“[He] has by his own action defined himself outside the ANCYL and the mother body,” convenor Mzwandile Masina told reporters in Johannesburg.

“As he continues in his new-found hobby of insulting the organisation, we have to communicate that he is no longer one of our own.”

He said the decision was made by the African National Congress Youth League NTT and not by the ANC.

The NTT had spoken to ANC secretary general Gwede Mantashe about its decision.

“We are not speaking for the ANC, we are speaking on the decision we have taken as the ANCYL.”

ANCYL spokesman Bandile Masuku said the NTT would follow up with the ANC.

Last year, Shivambu was suspended from the ANC and the ANCYL for three years.

Recently, the former spokesman had become vocal in his criticism of the ANC, President Jacob Zuma, and the ANCYL NTT, through statements on behalf of the Economic Freedom Fighters — the political party recently launched by expelled ANCYL president Julius Malema.
For more http://www.sowetanlive.co.za

Controversial millionaire Kenny Kunene visited the Pretoria Heart Hospital on Tuesday to pay his respects to former president Nelson Mandela. Kunene was flanked by bodyguards and carried a huge bunch of red roses, daisies and lilies.

Kunene told the crowd that South Africa must promise Madiba to keep his legacy alive. He says Madiba’s life is in the hands of God now, and what they need to do as South Africans is to promise him wherever he is lying that the spirit of ubuntu, forgiveness and reconciliation, that he has so much lived for.

He says they will persevere and make sure that this country remains stable.

The Presidency says former President Nelson Mandela’s condition remains unchanged. Madiba’s health has been described as critical since it deteriorated on Sunday.

In the latest statement, President Jacob Zuma again thanked the public for the ongoing support. He says doctors continue to do their best to ensure his recovery, well-being and comfort.

Zuma has also called on the world to plan to do their 67 minutes of goodwill on Madiba’s 95th birthday on July 18. Zuma says the country must make it the biggest International Mandela Day ever. Madiba’s family have held a meeting at his retirement home in Qunu, Eastern Cape.

However, Mandela’s granddaughter Ndileka has down-played the significance of a family meeting taking place at Qunu in the Eastern Cape. Such meetings frequently take place in African culture when a loved-one is ill.

Madiba’s eldest daughter, Makaziwe and several other close family members as well as family friends like United Democratic Movement leader, Bantu Holomisa and Public Service and Administration Minister, Lindiwe Sisulu all jetted into Mthatha this morning for the family meeting. The meeting was held at Madiba’s home in Qunu.

Law enforcement officers kept a visible presence while a strong contingent of local and international media armed with their cameras ready to capture any possible action, remain camped outside the Mandela Household along the N-2 road at Qunu outside Mthatha.

South Africans are continuing to leave flowers at former president Nelson Mandela’s Houghton home in Johannesburg. Increasing numbers of Tshwane Metro Police officers are being deployed at the Pretoria hospital where Madiba is preparing to spend his 18th night.

The Tshwane Metro Police have deployed more than 10 officers to control the crowd that has formed at the entrance. They have also closed off the ends of the street. The media contingent has also grown rapidly over the past two days. Traffic is being affected in the street next to the hospital, where the media is camped out.
For more http://www.sabc.co.za

Cosatu has applauded the Competition Commission for penalising 15 construction companies for being involved in a multi-billion rand rigging cartel.

However, the labour federation agrees with criticism that the fine imposed is a drop in the ocean.

The Commission has fined 15 construction companies a total of R1.4, 8 billion for being involved in a rigging cartel.

Cosatu’s Vusumusi Bengu says the fine should have been considerably higher and the money should be used to help government deliver services to the poor. Bengu says these collusive companies have robbed the poor and the workers.

“The money that has been stolen from the poor and the workers should be channel towards improving the conditions of the poor and the workers. These people should be sent to jail for being criminals. They are robbing and stealing from the poor.”

Meanwhile, the Opposition to Urban Tolling Alliance (OUTA), believes that the collusive behaviour by construction companies impacted negatively on the costs of the construction of the Gauteng Freeway Improvement Project (GFIP).

