By Obakeng Maje

Rustenburg-The North West Directorate for Priority Crimes Investigation, the Hawks have investigated and presented to court a successful case which resulted in a conviction. 

Nico Van Wyk 35, was yesterday sentenced to 10 years imprisonment by Rustenburg Magistrate Court for a fraud case. 

“Two years suspended for five years.

Van Wyk was arrested last year by North West Hawks after a year long investigations” Brigadier Thulani Ngubane. 

“The accused was employed by De Beers Transport Service as an Auditor in Rustenburg. 

He stole cheques and wrote them out in his name” he said.

He forged signatures and deposited the stolen money into his own bank account. 

Van Wyk was accused of defrauding the company up to R4.8 million. About 286 cases of fraud were registered against Van Wyk at Rustenburg Police Station.

The Provincial Commissioner of Police in the North West , Lieutenant General Zukiswa Mbombo has welcomed the sentence and congratulated the team that carried the investigation through. 

She said the sentence by the court  is a clear message that says fraud and corruption has no space in our society. 

Fraudsters will be investigated and sent for a long time in jail. 

The Provincial Commissioner further said we have done this with our own members and we will continue to enforce the law without fear or favour no matter where this ugly monster called fraud and corruption shows its ugly head.

Follow us on Twitter@Taung_DailyNews

By Obakeng Maje

Lichtenburg-A male cyclist died after allegedly being hit by a Mazda Bakkie driver who lost control of his vehicle at Putfontein Road in Lichtenburg North West police. 

“The accident occurred today at about 07:15am. It is alleged that the 60-year-old cyclist was doing his morning excise when the incident happened” captain Amanda Funani.

“The 21-year-old driver was taken to hospital by police for blood alcohol testing. It is alleged that the 21-year-old driver was from a tavern when he hit the victim who died on the scene” captain Funani said. 

Lichtenburg Police are investigating a case of culpable homicide and the suspect was arrested.  He is expected to appear before Lichtenburg Magistrate Court on Monday.

Investigation continues.

Follow us on Twitter@Taung_DailyNews

By Obakeng Maje

Rustenburg-Police are looking for six suspects who allegedly gang raped a 33-year-old, white male victim near Moinoi on Thursday afternoon at about 17:30.

“It is alleged that the victim was hitch hiking from Rustenburg to Kroondal when the incident occurred” Brigadier Thulani Ngubane.

“It is alleged that a white Toyota Hillux bakkie stopped and six male passengers offered him a lift” he said.  

Allegations further state that the driver of the vehicle passed Kroondal and did not stop for the victim. 

“The suspects allegedly drove to the bushes and injected the victim with unknown drug before raping him” Ngubane said.

The victim was rushed to Rustenburg hospital for medical attention police said.

A case of rape was registered yesterday at Rustenburg Police Station. 

Police are requesting that anyone who may have witnessed the incident and could help the police with information that could led to the arrested of suspects to phone Moinoi SAPS on 

 

014 574 3222. 

 

The Provincial Commissioner of the Police in the North West Lieutenant General Zukiswa Mbombo, has condemned the act, and said rape is a societal problem that  sees no gender, age or race. 

She said we need to clear our communities of perpetrators of such horrible atrocities.

Follow us on Twitter@Taung_DailyNews

By Obakeng Maje

Following a series of corruption allegations in the SAFA 2nd Division in 2010, SAFA approached the Hawks to assist it in rooting out the scourge. On the surface, it appeared that an organised effort was underway to fix the outcomes of matches in SAFA’s highest amateur league.

 

In the two years following this complaint, the Association provided the Hawks with several leads to possible corrupt activity in football. These leads led to the sting operation that resulted in the conviction of Mr Phil Setshedi.

 

“Whilst SAFA was able to substitute match officials with ones from other provinces from time to time to prevent matches from being fixed, we had to do something to ensure that the practice is stopped”, said Mr Mlungisi Ncame, SAFA’s Head of Security.

 

SAFA then initiated the sting operation on Phil Setshedi in Cape Town in 2011 and worked closely with law enforcement authorities throughout to secure a conviction.

 

In 2012, the National Executive Committee (NEC) set up a whistle-blower policy and established the Whistle-Blower Hotline which can be used by members of the public to report any suspicious activities in football.

 

The SAFA NEC will approve a revised comprehensive anti-corruption policy for approval at the end of March, which policy will further close any match fixing loopholes.

 

Match officials implicated in the Phil Setshedi matter have now been suspended.

 

The Association will also summon the club implicated in this matter to a disciplinary hearing. Should the club or anyone be found liable in this matter, the Association will pursue the strongest possible sentence under its rules to demonstrate its zero tolerance to any corrupt behaviour in football.

