Rustenburg – Last season’s Premier League runners-up Platinum Stars continued to shine while gaining a clear-cut 3-0 win over Free State Stars in their opening round MTN8 competition match at the Royal Bafokeng Sports Palace on Saturday afternoon.

It was doubly satisfying for Platinum Stars as they qualified for the semi-finals of the competition which boasts a winner-takes-all R8m prize for the first time.

And although they lost their articulate coach, Cavin Johnson, to SuperSport United in somewhat controversial circumstances during the off-season, the burgeoning Platinum Stars continued where they left off under replacement Allan Freeze, who had been Johnson’s assistant.

On a balmy, sunny afternoon, which replaced the recent cold snap, Platinum Stars put the heat on their opponents in the 26th minute when inspirational midfielder Benson Mhlongo rose majestically to head Lindokuhle Mbatha’s corner into the roof of the net for the opening goal.

Platinum Stars’ two other goals only emerged in the last 17 minutes of the game and, like the initial scoring effort, emerged from set pieces.

And like Mhlongo’s opening goal, the second goal in the 73rd minute was again the product of a scintillating header, with Mthembu guiding Mogakolodi Ngele’s 25m free-kick past bemused Free State Stars goalkeeper Tshepo Motsoeneng.

Ngele, who starred for Platinum Stars last season with 10 goals, demonstrated he was still in scoring mode when he succeeded from a second acute angled free-kick which knocked the final nail into Free State Stars’ coffin in referee’s optional time.

Mbatha almost produced a fourth goal for Platinum Stars in the closing seconds when a snap shot was first saved by Motsoeneng and then a second attempt screamed centimetres over the crossbar.

Although Free State Stars had more possession than the final score suggested, they played without Platinum’s fluidity and defensive stability while making a grim start to the new season by losing both their opening matches and conceding seven goals.

Clearly, they were missing influential Zambian goalkeeper, Kennedy Mweene, who had moved the Mamelodi Sundowns.

As for Platinum Stars, all they missed were more supporters, in what was the sparsely-filled home stadium.

Scorers:

Platinum Stars (1) 3 (Mhlongo 26’, Mthembu S 74’, Ngele 80’)

Free State Stars 0 

Teams:

Platinum Stars: Mpontshane, Mere, Gumede, Mhlongo, Mbatha, Tshabalala (Nyanda 56’), Ng’ambi, Mthembu S (Botes 77’), Ngele (Msomi 84’), Mathe, Ngwepe

Free State Stars: Motsoeneng, Masehe, Ouro-Akoriko, Shabalala (Wiltwer 77’), Thebakang, Thlone, Mashego, Mthethwa, Mokoena, Venter (Nomandela 67’), Bobe (Sekola 56’)

SAPA

By TDN

Mahikeng-The Black Management Forum (BMF) recognition award bestowed on Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati was deserved and not misplaced because despite being one of the leaders of the historic August 9 1956 women’s march to the union building, she had mothered many Umkhonto We Sizwe (MK) boys and girls in exile and taught women to be women, North West Premier Thandi Modise said in Mahikeng on Friday evening.

In her keynote address delivered at the gala dinner hosted in honour of Mama Ruta as the ANC Stalwart and struggle icon is affectionately known, Premier Modise described Dr Mompati as a gallant fighter, a pathfinder who had groomed her and taught her and many others that everything they know about honouring principle even at the pain of death and to always speak truth.

“Mama Ruta showed courage, character and visionary leadership in the struggle against apartheid and taught me to take punches with dignity and a smile. Though she has served people who have given her nothing back but ingratitude, she has nonetheless  taught us to love our people and to always remember that it is better to give than to receive,” said Premier Modise is a passionate tribute.

Modise recounted the invaluable contribution that Mompati made in the talks about talks that led to the historic CODESA negotiation process, her role as a diplomat in Switzerland and Mayor of Naledi Local Municipality.

Modise called on women to take cue from Mompati’s selfless contribution, to be more assertive and to stop being complacent in order to build a country in which politics have no colour. She appealed to women in the province to build on the foundation laid by Mama Ruta to be exporters of reconciliation, peace and development

In her acceptance speech Dr Mompati thanked the Premier for correctly speaking about the history of South Africa and underscoring the essence of the struggle.

“It was a pleasure listening to the premier speaking, not because she spoke about me, but because she spoke on the history of this country. The continuation of what you have been doing since you became premier or since you became Umkhonto We Sizwe. In the struggle we realised that there were no black or white but people of South Africa. It was not important that you were black or white. What was important was your contribution,” said the elated Dr Mompati who appreciated that the awards evening was not a black affair but brought together people of all races.

Nela Mojanaga Provincial Chairperson of BMF said that her organization’s decision to confer the award on Dr Mompati was inspired by her visionary and principled leadership and the role she had played in the liberation struggle and her contribution towards establishing democratic governance and municipalities in the North West establishing democratic governance and municipalities in the North West. Mama Mompati was involved in the Defiance Campaign in 1952, was a founder member of the Federation of South African Women (FEDSAW) in 1954 and member of Umkhonto We Sizwe Luthuli Detachment.

