Johannesburg – A North West police constable has been arrested for alleged possession of R250 000 worth of platinum after the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks) raided his house in Rustenburg on Thursday.

“The Hawks were acting on information which alleged that the constable’s residence was being used as lab for smelting platinum. When the officers raided his house they found platinum concentrate estimated to be worth over R250 000. Also found in the house were pots and a gas bottle alleged to have been used to smelt the platinum. The equipment and the platinum concentrate have been seized,” said spokesperson Captain Tlangelani Rikhotso.

The 33-year-old constable was stationed at Mogwase police station. He is expected to appear in the Mogwase Magistrate’s Court on Friday to face charges of unlawful possession of the precious metal.

African News Agency

Koster – The Koster Hospital in North West will have a brand new emergency generator with in a week, Health MEC Magome Masike said on Thursday.

“We will bring a generator within a week. Our people deserve better,” he said during his visit at the hospital.

He was visiting the hospital to get firsthand information on what was taking place at the hospital and also to interact with patients and staff on the delivery of quality healthcare – his focal area.

The visit follows a report by the North West portfolio committee on health which highlighted concerns such as the state of some medical equipment at the hospital and the state of infrastructure and the general maintenance of the hospital.

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

Johannesburg – The ANC Youth League in Tshwane has vowed to lay charges of impersonation against #OccupyLuthuliHouse activists it claims were masquerading as ANC members.

Regional youth league leader Lesego Makhubela lashed out after the activists’ media briefing at the Court Classique Hotel in Pretoria ended in chaos on Friday.
The ANC Youth League’s Tshwane leaders, Lesego Makhubela, Ezra Letsoalo and Ratshi Mashamba, speak to police after stopping the media briefing by #OccupyLuthuliHouse activists. Picture: Oupa Mokoena. Credit: INDEPENDENT MEDIA
“Those doeks they were wearing belong to the ANC. The cloth they used was also ANC’s,” he said.

The #OccupyLuthuliHouse movement – an anti-Zuma grouping – was given an opportunity by the National Press Club to brief the media on its plans to lead a mass march to Luthuli House next week to demand the immediate resignations of President Jacob Zuma and the ANC’s national executive committee.
It also wants free education to be introduced immediately and the university fees commission to be disbanded.

The group of actvists from Joburg were five minutes into their briefing when leaders of the Tshwane ANC Youth League stormed in and brought proceedings to a halt.

Led by Makhubela, the youth league leaders said they were the custodians of ANC events in the capital.

The activists had no right to use their colours, they said.

“We are the youth league officials and we will not let anyone call briefings, willy nilly – not in our name,” Makhubela said.

He entered the room flanked by fellow youth league office-bearers Ratshi Mashamba and Ezra Letsoalo, and questioned the activists’ status.

If the activists were members of the ANC, they would have followed due processes in airing their grievances, the league members told the group.

They would have known that the Union Buildings was the place to go to in calling for the resignation of the president.

“This briefing is off. If you want a briefing you will organise it with genuine structures of the ANC, including the youth league,” Letsoalo said.

The league members grabbed the media microphones from the tables, handed them back to journalists, and bundled up the tablecloths.

They said the group could not speak on behalf of the ANC, and they would not allow such shenanigans to take place during their watch.

#OccupyLuthuliHouse activist Gugu Ndima had just outlined the demands to be highlighted by the group’s planned protest when the briefing was disrupted.

“We want stalwarts to lead a consultative conference for the renewal of the ANC,” she said, before the regional youth league leaders walked in.

Makhubela and company also launched an attack on the National Press Club.

“Who are these people? Can you explain to us, who are these people?” Makhubela said, after accusing the press club of not verifying the credentials of the people it had hosted.

The league trio said the press club provided a platform for opportunists, pop stars and celebrities. They accused journalists of working with the hotel to bring down the ANC.

“We are worried about this hotel,” said Makhubela.

“When Tshwane burnt it was this hotel that was used,” he added, referring to a meeting held before the local government elections at the Court Classique, at which a plan was allegedly discussed to make the city ungovernable.

“We need to check this particular hotel. What is its counter-revolutionary (role)? There are some activities that are happening in this hotel that are undermining the legitimacy of the ANC.”

