Monthly Archives: April 2014

Two arrested for Mirra drug in Brixton


Johannesburg – Two Somalian nationals were arrested in Johannesburg on Monday for being in possession of the drug Mirra, which originates from Ethiopia, Johannesburg metro police said on Monday.

They were arrested at 08:00 in High Street, Brixton after the leaves were found wrapped in plastic bags in the boot of their VW Jetta, Chief Superintendent Wayne Minnaar said.

A street value of R100 000 was put on the haul.

Minnaar said Mirra is classified as a drug in South Africa.

The two, aged 30 and 32 will appear in the Johannesburg Magistrate’s Court this week.

It is also known as “khat”.

SAPA

EFF to march to SABC over election ad


Johannesburg – The EFF and its president Julius Malema will march to the SABC in Johannesburg on Tuesday to protest over what it calls the SABC’s “ban” on showing its election advertisement, the party said.

Spokesperson Mbuyiseni Ndlozi said they would march at 10:00 to the public broadcaster’s offices in Auckland Park.

On Saturday, the Independent Communications Authority of SA’s (Icasa) complaints and compliance committee ruled for the SABC by upholding the broadcaster’s decision not to flight the Economic Freedom Fighter’s advert.

“The CCC ruled that the [advert] may be perceived as condoning or lending support to unlawful acts, in that, it talks about destroying e-tolls which would be perceived as damage to property,” Icasa spokesperson Paseka Maleka said.

On Saturday, Malema said at an election rally in Durban that he considered the SABC’s actions as an example of how South Africans were not free to express themselves.

During the Icasa hearing the SABC’s counsel the EFF had refused to change the advert.

The advert, mostly in black and white, is entitled “Now is the time for economic freedom” and was also posted on YouTube.

The section in contention is a slogan at the end: “destroy e-tolls physically!”.

SABC spokesperson Kaizer Kganyago said on Saturday that the SABC rejected the advert because it contravened section 4(12)(b) of Icasa’s regulations on party election broadcasts (PEB) in that the advert contained words which were likely to provoke or incite unlawful, illegal or criminal acts.

Icasa has had to adjudicate two other complaints relating to a Democratic Alliance’s advert.

The SABC said the advert would incite violence against the police and the SA Police Service also filed a complaint saying the same thing.

During the advert the DA’s Gauteng premier candidate Mmusi Maimane says: “the police are killing our people”, as a photo of a police officer firing rubber bullets at two unarmed people is shown.

The SAPS complaint was upheld on Friday night and the DA was told by Icasa to remove the “offending part” of the advert.

It launched a second one on Monday, which focuses on job creation and does not have the clip.

– SAPA

Hectic period for Bafana Bafana during AFCON 2015 qualifiers


A hectic three months is awaiting Bafana Bafana in the lead up to the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers starting later this year with lots of games in a short of period of time from 5 September to 19 November 2014.

“South Africa’s journey to Morocco AFCON 2015 begins on the weekend of 5/6 September away to Sudan and then host reigning champions Nigeria a few days later on Wednesday, 10 September” Bafana spokesperson Matlhomola Morake said.

After a short break Bafana Bafana will be back on the road to take on the winner of Namibia/Congo/Libya/Rwanda contest on the weekend of 10/11 October, before returning home to face the same side on Wednesday, 15 October.

The following month South Africa will welcome Sudan on the weekend of 14/15 November before ending their campaign in Nigeria on Wednesday, 19 November.

The 30th edition of AFCON will be played from 17 January to 8 February 2015.

Here are the full dates:

5 – 6 Sep 2014 Nigeria vs Winner of 5/6

5 – 6 Sep 2014 Sudan vs South Africa

10 Sep 2014 South Africa vs Nigeria

10 Sep 2014 Winner of 5/6 vs Sudan

10 – 11 Oct 2014 Sudan vs Nigeria

10 – 11 Oct 2014 Winner of 5/6 vs South Africa

15 Oct 2014 Nigeria vs Sudan

15 Oct 2014 South Africa vs Winner of 5/6

14 – 15 Nov 2014 Winner of 5/6 vs Nigeria

14 – 15 Nov 2014 South Africa vs Sudan

19 Nov 2014 Nigeria vs South Africa

19 Nov 2014 Sudan vs Winner of 5/6

Here is the full AFCON 2015 draw:

Group A: Nigeria, South Africa, Sudan, winner of Namibia/Congo/Libya/Rwanda


Group B: Mali, Algeria, Ethiopia, Sao Tome/Benin/Malawi/Chad

Group C: Burkina Faso, Angola, Gabon, winner of Liberia/Lesotho/Kenya/Comoros

Group D: Ivory Coast, Cameroon, DR Congo, winner of Swaziland/Sierra Leone/Gambia/Seychelles

Group E: Ghana, Togo, Guinea, winner of Madagascar/Uganda/Mauritania/Equatorial Guinea

Group F: Zambia, Cape Verde, Niger, winner of Tanzania/Zimbabwe/Mozambique/South Sudan.

