By Obakeng Maje

Klerksdorp-A truck lost control and overturned and collided with a minibus taxi and two other oncoming vehicles on the N12 this morning. 

A female driver of one of the two light vehicles was fatally wounded while the driver of the minibus was taken to the local hospital with serious injuries.

“Passengers from other vehicles including the driver of the truck escaped without injuries” spokesperson Ben Bole said. 

The accident happen right on the entrance of Alabama on the N12, leaving the Freeway closed since seven o’clock this morning. 

Traffic has been diverted to alternative routes while the rescue operations and clearing of the road is underway.

Traffic officials on the scene confirmed that the truck was traveling from Wolmaranstad while the three vehicles were from Klerksdorp. 

Police and traffic officials are still investigating the cause of the accident. 

MEC for Human Settlements Public Safety and Liaison Nono Maloyi appealed to motorists travelling on the N12 to be patient while authorities are assisting in clearing the road. 

“Maloyi said that it’s unfortunate that the accident happens when the country is observing this month as transport month and his department embarking on series of road safety campaigns” departmental spokesperson Ben Bole said. 

He appealed compliance and adherence to road rules.-TDN

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By TDN

MAHIKENG – North West Premier, Mme Thandi Modise has commended the National Lotteries Board (NLB) for taking part in nation building and improving the quality of lives in various communities especially that of women, children and people who are living with disabilities.Speaking at the NLB Post Indaba Stakeholders Engagement (PISE) held at Mmabatho Convention Centre on Tuesday, Premier Modise said her provincial government welcomes with both hands any help which intend to build socio economic agenda of the province and the country at large.

“We really appreciate the funding that is being injected by the NLB to the province, we believe that the monies received from the National Lottery are of worthy causes and will contribute to national socio-economic development.

 As the provincial government, we will always welcome with both hands any assistance that shares the same goal that is of improving the lives of our people,” she said.

The NLB was established in terms of the Lotteries Act (No 57 of 1997) to regulate the National Lottery, as well as other lotteries to raise funds and promotional competitions.

Members of the NLB are appointed by the Minister of Trade and Industry and NLB members are also trustees of the National Lottery Distribution Trust Fund (NLDTF), into which national lottery proceeds that are intended for allocation to good causes are deposited.

Premier Modise thanked the NLB for the good work they have being doing since it was established.

She further congratulated applicants in the North West Province approved for grant funding as beneficiaries by NLB for the current financial year.

“We really hope that the funding that you receive here will benefit your communities and also help government to achieve its goal of reducing unemployment, poverty and inequality.

We believe that government will achieve its objectives when working in partnership with its various stakeholders,” she said.

NLB Chief Executive Officer, Mrs Charlotte Mampane said it has being many years since the National lotteries was established in the year 2000.

She said so much has being accomplished but more remains to be done in the area of funding.

“Our rationale resonates from the fact that National Lottery should be seen as development agency.

Its current and future practice should align itself to the democratic project whereby its task is essentially about giving an effective voice to many groups and interests whose voices are rarely heard in our country due to vast disparities of power, income or wealth,” she said.

Thus far, more than R13. 5 billion has been allocated to 16 000 beneficiaries, but it is not clear how many people have benefited from the money through job creation.

One of the projects that received funding from NLB is Thusanang Adventures from Masutlhe village of Mahikeng Local Municipality.

Thusanang adventure has received a funding of R 9 million to pursue its dream of starting a film school in their village.

A business partner in the project, Oratile Marumo said they intend to use the whole of the funding in building a reputable film school in their village.

“We are very excited because our dreams are becoming a reality, in no time there will be a film school which will benefit mostly the youth in our village.

We will ensure that this project does not fail but becomes one of the best in the country,” he said.

Touch Community Network from Rustenburg Local Municipality is another beneficiary project that has received funding of about R 647 000.

Their already existing project is a home to more than 1500 of children living with HIV/AIDS.

They also provide training to community members who are intending to provide care to vulnerable children.

Angela Meuwsen, who works at the centre also expressed gratitude after receiving funding.

“We really appreciate the money because we believe that it will take part in changing the lives of the children at the centre and the community at large,” she said.-TDN

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Durban – Public Protector Thuli Madonsela has been asked to probe claims of mismanagement in some KwaZulu-Natal municipalities, the IFP said on Tuesday.

