Mattellaer’s surgery)
Diploma in Mental Health; Diploma in Occupational
Health & Medicine; HIV Management; Independant
examiner for RAF & Insurances (ABIME)
We offer a holistic approach to your medical condition with the
following services: Dietician; Psychologist; Physiotherapist;
Occupational Therapist & Speech and Hearing Therapist
All medical aids, including Platinum Health are welcomed.
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Copyright: All rights concerning any advertisement and / or
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expressly reserved in terms of Section 12 (7) of the Copyright
Act (98 of 1978).
26 NOVEMBER 2010
‘Bom’ Tragedy
bars op strikes Calvin A Calvin College teacher and a pupil died tragically when
they were involved in an accident last week Friday in the
Ohrigstad Waterfall River Pass between Burgersfort and Lydenburg.
Mrs Farayi Vandwani (33) and her daughter Amanda (11)
was travelling with the rest of the family, Mr Andrew
Vandwani (husband) and son Andy to school on Friday
morning when the accident happened. It is not sure what
the circumstances was, but apparently Mr Vandwani lost
control of the vehicle in difficuklt driving conditions (fog,
rain and a slippery road). The couple’s vehicle smashed
agaist the mountain and as a result, mother and daughter
were killed. Mr Vandwani was about to be disharged from
hospital in Lydenburg at the time of going to press, while
Andy is ok and back at the day care centre he attends.
Mr Vandwani is also a teacher at Calvin College and the
family originally hails from Zimbabwe.
On Thursday morning (yesterday) a memorial service for
the teacher and pupil were held at the school.
‘n Bom van ‘n ander aard het Maandagmiddag op Ohrigstad beheerliggaam op die toneel het saam met die skoolhoof, mev
gebars, en vir ‘n oombik het dit soos oorlog op die dorp Ronnie Ferreira, grootoog na die toneel gaan kyk. Nog ‘n
geklink. stappie nader aan hulle doelwit!
Die rede? Ohrigstad Laerskool wil baie graag in 2011 ‘n
interlaer atletiekbyeenkoms vir kleiner skole aanbied, maar Die nuwe verversingslokaal op die terrein vorder ook
hulle atletiekveld is, wel, te klein. Planne is gemaak en fluks.
stootskrapers en grondverskuiwers het aan die heuwel op die
rand van die skoolterrein begin kalwe vir meer ruimte. Die
probleem was egter dat ‘n klipbank verhoed het dat die stukl
mooi gelyk gemaak kon word.
Die myne se voorbeeld is gevolg en ‘n plofstofdeskundige
se hulp is ingeroep om die bank stukkend te skiet.
Maandagooggend is die gate geboor en sowat 200 klein
ladings is geplaas en met hope griond bedek om die skok,
klank en stukke rots wat losskiet, in toom te hou.
Omstreeks 15:00 Maandagmiddag is die lading afgeit en in
‘n oogwink was die probleem met die rotsbank iets van die
verlede. Omstanders, ouers, lede van die skool se
DEBT GETTING
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We will help you by putting you
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Call THAPELO @
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consultation!!
26 NOVEMBER 2010 NUUS 3
The memorial servicce at Calvin College
Platinum Gazette
Advertising deadline: Editorial deadline:
Tuesdays at 17:00 Wednesdays at 17:00
4 NEWS 26 NOVEMBER 2010

Hole in the wall

Modikwa’s South 2 Shaft gained
momentum when the pre-sink started on
1st November. The pre-sink of the 4.0m x
4.0m chairlift decline has been completed
Modikwa tunnelling team and the blasting
technology employed. African Explosive
Limited is assisting with this technology.
At the end of November the tunnelling
Rewards
and the fourth blast in the 5.0m x 5.0m
material decline has already been taken.
Both tunnels have maintained almost
perfect dimensions due to the skills of the
team will withdraw temporarily to allow
the completion of the civil works by the
civil contractor, Zizwe. The decline
tunnelling will recommence in January. for no
injury
South 2: Material Decline - charging up the 3rd blast - 17th November 2010.

‘Die Manne’ after the first blast on 1st November. South Electrical engineering team with Mr. Eddie Leach Logistics Leader
South and Foreman Jannie Oosthuizen

Modikwa is aiming to reach 8 000 000

fatality free shifts by June 2011.

