Daily Archives: April 14, 2014

Oscar’s version becoming more improbable- State


Pretoria – Murder accused Oscar Pistorius’s version of the night he shot dead his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp is getting “more and more improbable” the State said on Monday.
“You see Mr Pistorius, it’s getting more and more improbable,” prosecutor Gerrie Nel told the Paralympian in the North Gauteng High Court in Pretoria.

“You’re building a version that is so improbable that no one would ever believe you.”

He said Pistorius left the gun in the bathroom after he shot Steenkamp.

Nel accused Pistorius of tailoring his evidence as the trial continued.

Pistorius has been charged with murdering Steenkamp when he shot her through a locked toilet door of his Pretoria home on 14 February last year.

He says he mistook Steenkamp for an intruder.

Pistorius has pleaded not guilty and in his plea statement denied he had argued with her shortly before the shooting.

On Monday, Nel questioned Pistorius on what happened after he shot and what he did with his gun.

Pistorius said, gun in hand, he ran to the bedroom checked behind the curtains while looking for Steenkamp. He said he only put it down when he tried to break open the door.

He said he was running with a cocked gun.

Nel said in the State’s version Pistorius fired at Steenkamp and put the gun on the floor.

“Your version is so improbable. You wouldn’t have run up and down with a gun in your hand,” Nel said.

Pistorius said: “I wasn’t thinking about the firearm.”

As Pistorius got emotional, Nel said: “Mr Pistorius, you’re not using your emotional state to escape, are you?”

Pistorius is also charged with three contraventions of the Firearms Control Act, one of illegal possession of ammunition and two of discharging a firearm in public.

He allegedly fired a shot from a Glock pistol under a table at a Johannesburg restaurant in January 2013.

On 30 September 2012 he allegedly shot through the open sunroof of a car with his 9mm pistol while driving with friends in Modderfontein.

He has also denied guilt on these three charges.

SAPA

Government improves functioning of institutions of traditional leadership – MEC Manketsi Tlhape


Mahikeng- North West MEC for Local Government and Traditional Affairs Manketsi Tlhape says government has made great strides in improving the functioning of institutions of traditional leadership.

Tlhape said this during the official opening of the Ninth Session of the Fifth Term of House of Traditional Leadership with the theme “20 years of moving traditional communities forward”.

MEC Tlhape said “a lot has happened since the inception of a democratic South Africa. A number of policies have been developed to further strengthen and support traditional leaders but also to involve them when planning for development of communities under traditional leadership”.

The Traditional Leadership and Governance Framework Act 41 of 2003 also provides for amongst others, the recognition of traditional communities and the establishment and recognition of traditional councils.

“The Department has successfully completed the first traditional council elections recently and is also clamping down on illegal initiation schools while awaiting a bill to regulate the establishment of initiation schools” she said.

The Commission on Tribal Disputes has made a lot of progress and is finalizing 48 outstanding cases having dealt with 40 already.

During the opening session, MEC Tlhape handed over 19 vehicles to Dikgosi, which will be used by the traditional council in making their daily duties easier.

“In giving effect to the provision of the Constitution which recognizes the institution, status and role of traditional leadership, the Department continues to provide Dikgosi with the much needed tools of trade. The process has already started with the provision of vehicles, offices, furniture and computers to such offices to ensure the full functioning and improved provision of service by traditional councils”, she said.

The Chairperson of Provincial House of Traditional Leadership Madoda Zibi thanked the government in uplifting the livelihood of the Dikgosi. Since the establishment of House of Traditional Leaders we have seen a lot of changes which made us feel our worth as Dikgosi.

Amongst others, the ceremony was attended by the Chairperson of the National House of Traditional Leaders, Kgosi Pontsho Maubane, representatives of Houses of Traditional Leaders from other provinces, representatives from Botswana and Namibia as well as dignitaries from other government departments. 

