Daily Archives: April 30, 2014

It’s good to go for elections – IEC


Pretoria – Everything is on track for the 7 May national and provincial elections, Electoral Commission of SA (IEC) deputy chair Terry Tselane said on Wednesday.

“The national results operations centre is now ready to play its part in ensuring that the May 7 elections live up to the expectations of the people of South Africa,” he said at the official opening of the centre west of Pretoria.

“This is the nerve centre of the elections and the viewing deck for the world to witness our democracy in action. Building it was an epic undertaking.”
There are 450 computers, 300 telephone points, multiple generators for back-up electricity and Wifi capability for 200 concurrent users.

“We also have facilities for 29 political parties, the largest number to ever contest the national elections and to be represented in the results centre,” said Tselane.

He said the centre was a symbol of transparency. It would accommodate local and international accredited media houses reporting on the elections.

“We have gone further this year in ensuring that the media and the general public have access to the results as they are released here, Tselane said.
The IEC would provide data in real time to the public, media and political parties.

President Jacob Zuma and several representatives of opposition parties were at the launch and were given a tour of the huge electoral centre.

IEC chairperson Pansy Tlakula said her organisation would deliver credible polls.

“It now gives me great pleasure to declare the results operations centre for the 2014 national and provincial elections officially open.”

She said like previous polls, the 7 May elections would conform to internationally accepted criteria, including impartial administration of the electoral process.-Sapa

Mine strike could drive up petrol price


Johannesburg – The ongoing strike in the platinum mining belt could affect petrol and food prices in the long run, warned economist Mike Schüssler on Wednesday.

He was presenting the 2014 Uasa South African Employment Report in Johannesburg and said the strike by the Association of Mineworkers and Construction Union (Amcu) is hurting the economy.

“The longer the strike carries on, the more sectors it influences and it damages the economy quite clearly,” he said.

The current account, which was already weak, would negatively affect the rand so inflation and the buying power of the consumer would also be negatively affected.

Schüssler said the strike plays a big role in the confidence in the economy. The economy could recover, he added, but it would take time.

He also said the strike is taking workers into poverty.

“The mining companies are losing, but the biggest loser in this strike are the workers on the ground.”

Amcu members at Lonmin [JSE:LON], Impala Platinum (Implats) [JSE:IMP] and Anglo Platinum (Amplats) [JSE:AMS] downed tools on January 23. Schüssler said the strike was the longest in the private sector in South African history since the 1987 miners’ strike.

“Every week this strike goes on, more people will be affected.”

“Job security is under severe pressure.”

Schüssler said the strike was affecting between 150 000 and 200 000 people, but with dependants and family members included this number could be 700 000.

In the past two years, eight million work days had been lost due to strikes.

“This is more than 42 days lost per person working in the sector,” he said.

Entry level workers had so far lost about R26 775 a person in wages alone and R5 016 in benefits.

Speaking on the sidelines, Schüssler said one of the problems facing the current strike would be for Amcu to find a way out of the strike, because there was a limited amount of “exit-strategy” left.

“The members have now been hurt beyond recognition… and I don’t think that this union understands the strategic impact that they are having on the economy,” he said.

“I think the normal member on the ground knows what the effect is, I think there is either intimidation… or they have been promised something that is not attainable. Ultimately, they are the actual biggest losers – the people on strike.”

Schüssler said South Africa was one of very few countries where strikes had been increasing in the past few years, but he believed strikes would play a lesser role in future.

SAPA

Chiefs’ title defence derailed


Johannesburg – A late goal from substitute Thabo Moloi secured a 1-1 draw for Free State Stars against Kaizer Chiefs in an Absa Premiership encounter at the Peter Mokaba Stadium on Wednesday. 

Katlego Mphela came off the bench to net his first goal in an Amakhosi jersey, but the Bafana Bafana marksman was outdone by relatively unknown Thabo Moloi who levelled matters seven minutes from time to ease Stars’ fears of automatic relegation.   

