The man accused of stoning Happy Sindane, 29, to death near a tavern in Tweefontein J Village near KwaMhlanga on Monday, was not asked to plead when he appeared in the KwaMhlanga Magistrate’s Court yesterday.

Simon Kleinboy Mthimunye, 58, who faces a murder charge, appeared in the crowded courtroom wearing a green T-shirt and smiled all the time.

For more http://www.thenewage.co.za

N’Djamena, Chad – African heads of state on Wednesday refused to recognise rebel leader Michel Djotodia’s self-appointment as president of Central African Republic, calling instead for the creation of a new transitional body to guide the country to elections.

The decision, taken at a summit of leaders from the central African region, further isolates Djotodia, who led thousands of insurgents into the former French colony’s crumbling riverside capital Bangui on March 24, ousting president Francois Bozize.

“It seems impossible to us to recognise a man who has appointed himself,” Chadian President Idriss Deby said following the summit in Chad’s capital N’djamena.

Deby led troops into the Chadian capital and seized power in 1990. He has won four elections since then. Bozize himself seized power in Central African Republic in 2003.

African and Western leaders have already condemned the rebellion in the mineral-rich but chronically unstable nation. The African Union suspended Central African Republic and imposed sanctions on Djotodia while Washington said he was not a legitimate leader.

Djotodia has already tried to contain international condemnation by creating a transitional government headed by a civilian prime minister, Nicolas Tiangaye, and promising elections in three years.

A spokeswoman for Djotodia said earlier she hoped the new leadership in Bangui would get regional backing.

“What we want is support from the African Union and ECCAS (the 10-nation Economic Community of Central African States) for all of our plans to restore peace in the country… We need legitimacy,” said Anne Victoire Yakossobe.

But Deby said the summit had instead called for the creation of a transitional institution that would draw up a new constitution and prepare for elections within 18 months.

“We have in mind a college, a sort of executive that will be elected by all the social actors. This college will designate its president, which will be the president of Central African Republic,” Deby said.

The decisions of the summit were greeted with cautious optimism by Central African Republic’s political opposition, which has rejected the new government, saying it is stacked with Djotodia allies.

“We are waiting for the (regional) ministers to come explain the mechanisms that will be put in place. We want to know how this is going to work on the ground,” opposition spokesperson Edouard Kouyamounou told reporters.

Though organised by regional states, the summit included a delegation led by South African President Jacob Zuma, who is under growing pressure at home following the deaths of 13 South African soldiers during the March 24 onslaught.

The withdrawal of South African forces, in the country under agreements with Bozize, had been a demand of the rebels during peace talks with the government in Gabon earlier this year.

However, Pretoria sent reinforcements to Bangui as the rebellion built up last month.

Those soldiers will now return home, Deby said.

“President Jacob Zuma announced to us his decision to withdraw South African troops, who had come to Central African Republic in the framework of a co-operation agreement,” he said.

The killing of its soldiers has prompted questions about South African’s role in the country, and how a military training mission there became entangled in an internal conflict.

South African media reports have suggested the soldiers were defending South African mining interests, but officials in Pretoria have denied this. They say the presence of the 400 South African troops was covered by a 2007 bilateral defence accord with Bozize. – Reuters

A memorial service to honour Riflemen Karabo Edwin Matsheka and Vusumzi Joseph Ngaleka, two of the thirteen members of the South African National Defence Force who were killed by rebels in the Central African Republic is to be held as from 2 pm at the Mmabatho Civic Centre on Thursday 4 April 2013.

North West Premier Thandi Modise who visited the Matsheka family to convey the condolences of the provincial government on Tuesday will deliver the keynote speech at the official memorial service.

Gospel Singer Winnie Mashaba who is a goodwill ambassador supporting Premier Modise’s discretionary projects is to visit the family prior her free of charge performance at the memorial service hosted by the provincial government in partnership with the Provincial legislature and the South African National Defence Force. 

