Picture: (Miss Little Universe Tlami)

A 11-YEAR-OLD Miss Little Universe 2015 from Klerksdorp in North West jetted out of the country to hand over the trophy in Georgia. She will also serve as a judge on the panel for the 2016 competition.

Ontlametse Montshioagae who is a pupil at Methodist primary school won the title last year.

“I am very proud to be reigning Miss Little Universe 2015. I am very proud of my achievements and really looking forward to grow as the great model. One day I want to be crowned as Miss World and Miss South Africa,” she said.

The North West Development Corporation (NWDC) spokesperson, Annemarie Marx said they supported Ontlametse Montshioagae as part of their corporate social responsibility programme.

“Montshioagae, who was crowned Little Miss Universe 2015 in Tbilisi, Georgia returned to Europe to hand over her crown to the next winner. Tlami will not only be representing the province and South Africa, but this will also serve as a developmental role for someone that young,” Marx said.

Tlami’s mother, Lerato Montshioagae said: “I am very proud of Tlami’s achievements. I believe her success will inspire other children. A child is raised by the village, so I also want to thank her teachers and people around her. She is very intelligent and I hope one day she will realise her dreams to become Miss SA and World.

“We need to celebrate local successful stories in our midst and continue to inspire a girl child. I think mentorship must be applied in young children. We need to raise good people within our society to have future leaders. We also need to channel the gap between children and their parents in a form of understanding.

-TDN

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NORTH West premier Supra Mahumapelo will launch the 10-points campaign at Brits in Madibeng local municipality on Tuesday. Acting provincial government spokesperson, Brian Setswambung said it was imperative for Mahumapelo to share his views with the masses regarding the direction which the province wanted to take.

He said Mahumapelo pronounced this in the State of the Province Address (SOPA) early this year. Setswambung said the province has 10 pointer plans that will concentrate on.

“We are aiming at tackling societal issues affecting people on a daily basis. The 10-pointer plans will entail campaigns like Obesity Awareness, Building a non-racial province, opening the door of learning and culture campaign. Other campaigns will focus on safety, security, comfort, corruption and crime-free society campaign.

“Environmental issues, women and children abuse awareness, sport development and participation, rates and tax payment, water and sanitation, drought mitigation and relief campaigns,” Setswambung said.

The provincial government launched its fight against obesity recently in Mahikeng.

Provincial government director-general, Dr Keneilwe Sebego said time has come for people to get back in shape and ward off lifestyle diseases like diabetes and hypertension.

She said this at the World Walk for Life exercise session in Mahikeng two weeks ago.

Government employees, particularly women, went through rigorous exercises to cut off the extra fat.

“We want to avoid chronic diseases like sugar diabetes, high blood pressure and any level of stress. Our employees will be given a day on every Wednesday to participate in various sporting events. We’re going back to basics and hopefully this will be fruitful,” Sebego said.

She added that the programme was part of Premier Supra Mahumapelo’s vision to fight obesity within state employees and encourage them to live a healthy lifestyle.

“We launched this campaign provincial and it has been rolled out to our district municipalities. Our employees participated in various sporting events. Some participated in a fun walk, aerobics and various sporting codes. Following health policies will bring out the best out of our employees. Remember, great vision achieve great team. So this is what we aiming at as the fifth administration,” Sebego added.

-TDN

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THE police had launched a manhunt for suspects in a case of murder and house robbery that occurred at Voltjiedorp near Brits on Friday.  North West police spokesperson, Col Sabata Mokgwabone said a 68-year-old man was found lying dead inside a house with visible injuries.

“The deceased’s hands were tied with shoe laces. His cellphone, firearm and the safe were missing. However his Nissan NP200 bakkie  was found abandoned in Letlhabile Township with watermelons at the back.

“It is alleged that the victim was last seen with his two employees whose whereabouts are currently unknown. The police urge anyone with information that can assist in the arrest of the suspects to contact Sergeant Leonard Thoboka on 071 674 8763,” Mokgwabone said.

-TDN

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Picture: (Rapper Itu does what he loves best) 

UPCOMING Motswako artist, Itumeleng Mokoena said he feels ready to show his talent at a highest level after years of fine-tuning his act.

Affectionately known as Itu, the 27-year-old rapper said he is confident that his latest single, My People, resonates well with his supporters and that it is a foretaste for more to come.

The single was released in April and is doing very well thus far.

Mokoena grew up in Koster and later moved to Mongolia village near Zeerust.

“I am very inspired about how things are whirling currently regarding my music. I also want to thank my supporters and North West people at large for their unwavering support.

“I was inspired by the likes of Tuks Senganga and other rapper while at primary school. My focus now is to build my brand and find my niche within the industry,” he said.

Itu and his crew released few songs concerning healthy lifestyle. He said they wanted to encourage society to live healthily.

“Our aim was to spread message about health diseases such as HIV/Aids, TB, Cancer and teenage pregnancy. We also teach people about male circumcision and diabetes.

“Through my hard work, the North West health department has used me as their ambassador on its family planning campaign. I am also on their billboards in clinics across the province,” Itu said.

