JOHANNESBURG – Bafana Bafana coach Gordon Igesund said he was not panicking after his side failed to score in their last two Afcon warm-up matches.

Bafana played to a goalless draw with Algeria in Soweto on Saturday night.

“I’m very happy with our performance especially after playing a team that is ranked 2nd in Africa.”

Igesund said he was pleased that Bafana could hold their own against a side that is ranked 68 places above his team.

“We moved the ball around nicely, we had more possession and they only had one shot at our goal during the 90 minutes.”

Bafana kick-off the Afcon 2013 tournament against Cape Verde at the National Stadium on Saturday

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Durban – The ANC needs to be unified to bring about socio-economic freedom and eliminate the racist legacies of apartheid, President Jacob Zuma said on Saturday.

“As we enter the second phase of the transition – we commit ourselves to a program of action to speed up the elimination of these legacies and bring about socio-economic freedom,” he told thousands of African National Congress members at the Kings Park stadium in Durban.

He said much of South Africa’s problems resulted from the 1913 Land Act, which allowed 87 percent of the land to be distributed to whites.

The act regulated the acquisition of land by black people and was the first major piece of segregation legislation passed by the Union Parliament. The act decreed that only certain areas of the country could be owned by black people. In the 1990s it was replaced by the current policy of land restitution.

Cadres heard that government was unlikely to meet its land reform target of transferring 30 percent of farming land back to blacks.

Zuma said the “willing buyer; willing seller” principle would be replaced by the “just and equitable” principle of land expropriation.

It was at the party’s 52nd elective conference in Polokwane in 2007 where the target of 30 percent was set.

Zuma said the country continued to face “skewed patterns of ownership”.

“Decisive action is required to change economic patterns and realise our vision,” he said.

The patterns in the economy were characterised by the marginalisation of “our people”, he said, adding that “monopoly capital” remained an obstacle.

The ANC had opted for a mixed economy.

“It must be a State that has the capacity to intervene in the economy to lead development,” said Zuma.

This goal was contained in the National Development Plan (NDP), which has been punted as a strategic document to build South Africa.

Zuma said the NDP set out various methods to tackle unemployment, poverty and inequality, and urged citizens to unite behind the plan.

For more details go to http://www.iol.co.za

By Obakeng Maje

Klerksdorp-A total of R755,700, 00 dagga was recovered by the Hawks( Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation in the North West.

They arrested  a Lesotho National, Charles Moneuoa,30 for being in a possession of dagga in Orkney on Wednesday North West police said. “He was arrested at his house in Orkney” Captain Pelonomi Makau said.

“The suspect is believed to be the mastermind in selling of dagga in the area” she said. 

The arrested came about after the police received a tip-off from member of the community.

“It is alleged that the premise is used as dagga storage area. On arrival at his house two suspects who were at the suspects house, fired shots at police then fled the area” she adds. 

No one was injured in the shootout. Six grain and three plastic bags containing dagga to value of R470,000.00 were recovered.

The suspect appeared before the Orkney Magistrate’s court on and was granted a bail of R500,00.

“He will appear again on 17 January for further investigation” Makau said.

On the same day The Hawks arrested Emily Mninkisane,30 for being in a possession of dagga to the value of  R285, 700.00 after a tipoff provincial spokesperson said. 

After the police searched the house, six grain bags of dagga were discovered. 

“The suspect appeared before the Stilfontein Magistrate Court on 11th of January and is still in custody for further investigations” Makau said. He will appear again before the Stilfontein Magistrate’s court soon. 

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By Obakeng Maje

The South African Football Association (SAFA) on Friday, 11 January 2013 met with its commercial affiliates at SAFA House to update them on various issues including the FIFA match fixing investigation and new opportunities in the broadcast and global sponsorship environment.

The sponsors were also briefed on the state of readiness of the AFCON 2013 Tournament that included an update on ticketing and activation opportunities around the Men’s Senior National Team, Bafana Bafana.

The meeting further engaged in discussions on enhancing support for Bafana Bafana’s effort to qualify for the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil.

On the match fixing report, SAFA informed sponsors’ representatives from Absa, Puma, SAB, Tsogo Sun and Tiger Brands that the matter will not be swept under the carpet but that it was important for the nation to focus its attention on supporting Bafana Bafana and making sure that AFCON 2013 becomes a resounding success.

