By Obakeng Maje

Taung-The residents of Taung can finally breath that “sigh of relief” after chances of them to see the mall in their area were uncertain.

The residents had to wait for six years before a resolution they took in 2006 came into effect. Taung Mall will finally see the light of the day tomorrow when the doors will be opened to the consumers.

The ambitions of having the mall in the area were congealing off apparently after result of time-consuming paperwork that had to be attended to by the Department of Rural Development and Land Reform (DRDLR).

The value of the Taung Mall escalated from R 60m to over R 92m all courtesy of inflation incurred over the six-year wait. According to reports,all the investors who were initially involved in the building of the mall allegedly pulled out. 

“I’d like to take this opportunity to thank the Eris Property Group for helping make this dream a reality” Cas De Villiers of the Vildev Group told reporters.

Cas explained that the Mall will(is) a 9 000m² and will include national tenants like Edgars, Total Sports, Ackermans, Markham, Shoprite and Boxer Superstore. 

“Ten shops will open its doors tomorrow and a grand opening ceremony will take place tomorrow at 07:30 am” said Keyrene Markley of Eris Property Group.

Markley said they expecting various delegates from North West provincial government and Local government from Greater Taung municipality.

Most residents are very delighted about the mall and say this will curb unemployment in the area.

However, some faction in the area were left crestfallen after they alleged that the shops in the mall hired outsiders.

“The municipality has no right over the hiring of people at the mall. The mall is a private sector and Batlhaping ba ga Phuduhutswane are the ones hold the rights” spokesperson of Greater Taung municipality Charity McCord said.

McCord said if that is the case, the municipality would like to see many youths and residents of Taung being employed.

Kayrene Markley also refutes the claims saying that most of the people hired are locals.

The ceremony will take place tomorrow and Kgosi Tshepo Mankuroane expected to be main speaker and to bring down the curtain.

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The Public Protector released five reports on Wednesday, finding evidence of impropriety and abuse of power in some government departments.

The main report related to a complaint by former National Consumer Commission (NCC) head Mamodupi Mohlala-Mulaudzi against the department of trade and industry (dti).

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Bafana Bafana captain Itumeleng Khune believes mental strength will be a key component in South Africa’s two crucial away 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil qualifiers in June.

Gordon Igesund’s men face the Central African Republic (CAR) and Ethiopia in crucial back to back matches in June in what will ultimately shape Bafana’s chances of being part of the Brazil fiesta, come 2014.

In the reverse matches against the two countries, Bafana Bafana played to a goalless draw against Ethiopia in Rustenburg last year, and then defeated CAR 2-0 in a dazzling show in Cape Town last month.

“It was a mixed bag of results in those home games. We would surely have wanted six points against Ethiopia and CAR but the draw against the former didn’t do our cause any good. But we have a chance to correct that in two tough away matches which surely won’t be easy,” said the Bafana captain who is also title contenders Kaizer Chiefs skipper.

“I know many are thinking of the rough conditions out there but we have to discount that and just focus on getting the much-needed six points,” added Khune.

“Mental strength from our players will be key in those two matches. We don’t have to think about anything else but the mission at hand which is to take all six points on offer. If we are to reach the finals in Brazil, we have to be prepared for any conditions. But I believe we have the potential, we have the team, and we also have the coach to help us achieve our goals,” said the bullish Khune.

The agile goalkeeper believes that if Bafana Bafana continues performing as well as they have been doing recently, then there is no reason why they shouldn’t return from CAR encounter and Ethiopia victorious.

“We need to collect all nine points on offer in the remaining three qualifiers and, with due respect to the three nations in our group, I am confident we can collect all nine points. I played against all three countries and we know what they are capable of. We have to be patient and not panic because they will want to frustrate us especially in the two away matches. We don’t just have to create chances but also take them as well,” said the Bafana Bafana number one goal minder.

“The important thing is to focus the entire 90 minutes and the players must be willing to do more than what is required of them to get victory. Talk of going an extra mile and work for each other – that should be the watchword.”

Khune is also cautioning all and sundry that playing at a neutral venue against CAR should not go into the players’ heads as an advantage.

“It really doesn’t matter where we play CAR because they showed glimpses of brilliance when we hosted them which means they can be dangerous. It is after all a game of 90 minutes for both sides and we must be aware that what we can do they can also do. At the end of the day, there are three points at stake, and also the pride of the country,” said the player known as Spider Kid.

“Whether we are playing at home, away or at a neutral venue, we must do our job to the best of our abilities. They played us as though they were at home so we should be mindful of that. We must remember that they also need the points, meaning they won’t make it easier for us.”

The South African Masters and Legends Football Association (SAMLFA) has welcomed a letter of gratitude for Lawrence “Sister Monica” Qupe from the Nigerian Football Federation.

Qupe, who previously used the surname Siyangaphi, served as a Team Liaison Officer (TLO) for the Nigerian Senior Men’s National Team during the recently held 2013 Africa Cup of Nations in South Africa.

General Secretary of the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) Musa Amadu has thanked “Sister Monica” for the diligent work he discharged during his assignment.