She received also the Platinum Class III medal for leadership from President Jacob Zuma at the South African Military Veterans Medals Parade held on 2 August 2012.-TDN

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By Obakeng maje

Johannesburg-Police arrested two suspects in connections of Lerato “Lira” Molapo’s house break-in.

According to police, a 24 year-old man was allegedly arrested at a stone-throw away house in Randburg, near Johannesburg.

He was found in possession of stolen items at the muso’s house last night.

“A 24 year-old man was arrested after found in possession of stolen items from Lira’s house. A 26 year-old man handed himself over at police station and allege he is the owner of the house were stolen items found” Lieutenant Colonel Katlego Mogale told SAPA.

Lira’s house was broken in later last night in Randburg.

She and her husband Robin Kohl allegedly caught suspects red-handed and they fled the scene with a muso’s SAMA awards including undisclosed amount of cash.

“The suspects stole furniture, music equipments and other items. Lira was performing at Thaba Ya Batswana Hotel in Women’s Day and later visited friends” Lira spokesperson Magome told City Press.

Mogale said they recovered laptops, phones and other items from the suspects and will appear at Randburg Magistrate Court on Monday.-TDN

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Pic:(By Moeletsi Mabe)

The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) had to abandon its motorcade in Johannesburg on Saturday after it was told it did not have permission to gather.

“We have been told that we don’t have permission to gather here and to leave the place,” EFF Gauteng spokesman Patrick Sindane said.

“This is a public place and we need no permission.”  About 50 red beret-clad EFF members had gathered at the Mary Fitzgerald Square in Newtown.

The motorcade, which would have driven from the Johannesburg CBD to Soweto, was part of a drive to take the EFF to the people.

Sindane accused the Johannesburg metro police department of being government agents who were used to intimidate members of the EFF.

Johannesburg Metro Police Department’s spokesman Wayne Minaar said he could not confirm or deny the EFF’s claim.

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

Johannesburg – A couple is taking action after their car was allegedly stripped while under police guard after it was recovered following a hijacking, the Saturday Star reported.

Renee and Conroy Gericke were hijacked of their VW Polo at gunpoint in Boksburg in January.

Police recovered the car in Tembisa in May and placed it at the Van Ryn Deep Vehicle Safeguarding Unit in Mackenzie Benoni.

The couple told the Saturday Star that while the vehicle was at the pound, it was stripped of its side mirrors, console gauges and computer box.

The Gericke’s now wanted police to pay for the tow truck charges and damages the car incurred while in the police pound.

“We don’t have any insurance, now the car is sitting at home gathering dust yet we are still paying for it,” Renee Gericke was quoted as saying.

“We are losing time at work and money driving up and down because of the negligence of the police.”

Brigadier Neville Malala confirmed the Gericke’s had instituted civil action against the police.

“The allegation [of the car being stripped] has come to our attention after a criminal case of theft from the motor vehicle was registered,” Malila told the newspaper.

He said Lieutenant-General Mzwandile Petros had called for an internal probe. So far, none of the perpetrators had been identified.

SAPA

By Obakeng Maje

Randburg-Gauteng police are investigating a buglary case after thieves broke into Afro-Jazz songstress Lira’s house.

Lerato Molapo and her husband Robin Kohl allegedly caught thieves red-handed.

Lira spokesperson Mokibelo Magome told City Press that thieves stole all awards Lira won.

“They stole her furniture, music equipment and all awards. She is very upset about the incident, but pleased at the same time because no one was injured” Mokibelo Magome told City Press.

“My house was robbed last night. And 10 of my SAMA statuettes were taken along” Lira said on her official twitter page.

According to reports, Lira left home at around 4pm yesterday as she was set to perform at Thaba Ya Batswana hotel on Women’s Day.

Magome said the couple went to visit friends afterwards and allegedly arrived home at midnight where they experienced atrocity.

Police were called and buglars allegedly escaped through neighbouring house.

The couple share a house in Randburg, Johannesburg.

Magome said a case of theft has been launched at Randburg Police Station.

Lira is set to perform at Moses Mabhida stadium alongside Robert Sylvester Kelly on his Single Ladies Tour tonight.-TDN

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Johannesburg – Congress of SA Trade Unions (Cosatu) general secretary Zwelinzima Vavi on Friday accepted the censure imposed on him by Corruption Watch.

“I have accepted that censure, humiliating as that may be. I am not above the discipline of our organisations,” he said in a speech prepared for delivery.

Vavi was addressing members of the SA Democratic Teachers’ Union (Sadtu) during their regional biennial general meeting in Buffalo City, East London.

The censure came after Vavi admitted the impropriety of having a relationship with a woman employed by the Cosatu.

He said he was determined not to allow the events of the recent past and the wrath it has invited from all angles, whether genuine or malicious, to sway his focus.

