Daily Archives: June 9, 2014

Ramatlhodi ditches mine strike talks


Johannesburg – The government’s task team has withdrawn from the platinum strike talks, the companies said on Monday evening.

“Platinum producers note that the talks facilitated by the minister of mineral resources have unfortunately been dissolved without an outcome,” they said in a joint statement.
The team was set up by Minerals and Resources Minister Ngoako Ramatlhodi last week in a bid to end the four-month-long strike.
“The companies thank the minister, advocate Ramatlhodi, and deputy minister, Godfrey Oliphant, and members of the inter-governmental task team for their initiatives and efforts.”
Members of the Association of Mineworkers and Construction Union downed tools on January 23 demanding a basic monthly salary of R12 500.
They have so far rejected the companies’ offer that would bring their cash remuneration to R12 500 by July 2017.
On Saturday, Ramatlhodi said he would pull out of the talks if no agreement was reached by Monday.
Anglo American Platinum [JSE:AMS], Impala Platinum [JSE:IMP] and Lonmin [JSE:LON] said they would look at other options.
“While the producers remain committed to a negotiated settlement, they will now review further options available to them.”
So far, the industry has lost R21.7bn in earnings, while employees have forfeited wages of around R9.6bn.
SAPA

‘Let child protection be everybody’s business’


By Obakeng Maje
Kimberley- Police together with Department of Health, SANCA, Love Life, Eye on the Child, Light Holistic Care Centre and the Kimberley Community Police Forum(CPF) held a programme in Colville, Kimberley relating to Child Protection week.

The National Child Protection Week is held annually between 2 and 6 June 2014.

“Topics pertaining to drug abuse, child abuse, teenage pregnancy, HIV and Aids and the protection of children were the order of the day. Children were informed of their rights and the responsibilities that form part of these rights. Parents were also informed of child neglect, foetal alcohol syndrome and reminded of the task they have at hand, with raising their children” lieutenant Sergio Kock said.

Several care givers, social workers and child abuse councillors made expositions, emphasizing to the community that help is available and encouraged them to speak out against any form of abuse they are aware of. The children were also spoilt with some gifts and treats which were sponsored ENA Protection Services.

The programme was continued to Assmandia and Postdene Primary schools in Postmasburg, where The SAPS band performed to approximately 900 children. Several speakers from the SAPS Provincial Office, local police and Child Line emphasized the importance of safety, their rights and the responsibilities thereof.

“Safety hint pamphlets were distributed and children were reminded of how special and valuable they are” Kock said.

On the Friday, 6 June 2014 Kimberley SAPS Cluster Office held a roadshow which comprised of a community march in the form of a community outreach and a visit to the Greenpoint Primary School. At the school the community, scholars, parents and educators were greeted with a live performance of the SAPS band and the renowned blind DJ Alex. Motivational talks were done by SAPS and a scholar of Greenpoint Primary.

“SAPS Organised Crime Unit members informed the community about the dangers of drugs and how it is linked to human trafficking. Lastly, Child Line and SANCA added safety hints to approximately 1100 children that attended the event” he said.
-TDN
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Platinum wage talks deadlock


Pretoria – Wage talks to end a five-month strike in the platinum sector deadlocked on Monday, dashing hopes for an end to industrial action that is pulling the economy towards a recession.

“No agreement was reached today,” Association of Mineworkers and Construction Union members (Amcu) leader Joseph Mathunjwa told reporters as he left negotiations in.

Monday was regarded as a crucial day for negotiations, with the government set to pull out of mediation if a deal is not agreed.

Mining ministry spokesperson Mahlodi Muofhe said earlier on Monday that he believed Amcu and the world’s top three platinum producers, Anglo American Platinum [JSE:AMS], Impala Platinum [JSE:IMP] and Lonmin [JSE:LON], would agree on a deal.

Mining minister Ngoako Ramatlhodi said on Saturday that the government would pull out of its mediating role if the two sides could not reach a deal at the meeting on Monday.

Amcu workers at mines run by Anglo American, Impala and Lonmin went on strike to demand that their basic wages be more than doubled to R12 500 a month.

Reuters

Millions set aside to address Bloemhof Water Crisis


Bloemhof- More than R20 million has been set aside to address water problems in Bloemhof , North West Premier Supra Mahumapelo told over three thousand residents in Bloemhof on Sunday .

The announcement was made at a feedback meeting held at Boitumelong Township Stadium with the community aimed at returning the situation in the violence torn Lekwa-Teemane Municipality to normality.

“Agreement was reached between us and Water and Sanitation Minister Nomvula Mokanyane that the required amount will be put aside to solve the water problem,” said Mahumapelo to a thunderous applause.

The meeting follows spate of violent protests linked to service delivery and the recent water contamination in the area, which claimed the lives of three infants.

The contamination was reportedly caused when sewerage spilled into the Vaal River which supplies water in the area, immediately sparking diarrhea in the area.

Premier Mahumapelo, who was accompanied by Local Government and Human Settlement MEC Collen Maine, told residents that no effort will be spared in turning the municipality around for accelerated service delivery.

Mahumapelo announced that the leadership of the ANC in the province has resolved to recall the mayor from her position.

In welcoming the Premier’s feedback, 30 year-old Thabiso Letlamore said he was pleased with the way the provincial government has handled the matter.

“I am very happy to see that the Premier has come here to listen to our concerns as residents. This shows that he is taking us serious as the community. We welcome his announcements as many of us in this area are unemployed,” said Letlamore.

“We are happy with the intervention as it will serve to restore our confidence in the local municipality and create an environment for effective service delivery to take place,” said 27 year-old Modisaotsile Tumelo, adding that the intervention by the provincial government was a step in the right the direction.

