Motsweding FM hosted a soccer tournament in Tlokwe, near Potchefstroom last week. The SABC’s radio station Marketing Manager, Sibusiso Gumbi said the initiative was to celebrate International Mandela Day.

“We visited Tlokwe and North West University to celebrate International Mandela Day. Motsweding FM is in a business of broadcasting. The station’s management saw it fit to celebrate International Mandela Day with a project that is aligned to our core business broadcasting.

“We hosted Mandela Day Schools Soccer Cup and Radio broadcasting workshop for aspiring presenters and producers. This was in partnership with Tlokwe local municipality,” Gumbi said.

He added that the soccer matches were played for 33, 5 minutes each half as a way of devoting 67 minutes towards public service. Gumbi further said prizes were given to the winners, runners-up and third place schools.

“The SABC North West also hosted broadcasting workshops at the North West University (Mafikeng Campus) on July 18. We wanted to inspire individuals to take action to help change the world for the better. We also want to build a global movement for good.

“Motsweding FM wants to inspire the imagination of unidentified radio talent. We also aim to foster a social responsibility and put out a caring reputation for the station. We want aspiring radio presenters to express their hopes,” he said.

Gumbi said they also raised Motsweding FM brand awareness. He further said the late Dr Nelson Mandela created hope where once there was only despair.

“Mandela used sports to inspire and unite people and that is why we honoured Nelson Mandela with a soccer tournament. The station in partnership with Tlokwe local municipality donated soccer kits, medals and trophies to the finalists.

“We also gave away Motsweding FM related merchandise to the public that were in attendance. The winning school also received a R10 000 cheque.

“The money will be used towards their school needs. The final soccer game was live on-air with our sports presenters as commentators. The motive was to inspire individuals and give them a chance to interact with the station’s presenters and put a voice to a face,” he said.

-TDN

Follow us on Twitter@Taung_DailyNews or @IceT_

Follow us on Twitter@Taung_DailyNews or @IceT_

taungdailynews@gmail.com

​

RUSTENBURG residents will benefit from a new bridge project that was unveiled on Monday. MEC for public works, Madoda Sambatha did a sod-turning for the new bridge at Zinniaville railway crossing in Rustenburg.

Sambatha said they have worked together with Rustenburg local municipality and other stakeholders to comprehend the objective.

“This will be a modern state-of-art bridge. Together we are moving Bokone Bophirima province forward. The project will mark a lasting legacy for generations to come. The bridge will be named after the late ANC president and struggle stalwart, Dr James Moroka and create job opportunities. 

“This is part of our vision as the provincial government. We urge communities to take care of the bridge after its completion. The construction will commence within five months time,” he said.

He also added that communities must not burn tyres on the bridge during protests. Sambatha further said it will be up to the communities to safeguard the project.

“Please, let’s educate our fellow residents about the significance of these public infrastructures. The public institutions do not belong to government, but to you. We want to improve the lives of our people and destroying public institutions will derail the process,” he said.

Rustenburg local municipal mayor, Mpho Khunou also shared the same sentiments. He said the project confirmed once again that indeed Rustenburg is the fastest growing city in South Africa.

“We have listened and responded appropriately to our residents. Many lives were lost at this notorious railway crossing. It is a dream comes true as it has been a nightmare for both leaders and residents. 

“We experienced train crashes at this bridge. We mean business when we say we are developing Rustenburg into a world class city. We want all communities to enjoy high quality of life,” Khunou said.

-TDN

Follow us on Twitter@Taung_DailyNews or @IceT_

taungdailynews@gmail.com

BY REGINALD KANYANE
Three people died in a shack fire in Masenkeng section on Oukasie on Thursday morning. Brits police spokesperson Warrant Officer, Mpeile Talane said a 30 year-old man was sleeping in his shack with his two boys when their schack caught fire.

Talane said the cause of the fire was unknown.

“The boys aged 2 and 3 respectively along with their father died in a fire. The incident took place at Masenkeng section in Oukasie.We have launched an inquest case and investigation is underway,”he said.

-TDN

Follow us on Twitter@Taung_DailyNews or @IceT_

taungdailynews@gmail.com

​

BY REGINALD KANYANE

Northern Cape police and other stakeholders engaged in a prayer and conducted a search ahead of upcoming local government elections on August 3.