OUTA’s Wayne Duvenage has called for part of the fine imposed on the companies to be allocated to roads agency SANRAL’s repayments for the GFIP.

Duvenage says he wonders what the extent of the collusion was on GFIP and how much those roads would have cost if that collusion had not taken place.
For more http://www.sabc.co.za

The dumping of human waste in Cape Town International Airport’s departure terminal was unacceptable, the Western Cape ANC said on Tuesday.

“Such behaviour is unacceptable and the ANC condemns it without reservation,” spokesperson Phillip Dexter said in a statement.

“This disgusting, pseudo-militancy is nothing more than anarchy, displaying a lack of any political or revolutionary consciousness or maturity.”

Western Cape police said five people were arrested at the airport following the incident. They would appear in court once charged.

Acting airport spokesperson Deborah Francis said the group apparently pretended to be passengers and carried plastic bags through to the domestic and international departures terminal around 1.30pm.

“It happened literally within a few split seconds.They threw it, jumped back into the cars and sped off,” she said. Police then caught them.

Dexter said it was alleged that some people in the group were African National Congress members. “If that is so they have acted outside of any ANC mandate or structure and against the ANC’s policies, strategies and tactics. If any ANC member is found to be involved in this criminal behaviour, they will face the swift and appropriate disciplinary action of the organisation,” he said.

Two weeks ago, 183 people were arrested on public violence charges at the Esplanade train station in Woodstock, Cape Town, for carrying portable flush toilets and human waste in blue municipal bags placed in milk crates.

They apparently also sang freedom songs which included a reference to Western Cape premier Helen Zille as a dog.

The group appeared in court, were released on warning, and told to return on August 2 after further investigation.

The State was unsuccessful in its bid to block bail for former councillor and ANC Youth League member Andile Lili, and Yandani Kulati and Thembela Mbanjwa.

At the start of the month, a group of people in Khayelitsha threw human waste at a bus and cars used for transport to a green economy event hosted by Zille.

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

The protests were linked to the apparent dissatisfaction by some people over sanitation in informal settlements and rolling out PFTs.
For more http://www.sabc.co.za

Government says its rural development drive is slowly bearing fruits. President Jacob Zuma visited Muyexe village outside Giyani in Limpopo, on Tuesday, to monitor progress made since it was declared a presidential project in 2009.

Whilst some projects are yet to be completed, government has built a Post Office, satellite police station and a multi-purpose centre. Four years ago, it was identified as a pilot project for development. On Tuesday, the President assessed the progress.

Muyexe village, north east of Giyani, is historically, an area with little or no development.

In 2009, President Zuma declared it as one of the pilot projects for rural development. There has been some progress albeit slow.

Muyexe resident, Joyce Ngwenya says their lives have changed. The area now boasts a service centre with a computer lab and a 24-hour healthcare centre.

Children at the early childhood centre are now accommodated. There are new gardens and a water purification plant. Road infrastructure and no electricity are pressing issues.

Rural development is one of government’s five priorities.
For more http://www.sabc.co.za

Kenyans are feeling left out as US President Barack Obama begins his tour of Africa on Wednesday.

Obama will skip Kenya, the birthplace of his father Barack Obama Snr, during his tour of Africa. While the Kenyan government has remained mute over the apparent snub, Kenyans are talking.

70-year-old Wilson Odhiambo is one of the people left shocked by Obama’s decision not to visit Kenya.

“I am greatly disappointed, he’s our son why does he refuse to come to see his people, honestly,” says Odhiambo.

Odhiambo comes from Obama’s father’s ancestral village – probably the reason why this apparent snub is close to his heart.

He is however not alone, many Kenyans feel the World’s most powerful man whom they fondly refer to as their “son” is ill-informed.

An official at the White House has hinted at the Crimes against Humanity charges facing President Uhuru Kenyatta and his deputy William Ruto as the reason why Obama will not come to Kenya. Some Kenyans seem to agree with him.

Nairobi resident Laura Okall says: “The charges that they are facing are so huge, you cannot just wish them away.”

