By Obakeng Maje

Government has the capability of constructing a developmental state that is also able to root out poverty, deliver quality services, fight corruption, improve access to quality education, ensure economic growth, and create more jobs in the economy, North West Premier Mme Thandi Modise asserted on Saturday.

Delivering her Turfloop Graduate School of Leadership Public Lecture on Service Delivery and a Developmental State in South Africa hosted by the University of Limpopo at the Bolivia Lodge in Polokwane, Premier Modise said that state intervention should play a major role in terms of growth, if it seeks to create democratic developmental state. 

The Premier highlighted that the developmental state in South Africa has the objective of actively intervening in the economy to drive investment in targeted areas to achieve a long term vision of a higher value added, labour absorptive and racially integrated economy.

Modise emphasised that state intervention in society and the economy would ensure the “common good” such as upgrading public service skills because the country is facing significant economic challenges and needs to accelerate the growth rate to create wealth that enhances the standard of living for all South Africans

.She said that this will dramatically increase employment creation; develop industrial capabilities to decrease the country’s dependence on commodity exports; and transform the ownership and management profile of the economy to reflect that of the broader South African population.

“Development is about improving quality of life…about equity and justice. It entails a growing economy in which redistribution is a critical element. The role of the state is to ensure democracy and popular participation. A strong state should have intellectual resources to plan, monitor and stimulate high growth.

It should mobilise and deploy capital into sectors unattractive to private industry in order to address the challenges of poverty, high unemployment, and HIV/AIDS and play an important role in promoting democracy, justice and a human rights culture,” Modise stressed.

She added that the New Growth Plan emphasises that we need to be facilitating the continuous emergence of concrete compacts between government and private interests to pursue specific projects that will take us closer to the achievement of our national goals and further that the National Development Plan places us on a forward—looking trajectory and requires all of us, not just Government, to commit to concrete programmes that will improve the lives of the South African people.

The Premier called on the universities to come on board in producing graduates that will make difference in the public sector, underlining that the National Development Plan emphasises this point and states that “higher education is the major driver of the information/knowledge system, linking it with economic development”.

“It goes on to say universities are pivotal to developing a nation. They produce new knowledge, critique information and find new local and global applications of the existing knowledge. They also set norms and standards, ethics and philosophy underpinning a nation’s knowledge capital,” she stressed. 

The Public Lecture was attended by academic staff, over 200 Masters in Public Administration and Masters in Development and other dignitaries that included MEC for Finance in Limpopo David Masondo.

”The lecture was thought provoking, insightful and should shape the academic discourse in the disciplines of economics, public administration and development studies,” said Executive Dean at the University, Professor Pumela Msweli in summing up the standing ovation that the Premier received after delivering her lecture.

The address was attended by academic staff and over 200 Masters in Public Administration and Masters in Development and other dignitaries that included the MEC for Finance David Masondo.

Twenty-three year old Shike Kleinkie Maripane, an Honours student said that he was impressed with the Premier’s lecture as she raised some of the pertinent challenges facing municipalities to deliver services. He supported the Premier’s call for communities, councillors and other stakeholders to work together to ensure that government provides services to reduce strikes and protests.

By Obakeng Maje

Johannesburg- The South African Senior Men’s National Team returns to South Africa on Sunday morning (10 September 2012) with their heads held high despite a one-nil (1-0) lost to Brazil in an international friendly match played on Friday (7 September) at the Estadio do Morumbi in Sao Paolo, Brazil.

The match was used as part of Brazil’s Independence Day celebrations, and also for a symbolic handover of the world cup from the 2010 hosts to the next hosts in 2014.

The ceremony took place at half time led by SAFA President Kirsten Nematandani, accompanied by Vice President Danny Jordaan, SAFA CEO Dr Robin Petersen, National Executive Committee members Abel Rakoma, Morris Tshabalala and Andile Ndengezi, who was also the Head of Delegation for the South African team in Brazil. The South African Ambassador to Brazil, HE MN Mbethe was also present.