“The meeting was very inspiring. We can only learn from exchanging notes and I think this forum gave us an opportunity to streamline our plans and consolidate them into a common vision. I am glad that our partners have appreciated the transparency that the Association has demonstrated in dealing with this matter and it has created an enabling environment for further interaction,” said SAFA President Kirsten Nematandani.

This progressive interface with the sponsors comes against the backdrop of Bafana’s Bafana international friendly match against Algeria at Orlando Stadium on Saturday night, 12 January 2013 which is part of Coach Gordon Igesund’s final preparations for the forthcoming AFCON 2013 showpiece that kicks off next Saturday with a match between South Africa and Cape Verde.

By Obakeng Maje

Johannesburg-South Africa will be facing Algeria for the third time on Saturday, 12 January 2013 in coach Gordon Igesund’s last competitive match before the AFCON kicks off next Saturday at the National Stadium just outside Soweto.

The clash takes place at Orlando Stadium in Soweto and kicks off at 20h15.

Algeria comes to South Africa with a high reputation. They are ranked 19th on the FIFA World Rankings compared to Bafana Bafana’s lowly 87 position.

The two sides have met twice before in Africa Cup of Nations clashes, South Africa winning the first one 2-1 in the quarter-finals at Soccer City in 1996 – the year Bafana Bafana hosted the competition and lifted the trophy. In the year 2000 they played to a 1-1 draw in Ghana.

Bafana Bafana completed their preparations on Friday, 11 January at the match venue, and have a clean bill of health with all the players available for selection.

“This match is a good exercise for us because the Algerians are very good, and ranked high above us so they will give a good test ahead of the tournament. A win will help us get the momentum of winning going, and the sooner we do that the better for the crowd to be behind us,” said Bafana Bafana coach Gordon Igesund.

His words were echoed by captain Bongani Khumalo as well as most of the players:

“We don’t need any motivation for this match or for the tournament that begins in a week’s time. The players are all willing to sacrifice everything they have and do well for the country, so we are confident that we will get a positive result,” said Khumalo.

“The match against Algeria is very important to us as it is part of preparations for the AFCON, so we have to go for victory. There were some positives that we took from the clash against Norway and this will help us when we face Cape Verde because we want to go all the way in the tournament,” said midfielder Dean Furman who was rested in the 1-0 loss to Norway.

“We played well against Norway but did not convert our chances so that’s one of the areas we need to fix, but we are ready for AFCON,” said midfielder Reneilwe Letsholonyane.

SA v Algeria – head to head

27 January 1996Africa Nations Cup quarter-final

Soccer City, Johannesburg

SA won 2-1(Bafana: Mark Fish 72′, John “Shoes” Moshoeu 85′; Algeria: Lazizi 84′)

2 February 2000African Nations Cup finals Group B

Sports Stadium, Kumasi

1-1

(Bafana: Bartlett 2′; Algeria: Moussouni 52′)

AlgeriaGoalkeepers:Rais M’bohli, Azzedine Doukha, Cedric Si Mohamed

Defenders:

Rafik Halliche, Djamel Mesbah, Carl Medjani, Essaid Belkalem, Liassine Cadamuro, Faouzi Ghoulam, Ali Rial

Midfielders:Khaled Lemmouchia, Yacine Bezzaz, Hameur Bouazza, Medhi Lacen, Adlene Guedioura, Foued Kadir, Ryad Boudebouz, Mehdi Mostefa, Sofiane Feghouli, Saad Tedjar

Forwards:El Arbi Hillel Soudani, Islam Slimani, Mohamed Amine Aoudia

South Africa

Goalkeepers:Itumeleng Khune, Wayne Sandilands, Senzo Meyiwa

Defenders:Siboniso Gaxa, Tsepo Masilela, Bongani Khumalo (C), Siyabonga Sangweni, Anele Ngcongca, Thabo Nthethe, Thabo Matlaba

Midfielders:Siphiwe Tshabalala, Kagisho Dikgacoi, Reneilwe Letsholonyane, Lerato Chabangu, Oupa Manyisa, Thulani Serero, May Mahlangu, Dean Furman, Thuso Phala

Forwards:Katlego Mphela, Bernard Parker, Tokelo Rantie, Lehlohonolo Majoro

LIMPOPO – A two-month-old rhino was hacked at least 18 times on the face earlier this week after poachers targetted the baby’s mother for her horn.

