Pietermaritzburg – A bakkie carrying 24 primary school pupils crashed over the edge of a road and down into a house, killing seven of the children.
It was another horrific accident involving schoolchildren being ferried on the back of a bakkie – once again bringing the transporting of children into sharp focus.
Bakkies are not meant to be used for transporting children – but the practice continues, with horrifying consequences.
For more http://www.iol.co.za
Johannesburg – Democratic Alliance leader Helen Zille said on Wednesday that a list of “leaderless institutions” did not constitute a corruption-busting task team.
“While I appreciate the time taken by the Presidency spokesperson, Mac Maharaj, to dispute my latest newsletter on the demise of the Anti-Corruption Task Team (ACTT), it would have been useful if he had actually commented on what I wrote,” she said in a statement.
Zille said she wrote in her newsletter that the removal of both the chair and deputy chair of the ACTT through suspension and demotion was a deliberate ploy that had left the task team effectively dismantled.
“The presidency statement calls this ‘disappointing’ and ‘misleading gossip’, but then does nothing to refute my claim,” she said.
Instead the presidency gave a page of bullet points that listed all the bodies ever set up by government to fight corruption.
“That would have been great, were it not for the fact that almost every institution or body listed is currently in complete disarray thanks to precisely the political meddling I was referring to.”
On Monday, writing in her newsletter SA Today, Zille said the “dismantling” of the anti-corruption task team was evidence the government was not serious about graft.
Zille said the task team was launched in 2010 to fast-track high priority corruption investigations.
“But the ease with which he pulled the plug on them in the space of just a few weeks, exposes [President] Jacob Zuma‘s hypocrisy when it comes to tackling corruption.”
‘High-level purges’
The team is made up of representatives of the Hawks, the SA Revenue Service (Sars), the Special Investigating Unit, the National Prosecuting Authority, the Asset Forfeiture Unit and the commercial branch of the SA Police Service.
It was headed by Hawks boss Anwa Dramat. His deputy was Sars anti-corruption unit head Clifford Collings.
Zille said there was effectively no team left since Dramat and Collings had become “victims of high-level purges”.
However, on Tuesday the President said the ACTT had visible successes and government looked up to it to work even harder to assist in rooting out corruption.
“It is disappointing that the premier [Zille] has decided to spread misleading information and gossip when she could have easily established the facts and imparted accurate information to the public,” the presidency said.
It said the inter-ministerial committee confirmed and concretised the role of the ACCT in June last year.
Government had a multi-agency approach on which comprehensive anti-corruption architecture, which was composed of a range of institutions to address corruption from different angles, said the presidency.
“This sets the direction towards ensuring that a resilient anti-corruption system is in place.”
The presidency said that a number of changes took place in 2014 and included the development of a number of strategies to address corruption, initiatives were launched and mechanisms established to expose corrupt practices in South Africa.
‘Spin’
On Wednesday, Zille said Maharaj must have penned his statement in response to her newsletter “straight after his effort to spin” the “stepping down” of the SIU head, advocate Vas Soni.
“Citing the SIU as an example of corruption-busting excellence on the same day they became leaderless is a stretch, even for a seasoned spin doctor,” she said.
“So no, Mr Maharaj, none of these “proof points” are, in any way, chapters in the government’s anti-corruption “good story”. Instead they are a damning indictment of President Zuma’s calculated capture of state institutions in order to avoid investigation and prosecution.”
Zille said Maharaj should give examples of “significant, high-profile successes” that these bodies had achieved in recent years.
She said none of the institutions were fully operational.
“One by one they have fallen into the hands of the President, and now exist only to turn a blind eye to anything that says “Zuma” or “Nkandla” on the cover,” Zille claimed.
Maharaj could not be contacted for comment on Wednesday.
Cape Town – Two police officers are expected to appear in the Bellville Specialised Commercial Crime Court in Cape Town on Thursday on charges of extortion, corruption, and defeating the ends of justice.
