Monthly Archives: July 2014

2500 houses to be built in Marikana


North West provincial government in conjunction with Lonmin launched the Marikana extension 2 housing projects on Thursday. The project is said to change the face of Marikana which is dominated by informal settlements surrounding the mining areas in the Rustenburg area. More than 2500 houses will be build with the main objective of eradicating informal settlements in the province, especially around the mining towns.

Launching the project, MEC for Local Government and Human Settlements in the North West, Collen Maine called on other mining companies to follow on what Lonmin has done. “We wish to further call upon other mining giants around Bojanala to do the same, because this is the worst affected district in as far as informal settlements are concerned in the province. We remain steadfast and focused as government to ensure total eradication of informal settlements across the province”, said MEC Maine.LONMIN joined forces with government by donated 50 hectors of land last year in October, mainly to build houses for Marikana communities, which mostly are Lonmin employees. The project which is intending to restore people’s dignity will contribute towards the eradication of informal settlements and bring about development in Mining Towns. According to MEC Maine, all community members will be catered for.    “other people might not qualify for low cost houses; others might also not qualify for rental stock, therefore we have provided mixed typologies to ensure everybody remain catered, for example, the project provides for full subsidised housing; provides low income rental stock accommodation; and Making Finance Linked Subsidies available for bonded housing stock. Our officials from the department who are dealing with consumer housing and subsidy administration are here to assist you and provide further technical clarity”, said Maine.

MEC Maine could not complete his address by sending a strong warning to appointed contractors. “we want to caution you that we don’t have any room for poor or shoddy workmanship; in our department, shoddy work remains something of the past. We are going to work closely with a body called National Home Builders Registration Council “NHBRC” which is responsible for quality assurance and our internal inspectors together with lonmin inspectors in ensuring quality of work during the construction of these structures. And remember at the end of the project NHBRC remain responsible to issue- out five year guarantee certificates as part of quality assurance”, he said.
-TDN
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‘Deputy president to spend Mandela’s 67 minutes cleaning Mahikeng’


By Obakeng Maje
Mahikeng- The North West Province, like the rest of the country will heed the call by President Jacob Zuma that all South Africans on Mandela Day, 18 July 2014, must clean the cities by embarking on a cleaning campaign in Mahikeng local municipality which will also be part of renewing, rebranding and repositioning the province.

Premier Supra Mahumapelo will be joined by the Deputy President, Cyril Ramaphosa, Ministers of Social Development and SMMEs respectively, Bathabile Dlamini and Lindiwe Zulu, Members of Executive Committees (MECs), Executive Mayor of Mahikeng local municipality, Lenah Miga, councillors and civil society.

Provincial departments, municipalities, state owned entities and the business fraternity have also been mobilized to join in the campaign.

Premier Mahumapelo has during State of the Province Address urged all North West residents to join hands together to give the province a new positive brand.

“He stated that towns in the province are known as dirtiest, hence a move to embark on a massive cleaning that will start in Mafikeng and cascade to other towns” Supra Mahumapelo spokesperson Sam Mokaila said.
-TDN
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Residents who torched church out on warning


Johannesburg – Fifteen Pongola residents, arrested for public violence after torching a church where the body parts of a child were found, have been released on warning, KwaZulu-Natal police said on Friday.

The group appeared in the Pongola Magistrate’s Court on Thursday for setting alight the church and a house on Saturday.

“It was postponed for further investigation. They were released on a warning, and told to re-appear on 28 July,” said Captain Thulani Zwane.

Some of the body parts of a 3-year-old boy were found in a plastic bag at the church on Saturday. The boy went missing on 2 July.

A 51-year-old pastor was arrested for the murder of the boy, but has not yet been charged.
Police began a search for parts of the boy that were missing.

During the search, a skull and skeleton were found at a woman’s house in Ncotshane on Tuesday. The woman’s house was the one set alight by residents. She was not injured, and a case of arson was opened.

Zwane said police were awaiting forensic results on the skeleton.

