“Hey, our hero and first celebrity in Sunrise Park is back!” shouts a young girl as she sees Comrades Marathon winner and new millionaire David Gatebe jog past her to his one-bedroom shack.

CAPTION: David Gatebe surrounded by well wishers at his home in Rustenburg after winning the 2016 Comrades Marathon. PICTURE: VATHISWA RUSELO

Flanked by club mates Gift Kelehe (2015 Comrades winner), Peter Gaebetse and Gordon Lesetedi, Gatebe, 34, was followed by a massive crowd and a convoy of hooting cars as he arrived at Sunrise Park township in Rustenburg, North West, on Tuesday.

He was fresh from conquering the gruelling 89km down run from Pietermaritzburg to Durban on Sunday.

His astonishing time of 5hrs:18min:19sec smashed the record set by Russian Leonid Shvetsov in 2007.

His win earned him just over R1-million in prize money. However, he would only receive the money two months after his blood and urine samples had been tested for any illegal substances.

But for now it’s all about celebrating the rare moment for the people of Sunrise Park, a relatively poor community.

The new hero posed for loads of selfies and shook hands with scores of people as the crowd continued to swell outside his small silver shack.

Source: Sowetan

-TDN

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Picture: (North West Premier Supra Mahumapelo)

BY REGINALD KANYANE

The North West provincial government has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the department of public enterprise. North West Premier Supra Mahumapelo said they seek to aid the province to achieve its rebranding, repositioning and renewal strategy.

Mahumapelo said the move was central to the presentation made by the deputy minister of public enterprise, Bulelani Magwanishe at the recent EXCO sitting in Brits.

He said this will assist the province to revitalise its economic activities.

“The department will work with us on intensification of youth empowerment and skills development programmes. On detailed economic programme for development of Villages, Townships and Small Dorpies with a special focus on the revitalisation of the rail network.

“We will also partner in the development of Mahikeng airport into a cargo airport. We are pleased by the commitment demonstrated by the department of public enterprise in helping us to achieve our RRR strategy. This will give a meaning to the Saamtrek-Saamwerk philosophy,” he said.

He further added that they have set a goal to grow the economy. Mahumapelo said they believe that other public and private stakeholders will continue to express their interest in partnering with them.

-TDN

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Picture: (Former SANCO Regional secretary and ANC Struggle icon)

BY REGINALD KANYANE

NATIONAL Freedom Party in North West is expected to make indelible dent to other opposition parties during the upcoming local government elections. More than 150 new members, including senior ANC provincial leaders are expected to be unveiled during media conference at Paper City Conference Hall, in Taung on Thursday.

Amongst those who are expected to be divulged, is the former ANC struggle icon, Mika Moeti.

Moeti served as SANCO regional secretary for Dr Ruth Mompati district. He was also charged for treason by Bophuthatswana regime during apartheid.

However ANC provincial spokesperson, Diale Kgantsi said the party is not shaken by disgruntled members who leave ANC for other parties. He said those who left did not want to accept reality.

“We know many people will leave the party because they were not elected for positions. However that is what we are used to. They leave the party and come back later on, so we are unshaken. ANC will make sure that they win all wards and continue to serve its people,” he said.

-TDN

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A TOP traffic cop arrested for soliciting a bribe was granted R500 bail after he appeared in court yesterday.

The traffic cop, Johannes Miller, works for the Naledi local municipality in Vryburg.

He was nabbed on Friday after he demanded a R100 from an under-cover anti-corruption official.

The anti-corruption official alerted members of the national Traffic Anti-Corruption Unit who swooped on the traffic cop.

Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) spokesperson, Simon Zwane said: “The officer had stopped the anti-corruption unit official for violating a speed limit. He allegedly demanded a bribe from the anti-corruption official and was a handed a R100. He was arrested immediately after taking the money and taken to Vryburg police station.”

Miller is expected back in the Vryburg Magistrates’ Court on July 4.

He is one of many other traffic cops nabbed for trying to coax bribes from motorists.

“Members of the anti-corruption unit have arrested more than six traffic officers in the North West province so far this year on allegations of soliciting bribes from motorists who violate the rules of the road.

“The Road Traffic Management Corporation has prioritised the elimination of fraud and corruption within the traffic law enforcement fraternity in efforts to improve respect for the rule of the law and to reduce road crashes and fatalities,” Zwane said.

He added that members of the public are urged to report incidents of bribery, fraud and corruption on 0861 400 800.

-TDN

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THE health fraternity in North West is still mourning the death of veteran medical specialist, Dr Abdul Hamid Wadee who died and was laid to rest at the weekend.

  Health MEC, Dr Magome Masike said he was saddened to hear of Wadee’s passing.