They are the Umkhanyakude, Ethekwini, Mandeni, and Zululand municipalities, Inkatha Freedom Party deputy national spokesman Joshua Mazibuko said.

In Umkhanyakude, a dismissed municipal manager reportedly spent around R7.9m on water tankers that were never used.

“One other very serious allegation is that the service providers of water tankers are being paid by the municipality in collusion with some staff members within the municipality for services that they have never performed,” said Mazibuko.

Several companies which supplied services to the municipality were allegedly paid upfront, despite this being against regulations.

The axed manager allegedly hired the services of a consulting firm owned by the municipality’s chief financial officer Zenzo Masuku without any bidding process.

“The municipality ended up double-paying Masuku as the CFO and for consulting services. It is further alleged that Masuku is still with the municipality despite [a] new CFO having been appointed,” Mazibuko said.

Masuku worked in the Nkandla, uMhlabuyalingana, Big Five False Bay, Abaqulusi, and Zululand districts, all of which allegedly saw financial mismanagement in his tenure.

Mazibuko alleged the Umkhanyakude municipality failed to spend the totality of the municipal infrastructure grant which was intended to be used to solve the district’s water shortage.

Scores of households were still without access to clean water and the municipality could forfeit the funds, said Mazibuko.

In the Ethekwini municipality, a company owned by a top local government official was allegedly given a contract without the necessary steps being followed.

Mazibuko called on Madonsela to verify these and other claims.

“The office of the Public Protector must come in urgently to investigate these allegations so that the people of KwaZulu-Natal will know the truth,” said Mazibuko.

Madonsela’s office could not be reached for comment.

– SAPA

Johannesburg – Arms procurement parastatal Armscor told the Seriti Commission of Inquiry on Tuesday it was not involved in procurement in the arms deal, SABC radio reported.

Acting general manager of acquisitions Dawie Griesel told the commission, sitting in Pretoria, that there was a deviation from standard policy procedures.

“Understandably Armscor would [normally] be responsible for the evaluation, but the defence department took over the process in this case,” Griesel said.

He said an evaluations report was signed by a navy representative. Normal processes would have seen the Armscor programme manager sign it.

“Hence, the observation that no proof could be found of Armscor’s participation,” he said.

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

The government acquired, among other things, 26 Gripen fighter aircraft and 24 Hawk lead-in fighter trainer aircraft for the air force as part of the arms deal.

– SAPA

By Obakeng Maje
North West- An escalating number of reported cases of theft out of and from motor vehicle are currently experienced by police in the North West. This crime is committed mostly during the day at shopping malls, other business areas and residential places. Items that are targeted are laptops, cell phones, bags, groceries, radios and speakers, clothing and cash.
“The common modus operandi of these crimes are include breaking of windows screens that are broken, doors forced opened, forceful opening of bonnets (in case of theft of batteries from trucks or cars)” colonel Sabata Mokgwabone said.
Mokgwabone said in some instances, suspects do not have to apply any effort as victims leave their car windows or doors neither closed nor unlocked. It is also apparent that remote controllers could have been used to block the locking.
Motorists are residents are requested to take heed and apply the following precautionary measures:
• Place all valuables out of sight in vehicles
• Ensure that all doors and windows are locked. Test physically if needs be as remote control jammers are used in some instances
• At night ensure that vehicle is parked in a well-lit area
• Use car guards where possible
• Ensure that your car doors are locked and windows securely closed
The police’s visibility assists in alleviating this crime, but motorists’ assistance can also go a long way in curbing this crime, especially with the festive season approaching.-TDN
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By Obakeng Maje
Bafana Bafana coach Gordon Igesund has announced a 23-man squad that will do duty against Morocco in an international friendly match to be played on Friday, 11 October 2013 at Agadir New Stadium in Agadir City, Morocco.

The clash is scheduled to kick off at 19h00 local time in Morocco (21h00 in South Africa).

Igesund has picked a balanced squad comprising youth and experience with an everage age of 24 years. Twelve players ply their trade in the PSL, with the other eleven overseas-based.

Five of the squad members are uncapped – goalkeeper Ronwen Williams (Supersport United), defender Kgosi Ntlhe (Peterborough FC), midfielders, Sibusiso Vilakazi (Bidvest Wits), Ayanda Patosi (Lokeren FC) and Keagan Dolly (Ajax Cape Town FC).

