BY KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
HARTSWATER- Phokwane local municipality said it was shocked by the passing of its municipal speaker, Dieketseng Maria Moeketsi.

Moeketsi who served as a councilor speaker, passed away after short illness.

Phokwane local municipal  spokesperson, Kgalalelo Letshabo said: “Moeketsi served in the council for more than 10 years. She has made an immense contribution to better the lives of the people of Phokwane.

“She served the communities with utmost distinction. Phokwane local municipality wish to extend our sincere condolences to the Moeketsi family, relatives and friends. Our thoughts and prayers are with them during these difficult time,” Letshabo said.

She said further information regarding the memorial service and funeral will be communicated as soon as the information was available.

ANCYL in the province also took time to send its heartfelt condolences too.  The league’ spokesperson,  Neo Baneng said: “The ANCYL is deeply saddened by the passing of Comrade Dieketseng Moeketsi. Comrade Moeketsi was a committed activist who served with distinction in the ANCYL REC, ANCYL RTT, ANCWL REC, ANCWL PEC and ANC REC.

“The revolutionary contribution of Comrade Moeketsi did not only find resonance within Mass Democratic Movement structures, but transcended to sphere of local governance where she served as a speaker of Phokwane local municipality with outmost dedication.”

Mananeng further added that the league send their heartfelt condolences to the Moeketsi family and friends for the loss of this committed and loyal cadre of the movement.
-TDN
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BY REGINALD KANYANE

Taung – Construction for new facelift is underway at Taung Hotel School and Convention Centre in Taung. The principal agents and architects from Botaki & Associates (PTY) LTD recently handed over various construction sites to various contractors to begin setting up shop for R70m project.

Head of department from Tourism in North West, Advocate Neo Sephoti said they would not allow any slapdash work.  Sephoti said the provincial government expects a quality infrastructure which will still be standing and in good condition for years to come.

“These are public funds and as a department and the people of this province, we will not compromise on quality. We will insist on regular quality checks because if anything does not meet the required quality standards it will impact on us as a government not the contractors,” Sephoti said.

She also urged contractors to first consider using local labourers before employing people from outside the area.

“The provincial government wants to improve the lives of the people in rural towns through socio-economic promotion of villages, townships and small dorpies (VSTD). We need a certain expenditure of any project in the province to be spent in that particular village, township or small dorpies.

“In order for this to be realised, we really need to urge you as contractors to use local labour. You also need to spend as much money as possible locally. Through this project you can assist us in ensuring that there is visible, viable and sustainable socio-economic impact in the area of Taung and its surrounding small rural dorpies of the province,” Sephoti said.

Deputy Rector of the Institution, Herman Phetlhe shared the same sentiments. He said that he was excited that the project has finally started.

Phetlhe said that the project will see Taung Hotel School and Convention Centre being transformed into a world class academy with world class facilities. He said that will enable the institution to cater for more students from anywhere in the world.

“I am overwhelmed with excitement and anticipation because this culminates provincial government’s intentions of making Taung Hotel School and Convention Centre one of the most sought-after hotel schools in the country with the best possible facilities. Upon completion, the new infrastructure which includes a new gate house, double storey student’s residence, ten lecture halls, two dining halls and two student’s demonstration kitchens.

“This will allow us to grow our market in recruiting more students and also help us in expanding our scope of theoretical and practical work. Students will also be able to enjoy a conducive learning environment which is what is needed to stimulate young minds,” Phetlhe said.

-TDN

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BY REGINALD KANYANE

Taung- Two perished in a horrific accident between Taung and Pudimoe on the notorious N18 on Thursday. The car they were travelling in allegedly collided with a truck. Jaws of Life was used to free the trapped bodies of the deceased from the wreckage.

MEC for community safety and transport management, Gaolaole Molapisi said those who deceased, a driver (male) and female passenger was from Taung direction towards Pudimoe. The truck was driving to the opposite direction.

“The car allegedly hit the front tyre of the truck and capsized under the truck. Traffic Authorities at the scene further reported that a taxi that was driving behind the truck also hit the truck from behind and passengers survived with minor injuries. They were rushed to hospital for shock treatment,” he said.

Molapisi said the suspected rainy weather conditions might have contributed to the cause of the accident.

