The National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) says it is meeting on Monday with all its branches to consolidate their salary demands for the gold and coal sectors.

This as South African mines express concern about the NUM’s indication that workers will demand a double digit wage increase this year. The mining industry is still reeling from months of violent strikes where workers demanded salary hikes of between R12 500 and R16 000.

NUM spokesperson, Lesiba Seshoka says the union has taken a decision that workers should receive a double-digit increase. Seshoka says they will meet with the Chamber of Mines next week to present their demands.

Gold producer, Harmony Gold is the latest to post a third-quarter loss caused by production shortfalls following labour unrest last year. Harmony Gold says it fell into the red following the temporary closure of its Kusasalethu mine because of union rivalry and violence.

Analysts say South Africa’s gold, platinum and coal producers have been agreeing to above-inflation wage increases for years, but steeply rising power and other costs mean another round of big wage hikes would push many into the red. 

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

Major-General Charl Annandale will be in the witness stand for a third consecutive week at the Marikana Commission of Inquiry in Rustenburg in the North West on Monday. 

Advocate George Bizos for the legal resource centre will continue to cross-examine Annandale.  Last week Bizos asked why Annandale did not accept personal responsibility for what had happened at the Lonmin platinum mine in Marikana on August the 16th last year. 

However, Advocate for the police Ismael Semenya objected to the question. Bizos is also expected to ask Annandale about what he termed the side-lining of the overall commander Major General William Mpembe. 

Bizos found it strange that Mpembe left in a police helicopter as soon as he heard that a shooting incident had taken place at Wonderkop. He had also argued last weeek that the police had limited resources during the August 16 shootings, leading to their plan resulting into a disaster.

Last week, the commission also heard that the police had experienced problems with their radio communication network. Annandale explained that only one radio channel was available to the police and that the analog system they used only allowed for one person to communicate at a time.

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

Orlando Pirates goalkeeper Senzo Meyiwa was the hero of the day in Lubumbashi, Democratic Republic of the Congo, on Sunday following his exploits between the sticks.

Meyiwa saved two penalties during the game, in their 1-0 loss, as he helped the team advance to the Group Stage of the CAF Champions League with a 3-2 aggregate win.

For more http://www.soccerladuma.com

Two SABC crew members who were arrested while trying to broadcast a soccer match in the Democratic Republic of Congo have been released and hope to return to South Africa on Monday, it was reported.

Two technical crew members were kicked out of the TP Mazembe Stadium, in Lubumbashi, minutes before the start of the CAF Champions League clash between Orlando Pirates and TP Mazembe on Sunday afternoon, the SABC reported.

A radio reporter’s cellphone simcard was confiscated.

The crew members were arrested, but were later released and were escorted to their hotel. According to the national broadcaster, they hoped to leave on Monday.

The matter had been taken up with the consul general in Lubumbashi, who would assist the SABC crew, international relations and co-operation spokesman Clayson Monyela was quoted as telling the SABC.

Even though Pirates lost 1-0 to TP Mazembe in the DRC, they went into the clash with a 3-1 lead from the first leg at Orlando Stadium two weeks ago, and have made it through to the group stages of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) Champions League.

The SABC broadcast the first leg of the match. It was reportedly agreed that it would also broadcast the DRC match, but this did not happen.

SABC spokesman Kaizer Kganyago said the issue would be discussed with the relevant authorities.

Orlando Pirates chairman Irvin Khoza voiced disappointment about what had happened, and told the SABC he would raise the issue in two weeks’ time at a CAF meeting. – Sapa

President Jacob Zuma has called for diplomatic relations with India to be kept in mind when the Waterkloof wedding plane issue was considered.

Zuma said the Indian High Commission could not be blamed.

He said the Indian High Commission had made an application referring to their request to land at Waterkloof Air Force Base, but the application was wrongly handled. Zuma called for consideration of the fact that the Guptas were of another country and their issues had to be handled with understanding.

The Cabinet on Friday announced a seven-day investigation into the debacle and five officials have been put on special leave or suspended.

In a statement, the Gupta family said it was “flabbergasted” by the publicity surrounding the wedding of Vega Gupta and Aakash Jahajgarhia at Sun City last week, and distanced itself from alleged incidents of racism and impropriety at the nuptials.

The family has also issued “a general apology to all affected, including the South African and Indian governments, the local authorities, the South African public and especially our guests” following an outcry after wedding guests from India landed at Waterkoof.

“We also regret any incidents at the Sun City venue of which the family was unaware. The allegations of racism regarding the staff are definitely untrue. If there was an isolated incident involving any of our guests, the Gupta family apologies unreservedly to any party affected.

“Vega and Aakash were in fact given a spontaneous send-off by the largely black service staff, reducing the family to tears of appreciation,” the family said, expressing surprise at reports of racism by guests against black staff at Sun City.

The family also set the record straight on the reports of “racism and an incident of attempted sexual advancement” by stating that the family was not involved in the recruitment of any staff.