Asked what has pushed him this far, Itu said that hard work, determination and passion saw him through.

“I decided to go solo back in 2015 and released a hot single title Lerato La Mzira. The song is dedicated to my hometown and was produced by legend Towdeemac. My music is a metaphor in my life. I draw inspiration from life trials and tribulations.

“One should keep his/her head up through all challenges, and never forget where one comes from,” Itu said.

He also released a track called Lerato La Motswako where he featured Fifi Copper. Itu said he also worked with other artists like OBK, Thebs Sefako and Rhythm City actor, Zenzo Nqobe.

“It was an amazing experience working with all those I mentioned. My single has received more than thousands downloads. I was also featured on FIFI Copper’s music video,” he said.

-TDN

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Picture: (Justice department regional spokesperson Thabo Seadira)

THE Justice department’s North West region is on a campaign to visit schools to meet with parents and various stakeholders in a bid to ensure the safety of children.

The visits started at Hyse Park in Vryburg.

The department’s regional spokesperson, Thabo Seadira said the campaign will go on until June 2.

“The department together with Justice Crime Prevention Security cluster and other stakeholders such as FAMSA, Khulisa Social Solutions and Bophirima Youth Development Programme launched the campaign with parenting skills seminar. We are targeting single parents and child headed households.

“We want to raise awareness on child protection. The department is striving to put the interest of children forward. We are commissioned to advocate for justice. Among other responsibilities is to promote the rules of the law,” he said.

Seadira added: “It is important to participate in the 2016 Child Protection Week in response to this noble call of caring and protecting the rights of children. We also want to empower parents. We provide them with skills on how better to raise children. Community members from around Vryburg came in numbers to be capacitated with much needed skills.

“The parents also aired their views regarding challenges they are faced with.

Some of challenges raised were children who want to dictate their parents regarding their child support grant money,” he said.

Challenges of bullying are also highlighted with parents expected to take a leading role in safeguarding their children.

“We are also aware that children are victims of cyber bullying. They are also exposed to explicit online content that is not suitable for their age group. We urge parents to be more cautious because all that can destroy their minds.

“We will continue with our series of outreach campaigns across Dr Ruth Mompati district and its local municipalities during this week. We also visit primary schools, childhood development centres including people living with disabilities,” Seadira said.

One of the residents, Daphney Davids said: “We urge justice department and other government departments to organise a seminar where we could address parent and child issues. We are happy about the strides demonstrated by government in building our families.”

Health department representative, Lucia Sakwane said: “We urge parents to ensure that they feed their children accordingly. Most of young children die due to malnutrition. We want to encourage parents to follow immunisation plan at all times. It is imperative to ensure good health plan for children.

Mpho Moeng from SASSA also made a strong plea to parents to make sure that they use child support grants for conducive child upbringing. She said SASSA implemented stringent actions against those who are using child support grants for their personal interest and gambling.

Any related child challenges can be raised on a national toll free number which is 080 00 55 5 55.

-TDN

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EDUCATION and sport development MEC, Sello Lehari congratulated North West athletes who participated in the 91^st edition of comrade’s marathon in Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal on Sunday.

Lehari said the province felt immensely proud to retain the title in the male category.

David Gatebe, 35, from Sunrise Park in Rustenburg won the title in record time. Last year, Gift Kelehe was the champion.

“We want to applaud our athletes for making Bokone Bophirima proud. I am extremely elated by the fact that again one of our residents in the province is the champion of the Comrades Marathon. Four of them were inclined in the top 100,” he said.

Lehari added that they implore on the female athletes from the province to participate in the marathon. He jokingly said the North West province is the Home of Comrade Marathon now.

“The North West province will continue to support its athletes. We also provided our athletes with transport, meals, hotel accommodation and sportswear,” he said.

Gatebe scooped R1.4m prize money. He also beat the Comrades Marathon record. Gatebe also won Two Oceans Marathon back in 2013.

“I am extremely happy and excited that hard work has paid off. I have spent about 2 months preparing myself at the mountains in Mpumalanga. I will forever cherish this day,” he said.

Gatebe claimed victory in the male open race in five hours, 18 minutes and 19 seconds -breaking the existing record of five hours, 18 minutes and 49 seconds which was the fastest time in the history of the Comrades Marathon.

In 2015, Gift Kelehe from Sekhing Village in Taung won the race while his brother Andrew Kelehe won it in 2001.

-TDN

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Mine workers affiliated to Association of Mineworkers and Construction Union(AMCU) on Monday returned to work after a wildcat strike at Sibanye Gold’s Kroondal mine in the North West.

Workers embarked on an indefinite strike last week Friday demanding that the mine’s management allocate workers, who knock off late in the evening, transport as they were allegedly often mugged by thugs when returning home.

Amcu said in a statement that the safety of workers is an imperative issue and transport should always be provided for their night shifts at Kroondal Mine.

Sibanye however successfully managed to obtain an interdict ordering its employees to return to work on Monday or face disciplinary action.

