Johannesburg – Another disastrous Bafana Bafana performance has brought with it the usual hullaballoo, but there’s only one match that will really define our national team’s future.

That is the World Cup qualifier against Botswana next month and should Bafana win and Ethiopia fail to beat the Central African Republic, it would mean our side are in the home straight on the road to the Brazil 2014 championship.

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It seems that the Khama Billiat transfer soap opera has reached its conclusion, as the Siya crew can confirm that the Zimbabwe midfielder has signed on the dotted line with Mamelodi Sundowns.

The formalities are not entirely completed though, with Ajax Cape Town having to re-sign their part of the deal following their decision to call things off – though this should just be a formality.

The news brings to an end the most drawn out transfer saga of the off-season after weeks of back-and-forth negotiations between all parties.

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Chaneng Farming and Primary Cooperative for the Blind Project defied all odds to scoop the R1 million overall cash prize and R125 000 for winning the Top Entrepreneur Small Holders Category at the prestigious Department of Agriculture Forestry& Forestry Female Entrepreneur 2013-North West Provincial Awards.

The annual provincial awards were held under the theme:”Harnessing Women’s talent for sustainable food security a vision beyond 2030″ at the Mmabatho Convention Centre in Mahikeng on Friday night.In congratulating the project that is growing spinach and onions in a green house on a 2 hectare area in Chaneng village near Sun City, North West Premier Thandi Modise said that the achievement represents the triumph of the human spirit, the determination, courage and resilience of the women who marched to the union building on 9 August 1956 and should inspire women and people with disabilities in the province, across the country and the world over.

Coordinator of the cooperative Ntebo Sedikwe, 56, who is partially blind said their accomplishment is a clear example that anyone can achieve whatever they want if they are dedicated.

“We are a team of 12 people. Eight are completely blind and four are partially blind, but we do not let our condition define us. I wish to say to people out there that they must stop fighting for grants and do something for themselves that can have serious impact in their lives” said the overjoyed Sedikwe.

In her keynote address delivered at the glittering awards evening where female enterprises shared R4.5 Million , Premier Modise said that South African women are envy to their equals worldwide and a pride to its nation that loves them.

Modise called on the North West people to build upon the achievements that women continue to register in the agricultural sector. 

“This celebration in a business unusual manner is showing remarkable contribution, creativity and passion that women have made in economic agriculture, sustainable economic women empowerment and social development,” she added.

Premier Modise said that though the North West Province is one of the most productive agricultural region, women can’t be emerging forever.

“As these awards are now in their 14

th year, we must be able to say through our programmes, women are able to graduate from subsistence to commercial farming,” she stressed.

Modise said that the provincial government wants to ensure that most women become the beneficiaries of the land in its endeavour to reverse the legacy of the 1913 Native Land Act that paved the way for the land dispossession of black people in South Africa.

The Best Subsistence Producer Category went to Kenalemang Kgoroeadira affectionately known as “Mama Kena” of the Thojane Organic Farming.  

“It is a pleasure to win this award especially in the year that we are celebrating 100 years of land reform. We have to reclaim our land, fight poverty and restore food security in our country,” said the elated Mama Kena after receiving the R75 000 prize which also came with R100 000 for infrastructure development.

Philani Agriculture Cooperative from Stilfontein received R50 000 for the MEC’s Special Award from the jubilant MEC for Agriculture and Rural Development, Desbo Mohono who acknowledged the cooperative for its effort to fight poverty and unemployment in the former mining town.

Barui Driehoek Cooperatives scooped the big prize of R125 000 and a further R750 000 in the category, Top Entrepreneur Commercial Market. The livestock project based in the Forest Hall Farm in Tosca was established by Matshediso Molale-Mooketsi in 2008. Matshediso is the current recipient of the 2012 ABSA ARC emerging beef farmer of the year award.

Linda Grobler of Witkrans Citrus and Nursery Farm Project received R32 000 as a run-up in this category. Her project produces lemons, oranges and citrus nursery trees for the City Deep, Tshwane Fresh Produce, Klerksdorp and is also exporting citrus to Botswana and Namibia. As social responsibility, Linda has built Vuka Primary School which caters for 100 children of farm workers and dwellers children on her farm.

The prize for the Best Female Worker in the Sector went to Abea Phakoe, a farm worker at Maswela Crop Production project which produces maize, sunflower and tobacco in Skinsdrift in the Ngaka Modiri Molema District. She won R50 000.

