Daily Archives: January 23, 2014

Premier: Lets be part of our children’s future


By Obakeng Maje
Kokomeng- The North West premier Thandi Modise took time out of her busy schedule to visit one of poverty-stricken areas in Taung.

Over four hundred learners from Kokomeng Primary School in Taung received school shoes from North West Premier Thandi Modise and MEC for Agriculture and Rural Development mme Desbo Mohono.

The intervention was part of government’s War on Poverty Campaign being implemented across the province to fight poverty and reduce social and economic infrastructure backlogs in rural communities.

The Anti-poverty Strategy builds on the work of government since 1994 and seeks to change the trajectory of government”s anti-poverty initiatives.

Premier Modise said its main objective is to reduce the incidence of poverty.

“We spoke to various business people in the province and they bought those pairs of shoes. It is our aim as the province to see every child attending school and receives necessary school uniform” Modise said.

Central to this resolve is the ending of inter-generational poverty through improving the economic situation of households.

Modise always highlighted the feeding scheme in schools and said her department make sure the toilets, classrooms and learning conditions are conducive for every learner.

Premier Modise also touched burning issues like HIV-Aids, Unemployment, Crime, Teenage pregnancy and Substance abuse. She encourages all students to take their education very serious as she would like to see the province producing more qualified people.

“We would like to courage our parents to engage more with school teachers and be part of their children’s learning phase. As a parent, is your responsibility to see that your child has needed resources to study, so let’s stand and be part of our children’s future” Modise said.

Premier also was part of celebration at Seabo High School after the MEC of Agriculture and Rural Development mme Desbo Mohono handed over the food garden to the school.

Seabo High applied to be recognised as an Agricultural school.-TDN
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Premier Modise comes to the rescue of families of water related and gender based violence victims 


North West Premier Thandi Modise has confirmed that her Office will meet the funeral costs of the 58 –year old woman who allegedly collapsed and died during a water interruption in Borelelo Township near Swartruggens.

The body of the mother of three, Shuki Moiloa had been lying in the mortuary since the 9 January 2014 as her family could not afford her funeral costs.

“We had to respond to the desperate situation as a caring and compassionate government and wish to thank the Provincial Secretary of  Cosatu, Solly Phetoe for bringing the matter to our attention,” said Premier Modise.

The Chief of Staff in the Office of the Premier and a Special Programmes Co-ordinating in the Private Office of the Premier recommended intervention after they were assigned by the Premier to visit the family and Kgetleng Revier Local Municipality on Wednesday to confirm the allegation by Phetoe that the family is indigent.

The Office of the Premier is coordinating urgent efforts to resuscitate two dysfunctional boreholes in the area and establish two more to ensure that water supply which was cut when after a local farmer allegedly closed a valve is restored for the benefit of the community.

Though the water interruption and allegations of racism are still under investigation, the interim report suggest that a local farmer is closing the valve to pressurise the municipality to use boreholes on his farm at a charge of R38 000 a month.

It would appear that when the valve is closed, local farmers get water downstream for their livestock when the valve is closed hence they are prepared to at their own cost tanker water to the local community.

Premier Modise’s office is also assisting with funeral costs of the murdered pregnant Blydeville woman who was murdered by her 32-year-old Zimbabwean lover two weeks ago.

Police were allegedly called to the scene, where on arrival they found the bodies of the 22-year-old woman and her daughter with blood all over them. The woman was pregnant and her womb was cut to remove the foetus and its throat was slit with a knife.

Premier Modise had condemned the horrendous act and said that no amount of anger justifies the heinous act. She had called for the heartless person responsible needs to be permanently removed from society.-TDN
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Premier Modise comes to the rescue of families of water related and gender based violence victims 


North West Premier Thandi Modise has confirmed that her Office will meet the funeral costs of the 58 –year old woman who allegedly collapsed and died during a water interruption in Borelelo Township near Swartruggens.

The body of the mother of three, Shuki Moiloa had been lying in the mortuary since the 9 January 2014 as her family could not afford her funeral costs.

“We had to respond to the desperate situation as a caring and compassionate government and wish to thank the Provincial Secretary of  Cosatu, Solly Phetoe for bringing the matter to our attention,” said Premier Modise.

The Chief of Staff in the Office of the Premier and a Special Programmes Co-ordinating in the Private Office of the Premier recommended intervention after they were assigned by the Premier to visit the family and Kgetleng Revier Local Municipality on Wednesday to confirm the allegation by Phetoe that the family is indigent.

The Office of the Premier is coordinating urgent efforts to resuscitate two dysfunctional boreholes in the area and establish two more to ensure that water supply which was cut when after a local farmer allegedly closed a valve is restored for the benefit of the community.