The case against Jonathan Jerome Plaaitjies, 42, of the Mitchells Plain police station, and Morne Albert Britton Fasser, 30, of the Lentegeur police station on the Cape Flats, was postponed during their appearance last month.
This was to allow for consultation with their defence counsel, Gilbert Jose.
Both face two charges of extortion, one of corruption and one of defeating the ends of justice. They were not asked to plead at the time.
The State alleges that in July, Plaaitjies informed a woman accused in a number of criminal matters that he had spoken to Fasser, the investigating officer in the cases, and that “something” could be done to help her.
Plaaitjies allegedly arranged for the accused to meet himself and Fasser, but on the undertaking that she would not report what was discussed.
At the meeting, Fasser said her case was serious, and that she stood to lose her house and money. Fasser told her he was able to help her for R10 000, which she paid.
All communication with Fasser had to be via Plaaitjies.
At a second meeting, Fasser allegedly told her the dockets of her cases were to be shredded, but that two other officials involved wanted a cut of R20 000 each. She agreed, but instead went to a senior police officer.
Permission was given for an undercover police operation during which the money was allegedly paid, and Plaaitjies and Fasser arrested.
Pietermaritzburg – It is the uncertainty of not knowing when load shedding kicks in that affects businesses, according to a business chamber.
Over 50 Pietermaritzburg Chamber of Business (PCB) members tackled this issue on Wednesday, a day when stage 1 load shedding was implemented from 10:00 until 14:00.
The group said that under the current circumstances, businesses were not able to plan when they could switch off their machinery to prepare for load shedding, and workers were not given enough notice in terms of their work schedule.
For more http://www.news24.com
Fochville- A mother as well her two children were injured today when they were involved in a collision in Fochville, Gauteng.
The family’s car collided with a tree on the side of the road leaving the family with injuries ranging from minor to moderate.
“ER24 paramedics were on scene and transported the mother to Leslie Williams Hospital for further treatment. The two children were also transported to the same hospital by other services” ER24 spokesperson Pieter Roussouw said.
The cause of the incident remains unknown. Authorities will investigate.
-TDN
Follow us on Twitter@Taung_DailyNews or @IceT_
Kimberley – Two police officers and a reservist constable appeared in the Galeshewe Magistrate’s Court, Kimberley, on Wednesday on a charge of robbery, Northern Cape police said.
The case against the 42-year-old warrant officer, Constable Olebogeng Martin Molatlhwe, 30, and police reservist Constable Edward Arendse, 36, was postponed to February 3 for a formal bail application, Colonel Priscilla Naidu said.
“We cannot release the name of the warrant officer because he has not appeared in the identification parade and this may jeopardise our investigation,” she said.
Naidu said on Saturday around 2pm, three police officers in uniform went to a foreign-owned tuck shop in Magoda Street, Galeshewe, and allegedly robbed it.
“The complainant alleged that the police officers informed him that they were searching for illegal cigarettes. Two officers entered the shop while the other person remained outside,” Naidu said.
“The place was searched and cash to the amount of R9000 was taken. Witnesses alleged that the police officers drove off in a marked police vehicle from SAPS Roodepan.”
She said a case of robbery was opened at the Galeshewe police station. The officers were arrested on Monday afternoon.
Sapa
North West legislature Speaker Susan Dantjie was not informed about the developments in the murder case against EFF chief whip Papiki Babuile, her spokesman said on Wednesday.
“Given the fact that Mr Papiki Babuile represents his party in the legislature, it is regrettable that… honourable Susan Dantjie was not informed on the developments of his case,” Teboho Chaane said in a statement.
“The Speaker views this matter in a very serious light and intends to speedily bring it to its… conclusion by taking all steps necessary … to address the status of Mr Babuile 1/8and 3/8 his eligibility to continue his membership in the legislature.”
Dantjie learnt of Babuile’s conviction through media reports in November last year.
She had written to the Economic Freedom Fighters on January 16
requesting details of his conviction and sentencing. The party did not respond.