Modikwa South Shaft Electrical Engineering team achieved a

excellent 400 days without any injuries. Logistics leader South
shaft, Eddie Leach and Chief Safety Officer South Hennie Wood,
129995 congratulated the Electrical engineering team under the
leadership of foreman Jannie Oosthuizen for reaching this target.
BUILD IT WATER They urged the team to continue working safe, especially now

895 00 TANK 2200 LT that we are entering the festive season. They were reminded that
their families depend on them as bread winners to return home
safely every day. And to continue doing that until the day that
BOSCH POWER TOOL
COMBO - AS SEEN ON TV they go on pension.
Each member of the team was awarded a special safety watch to
remind them every time they look at the time they will see it is
time to work safely!
“Congratulations South electrical engineering team, keep up the
good performance” was the message from management.
(Photographs and information: Modikwa Information Services).

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Open Mondays - Fridays: 07:30 - 17:00

Saturdays: 07:30 - 14:00
Contact us on 083 271 7147 with
Tubatse Buil It, Shop 27, Cnr. Dirk Winterbach &
Kruis Street, Burgersfort. Tel: (013) 231 7529 Sundays and Public Holidays: 08:00 - 13:00 your news and events.
26 NOVEMBER 2010 NUUS 5

Legapana Primary says goodbye

Legapana Primary School held their awards and a
farewell function for their grade 7 pupils on
Wednesday this week.
A hall packed with pupils, guests, parents and
interested community members created a festive
atmosphere. Mr James Masha was the guest
speaker on the day. The top five academic
achievers were also anounced.
They are (photograph left below ), Cathrine Mokoena,
Mmathabo Maripane, Abigail Ngele, Kgaogelo Paile and
Zodwa Mabuza.
The grade 7 pupils (except the small one in civies) are
pictured below and the grade R pupils who graduated
are shown on the left.

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Prices valid until 28 November 2010.

Morone Centre, Burgersfort

Tel: (013) 231 8090 or
087 808 4022/3
6 NEWS 26 NOVEMBER 2010

Sasko winners
Sasko Tubatse drew the winners in their lucky draw competition
last week Saturday.
During October and November entries were collected from
Driekop, Aragopola, Motlolo and Gaselala.
Ms Tebogo Mpheti was the lucky winner of a fridge. Mr Rocky
Napo and Ms. Lucy Mokwala each won a bicycle.
Mr Howard Manyaka, Mr Moloka Tjao and Mr Kagiso Manyaka
each won a DSTV set.
26 NOVEMBER 2010 NUUS
Toyrun, a great
success story
The Limpopo Valley Toyrun took place last week
Saturday. The event was organised by Misty Knights
Lowveld and bikers from Lydenburg joined a group in
Burgersfort for a mass ride to Winterveld Club.
People opened their hearts and give
toys that filled more than two
trailers. The Misty Knights are still
in the process of sorting everything
7
and matching it to the wishlists from the
various organisations that will benefit from
the Toyrun. As soon as these have been
finalised the figures will be made public.
The day was filled with music, doughnuts
on the new skid pad, wheelies, food and
fun. Stalls selling anything from toys to
biker gear were at the event which is
showing all the signs of
growing bigger and
bigger every year.
8 NEWS 26 NOVEMBER 2010
LETTERS

Misty Knights say: thank you!

We as bikers just want to thank the SAPS of Burgersfort for their outstanding performance
on Saturday with our Massride through Burgersfort town to Winterveld Club in Steelpoort.
At every cross, robot and stopstreet there was a policeman on duty, thanks to the guys
The Message is clear
who escort us to Winterveld you done a great job.
We also want to thank each and every biker for their support and contribution towards
this worthy cause. Thank you to the community of surrounding towns and villages for
their great support and possitive attitude towards bikers. Thank you to all the sponsors
that open their hearts and pockets to make this day possible. They are Samancor Eastern
Chrome Mines, Tubatse Ferrochrome, Flames Sighns and Printing, Burgersfort Scrap
Metal, Talisman Plant and Tool Hire, OK Grocer, Supa Save, Bon Amanzi Guest House,
Stax Videos, Highlands Panorama News, Khumbulanie Mining, Larami Spur, Honda Wing
Lydenburg, McGees & Kie, Value Liquor Store, Tyre Boyz, Midas Lydenburg, Pick ‘n Pay
Lydenburg, J & H Transport - Hester en Jannie, The Wrench - Pretoria, Primrose
Motorcycles, The Vine - Oom Johnny’s Pub, Pep Stores Burgersfort, Billy’s Bike - Lydenburg,
Butterflies & Roses, T.B. Taylor Trading and Willem Montgomery - our master of
ceremonies. Last but not the least, thanks to all the Misty Knights for sponsorships, prices
and hard work to make this event a huge success. Toys will be distributed to various
institutions in the area during the next few weeks.
Herman Wolmarans (President - Misty Knights MCC)