”When Morocco invited us to play at the new stadium, we jumped at the opportunity because of the fact that between now and the 2015 AFCON qualifiers there are only two FIFA calendar dates to prepare for those qualifiers. So this gives me a great opportunity to have a look at some players, and had we not taken this opportunity we would have had to wait for March 2014 to prepare for our first 2015 AFCON qualifier in September. Half of the team I selected will represent us in the CHAN while the other will feature in the qualfiers, so it’s a two-pronged approach,” said Igesund.

”We are playing a very formidable team, and you know North African teams are strong and will give us a stern test. This is a very serious match for both sides and there is some rivalry in that in our last match we drew 2-2 in the AFCON earlier this year – a match that was voted the best of the AFCON tournament.”

Igesund has not picked up any of the Orlando Pirates players as they will be playing in the semi-final of the CAF Champions League in Tunisia a few days after Bafana Bafana’s return from Morocco.

”We seriously had to sit down and look at Pirates’ situation. We need to support them in this campaign hence I decided to leave their players out as we don’t want to jeopadise their preparations in any way,” added the Bafana Bafana mentor.

”Next year it will be Kaizer Chiefs, the following year it could be Ajax Cape Town, or Moroka Swallows or Maritzburg United or any other team and we will do exactly the same thing. We hope Pirates will be successful and their success will rub off on the national team as it did in 1995 when they won the continental title and Bafana Bafana lifted the AFCON trophy the following year.”

The South African-based players will assemble for camp in Johannesburg on Sunday, 6 October and depart for Morocco on Monday, 7 October.

The overseas-based players will fly directly to Morocco from their various destinations.

BAFANA BAFANA vs MOROCCO

NO.

PLAYER’S NAME

CLUB

GOALKEEPERS:

1.

ITUMELENG KHUNE (C) 26YRS

Kaizer Chiefs FC (SA)

2.

RONWEN WILLIAMS 21

Supersport United FC (SA)

3.

DARREN KEET 24

KV Kortrijk (Belgium)

DEFENDERS:

4.

ANELE NGCONGCA 25

Racing Genk FC (Belgium)

4.

THABO NTHETE 28

Bloemfontein Celtic FC (SA)

6.

BONGANI KHUMALO 26

Doncaster Rovers FC (Eng)

7.

TSEPO MASILELA 28

Kaizer Chiefs FC (SA)

8.

BUHLE MKHWANAZI 23

Tuks (SA)

9.

SIYANDA XULU 21

FC Rostov (Russia)

10.

KGOSI NTLHE 19

Peterborough FC (Eng)

MIDFIELDERS:

11.

KAMOHELO MOKOTJO 22

PEC Zwolle (Holland)

12.

BONGANI ZUNGU 21

Mamelodi Sundowns FC (SA)

13.

SIBUSISO VILAKAZI 23

Bidvest Wits FC (SA)

14.

AYANDA PATOSI 20

Lokeren FC (Belgium)

15.

DAYLON CLAASEN 23

Lech Poznan (Poland)

16.

KEAGAN DOLLY 20

Ajax Cape Town FC (SA)

17.

DEAN FURMAN 25

Doncaster Rovers FC (Eng)

18.

KAGISHO DIKGACOI 28

Crystal Palace FC (Eng)

19.

RENEILWE LETSHOLONYANE 31

Kaizer Chiefs FC (SA)

20.

LERATO CHABANGU 28

Moroka Swallows FC (SA)

STRIKERS:

21.

TOKELO RANTIE 23

Bournemouth FC (Eng)

22.

KERMIT ERASMUS 23

Orlando Pirates FC (SA)

23.

BERNARD PARKER 27

Kaizer Chiefs FC (SA)

By Obakeng Maje
Northern Cape- Police would like to warn people to be wary of their surroundings when visiting banking malls and institutions.

“As we approach the last quarter of the year, companies will start paying out bonuses to their employees, therefore proactive measures must be in place to ensure that everyone enjoys a crime free holiday. The SAPS would like to warn the public to take heed of the following tips when making a trip to the bank” colonel Priscilla Naidu.

Beware of confidence tricksters

These people usually pick out their victims leaving an ATM or bank. There are many ways which they use to con you out of your money. In some cases, money is dropped in front of the ‘victim’. The con artist would then let the victim know that he (the victim) had dropped the money. When the latter replies negatively, he is taken aside and an offer is made to share the money. The victim is then persuaded to place his money into an envelope together with the so called found money. Being the experts that they are, the unsuspecting victim is later left red faced and penniless while the con man is far gone.

