Japan-North West Premier Thandi Modise is leading a provincial visit to Japan to explore partnerships and investments for the Platinum Valley Hub Special Economic Zone (SEZ). 

The delegation that is leaving today is expected back in the province on the 5th March 2014.

The objective of the business trip is to explore investment opportunities and partnerships in platinum beneficiation, fuel cells sector and benefit industrialisation of the province’s automotive sector.

“With platinum emerging as a significant energy mineral, the Platinum Valley Hub will assist the province to leverage on South Africa and Africa’s need for clean energy. The fact that the world’s largest Platinum Group Metal reserve representing 70% of the global output is in our province gives us a niche in platinum beneficiation that we need to exploit,” stressed Premier Modise before the departure of the delegation.

The hectic programme for the business trip includes a visit to the Kita Kyushu Smart Community Project and Kyushu Electrical Power Company to learn and experience the distributed power generation from Fuji Fuel cells becoming integral part of the energy mix.

Premier Modise will as part of the seven days programme for the mission attend the Fuel Cells Expo and address a business seminar that will give the province exposure on manufacturing production of hydrogen that uses platinum.

Apart from fuel cells, the delegation will also interact with other companies in the platinum value chain such as the Platinum Jewellery School in Yamanashi, be exposed to the Toyota City Low Carbon Society Verification Project and experience firsthand Japan’s advancement in renewable energy.

“Our Platinum Group Metal (PGM) Beneficiation Strategy and Implementation Plan developed after extensive research over the past 12 years has identified main applications for platinum in value added products, especially fuel cells, and its application in various industries such as telecommunications, automotive and other energy sectors,” highlighted Modise.

The Premier’s entourage includes the MEC for Economic Development, Conservation and Tourism, Motlalepula Rosho, the Acting Director General in the Office of the Premier, Joe Rantete, the Chief Executive Officer of the North West Development Cooperation, Mojalefa Nale and a representative of the Platinum Trust SA.

The trust is an entity of the North West Provincial government that has maintained relationship with the private sector in Japan on usage of platinum for a number of products including catalytic convertors since Japan is home to a number of automotive of Original Equipment Manufacturers.

The North West Province was part of the delegation of the Deputy President’s visit to Japan in 2008 as it had recognised that it is one of the leading countries in fuel cell research, development and manufacturing.-TDN

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By Obakeng Maje

Mmabatho-Motsweding FM Dj Papa Moalusi will appear on Tuesday after more investigations needed. 

Moalusi was involved in a car accident where two boys were allegedly killed. The accident took place at Extension 38, near Mmabatho at around 05:00am on Sunday.

A 30 year-old radio personality handed himself after he allegedly fled the scene.

He was with a female passenger when the atrocity took place. Moalusi allegedly plunged on two boys aged 14 and 20 after he lost control of his vehicle.

Motsweding FM Dj was driving an Audi and knocked on a red Corolla after he plunged on two boys.

Brigadier Thulane Ngubane said the radio personality was charged with and detained.-TDN

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By Obakeng Maje

Johannesburg – Security was tight at the Palm Ridge Magistrate’s Court on Monday ahead of the appearance of Czech fugitive Radovan Krejcir and his four co-accused.

Krejcir was due to appear on charges of kidnapping, assault and attempted murder alongside Siboniso Miya, Sandton businessman Desai Luphondo, and two members of the Hawks, warrant officers Samuel Modise Maropeng and George Jeff Nthoroane.

As in their previous appearances, the road leading to the court was blocked off with only officials allowed to pass through.

Outside the courtroom, scores of police officers lined the benches.

People entering the court were searched.

Inside court, more officers filled the gallery.

Krejcir’s wife and son arrived before court proceedings began.

They sat in the front row of the court gallery and moved out a short while later.

Four of the men were arrested in November. Miya was arrested in January.

In June last year, they allegedly kidnapped and assaulted a man whose brother, known only as “Doctor”, disappeared with a 25kg shipment of tik he had been recruited to help smuggle through OR Tambo International Airport.

They are accused of keeping the man at Krejcir’s Money Point business in Bedfordview, Johannesburg, for four days, and assaulting him.

On 10 January, the South Gauteng High Court in Johannesburg denied Krejcir leave to appeal the dismissal of his application for bail by the Palm Ridge Regional Court on 13 December.

At their last court appearance on 24 January, the court heard that Miya was assaulted and not fed while in police custody.

Miya’s lawyer handed in an application for him to be moved from the Krugersdorp police station to the Johannesburg prison. The case was postponed to allow for investigations to be concluded. 

SAPA

Actress Maggie Benedict took to Facebook on Saturday to address the recent reports regarding her arrest following the alleged theft of pain killers at a Checkers store in Cresta.

@checkerssa: ARREST. I have refrained from making any indepth statements regarding my arrest at Checkers in Cresta on the 18th December 2013 because as quickly as the event occurred is as quickly as it became a legal matter.

It seemed prudent to wait until proceedings concluded before releasing any statements, but as the case continues and the media attention increases, I’d like to set the record straight:

I, UNEQUIVOCALLY, DID NOT STEAL HEADACHE TABLETS FROM CHECKERS.

I am innocent of this alleged crime and there was no basis for the arrest. Every item in my possession was paid for including the tablets I’d purchased weeks earlier that were still unopened. It’s interesting that while I was there, another customer’s packages set off the security system and she was allowed to go without a search. I could not provide a receipt because I’m blessed to have R17.49c not be an expenditure I need to keep track of. Checkers could not provide proof either as the camera covering the relevant aisle didn’t work. It still wasn’t working when we gathered to view footage on the 13th February 2014. Neither party has conclusive evidence of the alleged crime.

As the matter currently stands, the State has offered Diversion. That means in principal that you admit to the allegations against you, look appropriately remorseful and the whole thing goes away. This would be the easiest and most cost effective manner in which to get this matter to finality. So basically it’s a lie that gets me out of this. I’m not sleeping as it is, I don’t see lying to an officer of the law remedying that. I declined the offer.

I am advised by my legal representative, Mr Jonathan Kaiser of O’Connell Attorneys, that often when a crime is based upon loss of such nominal value and the case is heavily reliant on circumstantial evidence, the State will dismiss it.

Checkers can intervene and elect not to proceed with the further participation of the prosecution. Neither has happened. All calls by my attorney to Checkers have to date been met with a noncommittal ‘We’re still trying to find someone to appoint to the matter’ response. I guess it is far easier to Make An Example Of That Actress than it is to admit that perhaps, just perhaps, Checkers’ AntiTheft machines and cameras might need a service.

I am appalled that this ill handled misunderstanding requires not a diplomatic

conversation to resolve, but rather, a piece of my character. Whatever happens next I wanted to write this statement to correct the stories out there sullying my name and present my side of events.

To every woman who carries her life in her handbag like I do, open everything in it RIGHT NOW! Don’t

wait until you need that item to lift the tab, tear the perforated seal or pop the blister pack. That

unopened snack bar you keep for emergencies might cost you far more than the price on the shelf.

Regards,

Maggie