Daily Archives: May 2, 2014

‘Famous Taung Skull to return to its original place’


The North West Provincial Government has identified Taung as a strategic area to be developed into a rural city, MEC for Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism, Motlalepula Rosho revealed during the launch of new Taung Hotel School and Conference facilities this week. 

in her speech delivered on Wednesday,MEC Rosho said the province is determined to be a trend-setter for other provinces in terms of rural development strategy.

 

“As the province we want to be able to say that rural development strategy started to unfold in the North West Province. What you see here today is also part of the local economic strategy and will add immense value to the plans of the developmental plans of the local municipality,” said Rosho adding that the project was one of the initiatives that are very close to Premier Thandi Modise’s heart. 

Rosho also paid a special tribute to ANC stalwart Dr Rush Mompati, after whom the district municipality is named.

 

“We appreciate the good work that she has done for us and we must take the work that she has started to new heights.  Therefore, we must jealously guard the assets that must benefit our communities as we continue to unleash quality hospitality service, and arts and culture in the province,” she said.

 

Neil Paterson of the Peermont Hotels which assisted in facilitating the sale of the former aung Tusk Hotel to the North West Development Corporation, said the hotel group was an ongoing stakeholder that continue to support training schools in the industry, as evidenced by the R200 000 annual bursary grant to the Mafikeng Hotel School and the number of learnership opportunities available to students within the industry.

 

“Peermont’s commitment to social development is driven by many pillars primarily in the area of education, which is also in line with government’s national priorities. We operate within the hospitality sector and it is prudent that we support individuals that aspire to enter the industry,” said Paterson.

 

Earlier Premier Modise had also reiterated that the government was steadfast in developing Taung into a sophisticated multicultural city similar to the Belgian city of Brussels, adding that the new hotel school was part and parcel of the process. 

“The plan also aimed at creating job opportunities for rural communities involves the development of the site where the first human fossil in Africa, the Taung Skull, was discovered,” Modise said.

 

MEC Rosho confirmed that the provincial government was at an advanced stage of bringing back the world famous Taung Skull back to its original place.

 

Deputy Chairperson of the North West Development Corporation, Keneilwe Mosenogi said that more economic opportunities should accrue for young people in rural communities.  

 

“Projects to be rolled out should benefit youth who are supposed to be at the forefront of development because as young people, we are the future of our country,” said Mosenogi.

 

According to Allen Losaba, the CEO of the North West Parks and Tourism Board, the province is not only setting the trend within the country but is also making remarkable in-roads in other parts of the world.

 

“The University of Inhambane in Mozambique will be sending its students to the school to solidify their expertise. China has also expressed interest to bring about 400 students to the Hotel School,” said Losaba.

 

Twenty-six year old Kelebogile Mancwe from Shaleng village said she was looking forward to reaping the rewards from an array of opportunities presented by new hotel school and conference facilities

Anele Msingale (24) who is already involved in the hotel industry said it was crucial that the service was extended to areas such as Taung so that young people who want to be involved in the hospitality service can get the necessary training without having to relocate to other areas.

Kgosi Tshepo Mankuroane of the Batlhaping Ba-Ga Phuduhucwana Traditional Council expressed appreciation with development projects that are targeting rural communities in Dr. Ruth Segomotsi District Municipality.

“Just few days ago government was here to handover a R10 million donation to the Taung Agricultural College which should reposition it as a centre of excellence in irrigation technology to overcome poverty and joblessness ,” said the elated Mankuroane. 

The event was graced by the Mayor of Greater Taung Local Municipality, Councillor Kaone Lobelo, Kgosi Nyoko Motlhabane of Batlhaping Ba Ga Maidi Traditional Council, Acting Executive Mayor of Dr Ruth Segomotsi District Municipality, Councillors Suzan Montshiwagae, Members of the North West Parks and Tourism Board and other stakeholders in the hospitality and tourism sector.-TDN
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We will nationalise the sea – EFF


Cape Town – The Economic Freedom Fighters would nationalise the ocean to ensure South Africans benefit from the country’s natural resources, the fledgling party’s Western Cape premier candidate said on Friday.

“We need to end the limited access people have to natural resources,” Nazier Paulsen told the Cape Town Press Club.

“We will nationalise the ocean, the abalone, the perlemoen.”

Paulsen said the EFF’s aims included total gender parity, free education up to post-graduate level, minimum farm workers’ wages of R5 000, and creating a provincial construction company that would provide 100 000 jobs.

The company would be set up to end the corruption-prone practice of contracting private builders to construct social housing, and would “end the spacial divide” that persisted 20 years after the advent of democracy.