Mahumapelo, who appealed for cooperation, peace, reconciliation and healing also committed his administration to finding ways of addressing the high level of unemployment among youth in the area.-TDN
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Bloemhof mayor removed


Johannesburg – Lekwa Teemane Mayor Moeder Makodi has been removed from office amid a water contamination crisis that claimed the lives of three babies in Bloemhof.

“The mayor has been recalled by the ANC,” North West Premier Supra Mahumapelo’s spokesperson Sam Mokaila told Sapa on Monday.

“It was part of the ANC’s intervention to stabilise the municipality.”

Mokaila could not say if a new mayor had been appointed yet.

“The ANC will be better placed to explain that,” he said.

Last week, municipal manager Andrew Makwapane resigned a few days after being suspended. This followed a meeting by provincial and municipal leaders.

A joint task team had been set up to look into the municipality’s ailing infrastructure, governance, and administrative problems, and a sewage spill that resulted in the water contamination.

The team comprised members of the provincial executive committee, the water and sanitation department, and other officials.

500+ people treated

An interim city manager from the department of local government was meant to be appointed on Monday morning.

Mokaila said this had not yet happened.

“It will happen tomorrow [Tuesday],” he said.

He did not provide further details.

North West health department spokesperson Tebogo Lekgethwane said since 25 May, over 500 people suffering from diarrhoea had been treated at healthcare facilities in Bloemhof.

Three babies had died as a result of severe diarrhoea. In the past week, the number of cases had declined.

The National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) ruled out cholera as the cause of the outbreak.

It said tests confirmed that E. coli bacteria and other viruses were found in water samples.

The municipality has since drained the entire water system and sanitised it.

Residents were advised to make their drinking water safe by boiling it for one minute or adding a teaspoon of household bleach to 20 litres of water.
SAPA

SAFA name and shame AWOL stars


Cape Town – The list of players that did not take part in Bafana Bafana’s tour down under depsite being called up has been confirmed. 

Soccer Laduma are reporting that SAFA has finally revealed the names of those players called up by outgoing Bafana Bafana coach Gordon Igesund but failed to honour their selection for the tour to Australasia.

As reported earlier by Sport24 Oupa Manyisa and Thabo Matlaba, both Orlando Pirates players, were among the group of South African stars who neglected to arrive for medical exams by SAFA doctors. 

The missing names have now been revealed and only two further players form part of the AWOL players group.

The players are Sthembiso Ngcobo of Wits and Mamelodi Sundowns’ captain and midfielder, Teko Modise.

SAFA’s communications manager, Dominic Chimhavi, confirmed the list of players who broke the national team’s protocol regarding injuries.

Chimhavi added that SAFA had not yet formally charged the AWOL players and that process was still to be followed.

Sport24

Mantashe ‘playing xenophobic card’ – socialists


Johannesburg – ANC heavyweight Gwede Mantashe has been accused of playing a “xenophobic card” by suggesting white foreigners were interfering in the ongoing platinum mining strike.
“We condemn this attempt by the ANC to again play a racist, xenophobic card,” the Workers and Socialist Party said on Monday.
Deputy general secretary Liv Shange said in a statement this was done to detract from how the African National Congress-led government and the capitalist economy it presided over was failing mineworkers.
Mantashe, ANC secretary general, told reporters in Johannesburg on Sunday the party leadership had questioned whether the platinum strike, which began on January 23, was political.
For more http://www.news24.com

African Diversity Celebrated In Matlosana


Klerksdorp- The people of Matlosana with a large number of Rastafarian community from across the breath of the province, had a belated Africa Day celebration this past weekend at Goudkoppie Heritage Site, organized by the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture.

The purpose of the day was to reflect on the achievements of the continent as well as celebrate Africa’s heritage.

With the theme “Celebrating our indigenous practices & collaborations”, the day focused on the indigenous people of South Africa and the Rastafarian community.

“An eye opening event filled with history of the Rastafarian community and their lifestyles shown through exhibitions left with an insight as to who this community live for. North West museums were also showcasing artifacts of different cultural groups found in the province” departmental spokesperson shirley Montsho said.

City of Matlosana’s executive Mayor, Cllr. M. K. Khauoe attended the event and gave a keynote address to the community on behalf of MEC Tebogo Modise (DSAC).

Cllr Khauoe emphasized the importance of celebrating Africa day as a way of reminding Africans of where they come from, who they are and what the future will look like should they renegade their culture.

“Over the years, Africa has been treated with disdain by colonial powers. Her cultures, customs and religions have been frowned upon. The way of life of the African man and woman has been labeled as backward,” said Cllr. Khauoe.

He continued “the intelligence of the African person has been treated with the least of respect. It is days such as this one that give us power to turn things around and prove people wrong”.

Most speakers of the day preached the importance of tolerance amongst different cultural backgrounds and the importance and respect for others different from you.

The Department of Sport, Arts and Culture celebrates days such as these, in the spirit of preserving heritage for the benefit of future generations.

“Political and economic freedom go hand in hand as we seek to create jobs and pushing the frontiers of poverty through arts and culture”, said MEC Modise.

The day was not short of entertainment when different groups from across the province shook things up with their talent of note. Artists such as Chomza kwasa group, Tearless, Nyabhingi and Bobo-shanti were amongst talents that showcased their skills.-TDN
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SA cellphone operators ordered to keep mum on spying


Cape Town – Mobile operators in SA have no right to report government intrusions into their network, a legal expert has said.

The questions emerged after reports that UK-based Vodafone reported that a number of countries are engaged in a data mopping up operations on its networks.
For more http://www.news24.com