‘Toy Run was ‘n belewenis’

Graag wil ek namens Do It Right Toys
(Drienie, Igna en Rika) die Misty Knights
motorfietsklub bedank. Veral vir Alet en
Julia vir die geleentheid om deel te wees
van hul eerste “Toy Run” vir behoegtigde
kinders.
Dit was werklik n belewenis, nie net die
puik organisasie nie maar ook die
groothartigheid van elke motorfietsryer .
Die gedreun van die motorfietse wat by
Winterveld saamgetrek het, gee my nou
nog hoendervleis.
Ek wil ook baie dankie sê vir die wyse
waarop die polisie hulle saamewerking
met die begeleiding van die optog
aangesien dit vir so ‘n goeie saak is.
Dit kommer my egter waar die
verkeersdepartement was, aangesien ‘n
mens sou dink dat begeleiding eerder
hulle afdeling moet wees.
Alet, Julia en Ducky you are champions.
Willem Montgomery die seremonimeester
jy het weer jouself oortref.
Bonnie, jy is voorwaar ‘n bok vir sports.
Dankie vir die afkoel op die glybaan.
Ek bid die Misty Knights alle voorspoed en
sukses toe vir volgende jaar se byeenkoms
en mag dit net van krag tot krag groei.
Drienie Nortje

Thought for the week

“In times of change, the learners will inherit
the world, while the knowers remain well-
prepared for a world that no longer exists.”
- Eric Hoffer (1902 – 1983, American social
writer and philosopher)

Kitsgids na jou SAPD/

Important numbers:
Burgersfort (013) 231 7231
Ohrigstad (013) 238 0128
Roossenekal (013) 273 0075
Mecklenburg (015) 615 0204
Eerstegeluk (013) 237 0011
Tubatse (013) 216 8500
Sekhukhune (013) 260 1007
Leboeng (013) 769 9099
Maartinshoop (013) 235 4041

Ander nood/Other emergencies:

Dilokong Hospitaal/Hospital (013) 2147265
Mecklenburg Hospitaal/ Hospital (013) 615 0204
Burgersfort Kliniek/Clinic (013) 2317843
Water & Sanitation 082 900 4449
Disaster Management -
(Ambulance & Fire) 0800 330 022
Electricity (Eskom) 0860 037 566
26 NOVEMBER 2010 NUUS 9

To take class action or not?

Various organisations are currently
underway with attempts to institute a
class action law suit against three major
bread producing companies.
Cosatu, Black Sash, the Children’s
Resource Centre and the National
Consumer Forum are seeking actual
damages for consumers who paid too much
for bread during an illegal price-fixing
period by the bread companies.
The organisations representing the
consumers say that the penalties handed
down by the Competition Commission
were not enough as the consumers have
not been compensated.
The group plans that should their action
be successful, damages be paid into a trust
account for the benefit of the poor.
Apart from the class action on behalf of
consumers, another on behalf of
independent bread producers will also be
persued. Me Rachel Green sê: “Ek dink dis ‘n goeie Mr Tshepo Lesese said: “It is not fair to Ms Nomthandazo Mthombeni said: “Those
The Compitition Tribunal fined Pioneer ding. Die boete wat hierdie ouens betaal take such class action. They did get a fine. companies must pay back money to the
Foods R195.7 million and Tiger Consumer moet na die mense gaan”. By haar is Government must take that fine money consumer. It must go into development”.
Brands were fined R98.8 million for their Michaila en Jaylene. and give it back to the people. Those guys
involvement. Premier Foods was granted have paid. Why take more action now?”
leniency after it co-operated with the
Consumer Commission .
“Price-fixing is a crime against the people”
said Mr Thami Bolani, the chairman of the
National Consumer Forum. According to
Mr Marcus Solomon of the Children’s
Resources Centre, households with an
income of R500 or less, spend up to half of
that money on bread. “Therefore any
increase in the price of bread hit the very
poor the hardest”.
Mr Imraahn Ismail-Mukaddam who blew
the lid on the price-fixing deal, questioned
who will really pay for the fines imposed
on these companies as Pioneer Foods have
already announced an 8% - 10% increase
in the price of bread. This announcement
came on the same day as the settlement
agreement with the Competition Tribunal.
Should the action go ahead, it will be only Me. Marilize Potgieter sê: “Nee, dié mense Me Thea Greeff sê: “Die regering moet die
the second class action law suit in South mors hulle tyd. Wat dink hulle gaan hulle boete vat en die prys van brood daarmee
Africa and the largest so far. regtig daaruit kry?” verlaag”. Me. Sonja Human en mnr. Andries Human
We asked readers their opinion on this sê: “Aan die een kant het hulle geweet
issue. hulle doen verkeerd. Dit gaan swaar en
dan kry arm mense en welsyns-
organisasies nog swaarder. As hulle die
geld regtig vir die armes, weeshuise ens.
gaan laat kry is die geding goed. Aan die
ander kant het hulle reeds hulle straf
gekry en is dit die regering wat die
verantwoordelikheid moet neem om die
verbruiker daaruit te vergoed”.
By hulle is Marinel.