People are warned not to make unnecessary conversation with strangers at ATM’s.

“Never agree to accompany strangers to quieter spots and out of the public eye.
Do not offer to assist anyone at an ATM, should anyone request assistance; politely refer them to seek assistance from inside the bank. Never offer to show anyone how to use the ATM, demonstrating with your bank card and PIN number. Should you feel uncomfortable, cancel the transaction and leave” Naidu said.

Naidu in other cases, the victim is followed from the bank and approached by two/three people. They offer to double his/her money and once again very convincingly and skillfully take the money from the victim. Some sort of business is conducted and the victim is assured that his/her money has been double. He/she is then requested to open the envelope once they are gone. When the victim opens the envelope, blank pieces of paper is found inside.

Police is appealing to the public not be naïve and believe these confidence tricksters.

There is no way that they can double your money.

“Always be alert and observant when carrying large amounts of cash. Should you feel uncomfortable with a stranger, divert your route into a busy area or alert other people if the person is persistent” she said.

Avoid parking your vehicle far from the bank/ATM. Try to park as close as possible so as to reduce the risk of being robbed… Take note of your surroundings when getting into your vehicle. Never leave large amounts of cash in the cubbyhole of an unattended vehicle. If you suspect that you are being followed, rather drive to a police station or divert your route but never get out of the vehicle.

Avoid carrying large amounts of cash on your person as people are always watching when the wallet or purse is taken out.

“Let us work together and be proactive in safeguarding our possessions thus minimizing the risk of becoming yet another statistic of crime” concludes Naidu.-TDN
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By Obakeng Maje
North West- In an effort to decrease shortage of health professionals and to improve doctor patient contact in the North West Province, the North West Department of Health has awarded 180 students this year with bursaries to pursue medicine studies in Cuba. This is a major improvement from 100 that was recruited in the previous year.
Speaking during the farewell function of 180 recruits held last Thursday (26 September 2013), MEC Masike said the government will continue to use the Nelson Mandela-Fidel Castro Medical Programme to address the broader challenge of human resource in the health sector.
“We believe the challenges before us is huge, the disease profile is concerning and the ever increasing shortage for health professionals particularly in rural areas need to be addressed. By increasing the number of the 2013 intake, we are demonstrating our seriousness in addressing this shortage in future” said Masike.
One of the bursary recipients Kesaobaka Mothudi (19) from Ntsweletsoku, thanked the department of health for affording him such a great opportunity to study medicine in Cuba.
“I have always wanted to be a medical doctor and I want to thank the department of health in the North West for giving us a once in a lifetime opportunity to do what we have always dreamed of. It’s a dream come true for me, and I am going to do my best to and am intending to come back home after completing my studies in Cuba and serve my the people of the North West Province”
Tlotlego Selemogo (19) from Huhudi Township in Vryburg also thanked the department, her teachers back in high school and community of Huhudi for raising her and for the guidance.
“I am here because of the guidance from my parents, community of Huhudi and my educators. Being here as one of the young people who received the bursary to pursue medicine in Cuban it’s a dream come true for me. Leaving my beloved country for Cuba it is a first step of my journey. I know there are challenges ahead, but we will overcome them. I want to assure people of the North West Province that I will do my best as I will be representing the province in Cuba and I will not disappoint them,” said Selemogo.

Currently the province has 72 medical students from poor backgrounds who successfully completed their medical studies and are now serving their communities since inception of this programme in 1995.
The recruitment process of 180 students, who departs for Cuba this month, was highly competitive. Candidates were selected on the basis of academic excellence and commitment to serve the poorest communities upon completion of their studies.
Bursary recipients had undergone a week long orientation at health facilities to familiarize themselves with medical practice and to get perspective of Cuba from those who studied medicine in Cuba. Other criteria included a history of active involvement in their communities, and the potential to be a dedicated and caring doctor.
Priority was given to students from disadvantaged communities. The bursaries awarded to the students will cover the costs of books, accommodation and tuition.
In his farewell message, Masike urged these young aspirant doctors to conduct themselves in a way that shows commitment to the programme.
“Once you have decided to enroll in this programme, it means you must be willing to sacrifice some of the things you are used to. You are going into a foreign environment and your ability to adapt quickly will serve you well. You must see this opportunity as an investment of your time and energy and understand that there will be time to reap the reward. It is common knowledge that we all reap what we sow” concluded MEC Masike.-TDN
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By Obakeng Maje
The North West Department of Health recently held a joint-graduation ceremony of the Mmabatho and Excelsious Nursing Colleges where a total number of 545 nurses were graduating in different areas of nursing sciences. With 545 graduates, it is expected that this will assist in decreasing shortage of health professionals in the province particularly in the rural communities.
Speaking during the graduation ceremony held in Mahikeng, MEC Dr Magome Masike said these nurses will be deployed to different health centres across the province particularly in the rural communities of the province.

