Monthly Archives: March 2014

ANC to campaign at CT Jazz festival


Cape Town – ANC top brass are expected to don their election hats at this year’s Cape Town International Jazz festival, party spokesperson Jackson Mthembu said on Saturday.

Speaking on the sidelines of the ANC NEC meeting Mthembu welcomed the “coincidence” that the party’s national executive committee was meeting in the Mother City while one of the most prestigious entertainment events on the South African calendar was taking place.

“This NEC was held here [because] as you know it coincides with something good happening in the Western Cape, Cape Town particularly,” Mthembu said.

“In our campaign we interact with all sectors of society, including musicians, artists, you name it, so the coincidence was wonderful for the African National Congress.”

Tickets to the festival were sold out well before the concerts got underway.

A weekend pass would cost festival goers R795, while a day pass cost R490.

Companies are known to sponsor their clients and special guests such as politicians with tickets.

– SAPA

Malema- EFF will change North West


Mahikeng – The Economic Freedom Fighters are ready to change the North West, its leader Julius Malema said on Saturday.

“North West is the home of the EFF. You are the second best rally after Tembisa… this is the sign that we are ready to take North West,” he told supporters at the launch of the provincial election manifesto at the Montshioa Stadium near Mahikeng.

Malema said the African National Congress failed people in Mahikeng to an extent that the people longed for the Bophuthatswana government.

Bophuthatswana, which was led by Lucas Mangope, was one of ten homelands during apartheid.

“People said they did not like Mangope for suppressing politics but at least Mangope was able to provide services,” Malema said.

He said the EFF would bury corruption.

“Today is the funeral of corruption, maladministration and jobs for sex,” he said to loud applause from the crowd.

Malema said RDP houses built by the ANC were worse than the match box houses built by the apartheid government.

“The ANC house collapses soon after the handing over ceremony. It literally follows them.”

He said there was no good story to tell but a “suffering story” to tell.

Malema said his party would partner with mineworkers to ensure that they get paid R12 500.

“We want security guards to be paid R7 000. They protect us, they work hard.”

He said the EFF wanted all to be equal.

Malema said black economic empowerment was only benefiting a few people.

“The wealth of South Africa circulates between the family of Cyril Ramaphosa and Patrice Motsepe.”

– SAPA

‘Sex slave’ arrested by cops


Johannesburg – A foreign woman who claims she was tricked into coming to South Africa seven years ago by a man she met on the internet, has been arrested in Springs for entering the country illegally, the Lowvelder reported.

Springs police arrested the woman earlier in the week, the newspaper reported on Friday.

“She has no documents and so she’s an illegal immigrant,” Captain Mothutsane was quoted as saying.

She was reportedly discovered on Wednesday by a passer-by who saw her being manhandled aggressively by an unknown man.

“I saw from his body language that he was threatening her so I drove around the block. When I came around again and stopped, he ran away and I asked her if everything was alright,” the passer-by known only as Leon was quoted as saying.

The woman told him she was American, aged 26 and that her name was Anna Kreller.

Seven years ago she allegedly met a man from Cape Town on the internet who tricked her into believing he wanted to marry her, she reportedly said.

The man travelled to America to fetch her and brought her back to SA.

She also allegedly told Leon that when she arrived, the man took her passport and assaulted her.

He then forced her into a life of prostitution and she was given to other people who had held her captive in a house in Geduld in Springs, the paper reported.

Gauteng provincial police spokesperson, Brigadier Neville Malila, reportedly told the paper they were aware of the woman being taken to the Springs police station, but still had to decided whether or not to open a case.

SAPA

Maimane: DA to fight crime and corruption


Johannesburg – The Democratic Alliance will fight against crime and corruption, the party’s Gauteng premier candidate Mmusi Maimane said on Saturday.

“I believe that no citizen of Gauteng should live in fear of crime,” he told DA supporters at the party’s Gauteng manifesto launch and job rally.

“For every person who wants to feel safe in Gauteng, this is your fight too.”

Maimane said druglords in communities such as Eldorado Park, were operating from government housing.

“I pledge that we will evict druglords from all public property, that is our promise.”

The DA would demand three special police units including a drug squad, a gang unit and a domestic violence unit, he said.

It would also pass the Community Safety Act in Gauteng.

“This law will give us power to hold the police accountable,” said Maimane.

“We will watch over them and we will keep the police working hard and working honestly.”

He said the party would also fight against government corruption.

The DA would introduce a new ministerial handbook that would cut luxuries for all government officials.

“No more R1.3m cars, no more credit cards, no more R500 000 swimming pools.”

Maimane said that while the African National Congress defended e-tolls and Nkandla, the DA would “stand up to fight for change”.

“The Gauteng of our future must be one where all children will grow up to be anything they want to be,” said Maimane.

– SAPA

Zuma must be arrested- Malema


Mahikeng – President Jacob Zuma must be arrested for stealing public money, Economic Freedom Fighters leader Julius Malema said on Saturday.