 

“This is a serious statement, match fixing has no place in our society and anyone who might be toying with the idea, be warned,” said SAFA President, Kirsten Nematandani.

 

“Match fixing and corruption in football is becoming a global cancer and we as SAFA would like to send out a strong statement that anyone caught engaging in this unlawful activity would face the full wrath of the law,” he added.

 

 

Pretoria – A Chinese businessman has been arrested in Pretoria for allegedly attempting to bribe the Reserve Bank, the Hawks said on Saturday.

 

The 41-year-old was arrested on Friday afternoon, said Hawks spokesman Captain Paul Ramaloko.

 

It is alleged that he tried to bribe the Reserve Bank with R100 000 for them to release his R2 5 milllion, which had been seized by authorities last year because of an investigation against him.

 

The man is due to appear in the Pretoria Commercial Crime Court on Monday. – Sapa

By Obakeng Maje

Radio Presenters are the voice of a station or programme, whether they work in speech-based or music Radio. 

They are responsible for creating the tone and style of Radio output and establishing a relationship with listeners. 

Our crew are talking to one of prime presenters in entertainment industry.

Mafikeng Fm’s Lesego “Masterpiece” Molamu need no introduction,so sit back and relax while Lesco Events owner pulls no strings!!!

Born and bred in the dusty streets of Itsoseng township, like any other kids Lesego had a dream that one day he will make it big.

Molamu always wanted to become a radio presenter.

“It was my longing dream to become a radio presenter one day. I was inspired by many of top radio presenters across the country and slowly trickle with self-confidence I started to take it into reality” Molamu said.

It was not very easy for Lesego to embark on his dream as he had to convince his mom to follow his dream.

Even though it was not easy for his mom to accept it,she gave him that “benefit of doubt” and agrees to Lesego’s plea.

“It was not that easy to convince my mom to be a Radio Presenter as she wanted me to have a proper career. She wanted me to be a nurse and I wanted to be where I am now” he smiles.

“It is not that easy to be a radio presenter as creativity is the order of the day. As a presenter you must always be on point as your listeners might be bored by your one way strategy, so you need to be careful and keep them captivated” Molamu said.

Presenters may also be required to carry out a range of other production tasks, as well as deliver content for related websites or other mobile platforms.

Radio Presenters’ specific responsibilities differ considerably depending on the programme or station.

Molamu present a show called “Y Cruz Air Ways with Jam” at Mafikeng Community Radio Station based in Mahikeng.

Itsoseng-born Dj is armed with Media Studies & Journalism from Boston Media House.

“I studied Media at Boston College and I am very grateful as now I know the ins and outs of radio. I also like to advice the youths of SA to up their game and furnish themselves with education” Masterpiece said.

The majority of Radio Presenters are part of a small team, although some work with much larger programme units. 

They are mainly based in offices and recording studios, but may also work on location presenting outside broadcasts.

A 26 year old presenter joined Mafikeng Fm last year as a producer and now a presenter.

Lesego Molamu is also runs a Lesco Events and catering for the youths of Mahikeng and its surroundings.

He helps them to reach their dreams and instill that “never give up” attitude.

“We help a lot of people especially previously disadvantage and make sure we all get coducive life because we all equal” Molamu said.

What Lesego’s take on Unemployment?

Unemployment has been rife in our country especially amongst the youths. Molamu explains what he thinks and advice the youths not to lose hope.

“With regards to unemployment, one should stand up on his/her feet to do anything one would want to do, so do not wait for anyone to make it possible. To every youth out there,stand your ground and be counted” Molamu said emotionally. Alcohol and Substance abuse amongst the youths? It all goes to peer presure at some point said sassy presenter. 

“Sometimes trying to please other people not knowing that you killing your own future in the long run” he said. 

“As a young person from whatever background,do not let fear stand on your way. Dream big, take your chance, trust yourself and get your education. All this will give you the reality you wishing for today” he advised. 

 

What is your job as presenter?

 

Presenters in music Radio work for a range of stations and programmes, catering for all musical tastes. 

Presenters in speech Radio work in all genres, from topical talk shows to documentaries, light entertainment and comedy.  “Working hours can vary enormously and may involve early mornings, late nights and overnights, as well as working weekends or holidays” Molamu said.

“My plans for the next 5 years is to see my self working for SABC”. 

“My road to get in radio, was not easy. I applied like any other person and followed the standard procedure” Lesego said. 

In some roles Presenters are expected to travel to work on location, both within the country and abroad.

“Wherever they work, Presenters are expected to understand the purpose and format of their station or programme; to be aware of the characteristics of their target audience; and to be knowledgeable about the subject matter of the output they present” he asserted.

 

Radio Presenters may present live or recorded shows, scripted and unscripted. 