Johannesburg – The North Gauteng High Court in Pretoria has dismissed an application by the Boeremag accused for a special entry on the court record of an irregularity during their trial, the Citizen reported on Saturday.

Judge Eben Jordaan on Friday dismissed the application by the 20 accused, who were last year convicted of treason, but said he would only give reason for his ruling at a later stage.

The application was aimed at getting a lever to use on appeal against the their convictions on a charge of treason.

The convictions arose from a rightwing coup plot in the late 1990s and early 2000s to overthrow the African National Congress-led government.

Some of the accused claimed during their trial they were soldiers engaged in a legitimate struggle for an independent Boer republic.

Their application to be declared prisoners of war was dismissed.

After their convictions, evidence was presented which they said proved that police crime intelligence had listened in on their consultations with their legal representatives at C-Max Prison and in court holding cells.

SAPA

Johannesburg – Fans adorning both Bafana Bafana and Springbok memorabilia gathered outside FNB Stadium on Saturday ahead of the inaugural Nelson Mandela Sport and Culture Day.

“We are here to support both of our teams,” Joe Mathebula, a supporter, said.

“I have been here since the early hours of this morning getting ready for a special day. The country needs to get behind these boys and there will be lots to shout about when the games start.”

The day’s events, in recognition of the former president’s contribution to sport in South Africa, would comprise three major matches at the stadium.

First up would be a South African ‘Legends’ soccer team taking on an Italian ‘Masters’ outfit, followed by the Bafana Bafana international friendly game against Burkina Faso.

In an unprecedented initiative, the Springboks then host Argentina, in their 2013 Rugby Championship opener, at the same venue.

Outside, scores of sports fans waited for the green light to be allowed inside the 90 000-seater stadium, which was being prepared for the first match.

Rugby supporters travelled to the venue hours before the kick-off for the Springbok clash, in an attempt to avoid mounting traffic activity.

“We will be supporting the Bafana today,” Chris Steenekamp, wearing a Springbok jersey and hat, said.

“It’s not everyday that you get two games for the price of one and I have never watched a live soccer match before. My children are very excited to be here. This is a first time for them at this big stadium.”

Traffic congestion remained a problem, with some fans citing a lack of proper signage as a major delay.

“I was a bit disappointed to be honest,” said one supporter who had travelled from Polokwane, Limpopo.

“I tried to find where I could park my car, but there were no signs to direct me. But I found a place eventually and I’m glad to be close to the stadium, away from the chaos at the parking place.”

Inside the stadium, security and ground staff were the only people allowed in. They were adding the final touches to their preparations for the day’s activities.

SAPA

By Obakeng Maje

Rustenburg-North West police are elated after the court sanctioned Shimi Modisakeng,26 to life in prison with addition of 10 years.

“Detective Constable Solly Mfulwane commitment and clear investigation sends 26 years old to life imprisonment plus ten more years on Wednesday, the suspect could not believe his ears when Mankwe high court Judge imposed a harsh sentence on him” colonel Sabata Mokgwabone said.

Shimi Modisakeng was sentenced for the brutal murder of his girlfriend, Ms Sibongile Maema and attempted murder of his girlfriend’s mother Ms Mantombi Maema which he committed during the early morning 07 October 2012. 

On the day in question, Modisakeng arrived together with his girlfriend at her home in Monakato Township outside Rustenburg.

“The two were involved in an argument and he left the premises only for few minutes, later he returned with a spade fork and attacked his girlfriend stabbing her in the stomach, both hands and in her face” police said. 

“When the girlfriend’s mother intervened she also fell a victim to the suspect and sustained serious head injuries whereby she had to be taken to Moses Kotane Hospital” Mokgwabone said. 

The mother later recovered, but her daughter was declared dead on arrival at the same hospital as she had severe multiple injuries on her face and stomach.

During his investigation Detective Solly Mfulwane opposed bail for the suspect as he had previously sent the same accused to 18 months imprisonment for robbery which he got parole. 

The deceased’s family are pleased with the imposed sentence and are satisfied that Justice has prevailed as the person who took their loved one’s life got life imprisonment for murder, ten (10) years for attempted murder and was cautioned for malicious damage to property.

