MONYETLA PROJECT 2011

MONYETLA PROJECT (meaning “Opportunity”) was established in February 2007 and launched at Vista (UFS South Campus) with the aim to assist our top Grade 12 achievers from previously disadvantaged communities to qualify for bursaries granted by S.A.I.C.A for tertiary education to the value of R250 000.00 per bursary.

Every year top 20 learners from different schools in Motheo district are invited to be part of this elite group of students. The following subjects are presented, Mathematics, Physical Science, Accounting, English, Life Sciences and Computer Skills. Learners are assisted by some of the most experienced educators in the Free State to supplement their knowledge and skills development.

Photo 1:

The 1st Vista Saturday School (Monyetla Project) on 06 February 2011 in the A3 Lecture room.

Photo 2:

Back row; Mr. Jaco Louw (Financial Manager – Raubex Construction); Mr. Div Lamprecht (Regional Executive – SAICA Central Region); Mr. Bok Pretorius (IBL), Mrs Thando Lepele (IBL). Front row: Prof. Hentie van Wyk (Programme Director – UFS: Centre for Accounting); Mr. Chris Grobler (Founder of Monyetla Project); Prof. Annelize van Biljon (UFS – Computer Science and Informatics Department).

The following subjects are represented, Mathematics, Physical Science, Accounting, English, Life Sciences and Computer Skills. Learners are assisted by some of the most experienced educators in the Free State to supplement their knowledge and skills development.

CUT SATURDAY - 2011

Target Beneficiaries: Gr. 11 - 12 Learners from Botshabelo and Thaba Nchu (260 learners) Investment value: R178,000.00

The faculty of Engineering, Information and Communication Technology at the Central University of Technology (CUT), in collaboration with its dedicated sponsors - Interstate Bus Lines which assist learners from Botshabelo and Thaba Nchu with transportation. CUT present extra classes to Grade 11 and 12 learners over 40 contact sessions during each academic year (thirty Saturdays and ten days during the winter and September recess).

For the last few years this project has provided tuition to over two hundred learners from Mangaung, Heidedal, Botshabelo and Thaba Nchu and over the years Interstate Bus Lines provided transport for these learners on Saturdays also during the school holidays between their homes and CUT. Furthermore Interstate Bus Lines always avails transportation at no cost to these learners when they go on excursions to visit engineering companies to experience the practical and real work situations and that is aimed at further stimulating their interest in the engineering field.

Photo 1:

CUT Saturday School Students visiting IBL Head Office 2010.

Photo 2:

CUT Saturday School Students at CUT during their winter school 2011.

The exposure to various career opportunities in this field is a sure way of making them aware of career fields that will not only add value to their personal lives but to the development of our country as there will be more injection of skills in the fields that were previously not accessible to learners from previously disadvantaged areas. Amongst some achievements of this project, is that over the past few years, learners who have been exposed to this have made it to the top 100 best matriculants in the Free State.

CHEETAH KIDZ 2010 / 2011

Target Beneficiaries: Primary School kidz from Botshabelo and Thaba Nchu. Investment value: R97,500.00.

Interstate bus Lines is currently the main sponsor of Cheetah kidz Sport Development, Emang and Hohle primary schools, which is an initiative by Chris Kruger (a former Free State Cheetahs player) to develop young disadvantaged rugby players with the view to deliver rugby stars of tomorrow.

Two schools from rural areas have been identified in Thaba Nchu (Emang Primary School) and Botshabelo (Hohle Primary School) wherein each school provides 25 boys who will participate in this developmental initiative, meaning 50 kidz will be exposed to professional rugby.

Winter Relief Project - 2011

Interstate Bus Lines donated 60 blankets to the Towers of Hope leadership foundation on 22 June 2011 at the two towers Church.

This is the annual Winter Relief Project for the disadvantaged community of Mangaung, our fellow grandparents, parents and children from the streets of Bloemfontein benefited from this project, this year we decided to focus on Towers of Hope leadership foundation instead of our usual target child headed /orphaned children, Old age homes, and disadvantaged community members of Botshabelo, Thaba Nchu and Bloemfontein. Towers of hope leadership foundation also received cash donation to buy grocery hampers.

In line with our intention to be a caring corporate citizen through our social Investment Programme, there was a need for us to purchase blankets for disadvantaged communities, in our operational area, as a way of ensuring that the effect of the cold winter is not felt extensively.

Our company’s Client base and target market over the years have been mostly poor communities of Bloemfontein, Botshabelo & Thaba Nchu. This is based on the fact that we render affordable transport service that those with no steady income can afford to use our buses.