On Wednesday, the Ncotshane Magistrate’s Court in Pongola was torched by residents over the arrest of the 15.

Police suspected that a petrol bomb was used.

No arrests were made, and a case of arson was opened.

After the incident, acting KwaZulu-Natal community safety MEC Sibongiseni Dhlomo requested the court to hear the case against the 15 on Thursday instead of Friday.

Zwane could not say whether the case was brought forward because of the request.
SAPA

SAHRC criticises health workers’ arrest


Johannesburg – The SA Human Rights Commission on Friday criticised the arrest of more than 100 health workers for staging a sit-in at the Free State health department.

It was understood most of the workers were women protesting against the state of the province’s health care system and the alleged firing of around 3000 community health workers, SAHRC spokesperson Isaac Mangena said in a statement.

The commission on various occasions had expressed its grave concern about the state of public health care facilities across South Africa.

This had been done through its report on health care in the country, socio-economic rights reports, and findings it had made on violations of the right to access health care.

“We will therefore continue to monitor the situation in the Free State and engage directly with provincial and national government officials on this matter,” he said.

The workers were arrested in Bloemfontein on Thursday morning.

The Treatment Action Campaign said at the time the workers, mostly older women, and the TAC took part in a vigil in an attempt to speak out against the failings and collapse of the Free State health system.

The vigil was staged after health workers failed to gain an audience with health MEC Benny Malakoane.

TAC general secretary Anele Yawa said TAC had previously demanded a meeting with Malakoane following a sit-in at Bophelo House on 27 June.

The workers were expected to apply for bail in the Bloemfontein Magistrate’s Court on Friday, Yawa said.
SAPA

Two Bangladesh nationals denied bail over rape in Pampierstad


By Obakeng Maje
Pampierstad- Two Bangladesh nationals appeared briefly before Pampierstad Magistrate Court in two accounts of rape.

Ashraf Ali,31, and his nephew Miah Suman,27 were subsequently arrested in connection of rape.

Police said Suman and Ali who run a supermarket in Zakile Section, near Pampierstad, allegedly lured two minors (who their names are known to us) aged 9 and 10 respectively to their shop.

The two allegedly raped them and threatened them not to tell a soul. The two suspects were arrested on 19 June 2014 after a six-year-old young brother to a 9-year-old victim blew the whistle.

A guardian of a 9-year-old girl informed a 10 -year-old’s mother who in turn called the police.

Miah Suman asked help from his knees to take him to Johannesburg after he heard that their skeletons came out of the closet like dinasours fleeing Juriseen Park.

Asraf Ali was arrested and the following day Miah handed himself over after a thorough talk with his lawyer.

The two appeared for bail applications on Thursday at Pampierstad Magistrate Court, but Magistrate Brits did not budge to any request.

They were denied bail and according to police statement, the two gave investigating officer wrong personal informations regarding themselves and that counted against them.

Two Bangladesh nationals were given asylum to stay in South Africa citing civil wars hovering their country. Police said the suspects’ friends allegedly approached the victims’ parents and tabled R10 000 offer in attempt of dropping the charges against their compatriots.

The suspects will appear back in court on the 04 August 2014 after they were denied bail because they are duped flight-risk.

Medical reports against Ali positively links him to rape and Miah did not penetrates his victim, however he allegedly made her to perform blow job and only put his 4-5 between the victim’s thighs where he screamed and roared like a lion before releasing his precious fluids.-TDN
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SAB AND SAFA LAUNCH SAB LEAGUE NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS 2014


Johannesburg- The South African Breweries (SAB) and South African Football Association (SAFA) have announced the game schedule for the 15th SAB League National Championships during an official public draw held today at the SAB World of Beer in Newtown, Johannesburg.

The SAB League National Championships are set to take place at the North West University Stadium in Mafikeng, North West province, beginning Monday, 14 July and ending with the final match on Sunday, 20 July.

