Daily Archives: March 5, 2014

Zuma shocked at North West nazi salute


Mahikeng – President Jacob Zuma expressed shock on Tuesday at reports that students at the North West University had used the Nazi salute.

“The use of gestures associated with Nazism are shunned upon throughout the world and are relics of a time which symbolised oppression, persecution and some of the worst atrocities committed in human history,” Zuma said in a speech prepared for delivery at the university.

Beeld newspaper reported on 21 February that some students had used the Nazi “Sieg Heil” during an initiation ceremony.

Photographs were published by the newspaper showing groups of students at the University of the North West doing Nazi salutes.

Zuma said universities should develop responsible citizens and future leaders who were just, free thinking and committed to building a society free of intolerance and injustice.

“The ANC government takes this matter seriously and will not tolerate any unconstitutional activities that are perpetrated at any education and training institution,” he said.

Zuma told students that Higher Education Minister Blade Nzimande was looking into the matter.

SAPA

Oscar Pistorius case: ‘Aggravated questions’ expected in court


Pretoria – Paralympian Oscar Pistorius arrived at the North Gauteng High Court at around 09:10 on Wednesday for the third day of his murder trial.

He was surrounded by police and security as he walked through a contingent of media waiting to catch a picture of him.

Pistorius was wearing a dark suit and carrying a laptop bag.

The Pistorius family was seen walking in a few minutes later.

Proceedings got under way at 09:30.

Setting up

Earlier, journalists were running extension cords to power their mobile devices and sorting out technical problems before the start of proceedings.

One man climbed up the bars of the heavy iron gate used to secure the front entrance of the court. He used duct tape to secure a mini camera to the bars, in the hope of snapping footage of Pistorius arriving at court without being crushed in the melee.

Another stood on a concrete dustbin, arranging his camera on the roof of the bus stop outside the court so that it faced the entrance.

Outside court two men were handing out free bottled water and energy drinks to police and journalists.

“We came because it seems all of you are here,” one of them said.

Inside the court, one journalist, on the phone to a colleague, speculated there would be a lot of “aggravated questions” from Barry Roux, SC, for Pistorius, to the “fit, slim” State witness Charl Johnson, who started testifying on Tuesday.

Johnson is married to Michelle Burger, who was the State’s first witness.

The State will try to prove that Pistorius committed premeditated murder when he shot his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp through the toilet door in his Pretoria townhouse on 14 February last year.

In addition he is charged with illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition, and recklessly discharging a firearm in public.

Pistorius contends he mistook her for an intruder when he shot through the door.

SAPA

‪‪ SAFA President inspires Bafana Bafana


Johannesburg-SAFA President Dr Danny Jordaan visited Bafana Bafana players at their training camp where he urged them to rekindle the Madiba
(Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela) spirit of never giving up against any adversity.

The late Father of the Nation spent 27 years in prison but on his release, became a symbol of unity, beacon of hope and a true winner in the eyes of the world.

Bafana Bafana play Brazil in an international friendly at FNB Stadium on Wednesday, 5 March 2014 in a 19h00 kick off.

Dr Jordaan reminded the players that in whatever they do, they should do so in memory of the late statesman.

“Let Madiba be your inspiration, his spirit must drive you to achieve greater targets regardless of the odds being stacked against you.

“Tomorrow (Wednesday) you have a special responsibility, so go out there and enjoy yourself. It should be a spectacular day,” said the SAFA President in his address to the players and the technical staff”.

He said Wednesday’s encounter with Brazil had lots of symbolic significance.

“We want to wish Brazil well in hosting the 2014 FIFA World Cup in addition to us celebrating 20 years of our cherished democracy. This match is also a tribute to Nelson Mandela.

“The two teams will be unveiling their respective new kit. Brazil will unveil their 2014 FIFA World Cup playing kit and Bafana will showcase their new Nike limited Edition gear.”

The SAFA President said in all of the previous friendly matches which date back to 1996 when a last minute Bebeto over-head kick gave the Samba Boys a come-from-behind 3-2 victory, Brazil had always beaten Bafana Bafana through late goals.

“It was the same issue with the Confederations Cup in 2009 and in 2012 in Sao Paolo,” he said. “So keep guard and avoid conceding the last minute goal again.”

The SAFA President said the match against Brazil was part of the Association’s goal of attaining the 2022 Vision whose ultimate goal is to see Bafana Bafana consistently ranked among the top 3 on the African continent and top 20 in the world.

Tickets for the match can still be purchased at Computicket, Shoprite and Shoprite Checkers stores throughout the country. They are selling for R50, R100 and R200.-TDN
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