A case of culpable homicide has been registered at the nearest police station and investigations are underway.

Molapisi has sent his deepest sympathy to the families of the deceased. He further wished the speedy recovery to those survived with minor injuries.

Motorists driving along the N18 especially between Vryburg and Hartswater are advised to drive with caution following the rainy weather conditions. The department also urged them to keep enough following distance.

Road users and motorists were advised to report any hazard on the road by calling the departmental toll free number: 0800 204 992.

-TDN

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Cape Town – ANC secretary general Gwede Mantashe on Monday told journalists that his expectations for the party’s NWC meeting were “none of your business”.

ANC officials started arriving at the President Hotel in Cape Town for the extended national working committee meeting on Monday afternoon.

It followed last week’s Constitutional Court ruling that President Jacob Zuma failed to uphold the Constitution when he did not comply with Public Protector Thuli Madonsela’s remedial action regarding payment for the upgrades to his Nkandla homestead.

It ruled that the National Assembly also failed to uphold the Constitution when it set aside Madonsela’s report.

Since the judgment, calls for Zuma to step down or have the ANC recall him have increased.

On Friday, Zuma went on national television to apologise to the nation, saying he had not “knowingly or deliberately” violated the Constitution. He said it was a “very helpful” judgment.

The ANC had thrown its support behind him.

Mantashe said Zuma had humbled himself. He said opposition parties’ calls to have Zuma removed were intended to tear the ANC apart, which he said would not happen.

Arriving for the meeting on Monday, journalists asked Mantashe about his expectations for the extended NWC.

“None of your business,” was his reply.

Officials started arriving for the anticipated meeting around 14:00. Among them were top six officials, ANC treasurer Zweli Mkhize and deputy secretary general Jessie Duarte.

An extended NWC meeting meant it was open to the rest of the national executive committee.

Others arriving for the meeting were ANC head of policy Jeff Radebe, SACP general secretary Blade Nzimande, ANC Youth League president Collen Maine, ANC Women’s League leader Bathabile Dlamini, Defence Minister Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula, International Relations Minister Maite Nkoana-Mashabane, Sports Minister Fikile Mbalula, and Arts and Culture Minister Nathi Mthethwa.

When Maine was asked if the league supported Zuma, he confidently answered “of course”.

Dlamini would not entertain questions, saying “hayibo senzeni na [We are attending a meeting here]”.

Mbalula said he looked forward to all ANC meetings.

Mapisa-Nqakula said SA Defence Union’s call for Zuma to be removed from office amounted to a coup.

“Whatever political crisis we have, we need a political solution. What it actually amounts to is a coup d’état. A coup will not be allowed in South Africa.”

On Tuesday, officials were expected to meet the party’s parliamentary caucus. The political committee, headed by Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa, was also expected to meet.

On Tuesday afternoon, the National Assembly would debate a motion calling for Zuma’s impeachment.
Courtsey- News24.com

-TDN
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Johannesburg – In an unusual turn of events, Gauteng Hawks head Prince Mokotedi was present during Paul O’Sullivan’s bail proceedings in the Kempton Park Magistrate’s Court on Monday.

According to well-placed sources, Mokotedi had been in closed meetings with State prosecutors and the Hawks to discuss the case against O’Sullivan.

When asked by reporters why he was present during an immigration court case, Mokotedi declined to comment.

O’Sullivan was granted R20 000 bail with set conditions. He was expected back in court on May 6.

The forensic investigator was instructed to report to the Sandton police station daily. He was also instructed to surrender his passports to the investigating officer, not to apply for any travel documents, not to leave Gauteng and not to go within a 5km radius of any international airport.

‎O’Sullivan was arrested at OR Tambo International Airport on Friday night for contravening the Immigration Act after he was found in possession of three passports. He was with his ‎family.

The Hawks said they had received a tip-off from the Department of Home Affairs that someone was using multiple passports.

For more http://www.news24.com

Durban – President Jacob Zuma on Sunday urged black people – also those who belong to parties other than the ANC – to work together or risk having the country slip out of their hands.

Speaking to a crowd in his home province in KwaZulu-Natal, he said black people who belong to other political parties needed to go back to the drawing board and work together.

“They will take the country away [from] your hands or they will use others to ask you to vote with them,” he gave a thinly veiled warning, adding they needed to use their power to vote or continue to suffer.