Left: Mr Benjamin Hall said: “They need

to be taught a lesson. I would support
such action”.

Mr Daniel Moshoana said: “It is a good used &

thing. The money they may get will
benefit the poorer communities. Bread is
a basic thing. The poor people cannot
afford it if the price is fixed too high.
Maybe government subsidies for bread is
too low”.
Ms Mary Lesenya said: “In the pharmacy new m
otor
industry have seen price-fixing and spares
learned from it, so must these guys. The
consumer must benefit in terms of
development”.
• Fenders • Bonnets • Grills • Bumpers • Head & Tail Lights • CV
Joints • Brake Pads • Aircon fans • Radiator fans • Condensers • Rebuilds on sale
Carburators • Crankshafts • Alternators • Starters • Shocks • Oil
Filters • Crown and Pinions • Diffs • Ignitions • Radiators • Distributors
Engines * Gearboxes

Me Sanet en mnr. Jannie Oosthuizen sê: “Hulle moet die broodprys dieselfde hou en NOW STRIPPING!
groot maatskappye moet brood wat ‘n dag of wat oud is teen halfprys of verniet gee. BMW, Corolla, Tazz, Citi Golf, Polo Classic, Opel Astra, Sentra, Opel Corsa, Hyundai and much more
Die maatskappye word beboet maar net die regering benefit en nie die verbruiker nie”. Mashifane Park (Ga-Mashamothane) • Cell: 076 848 3936
 10 26 NOVEMBER 2010