Meanwhile, Oratile Mashaba (10) was awarded a merit certificate by the House of Traditional Leadership for his outstanding performance in the 1200m during the Primary Schools Athletics Championships in Paarl, Western Cape Province.

Mashaba who is doing Grade 5 at Sedumedi Primary School received a gold medal for his participation in the race.-TDN
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Premier Modise to switch on electricity for Tlhabologang residents  


North West Premier Thandi Modise is to switch-on electricity to celebrate the completion of the Phase 1 of the electrification project that has benefitted 1830 households in Tlhabologang Township outside Coligny.

“The delivery of the R36 million project by Eskom will reduce crime, fire disaster incidents we had experienced in the area and restore the dignity of the residents most of whom are farm workers who were evicted from neighbouring farms,” Premier Modise said ahead of the switch-on.

The project was implemented from the budget of R2 billion, one hundred and forty-one million that was allocated by government towards the National Integrated electrification programme for new connections across the country in the past financial year.

The switch-on to will be held at Reboneilwe Secondary School as from 17:00 this afternoon.

The programme for the event includes a visit to the substation that is under construction to carry additional new connections in the area.-TDN
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Chiefs and Pirates avoid each other before final


Johannesburg – Kaizer Chiefs have drawn Wits in the next round of the Nedbank Cup, with Orlando Pirates set to play Maritzburg United.

According to the Soccerladuma website, Orlando Pirates have overcome Thanda Royal Zulu, Santos and Mamelodi Sundowns to make it to this stage of the competition and will fancy their chances, after reaching three cup finals this season but returning empty-handed on all occasions.

Vladimir Vermezovic said after the weekend’s win over Sundowns that his players know how to reach cup finals and he knows how to win cup finals, so it will be interesting to see how the Bucs players respond to the coach’s call to get through the next step, before his “turn” comes.

Kaizer Chiefs had to wait until the dying minutes to beat SuperSport United via a George Lebese brace in a very cagey encounter and are favourites to lift the trophy, especially with their pedigree in cup competitions.

Maritzburg United hung on for a tough 3-1 win against National First Division side, African Warriors, and will be keen for a spot in the final, after coming close on several occasions since their promotion to the PSL. Also, Steve Komphela has never won a trophy as a coach, so he will be keen to go all the way with the rejuvenated Team of Choice.

Wits are one of the on-form teams in the league at the moment, and have proved their quality and pedigree against Bloemfontein Celtic in the Last 8 on the weekend, dominating the home side for most of the game and eventually booting them out of the competition.  

Dates and venues for the semi-final fixtures are set to be announced at a later stage. However, both Soweto giants have got an away draw.

Sport24

Amajimbos confident ahead of trip to Namibia


Johannesburg- The South African National Under-17 side, Amajimbos are oozing confident ahead of their trip to Namibia for the Four-Nation tournament which commences this week.Amajimbos held two training sessions for the first time under the watchful eye of coach Molefi Ntseki on Saturday morning and afternoon. They also played a friendly match against the SAFA Transent School of Excellence on Sunday morning.

“We have had a great weekend, where we have managed to analyse the team and got them to play as a unit. Many of the boys played in two tournaments prior to this camp, and have a few niggling injuries, however our medical team is working on this.

“We have also been working hard at getting the boys re-hydrated as the humidity and desert conditions in Namibia could pose a threat to the fitness levels of the squad,” said an upbeat Ntseki.  

Junior national teams coach Ephraim “Shakes” Mashaba will serve as Technical Advisor to Amajimbos for this tournament and he also expressed confidence in the team.

“There are only two ways of playing football these philosophies will never change, a team must attack and defend. And the best way of attacking is scoring goals,” said Mashaba.

Amajimbos will travel to Swakopmund, Namibia on Monday 14 April 2014, to compete in a Four Nations Tournament. They will play against hosts Namibia, Ghana and an invitational German team (Westphalia).