“Mr Qupe worked very hard, diligently and thoroughly in his position as TLO of the Nigerian team, and was never found wanting throughout his assignment as the tournament proceeded. He fully cut the picture of dedication, responsibility and responsiveness, and his overall output no doubt contributed to the Super Eagles emerging champions of the competition,” said Amadu.

Sister Monica, the former Witbank Black Aces and Jomo Cosmos midfield maestro, and five other legends of the South African game, were deployed by SAMLFA to participate as TLO’S during the tournament. Other legends served in various capacities like competitions and logistics.

Sister Monica worked alongside former Moroka Swallows marksman Steve Sekano (Bafana Bafana), defender Stopper Mokgatle previously with Pretoria Callies and Mamelodi Sundowns (Ghana), Lucas “Makhokhoba” Sebone formerly with Moroka Swallows and Mamelodi Sundowns (Angola) and former Sundowns midfield general Rabie Moripe who could not continue with the tournament due to personal reasons.

The role that Sister Monica played as a TLO has also impressed the players and coaching staff of the Nigeria national team.

“Players and officials of the Super Eagles continue to recall with fond memories, Qupe’s magnificent sense of duty and good carriage, and his several interventions to smoothen movement, training and general well being of the Nigeria team at the championship. We thank him especially for his efforts, added Amadu.

The elated Sister Monica says working with the African Champions is an experience to treasure.

“Firstly let me thank SAMLFA for the opportunity given to former professional players to participate in the prestigious tournament like the AFCON, they show commitment towards the advancement  of former professional players in this game,” said Qupe.

“Working with the Super Eagles came natural as a former professional player, and it became easier later in the tournament when they started finding out about my football background. Coach Steven Keshi enjoyed soliciting comments from me on general football matters, and I think there was mutual respect, in particular with the players after learning about my football history. It was a great opportunity and I’m glad to receive a letter of commendation from the Nigerian Football Federation.”

SAMLFA has also congratulated Qupe for his exploits.

“We are extremely pleased as SAMLFA that our members have made a sterling contribution in the successful delivery of the 29th edition of the Africa Cup of Nations. We have always emphasised that the Masters, the legends of the game, should be allowed space to contribute meaningfully to the development and growth of our beautiful game in our country and the continent,” said Budha Mathate, SAMLFA Executive Committee Member.

“We engaged the LOC with confidence that our members will never disappoint in their respective assignments. As former professional football players we are made of stern stuff because we played football in the harshest of conditions under apartheid. What Sister Monica and his colleagues have achieved is testimony to a vital role that the Legends and Masters can play in our game. We congratulate Sister Monica for playing his role diligently in helping Nigeria to win the AFCON trophy in 2013, obviously we were rooting for our boys (Bafana Bafana) to repeat the achievement of 1996 but unfortunately it didn’t work out this time around.”

Pretoria – Structural deficiencies in the South African education system need to be addressed urgently, Cosatu president Sdumo Dlamini said on Wednesday.

He told journalists at a Sadtu protest in Pretoria the labour federation supported calls for Basic Education Minister Angie Motshekga and her director general Bobby Soobrayan to resign.

“The protest is out of concern by Sadtu that our education in this country needs a lot of fixing. There is no time for pussy-footing. We have to deal with the mud schools in the rural areas and the low wages.

“We have to deal with the system. It is a structural apartheid system that still exists in our education system. It has denigrated the African child to the periphery,” he said.

The unions hoped government would “get to its knees and speak to Sadtu”.

Regarding criticism over the possible disruption of classes due to the protest, Dlamini said the strike was for pupils.

“This is a comprehensive strategy by the teachers; it is about the child. The system needs to be fixed for the benefit of the children of this country.

“The minister has gone on a crusade to say the protest is illegal instead of responding to issues. We hear the minister crying, saying Sadtu is sabotaging. What sabotage?” Dlamini asked.

The minister should “play along” in defence of collective bargaining instead of opposing it.

Asked what the unions would do if Motshekga and Soobrayan did not resign, Dlamini said the strikes would be intensified.

“The plan is clear; you will hear strikes. We need to focus on issues of transformation in the public service and the minister is delaying us. Let her be warned, and come back to the table about the serious issues. (What she is doing) is not helpful,” Dlamini said.

At midday, hundreds of teachers left the open space in Marabastad to make their way to the Union Buildings.

They were being addressed through a public address system set up on a truck.

Sadtu said it expected close to 25 000 of its members to take part in marches to the Union Buildings in Pretoria and to Parliament in Cape Town on Wednesday.

“The marches are meant to increase the pressure on… Motshekga and… Soobrayan to resign from their… positions, in defence of collective bargaining and promotion of quality public education,” Sadtu said in a statement.

On Monday, the basic education department and Sadtu failed to agree whether the marches were legal.

Sadtu members have been on a national go-slow since pupils returned from the Easter holiday.

The department said teachers who joined the protest march would face disciplinary action and the no-work, no-pay rule would apply. – Sapa

Johannesburg – TopTV has been given the green light by the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa to broadcast three adult content channels, according to reports.

