Pretoria – The Gripen and Hawk fighter aircraft acquired through the multi-billion rand arms deal have exceeded expectations, a senior official of the SA Air Force (SAAF) said on Tuesday.

The technologically advanced aircraft had boosted the SAAF’s training and national defence capabilities, combat systems director Brigadier General John Bayne testified at the Seriti Commission.

“We have been delivered by the government an excellent, well-balanced and well-equipped fighter system capability. The Hawk has proven to have a cost-effective, collateral operational capability, especially when packaged with the Gripen, which is our force multiplier,” he said.

“The Gripen has exceeded the SAAF’s and SA National Defence Force’s [SANDF] expectations, especially in the domain of modern, fourth generation integrated systems, deployability, logistics support and reach.”

The old SAAF aircraft had problems with cooling.

“As you know, electronics don’t like heat. They have to be controlled. These aircraft have large avionic systems, therefore the cooling demand on the aircraft is very high for the systems as well as for the crew,” said Bayne.

“This has been overcome on these aircraft by the engines that they have.”

The government acquired 26 Gripen advanced light fighter aircraft and 24 Hawk lead-in fighter trainer aircraft as part of the strategic defence procurement package, commonly referred to as the arms deal.

Put to good use

Bayne said the Hawk and Gripen fighter aircraft had been put to good use since delivery, in line with South Africa’s security environment and requirements.

“Should the security environment change to one of conflict, then the utilisation of the systems will change as and when required to defend and protect the Republic in line with the constitutional mandate.

“In these times of a security situation, the situation is managed as best as possible.”

Should the commission of inquiry, chaired by Judge Willie Seriti, recommend the termination of the aircraft purchases, the implications could be far-reaching.

“The defence force would not be able to meet its constitutional mandate,” said Bayne.

“I believe a fighter system is a national asset. It is part of the national power base and, therefore, we will lose an element of that power,” he said.

“South Africa is a regional and global player in its own small way. To have a balance of national power, it is essential to have a fighter capability.”

Compared to previous fighter planes, the Gripen generally had an edge because of its night-vision capabilities.

South Africa’s acquisitions were not yet fitted with this competence, but this would happen.

“Very shortly we will have this capability on the Gripen.”

Bayne will be back on the witness stand when the commission resumes on Wednesday.

President Jacob Zuma appointed the commission in 2011 to investigate alleged corruption in the 1999 multi-billion rand arms deal.

– SAPA

Johannesburg – A City of Johannesburg official accused of illegally selling state land in Lenasia appeared in the Johannesburg Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday, said the Gauteng human settlements department.

The case against Sifiso Handsome Litau was postponed to 3 October, said spokesperson Motsamai Motlhaolwa.

He was granted bail during an appearance in March.

Motlhaolwa said Litau was also expected to appear at an internal disciplinary hearing before the end of September.

Meanwhile, 60 witnesses began giving evidence against Richard Zikhali and Michael Magodola in the Johannesburg Specialised Commercial Crimes Court on Tuesday.

They face 94 counts of fraud and money-laundering relating to the alleged illegal selling of state land in Lenasia and Ennerdale.

They allegedly conned people out of millions of rand before being arrested and charged in 2010, and have been in police custody since then.

In November 2012, the provincial housing department demolished about 50 houses, which it said were illegally built on government land.

The occupants had been given forged deeds of sale with the department’s logo.

– SAPA

Johannesburg – A Soweto man appeared in the Protea Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday for killing his girlfriend, police said.

He was arrested on Saturday night, after his girlfriend was found dead in his bedroom, said police spokesperson Kay Makhubela.

He would appear again in court on 10 September, when he was expected to apply for bail.

– SAPA

By Obakeng Maje

Taung-A man was allegedly found dead at Ga-Dlomo farm after he went missing.

The atrocity took place yesterday at around 14:00 after a herdboy allegedly found a man wearing black trouser dead in the veld.

Victor Nobula,60 allegedly went missing two weeks ago and police were summoned to the crime scene.

According to our source, a herdboy by the name of Senokwane called a woman who is allegedly related to the deceased and informed her about the discovery.

Police suspect no foul play as Nobula’s body showed no signs that show the body was strangled.

Keamogetse allegedly informed the cops who went to the scene.

A case of inquest was registered and police investigations continue.-TDN

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By Lesedi Setlhodi

Bloemfontein-Not all books bestseller make it to the big screen and for the fans of “Fifty Shades of Grey”, it is going to be a treat as the book is also being turned into a film adaptation that is currently in the works with a release scheduled for 1 August 2014.

After several months of hand-wringing from fans and speculation, finally the search for the Fifty Shades of Grey leads is over.

Dakota Johnson (right) and Charlie Hunnam (left) will take on the roles of Anastasia Steele and Christian Grey respectively in the anticipated big-screen adaptation of the sexy novel.

Fifty Shades of Grey is a 2011 erotic romance novel by British author E. L. James. 

It is the first volume in the Fifty Shades trilogy that traces the deepening relationship between a college graduate, Anastasia Steele, and a young business mogul, Christian Grey. 