The hosts pushed forward from the onset as they looked for an early opener to settle any nerves inside the Peter Mokaba Stadium. 

Erick Mathoho headed over from a corner-kick in the seventh minute before Abdul Basit went close at the other end for the visitors. 

The best chance of the half fell to Bernard Parker in the 27th minute. Siphiwe Tshabalala made storming run into the penalty-box before laying it off to his Bafana Bafana teammate, who could find no way past Ayanda Mtshali from close range. 

Try as they might, Chiefs failed to unlock a robust Stars back-line in the opening stanza. 

Katlego Mphela found the opener in the 68th minute. 

The ball bounced off the crossbar and into the path of ‘Killer’, who nodded in from close range to register his first goal since swapping Chloorkop for Naturena. 

Stars immediately went in search of the equaliser and found it through youngster Thabo Moloi in the 83rd minute. 

Luyolo Nomandela’s low cross evaded three Chiefs defenders before finding Moloi, who prodded in from close range to break Amakhosi hearts. 

Chiefs now trail log leaders Mamelodi Sundowns by four points knowing that if the Brazilians manage to trump Tshwane rivals SuperSport United next week Pitso Mosimane’s men will be crowned the new Absa Premiership champions.

Backpagemedia

Manokwane fire-accused case postponed


By Obakeng Maje
Taung- A case of arson and public violence against Manokwane residents who were arrested back in 2012 was postponed by Taung Magistrate Court on Tuesday.

Manokwane residents became unruly and torched down three house belonging to two councillors and the headmaster.

They were arrested and appeared before court where they were granted a bail each.

France Baisitse who is the headmaster, Grace Mogapi and Maki Molefe’s houses were reduced to ashes after the community members went on the rampage. The community became unruly after they protest for poor service delivery and demand the road that leads to through the area be tarred.

The case was postponed until the 29 May 2014 for some of the accused to meet with their legal aid lawyer.

Brenda Nkgwedi said she was not part of the protest, but her name was implicated. “I am very surprised as my name was implicated in the list of accused as by that time I had a new-born baby. I child was only a month when that happened, but I’ve received a letter that ordered me to come to court.”

According to Nkgwedi, she was implicated and she was not part of picketing.

Police investigation continues.-TDN
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North West children suffocated to death in a car


By Obakeng Maje
Mahikeng- The Police are investigating a case of inquest after three children aged 4,6 and 10 suffocated in a car on Wednesday at Mahikeng.

“It is alleged that the children’s parents left them inside the car. The parents went inside the chemistry to collect medication for their younger child,4, who was earlier taken to the doctor. The mother went back to the car after buying juice for three children and found them inside the car very weak” colonel Emelda Setlhako said.

They rushed them to Victoria Hospital where they were certified dead on arrival.

The police are currently investigating a case of inquest and no foul play is suspected.  

“The police would like to send a stern warning to all parents to ensure that they do not leave children in a closed cars without supervision” Setlhako said.-TDN
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MEC Rosho: Taung Hotel school will grow economy


By Obakeng Maje
Taung should be a model of multicultural city that depicts the success of rural development strategy, says North West MEC of Economic Development, Enviroment, Conservation and Tourism Motlalepula Rosho at lauch of new Taung Hotel School in Taung.

The event took place on Wednesday at Taung Tusk and the department said the Hotel School will train and provide learners with a necessary skills to grow the economy of Taung and North West at large.

The hotel school now falls under the Institute of Hotel and Tourism Management (IHTM) which is a collective name of institutions that provide hospitality, tourism and conservation management and skills training in the North West province under the auspices of the North West Parks and Tourism Board.

MEC Rosho said the development in Taung will benefit the youth of Taung and Dr Segomotsi Ruth Mompati.

She said the hotel school will develop the economy of Taung and this will set Taung in the forefront.