Klein Advertensies • Smalls

Plaas jou klein advertensie by Phelo Pele Pharmacy in die Khadima Sentrum of by Burgersfort Apteek in die Marone
Sentrum of doen dit elektronies d.m.v. e-pos of faks. Place your small at Phelo Pele Pharmacy in the Khadima Centre
or at Burgersfort Pharmacy at the Marone Centre. You could also place it via e-mail or fax. Enquiries: 083 543 1676
or 083 271 9151. E-mail: adverts@platinumgazette.com • Fax: 086 554 9031
1.Sport Klubs /Sport Clubs 9. Te Huur/
2.Betrekking/Vacancy
3.Dienste/Services
4. Oornag Akkommodasie/Overnight
To Let
FLATS TO LET IN
Phoenix Betrekkings/
accommodation
5. Troeteldiere/Pets
BURGERSFORT
2x 1 Bedroom flats.
Flying Squad Vacancies
6. Persoonlik/Personal Available immediately.
7. Allerlei/Miscellaneous Contact: 30 Grade D PSIRA
076 666 1100
8. Gesoek/Wanted qualified guards are
9. Te Huur/To Let
10. Te Koop/For sale
needed at
Phoenix Flying Squad.
Calvin
“Doing
1. Sport Klubs/ 4. Oornag business
Mining experience will be
an advantage.
College
Sport Clubs Akkommodasie/ without
Overnight The positions are in the Calvin College in Burgersfort needs an English HL/
GSKA Karate advertising Steelpoort area. FAL Grade 10 to 12 Teacher. Candidates who have a
accommodation stable and successful track record, experience in
Dinsdae & Donderdae
van 17h30 – 19h00 by
is like teaching in a similar environment, and contactable
Calvin Collage. Almal
Mooifontein
winking at To apply please references will be at an advantage.
Guesthouse contact:
welkom van 6 jaar en
ouer.
Accommodation in a girl in the dark. Minimum requirements:
Burgersfort. R380 per Gerhard
You know what you are doing,
* Legal entitlement to work in SA * Tertiary
Skakel Jolanda
person per day. Pretorius on education * The ability to communicate clearly and
Hietbrink by
082 859 9681.
Includes Bed & but nobody else does” 074 582 5736
professionally in English * The ability to
Breakfasts, Lunch/ comprehend at First Language Level * Computer
Supper & Laundry - Stuart Henderson literacy and a working knowledge of Windows * A
3. Dienste/ service. Contact: well-constructed, well presented CV with no factual
Judy, 082 308 9221/7 or other errors.
Services
To let us know Should you be interested in applying for the above
Elshamah Motors
Your Mechanic on
Duty. We specialize in
all minor and major
Kennisgewings/Notices about your
news and
position, please forward your Curriculum Vitae,
together with names and telephone numbers of two
references to:
Headmaster, P.O. Box 2018, Burgersfort or e-mail:
repairs and services events contact: head@calvin.co.za or fax: 086 564 1322.
on ALL types of
vehicles. Engine,
083 2719151.
gearboxes and
differentials.
SUPPLY The editorial
To advertise contact
deadline is on
We specialize in
Mahindra vehicles. CHAIN Wednesdays at Beánnla Celliers on
Lebowa Business
Park, Burgersfort. MANAGEMENT 17:00. 083 543 1676.
Contact:
Willie, 076 158 9192.
Advertising deadline:
Tuesdays 17:00
7. Allerlei/
Miscellaneous
NOTICE TO THE MUNICIPAL PROSPECTIVE
Vision Meat Slaghuis
Vir al jou vleis en SUPPLIERS/PROVIDERS
biltong behoeftes. 1. The Greater Tubatse Municipality (Supply Chain Management Unit)
Ure: Ma. - Vr: 08:00 -
17:30. Sa: 08:00 - hereby informs all the prospective suppliers of its needs that the
14:00. registration and accreditation of suppliers onto the municipal database
Tel: 013 231 7094 will be stopped and or discontinued with effect from the 29 November
Fax: 086 623 7124 2010.
Leandé: 083 637
8749. E-mail: 2. Prospective Suppliers who are already registered and accredited on
visionmeat@gmail.com
the municipal suppliers’ database would continue to be used for
7. Allerlei/ quotations-based sourcing until the 31 January 2011, after which they
Miscellaneous will also be required to re-register.

EYETHU 3. With effect from the 01 February to the 29 April 2011 (three-months-
REMOVALS registration-window-period), all prospective suppliers of municipal
Local & Country wide! needs requirements will be required to apply for registration and
Professional people
for your furniture accreditation onto the suppliers’ database to be used in the 2011/2012
removals! Fast, financial year (01 July 2011 to 30 June 2012) as and when the
professional municipality procures goods, services and works.
quotations. Insurance
available. Storage & 4. Note should be taken that the municipality will be running the
special packaging.
Long and short registration process on annual basis so that prospective providers are
distances. Neat made to submit proof of annual return certificates from CIPRO as
closed bin removal required.
trucks.
Cell: 072 125 7325. 5. Complete information regarding the registration process would be
Tel: 013 245 1001.
Fax: 086 672 0703 made known in the near future.

For clarification-seeking questions, speak with O N Mosoma (Supply Chain

Manager) at office G44 at the Municipal Civic Centre or call him at 013 231
1000. Kastania Street, Burgersfort
Address:
PO Box 206, Burgersfort, 1150
Tel: 013 231 1000 MF Mokoko
Fax: 013 231 7467
Website: www.tubatse.gov.za Acting Municipal Manager
26 NOVEMBER 2010 SPORT 11

Night golf at
Tubatse
Chrome Club
On Friday evening last week, 36
players participated in the night golf.