According to Sibanye Spokesperson James Wellsted there was poor attendance of employees on Monday morning but they remained hopeful that attendance would pick up.

“We expect them to report during the three o’clock shift this afternoon but we will obviously have to monitor that as we go,” Wellsted said.

With respect to the on-going negotiations to get transport for the workers, Wellsted said a task team had been set-up in January to look at the transport issue and the work of that task team will continue.

Wellsted said the work of the task team is at an advanced stage and what eventually led to the strike was a disagreement over procedural matters.

“I believe that work is continuing fine and there aren’t any issues with the pace at which the work is progressing,” said Wellsted.

Recently Sibanye Gold reported a staggering 240% increase in operating profit to R2.5bn for the first quarter of the year compared with R744m for the corresponding period last year.

Further, the company reported an expected rise in half-year profits due to an increase in the rand price. The report also showed a 14% increase in production and a 30% higher average rand gold price.
Source: http://www.thenewage.co.za

Khama Billiat & Mamelodi Sundowns Win Big At The PSL Awards

Mamelodi Sundowns’ Khama Billiat, was the big winner at the Premier Soccer League awards evening on Monday.

Billiat picked up three honours on Monday evening, as he was named Player of the Season, Players’ Player of the Season and the Best Midfielder of the Season.

The Zimbabwean enjoyed a fine 2015-2016 campaign for the Brazilians, as he netted 12 league goals on the way to winning the Absa Premiership title and the Telkom Knockout.

Billiat was not the only member of the Sundowns contingent to walk away with an award on the night, as Thabo Nthethe was named Telkom Knockout Player of the Tournament and best Defender of the Season, while Pitso Mosimane picked up the Coach of the Year award.

The late Cecil Lolo, who passed away in October 2015, was also honoured at the ceremony, as he was named MTN8 Player of the Tournament.

Full list of awards:

Footballer of the Season: Khama Billiat (R250 000)

Players’ Player of the Season: Khama Billiat (R150 00)

Young Player of the Season: Aubrey Modiba (R50 00)

Coach of the Season: Pitso Mosimane (R75 000)

Goalkeeper of the Season: Dennis Onyango (R50 000)

Defender of the Season: Thabo Nthethe (R50 000)

Midfielder of the Season: Khama Billiat (R50 000)

Absa Premiership Top Goalscorer of the Season:Collins Mbesuma – 14 Goals (R25 000)

Telkom Knockout Player of the Tournament: Thabo Nthethe (R200 000)

ABSA-lutely Awesome Goal of the Season: Ben Motshwari vs Chippa United (R50 000)

MTN8 Last Man Standing: Cecil Lolo (R80 000)

Nedbank Cup Player of the Tournament: Jeremy Brockie (R200 000)

Nedbank Cup Most Promising Player of the Season: Ndivhuwo Ravhuhali (R50 000)

NFD Top Goalscorer of the Season: Thabiso Kutumela -18 Goals (R50 000)

Referee of the Season: Thando Ndzandzeka (R50 000)

Assistant Referee of the Season: Zakhele Siwele (R40 000)
Source: http://www.soccerladuma.co.za
 

BY REGINALD KANYANE
TWO people including a child have been injured after a light motor vehicle collided with the pillars of a bridge on the N12 near Orkney bridge about 10 kilometres from Stilfontein, North West.

Reports from the scene indicate that the driver of the vehicle sustained serious injuries while the child who was a passenger in the vehicle sustained moderate injuries.

Netcare911 spokesperson, Athlenda Mathe said their paramedics worked alongside various emergency services on the scene to stabilise the injured before transporting them to a nearby hospital for further medical care.

This accident happened this afternoon at about 14h35.
-TDN
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Cosatu’s Sizwe Pamla says it’s not the SABC’s mandate to gag itself from exposing people’s anger. (SABC)

Congress of SA Trade Unions (Cosatu) has joined those criticising an SABC decision not to air footage of people destroying public property during protests.

The federation says whilst it condemns violent protests and wants vandals prosecuted, it does not want the sanitation of news to hide reality.

Cosatu’s Sizwe Pamla says it’s not the SABC’s mandate to gag itself from exposing people’s anger.   

“We are calling on the SABC Board to reconsider this decision and allow the public broadcaster to tell the South African story uncensored. This decision is patronising. South Africans are not that impressionable that they need to be protected from any barbaric visuals. What we’re saying is that the board has to really think hard about this decision and reconsider it because it’s not in the interest of the country at all.”

On the other hand, Communications Minister Faith Muthambi on Monday threw her weight behind a decision by the public broadcaster to place a ban on airing footage of violent protests. 

“We unequivocally condemn the destruction of public and private infrastructure. It is our belief that the decision by the public broadcaster not to show footage of people burning public institutions, such as schools and libraries, in any of its news bulletins, will go a long way to discourage attention-seeking anarchists,” Muthambi said in a statement.

She added the department respected the editorial independence of the public broadcaster and described the ban as positive because the SABC had a mandate to ensure “nation building and the promotion of social cohesion”.
Source: SABC – additional reporting by ANA