“Part of the details solicited was whether or not Mr Babuile, has appealed the matter and relevant details thereto, as well as to ascertain his status and eligibility to occupy a seat in the legislature,” Chaane said.
“This would have assisted the legislature to take an informed decision and to act on the matter in terms of its rules and procedures.”
Dantjie sent another letter on January 26 requesting clarity.
She also indicated that failure to respond within five days would result in Babuile’s salary being suspended and processes being initiated to terminate his membership from the legislature.
The Citizen on Tuesday reported that Babuile had been running the EFF’s North West affairs from his prison cell. He was jailed last year for 12 years for the murder of David Chika, regional secretary of the African National Congress.
The newspaper said it had been reliably informed that Babuile, whose annual package is over R1 million, received his December and January salaries while in jail.
Sapa
Adamant: Mpho Koee on the move.
Mpho Koee, who is affectionately known as Gee-Cliff to his followers, said joining Vaaltar FM was a correct and well-calculated move for his career.
Koee joined the Taung-based community radio station almost two months ago and said as the station is offering a third model of radio broadcasting in addition to commercial and public broadcasting, that helped him to settle in.
Gee Cliff is a renowned Hip Hop artist and found his niche in the game.
He released his music video for his track called Truth and the track is currently making waves on various radio stations across the country.
“The radio station serves geographic communities and its interest across two provinces, namely North West and Northern Cape. Hosting the show of Just The Two Of Us calibre between 22:00-02:00 is something I will cherish forever” Cliff outlines.
Even though Koee is hardcore hip hop artist, he plays soul music and RnB during his show and he has this to say.
“I broadcast content that is popular and relevant to the target market, specific audience and tackle issues that most people come across in relationships and how to enhance their love between the two” he smiles.
Gee Cliff’ show provides a mechanism for individuals, couples, and married people to tell their own stories, and share their experiences.
Setlagole-born man took over the show in November and in two months at the helm, listening figures are soaring.
“I play good music and remember the show isn’t all about music, but good music and some songs seem to completely unite the listeners. In most cases you will find people listening intently and loving the same song” he said.
Gee Cliff said even though he does not have any radio background, he said he can hold his own as talking about things that move you and the audience is what gets him awake.
The ‘Self Styled’ presenter is armed with N6 in Marketing from Motheo FET college in Bloemfontein, also hosts a hip hop show that aired every Saturday between 10:00 and 12:00.
He interviews those who make their mark in hip hop industry and also features local talents.
“When coming to hip hop, no one can see you express yourself by gesticulating with your arms, but through verses and punch-lines. What is needed is know your music and what you say in those tracks can go all over the world” he laments.
A sassy-voice presenter said he is looking forward to be one of the finest radio presenters ever came out of Taung and is ready to conquer the world.
He released his four singles and currently working on his album that will drop sometimes soon.
Koee who seems to be gaining momentum day-by-day said he is willing to pull all stops to reach greater heights and ready to wine and dine with the best in the game.
You can catch Gee Cliff on Vaaltar FM 93.6MHz weekly between 22H00-02H00 and Saturdays between 10H00-12H00 and alternatively Go to www.vaaltarfm.org.za for live stream audio.
-TDN
Follow us on Twitter@Taung_DailyNews or @IceT_
Cape Town – Mayor Patricia de Lille has reshuffled her top political team just days before the first full council meeting of the year, making changes to the health and human settlements portfolios.
Benedicta van Minnen, ward councillor for the Helderberg, is the new mayoral committee member for human settlements, with immediate effect, while Siyabulela Mamkeli will take over her portfolio as the mayoral committee member for health.
For more http://www.iol.co.za
Durban – A tender for four mobile clinics in KwaZulu-Natal will end up costing taxpayers a “crazy” R61 million – and only two of the units have been delivered.
Of that amount, R52m is being spent on leasing a truck and trailer that has a standard X-ray machine, which at the end of the three-year lease, the department will not even own.
For more http://www.iol.co.za
The Guardian 