Number of Beneficiaries: 60

Total Cost / value: R30 800.00

Glen Half Marathon - 2011

Interstate Bus Lines sponsored the Glen half marathon on Saturday 07 May 2011, more than 90 athletes from Mangaung participated in the 21km marathon, that starting at the Circle of Andries Pretorius Street and Wilcocks Road, to Glen agricultural College.

The marathon accommodated all ages from 16 to more than 60yrs, all participants managed to reach the finishing point, and walkers from IBL walked for 5km. They all received medals for their participation. The first 10 Winners received gold Medals, the first 50 participants received silver medals and all other participants received bronze medals. The marathon was organized by Bloemfontein Achilles running club, and Interstate Bus Lines was the main sponsor valued at R25 000.00.

Together we progressed.

Junior Traffic Training Project

Interstate Bus Lines and Emang School launched the Junior Traffic Training Project on Friday 18 March 2011, at Emang Primary School in Thaba Nchu. It was a joyful day for the kids, parents and teachers to see their dream come true, they were all thankful to Interstate Bus lines for the huge contribution to the school and for improving their lives with such an investment.

The launch was attended by parents, Department of Education representatives (School inspectors), Traffic Department (Road safety), Mangaung Local Municipality and IBL Management.

Interstate Bus Lines has ventured into partnering with Road Safety and Capacity Building in nurturing and developing road safety skills of tender road users from childhood, to inculcate the sense of responsibility and positive attitude in road usage.

The objective of this project is to empower young road users in traffic safety skills, minimize children road fatalities and to develop self-esteem, self-reliability and responsibility.

Interstate Bus Lines, Road safety and Capacity Building Directorate drew the schedule for training of learners. The department of Education identified beneficiary schools within the Mangaung Local Municipal area and thereafter educators and Road Safety monitored the implementation.

Interstate Bus Lines has once again lived up to its motto “Together We Progress” by investing R74,134.86 through undertaking development of traffic training centre at Emang Primary School in Thaba Nchu. Furthermore Interstate Bus Lines donated six brand new mini vehicles valued at R13,115.00 to add to the three that the school has. This will cater for schools closer to dangerous crossings, schools next to busy roads and disadvantaged schools.

Target Beneficiary: Primary Schools near Traffic Zone
Investment value: R87,249.86

Important Notice - IBL Head Office Relocation

In April 2011, Interstate Bus Lines’ Head Office and Technical Workshop will be moving to MUCH BIGGER AND BETTER PREMISES in Church Street 246, Hamilton. The move is aimed at ensuring that IBL maximizes its service delivery standards and efficiencies to the benefit of our loyal commuters and key stakeholders.


OFFICE HOURS:  (Administrative / Support staff)

Monday – Thursday: 07h30 – 16h00
Fridays: 07h00 – 15h00
Lunch break: 13h00 – 13h30
Date to leave to the old premises: 15 April 2011
Date to resume duties at the new premises: 18 April 2011

CONTACT DETAILS REMAIN THE SAME:

Tel: 051 448 4951
Fax: 051 447 9750                
Hot line: 0800 077 007
Website: www.interstate.co.za

NEW ADDRESS:

246 Church Street
Hamilton
Bloemfontein
9300

IBL Sponsored TOP 100 Matriculants

Interstate Bus Lines sponsored & congratulated the top 100 achievers in the Senior Certificate examination (Matriculants) in the Free State Province for 2010, on 06 January 2011 at their function held at Boet Troskie Hall (CUT).

An achievement such as this does not occur without much hard work, a great deal of studying and dedication throughout their school career.  In recognition of this, Interstate Bus Lines sponsors R40 000.00 for the 40 top 100 achievers, including the top 10 in Physical Science, each of them received R1000.00 towards their future studies.

Top 100 Matrics FS

On Photo:  Sponsors of the Event with MEC’s and the two top matriculants in Free State namely: M Makgetla from Kagisho High School and C van Zyl from Fichardt Park High School.

Christmas Lucky Draw 2010

Interstate Bus Lines invited all our loyal passengers to come win big prizes at their Christmas lucky draw that took place during December 2010, the draw was at Central park from the 03rd, 10th & 17th of December 2010, at 16h00 till 18h00.

Interstate Bus Lines requested passengers to bring their Tag, ID book and Monthly / Weekly/ Daily slips as it will be a proof that they are our regular passenger and then they filled in the competition forms before the draw. The aim of the lucky draw was to give our passengers Christmas presents for their loyal support throughout the year.