Though the water interruption and allegations of racism are still under investigation, the interim report suggest that a local farmer is closing the valve to pressurise the municipality to use boreholes on his farm at a charge of R38 000 a month.

It would appear that when the valve is closed, local farmers get water downstream for their livestock when the valve is closed hence they are prepared to at their own cost tanker water to the local community.

Premier Modise’s office is also assisting with funeral costs of the murdered pregnant Blydeville woman who was murdered by her 32-year-old Zimbabwean lover two weeks ago.

Police were allegedly called to the scene, where on arrival they found the bodies of the 22-year-old woman and her daughter with blood all over them. The woman was pregnant and her womb was cut to remove the foetus and its throat was slit with a knife.

Premier Modise had condemned the horrendous act and said that no amount of anger justifies the heinous act. She had called for the heartless person responsible needs to be permanently removed from society.-TDN
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Police: Situation still calm in Rustenburg


By Obakeng Maje
Rustenburg- The police together with Cluster departments have established a Joint Operational Centre (JOC) in Rustenburg to make sure that the AMCU protected strike is conducted in a peaceful manner and within the ambit of the law.

Parties to the strike, i.e. AMCU and the mining companies that are affected are continuously engaged in the JOC in order to ensure that the strike is peaceful. 

The police want to urge everybody especially those who are part of the strike and AMCU leadership to make sure that all exercise restraint and that the provisions of the law are observed at all time. 

“The deployment of police officials is done with a view to prevent crime, protect lives and properties and maintain public order. It is only through the co-operation and respect for the law and the rights of others that there will be peace. Since this morning no serious incidents have been reported and we want to urge and request everybody to remain calm, disciplined and avoid any action that may lead to criminal prosecution” colonel Sabata Mokgwabone said.

AMCU leadership must assist the police by talking to their members and by ensuring that acts of intimidation, assaults or damage to the property are not only avoided but that they are strongly sanctioned by the Union.

“The police will act decisively against those who want to break the law including those who may want to take this opportunity to commit crime.  All acts of criminality must be reported to the police so that the perpetrators can be arrested and prosecuted accordingly.   Whilst the provisions of the Dangerous Weapons Act were explained to all, we are aware of reports that some of the marchers publicly display weapons, in contravention of this law” he said.

The police will engage AMCU to ensure that those that are in violation of the law are identified, arrested and charged accordingly.-TDN
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Premier Modise welcomes AMCU’s assurance of peaceful protest


North West Premier Thandi Modise has welcomed the assurance by The Association of Mineworkers and Construction Union (Amcu) that it would do its best to stage a peaceful strike on the platinum mines in Rustenburg in the North West.

Premier Modise was reacting to Amcu co-ordinator Evans Ramokga’s statement earlier that said that the union has increased the number of marshals to ensure that the strike is peaceful.

“Respecting the rights of non-striking workers and avoiding violence at all costs would demonstrate AMCU’s commitment, We are encouraged that AMCU has committed to respect the framework for peace and stability in the mining industry during the strike and exercise its constitutional rights in line with the Labour Relations Act” said Premier Modise..

Amcu had earlier said it expected its estimated 100,000 members at the three mines to participate in the strike.

The union is seeking a minimum monthly wage of up to R12500 for entry-level workers – more than double current levels. The mining houses have said they cannot afford the steep increase.

Modise said she hoped the parties would still be able to address their concerns ahead of the planned strike on Thursday.  

“We will always encourage frank and honest discussions as we are convinced that such dialogue is a demonstration of commitment by all stakeholders to peaceful co-existence and mutual benefit based on openness, trust and respect, and that has the interest of all stakeholders at heart,” reiterated Premier Modise.


By Obakeng Maje
Madibeng- The Hawks in the North West Province investigating a case of alleged corruption against the employee of the Madibeng Local Municipality.

“The alleged suspect is working with the applications for re-zoning of properties. It is alleged that the suspect asked for money from the applicants to approve their applications in Brits and Hartbeespoortdam areas” colonel Sabata Mokgwabone said.

The investigating officer requests the public and potential witnesses to assist him by coming forward with any information.  Any person who was approached by any municipal employee to give or donate money to him, can contact the Investigating Officer,  W/O Jaco van den Berg on 071 481 3528.-TDN
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Two nabbed for school burglary in N West


By Obakeng Maje
Lehurutshe- Two accused, Daniel Kwalate (21) and Ofentse Khutswane (24) appeared in the Lehurutshe Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday on allegations of Burglary at Business premises.

They were denied bail and will appear again on 3 February 2014 for further investigations. 