South African u17 Squad

Player’s name

Club

Walter Kubheka

Mamelodi Sundowns FC

Sanele Tshabalala

Bidvest Wits FC

Lebogang Shima

Mamelodi Sundowns FC

Victor Mbatha

Bidvest Wits FC

Luyanda Mdlalose

Kaizer Chiefs FC

Notha Ncobo

Mamelodi Sundowns FC

Christopher Mbele

Mamelodi Sundowns FC

Itumeleng Shoba

Bidvest Wits FC

Thendo Mukumela

Ngwenani Chiefs (Limpopo)

Lethabo Mashifane

Mamelodi Sundowns FC

Nicholas Ladeira

Bidvest Wits FC

Reeve Frosler

Bidvest Wits FC

Buhle Mfondololo

Mamelodi Sundowns FC

Felix Noge

Harmony Academy (Free State)

Maleboge Modise

Mamelodi Sundowns FC

Katlego Mashego

Kaizer Chiefs FC

Thulani Cele

Mamelodi Sundowns FC

Avuyile Mkhundla

Mamelodi Sundowns FC

Shungu Ditiro

Bidvest Wits FC

Romario Morris

Titanic FC (KZN)

Bloemhof learners back at school after unrest


Bloemhof- The positive response of thousands of learners and educators who turned up for learning and teaching to commence at schools in Bloemhof, Bodibe and Itsoseng is encouraging and should be applauded, North West Premier Thandi Modise said on Monday.

Premier Modise said that she is hopeful that all learners in both areas will be in school by tomorrow after provincial education authorities reported a 98% attendance.

“The recovery plan tailored according to learning and teaching time lost at each of the over 45 schools should ensure that the province is on track to claim the top spot in the matric results at the end of the year,” the Premier said.

“Anarchists who have hijacked genuine concerns of our communities in pursuit of their personal interests without regard for the future of our children and the rule of law should be isolated,” added Modise.She said that the provincial government will be following up on all issues raised during engagement with the said communities.

Premier Modise said that the Executive Council intervention team will also engage the Khunotsoane protestors outside Zeerust where schooling was still affected at Khunotsoane Primary and Motsaalore Secondary School as roads were still blockaded.-TDN
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MEC Masike To Open Decentralised MDR Unit At Tabane Hospital


Madibeng- MEC Masike to open decentralised MDR TB unit and five new specialised medical wards at Job Shimankana Tabane Hospital and clinics in Madibeng.

In a quest to deliver basic health services to the people of the Bojanala District in the North West, Health MEC Dr. Magome Masike will this week officially open a third Multi Drug Resistance Tuberculosis (MDR TB) unit, and five medical wards at Job Shimankana Tabane Hospital.

“Mining representatives will also be present to engage the MEC on how best to tackle MDR challenges in the Mining the recent news reports that striking miners at Lonmin are defaulting on ARV treatment and other TB medication” departmental spokesperson Twbogo Lekgethwane said.

MEC will also take the opportunity on Tuesday in Bapong to finalize the case of a patient whose circumcision has been reported to have deteriorated.

“The new MDR unit at JST forms part of decentralization of MDR TB treatment model aimed at making TB treatment accessible and closer to communities” Lekgethwane said.

The two decentralized MDR TB unit were opened in Gelukspan and Taung hospitals.

Bojanala District has the highest number of mines with the following impacting on health services, poor TB management due to migrant workers.

MEC Masike will also this week open a state art Bapong Community Health Center and Hebron Clinic. The two health facilities are based in Madibeng Health Sub District.

The events will be conducted as follows:

Opening of clinics in Madibeng Sub District:

Date: 15 April 2014

Venue: Bapong CHC

Time: 10h00

Opening of MDR-TB Unit

Date : 16 April 2014

Venue: JST Hospital

Time : 10h00
-TDN
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Vaaltar FM Programme Manager plans to swivel the station


By Obakeng Maje
Taung- Community radio stations are an important part of the media landscape in many countries. They make up one part of a three-tier system of radio, the other parts being public and commercial radio.