For more http://www.news24.co.za

FILE. SANDF chief, General Solly Shoke (pictured) says the National Devfence Force Union’s calls for President Zuma to resign is provocative and incites SANDF members, which is illegal. Photo: AFP PHOTO / STRINGER

JOHANNESBURG – The Chief of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF), General Solly Shoke, has raised concerns about the statement issued by the SA National Defence Union.

The Sandu has joined calls for President Jacob Zuma to step down, saying it would support any lawful means to have him removed.

The union says that people with unconstitutional dirt on their hands cannot be expected to command the SANDF with integrity.

General Shoke says this is provocative and incites SANDF members, which is illegal.

The union represents the armed forces and claims to have 16,000 members.

– eNCA

BY REGINALD KANYANE
MAHIKENG- A group of young men allegedly stormed into Mahikeng Police Station in solidarity after the police arrested 43 year-old man earlier today.

A 43 year-old suspect was linked to the murder of a Nigerian who was killed on Saturday at Golfview.

According to information, the victim was relaxing at his residential area when group of men allegedly attacked him.

Provincial police spokesperson, Col Sabata Mokgwabone told sabc that one person was arrested at Ramosadi village in Mahikeng in connection of murder.

“Police arrested one person and expect to arrest others after a Nigerian man was killed. The motive behind the killing is unknown so far. The suspect will appear in Mmabatho Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday facing murder charge,” he said.

Few cars were damaged after police embarked on a wild chase.
-TDN
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BY KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
RUSTENBURG- North West premier, Supra Mahumapelo said they will continue to show unwavering support to hag-ridden president, Jacob Zuma.

Mahumapelo said they met on Friday as Provincial Executive Committee over the matter.

According to ConCourt which is the highest court in the land in South Africa, South African president Jacob Zuma violated the constitution after failing to deal with Nkandla matter decisively.

Public Protector, Thuli Madonsela found that the president and his family benefited unduly over Nkandla security upgrade during her investigations.

The matter was taken to court by Economic Freedom Fighters and Democratic Alliance after Zuma refused to be held responsible. He also mentioned that he will not pay even a cent as he knew nothing about non-security upgrade features at his private residential area.

Mahumapelo addressed the community  of Marikana following unrest in the area on Sunday.

“We want to warn people who want to use the outcome of the ConCourt judgement to call for removal of the president. We are going to rise against them.

“At no stage has the ConCourt said the president has seriously violated section 88 of the constitution. Those who want to impeach the president, they can do so. It is their democratic right,” he said.

Mahumapelo said however the opposition parties do not have necessary majority.

He said they will throttle them and they will forever use their majority.

“We unambiguously support and welcome the president’s apology. As the Provincial Executive Committe, we met on Friday and support the president.

“We want Jacob Zuma to finish his term as the president of ANC and also of the Republic. The president asked for forgiveness and we forgive him,” he said.

Mahumapelo further added that people expected them as blacks and Africans to forgive even those who wronged them during apartheid.

“We forgave and reconciled with our oppressor. We forgave them, but the same people are surprised when we forgive our president.

“We also urge ANC stalwarts to come forward and teach us the way of doing things within the party. However if they speak while outside the structure of ANC, it is going to be very difficult to refer to them whether as stalwarts or not,” Mahumapelo said.
-TDN
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BY REGINALD KANYANE
ANC provincial chairperson and the premier of North West, Supra Mahumapelo visited Marikana to calm situation between two political parties.

Both African National Congress members and Economic Freedom Fighters were canvassing in the area when a fight erupt between them.

The roads leading to Marikana were barricaded with stones and burning tyres.  One person was shot and another one was stabbed.

A car was also torched during the stand-off.

Mahumapelo said they will open a case of intimidation against EFF.

“We will open a case of intimidation against EFF. No one is allowed to intimidate any political party while campaigning.

“So EFF members intimidated and attacked our members who were canvassing for the party,” he said.

However EFF representative in Marikana, Matshidiso Rapholo refuted that and said ANC members were the ones who used violence against their members.

“ANC members are the ones who use violence against our members. Last week our two members were attacked by ANC supporters.

“They were from the shops when two ANC members stopped their car and open fire. They were forced to take cover,” she said.
-TDN
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