BY REGINALD KANYANE

LOCAL and human settlements department in North West, MEC Galaletsang Fenny Gaolaolwe said they will continue to restore hope to the desperate and needy community across North West. Gaolaolwe handed over 150 toilets to Lower Majakgoro village, near Taung on Saturday.

“We handed over 150 toilets to our community. The department of local government and human settlements will make sure all projects are monitored from now on. We have experienced a backlog on some of our projects. However we will do what it takes to make sure they reach its completion.

“The department seeks to restore hope to the desperate and needy communities. We will continue to bring basic services to them. We will also develop the communities to a point of self-reliance through the provision of learnerships and training initiatives,” Gaolaolwe said.

She said the project created job opportunities to locals. Gaolaolwe said changing the lives of the masses was imperative.

“North West province is predominantly rural areas. However with Premier Supra Mahumapelo’s vision we can free our people from abject poverty. As the department, we will make sure the situation changes for the better,” Gaolaolwe said.

North West premier Supra Mahumapelo said they will implement village development plan strategy. He said the assessment and interaction will be completed in July.

“We have come up with a plan to make sure we change the situation in many rural areas. As the part of rebranding, reposition and renewal process, we drafted village development plan. We want to have each and every village (VDP). That will help us to prioritise the needs according to the village.

“We will continue to work together with all departments to make sure we reach our mark. We have dedicated 60% of provincial government budget to rural areas. We also want to eradicate poverty and inequality. By developing locals, we will reduce unemployment and that will boost economy of the province,” Mahumapelo said.

Deputy Minister for education, Enver Surty said the ANC-led government aimed at developing the youth. He said the government will continue to invest in the community projects.

“We will continue to inspire changes by empowering the youth. We also want to ensure sustainability for each of our projects. The government will continue to work together with other local companies and organizations. We will use a holistic approach and offer the best possible basic service to the people,” he said.

Greater Taung local municipality mayor, Kaone Lobelo said: “The people will continue to receive basic services like electricity, water and sanitation. We also aim at supporting local businesses and entrepreneurs. We want our young people to be employers than employees. Even though Taung is surrounded by rural areas, we will have ways to try and develop the area to be more viable.”

-TDN

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BY REGINALD KANYANE

OVER 90 young unemployed youth in Taung received their certificates after participating in short skills programme. The programme was organised by National Youth Development Agency (NYDA) in partnership with Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati district municipality. The event was held at Mmabana Cultural Centre in Taung on Friday.

NYDA spokesperson, Lerato Gambu said graduates underwent training on the YouthBuild Skills Project. He said the programme targeted youth to create own enterprises.

“The aim was to impart skills to the youth who could play a part in the mainstream economy. The young people received skills in plumbing and welding. The training was for 6 months is accredited by Construction Education and Training Authority (CETA).

“The skill development programmes are mechanism to provide young people with skills. This will enhance opportunities for income. And will also create employment whilst simultaneously encouraging voluntary and service activities by young people to support community development,” Gambu said.

He said as part of its exit strategy for young people, the project focused on three development streams. Gambu said it consists of hard-skills training, enterprise development and further learning.

Greater Taung local municipality mayor, Kaone Lobelo said: “As the municipality we are dedicated to improving the lives of the youth. Most youth are unemployed and this was a good initiative. The programme will help to reduce vulnerability within the youth. We have also been providing learnerships and support to young people.

“A mission and vision of our municipality is to make sure the lives of our people are improved. We have to adapt to the unique needs of our young people. They are our future leaders and changing their lives is important. Nevertheless they are faced with mammoth task like socio-economic issues. So we need to play pivotal role to make sure they overcome these scourge,” Lobelo said.

One of the beneficiaries, Judith Mogomotsi said: “As young people and graduates of the Youth Build Skills Programme we are ready to confront our destiny. We appreciate all the guidance and support that the NYDA has given us.

“We believe this will not end here, but continue to benefit other young people across the province. We commit to become employers one day. We also want to give back to our broader communities. NYDA provide opportunities to all the youth especially in rural areas.”

NYS senior manager, Makume Tlaleane shared the same sentiments. He said they will continue to award learnerships to many young people.

“You are privileged to be amongst the graduates from this programme. As South Africa is celebrating 40^th anniversary of June 16, we welcome you. We will be celebrating the gallantry of young people who sacrificed their lives for better life to the others.