Our lucky winners for the 1st draw were as follows: Ms. Disemelo Ramakatsa from Bloemfontein won a DVD Player, Ms. Bettie Ramahlaba from Bloemfontein won a Hot Plate stove, and Ms. Liza Mgoqi from Botshabelo won a Steam Iron, Mr. Themba Jasone from Botshabelo won a DVD player and Ms. Jane Ntobela from Bloemfontein won a Television.



2nd draw winners were as follows: Ms. Sophie Motlhaping from Brandfort won a Microwave, Ms Rosina Kheswa from Brandfort won a kettle, Mr. Lebogang Diphoko from Thaba Nchu – Modutung Trust won a Steam Iron, Ms Joalane Lepheane from Botshabelo won a radio.



Last draw winners were as follows: Ms. Mabel November from Bloemfontein won a Television, Ms Sarah Chopo from Brandfort won a Steam Iron, Magdeline Ramaipato from Brandfort won a Kettle, Eva Motlhacwe from Bloemfontein won a two plate stove.

Youth Succeed

The Youth Succeed competition has given SMME’s the opportunity to expand, create employment and benefit the community within the Mangaung Area (Bloemfontein, Botshabelo and Thaba Nchu).

Interstate Bus Lines in partnership with Standard Bank and Central University of Technology, Free State (CUT) presented series of seminars to the candidates that took part in the competition, entailing two phases of three day evening sessions.

The competition qualifying criteria were as follows:

The business must be 12months or older, with an annual turnover of no more than R500 000.00. The owner must be involved in the day-to-day running of the business and want to expand. Entries were restricted to one business per person.

The entrant was supposed to be younger than 35years (in calendar of 2010), live within Mangaung Local Municipality area, and be South African citizen. Basic Literacy and numeracy skills were a must.

Space was limited for the first 50 entries received (Registration fee of R50.00 was payable by 23 September 2010).

At the end of this educational project, all participants gained knowledge on business planning and possible future development for their businesses.

Winners were announced at the Prize giving Ceremony held at Standard Bank Provincial Office on 30 November 2010; the following prizes are proudly sponsored by Interstate Bus Lines;

• 1st Prize of R75 000.00 went to Mr. Mzimasi Tom owner of Ikamva ICT (from Bloemfontein)
• 2nd Prize of R50 000.00 to Mr. Lennie Cromhout owner of Ashar Catering & Services (from Bloemfontein)
• 3rd Prize of R25 000.00 to Ms. Ntebaleng Lencwane owner of New Image Hair Salon (from Thaba Nchu)

Response - Cosatu Statement

Response – Cosatu statement on racism and exploitation of workers by Interstate Bus Lines (IBL) management in Bloemfontein

18 August 2010

Interstate Bus Lines regrets and is highly disappointed by the unfortunate decision of COSATU Free State to issue a press statement based on allegations that COSATU did not even bother to verify with Interstate Bus Lines as a company against which such allegations are made. Furthermore the company is extremely disappointed by the apparent position that COSATU has on this matter despite the fact that at no stage did they seek the version of the company on this allegations. Interstate Bus Lines believes that COSATU through its Provincial Secretary in the Free State could have as a matter of courtesy at least sought a response from the company such that it can verify the merits of such allegations which are damaging to its reputation as a company with a record of excellence in terms of both management and operations in the Free State.

Interstate Bus Lines hereby confirms that it has a history of good working relations with SATAWU which is an affiliate of COSATU and that it has under no circumstances embarked on the alleged union bashing. The company can confirm that the suspension of four shop-stewards out of the seven that SATAWU has in the company happened on 04th August 2010, and SATAWU was consulted on the same day, prior to the unlawful action of “picketing” that took place on 6th August 2010 and again on 10th August 2010 outside the company premises and SATAWU as a union was consulted in this regard in line with our Recognition Agreement and they have the full facts around this. A second consultation with SATAWU also took place on 16th August 2010 to inform them on the findings of the internal investigations and the decision of the company on instituting disciplinary steps against these shop stewards who like other employees despite their position of being union representatives are company employees and has to adhere to the policies and be subjected to the Disciplinary Code and Procedure of the company. The company can confirm that the said shop stewards suspension is not related to them raising any allegations and has to do with company rules as included in the company Disciplinary Code and Procedure which is legally compliant and applicable to all employees irrespective of their union affiliation.

