Johannesburg – Former communications minister Dina Pule should face criminal charges for her misconduct, Corruption Watch said on Thursday.

“It is important to note that Pule is not an ordinary member of Parliament, but held a Cabinet post vital to South Africa’s well-being and economic prospects,” spokesperson David Lewis said.

“While welcoming the findings of Parliament’s ethics committee against Pule, criminal charges must be laid against her in line with the anti-corruption laws.”

The committee said on Wednesday that Pule had failed to disclose the business interests of her romantic partner Phosane Mngqibisa.

He benefited financially from the sponsorship of last year’s information and communications technology event, the ICT Indaba, which her department hosted in Cape Town.

The committee recommended that Pule be fined a month’s salary and that she be reprimanded by National Assembly Speaker Max Sisulu.

Lewis said the committee’s limited powers needed to be augmented to enable it to impose heavier penalties on corrupt MPs.

“We understand that the committee used all powers at its disposal and we commend them for that. This is all the more reason for the criminal justice authorities to act, including action to recover the public funds plundered.”

SAPA

Three hundred million rand has been budgeted for 504 houses, access to free medical service and access to education for military veterans and their dependants, Deputy Minister of Defence and Military Veterans, Thabang Makwetla announced at the handover of houses to two military veterans at Kraaipan near Setlagole in the North West Province on Wednesday.

Deputy Minister Makwetla commented the North West Provincial government for leading in implementation of the housing programme that he launched with the handover of houses to Jacob Modise, 97 and Phillip Sebopelwa, 94 who fought in the World War II. The two were given keys to fully furnished houses, making them the first beneficiaries of a national housing programme for military veterans across the country.

Makwetla said the programme targeting 38 houses per province and an additional 200 in the Eastern Cape is part of the government to recognise the efforts of the military veterans who fought to protect and preserve their country.

“We are here to correct the wrong and injustices of the past. The few who are still around must be appreciated. They made huge sacrifices to protect and preserve humanity against fascism,” said Makwetla.

“The partnership with the North West Provincial Government, best performing Provincial Department of Human Settlements and Ratlou Local Municipality that has made it possible for us to be here today for this historic launch must be duplicated throughout our communities to make sure that the Department of Military Veterans is successful in its effort,” he said.

In her address, North West Premier Thandi Modise appealed to the youth to emulate military veterans by taking volunteerism or “letsema” seriously as a way to make a meaningful contribution in their communities

Premier Modise said she was pleased that government was able to fulfill its promise to build houses for military veterans who were not compensated and had no direct benefit for defending their country. She said that the country should always remember those fell in the line of duty in defense of South Africa and celebrate those who are still alive as heroes and heroines.

 She said she was particularly proud that the programme is starting in the Ratlou Local Municipality. “It is one of the municipalities that get clean audit. We are proud that’s why we start this programme here. All the veterans who are here volunteered and self selected to serve without expecting anything in return,” said the Premier.  

Jacob Modise’s son Molusi Modise said the family was very happy that the government has decided to honour their father for his contribution.

“We are glad that the government is making an effort to correct the injustices because at least now he will have a descent place to call home,” said Molusi Modise.

Umkhonto We Sizwe Military veteran Simon Senna also expressed confidence that the gesture will give hope to those who have been waiting in the wings.

“This is a milestone that should make sure that the two world war veterans enjoy their best of lives in the remaining years of their lives,” said National Deputy Chairperson and North West Provincial Chairperson of Solomon Mahlangu Freedom College (SOMAFCO) Unity Association, Dr Moeletsi Leballo in echoing Senna’s view.

The Department of Military Veterans is also in the process of rolling out a programme that will enable the veterans to have free access to public transport,

 free healthcare and counselling which will also extend to family members.

Premier Modise has called for the preservation of indigenous cultures, languages and knowledge systems. Premier Modise made the call on International Day of the World’s Indigenous People which is celebrated each year on 9 August.

The day has been celebrated since 1982 following the first meeting of the United Nations Working Group on Indigenous Populations.  

“Our constitution guarantees the protection of human rights. Our indigenous people have historically suffered some of the worst injustices. We must embrace their unique culture and way of life as part of our social cohesion drive. Their cultures, languages and knowledge systems must be preserved,” said Premier Modise.