Obama last visited Kenya in 2006 when he was still a US Senator. His snub is however seen as a strategic move.

“To me what he is doing is avoiding a backlash of criticism not so much the Kenyan situation,” says political analyst Maina Muturi.

Kenya has never hosted a sitting American Head of State. Many Kenyans had hoped Obama would be the first not only because of Kenya’s strategic position in the region’s but also the strength of his ancestral roots.
For more http://www.sabc.co.za

Johannesburg – Provincial task team (PTT) convenors and co-ordinators have been appointed for the ANC Youth League in the four provinces where it was disbanded, the national task team (NTT) said on Tuesday.

“Guided by the need to re-establish much more organised and focused structures of the ANCYL, we took time to assemble strong teams in the affected provinces,” NTT convenor Mzwandile Masina told reporters in Johannesburg.

“Working closely with the national convenor and national co-ordinator, appointed PTTs will immediately conclude the reconstitution of various regional task team (RTTs) throughout the country within a reasonable time, to allow the organisation to focus on more important and pressing issues.”

Earlier this month, the NTT announced that it had disbanded the African National Congress Youth League in four provinces – Limpopo, Free State, North West and Northern Cape.

The NTT had visited the provinces to assess their structures.

KwaZulu-Natal, Mpumalanga, and the Western Cape were “reconstituted”.

Masina on Tuesday announced the names of those who would run the provincial task teams.

In Limpopo, Vincent Shoba would be the convenor and Musa Chabane would be co-ordinator.

Deliver the youth vote

In the Free State, Makalo Mohale and Vusi Tshabalala would be convenor and co-ordinator respectively.

Ntombi Koloti would be the Mpumalanga convenor and Collen Maine co-ordinator. In the Northern Cape, Zet Kwinana would be convenor and Neo Maneng co-ordinator.

Convenors and co-ordinators were also appointed in the provinces which had been reconstituted, said Masina.

In KwaZulu-Natal, Nontembeko Boyce and Sibusiso Ngane would take over; in Mpumalanga, Gijimane Skhosana and Vusi Mkhatshwa; and, in the Western Cape, Mohammed Sayed and Mbulelo Memani.

With the PTTs in place, the ANCYL would focus on consolidating its election machinery, said Masina.

“Membership is expected to immediately resume election work and make sure we deliver the youth vote towards a decisive victory in the 2014 general election.”

– SAPA

Pretoria – Two security guards could be seen early on Wednesday morning inside the Pretoria hospital where a critically ill former president Nelson Mandela is being treated for a recurring lung infection.

At midnight, the hospital’s parking lot was almost deserted. Two police cars were visible near the hospital’s Park Street entrance and the police officers chatted to each other in the chilly pre-dawn air.

Despite the biting cold, scores of journalists from local and international media houses were milling around outside the hospital in the small hours of Wednesday.

Several outside broadcast vans still had their engines running. The news crews also set up generators for back up power.

Tshwane metro police officers parked near the journalists’ fleet on Celliers Street. Numerous police patrol cars were in the area.

Many Mandela family members, politicians, socialites and religious leaders have visited Madiba at the hospital after he was admitted on 8 June.
Earlier on Tuesday, the presidency confirmed that Mandela remained in a critical condition.
“[Mandela’s] condition remains unchanged in hospital, and doctors continue to do their best to ensure his recovery, wellbeing, and comfort,” spokesperson Mac Maharaj said in a statement.

At Mandela’s Houghton, Johannesburg, home all was quiet as well.

At 23:40 a police van pulled up outside the main black gates of the house.

Two officers walked up and down the road to ensure no cars were parked in the streets in front and on the side of the house.

Four other officers went inside the gates and came out about half an hour later.

After midnight the officers all got back into the van and drove off.

Soon after this, another police car drove up and down the streets before leaving.

The house was dark with all curtains and blinds closed. Only the outside lights, in the yard and outside the house, were on.