“You are now armed with skills to confront the triple challenges of unemployment, poverty and inequality. As graduates, you have a responsibility to live up to the hopes of the community. And provide your community with job opportunities,” Tlaleane said.

He also urged all graduates to participate on their online platform called Mara Mentor. Tlaleane said that will create an interaction with captains of industry on how to grow their enterprises.

-TDN

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Picture: (North West FM presenter, Douglas Mosadi

BY REGINALD KANYANE

NORTH West FM presenter, Douglas Mosadi said he will not trade his radio job for anything. He said to him radio was a calling. Mosadi said he will continue to be a radio presenter as long as he lives.

“I always kept intrigued from the younger age. I think I was born to be a radio presenter. I used to listen to the likes of Aubrey Motloung and Sello Phiri on Radio Setswana then. I will sit with my friends and emulate those presenters. Some people think presenting is easy, however one need skill to do that.

“I started at Radio Mmabatho back in 1992. I was still young and I’ve learnt a lot over the years. I’ve realised that you need passion and to remain compelling, composed and confident to make it through. You also need to be relatable to your audience at all times,” Mosadi said.

A 37 year-old legendary presenter also works as a commercial DJ. He hosts afternoon drive at North West FM. Mosadi who was born in Dobsonville in Soweto also runs a communication company called DMOS Logic. His mother relocated him to Mahikeng because of unrest and riots in Soweto back then.

According to Mosadi, he went through renunciation process because of radio. He also worked for Radio Sunshine after the merger between Radio Setswana and Radio Mmabatho back in 1998.

“I moved to Radio Sunshine back in 1998 after the merger. However I was brought back to now Motsweding FM on the same year. I worked there and hosted various slots before I moved to North West FM last year. Sticking to the same profession boils down to passion.

“As a person you do not have to do things because of money. Money is not everything at the end of the day. If you do what makes you happy, then you are fine. However I learnt a lot on this journey,” he said.

Mosadi was involved in various social responsibilities over the years. He said the radio landscape has changed and he could easily intermingle with his listeners now.

“Changing the lives of the masses is what is important. I have been engaged in various community activities. Social responsibility helps uplift the society we form part of. We recently bought a stove and a freezer to one family in Jouberton, in Klerksdorp.

“I believe in changing the lives of our people. As a radio presenter, you need to take care and respect your listeners. You must always be informative and know what’s happening around you. The topics you bring on air must be fascinating too,” Mosadi said.

He regarded education as very imperative. Mosadi is armed with BA Degree in Communication from North West University. He further added that he wanted to register for Master Degree because one must always expand his/her knowledge.

-TDN

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BY REGINALD KANYANE

ANC provincial secretary in North West, Dakota Legoete said that the party had completed its councilors’ nomination process and was ready for August 3.

Even in areas where there were disputes, the party said it had managed to clear those.

“We have completed the nomination process for councilors. However, we have received challenges from other areas. Some members alleged that there were elected members who were not eligible. But I can confirm that we have sorted that out.

“We are very adamant that our people will continue to vote for us. ANC as the ruling party will continue to ensure that local government works better for the people. We shall work with the people to continue giving effect to their constitutional rights and thereby advancing people’s power to determine their own destinies,” Legoete said.

He added that the ANC has ensured that those deployed in municipalities are capacitated and have the requisite skills to do their work. Legoete said in cases where some ANC councilors did not perform well, they encouraged communities to hold them accountable and report their concerns.

“We have acted on these concerns by replacing some councilors and strengthening others. The ANC remains the people’s movement. It puts people at the centre of its activities. For this reason, we have involved communities in the process of nominating candidates for the forthcoming 2016 municipal elections.

“This has helped in choosing the best candidates to be ANC public representatives. We believe that councilors must sign performance agreements. They must also report regularly to the communities on their work. This will give power to the people in holding their representatives accountable and making local government work better,” Legoete said.

Meanwhile, the DA in North West said they were shocked that ANC President Jacob Zuma continued to make empty promises to the people of the province. DA leader, Joe McGluwa said communities embarked on protests because of non-delivery of basic services.

Zuma was in Taung on Sunday during ANC provincial manifesto launch ahead of local elections. McGluwa said Zuma once again promised better medical care, jobs, basic services amongst other things.

