Yearly Archives: 2012

One person set alight and another one shot dead during miners strike in Rustenburg

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By Obakeng Maje

Rustenburg- The on-going mine strike hit  again in Nkaneng near Rustenburg.

It is alleged that a Quantum taxi and a BMW were burnt down, a man was also  set  alight and  died as the police arrived and assessed the scene.

Another person sustained two bullet wounds and was rushed to a hospital where he later died.  

“The police have acted swiftly in containing the situation and arrested more than 40 people in connection with incidents of public violence” Brigadier Ngubane said.

“The police would like to appeal to the public to avoid  driving on the Marikana road, passing Bleskop stadium going through Nkaneng settlement as it is heavily barricaded with stones” he yelled.

The situation is still unstable.

In another incidents at Bathopelo mine in Rustenburg a group of +/- 600 people were picketing and threatening to throw petrol bombs at the car parking area of the mine shaft.

When the mine management became aware of these threats they alerted the police and released people for their safety.   

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Banyana continue their preparations against Zimbabwe

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By Obakeng Maje

Banyana Banyana head coach Joseph Mkhonza is expected to try out various tactical strategies when the South African senior national women’s football team take on Zimbabwe in an international friendly fixture at the Dobsonville stadium, Soweto on Saturday, 13 October 2012 (19h00 kick-off).

 

This will be the Sasol-sponsored Banyana Banyana’s first official match since competing at the London Olympics in July, and it is the tag of being Olympians that has made the women’s football world sit up and take notice of the South Africans.

 

Apart from Saturday’s fixture, the two nations will meet in a second encounter at the Sinaba stadium, Daveyton on Tuesday, 16 October 2012 (15h00 kick-off) before Banyana Banyana leave the following day to train at their 8-day national training camp in Yaoundé, Cameroon.

 

The preparations form a part of the South African team’s focus on doing SA proud at the eight-nation CAF African Women Championship 2012 in Equatorial Guinea from October 28 to November 11.

 

“Encounters between Banyana Banyana and Zimbabwe are always tight matches, and after Zimbabwe beat our ladies in the Cosafa Cup final and the Unity Day Match both played in Harare last year, I am sure that our players will be keen to put in a good performance ahead of the CAF African Women Championship 2012,” said Banyana Banyana head coach Mkhonza.

 

“Now that our ladies are Olympians, all of the women’s football teams are watching our results and progress and it’s up to our players to prove that they belong among the top football nations.”

 

Mkhonza thanked Safa and Sasol for the support given in allowing the Banyana Banyana players to stay in camp in Johannesburg since the start of October.

 

“Our goal is to bring pride to SA women’s football and improve on our world ranking of 56th and African ranking of 4th,” said Mkhonza.

 

“The next FIFA women’s World Cup is in 2015 and with Fifa having allocated a third spot to Africa, we have a long term goal of achieving success at the CAF African Women Championship 2014 in Namibia in order to qualify for the next World Cup to be held in Canada.”

 

 

 

Banyana Banyana teamGoalkeepers:

 

  Thokozile Mndaweni

 

  (University of Johannesburg, Gauteng)

 

  Andile Dlamini

 

  (Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies, Gauteng)

 

  Katlego Moletsane

 

  (High Performance Centre, Tshwane)

 

  Defenders:

 

  Nothando Vilakazi

 

  (Palace Super Falcons, Gauteng)

 

  Amanda Sister

 

  (Liverpool Ladies, Eastern Cape)

 

  Janine van Wyk 

 

(v.c) (Palace Super Falcons, Gauteng)

 

  Zamandosi Cele

 

  (Durban Ladies, KwaZulu Natal)

 

  Refiloe Jane

 

  (Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies, Gauteng)

 

  Lebogang Mabatle

 

  (Hallelujah Zebra Force, Gauteng)

 

  Midfielders:

 

  Leandra Smeda

 

  (Cape Town Roses, Western Cape)

 

  Nocawe Skiti

 

  (Cape Town Roses, Western Cape)

 

  Amanda Dlamini 

 

(c) (University of Johannesburg, Gauteng)

 

  Gabisile Hlumbane

 