He said that Dr Wadee’s death was a huge loss to the medical entire health sector given the immense respect he commanded in the sector.

  “Dr Wadee passed away on the early hours on June 2 after a long illness. He was buried the same day and as the North West Department of Health and the Klerksdorp/Tshepong Hospital Complex we paid our last respect to his family,” Masike said.

  Dr Wadee was a former clinical manager and employee at the Klerksdorp/Tshepong Hospital for 20 years.

  He started working at the institution in 1996 and retired as a clinical manager in 2004.  He then continued to serve Klerksdorp/Tshepong Hospital as a medical doctor in the department of Internal and Family medicine until January 2016 when he stopped due to ill health.

   Dr Wadee worked extensively for the transformation of the hospital together with the then chief executive officer, Dr. Theuns Oosthuizen and Dr Masike, who was Klerksdorp mayor then.

  MEC Masike described the late veteran doctor as very humble and polite man who had a way of solving problems without compromising the values of the hospital.

  “I have known Dr Wadee for a long time.  I know the impact he made at Klerksdorp/Tshepong Hospital Complex.  He mentored many young doctors who learnt a lot from him.  Words are not enough to appreciate his contribution but I am grateful for his role in lifting Klerksdorp/Tshepong to the level of a center of excellence in our province.  His legacy will leave forever,” said Masike.

  The MEC added that hospital transformation process started during his time. “Departmentalization/ re-engineering between two wings was completed and the  hospital got accredited by COHSASA; an independent body assessing and accrediting health facilities based on core standards.

  “Dr Wadee was instrumental in initiating the Academic link between Wits Medical School and Klerksdorp/Tshepong Hospital Complex, which led to Klerksorp/Tshepong Hospital Complex being developed as a clinical training site for the Faculty of Health Sciences, Wits University,” he said.

   Together with the management and staff of Klerksdorp/Tshepong hospital complex, Masike said that the loss of Dr Wadee was monumental and they would like to pass their condolences to his family and relatives.

Source: http://www.thenewage.co.za

-TDN

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THE outgoing mayor at Greater Taung local municipality, Kaone Lobelo said they have set aside R4.2m to improve roads and storm water across Taung. Lobelo said the municipality comprises of 26 wards with about 106 villages and 3 townships.

“The streets within these villages and townships are eroded due to floods. They need to be re-graveled/patched. Instead of utilising the allocated budget for hiring of equipment to render this service, several equipment and plant were bought to assist the process.

“We have spent no less than R10m to buy Low-bed, 2 Graders, Roller, Excavator, 4 Tipper Trucks, and 2 Water Carts. R4.2m was allocated for the 2016/17 financial year for paving of roads in Boipelo and Reivilo,” he said.

Lobelo also said the traffic circle on the N18 will also be attended to during 2016/17 financial year. He said the traffic circle causes unnecessary backlog on traffic and need to be eliminated.

“More than R78m was spent on new road infrastructure within the municipality since 2011. And over 18km of paved roads were constructed in seven villages. We have also budgeted R21m for 2016/17 financial year to pave 5km road in Matlhako II and Moretele. A total of R99m has therefore been earmarked for improvement of roads,” he said.

He also further added that the under storm water drainage controlling three projects to the value of R37.8m were completed. He said the projects benefited five villages. Lobelo also said they have also seen improvement on administrative capacity.

“One of the first challenges we have had to deal with was to build a united front in order to ensure cohesion that is needed for any organ of the state to deliver services to the citizens. As a result of this, we have had to institute a number of disciplinary cases, most of which have been attended.  That has led to relative stability within our municipality,” Lobelo said.

-TDN

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Picture: (Phumudzo Nethwadzi with his latest book)

BY REGINALD KANYANE
A 30 year-old writer and environmentalist from Klerksdorp, Phumudzo Nethwadzi said reading increases the ability to write, speak and listen in a way that allows a person to communicate effectively. 

  Nethwadzi recently released his book called Soul Food.

He said even though he is a qualified environmentalist, his love for writing and reading started when he was still young.

  “My book contains inspirational quotes. It covers subjects such as love, wisdom, relationships ‎, leadership, time, prosperity, power and humility. The power of reading lies in a person’s capacity.

  “We need to apply these skills to effectively connect, interpret and discern the intricacies of the world in which they live. There are libraries across the area and I want to encourage residents especially school children to make use of them. Also parents need to encourage their kids to start reading from the early age,” he said.   

  Nethwadzi added: “I started with writing back in high school almost 18 years ago. However I have released two books so far and my latest was this one. My love for writing was influenced by my poetic pedigree. I always wish to write poems which I can express myself through. I guess that’s where the whole writing spirit got hold of me. ‎The support I received from my family and friends also assisted me to comprehend issues quite well.”