The book is known for its explicit erotic scenes which involve dominance from Grey himself to the submission of his new protégé Anastasia. 

The second and third volumes, Fifty Shades Darker and Fifty Shades Freed, were published in 2012. Fifty Shades of Grey has topped best-seller lists around the world. 

The series has sold over 70 million copies worldwide. 

Of course like any other book or film, there has been mixed critical reception of the book, with the quality of its prose being generally seen as poor whereas other commend James for the most vivid skills he has. 

Dakota, 23, previously appeared in The Social Network in which she shared a love scene with Justin Timberlake and had small roles in 21 Jump Street and The Five-Year Engagement. 

She is the daughter of Don Johnson, best known for TV shows Miami Vice and Nash Bridges.

Now for the role that made massive waves to a point whereby fans were ecstatic about the breath-grasping bachelor that they would have liked to assume the role of Christian Grey…as it may be disappointing to other fans, Charlie Hunnam snatched it. 

He is a 33 year old and British who starred in the dark biker thriller Sons of Anarchy as Jackson ‘Jax’ Teller and also appeared in Guillermo del Toro’s robot epic Pacific Rim.  

Charlie was chosen over Ian Somerhalder who played Damon in Vampire Diaries and Matthew Bomer who played the astute Neal Caffrey in the series White Collar.-TDN

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By TDN

Mahikeng-The Department of Sport, Arts and Culture in the North West Province will be hosting a Provincial Boxing Indaba from 6th to 7th September 2013 that will be held at Mmabatho Palms. 

This came as a call from the National Minister of Sport and Recreation for all provinces to host Indabas that will culminate to the National Boxing Indaba that will be held from 27-28 September 2013.

“The objective of the Provincial Indaba amongst others is to deliberate on effective and efficient good practices that will prove the administration and regulation of Amateur and Professional Boxing in the province” MEC Tebogo Modise said. 

“It is also to ensure and safeguard the safety, health and general well-being of boxers as well as to improve the stature of provincial titles” she said. 

Modise said the need to host these indabas came as a result of concerns and challenges ranging from amongst others lack of support system for active and retired boxers, insufficient talent development in boxing to mention a few.

The delegation expected at Indaba are Boxing Clubs, Provincial Boxing Structures, District Boxing Committee, Female and male boxers, Trainers as well as representatives from Boxing South Africa (BSA) and South African Amateur Boxing Organization (SANABO).  

“North West Provincial Indaba under the theme “Galvanizing Boxing for Boxers” will have four Commissions to deliberate on aspects which will add value to the discussions and recommendation for the National Indaba” Modise concludes. 

The commissions are as follows:

Commission One

    Roles of SANABO and BSA

    Boxing Act/ Regulations

    Enforcement of rules and. regulations

Commission Two

    Role of promoters and standard set by BSA

    Communication with Stakeholders

    Matters arising from BSA road shows

    Marketing of boxing

Commission Three

    Promotion of female boxing

    Development of boxing in Schools

    Development of boxing in the Province

    The role of Academies in the development of boxing

Commission Four

    Anti-doping and scientific support

    Training of coaches and officials

    Education and welfare of boxers 

This two day event will commence with a Gala Dinner on the 6th September, aiming at honoring our Boxing Legend Mr. Norman Pangaman Sekgapane for the role he played in putting the Province in the Map of boxing and will end with the Indaba on the 7th September 2013.

The Gala Dinner and Briefing scheduled as follows:

Gala Dinner

Venue: Mmabatho Palms

Date: 06th September 2013

Time: 18h00-TDN

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In preparation of the National Golden Games competition which will be held in October at Pretoria Show Ground, The North West Department of Sport, Arts and Culture, Department of Women, Children and People with Disabilities together with Department of Health will be hosting the Provincial Golden Games Event on the 5th September 2013 at Klerksdorp Openhiemer Stadium. 

Golden Games are government’s initiative to improve the quality of life for older persons and to encourage active aging. Golden Games promotes health, wellness and competitive sport for adults 60 years and above, which is able to reduce the risk of developing certain conditions such as heart disease, hypertension etc.

The Golden Games were first launched in Eastern Cape in 2009 and have since attracted Senior Citizens from across the province who are taking part this competition. The games range from Athletics, Duck walk, Relay, Dress Up, Passing the ball, Ball throw, juskie Soccer for both male and female. 

As expected and required the Games started at Service Point level within all four Districts hosting Community Golden games sport days where older persons took part for selections ending which culminated to the Provincial leg.

“Recreation is always an exciting and interesting way to keep fit and active especially during the aging period” said MEC for Sport, Arts and Culture Mme Tebogo Modise.  “With exercise, you only get the physical health benefits. “ I would like to also encourage youth around the province to take part in sport and recreation activities and to also avoid criminal activities” further said Mme Modise.

The Provincial Games will be held as follows:

Date: 05 September 2013

Time: 09h00

Venue: Openheimer Stadium Klerksdorp

Pic:(Arrested suspects with police)

By Obakeng Maje

Kimberley-Provincial Crime Intelligence, Galeshewe Crime Intelligence and Kimberley SAPS Visible Policing worked tirelessly for the past 48 hours to ensure that the burglars responsible for the break-in at the Home Affairs Department in Kimberley are brought to book. 