The participating teams include the nine provinces and a team from University Sports South Africa (USSA).-TDN
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Amajimbos edge Lesotho in Maseru


The South African Men’s Under-17 National Team (Amajimbos) defeated Lesotho 2-0 in a tightly contested friendly match played at the Mafeteng Stadium in Lesotho.

This was South Africa’s third match on the road (following two wins over Botswana last week). On this occasion, they found the going tougher against Lesotho.

But it was Amajimbos who got the much-needed goal in the 18th minute through captain Nelson Maluleka – his third in three outings.

The hosts proved a more formidable opponent and were a constant thorn in the visitors’ defence but poor finishing let them down as they missed several scoring opportunities.

Coach Molefi Ntseki made several changes in his starting line-up as he gave more players the opportunity to impress before finalizing his 18-man squad for the trip to Tanzania for the 2015 African Youth Championship qualifier.

Among those getting a run was midfielder Athenkosi Dlala who arrived in camp yesterday (Wednesday, 9 July) after attending to a family bereavement.

Lesotho piled on the pressure and Ntseki made some substitutions – one of them Vuyo Mantjie scored in the 38th minute of the second half, a goal, which gave the South Africans breathing space. It ended 2-0 in favour of Amajimbos.

The next match will be played on Sunday, 13 July at the Setsoto Stadium in Maseru. Kickoff is at 15h00.

The matches are part of preparations for the crucial 2015 African Youth Championship qualifier against Tanzania on Friday, 18 July in Dar es Salaam.

This is how they lined up:

Lesotho U17: Ramalefane Monaheng (GK), Matlopong Seana, Moalosi Mosoeu, Tatai Bokang, Mokokoane Rethabile, Thulo Kamohelo, Toloane Tsepo, Mphale Ntoa, Mohapi Bonang, Makhomo Napo, Tshesane Lesia

Subs: Phatela Khaya, Nkune Tom, Boseka Motlatsi, Lejaha Ntoro, Lamanki Hlompho, Mokoeana Thaane, Mphosi Thabo, Kamela Khubetsoana, Mokhachane Neo

South Africa U17: Sanele Tshabalala (GK), Tshepiso Mahlangu, Kananelo Motsoeneng, Thendo Mukumela (Thato Ramogogodi), Katlego Mohamme, Athenkosi Dlala, Charles Baloyi (Samuel Nkomo), Nelson Maluleka (C) (Khanyisa Mayo), Edwin Sekhwama (Thato Pheleu) Sibongakonke Mbatha (Vuyo Mantjie), Benedict Matlawa (Felix Noge)
-TDN
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MEETING TO RESOLVE MMABATHO NURSING COLLEGE ISSUES


Pretoria – The North West Health Department has called a meeting with Mmabatho Nursing College students on Friday to find ways to recover the lost academic time due to the protracted boycott.

The meeting with students will start at 8am, followed by a parents’ meeting at 11am.

“The meeting will express the position of the department to the students and parents, and further resolve on mechanisms to recoup lost academic time,” said department spokesperson Tebogo Lekgethwane.

The students have boycotted clinical practicals and learning activities for more than two months. Initially, they refused to be transported to their clinical facilities, blaming this on transport problems and congestion of learners at facilities.

The students demanded that the provincial department stop transporting them to clinical facilities and accommodating them. Instead, they wanted to be provided with a transport and accommodation allowance.

During a meeting on Wednesday, negotiations between the Student Representative Council (SRC) at the Mmabatho College and the management of the department, failed.

The meeting was called by North West Health MEC Dr Magome Masike. It was attended by student representatives and other stakeholders, including the Democratic Nursing Organisation of South Africa (Denosa) and Congress of South African Trade Unions (Cosatu).

However, according to Lekgethwane, student representatives walked out of the meeting when they were not willing to negotiate on the progress made in the last meeting, but rather asked to start the negotiations afresh. 

Lekgethwane said the department has always been willing to negotiate and meet the students halfway, as some of their demands were deemed reasonable. 