Outside the main gates, people had put bouquets of flowers and more stones around one of the big trees. The stones were painted in the colours of the South African flag and had messages such as “Nelson Mandela we love you”, “Get well soon Tata” and “We love you Madiba” painted and written on them.

The flower beds were colourful around the yard with painted stones in each of them. One had small South African flags spread over the stones.

The stones bore messages including “God Bless Madiba”, “Thanx father” and “I love you Madiba” painted on them.

They have been left by well-wishers in the days since Mandela was hospitalised.
Police officers and security guards would take the cards and posters left by people inside.
A single broadcast vehicle was parked outside the house opposite the ailing statesman’s house.

– SAPA

A call for a turnaround strategy has been made as tension and power struggles arose between the government-appointed administrator, Igbal Motal, and the mayor, Victoria Kgabi, threatening to derail provincial executive intervention at Maquassie Hills municipality.

The legislature’s portfolio committee on local government and traditional affairs, together with the Standing Committee on Public Accounts (Scopa) that visited the municipality yesterday, resolved to call acting MEC Paul Sebegoe to intervene and implement a turnaround plan with time frames to help the municipality.

One of the things is that Sebegoe should facilitate for the administrator and the mayor to work together at Maquassi.

The committees was also checking if there had been any improvement in the municipality’s finances, and whether the administrator was getting the necessities required both politically and administratively.

Section 139 states that if a municipality cannot fulfil its executive obligations, the provincial executive must intervene to ensure that the executive obligation had been fulfilled.

This means appointing an administrator for the municipality to function fully.

During the meeting, Kgabi and Motal had disagreements that have led the committee to believe that there is a strained relationship between the two leaders.

The committee interacted with the municipality over its state of affairs, including its finances.

The municipality has been under administration in terms of Section 139(1)(b) since April after serious service delivery challenges were identified.

Kgabi raised Constitutional issues regarding the legality of invoking Section 139 to the municipality, and confusion on the roles and responsibilities of the council and administration during such period.

“We have discussed with the MEC the issues of who should be executing certain functions in the municipality between the council and the administrator.

“We have seen some tasks performed without the council being consulted and that caused uncertainty among us,” Kgabi said.

No-nonsense Scopa chairperson Hlomane Chauke said the committee wanted to re-evaluate the impact of the intervention.

“We will meet with the MEC to resolve issues raised by both parties. Sebegoe needs to give us a turnaround plan with clear time frames.

“If we do not have a clear plan of intervention to address issues by the auditor-general, we will not be able to achieve the 2014 clean audit goal,” Chauke said.
For more http://www.thenewage.co.za

The Ngaka Modiri Molema district municipal manager has failed to appear before Parliament’s Standing Committee on Public Accounts (Scopa) in the North West for allegedly spending R2.4 million in hiring a marquee, the committee said on Tuesday.

Mokgele Mojaki failed to appear before the North West Scopa on Tuesday afternoon and the committee took offence.

“We are very much disappointed that the accounting officer did not come to the meeting,” said North West Scopa chairman Hlomane Chauke.

“Even the explanation given by the mayor was not a solid explanation. Clearly, we see the level of undermining the legislature on serious matters.”

Mojaki was supposed to appear before the committee following media reports that the municipality spent R2.4m on a marquee.

The Sowetan newspaper reported on Thursday that the Ngaka Modiri Molema district municipality was set to spend R2.4m on a marquee, chairs, table and decorations for an event that would last a few hours.

The event went ahead as planned.

Acting mayor Maria Monnana addressed an estimated 3000 residents and delivered her state of the district address in Makgobistad near Mahikeng.

Documents seen by the Sowetan showed that the controversial deal was signed by Mojaki and senior manager for business support Seymour Williams.

Chauke said the committee expressed dismay at Mojaki.

“In the meeting it was clear that he did not take this matter seriously. His apology was not accepted by the committee,” he said.

Chauke said Monnana did not have the documents to present before the committee.

“We have made it clear to the mayor and the speaker that they must go back and prepare, because we need that report as a committee,” he said.

“This matter has drawn public interest and the committee has the responsibility to know whether processes were followed and how public money was spent.” – Sapa