The African National Congress has issued a statement in reponse to comments businessman Kenny Kunene made about Gwede Mantashe on a radio show. Here is the full text of the statement:

ANC Statement on fallacious utterances of a character called Kenny Kunene

The African National Congress is outraged by the ludicrous claims made about the Secretary-General of the ANC, Comrade Gwede Mantashe, on Kaya FM this morning by a character called Kenny Kunene. When these utterances started last week, the ANC regarded these as being part of being a broader oppositionist assault against the ANC intended to harm the integrity of the ANC and its leadership as the country prepares for the General Elections in 2014. It has now become clear that we are dealing with an individual of dubious character with no political mores or basic decency, intent to harm the African National Congress and its leadership with impunity. This character seeks cheap publicity to bolster his questionable political ambitions by hurling insults at our leaders and our movement.

The statements made that the Secretary-General, in private gatherings criticises the ANC President must never be accepted at face value as it is part of a campaign to divide the ANC leadership and weaken our organisation. It is not a new phenomenon and predates even this current conjecture of our struggle, such we saw recently just before Manguang when others sought to sow division between once again, the President and the SG. Colonialism, apartheid and many other individuals , throughout history, have failed to divide the leadership of the ANC. Kenny Kunene and his handlers will also fail. Let this desperate and loose cannon that is parading this fallacious notion tell us and the nation in which private gatherings the SG was meant to have said these statements. The SG does not even know this character, has never met him and certainly never spoke to him about the ANC or any other matter, however trivial. He claims to be a member of the ANC, seeking to give credence and weight to his nonsensical utterances, we do not have a record of him as a member of the ANC and we don’t doubt that such characters would never be harboured within our organisation. This person must tell us when were such statements made and to whom. It is unfortunate that we must even glory this individual with a response as his statements are not worthy of a response from our glorious movement, however we will not allow this nonsensical and disrespectful behaviour against our leaders to continue unabated.

Once again, it is reiterated that the National Executive Committee of the African National Congress is composed of capable men and women who have been elected in a democratic process by the members of the ANC. This misguided and fallacious notion that the NEC fears President Zuma cannot be further from the truth. Self-righteous fellows of questionable morals spearheading a Mangaung hangover miss the basic and indisputable fact that members of the ANC are proceeding with our historic mission of building a united, non-racial, non-sexist, democratic and prosperous nation. The ANC is not sitting awaiting permission and directives from some dictator to do so nor from Kenny Kunene and his ilk.

The ANC remans committed to upholding the right of all people to criticise the ANC and its leadership where such is necessitated. In fact, a core principle of the ANC is criticism and self-criticism which we practice robustly within our structures. Calling our leaders snakes, saying others “must be men” goes beyond acceptable debate and shall not be tolerated. We shall, where necessary, act against such behaviour to protect the integrity and good name of the African National Congress. Insults to our leaders are not freedom of speech and are not protected by our constitutional dispensation. We reserve the right to act against these individuals within the context of our constitutional prescripts.

The African National Congress shall not waste its time anymore on this character and therefore shall not entertain any questions or interviews in this regard.

Issued by

Jackson Mthembu

National Spokesperson

African National Congress
*The views expressed here are not necessarily those of Taung DailyNews
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By Obakeng Maje

Setlagole-North West police are investigating an inquest docket and business robbery after four suspects robbed a Pakistan national shop-owner.

Police said four suspects enetered a shop of a 43 year-old Pakistan shop-owner in Setlagole village.

“Police were called after four suspects allegedly pounced on them and demanded cash”

“It is alleged that they pointed a firearm at Malawian national, who works as a security guard at the shop and ordered the owner to give them cash” colonel Lesego Metsi said.

The two managed to escape and locked themselves in a backyard room.

Police were called and suspects fled amid the police interference.

Community members joined forces with police and chased suspects who ran in different directions.

“One of the community members set his dogs on one suspect and the dogs managed to catch up with him” Metsi said.

The suspects was mauled by dogs and he allegedly shot them.

Police heard gun shots and rushed to its direction and cornered the suspect.

“The suspect alleged pulled a tricker on him after he was cornered and ordered to drop the gun by police” Metsi said.

The police discovered the gun used during commission of crime and positively identified it as a stolen police pistol.

“It is alleged that the gun used in crime was stolen from a police personnel in Mahikeng last year” said police.

The other three suspects are still at large. Anyone with information is that can assist the police`s investigations is urged to contact Warrant Officer Tshabalala at 082 373 5261.

Police believe the suspects might be responsible for spate of Business and House Robberies took place in Mahikeng, Setlagole, Madibogo and other surroundings.

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The Confederation of African Football (CAF) disciplinary committee has fined DRCongo giants TP Mazembe US$5000 (R50 000) for the incident that took place at Orlando Stadium on April 20, 2013 in which the referee on the day was assaulted.