The home side was booed off the field by their own fans while Bafana Bafana got a standing ovation at the end of the clash following a gutsy performance by the visitors.

Bafana Bafana head coach Gordon Igesund handed new caps to Dean Furman of Oldham Athletic and Dino Ndlovu of Maccabi Haifa.

South Africa did not disappoint and took the game to the hosts, who at times looked very uncomfortable and surprised by Bafana Bafana’s performance.

The visitors should have taken the lead in the 12th minute, but Ndlovu’s shot was saved Diego Alves in the Brazil goal.

After experiencing a series of withdrawals before the start of camp (Steven Pienaar, Siyabonga Nomvethe, Edward Manqele and Anele Ngcongca) due to injuries, Bafana Bafana suffered a further setback when Ndlovu was taken off with a dislocated shoulder.

His replacement, Benni McCarthy did not last also and was stretchered off with a hamstring strain.

Both players will not be available for the Tuesday, 11 September clash against Mozambique at the Mbombela Stadium.

The first half belonged to the South Americans, but South Africa came out fighting in the second half where they dominated.

Brazil found the winner with 15 minutes left on the clock through substitute Hulk after a defensive slip-up.

Up until that time, Itumeleng Khune had kept them at bay with some superb saves that earned him the man of the match performance.

“It was a very good match, a solid performance from the guys. What is even pleasing is that their players were even showering us with praises saying we have a very team and we should keep it up. Now when such quality players say those things it means we are going somewhere. Just a pity we conceded a soft goal, but I am happy with the team’s overall display,” said Khune.

It was an improved performance from Igesund’s squad in his first match as Bafana Bafana head coach.

“It was a tough match and one we did not deserve to lose. I am not happy with the results but satisfied with the performance of the players after we had only four training sessions together. It was important for us to play such a great team and we can take a lot of out this match. I am proud of these players,” said Igesund.

“We took them on in their backyard and had them rattled, but were unfortunate not to come out with a win. We showed a lot of character, had passion in our play and displayed a lot of fighting spirit. But we should not get ahead of ourselves, there is a still a long way to go as this is part of preparations for next year’s Africa Cup of Nations.”

Bongani Khumalo captained the squad – the first time ever.

 “We were against quality players and we did very well, showed great character. We created a lot of chances in the game despite playing against the best. We need not get carried away by the performance and we know we can do better. We can take a lot of positives out of the result,” said Khumalo.

“It was a very good performance from the players. We had a lot of fighting spirit today and credit to all the players – and that is something we have to keep on doing. As for the captaincy, it was a big surprise for me. I can say today is a special moment and something I will look back on with pride. I appreciate and am grateful for the confidence the coach has shown in me. It is something I cannot put in words.”

Debutant Furman was also elated at his first cap.

“We all came out with a feeling of disappointment that we did not win the match, but it was a great performance all round from the players. I think in the first half they were on top but we improved in the second half and dominated,” said Furman.

“It was incredible to don the South African jersey for the first time and sing the national anthem – a surreal moment for me and something that will live with me for the rest of my life. I am proud of being in the squad and this has my family proud too, such a pity they could not be here to share the moment with me.”

This is how they lined up:Brazil: Diego Alves, Dani Alves, David Luiz, Dede, Marcelo (Alex Sandro 60), Lucas Moura, Romulo (Paulinho 64), Ramires, Oscar, Leandro Damiao (Hulk 64), Neymar (Arouca 90)

South Africa: Itumeleng Khune, Siboniso Gaxa, Bongani Khumalo (C), Siyabonga Sangweni, Punch Masenamela, Dean Furman (Siphiwe Mahlangu 59), Kagiso Dikgacoi, Siphiwe Tshabalala, Lerato Chabangu (Reneilwe Letsholonyane 56),Dino Ndlovu (Benni McCarthy 33) (Bernard Parker 44), Thulani Serero.