“The hotel school will teach the students how to cook Indian and Chinese foods too. That will give us advantage to let more tourists to flock to Taung. We are in the process of expanding this network of collaboration and affiliation with international organizations and institutions such as Spainish Hunting Academy, Hospitality and the Creative Arts in China, the Tourism Institution in India” MEC Rosho said.

Rosho said China want to bring close to 400 students to Taung Hotel school, and that will augurs well for department.

MEC said they decided to develop Taung Tusk into a Hotel School after they lost Garankuwa Hotel school to Gaunteng province because of demacation.

Garankuwa hotel school was paid off by Gauteng province and she said more than R24 million has been set aside to develop Hotel schools in the province.

“The school will provide cookery, Customer Care management, Heritage Resources and Hunting skills. Other skills will be provided and also we will be working hand-in-hand with Vuselela FET college for skill development” she said.

The Taung Hotel school and Mafikeng Hotel school will exchange guidance and more students will go abroad to gain more international experience.

Kgosi Tshepo Mankuroane shared the same sentiment and said he would like to see more local youth given first priority in skill development.

“We are very grateful by seeing Taung Hotel school being finally launched. This really shows that Taung is developing and more people will be developed. We would monitor the project and we expecting more projects to come to Taung” Mankuroane said.

He said Taung Dam is one of the tourist destinations in the province, will also be developed.

“We are in talk with the department to develop Taung Dam in the future. More people are dying in Taung Dam because it is not properly developed. We want to fence it and must have guidance and safety tips need to be applied” he said.

Rosho also highlighted that they are in talks with Wits University to bring back Taung skull.

“More than R300 million has been set aside for Taung skull museum. We want Taung skull back to its place of origin. Taung will develop into a city and must attract tourists. We are in talk with Northern Cape government as there are three tourist destinations that we want to develop and some of areas fall under them, so we must work hand-in-hand. The Taung skull was the first human fossil found in Africa.

One of the Mafikeng Hotel school students, Anele Msingale said the hotel school is very helpful and helps to develop the economy.

“I am very passionate about tourism and I would like to go abroad one day. I am doing Hospitality, food Beverage Management and we learn about how customer care service works” Msingale smiles.-TDN
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Ajax face SuperSport in SAFA U19 Champs final


Ajax Cape Town will take on Supersport United in the final of the SAFA U19 Championships taking place in Bloemfontein.

The battle for gold will be staged on Thursday, 1 May 2014 at Clive Solomon Stadium.

Many in the crowd had hoped for a Bloemfontein Celtic/Free State final. But it was not to be.

“Supersport United was the first team to qualify for the final when they defeated crowd favourites Bloemfontein Celtic 2-0 in the first semi final, while Ajax booked their place in the final with a convincing 3-1 win over the host province.”

Sidney Mtshweni opened the scoring for Matsatsantsa in the 21st minute. However, the Pretoria side suffered a setback in the 37th minute when Jaisen Clifford was given his marching orders following a second bookable offence. He will miss the final.

“Despite playing with 10 men, Supersport United still managed to get the assurance goal in the 45th minute through Nelson Maluleke” Matlhomola Morake said.

Ajax captain Yagan Sasman led from the front when he scored his side’s first goal in the 23rd minute for a deserved 1-0 half time lead.

In the second half, the coastal side continued from where they left off when Curtly Poole made it 2-0 soon after resumption.

“Free State pulled one back six minutes later but any hopes of a remarkable comeback were dashed when Ajax scored through Olwethu Nguye midway through the second half” Morake said.

SAFA President Dr Danny Jordaan and several SAFA NEC members are expected to attend the final on Thursday.

Free State and Bloemfontein Celtic will face off in the battle for bronze later on Wednesday, (30 April) at 16h00.