  (Kovsies Ladies, Free State)

 

  Yola Jafta

 

  (University of Johannesburg, Gauteng)

 

  Nompumelelo Nyandeni

 

  (FC Rossiyanka, Russia)

 

  Strikers:

 

  Noko Matlou

 

  (University of Johannesburg, Gauteng)

 

  Portia Modise

 

  (Palace Super Falcons, Gauteng)

 

  Andiswe Mgcoyi

 

  (Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies, Gauteng)

 

  Silindile Ngubane

 

  (Durban Ladies, KwaZulu Natal)

 

  Sanah Mollo

 

  (Bloemfontein Celtics Ladies, Free State)

 

  Jermaine Seoposenwe

 

  (Spurs WFC, Western Cape)

 

   

 

Bafana ready for Poland

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BY Obakeng Maje

Bafana Bafana has a full complement of players following the arrival of England-based Kagisho Dikgacoi at the team camp in Warsaw, Poland.

 

South Africa will play against the host nation in an international friendly match on Friday, 12 October 2012 at the National Stadium.

 

Kickoff is at 20h45.

 

Dikgacoi joined his teammates at the morning training session but will only train with them in the afternoon.

 

The rest of the team arrived in eastern European country on Tuesday (09 October).

 

Israel-based striker Dino Ndlovu believes they are up for the challenge. He returns to the squad after he dislocated his shoulder in the one nil loss to Brazil last month.

 

“It feels good to be back. My injury has healed and I have played some matches for my club and I feel great. I am looking forward to the clash against Poland which I believe will not be an easy match up,” said Ndlovu.

 

“I would have loved to do well against Brazil but my injury prevented me. I believe if we use the same mentality that we had against Brazil we should be fine. The spirit is high which should perhaps work in our favour.”

 

 

Malema question Public Protector’s findings

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Photo by:(Obakeng Maje)

Johannesburg – Expelled ANC Youth League president Julius Malema accused Public Protector Thuli Madonsela of finding him “guilty in absentia” on Wednesday at Slovopark informal settlement.

“You can’t find a man guilty in absentia,” Malema said at Slovo Park informal settlement, west of Johannesburg.

“You cannot say to a man in absentia: ‘You are guilty and therefore we are going to take everything you have and let you walk naked’.”

He was speaking after Madonsela’s announcement that tenders awarded to On-Point Engineering by the Limpopo transport department were unlawful.

She found that On-Point and Malema improperly benefited from the contract.

Malema’s business partner Lesiba Gwangwa is the chief executive of On-Point.

Malema said: “Those who respect the law, they must treat all of us equally”.

Earlier, the Democratic Alliance welcomed Madonsela’s report.

“The South African public is sick and tired of politically connected individuals abusing public procurement to line their own pockets,” Democratic Alliance MP Dianne Kohler-Barnard said in a statement.

“The charges laid against Malema and his Limpopo cronies last month are a step in the right direction. The courts must consider the findings of the Public Protector’s report.”

She said it was clear that there had been serious abuses of public money, and that those responsible should be held accountable.

Madonsela announced her findings in Pretoria on Wednesday.

She presented her findings in a report on corrupt practices in Limpopo entitled: “On the Point of Tenders”.

She found the department did not follow proper guidelines in awarding the tender.

She received three complaints in July 2011, including one by the DA, and decided to investigate the allegations that the department of roads and transport corruptly awarded the On-Point tender.

Also under scrutiny were claims that Malema used his political position to influence the awarding of tenders by the department and the Limpopo government in general.-SAPA

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She also investigated whether Malema’s Ratanang Family Trust and/or Malema improperly benefited from the tender awarded to On-Point.

 

The total amount paid by the department to On-Point in terms of the contract at the end of June 2012 was R43 868 900.

 

The bid presented by On-Point in respect of the project management unit (PMU) tender deliberately and fraudulently misrepresented the profile, composition, experience and therefore the functionality of the company.

 

It was claimed that On-Point was an established and experienced operation with management teams and professional staff that complied with the requirements of the request for proposal.