They can be required to generate original ideas; carry out research; write scripts and links; work from a brief supplied by other members of a production team; conduct interviews with contributors in a studio or over the phone; handle debates or phone-ins; and host live events.

 

They may also be required to carry out a range of other production tasks, as well as deliver content for related websites or other mobile platforms.

 

They must work within production requirements and observe the disciplines of the production process, particularly those regarding timings. 

They are expected to understand and comply with media law, regulation and industry codes. 

They work closely with other members of a production team and may be expected to take direction from a Producer or Editor. 

Radio Presenters are expected to review their own output and to seek and accept feedback on their performance. 

They are also expected to monitor listener feedback, and contribute to responses to comments, or programme complaints

 

Radio Presenters should be able to operate various radio studios, and to record audio both in studios and on location. 

They may be also be required to edit audio material – using suitable computer editing software. 

Some Radio Presenters may be required to write material for websites, blogs or other platforms, and to prepare visual images and video footage, as well as audio material, for online use.

 

Typical Career Routes

 

Traditionally Radio Presenters acquire hands-on experience of presenting by working in community radio, student or hospital radio, or discos, in some cases while taking an undergraduate degree or a post-graduate Diploma or MA in Radio or Media Production. 

Some may benefit from talent development schemes run by some larger broadcasters to identify potential presenters. 

Others work their way up from entry level roles in Radio secured with or without a degree or other qualifications.

 

However, Radio Presenters may also be recruited for their specialist knowledge or celebrity profile – acquired from working on newspapers and magazines, or in the music business for example. Others make the move to Radio from presentation roles in TV.

Once in post, career progression for Radio Presenters often involves moving to a larger station, to a programme with a wider audience, or from a local to a regional or national service. 

Radio Presenters also move into TV, or combine working in both media.  Some may choose to move into Programme Production or into Radio Management roles.

See the Radio Reporter job profile for information about the career route for Presenters in News and Sport.

 

Essential Knowledge & Skills

 

Radio Presenters need the following:

 

excellent presentation and performance skills

ability to generate original ideas, and to think creatively about how to communicate them

an understanding of how to use the voice effectively for radio

ability to build credibility and rapport by communicating knowledgably and engagingly with audiences

determination and tenacity

excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to draw information from people

knowledge of the Radio market, different station and programme styles, and audience demographics

a comprehensive knowledge of subjects relevant to the Radio genre in which they wish to work

ability to work independently but also as part of a team

self-motivation and adaptability

ability to work effectively under pressure, react quickly, and meet tight deadlines

knowledge of the law, ethics and industry regulation as they affect Radio production

knowledge of when it is necessary, and how to acquire, the relevant clearances and licenses, including copyright and music clearances

knowledge of the requirements of the relevant Health and Safety legislation and procedures

a high level of IT skills – particularly good word-processing and data handling skills

ability to learn how to use a variety of recording equipment and to operate different radio studios

ability to present while operating studio controls and co-ordinating a range of simultaneous technical activities

ability to conduct effective internet research, use relevant computer software for audio editing, and, when necessary, to manipulate visual images or edit video, and upload all such material for use on websites.

 

Training and qualifications

 

When recruiting Radio Presenters, employers’ primary concern is evidence of hands-on experience – and time taken to develop technical and presentation skills as well as a personal style.

A degree or other qualifications are not essential for the role.

 

Some Radio Presenters start out in entry level roles in Radio and pursue every opportunity to develop their presenting skills until they are able to secure jobs presenting full-time. 

Places on talent development schemes run by some of the larger broadcasters are highly sought after, as places are limited, and such schemes do not recruit on a regular basis. 

In their selection process, the emphasis is on evidence of hands-on experience and performance, rather than specific qualifications.

 

With graduate recruits Radio employers do not necessarily expect the degree to be in a media-related subject, and may even prefer those with degrees in other disciplines – particularly those related to the radio genre in which they wish to work.

 

For those considering higher education there are a wide range of media courses on offer, but it is important to determine whether a particular course offers a good grounding in practical Radio presentation and production skills, has good contacts with the Radio industry, and whether its students are successful in obtaining work in Radio.

 

Once in post, Radio Presenters are expected to develop their skills on the job.

 Most employers also offer a variety of forms of training to keep their Presenters’ skills and knowledge up-to-date, and to introduce new technologies. 

This training may be offered in-house, or supplied by external providers, depending on the size and structure of different Radio organizations and employers.

 

Colleges and private training providers also offer a range of short courses which can support the professional development of individual Radio Presenters, and may offer opportunities for them to gain promotion, or to change career direction.

You can listen to Lesego Molamu on fridays from 18:00-19:00 on Mafikeng Fm. 

Follow us on Twitter@Taung_DailyNews