In recognition of 28-year- old Rifleman Matsheka’s gallantry, Kgosi Jeff Montshioa of the Barolong Boo-Ratshidi Traditional Council has allocated a burial site at Maphacwe Cemetery reserved for Barolong Boo-Ratshidi Chiefs and the honour that his funeral service on Saturday will be held at the Tribal Kgotla.

NWest Exco calls for intensified effort to reduce poverty and unemployment  Municipalities need to align their Integrated Development Plans and strengthen their support for Local War Rooms on Poverty in order to contribute towards reduction of poverty and unemployment, the North West Provincial Executive Council (Exco) resolved on Wednesday. 

 The War on Poverty (WoP) and Comprehensive Rural Development Programme (CRDP) were designed to reduce poverty and unemployment in rural areas estimated at 32.46% that affects about 42.06% of young people who constitute the total unemployment population in the province.

The WoP Programme prioritises provision of basic rights interventions to reduce household poverty. The basket of services for graduating households out of poverty includes identification, health, education, social welfare, indigent support, household conditions, employment and improvement of basic income services.

The CRDP on the other hand is designed to address rural development through and reform, agrarian transformation and rural development.

 Eighty-one thousand households in wards predominantly having farm workers, irrigation schemes and land reform projects in Ngaka Modiri Molema and Dr. Ruth Segomotsi Mompati were targeted for profiling during the 2012/2013 financial year. The two districts are among the 21 districts prioritised by cabinet for accelerated service delivery. 

  According to Census 2011, the poverty level in the North West province is estimated at 37% with 19% of households falling within the expenditure of R600, 00 and less per month. It is estimated that 60, 4% of children and 51% of youth live in conditions of poverty.

Absa Premiership Result: AmaZulu 1-1 Orlando Pirates Date: 3 April 2013 Venue: Moses Mabhida Stadium

Referee: Victor Gomes

Orlando Pirates saw their title chase take a slight stumble as they were held to a 1-1 draw by AmaZulu on Wednesday night.

Collins Mbesuma opened for the Buccaneers, but a Goodman Dlamini goal just before the hour mark ensured the teams ended the night with a share of the points.

It was a dream start for Pirates as it took them just four minutes to break the deadlock. After Oupa Manyisa was brilliantly played into space, he unselfishly cut the ball back into the centre of the area for Mbesuma to comfortably slot it into the back of the net.

There was another superb chance for the visitors to score just after the 15 minute mark when Daine Klate made a great run up the left, but Andile Jali failed to pull the trigger following the cross. At the other end, Usuthu then broke past the Pirates defence and nearly took the lead through a strong Goodman Dlamini shot, but Senzo Meyiwa was able to tip the ball around the post.

A goalkeeping blunder from Tapuwa Kapini then nearly gifted Pirates their second as he failed to handle Klate’s regulation corner, but referee Victor Gomes ruled the keeper had been fouled.

With ten minutes left in the half a free-kick from Thamsanqa Teyise threatened Meyiwa’s goal, but the Pirates shot-stopper was able to breathe a sigh of the relief as it flew just wide.

The second period started with Pirates looking to add to their goal and had two good chances through Khetowakhe Masuku, but  on both occasions the player failed to find the target.

Just before the hour mark, the match took a massive turn when Goodman Dlamini snuck in a rebound from a tight angle after Ayanda Dlamini’s shot came back off the post.

Usuthu nearly got the second when Goodman Dlamini found Njabulo Manqana, but the former Pirates man failed to punish his former club as he rattled the side netting.

A powerful header from Lucky Lekgwathi thennearly restored the lead for the Sea Robbers, but Kapini was able to stand firm and keep it out.

AmaZulu: Tapuwa Kapini, Luyanda Hlongwa, Philani Cele, Thamsanqa Teyise, Carlington Nyadombo (Willem Mwedihanga 32), Kulegani Madondo, Stanley Kgatla, Njabulo Manqana, Thokozani Mshengu (Joseph Malongoane 85), Goodman Dlamini (Andile Khumalo 71), Ayanda Dlamini

Subs: Mbongeni Mzimela, Nyiko Tshabangu, Bongani Ndulula, Lindokukhle Bhengu.