 

However, at the time of the bid, the company had existed for only a month, and had no employees, or several of the purported key management and staff.

 

“The shareholders of On-Point, including the Ratanang Family Trust, benefited improperly from the tender that was awarded to On-Point,” Madonsela said.

 

She said the State Attorney should institute legal proceedings against On-Point and shareholders who benefited from the PMU tender, to recover money to which the department was entitled. – Sapa

Water scarcity requires efficienct usage

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By Obakeng Maje

Water efficiency improvements, treated effluent reuse options, water trading and consumer demand management reconciliation options are the most realistic solutions to alleviate the challenge of water scarcity in 

Ngaka Modiri Molema District Municipality as the District has limited scope of development of new water sources, North West Premier Thandi Modise said on Wednesday.

Premier Modise commended the Department of Water Affairs for implementing water management plans in the District to improve the level of water use efficiency in local municipalities aimed at reducing high non revenue water from leaks in the water reticulation, illegal connection and unbilled water.

The department projects that water requirements are likely to increase by approximately 11% over a 22 year period from 186.48 million m3/a, to 206.68 million m3/a, at the current level of water use efficiency and operation. This is based on the assumption that the current irrigation water requirement, which is the largest water user, will remain the same for the planning period.

The current water requirements for the District exceeds the available water supplies at the required assurance level of supply for the different sectors by approximately 34.58 million m3/a. The current deficit is expected to increase to 48.85 million m3/a, if the situation is not addressed as a matter of urgency.

As an intervention to mitigate against forecasted water shortage, the District Municipality has identified augmentation of existing water supplies at a local level through traditional methods, augmentation of existing water supplies by undertaking alternative methods such as treated effluent reuse options and water recycling as well as rainwater harvesting, Reallocation of water between users and across sectors to where the value of water is high (i.e. water trading and Implementation of Water Conservation and Water Demand Management in order to provide the savings to the growing demands as broad water reconciliation options available to meeting the current and future demands, particularly in the non-agricultural sector.

According to a report presented by Executive Mayor for municipality, Councillor Phaladi Saku, at the recent Extended Lekgotla, R146,8 million was spend within the municipality to bring access to clean running water to over  92 600 household in the past three financial years.    Over R167,1 million has been allocated for projects that are being implemented in Verdwaal 2 in Ditsobotla Local Municipality, Top Village in Mahikeng , Braklaaagte in Ramotshere Moiloa Local Municipality and Ottosdal in Tswaing Local Municipality in the current financial year including

construction of a 4.75 mega litre reservoir 

in Delarayville in the same municipality.

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Our government in crisis under Zuma’s dictatorship: Malema

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File photo:(Malema with community Leader of Slovopark,Victor Seitisho)

By Obakeng Maje

Johannesburg- ANCYL expelled Leader Julius  Malema visted the Slovopark informal settlement today and pulled no punches after seeing the conditions people are living in.

Malema visited the area after being invited by the squatter camp committe. 

“We invited Malema because we wanted him to come and see the conditions we living in. We have been trying and work tirelessly to meet with relevant offices for help,but our plea fell in deaf ears” Victor Seitisho said.

“We feel very left out and isolated by our government because we have been asking for houses and better living conditions,but no one is willing to listen” he yelled.

Malema also used the opportunity to attack Jacob Zuma’s leadership as he said Zuma is reversing all what former ANC leaders fought for.

“Our government has turned against its own people. If we will not get positive results in Mangaung,our government will be doomed under Zuma’s dictatorship” Malema said.

“The R200 million that has been used to build Zuma’s mansion in Nkantla,Kwazulu-Natal would have been enough to build you houses” he continued.

Slovopark has been in existence since 1993 and people are living in horrible conditions as toilets and sanitation is the order of the day.

Former president Thabo Mbeki once announced that poverty alleviation is a main priority for government,and a plan of making sure shacks are non-existing issue in 2014.

“Never ever lose hope and fight for economic freedom. They have arrested and accuses me of corruption. I have never worked for government,so do not understand when they say i’ve been involved in any illegal activity” Malema outlines.

“We need to see lawyers,doctors,accountants and powerful politicians coming out of this community. So be determined and keep your heads up. Fight for your land and make sure you united”Malema said.