Orlando Pirates won the ill-tempered group stage first leg CAF Champions League encounter 3-1.

Adjudicating over the case, the CAF DC said a Congolese resident in South Africa approached and assaulted the referee soon after the match and hid in the travelling side’s dressing room.

Although the incident was not captured by television, the episode was witnessed by a number of officials who corroborated seeing the match official being physically assaulted after the match.

According to the CAF DC, the perpetrator was identified as a “Congolese resident in SA” and after the incident, took refuge in the Mazembe dressing room.

As a result, CAF came down heavily on the visiting club and imposed a hefty US$5000 (R50 000) fine.

The second leg of the match between Pirates and Mazembe in Lubumbashi was characterised by more problems which included the home team refusing the game to be transmitted live. There were also reports of ill treatment for the travelling team and its entourage.

Pirates lost the game 1-0 but advanced to the lucrative round robin stage 3-2 on aggregate.

SAFA took the matter to CAF but the continental governing body is yet to preside over the return leg fiasco.

The North West Department of Sport, Arts and Culture last weekend collaborated with the Herman Charles Bosman Living Museum in unveiling the Batswana Homestead (traditional huts) within the museum in Groot Marico.

The HC Bosman Living Museum, located in the Ramotshere Moiloa Local Municipality, is a historical, cultural and literary living museum that promotes indigenous practices. 

The Department and the Museum celebrated the event during Youth Month (June) to help direct the youth towards their own tradition, culture and heritage.

“We wanted to dedicate the launch of traditional huts in the Museum as a symbolic gesture to show their importance to the youth and that they needed to be proud of their identity, history and heritage,” said MEC Tebogo Modise. 

“The Department supports the promotion of indigenous cultures, part of which are preserved and conserved through museums.”

Manager of the Museum Santa Van Baart was enthusiastic about the event. 

“The main aim of the event was to share the unique culture of people, regardless of race. It is also meant to help preserve our South African history” Van Baart said.

Guests, most of whom were dressed in their traditional regalia, were taken on a tour of the museum. 

Various cultural performances included Boere Musiek and dance, a marimba band and the Sarafina dancers. 

Indigenous and cultural food was on offer, with guests feasting on koeksisters, papatas, milk tart, fruit, traditional beer and mampoer.

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By Obakeng Maje

Rustenburg-A taxi driver was killed instantly this morning when the taxi he was travelling on plunged into a reversing truck. The accident happened just 5km outside Rustenburg on the R24 Rustenburg/Johannesburg road.

“It is alleged that the truck driver reversed into the road unaware of the taxi that was on coming from behind” lieutenant Lesego Metsi said.

Police said the taxi collided with the truck. 

“The taxi driver who was travelling alone died instantly in the accident” Metsi said.

The police are investigating a case of culpable homicide against the truck driver.

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By Obakeng Maje

Lefaragatlha-Police have issued a stern warning to women to elude walking alone at night especially in dark and isolated areas.  

This comes in the wake of another rape near a graveyard in Lefaragatlha.

The latest incident occurred at about 23:00 on Friday, near cemetery in Raphafana Section. “It is alleged that the victim (16) and her friend were walking on their way home when they were attacked by three African males” colonel Lesego Metsi said.

The suspects apparently pointed them with a firearm and covered her friend’s face with a cloth so that she would not be able to see them. 

“The attackers then took turn raping the complainant. This is the second rape incident this year to have occurred near a graveyard in this area” Metsi said.  

In March 2013, a 31-year-old woman, who was with her boyfriend was gang-raped by six men next to the cemetry.  

Both rape cases occurred during the night on Fridays. Meanwhile, police have issued the following safe tips to women:

•If possible,avoid walking during night

•If possible,walk in groups especially during the night

•Beware of your surroundings at all times

∙Learn to trust your instincts

∙Carry self-defence equipments  e.g. pepper spray that you can use in case of an attack. 

Police are appealing to members of the community to come forward with information that could assist police in apprehending the suspects. Anyone with information should contact Tlhabane SAPS on 014 565 9154 or CrimeStop on 086 001 0111.

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Johannesburg – Nelson Mandela spent a second night in critical condition in hospital on Monday night, with his family members, compatriots and well-wishers worldwide fearing that the anti-apartheid icon is about to lose his final struggle.

A few vehicles were seen early on Tuesday entering and exiting the Pretoria hospital where the former president is being treated, but otherwise the scene was quiet except for the now normal gaggle of journalists.

On Monday, President Jacob Zuma said that “former president Mandela remains in a critical condition in hospital.”

“The doctors are doing everything possible to ensure his well-being and comfort,” Zuma added.