“The branch commander of Phokeng Detectives Lieutenant Colonel Piet Classens congratulated detective Constable Mfulwane for a job well done and for his commitment and passion for investigating serious and violent crimes” Mokgwabone said.-TDN

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By Obakeng Maje

Johannesburg-Bafana Bafana coach vows to continue playing with compromising players tomorrow against Burkina Faso during Nelson Mandela Sport,Art & Culture Day challenge at FNB stadium.

Bafana are playing against Burkina Faso tomorrow in honour of former state president match that will take at FNB stadium near Johannesburg.

“Yes I will play compromising youngsters tomorrow. In Mandela challenge against Nigeria, I played youngsters and we lost” Bafana coach said. 

“There was an outcry, but this two matches are about progress. So giving young players an opportunity and see if they can rise to the occasion is our ultimate goal” he continues.

Bafana lost 0-2 against Afcon 2012 Champions on Wednesday.

Gordon Igesund said their next tough game is against Botswana in few weeks in Fifa 2014 World Cup Qualifier.

Bafana were thrown a lifeline after Ethopia played ineligible player against Botswana and this resulted in them losing three points.

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The ANC reprimanded its North West executive on Friday for “callous” remarks it made about the Marikana commemoration.

“These remarks do not reflect the views of the African National Congress as a whole and are extremely unfortunate given the still very painful memory of the suffering of the victims, families, and community of Marikana,” said national spokesman Jackson Mthembu.

“The ANC respects the right of anyone to organise and participate in any gathering that seeks to soothe and heal the wounds that were caused by the Marikana tragedy.”

North West ANC spokesman Kenny Morolong said in a statement on Thursday night the provincial branch would not attend Friday’s commemoration of the Marikana violence in which 44 people were killed.

“The commemoration is organised by an illegitimate team called ‘Marikana Support Group’ — a group which the African National Congress does not recognise,” he said.

Morolong said the ANC would only participate in a commemoration organised by government, as agreed with families, Lonmin Platinum, and labour unions.

“The ANC finds it immoral and totally unacceptable that such a traumatic incident could be turned into a political playground by some political parties who seek to enhance their political ambitions and interests,” he said.

Friday marks the first anniversary of the shootings at Lonmin’s Marikana mine, near Rustenburg in the North West.

On August 16 last year, 34 striking mineworkers were killed when police fired on them while trying to disperse and disarm them.

Ten people, including two policemen and two security guards, were killed in strike-related violence in the preceding week.

Mthembu said no person should ever seek to determine or direct how people mourned nor contest ownership of the right to mourn.

“The pain of the people of Marikana must never be turned into a popularity contest with all vying for attention and making a mockery of the real agony suffered by our people.”

He said the party would seek an urgent meeting with the North West provincial executive committee to “correct” them on their views.

Asked if any ANC leaders were at the commemoration, ANC communications head Keith Khoza said he did not know who had been assigned to attend.
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Deputy general secretary Karl Cloete said the intelligence services were involved in the ongoing tussles at the Congress of SA Trade Unions.

“We are more certain that state apparatus, particularly the intelligence community, is centrally involved and used in the battles in Cosatu,” he said.
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Cosatu secretary general Zwelinzima Vavi says an “intelligence report”, which describes him as a US agent, was circulated among senior ANC members to discredit him. Here are key claims from the report:

» Some judges of the Constitutional Court are on the payroll of the National Endowment for Democracy (NED) and their funds are deposited in the Cayman Islands.

» A Rwandan general is setting up military bases in South Africa. His forces are recruiting in South Africa, Botswana, Mozambique and Zimbabwe.

» This is a joint effort by Africans and the US. The National Endowment for Democracy (NED), among others, allegedly fund a covert project that funds the general’s activities.

» The report claims Vavi is among those who will form the advisory board for Agang. It suggests that the NED had approved R500 million funding for the party.

» It claims the NED worked with the team that prosecuted Jacob Zuma. It suggests that the organisation is involved in Marikana, service delivery protests and xenophobic violence.

» The report features a transcript of an alleged conversation between Vavi and the NED Africa division head. He tells Vavi that he needs to build organisation structures before the elections. But Vavi says he wants Cosatu to find him guilty and he will resign (from Cosatu) so that he can have a bigger following.

Karl Beck, who is mentioned in the report as a representative of the NED, could not immediately be reached for comment.

Agang’s Mamphela Ramphele previously denied that the party had received funding from the US.
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