Monthly Archives: January 2014


By Obakeng Maje
Rustenburg-The first day of the Association of Mineworkers and Construction Union (AMCU)’s protected strike generally went well without any serious incidents.  Numerous allegations of intimidations and assault were received, some from the media, but at this stage neither formal complaint nor case has been registered to the police.  

“It has been established that certain individuals were seen carrying and displaying dangerous weapons in contravention of Dangerous Weapons Act, 2013 (ACT No. 15 OF 2013).  All those who were seen displaying dangerous weapons or violating the law will be identified and AMCU leaders will be engaged in the investigations” brigadier Thulani Ngubane said. 

Ngubane said it is the responsibility of the organisers to ensure that there is no contravention of the law and picketing rules in the on-going strike.

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 identified, arrested, charged and prosecuted accordingly.  

“The police are currently reviewing evidence and statements obtained relating to the incidents reported at Implats and Anglo Platinum. The police together with Cluster departments at Joint Operational Centre (JOC) including Mine Crime Combatting Forum (MCCF) stakeholders would like to appreciate everybody who respected the rule of law during the first day of the strike” he said. 

The Police are encouraging a peaceful strike and people should not infringe the rights of others. They should continue to respect authority and ensure that there is no victimization or intimidation.-TDN
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Give water projects plan a chance, Premier Modise appeals to communities


Mothutlung- Communities should give implementation of the over R2 billion Provincial Water Projects Implementation Plan to be rolled out across the North West Province in the short to medium term a chance, Premier Thandi Modise appealed on Friday.

The plan with delivery time-frames is part of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed between the Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs and Premier Modise last weekend.
The Premier says that the province –wide road show that is to soon commence to address stakeholders and representatives of all communities with challenges of water supply should assure them of the scope of the projects and time frames within which their expectations would be met.
“Given these engagements which will involve the Department of Water Affairs and Environmental Affairs, Provincial Departments of Local Government and Traditional Affairs, Water Boards, District and Local Municipalities, there is no need for communities to be misled to participate in illegal matches, burn properties or allow themselves to be used by those who seek to exploit their genuine concerns to create an environment for chaos,” stressed Modise.
Stakeholders that include traditional leaders, the business sector, religious leaders, councillors, ward committees, Chairpersons of school governing bodies and community development workers in Madibeng are targeted for the first engagement.
The exact date for the engagement will be confirmed early next week.-TDN
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Give water projects plan a chance, Premier Modise appeals to communities


Mothutlung- Communities should give implementation of the over R2 billion Provincial Water Projects Implementation Plan to be rolled out across the North West Province in the short to medium term a chance, Premier Thandi Modise appealed on Friday.

The plan with delivery time-frames is part of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed between the Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs and Premier Modise last weekend.
The Premier says that the province –wide road show that is to soon commence to address stakeholders and representatives of all communities with challenges of water supply should assure them of the scope of the projects and time frames within which their expectations would be met.
“Given these engagements which will involve the Department of Water Affairs and Environmental Affairs, Provincial Departments of Local Government and Traditional Affairs, Water Boards, District and Local Municipalities, there is no need for communities to be misled to participate in illegal matches, burn properties or allow themselves to be used by those who seek to exploit their genuine concerns to create an environment for chaos,” stressed Modise.
Stakeholders that include traditional leaders, the business sector, religious leaders, councillors, ward committees, Chairpersons of school governing bodies and community development workers in Madibeng are targeted for the first engagement.
The exact date for the engagement will be confirmed early next week.-TDN
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Chiefs wallop Sundowns to extend their lead


By Obakeng Maje
Pretoria- Kaizer Chiefs extended their lead after they thumped Mamelodi Sundowns 1-0 in a league match at Loftus Versfeld on Thursday.

The battle between the top of the table turned out to be one of the best matches dished out by PSL teams so far as the game started like the blazing fire.

Sundowns took the game to the visitors in the first minutes with that keen of finding an early goal. Kaizer Chiefs defence was buoyed and kept things water-tight at the back.

Sundowns illustrious midfielder Teko Modise unleashed a thunderbolt after receiving a telling pass from Kama Billiat. His shot hit a crossbar and hit Chiefs goalie Itumeleng Khune on the back, but the ball went outside.

Bafana Bafana and Kaizer Chiefs defender Tshepo Masilela was brought down by Wayne Arendse after he launched an attack on Sundowns defence.

The free-kick resulted into an own goal after Chiefs striker, Parker’s ball deflected by Wayne Arendse.

Chloorkop-based team started to detonates more attacks in search for an equaliser, but to no avails. Athony Laffor and Modise ochestrated some moves in the middle of the park, but defender Eric Mathoho heard none of that as he cleared everything came his way.
Morgan Gould receives a yellow card after he elbowed Bongani Zungu.

Willard Katsande also received marching orders from Victor Hlongwane after a late tackle on Modise.

Sundowns came back strong on a second half and tried to deter Chiefs defence as they put more pressure on them. The game went abreast 20 minutes after the interval as Chiefs found their feet again.

“We played so well and did everything that were supposed to be done. The team is still new and I am very pround of my players as Chiefs players have be together for more than two years” Mosimane outlines.

Chiefs Musona’ shot was well-saved by Kennedy Muwanee after he received a pass from Simphiwe Tshabalala who came in for Parker. Sundowns brought in Cuthbeth Malajila who was unlucky after his shot went over the bar with only Khune to beat after a rebound.

Mashego’ shot was blocked by Gould and followed by Laffor’s diving header.

Bongani Zungu was a thorn on Kaizer Chiefs flesh as he mesmerised their defence, but Chiefs kept afloat.

The game nearly got out of hand as more tackles were flying with only referee watching. Mashamaite was brought in after Gaxa ruled out with groin injury. Baxter bolster his defence by bring in Letsholonyane to help Katsande.

Pitso Mosimane brought in Suprise Moriri to have more arsenal in front of goals, but that was never meant to be.

Kaizer Chiefs accumulate three points and stretch their lead, however Sundowns still have a game in hand.

“We played one of the best teams and Sundowns are also on top of the table, so I am very happy for getting a seventh straight win.” said Baxter.

George Lebese scooped man of the match award.-TDN
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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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