They were set up to provide a platform for communities to communicate between themselves and with their governments without interference.

In many ways the sector entrenches the democratic process in which freedom of communication and speech plays a central role. Wealthy sectors of the society have many media choices but community stations often represent the only space where poorer communities can discuss the issues that affect them.

Our crew took time to speak to one and only Phenyo “Smooth Operator” Kujane of Vaaltar FM to hear more about his plans to take Vaaltar FM to greater heights. So, let’s us take you through into Kujane’s world.

Mokgareng-born Programme Manager at Vaaltar FM said, like any other kids, he grew up playing soccer in the dusty streets of Mokgareng village, near Taung.

“Like any other kids , I grew up playing soccer in the field until the sunset. I am a down-to-earth person who loves people and believes in positivity” smiles shy Kujane.

Kujane joined the community radio station not so long ago and he plans to swivel it around.

Even though Vaaltar FM dropped its listenership and relinquished their title to Mafikeng FM as number one community radio station in the province according to statistics, he is adamant that the station will perforates its way to the top.

“I wouldn’t get much into my vision regarding the dropping of
listenership but I would say every institution have its own ups and
downs and there will be time in our lives where we should experience
the “FALL” and start to see where one went wrong and begin to
recollect and reconnect every piece to see where one can go onwards” said Smooth Operator as Phenyo is affectionately known.

Kujane said he was inspired by different radio stations an its radio personalities. “The type of music I always listened to on various radio stations with the combination of the presenter on duty by that time, propelled me to become a radio presenter.”

Phenyo “Smooth Operator” Kujane said community radio station is of a good value to its community and is a legacy to those who didn’t have the chance to voice their opinions.

As any man with vision and ambitions, the pretentious presenter said he want to see himself as independent and exploring other avenues in terms of growing his brand and helping the community through powerful Vaaltar fm.

“As a Motivational Speaker, I would like to grow and help the community to achieve its ideal dreams through an instrumental medium, Vaaltar FM” he said.

The sometimes shy presenter shared his views on what is needed to become a radio presenter. “Yourself nature, good voice, good relation with people and be able to communicates well with different people at the same time.”

Kujane is not yet married and said if one want to be successful in life, need unadulterated life and set yourself goals and objectives.

He said it does not matter where one comes from and do not let one’s background to determine their future.

“All those things are part of our daily lives and we should look at
them as challenges. We need to face the world with an open eye and be able to give guidance to those who may lack knowledge into how to handle the
challenges” he concludes.

Community radio stations play such a critical role in society, their health should be an important matter and of concern to communities and to the broader society.

You can listen to the sassy presenter Phenyo “Smooth Operator” Kujane only on Vaaltar Fm 93.6Mhz or on audio streamline http://www.vaaltarfm.co.za from Monday- Friday at 12H00-15H00.

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Pheyega’s life of dodging landmines


Johannesburg – Like a cat with nine lives, and despite a trail of dishonesty and questionable decisions dogging her 22-month tenure, national police commissioner General Riah Phiyega continues to sidestep the landmines exploding around her.
For more http://www.iol.co.za

Semen makes you happy- Study


New Scientist reports the researchers think this is because mood-altering hormones in semen are absorbed through the vagina.

They say they have ruled out other explanations.

But wait there’s more. An abstract for the study conducted at State University of New York says, for females who did not use condoms, depression scores went up as the amount of time since their last sexual encounter increased.

It says: “These data are consistent with the possibility that semen may antagonize depressive symptoms and evidence which shows that the vagina absorbs a number of components of semen that can be detected in the bloodstream within a few hours of administration.”

But don’t give up on safe sex. New Scientist quotes study leader Gordon Gallup as saying, ‘I want to make it clear that we are not advocating that people abstain from using condoms’

‘Clearly an unwanted pregnancy or a sexually transmitted disease would more than offset any advantageous psychological effects of semen.’
For more http://www.timelive.co.za