“The department has, after countless meetings, resolved to move from the original position and therefore agreed to pay transport allowance with immediate effect.

“However, with regard to accommodation, the department reasoned that there are already lease agreements for rental of accommodation occupied by students and therefore requested that such an allowance should start in the new academic year in January 2015 to avoid paying both the students and the landlords.

“To the shock of the management, the students demanded that the department pay students allowance for accommodation and continue to pay landlords in respect of the lease agreement. The department refused this demand, as it will be irregular expenditure,” Lekgethwane said.

He added that the students have continued to change goal posts in the negotiations, which indicates that they are not interested in helping to finding solutions to their demands.

Squashed

With regards to space at learning facilities, Lekgethwane said the department decided on a rotation system. However, they had to ensure that all students get to be placed on night duty because even they qualify as nurses, they will be expected to work at night.

“To the disappointment of the department, when progress was made, the SRC seemed to accede to the solutions proposed, the students continued to parachute issues into the negotiations, the latest being that the students are now demanding to be put on Persal [Personal and Salary System].

“The department is of the view that a move to put students on Persal requires multi-stakeholders engagements, as there are many students who are offered bursaries by the department.

“Moreover, such a move will require extensive consultation not only in the province but nationally. This is because nursing students are not employees, and therefore cannot be treated differently to other students who are offered bursaries by government elsewhere.”

The department, however, noted that there are students who desperately want to go to class and continue with their studies.

“In taking a way forward, the department is announcing to all parents and the students that the college is re-opening, and academic activities will resume on 14 July 2014.

“The department remains committed to resolve any legitimate grievance of the students,” said Lekgethwane. – SAnews.gov.za

North West man in court for illegal firearm


By Obakeng Maje
Sun City- North West police arrested a 21 year-old man at Mosekeng Section, in Mabeskraal village near Rustenburg.

The suspect was found with an illegal firearm, pair of shoes, laptop and cellphone.

“The suspect was arrested after a burglary case that was reported few weeks ago. Police followed a tip-off that led them to a house in Mabeskraal” sergeant Kealeboga Molale said.

Molale said the pair of shoes found at the house of the accused, was positively linked to a burglary case.

A 21 year-old man will appear before Mogwase Magistrate Court for being in possession of illegal firearm, suspected stolen laptop, cellphone and pair of shoes.

Police investigation continues.-TDN
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R10m fraud case postponed for ‘new developments’


Cape Town – Court proceedings in the case of a woman accused of defrauding the Raya Hotel Group were postponed by the Bellville Specialised Commercial Crime Court on Thursday.

Mymona Creighton, 31, faces 250 counts of fraud involving R10 263 813 and one charge of money laundering involving the Raya Hotel Group, which owns the Capetonian Hotel in Cape Town and the Balmoral Hotel in Durban.

Her Legal Aid attorney, Hayley Lawrence told the magistrate there were “new developments” in the case that needed to be discussed with the prosecutor and legal aid organisation.

The case that began in September 2013 was postponed on Thursday to 16 July.

Creighton’s trial was originally meant to have started in January, after previous plea negotiation talks collapsed.

Creighton began working for the hotel group 10 years ago as the assistant to the accountant and seven years later was promoted to the post of accountant.

She was based at the head office in Cape Town.

She was responsible for the payment of the group’s creditors, and had to present cheques for payment to the group’s management for signature.

Prosecutor Simon Leope alleges that she either deleted or changed the details of the payees on cheques, after payment had been authorised by management.

It is alleged that the cheques would then be made payable to fictitious people, and the proceeds channelled into Creighton’s personal bank accounts.

To “cover her tracks”, Creighton is alleged to have recorded the correct cheque details on management payment schedules, but intercepted and destroyed bank-processed cheques as they arrived back from the bank.

In this manner, Creighton allegedly eliminated evidence of her manipulation, and misappropriated the money.

Leope alleges that she concealed the payments, and used fictitious names, to hide the true nature of the fraudulent payments.

SAPA