The Electoral Court has dismissed an application by independent candidates in Tlokwe, in the North West, to set aside the 2013 by-elections based on alleged irregularities.

The eight candidates wanted a forensic investigation into alleged corruption during the by-elections in December in 2013.

“[The court] came to the conclusion that the application must fail in its entirety,” the Electoral Court said in its judgment handed down on Thursday.

However, the court said the Electoral Commission of SA (IEC) had an obligation and responsibility in election processes as enshrined in the Constitution.

“The point is simply that, in spite of its recognition of the task, and the assurance it gave that it did its best to comply with its statutory obligations in relation to the applicants’ concerns, the commission can and should do better.

“All the issues raised in this application, and they are crucial, ought to be addressed with all interested parties outside of the litigation process.”

No cost order was made in the application.

Independent candidates were arguing against the IEC’s finding that only 1040 people voted illegally in the by-elections in 2013, saying the number was much higher.

In September, City Press reported that the IEC had admitted that 1040 illegal voters made their mark in the Tlokwe municipal by-elections. However, it insisted that the illegal votes did not change the outcome of the elections.

The admission was contained in a rejoinder affidavit filed with the Electoral Court in June and signed by chief electoral officer Mostho Moepya.

The case, which started in December 2013, was reportedly postponed in June and was supposed to be heard in August. But it was again postponed indefinitely after Moepya’s affidavit revealed that some registrations were illegal.

The by-elections were called after nine ANC councillors were fired by the party for refusing to support former Tlokwe mayor Mapetla Mapetla.

Independent candidates in nine of the wards asked the court to set aside the results and institute an independent investigation.

The African National Congress won eight of the nine wards.

Sapa

Johannesburg- A man tragically lost his life following a pedestrian accident on the M5 in Zandspruit, Randburg. Netcare 911 paramedics and other services arrived at the scene and found that a man, believed to be in his thirties, tragically lost his life after being knocked over by a motor vehicle. Upon assessment of the man, paramedics found that the man had tragically passes away prior to their arrival, due to the extensive injuries sustained and there was nothing further that could be done for the man. The man was declared dead at the scene.

Exact detail surrounding the cause of the pedestrian accident and preceding events will remain the subject of a police investigation.

-TDN

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Johannesburg- South African Football Association (SAFA) President, Dr Danny Jordaan has wished the SA national cricket team, the Proteas good luck in their ICC Cricket World Cup semi-final match against New Zealand on Tuesday morning.

Both nations have never made it to the cricket World Cup final before and the winner will play either India or Australia in the final in Melbourne.

Dr Jordaan said he was impressed by how the Proteas have played throughout the tournament and added that they have what it takes to go all the way.

“We want to congratulate Cricket SA and the Proteas for a fine World Cup campaign. We have truly been impressed and inspired by their performances and would like to wish them well against New Zealand. We are confident that they will go all the way. They have what it takes to beat New Zealand in their own backyard and go on to lift the trophy,” said Dr Jordaan.

Overall, the Proteas have played New Zealand 61 times in ODIs and South Africa have recorded 36 victories while the Kiwis have 20 wins. Five matches were “no result”.

New Zealand have a slight edge in World Cup matches. In six appearances, they have won four times while the Proteas have two victories.

“We urge the South African public to rally behind the Proteas,” added Dr Jordaan.

-TDN

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BY OBAKENG MAJE
CHRISTIANA- The District Clinical Specialist Team (DCST) recently held a very progressive, informative and a successful Training on Helping Babies breathe at birth in Christiana.

This comes as is possible that new born babies are either born breathing or not breathing accordingly as they should.

When the child is not breathing even after giving them a slight slap, to the Professional nurse(s) and the Midwife (wives) these are some of the vital signs to pick up and know how to medically/scientifically respond to them.

All (6) five Operational Managers, (2) two midwives and (2) two Doctors in Lekwa-Teemane Health Sub-District including The Christiana District Hospital received this much needed intensified exercise to help increase awareness on how to Help Babies Breathe on their after birth.

“As neonatalie simulator (dolls) was used to demonstrate how to help a new born baby breathe, participants took turns to literally carry out exercises themselves. The exercises include amongst others the accurate way of washing hands and techniques of comforting and talking to mothers as all this shall be happening before their eye (immediately after delivery). Preparation of the venue (delivery room), assessment and full implementation are key dynamics which in depth emphasis was focused” DR Ruth Segomotsi Mompati department of Health spokesperson Omphile Morwaagae said.

“Clearing airway and stimulating, keeping warm and constant checking of breathing as well as the endless checking of the heart rate is very crucial”, says Dr Joyce Mareverwa (Dr RSM DCST Paediatrician).

“It is important to realize that learning is not simply acquiring facts but that what you are doing is important, and must have the relevant skills to provide quality health care to our communities at large” she concludes.

Morwaagae said at the end of the exercise all participants were evaluated and assessed based on the training they had received and awarded certificates.
-TDN
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BY OBAKENG MAJE
THE community of Morokweng village in Taung took the matter into their own hands deposing one of the stock-theft suspects, Marumo Legakwe (48) out of their village.

Legakwe was arrested a month ago along with his accomplice, Nicholas Hlela(38) from Kwazulu-Natal after being accused of stock-theft in the area.

The two briefly appeared before court and were granted R1000 bail each against the residents’ will.

On Friday (20 March 2015) the community allegedly went his kraal and reduced it to ashes.

Morokweng chief, Monnatau Molehe said the decision was taken by community members, so as he is a leader he adhered to the call.

“I can say this man arrived here more than four years in our village. When he arrived here, he asked to stay only for two days but after two days he refused to go.

“The community wanted him out because he was stealing their livestock, now he has been arrested. They decided to burn down his kraal and remove his livestock out of the village” Molehe said.

One of the residents, Pule Moeng said livestock-theft really cripples the economy and that affects their lives as they rely on livestock as source of income.

“Livestock-theft is really affecting us as most of us are unemployed. We need to fight livestock-theft and make sure all perpetrators are brought to book” Moeng said.

The two will be back in court on the 23 April 2015 and police investigations continue.
-TDN
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The Northern Cape MEC of Transport, Safety & Liaison, Honourable Ms Martha Bartlett will tomorrow be launching the Easter Arrive Alive campaign.  The campaign will intensify Traffic Law Enforcement and Road Safety in the Province ahead of the busy Easter Season where we find most travelers making use of roads across the country.

The launch will also encompass a road cleansing ceremony and a traffic operation on site. 

The media is invited to cover the event and help spread the Province’s message on Road Safety.
The details of the event are as follows:

Date:                     Monday, 23 March 2015

Time:                     12:00

Venue:                  Maruping, R31 on the Hotazel Road (Kuruman)

-TDN

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