Group G: Tunisia, Egypt, Senegal, winner of Burundi/Botswana/CAR/Guinea Bissau.
-TDN
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Premier Modise condemns torching of municipal councillor’s shack in Rooigrond violent protests 


North West Premier has condemned in the strongest terms possible, the torching of a municipal councillor’s house and violent protests at the Rooigrond Informal Settlement outside Mahikeng.

Premier Modise has reiterated her earlier call to law enforcement agencies to stamp out the tide of lawlessness and criminality carried out under cover of darkness.Modise said that investigations into allegations that senior leaders are behind the coordinated violent protests to advance their person interests should be finalised so that they should take responsibility for their irresponsible and despicable actions.
The Premier said that the alleged offer to bail out those arrested by a senior regional leader made in the presence of a provincial leader at a public meeting held yesterday suggest that the allegations that senior leaders are behind the protests are not far-fetched.
“Destruction of private and public properties, intimidation and stoning of vehicles belonging to innocent passer-byes under the guise of service delivery protests undermines the rule of law. We welcome the stance adopted by the Directorate of Public Prosecution in the province not to grant those involved in violent protests bail,” Premier Modise said.
Though the area was provided with electricity in 2003 and water in 2007, the R54,6 million housing development project for the construction of 1000 housing units in the area had to be suspended and reallocated to the City of Tlokwe Municipality after the appointed contractor was intimidated, threatened with violence and ultimately dismissed from site by some of the residents in October 2007. Premier Modise said that despite several attempt to unblock development in the area, those who do not need houses have disadvantaged those who need houses by blocking the provincial government and the municipality from meeting their integrated and sustainable human settlement objectives of providing the necessary economic opportunities and other amenities such as agriculture projects, shopping complexes, health, educational, sporting and recreational facilities for the community.Over fifty people arrested in connection with arson and public violence are expected to appear in court Mmabatho Magistrates Court tomorrow.-TDN
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DA launches new advert ahead of elections


DA launches their last election advert on Monday which will screen every day on every channel until Sunday, DA acting spokesperson Zakhele Mbhele said.

Mbhele said the advert tells the real story of how the DA is growing in South Africa, and why the ANC is so worried about them in this election.

“The DA is growing in every community across the country. We are winning new supporters and voters, and thousands of new activists are volunteering for us in every town and village across South Africa” Mbhele said.

DA leader, Helen Zille said they are stronger than they have ever been, and next week they can keep the ANC below 50% in Gauteng.

“We are the only party that can challenge the ANC to win at the provincial level” said Zille.

She said “The reason for this is simple. More and more people are seeing that the DA is the party of the future of South Africa. The word about the DA’s track record in delivering the lowest unemployment in South Africa is spreading – hopefully most South Africans now know that where the DA governs, the economy grows, jobs are created, and poverty falls.”

According to the reports where DA governs is the most inclusive economy in South Africa.

Zille said on Wednesday next week South Africans have the power to change the country for the better.

She said election is about bringing a better life for all South Africans.

“Your government’s job is to deliver services without corruption and to grow the economy to create jobs” she said.

DA said their track record in delivering corruption-free services and creating jobs shows that it can be done.

Helen Zille said It is not impossible and all this needs the right government to do it.

“This is what we call the DA Difference” Zille outlines.

According to Zille The ‘DA difference’ builds confidence in the future, so that people start and grow businesses, and create more jobs.    

“It is where politicians serve the people, because they know the people have the power to vote them out if they are lazy or corrupt.” 

“It is where the poor are supported and given opportunities to escape poverty. It is a place where people have hope. It is the South Africa that the DA is building through hard work in villages, towns and cities across the country” she said.

Zille also said forward-looking South Africans from different parties and backgrounds are coming together in the Democratic Alliance.

DA said thousands of people who love the country, and believe there is a future for everyone, are coming together in the DA. 

“Together we want to achieve the better life for all” Zille said.

She said next Wednesday DA can make history.

“We are poised to make gains in every province because we have a vision and a plan, and because we are bringing people together. And we are improving people’s lives, wherever we govern”. 