The company can confirm that it has always investigated and continues to do so on allegations raised by both recognized trade unions in the company and that being SATAWU and TAWUSA and even where one party is not totally agreeing to the findings and raises issues of management biasness, has enlisted the services external, competent CCMA Commissioners to further investigate and recommend.
With regards to the allegations of racism and alleged assault it is a fact that when SATAWU raised their unhappiness on the findings of internal investigations and threatened unlawful picketing, the company in its endeavor for fairness and justice referred the matter to CCMA and to that effect both SATAWU and IBL Management agreed and signed an agreement on 14th July 2010 before a Senior CCMA Commissioner that a Commission of Enquiry will be instituted and it will present its report before the end of August 2010. The company communicated a date for this Commission to be 24th August 2010 to SATAWU on Wednesday 11th August 2010 after the Senior Commissioner has indicated his availability to look into the matters. On 16th August 2010, the same date that COSATU posted this one sided media release, both SATAWU and IBL agreed on the terms of reference for this Commission and this confirms to a great extent that IBL Management is committed to decisively dealing with the said allegations.

Finally we would like to confirm that under no circumstances will IBL Management allow situations of racism and unfair discrimination in the company as purported by COSATU and wish to remind COSATU Free State that it has a history of cordial relations with the trade union movement and is always available to engage on any allegation to avoid further misunderstandings and unfortunate engagement via the media whilst the leadership of COSATU has never been denied access to the company or a hearing by IBL Management. We hope that COSATU Free State will allow the due process to unfold and to be finalized as is the agreement reached between IBL Management and SATAWU during the meeting on 11th August 2010 and we can assure them that under no circumstances will any employee of this company be unfairly prejudiced and it has never been the case in the past.
We hope that the response will assist in providing more clarity to the issues raised in your enquiry and we thank you for making contact with us.

Released by:

George Mokgothu
Stakeholder Relations Manager
Interstate Bus Lines
Tel: 051 448 4951 ext. 244
Cell: 083 407 1114
Fax: 086 675 2599
Email: george@interstate.co.za

ABASA Career Exhibition

ABASA Free State hosted a career exhibition in Thaba Nchu (Moroka Secondary School) on the 09th August 2010. This event was aimed to offer career guidance and information on available opportunities to both teachers and learners.

It is during this interaction that ABASA aims to create awareness of the different careers and opportunities. Learners were also provided with relevant information in terms of bursaries available, universities to study at and other useful information.

Interstate Bus Lines was the main sponsor R10 000.00 for the career guidance, Mr. Shadrack Mokotedi (Revenue Accountant / Manager) at Interstate Bus Lines addressed more than 700 learners from different schools in Thaba Nchu (Grade 12 learners) on the different opportunities available within the Accounting career path.

Mandela Day 2010

“Nelson Mandela has spent 67 years making the world a better place, IBL asked for only 67 minutes of charity work”. When Mandela turned 92 on the 18th of July 2010, the call went out world wide to celebrate his birthday by acting on the idea that each person has the power to change the world.

Interstate Bus Lines celebrated Nelson Mandela day with disadvantaged community of Mangaung who had a lot of fun at IBL Head Office with staff members and the IBL choir. Children received clothes and goody bags and had fun playing on the jumping castle; older people also received clothes and food. IBL Staff and Management felt it was important to put a smile on our disadvantaged community for 67 minutes and even more.

Driver Of The Year Competition

Driver of the year in-house competition was held on the 24th of April 2010 at Lengau testing Centre. Training department encouraged drivers to participate with a view to improve their driving skills. Most of the participants were old drivers but overall the competition went very well as

drivers portrayed their skills, the below mentioned top five were awarded at the long service awards in May 2010.

Winners are as follow:

• Males
  1. M. D Thebe - 1362 out of 1650 Points
  2. S. Motlhatlhedi - 1294
  3. W. Windvoel - 1208
  4. L.L Hlobo - 1206
  5. B. Pay - 1188
• Females
  1. V. L Ntlathi - 1289 out of 1650 points
  2. M. L Sebusi - 1129
  3. N. G Mqweba - 1127
  4. M. Tjale - 1121
  5. A. Tlhapi - 1094
• Highest Road
  1. S. Motlhatlhedi ~ 564 out of 600 points
• Highest Track
  1. L. L Hlobo ~ 770 out 900 points
  2. Highest score of the day:
  3. M. D Thebe ~ 1362 out of 1650

Lebone House - World Cup 2010

World Cup Fever Hits Lebone House

Lebone house children are also geared to support Bafana-Bafana in the 2010 FIFA World cup thanks to Interstate Bus Lines. Just before the start of soccer spectacle on the 19th of May 2010, the children returned with big bags full of groceries and brand new warm blankets so as they don’t feel the effect of cold winter extensively.