Orlando Pirates: Senzo Meyiwa, Lucky Lekgwathi, Happy Jele, Patrick Phungwayo, Ayanda Gcaba, Khetowakhe Masuku (Ndumiso Mabena 72), Oupa Manyisa, Andile Jali, Daine Klate (Tlou Segolela 65), Onyekachi Okonkwo, Collins Mbesuma (Takesure Chinyama 77).

Subs: Brighton Mhlongo, Lehlogonolo Maselesa, Mpho Makola

Goals: Collins Mbesuma (Pirates 4), Goodman Dlamini (AmaZulu 59)

Courtesy of http://www.soccerladuma.com

A 70th minute goal from Eric Mathoho cancelled out a Mario Booysen goal as Kaizer Chiefs drew 1-1 with Maritzburg United in an Absa Premiership match at the Peter Mokaba Stadium on Wednesday night.

The result sees Chiefs still seven points clear at the top of the table as Orlando Pirates drew 1-1 with AmaZulu also on Wednesday night.

The first 45 saw Chiefs dominating the early possession but Maritzburg United creating the better chances on goal.

Chiefs were the better passing team in the opening ten minutes, but were unable to create any real clear cut opportunities on goal.

Instead, it was Maritburg’s Cuthbert Malajila who had the first decent attempt on goal in the 15th minute, but he saw his powerful shot from just outside the box well saved by Itumeleng Khune.

Three minutes later and Khune was in action again, this time at full stretch to tip a David Booysen long range shot around the post.

Chiefs’ first real attempt on goal came in the 26th minute when Willard Katsande was on the end of a Siphiwe Tshabalala corner-kick, but the Zimbabwean directed his header wide of the target.

In the 33rd minute Maritzburg United were threatening the Chiefs goal again, this time from a right-sided cross that Malajila got onto but his header went wide as the half ended all square.

Some slack defending three minutes after the restart saw Maritzburg United take the lead through Mario Booysen who fired home from close range after a bit of a goalmouth scramble, 1-0.

After going behind Chiefs began to throw numbers forward and should have equalised in the 63rd minute, but Lehlohonolo Majoro missed the opportunity as he fired wide from close range.

Nonetheless, Chiefs continued to press forward and were able to make their pressure toll in the 70th minute as Eric Mathoho headed home a Tshabalala in-swinging corner-kick to level matters, 1-1.

The Amakhosi dominated the final 20 minutes of the match but were unable to fashion a decent goal scoring chance as the game ended 1-1. 

Courtesy of http://www.soccerladuma.com

Johannesburg – Oscar Pistorius wants to train again and recently went back to visit his regular track in South Africa’s capital, the double-amputee athlete’s agent told The Associated Press on Wednesday.

There was still no decision on an exact time-frame for the multiple Paralympic champion’s return to regular running, but Pistorius told his agent Peet van Zyl and longtime coach Ampie Louw at a Tuesday meeting that he was “definitely keen to get back on track to resume training,” the agent said.

“When, exactly, is his choice,” Van Zyl told the AP in Wednesday’s telephone interview.

Pistorius had also revisited his practice track in Pretoria on March 24, although he didn’t train, the agent said.

Pistorius last trained on a track over two months ago, and his last competitive race was his victory in the 400 meters final at the London Paralympics in September last year.

Van Zyl said Pistorius wasn’t ready “mentally” to compete yet after he was charged with murder in the Feb. 14 shooting death of girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp at his home.

“From our meeting, it was clear and evident it’s going to take some time for him (to be ready to compete),” Van Zyl said. “He’s trying to process this whole ordeal.”

Pistorius had also told his agent and coach that he would only consider running at the world championships in Moscow in August if he was in the right shape to run at the top level again.

“He (Pistorius) stated to me clearly yesterday, for the world champs, first he needs to be in some form,” Van Zyl said.

Still, Pistorius’ first significant move toward a return to the track on his carbon fiber running blades came at the meeting with his management team at the home of his uncle, Arnold Pistorius, on Tuesday night. The 26-year-old Olympian has been staying at the house in the eastern suburbs of Pretoria since he was freed on bail on Feb. 22.