Maatlopo Don’t
The let
key to get in
Play started at 18:00 and as soon as
darkness fell the
players switched to
colourful glowing
control
debt of your debt
golfballs. The holes on
the green are also
marked with florecent
still leading ruin the
cups. Maatlopo United Football Club
This annual event is
always great fun with
collected three points last week
Saturday. The opposition, Dennilton good
Young Stars failed to honour the game
times
many social players
joining in. at Moroke Stadium. This auto-
This Saturday players matically gave a points result of 2-0.
will compete in the On Sunday Maatlopo played against
Kruppel Buffels golf Mooihoek’s Eleven Experience. They
day. beat the hosts at Mooihoek 2-1. The key is to visit a registered
For any enquiries and Thapelo Moropane and Billy Debt Counsellor as soon as
possible entries contact Mpaketsane scored for Maatlopo your debt gets out of hand to
Martin van Rooyen on United. Small Mampa was the Man of help you make a plan to
082 816 4833. the Match for his solid defence.
This week Saturday the team will take
eventually be debt free.
on Mpheleng Sweepers at Dennilton. Registered Debt Counsellor & Administrator
Enquiries: Jimmy Makola,

© Platinum Gazette
Next to Toyota, Burgersfort.
082 407 6226. Tel: (013) 231 8322

Netball and soccer at Modikwa games (RegNo:

(Reg No:NCRDC
NCRDC487)
487) E-mail:
gmcadmin@telkomsa.net

Modikwa hosted
a soccer and
netball
tournament on
Saturday last
week. Teams
from Rustenburg
and Thabazimbi
also participated.
The tournament
went very well
with many teams
from the local
mining sector
also
participating.
Get the results
on page 12.
14 26 NOVEMBER 2010

Platinum Gazette
SPORT
Teams from near and
far at Modikwa games
Modikwa Platinum Mine vs Twickenham 12-8; Modikwa Platinum vs Dwars River 16- 4; Kumba Thabazimbi
hosted the Modikwa Games on Mine vs Dishaba Mine 7-18; Twickenham vs Modikwa 4-3.
Saturday last week. These
games were in preparation of a
major tournament that will be
held in Burgersfort next year.
Teams traveled from far, but
many local teams also
participated. Both netball and
soccer were played at the
Laerskool Burgersfort grounds.
Soccer Results:
Dishaba Mine Rusternburg vs
Two Rivers Platinum Mine 3-2;
Tubatse Masters vs Dwars
River Chrome Mine
1-2; Tubatse
Ferochrome vs
Twickenham 5-5.
Twickenham won
penalties 3-5.
Modikwa Platinum
vs Dishaba mine 2-
2. Modikwa won on
penalties 5-4. Two
Rivers Platinum
Mine vs Dwars
River Chrome Mine
4-1.
Netball Results:
Dishaba Mine vs
Dwars River
Chrome Mine 23-3;
Kumba Thabazimbi

