Monthly Archives: March 2014

NEW MDR TB UNIT TO OPEN AT GELUKSPAN HOSPITAL


Gelukspan-The North West Department of Health will open a Multi Drug Resistance (MDR) Tuberculosis (TB) Unit at Gelukspan Hospital on Thursday, 06 March 2014.

The unit forms part of decentralization of MDR TB treatment model aimed at making TB treatment accessible and closer to communities.

“MDR TB expertise were initially centralised in Tshepong/Klerksdorp Hospital Complex but a need to decentralise arose following the installation of Gene Xpert machine in various hospitals across the province” departmental spokesperson Tebogo Lekgethwane said. 

The Gene Xpert is a new test for tuberculosis. It can find out if a person is infected with TB within two hours and also if the TB bacterium of the person has resistance to one of the common TB drugs.

“With the use of new technology more people are now being diagnosed with TB. A number of MDR TB cases increased from 375 in 2012 to 570 in 2013. The new cases far exceed bed capacity of 76 beds at Klerksdorp/ Tshepong Hospital Complex’s MDR TB Unit” Lekgethwane said.

MEC Dr. Magome Masike will deliver a keynote address.

Details are as follows:

 

Date    :Thursday, 06 March 2013

Venue: Gelukspan Hospital

Time  10h00

STATISTICS ABOUT TB IN THE NORTH WEST PROVINCE:

 

∙About 19000 patients are currently on TB treatment.
∙TB related deaths decreased from 8.2% in 2009 to 7.3% in 2012
∙North West Province has cured three Extreme Drug Resistance (XDR) TB patients. The condition was deemed impossible to cure
∙A number of MDR TB cases increased from 375 in 2012 to 570 in 2013
∙A number of  XDR TB cases increased from four in 2012 to 12 in 2014.
∙TB defaulter rate improved from 9, 2% in 2012 to 7,2% in 2013. This can be attributed to community health worker programme.
∙Taung Hospital MDR TB Unit is fully functional. The unit forms part MDR TB decentralization model. So far more than 20 patients have been initiated at the facility and 15 patients were completely cured.
∙120 health care workers trained on  MDR  TB decentralization model
∙13 more facilities have been earmarked for MDR TB decentralization model.-TDN
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Da takes e-toll battle to court


Johannesburg –

The Cape High Court will hear argument on Tuesday that legislation governing e-tolling should be declared unconstitutional.

Democratic Alliance spokesman Mmusi Maimane said on Sunday that the party approached the court because the Transport Laws and Related Matters Amendment Bill (the e-tolling bill) was incorrectly passed by Parliament and signed into law by President Jacob Zuma.

He said if the case is successful, the law would need to be sent back to Parliament to deliberate on for a second time.

The DA would argue that the law was incorrectly passed by the National Assembly as it was tagged as a Section 75 Bill (debated in Parliament only) and not a Section 76 Bill (debated in Parliament and provinces).

“The people of Gauteng were therefore denied a voice in the passing of the e-tolling bill due to it not appearing before the provincial legislature,” Maimane said.

He said should the DA win the case in the high court, the matter would automatically be referred to the Constitutional Court where the law may be declared unconstitutional. – Sapa

Three burnt to death in farm attack


Durban – A 76-year-old farmer, his 65-year-old wife and their 33-year-old son have burnt to death in an attack on their farm, police said on Monday.

They were attacked on their farm near Richmond shortly after midday on Sunday, said Captain Thulani Zwane.

He said the house was ransacked, and firearms, household items and an undisclosed amount of cash was stolen.

The police were investigating three cases of murder, and no arrests had been made.

Zwane initially said the three were beaten to death, but later said: “They were all burnt to death.” – Sapa

Motsepe foundation to sponsor SSD


The South African Football Association (SAFA) today announced that the Motsepe Foundation would sponsor the SAFA Second Division League for the next five years as part of the association’s commitment to focus on youth development.

The league will now be known as the ABC Motsepe League, and will carry a first prize of R1-m to the winning team of which R200 000 will be used by the winning team for development purposes. There will be a runner up prize of R500 000 of which R100 000 is to used by the runner up for development purposes. This staggering prize money is a clear statement by the Motsepe Foundation, its patrons Mr Patrice Motsepe and Dr Precious Moloi-Motsepe  and the Trustees on the importance and significance of the development of sport whilst empowering the youth and creating  opportunity for a better life.

In making the announcement, SAFA President Dr Danny Jordaan, said today was a historic day for South African football.

“This is a great boost for South African football and we want to thank the Motsepe Foundation for their consistency in supporting grassroots development which is the most important sector of football.

“The Second Division is the last leg before teams progress into the professional ranks and it is therefore SAFA’s responsibility to make sure teams are financially viable as well as to have proper developmental structures.

“We have created a unique and probably a world first by allocating part of the prize money to youth development,” said the SAFA President.