“Zuma must rot in jail,” he told EFF supporters at the party’s North West manifesto launch in Mahikeng.

“Zuma does not belong to us. He is going to be arrested soon.”

Malema told the crowd Zuma had used R1m to build a chicken run and over R2m to construct a swimming pool.

“When our people are swimming in poverty. Zuma and his family are swimming in luxury… I do not know whether they can swim.”

He said he did not think Public Protector Thuli Madonsela’s recommendation that Zuma repay the money spent on non-security upgrades to his private home in Nkandla, KwaZulu-Natal was correct.

“It is not correct, Zuma must go to jail. He stole from the poor.”

Malema denied that he himself was corrupt.

“I was arrested for stealing state money. How can I steal money because I was never employed by government.

“I was arrested for speaking the truth.”

Malema told his supporters he had opened a criminal case against Zuma in Pretoria.

“I am meeting the police on Monday. I am going to give them evidence that Zuma stole state money.”

Malema called on his followers to take education serious.

“You must compete with education. Not the phone you have or the clothes you wear… ”

He said EFF would provide free quality education from early childhood development and encouraged students to have at least a first degree.

– SAPA

CAF Associate Member Presidents descend in SA for FIFA workshop


Johannesburg-More than 27 Confederation of African Football (CAF) Presidents will this week descend in South Africa for a three-day FIFA workshop which will provide an update in a number of areas that include technical matters and the general cooperation between CAF and FIFA. 

The workshop will take place at Sandton Convention Centre from 2-4 April, 2014 and will be attended by the Presidents, Secretary Generals and Technical Directors of the respective countries. 

“More than 27 Member Association Presidents, General Secretaries and Technical Directors have been invited and confirmed their participation. They are drawn mainly from the English speaking African countries” Jordaan said.

Among the areas that will be discussed during the three day seminar are: 

.FIFA governance reforms

.New regulations governing development programmes

.FIFA Development programmes and services for Member Associates

.CAF Development programmes (Club Licensing)

.Cooperation between FIFA and CAF
Other areas that will come up for discussion include how CAF’s Member Associates can maximise on the Goal Projects and the role of the Technical Director.

The seminar opens on Wednesday with the workshop of the Technical Directors followed by the bilateral meetings of the Presidents and Secretary Generals/Chief Executives.

“On Thursday, the workshop will touch on FIFA Development Programmes and how they can be used to grow the game on the African continent” Jordaan said.

The seminar will be opened by FIFA Secretary General, Jerome Valcke and SAFA President, Danny Jordaan.-TDN
Follow us on Twitter@Taung_DailyNews or @IceT_

 

SA-Chinese investment to create thousands of jobs at the Bakubung Platinum Mine


The Bakubung Platinum Mine situated in Ledig near Sun City outside Rustenburg will create 3135 jobs at full production, We Sizwe Platinum revealed at the 2nd Annual North West BRICS Expo International Investment and Tourism Conference Networking Gala Dinner held at the Mmabatho Convention Centre in Mahikeng on Friday evening. 

The R10.69 Billion Project which involves a Chinese investor consortium made up of Jinchuan and China Africa Development Fund (CADFund), holding a 45% interest in the Company was showcased as a tangible example of a successful BRICS strategic partnership in action

 

Structuring of successful Chinese South African strategic mining partnerships, harnessing of specialist mining expertise and practices from both China and South African mining sectors and leveraging of access to Chinese financing models and financial institutions were highlighted by We Sizwe Platinum Executive for Corporate Affairs and Investor relation, Hamlet Morule as some of the valuable lessons that could be learnt from the project.

 

“The 15 year loan facility with a total capital commitment of US$ 650 million, of which  the capital portion repayment only to commence after 6 years from first drawdown with an interest payable will be 6 month LIBOR plus 3.5% was made available by the China Development Bank ,” Morule emphasised in his presentation, 

 Morule said that the optimization study conducted by Wesizwe’s management team made up of both Chinese mining industry expertise and highly experienced South African mining industry and corporate executives has resulted in 26 month reduction in time to full production of 250ktpm by October 2020 instead of December 2022.

 

In expressing gratitude for the high level of engagements and participation in her closing remarks, MEC for Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism, Motlalepula Rosho said that the conference which had attracted over 600 delegates was by all accounts very successful and productive.

 

“We must always remember that economic prosperity, sustainable development ,as well as enhanced trade and investment opportunities are inextricably linked and depended on each other, ” she  emphasised.-TDN
Follow us on Twitter@Taung_DailyNews or @IceT_

North West mentally-handicapped teen raped


By Obakeng Maje
Sannieshof-A 47 year-old man was arrested by North West police after he allegedly raped a 14 year-old mentally-handicapped girl.

Captain Pelonomi Makau said the horrendous event took place at Agisanang location, near Sannieshof.

“A 47 year-old man allegedly lured a girl to his house and offered her money before raping her. The mother of the victim was allegedly informed about the turn of event and rushed to the scene where she found her daughter semi-naked” Makau said.