According to their leader Seitisho, the committe tried to involved relevant people like office of Dan Bovu,but their attempt were futile.

“What we need,are houses and we will fight until the end. In August we engaged lots of offices, but without any help” Victor said.

Unemployment,Substance abuse,Crime and Poverty are some of burning issues faced by community of Slovopark daily. 

ANCYL expelled leader was accompied by his spokesperson, Floyd Shivambu and suspended secretary-general Sindiso Magaxa.

Malema if facing charge of money-laundering and is on bail of R10 000.

According to reports,he influenced tender to be given to ON Point Engineer Company in Limpopo province.

 Malema was unfazed about charges and again maintain his innocence.

“I heard that Public Protector,Thuli Madonsela has found me guilty of any illegal activities. She never spoke with me first and still maintain my innoncence” he said.

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FOUR AWAITING TRIAL DETAINEES ESCAPE FROM POLICE CELLS

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BY Obakeng Maje

Phokeng – On Monday a routine cell inspection was conducted by members at Phokeng Police holding cells, where they discovered that four awaiting trial prisoners had escaped. 

The four suspects were in custody for crimes ranging from murder, armed robbery, to possession of an illegal firearm. 

Police are currently investigating the circumstances relating to the escape. 

Details of the escapees are as follows: 

Kamogelo Setlhalogile;  30-years old;  (detained as a suspect in Phokeng, linked with ten other cases, ranging from attempted vehicle hi-jacking, theft of motor vehicle, possession of an unlicenced firearm, as well as various cases of business robberies, including armed robbery in Rustenburg during August 2011/  These cases were reported around Rustenburg, Phokeng, Boitekong, as well as Tlhabane.   

 

Johannes Twala;  27-years old;  detained as suspect in Phokeng on charges of possession of an unlicenced firearm and ammunition, as well as various cases, including an armed robbery in Bethanie, possession of stolen property and an attempted murder on a police official during September 2011.  

 

Thapelo Semenya;  20-years old;  detained as a suspect in an armed robbery, possession of an unlicenced firearm and attempted murder curing June 2012 in Phokeng.        

 

Teboho Julius Makara;  24-years old;  detained as a suspect in a murder case committed during august 2012 in Marikana.  

 

Members of the public are requested and advised not to confront the suspects as they are considered very dangerous. Anyone with information on the whereabouts of these fugitives are requested to phone the Phokeng police station on:  (014) 565 1700 or the investigating officer, W/O Mathope on his mobile cell phone:  

 

082 773 0908

 

Premier Modise assures African Nations Cup LOC of support

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By Obakeng Maje

The North West Provincial Government will do everything in its power to support the hosting of the matches to be played at the Royal Bafokeng Stadium during the South Africa 2013 Confederation of African Football (CAF) African Nations Cup, North West Premier Mme Thandi Modise assured the Orange African Nations Cup LOC Delegation on Tuesday.

 

“We will not shy from our responsibility to ensure that Rustenburg Local Municipality is given all the support it needs for a successful hosting of the tournament as we have done during the 2009 Confederation Cup of Nations and the 2010 Football Cup of Nations. While we have the infrastructure and the experience to host the matches, we will spare no effort to make South Africa proud hosts of the tournament in a safe and secure environment in our province, the hospitality of our people is our greatest advantage.” said Premier Modise at the meeting that was held in her office.

 

The LOC delegation comprised of LOC Chief Executive Officer Mvuzo Mbebe, Chief Operating Officer Andrew Dipela and SAFA NEC Member and Provincial Chairperson Buti Lerefolo met with Premier Modise and MEC for Sport, Arts & Culture

 

  Tebogo Modise for a 

 

 briefing on urgent interventions required to ensure that Royal Bafokeng Stadium is ready to host the prestigious African football tournament.

 

Premier Modise has expressed appreciation for the R5 million that the Royal Bafokeng Administration under the leadership of Kgosi Leruo Molotlegi has committed towards construction of two additional dressing rooms and a referee’s dressing room and said that for its part, province will also commit resources and ensure that a technical team inclusive of all role players receives all the support it needs.