“We are still living in the apartheid spacial divide. It hasn’t ended, it is only being managed by the Democratic Alliance.”

The company would also take charge of the delivery of electricity, water, and sanitation.
“We will end this potty system within a year.”

‘The madam’

Paulsen was equally scathing of the DA and the ANC, from which he said he was an early defector.

Referring to DA leader Helen Zille as the “the madam”, he said her provincial executive had not only failed to create “a single job” but was unable to understand the plight of women because it consisted of 10 men.

By contrast, he said, EFF leader Julius Malema had included women on his “war committee”.
Paulsen dismissed suggestions that the EFF was tarnished at the outset by the charges of fraud, corruption, racketeering and money-laundering against Malema.

The National Prosecuting Authority’s decision to permanently drop related charges against his business associates proved that the case against Malema was one built on political interference, he said.

Whatever percentage of the provincial vote the EFF won in Wednesday’s polls, the party would not enter into a coalition with either the ANC or the DA.

“We are not interested in the riff-raff of government,” he said.

– SAPA

Petrol price relief for motorists


Cape Town – Motorists will get some relief at the pumps with the retail price of petrol and diesel dropping, the energy department announced on Friday.

Petrol will decrease by 15.0 cents/litre (c/l), while diesel will drop by 29.78 c/l in Gauteng.

Illuminating paraffin will decrease by 25.0 c/l and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) by 4.0 cents/kilogram.

The strengthened rand against the greenback and the reduction of the slate levy by 8.78 c/l contributed to the price decreases.
For more http://www.news24.com

One nabbed for rape and robbery in Mmabatho


By Obakeng Maje
Mmabatho-North West police arrested a 30 year-old suspect for rape,possession of unlicence firearm, theft of a motor vehicle, reckless and negligence driving.

Colonel Emelda Setlhako said two suspects allegedly entered a couple’s matrimonial house and ransacked their house.

“Two suspects allegedly entered a house at Unit 15 and ransacked the house, raped the wife and fled the scene” Setlhako said.

The police said the suspects found the man in the house, overpowered him and went to the couple’s bedroom where they found the victim’s wife and raped her.

“The suspect later took their cell phones, laptop, plasma TV and undisclosed amount of cash. They put them inside the couple’s car and drove-off. The neighbours informed the police and the car was traced by  a tracking device” she said.

The police waited for the suspected car at the corner of James Moroka and DP Kgotleng streets and alleged that the suspects panicked when they saw police cars. They allegedly faced oncoming traffic and that led to a collision with an oncoming car.

The suspects allegedly opened fire at the police and one of the suspects was shot in the leg after police returned fire.

One suspects fled the scene on foot and is still at large.

“One suspect was arrested and under heavy police guard in hospital. He will appear before court soon” she said. 
Police investigation continues.-TDN
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Abahlali Basemjondolo publicly endorse the DA for the elections


By Obakeng Maje
The Democratic Alliance is pleased to announce that we have accepted a public endorsement from Abahlali Basemjondolo for the upcoming elections. 

Abahlali is the biggest and most influential shack dwellers’ movement in the country whose campaigns are largely geared towards improving the living conditions of the poor. 

“The DA has travelled a long road with Abahlali; particularly under the stewardship of eThekwini housing spokesperson Hlanganani Gumbi who first made contact with them two years ago as chairperson of the DA eThekwini Housing Task Team” DA Sizwe Mchunu said. 

Gumbi took the initiative to engage with Abahlali as a key stakeholder in housing developments within informal settlements across Durban so that they could become an integral component of the party’s source of reference and network in these areas. 

At the time, Abahlali noted that the DA was the only political party to engage them in such a manner. 

“Over the past two years, Gumbi has configured many bilateral meetings between the DA and Abahlali; particularly when it came to housing corruption in eThekwini, the lack of transparent housing allocations in the city as well as Abahlali’s “No land, no house, no vote” campaign”. 

Throughout many of these discussions, we have both come to the common conclusion that we need to strengthen our resolve to:  

·Fight housing tender corruption

·Fight housing allocations corruption

·Speed up housing delivery

·Increase community participation and communication within projects 

·Ensure all land evictions are done within the confines of the law

·Treat informal settlement residents with the dignity they are entitled to 
Abahlali boast a national membership of over 27 000 people and are going to add considerable weight to final leg of the DA’s election campaign. 

The DA said they continues to show growth amongst traditional ANC supporters who have been let down by Jacob Zuma’s corrupt ANC.

“Voters are coming to the DA because we have a plan to stop corruption, create jobs and improve service delivery” Mchunu said. 