  He also said that even though he is a qualified environmentalist, he always make time to read and write. He further added that reading assist in changing the way people think.

  “Reading makes us to appreciate different viewpoints and is also educational. The more you read, the wiser you become. My book was edited by two Professors, Budeli-Nemakonde and Dovhani Thakhathi.

  “I also want to write ten books and translate them in various languages. Addressing different subjects such as leadership, motivational books for teenagers and youth and spiritual matters will help us to go forward. My wish is to have a publishing company to assist other writers,” Nethwadzi said.  

  The upcoming author said it is not easy to become a writer as he had to overcome a few challenges that came his way. One of the challenges is that most people do not show interest in reading books anymore.

  “There is a lot of marketing that need to be done. People do not buy books anymore. However the technology is here to assist us. So my book can be accessed on www.phumudzonethwadzi.co.za or e-book via amazon website,” he said. 
-TDN
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COMMUNITY safety and transport management MEC, Dr Mpho Motlhabane expressed deep concern over the recent violent protests happening around the province.

He said the recently picketing brings challenges to the safety of the residents.

“Communities have the right to protests against any government or any institution. However not every citizen takes part into these protests. So we urge those who embark on protests must stop burning of properties and barricade roads. Preventing learners to go to school is also a crime.

“As a responsible and caring government we have a duty and responsibility to deal harshly with all sorts of crimes by arresting the criminals and remove them from a peace loving society. We cannot fold our arms and witness or negotiate with criminals who are destroying amongst others our future leaders and infrastructure,” Dr Motlhabane said.

The MEC added that law enforcement agencies will work hard to curb these ills.

Dr Motlhabane said that the department will partner with communities, business people and churches to fight these undesirable acts.

“As the government of Bokone Bophirima we believe in Saamtrek, Saamwerk. It is every person’s responsibility to fight crime and to live peacefully. Every protest has a leader or leaders and we believe that true leaders cannot encourage people to destroy property. We regard that as hooliganism and won’t be tolerated.

“We are happy with the work done by our traffic officers and police. They have spent sleepless nights combating crime and bringing peace and stability in our communities and roads. We understand that there are genuine grievances which need to be tackled but let that be done in a responsible manner and engage. Please remember that two wrongs do not make a right,” he said.

Most of the protests have been blamed on the political jockeying by aspiring councillors.

-TDN

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One of the most iconic captains of the Nigerian national football team, the Super Eagles, and former coach of the team, Stephen Okechukwu Keshi, is dead, TheCable newspaper has reported. He was 54.

According to the paper, the death of the former international was confirmed by his relatives and close associates.

Mr. Keshi had lost his wife of 33 years, Kate, to cancer last year.

“He was not ill at all, never showed any signs of illness, but we suspect he never got over the death of his wife,” TheCable quoted one of his friends, whose name was not given, as saying.

Mr Keshi, popularly called the Big Boss, is the only Nigerian coach to have won the Africa Cup of Nations.

He also became the second person in history to win the competition as a player and as a coach after Mahmoud El-Gohary of Egypt when he led the Super Eagles to win the tournament in 2013 in Johannesburg, South Africa.

He rose to national prominence when debuted for the Super Eagles in 1981 at age 20. The late Central Defender withdrew from the national team in 1994. He had 64 caps and scored nine goals.

As coach, he qualified an unlikely Togolese national team for the 2006 World Cup in Germany but was sacked and replaced with German Otto Pfister, just before the tournament.

He however, achieved his dream to manage a team at the World Cup when he coached the Super Eagles side to the tournament in 2014.

He is the fifth member of the glorious 1994 Super Eagles team to die, after Uche Okafor, Thompson Oliha, Rashidi Yekini and Wilfred Agbonavbare.

He is survived by four children and his mother.

Source: http://www.premiumtimesng.com/

TWO Mahikeng schools were forced to cancel examination sessions after protesting community members stormed the school yards and ordered pupils out of examination halls yesterday.

Education and sport development MEC, Sello Lehari condemned the disruption of the mid-year examinations at Titlano Secondary and Tlale Primary schools that happened in Motlhabeng Village, near Mahikeng.

Lehari said the mob forced both pupils and teachers to vacate the school adding that one computer and some grocery items were stolen from Titlano Secondary School.

“A case of burglary was opened at the Mmabatho police station. I want to strongly condemn the continued behaviour of examination disruption and the stealing of school properties. This act is highly unacceptable and it will jeopardise the education of the children.

“I call upon the communities to refrain from entering our school premises without following the correct procedures. Children have the right to education and therefore there is no one who has the right to violate their constitutional rights,” Lehari said.

He added that the department decided to set afresh the papers to be written on a date yet to be decided.

“We will communicate with affected pupils. The reason for the examination disruption is still unknown to us,” he said.

 TDN

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