 

Among issues identified to be given highest priority are access to tickets, transportation of fans and the need to resuscitate plans for partnerships that will support efforts for maximum attendance of matches

 

The announcement as to which teams will play at the stadium during the tournament will be made by CAF at the draw be held in two weeks time on Wednesday 24 October in Durban.

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Fired miners terminate their NUM memberships

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Johannesburg – Sacked Anglo Platinum [JSE:AMS] (Amplats) mineworkers walked to the regional office of the National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) in Rustenburg on Wednesday to cancel their membership. 

 

“We do not want NUM to represent us. They are the stumbling block to re-open the wage negotiation. They must back off,” worker leader Gaddafhi Mdoda said. 

 

“We are at their offices. There is no one here. They have run away. There are thousands of us from four mines and the comrades from Samancor.” 

 

He said another march to the NUM office would be arranged. 

 

“We have dispersed and we our going to meet at our different shafts to discuss about when are we marching again.” 

 

Police spokesperson Captain Dennis Adriao said the group gathered in the city’s CBD without a permit. 

 

“We explained to them that they need a permit to march. They understood and dispersed peacefully,” he said. 

 

Mdoda said they would not appeal their dismissals.

 

“We are not going to appeal because we see no reason to appeal.” 

 

The workers elected a committee to speak for them. They burnt NUM t-shirts at one of the protests at Samancor in Mooinooi. 

 

At their meetings they had a box full of membership forms for the Association of Mineworkers and Construction Union (Amcu), despite claims they had no ties with any union. 

 

Amplats fired 12 000 workers last week. The company said that since the illegal strike started less than 20% of workers had reported for duty. 

 

“Currently four of the company’s mining operations in the Rustenburg area have insufficient staff to operate and only essential services are being carried out at those mines. Our Rustenburg concentrators, smelters and refineries and Bathopele mine continue to operate normally,” the company said in a statement. 

 

The strike had spread to Amplats operations in Limpopo. 

 

“Anglo American Platinum also confirms that the company has begun to experience strike contagion at its Union and Amandelbult (Tumela and Dishaba) operations, where workers have presented memorandums of demands similar to those received in Rustenburg,” Amplats said.

 

 

Mkhonza called two new players

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By Obakeng Maje

Banyana Banyana head coach Joseph Mkhonza has called up 21 players to represent South Africa at the 8th CAF African Women Championship 2012 in Equatorial Guinea.

The tournament kicks off on October 28 with the title decider scheduled for November 11.

Banyana have been drawn in Group A and will face hosts Equatorial Guinea in Malabo on October 28, Senegal also in Malabo on October 31, and will travel to the island city of Bata for their encounter with DR Congo on November 3.

A good run of form will see the South Africans play in the semi-finals in either Malabo or Bata on November 7, with the 3 rd/4 th place playoff and the title decider both scheduled for Malabo on November 11.

By November 11, Banyana could well have two new centurions in their midst, with inspirational midfielder Nompumelelo Nyandeni going to Equatorial Guinea on 96 caps and striker Portia Modise on 95 caps (having scored 72 goals for her country).

Experienced University of Johannesburg Ladies (Sasol League Gauteng) midfielder Yola Jafta returns to the Banyana Banyana team after missing the London Olympics due to injury.

Banyana finished third at the CAF African Women Championship held in Ekurhuleni, near Johannesburg two years ago and now they are looking to go one better.

 

Banyana Banyana squad:

 

Goalkeepers: Thokozile Mndaweni, Andile Dlamini, Katlego Moletsane.

 

Defenders: Nothando Vilakazi, Amanda Sister, Janine van Wyk, Zamandosi Cele, Refiloe Jane, Lebogang Mabatle.

 

Midfielders: Leandra Smeda, Nocawe Skiti, Amanda Dlamini (captain), Gabisile Hlumbane, Yola Jafta, Nompumelelo Nyandeni.

 

Strikers: Noko Matlou, Portia Modise, Andiswe Mgcoyi, Silindile Ngubane, Sanah Mollo, Jermaine Seoposenwe.