“We are deeply humbled and ecstatic over this public endorsement and will work tirelessly with Abahlali’s president S’bu Zikode to fight corruption so that there can be delivery for all” he said. 

Abahlali have taken a brave step in this realignment of South African politics and DA said that with no doubt that their opponents will respond both harshly and critically to this move. 

“Nevertheless, Abahlali must remain strong and committed to the realization of the better life we have all dreamed of since 1994. Together we will move forward with Abahlali on this new journey for change” he concludes. -TDN
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Zuma wants new propaganda machine – report


Pretoria – President Jacob Zuma will set up a new information ministry modelled on Zimbabwean, Chinese and Russian government departments should he get a second term as president, the Mail & Guardian reported on Friday.
For more http://www.news24.com

Man arrested after stabbing cop with spear


Rustenburg – A man has been arrested for stabbing a policeman with a spear at Freedom Park near Rustenburg, North West police said on Thursday.

Brigadier Thulani Ngubane said police where conducting a cordon and search operation on Wednesday night aimed at stabilising the area prior to the elections.

“During the operation, one suspect was arrested after he stabbed a police official with a spear in the chest,” said Ngubane.

He said the police was saved by his bullet proof vest.

The arrested man was found in possession of a knife and dagga.

“He was arrested and charged with attempted murder, possession of dangerous weapon and dagga. He is expected to appear in court soon.”

During the arrest, the man fought with police and injured himself.

He was now in hospital under police guard.

During the police operation, sticks, iron rods and self-made sharp weapons were seized. The police also recovered counterfeit DVDs.

Provincial Commissioner Lt-Gen Zukiswa Mbombo said criminal behaviour and unruliness would not be tolerated.

“Intimidation and lawlessness will be rooted out especially to ensure safe, free and secured elections,” she said in a statement.

Mbombo said police were still looking for people behind the torching of a municipal building and two houses in Freedom Park last Sunday.

The house of ward councillor Tiego Makopo and the speaker of Rustenburg municipality, Boipelo Marekoa-Kodongo, were torched. Shops and an ATM were also looted at the time.

SAPA

Teach DA a lesson: Nzimande


Polokwane – SACP general secretary Blade Nzimande on Thursday lambasted opposition parties during his speech at Cosatu’s May Day rally in Polokwane.

“In the DA black people are only good enough to go march on the street but not good enough to go to Parliament,” he told thousands of people at the Peter Mokaba Stadium.

“On the 7 May [elections] let us teach the opposition a lesson.”

Referring to Julius Malema’s Economic Freedom Fighters, he called on people to vote for the African National Congress and teach a lesson to the “tenderpreneurs who have stolen our colours”.

A tenderpreneur is a politician who seeks self-enrichment by trying to get government contracts.

“Let our youth not be fooled… Only the ANC will empower our youth.”

Nzimande called on the working class to close ranks around the ANC.

“The working class must be present.”

Earlier, Nzimande arrived at the stadium with President Jacob Zuma and Congress of SA Trade Unions’ president Sidumo Dlamini.

The crowd cheered for the leaders and chanted Zuma’s name.-Sapa

Endless strikes don’t help: Zuma


Polokwane – Endless strikes are not in the country’s interest, President Jacob Zuma said in Polokwane on Thursday.

“Unions must be alive to the realities that endless strikes are not in the interest of the workers and not in the interest of the economy,” he told thousands of people at Cosatu’s May Day rally at the Peter Mokaba Stadium.

“Constructive engagement means listening to each other, appreciating what is possible and what is not, and acting in good faith and never resorting to blackmail as a negotiating tool.”

He said everyone had a responsible to continue educating society that with rights came responsibilities.

“In exercising our hard-earned rights, we must put the interest of the country first.”

Earlier, the crowd cheered and chanted Zuma’s name as he walked a lap around the pitch when he arrived. He was flanked by Congress of SA Trade Unions’ president Sidumo Dlamini and SA Communist Party general secretary Blade Nzimande.

The 40 000 seat stadium was half-filled with members of the African National Congress in yellow party T-shirts and alliance partner members in red shirts.

The Association of Mineworkers and Construction Union has been on strike at the country’s major platinum mines for almost three months.

Zuma warned workers that exercising their right to strike should never degenerate into anarchy.

“The methods of engagement employed by trade unions must always appreciate that we now have a democratic government, put in place by an overwhelming majority of our people, most of whom are workers.

“On the same measure we call on the business sector to respect the rights of workers and pay them decent wages in line with the relevant legislative framework.”

Zuma said this was particularly relevant in the mining sector.

“I think we should all agree that the time has come for the situation on the mines to change.”

– SAPA