Teams from as far

as Rustenburg and
Thabazimbi came
to play.
26 NOVEMBER 2010
James Letsoalo was named Employee of the Year. Mr Desmond
McManus handed him his award.
MrWilliam Mamogale was the best Services Employee.
Winners in the Best Maintenance Supervisor Category.
Teambuilding for better efficiency
All employees, including management had team building sessions during
the past few months. Working together and laughing together creates a spirit
of unity and motivation of which the Company ultimately reaps the rewards.
Through these fun sessions the employees not only learned how to play and
work together, but also to better understand and know each other.
WRAPPER 3
Top employees
honoured
On 18 November the top employees were honoured at a Best Artisan – Charles Steyl received this award. He took no
formal awards function. leave or sick leave for a whole year. He came up with good ideas
The following awards were presented: to make changes on the equipment and this was successfully WRAPPER
Employee of the year – James Letsoalo received this implemented. Breakdowns in his section was less than the rest of
top award. Not only is he capable and committed to his the team. He is constantly communicating with the Maintenance
job, but he also plays a much larger role in the Supervisor, giving feedback on important tasks and problems
community as a whole. He is one of the instigators of found. He assists other artisans when in need and is willing to
the current soccer craze. He is also a highly vocal work abnormal hours, even when he is not on standby. He assists
union member who challenges. He has helped the HR the Maintenance Supervisor in walk around inspections to help
department out on numerous occasions with taking identify problems before it becomes a breakdown.
students through the plant etc. He also represented Michael Madziwa, Loupie Scheepers, Theo Olivier and Herman
Tubatse Ferrochrome at Lydenburg High School. He is Botes were also honoured as artisans.
well known and well liked across the plant and all Best Services Employees – William Mamogale received this
departments. He is considered an exemplary example award because of his good performance on duty. He is always
of the employee of the year at Tubatse Ferrochrome. willing to assist whenever there is a shortage of staff.
Other employees mentioned in this category are: Karen Johan du Plooy was also honoured in this category. WRAPPER
Bosman, Arenda Olivier and Patrick Sibanyoni. Best SME Operator – Martins Monareng received this award for
Best Engineer – Sampie Kruth received this award. His always working at top speed, but very meticulously. He often
sound engineering counsel and advice throughout the performs more than his basic job requirements and focuses on
year ensures that top results are achieved. He has overall plant performance. He is reliable and often very intuitive
managed the West Plant maintenance budget and with his furnace understanding. Other employees honoured in
furnace availablity to record numbers. T5 was rebuild this section were Richard Mtsweni and Abram Mosehlane.
successfully. He is always willing to help and has Best Production Operator – Thomas Paile is a versatile worker
helped at East Plant and PSP during the year. on all mobile surface equipment. His willingness to work
Other employees mentioned in this category are overtime and the fact that he almost never takes sick leave also
Johnny Harmse and Cecil Posthumus. set him apart.
Best Production Supervisor – Lucas Mabuza received Robert Bhembe and Cedrick Mndebele were also included as
this award. He runs an excellent shift and is a genuine outstanding in this category.
leader. He is always willing to go the extra mile and is Best NM – Isaac Matlala was the best Nearmiss
a true team member. He works hand in hand with the SMILE Award – Martin Boshigo received this award with a total WRAPPER
shift but maintains discipline and performance. He is of 16 SMILE Cards in six months.
well respected and happy to get his hands dirty.
Bennie Maciejewski and
Willie Abrie were also
honoured in this section.
Best Maintenance
Planting trees for a green future
Supervisor – Hendrik
Graaff received this Tubatse Ferrochrome planted trees to celebrate Arbor Day.
award. He has made a The company also donated and helped to plant trees at Steelpoort
remarkable difference at Academy and at Maelebe Primary School at Eerstegeluk. At
the CRP in his short time Steelpoort Academy the trees were planted next to the sportsfield.
at the company. He has At Maelebe it was planted on the playground.
the best workshop on site
and no fingers can be WRAPPER
pointed to his
department. He is always
willing to help and takes
full responsibility for his
plant, people and
performance.
Chris Oosthuizen, Jan
van Wyk and Riaan van
Staden were employees
who also stood out in this
category.
Best Logistics Supervisor
- Andrew Mkhondo
received this award. His WRAPPER
willingness to help and
innovative ideas ensures
that there is always flow
in production. His ability
to lead his team in a
positive way ensures that
the company objectives
are met.
WRAPPER
WRAPPER
WRAPPER
4 WRAPPER 26 NOVEMBER 2010

Sports for Soccer and netball teams

to be proud of
WRAPPER
good causes The Tubatse Ferrochrome soccer and netball
teams are fit and constantly testing themselves
against other teams. In October the soccer team
won games against Middelburg Ferrochrome.
Two weaks ago inter-departmental games gave
an opportunity of team building an identifying
star players. The teams also participated in the
Modikwa Games held last week Saturday.
At Tubatse Chrome employees many projects were undertaken to raise funds
showed that they have hearts that for charity. Some of these included the annual
care. During the course of the year Shavathon where employees shave their hair
or spray it bright
colours in support
of the Cancer
Association of
South Africa. This
year 86 employees
participated in the
Shavathon. (See
photographs at the
WRAPPER bottom).
More than R4300
was raised with this
effort.
More recently they
celebrated Casual
Day. Each
department raised
funds on this day to
contribute towards
the company’s
charity project for
WRAPPER disabled people.

WRAPPER

WRAPPER
Holiday fun for everyone

WRAPPER

During the long winter holidays

a Carnival and Fun Day kept
everyone entertained. From
WRAPPER interesting educational shows
with snakes to a show by the
Birds of Prey Centre near
Dullstroom were hosted. The
kids also had the chance to
show their cooking skills by
decorating cakes.
Jumping castles and other
playing equipment completed
the fun.

WRAPPER