Vavi said he had to draw important lessons from the unfortunate experience.

Stand against injustice

Corruption Watch said in a statement earlier that Vavi would remain on their board.

“The board has met with Mr Vavi and after a consideration of the facts, and after Mr Vavi had recused himself as he did not wish to influence the deliberations, the board has unanimously agreed that Mr Vavi will remain on the board.”

Last week, the woman withdrew her sexual harassment grievance against him during a hearing.

Vavi also called on the public to stand against all forms of injustice faced by women and girls.

“Patriarchy, gender based violence, poor access to skills development and decent employment,” he said. Despite the many advances the country had made since 1994, women were still economically triply oppressed and exploited.

“They bear the brunt of the crisis of poverty, unemployment and inequality, in a society in which white males still dominate the economy and women form the majority of those without jobs and living on the breadline,” he said.

Vavi said women suffered from outrageous levels of gender-based violence, and claimed that a woman is murdered by her male partner every six hours. He estimated that at least 150 women are raped each day.

Unemployment

“We saw a grotesque example this week in Ceres, where a 4-month-old baby girl was raped. It is hard to find words to describe such depravity,” he said.

Vavi said as teachers, Sadtu members had a special responsibility to wage war on sexism and inculcate humane values and attitudes in future generations.

Vavi said as the country would be celebrating the end of the second decade of democracy, the economy of the country has not been radically transformed to benefit the majority of South Africans.

He said an aspect of the problem, which must concern the teachers, was that an estimated 72% of the unemployed are young people between 15 and 36 years of age.

“The stark reality is that most of the learners in your classes today, particularly in the poorer areas, have next-to-no chance of finding a job.

“Even the 5% minority who get access to higher education are not assured of employment,” he said.

Earlier, Corruption Watch said it took into account the fact that any sexual relationship between a senior staff member and a junior member “is almost inevitably infected by the relationship of power that exists between them”. It said senior staff members had a responsibility to avoid such relationships. The organisation said it also took into account the “deplorable level” of gender violence and abuse in South Africa.

SAPA

Cape Town – Hospitalised former president Nelson Mandela is becoming more alert by the day, even managing to sit up in a chair, his youngest daughter Zindzi Mandela told the SABC on Friday.

“He’s fine, Tata now manages to sit up, like now he sits up in a chair for a few minutes in a day, every day you know he becomes more alert more responsive. Tata is determined not to go anywhere anytime soon, I cannot stress this enough. People must stop saying to the family let go let go, we are just looking at this man who is saying I’m not going anywhere,” said Zindzi.

For more http://www.news24.com

By Lesedi Setlhodi

Taung-Another political party has erupted just before the 2014 National Elections.

A newly formed the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) show its fangs and prepared to insinuate its way and change political landscape.

It is yet another party formed after a bitter break up from the ruling party, the African National Congress (ANC) that has the entire country talking and deliberating what it may bring to South Africans.

Former ANC Youth League leader, Julius Malema now the Commander-in-chief of his new political party (EFF) was euphoric to have welcomed 1 100 new members on the first day of recruitment and said that if this was to become a trend, then they will be getting 1000 members daily throughout the country.

Support base for EFF surely seems to be escalating as recruits are recorded daily. A third branch will be launched today in Taung, at Dryharts primary school – North West province.

Omphile Morwaagae (pictured) pointed out that they anticipate hundreds of people to show up from Dr. Ruth Segomotsi Mompati and surrounding areas to join the red-headed beret movement EFF.

“It is anticipated that more branches will to be launched.

The EFF plans on contesting in the 2014 elections and bring South Africans to a different era in the history of politics” Omphile Morwaagae said.

Their policy amongst others includes, free education, health care, houses and sanitation. Malema surely did not leave out the nationalization of mines in their policy and it also consists of building state government capacity – presenting the abolishment of tenders.-TDN

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Johannesburg – The Farlam Commission of Inquiry into the Marikana shootings has been postponed, the commission said on Friday.

“A decision in respect of possible funding for the legal team representing the injured and the arrested miners has not been finally determined,” it said in a statement.

“This decision is now expected within the next few days.”

Hearings would resume on Wednesday.

The commission is investigating the deaths of 44 people during strike-related unrest in Marikana last year. Police shot dead 34 striking mineworkers on 16 August. Ten people, including two police officers, were killed in the preceding week.

Dali Mpofu, representing the mineworkers wounded and arrested at Marikana, wanted the funding for his legal team.

He previously signalled his intention to file papers with the Constitutional Court for a ruling on whether the state should fund their work at the commission. He made a similar request in the High Court in Pretoria earlier this month, but it was dismissed.

Commission chair retired judge Ian Farlam said: “Though it is regrettable that we have to once again postpone the commission’s sitting time by two more days, in addition to the days already lost, it is however desirable that we continue with efforts we are making to ensure a process as inclusive as possible.”

SAPA