“No other party can match us when it comes to diversity and delivery. No other party is as committed to reconciliation and redress as we are.
More and more people recognize this.  And more people are realizing that, if you continue to vote for the party that has failed you, it will continue to fail you” she said.

DA says This is the reason they are growing and winning, but there is no guarantee. DA said it is only possible if every person who wants a better life for all, comes out and votes DA.

“At this election, every vote really does count. When we say your vote can win it, we mean it. Your vote can make history. Stand with the DA on 7 May as together for change and together for Jobs” she concludes.
(Edited By Obakeng Maje)
-TDN
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Parliament will continue to honour Madiba- Zuma


The bust of former president Nelson Mandela unveiled at Parliament shows how far SA’s democracy has come in a short space of time, President Jacob Zuma has said.

Not many years ago, it would have been unthinkable, because under apartheid, Mandela was considered an enemy of the state.

Speaking at the unveiling ceremony and launch of the 20 Years of a Democratic Parliament programme today, Zuma said Parliament would continue to promote Mandela’s legacy.

“By unveiling the statue, Parliament has declared we will continue to walk in Madiba’s footsteps and honour his legacy.”

Zuma also paid tribute to former president FW de Klerk, who was a part of the unveiling ceremony.

“Through him we were able to make a breakthrough to create the conditions for our new democracy.”
-Sapa

‘Impart knowledge to kids’


Teachers are the people who mould the youth to become leaders of the next generation says Deputy Minister of Communications Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams. 
 
She was speaking at the official opening of the Kimberley Teacher Centre last week.
 
Ndabeni-Abrahams told teachers that they had a mammoth responsibility of imparting knowledge to children in their most impressionable years. 
For more http://www.thenewage.co.za

Disruption of election campaign programme an affront to the constitution, freedom and democracy-Premier Modise


Disruption of election campaign programmes of any political party is an affront to our constitution which guarantees free political activity and freedom of association, North West Premier Thandi Modise said on Monday in condemning political intolerance in the platinum belt.

“Workers who are involved in the protracted strike should not be misled into taking out their frustration on political parties that wish to campaign in the area as they are not part to the labour dispute involving Association of Mineworkers and Construction Union (AMCU) and mining houses,” Premier Modise said .

Modise was reacting to the torching of a shack used as an ANC office in Nkaneng informal settlement on Thursday and disruption of Minister of Sports and Recreation, Fikile Mbalula’s door-to-door campaign in Freedom Park on Sunday.

In appealing to political parties to desist from making irresponsible and populist statements in order to make the platinum belt a no-go area for others, the Premier said that government which is not a party to the dispute has played its part in mediating and bringing the parties to the negotiation table.

 “With a new proposal on the table, It is now up to the parties to find one another for an urgent settlement to end the four months old strike which has had a devastating impact on them, our economy and in particular the livelihood of miners and their families,” she stressed.

Premier Modise called on communities to assist police in their investigations to ensure that those responsible for violent acts and intimidation which is against the electoral act are behind bars.-TDN
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Malema: Nothing to celebrate


Durban – South Africa has nothing to celebrate when there are people staying in shacks without water, electricity, sanitation or proper roads, Economic Freedom Fighters leader Julius Malema said on Sunday.

At a rally at Durban’s Glebelands Stadium in the Umlazi area, Malema said: “It was supposed to be a Freedom Day. You cannot celebrate freedom if you do not have bread on the table.

“We have nothing to celebrate. Our people are still staying in shacks. Our people do not have water. Our people do not have electricity. Our people do not have proper roads. Freedom means a flushing toilet.”
Malema said the EFF was a party open to people of all races, but that greed would not be tolerated irrespective of race.

“We are not going to drive white people into the sea because white people are part of us. We want white people who are ready to share the wealth with us. We don’t want greedy white people. We don’t want greedy black people. That’s why Cyril Ramaphosa is not our friend.”

Malema, the former leader of the ANC Youth League, accused the ANC of being a party of violence that did not tolerate opposition parties.

“In Natal there is no free political movement. You can’t have a meeting of an opposition party in Natal without disruption by the ANC.

“They used to tell us that the Inkatha Freedom Party is the most violent party, but during our stay the week has proved the ANC is the most violent party.”
He said the ANC had disrupted meetings, threatened to beat up or kill EFF supporters and removed EFF posters.

He accused the ANC of undermining the South African constitution.

“They don’t love the Mandela legacy. They are doing everything to destroy what Nelson Mandela has achieved. All the rights given to us by the constitution are taken away by the ANC.”

He said that slain protester Andries Tatane and the shot miners of Marikana would turn in their graves.