However, the company may only broadcast the porn channels – Playboy TV, Desire TV and Private Spice – between 8pm and 5am, Icasa reportedly ruled on Wednesday.

Icasa approved the application on the basis that TopTV will ensure that the programming will not be broadcast before the watershed period and that security measures, including a double pin code as outlined in the application are in place to “safeguard children’s rights”, a statement said.

Icasa’s statement said that the decision followed an extensive public consultation process and that there was “no law of general application prohibiting the production and distribution of adult content”. – IOL

By Obakeng Maje

Itsoseng-Two North West police members of the Tactical Response Team (TRT), Constable Koketso Jantjie, aged 29 and ConstableThabang Mooketsane, aged 33 who were arrested on Monday were given a bail of R2000,00 each at the Itsoseng Magistrate’s court.

They will appear again on 27 May 2013.

 “The two were arrested on Monday for allegedly robbing two Bangladesh Nationals in Mareetsane near Itsoseng” Brigadier Thulani Ngubane said.

“They allegedly told them that  they were doing a random check for illicit cigarettes. The suspects searched and found five boxes of illicit cigarettes which contain twenty (packets of) cigarettes each. They then demanded R1000, 00 from the owner of the tuck shop” Ngubane said.

He allegedly told them that he does not have money and they searched the place and found R400. The owner called his friend to assist him with R600, 00 said police.

“According to information received, upon arrival his friend took the registration numbers of the police vehicle before entering the friend’s house. He also informed them that he does not have the money they demanded. Unsuspecting police then took R400 and left” he adds.

The victim’s friend phoned the police in Mooifontein who immediately searched the area but couldn’t find the suspects.

They phoned Mahikeng police who did roadblocks on all roads entering Mahikeng.

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By Obakeng Maje

Plooysburg-Police in the Northern Cape are investigating a culpable homicide case following an accident that happened at Schmitsdrift on Wednesday at about 06:40am. 

“It is alleged that a Patient Transport Minibus vehicle was travelling on N8 Road from Upington to Kimberly when the Minibus collided with a kudu” lieutenant Donald Mdhluli said. Ambulances and Police attended the scene. 

“There were 20 occupants in the minibus and a 34-year-old woman, who is believed to be one of the occupants, was declared dead on the scene” Mdhluli said. The driver of the minibus and other occupants were taken to hospital for medical treatment. The investigation continues.

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Rustenburg-In 2011, Executive Mayor of Rustenburg Local Municipality, Cllr Mpho Khunou, decided to embark on a campaign to collect shoes for disadvantaged children in Rustenburg after a disheartening experience he had during the handover ceremony of appliances and equipments to Ntshalleng Le Bana Care Centre held at Freedom Park on the 26th October 2011.

After a successful ground-breaking effort in 2011, the Executive Mayor, decided to continue with the project, with the objective to bringing a difference in the lives of needy children within Rustenburg.

The campaign started with a collection of 5 000 pairs in 2011, and was a remarkable success. Once again, this year, the campaign has collected 5 000 pairs of school shoes, and will be distributed to 40 schools within the jurisdiction of Rustenburg Local Municipality.

“It is against this background that companies, Institutions and individuals are every year requested to contribute towards this noble course by donating pairs of school shoes” said spokesperson Thapelo Matebesi.

On Friday,Executive Mayor Cllr Mpho Khunou, will be handing over the collected shoes to beneficiaries, namely; needy learners from underprivileged background, in all 38 Wards of the Municipality, wherein donors will be officially acknowledged during a ceremony to be held at the Paardekraal Extension 23 Community Hall. 

Proceedings start at 18:00.

“Your presence at this exciting ceremony will be highly appreciated as we together continue to inform the nation” Matebesi said. 

For further enquiries kindly contact Spokesperson, Mr Thapelo Matebesi on 014 590 3509.

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Johannesburg – The Vereeniging District Court has heard about the alleged torture and murder of a 15-year-old boy at a controversial game-ranger training camp in 2011, it was reported on Wednesday.

Raymond Buys died a month after being admitted to a Vereeniging hospital, emaciated and with, among others, skull fractures, following a 10-week stay at the camp, during which he was banned from contacting his family, according to a report in Beeld.

Camp owner Alex de Koker, 49, and his employee, Michael Erasmus, 20, have been charged with murder, child abuse, neglect and two cases of assault with intent to cause serious physical injury.

On Tuesday, Gerhard Oosthuizen, 19, reportedly testified that Buys, with whom he shared a tent during the training course, was chained to his bed every night, was refused permission to visit the toilet and forced to eat his own faeces.

According to Beeld, Oosthuizen told the court that Buys was extremely weak and unable to do the manual labour the boys were forced to perform. Buys was often beaten with planks, hosepipes and sticks when he did not do his duties properly, Oosthuizen said.

Shortly before Buys was admitted to hospital, Oosthuizen reportedly saw De Koker and Erasmus electrocuting Buys, who was naked and tied to a chair.

“He screamed… I was scared and ran away.”

Buys was later brought back to the tent and chained to his bed.

The cross-examination of Oosthuizen is expected to begin on Wednesday. – Sapa