Eyewitness News cannot reveal the park where the incident occurred due to the sensitivity of the investigation.

The baby rhino apparently approached the poachers after they had dehorned its mother, when the attack occurred.

The poachers are believed to have used axes and machetes to keep the calf at bay.

Endangered Wildlife Trust’s Karen Trendler says the baby rhino is recovering.

“She is doing amazingly well. It is actually a miracle. She is very small and she was injured very badly and she still has the panga wounds on her face.”

The female calf is being cared for at a special orphanage for baby rhinos near Mokopane, 250 kilometres north of Pretoria.

By Obakeng Maje

Pampierstad-The residents of Losasaneng village,near Taung gathered outside court at Pampierstad to show support of one of their own who appeared before magistrate today for public violence.

This came after six residents were arrested during protest and were granted bail of R400 each yesterday.

Bogosi Leburwane,29 remained in custody for further investigations and he appeared today where he was granted a bail of R300.

Elias Thole,20

Lebogang Gemba,26

Kagiso Sesing,21

Lebogang Ntimeng,19

Salomon Mongale,20 

“All of them were released on bail and will appear before magistrate again on the 22nd of January. They all facing public violence along with Bogosi Leburwane” Captain Makau said.

The residents unleash a protest move after they accuse Department of Public Works of ignoring their plea. 

They demand a tar road that link Losasaneng and Kgomotso village,near Pampierstad as they say the road is in bad condition.

April Sephula outlined early that they will never back off until their plea being heard.

“We’ve engaged the office of Public Protector mme Thuli Madonselela for assistance and we very delighted about the developments” He said.

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By Obakeng Maje

Christiana-The Young Communist League party today handed a memorandum to North West Department of Education Mec mme Louisa Mabe. The party outlined their concerns regarding overcrowded schools in the area and lack of transport for learners who attend school at nearby farm.

The memorandum will be handed over to mme Mabe and the league spokesperson Gaolatlhwe Kgabo(23) said they brought the grievances to department attention since last year.

“We sent our concerns to the department since last year,but nothing was done” Kgabo said.

The department dignataries will address the learners and give them a green light regarding way forward.

Most schools are overcrowded in the area and most of learners are forced to walk miles to attend school at nearby farm.

The department of education once provided learners with transport,but that never last.

“We also demand a FET college in the area as we only have Vuselela FET college which is based in Taung,so most learners cannot access it” He said.

The Department of Education could not reply before going to print as they were still busy addressing the learners.

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Gauteng – The Gauteng education department plans to act against a school in Bramfischerville, Soweto, after a Grade seven pupil who achieved 29 percent was promoted to Grade eight, Beeld reported on Friday.

Education department spokesman Charles Pahlane said the school’s decision was in conflict with education policy, and that the department’s legal division was considering possible measures against the school.

The department’s area manager would also pay a visit to the school to determine how and why they promoted the boy, Pahlane said.

Education experts told Beeld that the practise was especially common in township and rural schools, where classrooms were overcrowded.

According to national guidelines, Grade 7-9 pupils have to take nine subjects, and in order to pass, should achieve 50-59 percent in their home language, and 40-49 percent in their second language, Maths and in three other subjects. – Sapa

Orlando Pirates midfielder Mark Mayambela has not concluded a deal with Chippa United, despite reports suggesting otherwise.

It was revealed in Wednesday’s edition of Soccer-Laduma, issue 803, that a loan deal which would see Mayambela join the Chilli Boys from the defending PSL champions is imminent.

It was reported that the left-footed player has agreed terms with the Cape-based side, although the two respective clubs still need to agree on the deal.

As it stands this morning, Friday January 11, the deal has not yet been concluded. Soccer-Laduuma sources close to the deal have explained that there have been no changes since Wednesday.

The source said that Pirates and Chippa have yet to finalise the contract that will see the 25-year-old join the Farouk Abrahams-coached side on a six-month loan deal.

However, the source went on to say the deal remains imminent and that it could be concluded later today.

For more details go to http://www.soccerladuma.com