“I am pleading with you to go and serve our most affected people in the rural areas. You are needed more in the rural communities more than you are needed in more developed cities. I hope you know better the conditions in our communities and will no doubt want to plough back,” pleaded Dr. Masike.

Masike also reminded the graduates that they are joining the health professionals workforce at the time when the country has taken a firm stand against maternal and child mortality.

“When you take the oath today, you must remember that you are joining a massive movement for zero percent maternal and infant mortality” said MEC Masike.

Top performer and midwifery graduate, Ontatile Magada (39) could not hide her excitement.
“This is a special day for me. It’s a dream come true. I have always wanted to be a nurse. I chose nursing not because of money but because I have always wanted to help people. I am very happy and i will continue with my studies part time to study intensive eye care. I got top performer award today and I can only say it is because I was working and studying very hard” said Doreen.
Her colleague, Mpya Jeffrey Madimetsa (36) from Letlhabile, Brits who graduated for Diploma in Comprehensive Nursing could also not hide his excitement.

“This is a great day for me. I want to thank my family. I was able to achieve all this because of their support and of course my hard work. Nursing it’s a call. I left my job to study nursing. After this I will be going back to my hometown, Brits in Letlhabile where I will be doing my community service at Letlhabille health centre. I want to thank the North West Department of Health for affording us this opportunity and I promise that I will serve my community with pride,” said Madimetsa.

MEC Masike used the opportunity to assure people of the North West province that his department will continue to work hard in addressing challenges of shortage of health professional.

“I am aware that there are still clinics out there that are not adequately staffed by nursing professional enough to match the population of a particular community, but I want assure you that, that is being given needed attention” said Masike.

Masike reminded graduates that, nursing calls for discipline and dedication whether in terms of adherence to strict working standards or going beyond the call for duty and as they will be working in different facilities he will be expecting exactly that.

“Nursing is a profession where quality and indeed, excellence are prerequisites,” concluded Dr Magome Masike. –TDN

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Cape Town – The Western Cape provincial government on Tuesday welcomed a ruling by the Constitutional Court dismissing Police Minister Nathi Mthethwa’s application against a probe into policing in Khayelitsha.

“The court’s judgment affirms the role of the Western Cape government in conducting policing oversight, according to Section 206 of the Constitution, which I exercised through the appointment of the commission of inquiry,” Premier Helen Zille said in a statement.

Zille set up the inquiry in August last year to investigate alleged police inefficiency in the area. Mthethwa opposed the inquiry in the Western Cape High Court.

His application for interim relief was dismissed in January. Mthethwa then approached the Constitutional Court.

He argued that the inquiry’s terms of reference were vague and Zille was not entitled to appoint a commission of inquiry with coercive powers over the SA Police Service.

Recommendations to Cabinet

But in the judgment handed down by Deputy Chief Justice Dikgang Moseneke, the court held that without coercive powers the commission would be unable to fulfil its mandate. It dismissed the argument that the terms of reference were too vague or broad.

“The Constitutional Court refused to make an order declaring the premier’s decision to establish the commission inconsistent with the Constitution and invalid,” it said.

“Furthermore the premier was obliged to take reasonable steps to shield the residents of Khayelitsha from an unrelenting invasion of their fundamental rights as a result of the alleged police inefficiency.”

The commission’s primary purpose was to make recommendations to Cabinet on how to improve policing in the area.

“We remain committed to working with both the commission and the [police] in order to increase safety in all our communities and, now that we have clarity on this aspect, trust that the commission can move forward in fulfilling its mandate with the full co-operation of the police,” Zille said.

– News24