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By Obakeng Maje

Mahikeng-North West Provincial Government has encouraged civil servants to serve in the public service with highest standard of professionalism and show commitment in bettering the lives of the people.

Speaking on behalf of the North West Premier, Thandi Modise at the official launch of the Public Service Week at Tosca Sports Ground on Friday, Agriculture and Rural Development MEC, Desbo Mohono said public servants need to increase the standard of professionalism and create a public service that strives towards the vision of putting people first.

“Let us work together to build pride in belonging to the public service while ensuring that the public service becomes a real life of choice.

Those who do not pull up their socks to service the people of the North West with pride must change their attitude and be better servants to the people,” Mohono said.

MEC Mohono further commended civil servants who work beyond their scope of work to better the lives of the people in the province.

She acknowledged that there are majority of civil servants who do their best to ensure that members of the community receiving good services.

“We have to admit that there are civil servants who understand the principles of Batho Pele and take a lot of efforts to ensure that that they adhere to these principles.

“There are civil servants who do not only work during working hours but provide services to the people even if they are not at work. I want to take this opportunity to thank them for the wonderful work that they do,” Mohono said.

This year’s PSW is held under the theme ’15 Years of Batho Pele: Strengthening the Ethos of Batho Pele and Recommitment towards an Efficient, Effective and Development Oriented Public Service and Empowered Citizenry.”

At the launch, hundreds of public servants gathered to provide services to the communities of Kagisano Molopo Local Municipality as part ofPublic Service Week.

Government officials from various departments were happy to assist people who had walked long distances to access government services.

Police, nurses, Home Affairs officials and other government officials in mobile units from different departments attracted scores of people who applied for identity documents, birth certificates, social grants and other services.

MEC Mohono urged members of the community to take the opportunity to utilize any service they need and also ask anything they want to know about the services provided to them by government.

Those who accessed service at the launch expressed their views about the level of services they receive from the public servants in their local offices.

Grita Matlapeng, 73, of Tosca, in the Kagisano Molopo LocalMunicipality said she is impressed about the quality of service he receives at the SASSA points.

“We do not have any problem with people who are working for SASSA. They do assist us in a very good manner,” she said delightedly.

She however asked government to build clinic in her community because they travel more than 50 kilometers to access health services.

Maleko Sehularo, 49, also from Tosca said: “We do appreciate all the service that our government provides for the community of Tosca.

“There are good people who are working for home affairs and social development who are always willing to assist us in receiving birth certificate and grants.”

MEC Mohono, also accompanied by Sports Arts and Culture MEC, Tebogo Modise and MEC for Social Development, Women Children and People living with Disabilities, Mosetsanagape Mokomele- Mothibi visited several projects around Tosca and also donated food parcels to the needy families.

Mohono promised to send a team from her department to assist a collapsed agricultural project in the area as it would contribute towards reducing high level of poverty in Tosca.

Meanwhile, teams of senior managers from different departments conducted unannounced visits at Rustenburg Police Station, Mmamogale Segale Primary School in Makolokoe and Kanana Clinic.

The unannounced visits are to be extended to other areas across the province.

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By Obakeng Maje

Lichtenburg- A 26 year-old man has been arrested in Gransfontein after he allegedly raped a seven year old girl.

Police were summoned to the scene after a 26 year old suspect stormed into a nearby house where he found four children aged from 2 to 12 and raped a seven year old girl. 

“A man was arrested after he entered a house and raped a seven year old girl. It is alleged that the mother of four left her kids in the house  and attend a function in the area” Captain Pelonomi Makau said.

According to the Police, the older sibling managed to escape the house and informed the neighbour about the ordeal.

“The boy ran to his neighbours and informed them about what tanspired in the house. The neighbours in turn alerted the Police” Makau continue.

The suspect was arrested later at the nearest tavern and he will appear before Lichtenburg Magistrate Court on Monday.

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