The Motsepe Foundation ha

s responded to a request by SAFA to partner the organisation to develop soccer at the lower levels in order to grow South African football. The SAFA request was in line with the Motsepe Foundation vision of empowering, growing and enabling South Africans from all walks of life.

The Foundation is committed to a number of causes within our country from Women and Economic Empowerment  to the Youth and Sport. This opportunity lends itself well to being a second tier to what the Foundation is doing at

  high school level through the

Sanlam Kay Motsepe Cup.

The partnership would not only focus on player development, with the stern age criteria which the Mostepe Foundation is putting as a condition to the sponsorship which will see six under 21 players included  and playing on the field per team at each game played in the ABC Motsepe League,  but it would also explore ways to develop administration at all levels in order to establish sound management of the league and improve football adminstration in the country. With 144 teams playing in the ABC Motsepe league, this will mean that in excess of 1500 players under the age of 21 will be given opportunity to play in an organized, competitive league, getting exposed to stronger training and coaching. This single action will undoubtedly bode well for the National team in five to 10 years time, as this influx of young talent graduates to higher ranks of our football.

The league will be named after the late  Mr ABC Motsepe

, father of Mr Patrice Motsepe.  This is in recognition of the legacy of Mr Motsepe Senior, who was an educator, a principal who was committed to the growth and development of the youth, an entrepreneur, visionary and philanthropist in his own right.  As a school principal, he was renowned for ensuring that even students who were turned down by other institutions were admitted and educated, and stressed the need for students to be innovative and passionate about whatever they do. Above all, he was a keen soccer follower.

Several end-of-season awards will also be made, and these will be named after soccer administrators who have made life-long contribution to the development of soccer. This is also in a bid to ensure that the league and all who are involved in it  strive for exellence and uplifting the  league and ensuring a consitent supply of talent for our National teams whilst developing the youth.

The SABC will also partner SAFA in this initiative, and highlight packages will be broadcast of matches in the play-off stages of the league and the final will be broadcast live.-TDN
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A man arrested for murder in Tshidilamolomo


By Obakeng Maje
Tshidilamolomo-A 35-year-old suspect appeared in Mmabatho Magistrates’ Court for the murder of a 28-year-old victim. 

The incident occurred on Saturday at about 01:40 in Moshawane. 

“It is alleged that the suspect and the victim had an argument over a girlfriend.  Allegations further state that the suspect stabbed the victim on the left side of the chest with a bottle neck” colonel Sabata Mokgwabone. 

The victim in retaliation also hit the suspect on the forehead with an empty bottle. 

The victim fled the scene on foot, collapsed and died on the street.

The suspect was traced and arrested he appeared in court.-TDN
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North West man killed while crossing the road


By Obakeng Maje
Klerksdorp-The police are investigating a case of Culpable Homicide after a 28-year-old victim was hit by a car between Klerksdorp-Wolmaransstad road on Sunday at about 19:56.  

The police were called to the scene of accident and upon arrival they found the victim lying on the road. 

According to the information received, the victim was crossing the road when the driver of the white Nissan Navara collided with him.

“It is alleged that the victim’s body sustained multiple injuries and dragged for a few meters by a car” Colonel Sataba Mokgwabone said. 

No one has been arrested and investigation continues.-TDN
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Brazil players arrive for Bafana Bafana encounter


Johannesburg- Seven Brazilian players have arrived in South Africa for Wednesday’s match against Bafana Bafana while the rest will land at OR Tambo International Airport later on Monday (22h00).

The match will take place at FNB Stadium and will kick off at 19h00.

“Fred from Fluminense, Jo, a striker with Athletico Mineiro and goalkeeper Jefferson who plays for Botafogo, landed at OR Tambo Airport at 07h15 on Monday morning while Chelsea’s quartet of David Luis, Ramires, Oscar and Willian jetted in three hours later at Lanseria Airport” Bafana spokesperson Matlhomola Morake said.

The rest of the European based players, including crowd favourite Neymar, will touch down at OR Tambo at 22h00 on Monday.

The match, to mark 20 years of Freedom, will be used by both teams to unveil their new kit.

“The Samba Boys will unveil their FIFA 2014 World Cup playing kit while Bafana Bafana will showcase their new limited edition Nike gear” Morake.

South Africa will also be handing over the baton to the next World Cup hosts Brazil.

Tickets are selling fast and can be purchased at Computicket, Shoprite and Shoprite Checkers countrywide.-TDN
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Khune and Dikgacoi out of Bafana Bafana squad to face Brazil


Johannesburg-Bafana Bafana captain Itumeleng Khune and midfielder Kagisho Dikgacoi have been ruled out of the squad to face Brazil in an international friendly match scheduled for Wednesday, 5 March 2014 due to injuries.

Khune is nursing a sprained ankle which he sustained during the pre-match warm-up ahead of his club’s CAF Champions League match on Saturday (1 March) in Durban. He did not play in that match and is expected to be out of action for up to 15 days.