Provincial police spokesperson, lieutenant Sergio Kok said the Northern Cape SAPS For Change, Women’s Network and Employee Health and Wellness Unit were part of the event.

“Members attached to the SAPS Provincial components and police members from Frances Baard cluster also attended,” Kock said.

Deputy Northern Cape provincial commissioner for operations, Maj General Phiwayinkosi Mnguni emphasised the outmost professionalism, patience and safety for all community members and said police is a priority. 

“Following the church service approximately 200 police officers hit the streets in the Kimberley CBD. The police conducted stop and search and visited businesses on foot patrols.

“Several spot fines were issued for drinking in public and many knives and other dangerous weapons were confiscated during the search,” Mnguni.

-TDN

Follow us on Twitter@Taung_DailyNews or @IceT_

taungdailynews@gmail.com

Banyana Banyana enter the final phase of their 2016 Rio Olympic Games preparations with an international friendly match against New Zealand later today in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

The clash kicks off at 2pm in local time (19h00 SA time – Brazil is five hours behind South Africa).

The encounter is the last warm-up excercise before South Africa takes on Sweden in the opening match of the Olympics on Wednesday, 3 August.

The Sasol-sponsored Banyana Banyana arrived in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil on Sunday, much earlier than most teams. The aim was to acclimatise to the conditions of the South American city, and head coach Vera Pauw believes it was a masterstroke.
“I am very happy that we were able to come here early, so that by the time the Games start we have already found our feet and acclimatized well. We are facing New Zealand in our last preparation match. We went down in terms of the level of where we want to be, but we are on the rise again. With this friendly, we have to see if we are at our best again – and by that I mean the level of performance against the USA, which I believe is the best game that we have played so far,” said Pauw.
 
“But in the back of our minds we already have the matches against Sweden, then China and Brazil and we are preparing for those encounters.”
 
The Banyana Banyana mentor adds that they will put the friendly to good use as it comes at the right time – just six days before the opening match against Sweden.

“We need to work the final touches of the team organisation, as to how we are actually going to play in the tournament – we know all of that already, but the focus against New Zealand will be working on those moments when you want to change or influence the game in different ways. This is also a test for the players to see who is ready because the sharpest players will play against Sweden,” added Pauw.
 
New Zealand is ranked 16th in the world compared to South Africa’s 52nd position.

They come with loads of experience as they have been to the World Cup on three occassions – 2007, 2011 and 2015, while also qualifying for three consercutive Olympic Games – 2008, 2012 and 2016.

They have been drawn in Group G alongside the USA, Colombia and France.
 -TDNFollow us on Twitter@Taung_DailyNews or @IceT_

taungdailynews@gmail.com

BY REGINALD KANYANE

NORTH West police are investigating three separate cases in Taung. Provincial police spokesperson, lieutenant colonel Pelonomi Makau said a 14 year-old boy was killed at Maphoitsile village, Taung on Tuesday morning.

“The body of a boy was found by a passerby in a canal. He was allegedly bludgeoned with a sharp object on his head. The boy was allegedly killed at a nearby veld. No one has been arrested and police investigation is underway,” Makau said.

She also added that the police were investigating a rape case also in Maphoitsile village. Makau said a 14 year-old girl was allegedly raped by unknown man on Tuesday.

“A girl from Manokwane village was allegedly walking to school at Maphoitsile village, in Taung. She arrived at the school crying and teachers interrogated her. She confessed that she was raped by unknown man. The police were called and she was taken to the nearest clinic for medical attention.

“According to the victim, the suspect allegedly grabbed her from behind. The perpetrator allegedly robbed her cellphone,” Makau said.

In another separate incident, a 59 year-old woman was allegedly stabbed to death in Mokgareng village also in Taung on Tuesday. Makau said the woman who stayed alone was found by her caregiver on Tuesday morning.

“We are not sure how the perpetrator/s gained entry into the house. She was allegedly found with stabbing wounds on her head. No one has been arrested so far and investigation is underway,” she said.

South African Civic Organisation (SANCO) regional secretary in Dr Ruth Mompati district, Mika Moeti condemned the killings.

“We urge community members to working closely with the police to bring perpetrators to book. Taung has been turned into crime nest where criminals practice their criminal activities. We will continue to fight crime in the area and police cannot win the fight it alone,” Moeti said.

-TDN

Follow us on Twitter@Taung_DailyNews or @IceT_

taungdailynews@gmail.com