SEMI-FINAL RESULTS

1st Semi Final

Bloemfontein Celtic 0 – 2 SS United

2ND Semi Final
Ajax Cape Town 3 – 1 Free State

3rd/4th Place Play offs – 16h00

Wednesday, 30 April

Bloemfontein Celtic vs Free State
-TDN
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Man injured in Gautrain escape attempt


Johannesburg – A man was seriously injured when he attempted to jump on to a moving Gautrain carriage in Sunnyside, Pretoria, Tshwane Emergency Services said on Wednesday.

The man broke both his legs and sustained severe head injuries, said spokesperson Johan Pieterse.

“The man was chased by the police on Tuesday, then he tried getting into the moving Gautrain. We don’t know where was he running from but the police will know.”

Police spokesperson Sergeant Asnath Melatsi said the man was spotted by a domestic worker at a house near Devenish street railway station.

The man ran and jumped over the fence between the house and the railway tracks. He fell several metres before he jumped onto a moving Gautrain where he fell again.

“He was arrested for trespassing. At the moment he is in hospital under police guard.”

Gautrain spokesperson Errol Braithwaite said train services were temporarily delayed between Hatfield and Pretoria.

Services returned to normal after the injured man was taken to hospital.

“It is an extremely dangerous place with very fast, very quiet trains and plenty of potentially lethal equipment.

“We take a very dim view of anyone gaining unauthorised access to the rail reserve and charges of trespassing will be pressed.”
SAPA

SABC refuses to air DA’s second advert


Johannesburg – The Democratic Alliance on Wednesday claimed the SABC has refused to televise its second election advert.

“The DA has just learnt that the SABC will not allow our second Ayisafani television advert to air in this crucial final week of the campaign,” the party said in a statement.

“This is political censorship, plain and simple.”

DA leader Helen Zille and Gauteng premier candidate Mmusi Maimane would brief media on the matter on Wednesday afternoon.

The SABC was not immediately available for comment.

The DA’s first election advert was pulled by the SABC after it was flighted on 8 and 9 April. The public broadcaster said it incited violence.

On Friday, a complaint by the SA Police Service regarding the first advert that contains a photo of a police officer shooting rubber bullets was upheld by the Independent Communications Authority of SA (Icasa).

Zille and Maimane launched the second advert in Mamelodi, outside Pretoria on Monday.

At the time Zille said “Ayisafani 2: The DA is bigger, stronger, and ready to win!” would air on television every day from Tuesday until Sunday.

The 45 second advert, which is on YouTube, starts with Maimane in front of a mirror, getting dressed in a grey suit and white shirt saying: “So, they tried to silence us, but this is actually what they’re afraid of”, before opening double doors and segueing into the rest of the advert.

It focused on job creation and the growth of the DA.
– SAPA

North West MEC of Education launches first push

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ImageThe North West Department of Education, MEC for Education Honourable Maphefo Lucy Matsemela launched the first push campaign of the department which is called “Le bolotse Letsema” (First push 2014) on Friday at 10h00 am, at Mmabatho Convention centre.

 

The primary purpose of the launch is to mobilize all stakeholders in the province to support the department by ensuring a commitment by all to contribute towards achieving excellence in education during 2014 academic year.

 

“The department rolled out a similar campaign that was called “Last Push” last year which yielded positive results in the matric results. It was through this campaign that the department scooped second position in 2013 final examination. The partnership that was established with different stakeholders assisted learners in preparing themselves for the examination” departmental spokesperson Brian Setswambung said.

 

Through the campaign, the department seeks to rally support from all stakeholders to assist learners to work hard within this remaining period of the academic year. 

 

The department also encourages educators and learners to continue working hard throughout the year to ensure that they complete the syllabus at the end of the year.  

 

Numerous stakeholders attended the launch of the campaign and some even submitted messages detailing how they plan to support education in 2014.

 

“Professor Dan Kgwadi, the vice chancellor of the NWU was one of the key stakeholders who attended the launch of the campaign” Setswambung said.-TDN

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