Pistorius denies murdering Steenkamp and says he shot her accidentally after mistaking her for an intruder in his house. Prosecutors have charged him with premeditated murder and say he intentionally shot Steenkamp multiple times after the couple argued in the early hours of Valentine’s Day.

His next court appearance is June 4.

Pistorius had visited his training track at the University of Pretoria with some other athletes, but hadn’t worked out properly, only doing a little jogging, Van Zyl said. Although a high court ruling last week eased Pistorius’ bail restrictions on appeal and allowed him to travel to compete, Van Zyl said it would still take time to be ready for track meets.

“He hasn’t trained at all since the incident and you can’t expect him to go into competition. More important, mentally he is not there yet, he is some way off,” the agent said.

Longtime coach Louw, who discovered the double amputee’s talent for running when he was still a teenager, was eager, however, for the athlete to get back to training to help his mental process.

“Ampie was quite keen for him to start training as soon as possible so Oscar can get into some kind of routine,” Van Zyl said. – Sapa-AP

The legal representative for the Bapo Ba Mogale traditional authority says they do not want the Marikana Commission of Inquiry to move from Rustenburg to Pretoria. The traditional authority is the owner of the land where Lonmin’s Marikana Mine is situated.

The authority filed an opposing application late Tuesday evening explaining why they wanted the Commission to continue with its work in the North West. Their move comes after Commission chair, retired judge Ian Farlam, met with Justice Minister Jeff Radebe in the morning to discuss an application by some legal representatives to move to Gauteng.

Meanwhile, National Police Commissioner Riah Phiyega has denied that she failed to properly prepare for her testimony before the Commission of Inquiry. Advocate for the Legal Resource Centre George Bizos has told Phiyega that she’s tried to avoid personal responsibility, evaded answering important questions and attempted to hide behind the police’s organisational bureaucracy to avoid answering questions.

But, Phiyega did not agree to these accusations. During cross examination, the Police Commissioner was again asked why she never mentioned allegations by Warrant Officer Wouter Myburgh that a Sergeant of the National Intervention Unit had fired a shot at a mine worker during the Marikana shootings, saying he deserved to die. Advocate Gcina Malindi for the Human Rights Commission told Phiyega that he felt she was criticising Myburgh for not taking note of the name of the Sergeant and not being able to point him out again. 

However, Phiyega did not agree.

For more http://www.sabc.co.za

Twenty six candidates will be sitting down for player agent examinations at the offices of the South African Football Association (SAFA) in Nasrec, south of Johannesburg.

The hour-long exam will take place on Thursday, 4 April 2013 at SAFA House, starting at 10h00.

The 26 persons will be required to have knowledge on several topics which include:

1. Player agent regulations,

2. Player transfer regulations,

3. Rights and obligations of player agents, players and the clubs,

4. As well as regulations and FIFA statutes on the status and transfer of players.

The topics covered in a player agent exam will ensure that the SAFA Accredited player agent complies with the regulations set regarding the introduction of players to clubs, overseeing the negotiation of the employment contract and concluding a transfer agreement in compliance with the provisions set forth in these regulations.

Once the candidates have passed the examination, they are ready to practice as SAFA Accredited Player Agents. After six months they will be recommended to FIFA to become FIFA Accredited Player Agents.

South African Football Association (SAFA) President, Kirsten Nematandani leaves for Zurich, Switzerland this evening, (3 April 2013) to attend a meeting with the world controlling soccer body, FIFA, intended to discuss the match fixing report.

The planned meeting is expected to be attended by Nematandani, FIFA Secretary General Jerome Valcke and Minister of Sports and Recreation South Africa, the Honourable Fikile Mbalula.

The meeting of the three parties, called on by FIFA, is to make sure everyone has the same level of information and find a common perceptive on the way forward.

It comes against the backdrop of the SAFA National Executive Committee (NEC) decision to appoint a committee tasked with looking into the setting up of an Independent Commission of Enquiry into the match fixing matter.