The burglary took place at the Department Home Affairs in Du Toitspan Road, Kimberley where two flat screened televisions and two Q-boxes were stolen during the evening of Friday. 

“Most of the suspects were filmed on the video footage during the incident. Three male suspects were arrested in Galeshewe and further questioning led the police to the places stolen goods” lieutenant Sergio Kock said.

The police recovered one flat screened TV from a male in De Beers, Kimberley and another from a male in the Kimberley CBD. 

“Both men were arrested for being in possession of stolen goods and one Toyota Camry was also confiscated in this regard. The police are still searching for the two Q-boxes and three male suspects who are at large” Kock said.  

The men will appear in the Kimberley Magistrates’ Court soon. 

The investigation continues.-TDN

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Malamulele – Limpopo Premier Stan Mathabatha has blamed the violent protests that erupted in the Thulamela local municipality this week on tribalism.

A Sapa correspondent reported that the Malamulele community went on the rampage on Monday, damaging property including a grader, truck, six cars, two public store rooms, 37 houses, and four offices belonging to the public works department.

The protesters demanded their own municipality, separate from the Thulamela municipality.

“We are calling for the community of Malamulele to refrain from using tribalism elements in their demand,” said Mathabatha’s spokesperson Kenny Mathivha.

Mathivha acknowledged that the Malamulele people had been demanding their own municipality for many years.

He said it was not the competency of the provincial government to demarcate, but that of the Demarcation Board.

“The Demarcation Board is in the process of resolving their problems and they will know the answer very soon.

“South Africa is not a federal government, but a constitutional democracy. We can’t see people damaging the infrastructure in 20 years of democracy. Yes, they should voice their concerns, but not become violent,” he said.

Venda vs Tsonga

The Thulamela local municipality is divided into two predominant groups, mainly Venda and Tsonga-speaking.

The differences in language are also known to arise within the municipal council.

Limpopo police spokesperson Hangwani Mulaudzi said the violent protest involved about 15 000 community members.

“More than 15 000 people went on a rampage on Monday morning, damaging and looting shops.

“Four of their shopping complexes were damaged and looted completely; they damaged 37 houses, burnt a grader, a truck, and lit six cars.

“We also managed to stop them from burning the local hospital, and we had to use force… On Monday they kept us fully busy for the whole day and we had to use rubber bullets to stop them,” he said.

Mulaudzi said 51 people were arrested and charged with public violence. They were expected to appear in court on Wednesday.

The situation was “calm” on Tuesday but police were monitoring.

– SAPA

Cape Town – The ANC membership of seven men linked to recent sanitation protests in Cape Town has been temporarily suspended, a Western Cape party official said on Tuesday.

“This is the result of continuous defiance of the organisational instruction to desist from engaging in activities that bring the African National Congress into disrepute,” provincial secretary Songezo Mjongile said.

“They are not to take part in meetings of the ANC or speak on its behalf.”

The men are Jaji Diniso, Sthembele Majova, Thembela Mbanjwa, Yanga Mjingwana, Bongani Ngcombolo, Loyiso Nkohla and Bongile Zanazo.

Nkohla is an ANC councillor.

He and Andile Lili, a former councillor and provincial ANC youth league leader, had already appeared before the regional disciplinary committee, Mjongile said.

The others would appear before the committee within 30 days.

Lili was expelled as a councillor in March after being found guilty of taking part in the illegal demolition of houses and for making derogatory comments to Khayelitsha residents.

The ANC suspended him for bringing the party into disrepute.

He is challenging the expulsion in the Western Cape High Court.

Nkohla was given a three-year suspended sentence last year for disrupting President Jacob Zuma’s centenary speech at the Good Hope Centre.

Poo protests

Cape Town has been hit by a number of faeces dumping incidents in the past few months by people protesting about sanitation in informal settlements.

Many believed the portable flush toilets (PFTs) being rolled out by the city were no better than the bucket system.

Human faeces was again dumped on the steps of the provincial legislature last month.

This happened at the same time nine men appeared in the Bellville Magistrate’s Court for allegedly dumping human waste at Cape Town International Airport.

They are Nkohla, Lili, Mjingwana, Diniso, Zanazo, Mbanjwa, Ben Dyani, Bantubakhe Mqobodiya, and Wandisile Mkapa.

They allegedly dumped 10 buckets of faeces at the airport’s departures terminal on 25 June. They are charged under the Civil Aviation Act and face up to 30 years in prison if found guilty.

Lili was previously arrested with more than 100 others at a Cape Town train station in June for allegedly plotting to dump human waste in the city.

On 4 June, a group of people in Khayelitsha threw human waste at a bus and cars used for transport to a green economy event hosted by Western Cape Premier Helen Zille.

A day before that, two men dumped faeces on the steps of the Western Cape legislature in a protest about the PFTs.

– SAPA