The police were called and the suspect was arrested and charged for rape.

He appeared before Sannieshof Magistrate Court on Friday and denied bail.

A 47 year-old man will appear back on the 03 April 2014 at Delareyville Magistrate Court for formal bail application.

Police investigations continue.-TDN
Follow us on Twitter@Taung_DailyNews or @IceT_

Musician: Those “booing” Zuma represent my voice


Dear ANC

 

Re: The issue of the BOO

 

BOO, a sound made to show disapproval or contempt. A sound made to show disrespect. People BOO when they don’t like someone.

 

I write this letter as a fed up citizen of South Africa.

 

ANC is the organisation I entrusted with my vote and support in 1994. Being the biggest political organisation at the time, ANC had paid its dues to be the organisation that governed our people.

There were many political parties who liberated us…a fact you like to blatantly ignore.

The liberation of black people in this country happened because black people as a whole had had enough and not because ANC was our ’messiah.’

You are the organisation we CHOSE to lead us…something you have now taken for granted.

 

I have never been at any of the stadiums where (hopefully soon to be ex) President Zuma has been booed lately, but I can tell you that those BOOs represent my voice. Every time I hear of another booing, in my heart I say ‘THANK YOU those people are Booing on my behalf!’

 

What is disturbing though, is how you keep coming up with excuses to pretend as if the BOOing isn’t happening. You are starting to create an awkward moment where you look like the kid with chocolate on his face, denying to have eaten the chocolate. Please save us from the embarrassment of having a government that doesn’t take responsibility for its actions?

 

As you know, African people are a conservative nation, so for them to start BOOing at memorial service of the ‘Greatest man of our time,’ it SAYS something. That first and most memorable BOOing was a spontaneous reaction from the PEOPLE. And since then, a number of provinces have also BOOed him in their stadiums. Stop being in denial, the BOOings ARE happening and they need to be addressed.

 

I don’t believe that EVERYBODY in the ANC has been ‘corrupted,’ it is to these people that I make an appeal. The time has come for you to show yourselves and step up as true leaders in this situation.

 

There is a loud enough Anti Zuma sentiment for this issue to be brought to the table. The BOOing is telling us that A LOT of South Africans want a new president.

 

South Africans are yearning for a chance to start on a new page. We want a leader that will inspire us and make us the great nation we were starting to be before Zuma’s term.

Yes, we agree, we are not all politicians and you know better…..but we have reached a stage where having Jacob Zuma has affected the morale of the country. We are the people of this country and we should also have a say in who we want to lead us.

 

At Madiba’s memorial service you said we would address the BOOing after the visitors had left. They have been gone for over 3 months and still no word from you about our grievances.

 

When it comes to this matter, you, ANC members have been your worst enemy…you have given rise to not only competition but also distrust. The way in which you have handled yourselves in the 20 years of freedom leaves us wondering if we gave our Power to the right people.

 

There are MANY reasons why the Zuma administration has upset the people of South Africa. The people have been disrespected on many different levels on many different occasions. In future, please ANC, be conscious as to the kind of character you put on a pedestal and make us call president. Here are a few points:

Can your candidate not have any criminal charges against them? Yes, politics are a dirty game but please can we also consider that you are leaders and must thus set an example.

Should your candidate be a polygamist, please can it be in the true African form- not ‘polygamy’ that has MANY girlfriends and children in and out of wedlock. This sends out the wrong message to our sons.

Can spousal allowance only cover ONE wife, if a man chooses to have more, may that be his own personal affair and not affect our taxes.

Can your candidate not allow rich friends to land at national key points? When the president does not see this as a threat to our security as a country, then I become worried.

Can your candidate be well read on Black Consciousness? At this stage of Africa’s liberation from the west we need a president who has an agenda to unify Africa. Ignorant comments about other African nations are inappropriate.

Can your next candidate have ubuntu and compassion? R260 million on 1 property when people are living in shacks is disturbing. The fact that a man can have animals living in a million rand kraal while his people live in corrugated iron is sickening. So its okay for your people to live emazenkeni as long as your family is sorted?

Can your next candidate be inspiring?

Basically, the BOOing is South Africa asking president Zuma to step down.-TDN
For more http://www.ntsikimazwai.wordpress.com
Follow us on Twitter@Taung_DailyNews or @IceT_

Mahikeng To Host Last Leg Of EFF Provincial Manifesto Launches


By Obakeng Maje
Mahikeng-The North West will go down in history as the province that ushered EFF into the political arena as a vanguard of the poor and the poor working class. It is fitting that the province will once more host another momentous event by hosting the last leg of EFF provincial manifesto launch, says EFF spokesperson Seitebogeng Nkitseng.

The event is scheduled to take place on the 29 March 2014 at Montshioa stadium in Mahikeng.

“EFF Commander In Chief Julius Malema is to address a full capacity crowd as Mahikeng will be turned into a sea of red as fighters converge on the North West capital” Nkitseng said.-TDN
Follow us on Twitter@Taung_DailyNews or @IceT_