However, in spite of their diversity, indigenous people of the world share a history of injustice. Premier Modise said the North West, as a province that is serious about social cohesion, is determined to ensure that all the people of the province enjoy all the rights and freedoms guaranteed in the constitution irrespective of race, ethnic or other status.According to the United Nations’ Sub-Commission on Prevention of Discrimination and Protection of Minorities, Indigenous communities are determined to preserve, develop, and transmit to future generations their ancestral territories, and their ethnic identity, as the basis of their continued existence as peoples, in accordance with their own cultural patterns, social institutions and legal systems.

North West Premier Thandi Modise says her province will stop at nothing to ensure that women in the province are equitably treated and are not marginalised or violated in any way.

 “As part of our endeavour in honouring the gallant women who marched on the union building to protest against pass laws, we want to ensure that our women who suffered the triple oppression of race, class and gender under apartheid receive the respect they deserve,” said Premier Modise in her women’s day commemoration message.

As part of the commemoration Premier Modise will in the evening bestow an award on ANC stalwart Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati at a gala dinner hosted by Black Management Forum- North West.

Dr Mompati was one of the leaders of more than 20 000 women of all races who marched on the Union Buildings in Pretoria on August 9, 1956 to protest against the pass laws that restricted them.  

Under the banner “Wathint’Abafazi Wathint’imbokodo -You struck a woman,  you struck a rock, Mama Mompati joined other courageous women of country such as Helen Joseph, Rahima Moosa, Sophy Williams and Lilian Ngoyi to deliver a memorandum demanding that the pass law be scraped.

Modise said that women should be inspired by the courage and strength of Mama Mompati’s generation to stand up for what they believe is right.

 “The ANC government is resolute in its commitment to restore, protect and entrench the rights of women. We want to ensure that women are respected and treated as equals. We are determined to ensure that they are not marginalised, demeaned, abused or violated in any way,” she underscored.

New Platinum Stars coach Allan Freese admits he faces a tough ask to try and emulate their fairytale last season, but is confident they can go better in the cups, starting with the MTN8 this week.

Dikwena ended a surprise second in the Absa Premiership last year, while they also reached the semi-final of the Nedbank Cup.

Freese was assistant to Cavin Johnson last term, before being given the reins last month.

“The main aim is to match what we did last season, that’s first and foremost,” he told PSL.co.za. “Last season we also reached a semi-final, so honestly speaking we’d like to do a little bit better this year, especially in the cup competitions.

“Finishing second wasn’t easy and if I want to improve on that, I have to stay on the ball and jacked up.”

Asked whether he was feeling the heat, less than a fortnight into the role, he responded: “To the contrary, I’m really enjoying it so far and just hope I can do well.

“There is pressure too, as you know it’s there in every job. But with the group of players here, I’m confident.”

Stars began their league season with a goalless draw against Bidvest Wits over the weekend, while their MTN8 opponents for Saturday, Free State Stars, lost 4-1 to SuperSport United.

But Freese is reading little into those results.

“It was a result that wasn’t bad considering it was the first game of the season,” he said. “The match helped us find out where we are as a team, the combinations, the fitness, etcetra, so there’s a lot of things to consider.

“I was pretty happy we didnt lose against an established team with an even more established coach (Gavin Hunt).

“As for Free State, I’m totally ignoring that result they had against SuperSport.

“I’m looking at them as another team coming to compete. They’ll have the same ambition like us, which is to reach the next stage.”

The new boss of the Rustenburg club also said he had full respect for opposite number Steve Komphela.

He continued: “I know Steve pretty well and he’s been there and that. I respect him for what he’s done. He’ll have his boys all fired up for the game. We’ll have to be prepared for that.”

And he was relishing the challenge of his first cup game, saying: “The prestige of being involved in the latter stages of such a cup is enormous. We want to do well, and considering the money involved, I think everyone is.”

Freese revealed that he was likely to give some of their new signings an opportunity to see how they fared under “testing and competitive” conditions.

“We’ll possibly consider bringing one or two new faces into the team for the game, depending on how they shape up in the coming days,” he added.
For more http://www.psl.co.za

Kermit Erasmus, the newly signed Orlando Pirates striker, says he is disappointed to miss out on playing for Pirates in the CAF Champions League.