“It is alleged that on 16 January 2014 the accused broke into Tlhaole High School at Motswedi village near Zeerust and took six computers to the value of R12 000.00.  Both suspects were arrested at Motswedi village on 16 January 2014” colonel Sabata Mokgwabone said.

According to the information, on 17 January 2014 police received a tip-off from a community member that there were two suspicious people who were selling a motor vehicle radio at a tavern. Police acted upon information and arrested the suspects. 

 

According to the information, both suspects were interviewed  by police and a search was conducted at their residential places for more suspected stolen goods.  One suspected stolen computer was recovered. It was identified as one of those alleged stolen at the school during burglary.

“It is alleged that the suspects took police to a nearby bush where another computer  was recovered covered in a plastic bag and shrubs.  The accused directed police to where other two computers were recovered. It is alleged that they were sold to some foreign nationals in town” Mokgwabone said.

Police investigations continue.-TDN
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Pregnant woman murder: Case postponed


ohannesburg – A man accused of stabbing his pregnant girlfriend and her 1-year-old daughter to death had his case postponed in the Lichtenburg Magistrate’s Court, the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) said on Thursday.

Samuel Ndlovu, 32, was in court on Wednesday, said NPA spokesperson Frank Lesenyego.

“His formal bail application has been abandoned and the accused remanded in custody,” said Lesenyego.

The matter was postponed to 25 February for further investigations.

“He faces two charges of murder and another charge could be added after police have concluded their investigations,” said Lesenyego.

Ndlovu was arrested on 12 January for allegedly stabbing his 22-year-old girlfriend, her unborn child, and her daughter. He apparently accused the woman of having an affair.

SAPA

DA is provoking ANC- Mthembu


Johannesburg – The DA is provoking the ANC by marching to its headquarters in Johannesburg, spokesperson Jackson Mthembu said on Wednesday.

“To us, this march by the DA is extreme provocation to the ANC. It can’t be anything else,” he said.

“What happens if our members come to protect Chief Albert Luthuli House? We should remind them what happened when they marched somewhere [Cosatu].”

Mthembu was referring to a DA march in 2012 to the Cosatu office in Braamfontein.

Cosatu members threw stones at DA supporters as they made their way to the lawns of the Joburg (formerly the Civic) Theatre, 50m away from the trade union federation’s office.

Riot police were called to the scene and tear gas and water cannons were fired.

Mthembu said the ANC did not want to be put in the same situation.

Marching to another political party’s headquarters was a “recipe for disaster”, he said.

DA leader Helen Zille said she would lead 6 000 of her party’s supporters in a march to Luthuli House in the Johannesburg CBD on 4 February to take the “fight for jobs” to the ruling party.

“Each DA supporter will represent 1 000 unemployed South Africans, who will benefit from the six million real jobs that the DA will create if elected to national government,” she said in a statement.

“We are taking the fight to Luthuli House to highlight the failure of [President] Jacob Zuma’s ANC to cut corruption and create jobs.”

Zille said the DA would expose the ANC manifesto pledge of creating six million job opportunities as “bogus”.

She accused Zuma of misleading people.

“These are not real jobs. They are temporary public works’ placements that will do little to grow the economy and lift people out of poverty permanently and sustainably,” she said.

Constitutional right

Zille said the DA had informed the Johannesburg metro police and the ANC’s secretary general Gwede Mantashe about the march.

“We have guaranteed him that our march will be peaceful, and that we expect our constitutional right to gather and protest to be respected,” she said.

Mthembu said the ANC had asked the DA to reconsider having the march as there was nothing to gain by doing this.

“They have different policies to those of the ANC and them marching to Luthuli House does not change ANC policies.

“Our democratic order has created a platform where we can debate policies, and that place is Parliament.”

He said the ANC would bring a debate in Parliament on whether it was appropriate for parties to march to each other’s offices.

Mthembu accused the DA of bringing about instability.

“We hope they are mature enough not to cause instability with elections three months away.

“All of us are working hard to make sure there is political tolerance. We will condemn anybody who wants to come provoke ANC members at the ANC headquarters,” he said.

SAPA

Foreigners arrested for drugs in JHB


Johannesburg – Five foreigners accused of dealing in drugs were arrested in Yeoville on Wednesday, Gauteng police said.

The five, aged between 25 and 46, were caught in a club by police acting on a tip-off, said Lieutenant Colonel Katlego Mogale.

“Police received information about a club that was operating as a drug peddling establishment,” she said

Uncut cocaine, crystal meth, cocaine rocks and cat [methcathinone] worth about R1m on the street was seized.

The five would appear in the Hillbrow Magistrate’s Court soon on charges including possession of drugs, said Mogale. It was not known where they were from, or if they were men or women.

SAPA