“In fact, months before the event, it was brought to our attention that a service provider had advertised for white butlers. We immediately corrected that approach as our commitment to employment equity goes beyond legal requirements towards our moral obligation. This applies to both our business and private lives.”

Sun City MD Richard Hawkins said he had not received any complaints of racism from his staff. “It’s all been coming through third parties and we have not received any complaints from staff.

“Any issues of racism would be investigated in full if they come through,” Hawkins said.

The Gupta statement added: “Sun City management were left with the responsibility to deploy staff as required. The issue of bodyguards and toothbrushes etc is rejected with the contempt it deserves. It smacks of mischief-making of the worst order.”

On the alleged attempted sexual advances by guest towards a masseuse at the resort, it said: “As a family, we are obviously hugely upset by the incident. We take matters of this nature very seriously. For the record, it should be noted that guest directly requested the service from the hotel’s outsourced spa.” 

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

By Obakeng Maje

Kanana-North West police arrested a man after he allegedly raped his ex-girlfriend in Kanana Location.

“It is alleged that a 44 year-old man went to his ex-girlfriend’s house and asked to reconcile. A woman allegedly refused and ordered a man to leave” captain Adele Myburgh said.

A man allegedly negotiated his way by asking to sleep over. He was allegedly allowed to sleep in a different bedroom said police.

A 44 year-old man woke up and asked his ex to join him in bed, the argument ensued between the two which led to rape.

He allegedly fell asleep after rape and a woman called the police.

A suspect was arrested and will appear at Orkney Magistrate Court on Monday.

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By Obakeng Maje

Lichtenburg- A 24 year-old man has been arrested by police after he allegedly stabbed a 30 year-old man to death at Boikhutsong Location, Lichtenburg on Saturday.

“Police arrested a suspect who allegedly stabbed a man to death after an argument” captain Adele Myburgh.

A 30 year-old man allegedly went to a local tarven at Kudu street in Boikhutsong Location and was stabbed in a chest.

He was rushed to a local clinic, however he was declared dead on arrival said police.

“A 24 year-old man was arrested and another one is still at large.

The suspect will appear before Lichtenburg Magistrate Court on Monday” captain Adele Myburgh said.

Police investigation continues.

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South African Football Association (SAFA) President, Kirsten Nematandani heaped praises on Orlando Pirates following their exciting run in the African Champions League tournament.

The South African league champions progressed to the next round, the round robin, of the Champions League with a 3-2 aggregate win over Democratic Republic of Congo powerhouse and champions TP Mazembe on Sunday. Pirates lost 1-0 but went through having beaten Mazembe 3-1 in the feisty first leg.

“On behalf of the South African football community, I would like to congratulate Orlando Pirates for their amazing run in the CAF Champions League,” said Nematandani. “The future of South African football is certainly back on track and the Pirates result, together with SuperSport United good run, bares testimony to this.”

SuperSport were edged out of the CAF Confederation Cup but the SAFA president said there were massive positives out of this experience. “We congratulate SuperSport United for going this far in the Confederation Cup and the experience gained there, along with that of Orlando Pirates, will certainly benefit our national team Bafana Bafana,” Nematandani said. 

The South African Football Association (SAFA) is mourning the passing on of former and long serving National Executive Committee (NEC) member, Olehile Manong, who died this morning (Sunday, 5 May 2013) at his home in Kimberley, Northern Cape after a long illness.

He served in the SAFA NEC from 2001-2005 under the presidency of Dr Molefi Oliphant.

SAFA President, Kirsten Nematandani said he was shocked at the passing on of this distinguished soccer administrator.

“I learnt of his passing on with great sadness. He contributed a lot to the development of soccer in his region and nationally. This is a major blow for South African soccer,” said SAFA President, Kirsten Nematandani.

Former SAFA President, Dr Oliphant hailed the late Manong as a humble and spirited individual.

“He was a very unassuming person, a very spiritual individual and an astute football administrator. Olehile played a leading role in the football administration of the Northern Cape and the time he spent in the NEC was invaluable. He also played a significant role in the unity of football in the Northern Cape,” said Dr Oliphant.

“He was the permanent Head of Delegation for the Men’s Under 23 National Team during his tenure in the NEC and will mostly be remembered for his leadership when the team qualified for the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games.”

Dr Oliphant said the late Manong was one person whose deliberations and discussions in meetings helped shape the football of this country.

He said the Association will forever be indebted for his leadership qualities.

Funeral arrangements will be communicated as soon as they are available.

By Obakeng Maje

Mmabatho-Two sisters argument led to a death of an infant. The gruesome event unfolded on Tuesday at Madibe A Makgabane village, in Mmabatho.

“Two sisters allegedly had an argument at Madibe A Makgabane and that led to a death of a two months baby” Adele Myburgh said.

Police said the other sister held her baby at her back when her sister allegedly pushed her.

“The mother allegedly fell on top of her baby, to the ground. The baby suffered head injuries and was allegedly rushed to Lekoko clinic” she said.

The baby was certified dead on her/his arrival and a case of culpable homicide case was launched.

“No one has been arrested and police investigation continues” Myburgh said.

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