Erasmus is ineligible to play in the CAF Champions League even though he had harboured high hopes of helping his new side replicate the class of 1995 by lifting the 2013 edition of Africa’s most coveted trophy.

Speaking to PSL.co.za ahead of his side’s MTN8 opening fixture against SuperSport United, the former Feyenoord front man revealed how he hoped his jersey number would inspire his teammates to go all the way in the African showpiece.

“One of the reasons why I chose to wear the number 95 when I joined the Pirates was because the team won the CAF Champions league in 1995 and I was hoping that I would be a part of generation that is currently representing the country in the continent.

“I was really disappointed to be honest (when they told me that I was cup-tied). I always knew that there was a chance for me to be allowed to play but I have accepted the outcome.

“What I can only hope for now is that the number on the back of my jersey can inspire my teammates to go on and lift the trophy.

Orlando Pirates kick-off their Wafa Wafa campaign with a crucial encounter against Erasmus’ former side, SuperSport United, and the 23-year old striker is determined to cause heartache to his former teammates.

“Playing against my former team (SuperSport United) will be a tough challenge but I will take it like any other match. They are my former team and I am going to focus on Orlando Pirates and doing my best to help the team win the match.

“I would be really happy if I were to score and help my team reach the semi-final. Playing against my old teammates will be strange, especially so early in the season but I am a Pirates player now and I want to win the match”, he concluded.
For more http://www.psl.co.za

Speaking ahead of Friday night’s MTN8 clash with Bidvest Wits, Phunya Sele Sele midfielder Lyle Lakay says that his side do not fear their Johannesburg opponents.

Celtic were knocked out at the first round stage the 2012 MTN8 competition, while Wits failed to qualify.

The Clever Boys are increasingly aligning themselves as one of the PSL’s biggest clubs, if their signings over the last two seasons are to be used as a yard-stick.

But Celtic have ambitions of their own, and are amongst the best-supported clubs in the land.

Now in his second season with the Free State outfit after joining from NFD side FC Cape Town, Lakay appears to have cemented himself as a regular starter in Clinton Larsen’s team.

A tricky left winger, Lakay is very much in the Daine Klate mould: he has excellent touch, the ability to beat his man, a cultured left boot which usually delivers an accurate cross and occasionally weighs in with a goal, and the ability to play on either flank.

The player says he is feeling on top of his game at present and hopes to help fire Celtic to victory at the Bidvest Stadium on Friday evening (18H00 kick off).

“I am happy as long as I am playing and things have been going well, the coach has given me game-time and that has given me more confidence. I feel that my team-mates have trust in me and hopefully I can go out and have a good game and help us through to the next round.

“We know that these days Wits are a big side. They have got a good new coach (Gavin Hunt) and we will have to watch out for players like Sibusiso Vilakazi and Benjani Mwaruwari, while Matthew Booth will be a threat in the air at set pieces,” he told PSL.co.za.

Lakay says that although his side lost their opening Absa Premiership match to Mamelodi Sundowns, there is a feeling of optimism in the camp ahead of the opening 2013 MTN8 fixture on Friday.

“We have not changed our side much from last season, so the core of the team are still here. These are the same players that won the Telkom Knockout, so we know what it takes to win trophies.

“My team-mates want to experience that feeling again. I want to do it again. Last season was the first time I have won a major trophy in my career and the first time the club had won something in eight years – we’re hungry for more, we’re up for the challenge on Friday.”
Source: http://www.psl.co.za

Moscow – They may not return with an abundance of medals, but the 26 South African athletes competing in the IAAF World Championships in Moscow, starting Saturday, may well provide some light and inspiration to counter the months of boardroom battles which threatened to disrupt their participation.
For more http://www.citypress.co.za

As former president Nelson Mandela prepares to spend his third month in hospital, members of his family are still battling it out in court.

Mandela was admitted to hospital on June 8 for a recurring lung infection, and has remained in hospital since.

The last update on his condition provided by the presidency was over a week ago. Mandela was reported to be in a critical but stable condition and responsive.
For more http://www.citypress.co.za