“Just last week, residents of Christiana, Bloemhof, Ramoshana and other villages took to the streets to show their frustration over non delivery of services. They are asking for schools, clinics and jobs. The angry protesters said they were angry that the ANC could not deliver on basic services they were promised,” he said.

However, ANC alliances partners COSATU, SANCO and SACP said they believe that ANC will deliver and was the only political party that has changed the lives of the people for the better.

-TDN

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Vera Pauw,coach of South Africa during the South African Senior Womens Team training session on the 11 April 2014 at the Dobsonville Stadium ©Samuel Shivambu/BackpagePix

BY KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

BANYANA BANYANA head coach, Vera Pauw trimmed down her squad of 29. Pauw needed only 18 players plus 4 alternate players to make a final squad of 22. The squad will represent South Africa at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games which start in August.

Goalkeepers Mpho Tefo (Kanatla Ladies) and Yolula Tsawe (JvW FC), defenders Letago Madiba (TUT Ladies) and Jabulile Mazibuko (Tuks) as well as striker Andisiwe Mgcoyi (Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies) have been left out of the squad.

She said that was a toughest decision to make.

“The worst job of any coach in the world is to have to trim down the squad to the required official number. Unfortunately it is something that has to be done. If truth be told I hate my job when it comes to having to leave players out of the squad. And, sadly, I am well aware that I am destroying dreams so it is not something we take very lightly – we put very serious thoughts into the process that has been going on for weeks now,” Pauw said.

“But I would like to say to the players that are out of the squad, not all is totally lost because if there is a need for them to be recalled we will certainly do so. Should there be an injury they will be the first to be contacted so they cannot afford to lose hope or take it easy, they need to continue training so that if that call comes, they are ready. So the bottom line is the door is not closed on them.”

With five players out of the squad from the initial 29, the Sasol-sponsored Banyana Banyana will now have 26 players at the start of the next training camp with the addition of USA-based striker Jermaine Seoposengwe and goalkeeper Kaylin Swart. But only 25 players will travel to The Netherlands.

Midfielder Silindile Ngubane will not be part of the squad as she has a family commitment. However she is expected back in camp when Banyana Banyana returns from Europe.

Pauw has until 14 July 2016 to name her final squad of 22 players.

PROVISIONAL BANYANA BANYANA SQUAD

GOALKEEPERS

1. Roxanne Barker                 Unattached                                             Cape Town

2. Andile Dlamini                   Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies FC           Johannesburg

3. Mapaseka Mpuru                HPC                                                       Pretoria

DEFENDERS

4. Lebohang Ramalepe            Maindis FC                                            Polokwane

5. Nothando Vilakazi               Palace Super Falcons FC                       Johannesburg

6. Janine Van Wyk                    JVW FC                                                Johannesburg

7. Noko Matlou                        Maindis FC                                            Polokwane

8. Lerato Kgasago                    Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies                 Johannesburg

9. Nomathemba Ntsibande      Springs Home Sweepers                        Johannesburg

10. Bambanani Mbane             Bloemfontein Celtic Ladies                   Bloemfontein

11. Lebogang Mabatle              TUKS                                                     Pretoria

MIDFIELDERS

12. Mamello Makhabane              JVW FC                                                 Johannesburg

13. Amanda Dlamini                     University of Johannesburg                   Johannesburg

14. Silindile Ngubane                   Durban Ladies FC                                   Pietermaritzburg

15. Refiloe Jane                            VUT Ladies                                             Vaal

16. Leandra Smeda                       UWC Ladies                                            Cape Town

17. Nompumelelo Nyandeni         JVW FC                                                  Johannesburg

18. Bongiwe Thusi                        Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies                   Johannesburg

19. Linda Motlhalo                       HPC                                                          Pretoria

20. Stephanie Malherbe                 Texas A & M University                          USA

STRIKERS

21. Sanah Mollo                            Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies FC               Johannesburg

22. Shiwe Nogwanya                     Bloemfontein Celtic Ladies                      Bloemfontein

23. Thembi Kgatlana                     UWC Ladies                                              Cape Town

24. Chantelle Essau                       Palace Super Falcons FC                            Johannesburg

US-based players

25. Jermaine Seoposenwe             Samford University                                       USA

26. Kaylin Swart                            Des Moines Menace University                    USA

-TDN

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