That was however not the end of IBL’s contribution, as they also brought vuvuzela’s, soccer balls, SA flags, supporters hats and delicious snack packs for 80 children on the 28th of May 2010. IBL Staff and Lebone house children enjoyed playing and blowing vuvuzela’s together.

Pre-School Facelift

Interstate Bus Lines has once again lived up to its motto “Together We Progress” by investing around R25 000.00 through undertaking renovations of Tshepong Pre-School in Section K, Botshabelo. Tshepong Pre-School is home and a place of Early Childhood Development to around 120 children during the day whilst parents are at work.

“We are in the business of taking people through different journeys and this one is a Journey of Difference in the lives of tomorrow’s nation. We value the support we receive from the people of Botshabelo and how befitting it is to invest in the infrastructure that will make Botshabelo children better learners, residents and people who will make a difference in our country. The foundation of all this is Early Childhood Development” said George Mokgothu, Stakeholder Relations Manager at Interstate Bus Lines.

Mokgothu also thanked Mr. David Nketsi, the local contractor who did a splendid job. “Projects of this nature undertaken by Interstate Bus Lines have indirect benefits in that a local contractor like the capable Mr. David Nketsi is able to be economically active and thus ensure his family and the family of his assistants gets some income. The other rippling effect is that people who witness the great job will in future make use of Mr. Nketsi’s services. Indeed Together We Progress and in the spirit of our government, Working Together We Can Do More” said Mokgothu.

Mrs. Mabope in thanking Interstate Bus Lines told a moving story of how she has as an individual developed since she became part of the initial stages of the erstwhile Crèches Care Projects which was sponsored by Interstate Bus Lines since 1987. She told the parents and children that since being part of the first ECD practitioners who were trained by the Interstate Bus Line’s Crèches Care Project, she has been inspired and has developed herself academically to the level of passing an ECD diploma as well as a Honors Degree. “Through this genuine empowerment, Tshepong Pre-School has grown from strength to strength and has produced engineers and highly educated students who originate from this firm foundation. If it was not for Interstate Bus Lines commitment in the ECD field, we would not have been this far” said an excited Me Mabope.

In the photo:

Back row from left: Me. Mabope (Principal of Tshepong Pre-School); Mr. Masiu (Parents Committee member); Mr. Nketsi (Local Contractor), Mr. George Mokgothu (Stakeholder Relations Manager- Interstate Bus Lines); Me. Letsoara (Parents Committee member).

In front; Tshepong Pre-School children, who benefits from the now conducive and renovated Pre-School building.

Bloemfontein Science and Technology Project

What started as the Bloemfontein Science and Technology Project in 1996 is now known as the Central University of Technology (CUT) Saturday School Project. The project was initiated by five engineering companies that included Murray and Roberts, Vista University and Interstate Bus Lines.

The primary objective at that time was to address the imbalance in career fields through:

• bringing learners into contact with industrial and engineering institutions.
• enhancing employment opportunities in the engineering field.

This was to be achieved through provision of extra tuition in Mathematics, Science, Biology, English and Computer Studies. The targeted learner community came from previously disadvantaged areas of Bloemfontein, Botshabelo and Thaba 'Nchu. Vista University offered its facilities to the project whilst Interstate Bus Lines played a pivotal role through provision of safe, reliable and on-time transport to this learners who have consistently over the years continued to be among the best 100 matrics in the Free State. One of our own employees, a mechanic in our Technical Department, is a proud product of the project.

Since the beginning of 2005 the project has moved to the Central University of Technology (CUT). Watch this space for more about the project and our company's involvement in the community.

Lesedi / IBL Early Childhood Development

Although there was some uncertainty surrounding the Board's decision to have our erstwhile Creches Care Project revamped, we have managed to successfully reshape the whole project to the benefit of all stakeholders. Creches Care Project started in the 1990s and was one of the darling projects of the company as it had as its objective the improvement of school-readiness in children from previously disadvantaged areas within our operational area. In line with our new focus around Strategic CSI, we have formed a partnership with Lesedi Educare Association, a reputable Early Childhood Development organization.

The new project is known as Lesedi/IBL Mobile ECD Resource & Training Centre.

The main objectives of the project are:

• To enable ECD practitioners to provide a stimulating, healthy, happy, safe environment for the young children in their care, taking cognizance of their holistic developmental needs in an appropriate way.
• To enable ECD practitioners to run and manage their ECD Centres effectively and efficiently along small business lines thus providing opportunities for self-employment and further opportunities for employing other persons.

The three former Creches Care buses have been upgraded and branded in line with the new project. Ownership of the three buses has been transferred to Lesedi Educare and the total investment amounts to just over a million