Malema earlier received a rapturous welcome from a crowd of about 1500 people, who waited more than three hours for him at the Durban stadium.

The crowd started gathering in Umlazi from 09:00.

Various choral groups and rap artists performed songs on stage during the long wait.

Once Malema arrived, marshals battled to control the enthusiastic supporters who carried an assortment of placards and flags, including one which read: “Defeat the Party of White Privilege”.

The rally, Malema’s last in the province before the general election on 7 May, is taking place near the Glebelands hostels, an African National Congress stronghold.

There was a heavy police presence outside the stadium as supporters awaited Malema.
-Sapa

Zuma presents national orders in Pretoria


Johannesburg – President Jacob Zuma on Sunday presented national orders to those whose outstanding work had benefited South Africa.

“We honour men and women who have left definitive footprints in both the struggle for liberation and also in building a better South Africa,” Zuma said in a speech prepared for delivery in Pretoria.

“By the power vested upon me in terms of Section 84 of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, I now confer the Order of Mendi, the Order of Ikhamanga, the Order of the Baobab, the Order of Luthuli, the Order of Mapungubwe and the Order of the Companions of OR Tambo to these distinguished persons.”

Fifty-four people were singled out for orders in bronze, silver, and gold for varying degrees of achievement.

Struggle heroes

One of those honoured was Elizabeth Barrett, who was awarded the Order of Mendi for Bravery in bronze for saving 14 children from a burning house and her services to orphans and street children.

“We also dedicate this award to heroes of our struggle for freedom, Russel Maphanga, Indres Naidoo, Reggie Vandeyar and Sirish Nanabhai.”

Naidoo, Vandeyar and Nanabhai were some of the first Indians to be arrested for Mkhonto Wesizwe activities.

The bronze Order of Ikhamanga was bestowed on Olympic runner Caster Semenya.

“In this class we honour our celebrated athlete Mokgadi Caster Semenya, who stood firm and resolute against prejudice and went on to become an Olympic gold medalist,” Zuma said.

Olympic swimmer Cameron van der Burgh received the order in silver, together with Jazz promoter Rashid Lombard, Lindiwe Mabuza, paralympic athlete Fanie van der Merwe, novelist Zakes Mda, Victor Ntoni, Sandra Prinsloo, disabled tennis star Lucas Sithole, and soccer coach Ephraim Jomo Sono.

Order of the Baobab

“[Sono] has excelled as a gifted player, as a coach and a mentor who takes efforts to unearth youth soccer talent.”

The Order of the Baobab was bestowed on Tshepo Khumbane and Abraham September in bronze.

The order in silver was awarded to Raymond Ackerman for fighting for consumer rights during the apartheid, as well as banker Chris Ball.

Alex Boraine, Katrina Esau and Dawid Kruiper also received the Order of the Baobab. It was posthumously bestowed on Frederick van Zyl Slabbert.

The Order of Luthuli was awarded to South Africans who had made meaningful contributions to the struggle for democracy, human rights, nation-building, justice, peace and conflict resolution.

The order in Bronze was awarded to Mittah Seperepere, Abdulhay Jassat, Wolfie Kodesh, Father Smangaliso Mkhatshwa, Popo Molefe, Zephania Lekwame Mothopeng, Agnes Msimang, Jeanette Schoon, Zola Skweyiya, Frances Baard, David Bopape, Sir Bob Hepple Abdullar Haron, and Florence Matomela.

Ruth First, who was killed with a parcel bomb by apartheid agents, was also honoured in this category.

“The late Mr Wolfie Kodesh, a journalist who, together with Ms Ruth First exposed the appalling working conditions of farm workers in the Eastern Transvaal is also recognised posthumously for this award,” Zuma said.

The Order of Mapungubwe for excellence in science and technology was awarded to Namrita Lall, Ismail Mohamed, Simon Schaaf, David Barry Schoub and William Soga.

Foreigners

The Order of the Companions of OR Tambo was awarded to foreigners for their roles in promoting peace, co-operation and friendship towards South Africa.

The award in silver was bestowed on Lord Richard Attenborough, Professor Gwendolen Margaret Carter, Jeanne Martin Ciss, Danny Glover, Quincy Jones, former UK Labour Party leader Lord Neil Kinnock, Alexander Moumbaris, Ruth Neto, and Alfre Ette Woodard.

“As we mark 20 years of freedom, we fondly remember the landmark and historic music concert honouring Madiba in London, which was organised by Mr Jerry Dammers.

“We also confer the Companions of OR Tambo Award to Mr Thomas Karis who wrote volumes on the history of our struggle,” Zuma said.
SAPA