Sylvia Lucas was sworn in as the Northern Cape’s acting premier on Tuesday, the SABC reported.

This was after the ANC tried to get her inaugurated as the new premier after Hazel Jenkins’ collapsed while delivering the state of the province address last year after suffering a brain aneurism.

For more http://www.thenewage.co.za

Kimberley- The National Workers Day event in Kimberley was celebrated in two contradictory ways by Cosatu members clad in their unions colours.

For more http://www.iol.co.za

Pretoria – International Relations officials and the taxman are investigating how a jet chartered by the Gupta family was allowed to land at Waterkloof Air Force Base.

Neither the International Relations and Co-operation Department nor the Presidency granted executive authority for the aircraft to land at the base, departmental spokesperson Clayson Monyela said on Thursday.

“Preliminary investigations have revealed the need to probe the circumstances under which the clearances for the aircraft to land were secured,” Monyela said in a statement.

“We are looking into why the airplane landed at the base and why custom officials were not requested to be at the base,” South African Revenue Service (Sars) spokesperson Adrian Lackay said in a separate statement.

Monyela said the Chief of State Protocol, ambassador Bruce Koloane, had been suspended while it conducted its investigation.

International Relations Minister Maite Nkoana-Mashabane had placed him on compulsory leave with immediate effect. His deputy would assume his responsibilities.

The Gupta family, which owns The New Age newspaper and Sahara Computers, is celebrating the wedding of Vega Gupta, 23, to Indian-born Aaskash Jahajgarhia at Sun City in North West.

A Gupta family spokesperson said on Tuesday that the authorities had given permission for the jet, carrying guests to a family wedding, to land at the air force base.

“The Waterkloof Air Force Base was used as Lanseria airport could not accommodate the size of the jet chartered by the family,” said family spokesperson Haranath Ghosh.

“The permissions were applied for and granted to the Indian High Commission and not the family,” he said.

He said all transport arrangements had been transparently made.

“Naturally, suitable protocol was used to receive and transport the foreign ministers to the wedding,” he said.

The South African National Defence Force said on Tuesday that it was not aware of any permission granted for the Gupta family to use the base.

The Times newspaper reported on Thursday that 20 flying squad members, 10 flying squad cars and 40 counter-assault and VIP protection officers escorted wedding guests from the base in a convoy of white Range Rovers.

According to the newspaper, at least 40 counter-assault and VIP protection policemen were ordered to escort five trucks – two of them containing gifts for the bridal couple and dignitaries – from OR Tambo Airport to Sun City. – Sapa

Johannesburg – The leader of a new political party formed by disgruntled former ANC and MK members has demanded that the ruling party release a list of its cadres who allegedly secretly served the apartheid regime.

For more http://www.iol.co.za

Johannesburg – Chief of State Protocol Bruce Koloane was suspended on Thursday during a probe into how a Gupta family chartered jet was allowed to land at Waterkloof Air Force Base.

“Preliminary investigations have revealed the need to probe the circumstances under which the clearances for the aircraft to land were secured,” said international relations and co-operation department spokesman Clayson Monyela.

International Relations Minister Maite Nkoana-Mashabane had placed ambassador Koloane on compulsory leave with immediate effect, he said in a statement. Koloane’s deputy would assume responsibility in the interim.

This would allow the department to get to the bottom of the matter.

A Gupta family spokesman said on Tuesday that the authorities had given permission for the jet, carrying guests at a family wedding, to land at the air force base.

“The Waterkloof was used as Lanseria airport could not accommodate the size of the jet chartered by the family,” said family spokesman Haranath Ghosh.

“The permissions were applied for and granted to the Indian High Commission and not the family,” he said.

He said all transport arrangements had been transparently made.

“Naturally, suitable protocol was used to receive and transport the foreign ministers to the wedding,” he said.

The Gupta family, which owns The New Age newspaper and Sahara Computers, is celebrating the wedding of Vega Gupta, 23, to Indian-born Aaskash Jahajgarhia at Sun City, North West

Monyela said neither the department nor the presidency granted executive authority for the aircraft to land at the base.

Internal investigations, by the department and other state organisations would start with immediate effect.

The SA National Defence Force said on Tuesday that it was not aware of any permission granted for the Gupta family to use the base. – Sapa

By Obakeng Maje

Morokweng-Yesterday South Africans celebrated 01 May known as Workers Day.

Premier of Gaunteng and ANC Ms Nomvula Mokonyane was a main speaker at Morokweng village near Ganyesa.

Mokonyane highligted few issues that affect the youths and urges for a change.

Unemployment amongst the youths was main issue as she said many youths are not working in the country.

“We have few projects in place that will help us to alleviate poverty and encourage youth development in the area” she said.

Premier outlined that South Africa will be a better place when the gap between rich and the poor couyld be narrowed.

Many South Africans were celebrating May Day as the Workers Day affectionately known.

May the 1st is celebrated in more than 16 countried worldwide for the same fate.

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By Obakeng Maje

Mmabatho-A cop who was arrested for allegedly dragging a man 100 metres with a police bakkie is expected to appear before Mmabatho Magistrate Court today.

Mbali Pheta,36 who is serving as a policeman was subsequently arrested afted he allegedly grabbed a Lomanyaneng village man by his neck and drag him few metres on a police bakkie.

The incident happened barely three weeks after Daveyton police were arrested for dragging Mercia behind police van after arresting him.

Mercia died in police holding cell in Daveyton and those police were arrested, and are out on bail.

A lomanyaneng man who is serving as a court interpreter, allegedly intervene after police harrassed another citizen after being accused of steal from a tuck-shop.

He allegedly adviced a victim to lay charges of assault against latter, which did not sit well with police.

Brigadier Thulani Ngubane who is spokesperson of North West police confirmed the arrest by then.

Pheta was given bail and suspended from police duty.

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