The Kaizer Chiefs skipper will be replaced by Orlando Pirates keeper Senzo Meyiwa who has already reported for national team duty.

Meanwhile, Dikgacoi is suffering from a backache and has since been withdrawn from the squad. He will not be replaced as Bafana Bafana head Gordon Igesund believes he has enough cover in that position.

With Khune out of this clash, it is expected that Thabo Nthethe will lead the side, but the coach still has to make a decision.

All but three players have already arrived in camp with the exception of Daylon Claasen (Poland); Thulani Serero (Holland) and Anele Ngcongca (Belgium). The trio is expected in South Africa later tonight (Monday, 3 March).

Bafana Bafana will have their first training session at the Orlando Stadium this afternoon.

“I expect the players to put a good performance. We did so against Spain and I believe the players will give nothing less. It is surely going to be a tough match but I am certain the players will be competitive against the five-time world champions. We need these kind of games to gauge where we are and this is one match where you don’t need to motivate the players as they know what is expected of them,” said Igesund.

“Even though these are two different matches I am confident that my players will be able to deal with the might of Brazil like they did with the Spaniards. We are playing a fantastic team, favourites to win the 2014 World Cup which they are hosting. I hope the supporters will get behind the team because every game we play we want to win, and with their assistance we can get positive results. I want my players to show hunger, commitment and determination in this match.”

The players are also eager to face Brazil.

“It feels good to be back, and it will be exciting to play against Brazil as it will be my first time. We will fight for a win even though it is going to be a difficult match. As players, we don’t have to be motivated because just being in the squad to play Brazil is enough motivation. We did well against Spain because we were playing as a team and if we continue with the same mentality we will do well again,” said Belgium-based Andile Jali.

“Every player is excited to play Brazil and we are all hoping to be in the starting line-up for such a big occasion. All the player who are here know how Brazil plays, and I believe we have all been studying their moves as to how we can counter them. In fact I even have a picture in my mind of how to face a world-class player like Neymar, but we all know it will not be easy. We have done some homework on them and we know what to expect,” said Nthethe.

“Should I be captain on the night, it will be another exciting chapter in my career. We urge the supporters to come in numbers as it is very motivating to play in front of big crowds because it gives us that extra boost. We hope not to disappoint them, but aim for a win to put some smiles on their faces.”

Tickets are still available at Computiticket outlets and at Shoprite, Checkers and Shoprite/Checkers stores countrywide.

They are going for R50, R100 and R200.-TDN
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Minister Mbalula visits Bafana Bafana


By TDN
Johannesburg- Minister of Sport and Recreation South Africa, the Honourable Fikile Mbalula visited Bafana Bafana at the team hotel to wish them luck.

South Africa will face five-time world champions Brazil in an international friendly match on Wednesday, 5 March 2014 at FNB Stadium.

“I am here to encourage you to do well and I think this is the most representative squad of Bafana Bafana with all overseas-based players. I want you to do the nation proud by giving Brazil a tough match.

“We know that they are champions (having won the world cup five times) but I believe we can put up a very good fight against them. We are a winning nation as we have shown when we beat European and World Champions Spain, and our Under 19 cricket team have just proven that by winning the ICC U19 World Cup recently.

“I know this team will bounce back when they face Brazil on Wednesday. I also urge fellow South Africans to come and fill the FNB Stadium to support the national team as they will be representing our country,” said Minister Mbalula.

The Minister is among a host of dignitaries that will be at the FNB Stadium to watch this match. The President of the Republic of South Africa, His Excellency Jacob Zuma will also be in attendance, so will be his Brazilian counterpart.-TDN
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ANC reduces Tlokwe council sittings to 4 per year


By Obakeng Maje
Tlokwe-The ANC in Tlokwe took a decision to reduce the sittings of a council meeting to a quaterly sittings in the future.

“As one of its first acts since taking over Tlokwe, the ANC enforced a decision to only have quarterly council sittings in future. This will mean that the city council will in effect only sit 4 times per year” Democratic Alliance spokesperson Tiaan Kotze said.

The DA is vehemently opposed to this decision, as they say it will severely limit transparency and accountability.

“It will not allow the council to function properly” said Kotze.

According to DA several of the portfolio committees aren’t functioning or functioning very poorly.

“I have written a formal question to council on this matter, which will be debated in the City Council meeting tomorrow the 4th of March 2014.The ANC is doing this because they cannot keep their house in order” he outlines.

Kotze said the party wants to limit the sitting of councils, because its councillors cannot agree on anything.

“Limiting the number of council sittings also stops the DA from being to exercise proper accountability. It is another example of how the ANC is trying to shut down proper democratic processes in Tlokwe” he said.

The DA said they will continue to fight to keep the Tlokwe City Council accountable, and functioning.

“We want the council to work so that we can deliver the services the people need. The ANC is intent on supressing democratic processes to hide its own internal divisions” DA said.-TDN
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