Mandela was rushed to hospital on 8 June with a recurring lung infection.

Despite intensive treatment at Pretoria’s Mediclinic Heart Hospital, the 94-year-old’s condition appears to have suddenly and dramatically deteriorated in recent days.

Visitors

Ex-wife Winnie Madikizela-Mandela, daughters Zindzi Mandela-Motlhajwa and Zenani Mandela-Dlamini and scores of officials flocked to the hospital on Monday.

The family visits, while common since Mandela was admitted 17 days ago, come amid heightened fears for the former statesman’s health.

Mandela’s eldest daughter Makaziwe has said her father appears to be at peace with himself.

“He has given so much to the world. I believe he is at peace.”

At the same time she complained about the “media frenzy” over her father’s condition.

“Whether these are the last moments with us, to be with our dad, or there is still a longer (time), but they (media) must back off,” she told CNN.

Zuma on Monday also hailed the life of a man seen as the father of the nation, whose citizens must accept his frailty.

“All of us in the country should accept that Madiba is now old,” Zuma said, using Mandela’s clan name.

“I think what we need to do as a country is to pray for him to be well and that the doctors do their work.”

On the world stage Mandela is seen as a moral beacon that continues to shine long after the Nobel Peace laureate retired from public life.

Swiss tennis great Roger Federer, playing at Wimbledon, was the latest to offer Mandela his best wishes, hailing him as “influential and amazing”.

Mandela was last seen in public in 2010 at the football World Cup finals in South Africa.

“He is the father of democracy and this is the man who fought and sacrificed his life,” said Zuma, who spent 10 years in jail on Robben Island at the same time as Mandela.

‘Nothing we can do but to pray for him’

Mandela is due to celebrate his 95th birthday on 18 July. He has been hospitalised four times since December, mostly for the pulmonary condition that has plagued him for years.

As the world looked on, South Africans appeared to be coming to terms with Mandela’s decline.

“Unfortunately, there is nothing we can do but to pray for him and the doctors that are helping him,” said Phathani Mbath outside the hospital, where flowers, cards and messages of support have piled up.

In Soweto, where Mandela lived for more than a decade, James Nhlapo said South Africa must accept Mandela will not live forever.

“There will soon come a time when all the medical help won’t work. We have to face that sad reality now,” he said as he served customers in his grocery store.

Well wishes have also come from abroad. In Washington the White House said its thoughts and prayers were with Mandela.

US President Barack Obama leaves on Wednesday on a much-awaited tour of Africa that will take him to South Africa as well as Senegal and Tanzania.

The White House said it was monitoring Mandela’s condition and could not yet say whether his failing health would affect the visit.

– AFP

The trial of Shauwn Mpisane is expected to resume in the Durban Regional Court on Tuesday.

During her last appearance last month, the court queried her invoices. It was found that the amounts she admitted on allegedly fake invoices were lower than those on the genuine invoices issued by suppliers.

South African Revenue Service (SARS) auditor Waheeda Osman says the genuine invoices, for R6.5 million, had exceeded the value of the fictitious invoices by R1.5 million.

Mpisane’s defence had previously submitted that the fictitious invoices benefited neither her nor her business.

Mpisane is accused of inflating invoices by more than R5 million in an attempt to cut her tax bill.

She has pleaded not guilty.

Earlier this month, SARS raised concerns about the inaccuracy of respective news articles that reported on the criminal case and civil litigation against Mpisane and associated business entities.

According to SARS, the articles were in relation to an interim order that sought to preserve assets of the Mkhimpi Trust which is associated with Mpisane and related entities.

SARS say the news articles suggested that their decision was to “withdraw the application” for the interim order and they were pushing an agenda against Mpisane.

SARS spokesperson Adrian Lackay confirmed that this is not correct explaining that the basis for the application was that it was necessary for the assets to be safeguarded pending the further actions against Mpisane.

Lackay also dismissed claims that SARS was on a witch-hunt against Mpisane.
For more http://www.sabc.co.za

More than a 1 000 learners have been granted the opportunity to cultivate their numerical skills at maths development camps presented in various provinces across the country.

The week-long camps, which kicked off on Monday are driven by the South African Institute of Chartered Accounting in partnership with the Basic Education Department.

The camps which were launched in 2005 select learners from especially underprivileged backgrounds, who demonstrate potential in maths, science and accounting.

“The key thing is we want to help them to actually up their marks, we want them to get into the Universities. Universities criteria is quite strict for learners to get into the chartered accounting profession, if u want to do a Bachelor of Commerce,” says Project co-ordinator in Cape Town, Betty Abraham.

“We introduce them to the accounting firms, where they’ll form networking with those guys…., we are hoping they will leave better people,” says Abraham.
For more http://www.sabc.co.za