The league trio then directed their anger at the journalists in the room, asking them why they had no respect for ANC policies and structures.

Press club executive committee member Jos Charle said the media provided a platform for different views.

The youth leaders responded: “As long as they speak against the ANC you come running – even hobos can call you and you come running.”

The groups in the room moved outside as the police arrived. A small crowd of ANC supporters had gathered outside the hotel grounds, but were denied entry. The gates were closed.

Access to and from the hotel was restricted for more than two hours as confrontations continued. The crowd outside sang Struggle songs in support of Zuma and the ANC.

The press club asked for protection from the police. The police declined, saying they were wary of civil claims.

“We do not want to remove a group and then be sued,” said a captain from the Sunnyside police station.

The disruptions continued as the youth league members prevented interviews from taking place and interjected during discussions between the press club, hotel management and the police.

Ndima said they would not give up their fight and would announce further plans.

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

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There could be trouble brewing for Steve Komphela at Kaizer Chiefs if results don’t improve after the international break, with the club reportedly considering his future.

Kaizer Chiefs’ opening two games, against Bidvest Wits in the Absa Premiership and Cape Town City in the MTN8, saw their poor run of form stretch to just one win in 15 games in all competitions, and there seems to be growing concerns about Komphela’s position.

While the club have publicly backed their head coach for the future despite the results, it is thought that there have been discussions about a replacement should things not improve drastically.

As reported in this week’s issue of Soccer Laduma, Chiefs’ management are organising talks with Komphela – possibly over the international break – to discuss the way forward, with a vote of no confidence possibly on the cards if things don’t get better.

Meanwhile, public opinion on Komphela’s reign seems to be split as the fans wait for their first victory since April, with some believing he needs to be shown the door and others saying that he needs more time.

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

BY REGINALD KANYANE

SOUTH African deputy president Cyril Ramaphosa has said the number of underage girls who have children in Ratlou local municipality is far less than 3000. Ramaphosa said this while answering questions from opposition parties in parliament yesterday.

“The number has been sensationalised. The investigations are underway and we expect to deal with that matter decisively. We need to fight this tendency of blessers or sugar daddies. The situation is stirred by poverty and unemployment. We need to empower those young girls and ensure that they return to school,” he said.

ANCYL called for remedial action after 3000 underage girls were impregnated. ANCYL spokesperson, Mlondi Mkhize said the discovery was shocking.

“Some of these girls have had to drop out of school. These young girls have been forced into motherhood against their will. It is clear that they are still minors with their entire lives ahead of them. Even more shocking is that among these young girls, there is a 12-year-old who gave birth to a baby boy 6 months ago.

“It has always been our firmly held view, through the words of our forebears that a nation that does not take care of its youth does not deserve its future. This is more disgusting because the assessment by the Ministry of Social Development indicates that the culprits are older men that exploit the innocent young girls,” he said.

Mkhize added that older men had unprotected sex with underage girls and some going to the extent of being raped.

“It is only a sick society that harbours such acts of exploiting innocent young girls into having unprotected sex with them. The young girls fear for their well-being if they refuse. The buck also stops decisively on the doorstep of irresponsible parenting to allow the future of so many young girls to be taken away so brutally.

“It is our firmly held view that fathers must become responsible men. They must not open up young women to sexual exploitation. We equally call on mothers and sisters to stand strong in the fight against sexual abuse of young girls. No young girl asks to be sexually abused. We must be the first line of defense in protecting young girls because of their economic vulnerability and social exclusion,” Mkhize added.

He said they will have a meeting with minister of police to discuss this issue. Mkhize further added that they want to lobby the ministry to set up a task team to hunt down these elderly people who impregnated these young girls.

“We view this act as a criminal act that needs decisive action from government. We cannot have a Boko Haram-like situation unchecked haphazardly in our country. This gruesome act must be combated with the full might of the law,” he said.

North West social development spokesperson, Petrus Siko said the will bring intervention at the area.

“We will open rape cases against perpetrators and provide counselling to those affected teenagers. We will also build an early childhood development centre and make sure those girls return to school,” Siko said.

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BY REGINALD KANYANE

NORTH West premier Supra Mahumapelo addressed the media on the outcomes of Bokone Bophirima EXCO Lekgotla meeting that took place on Wednesday Thursday at Cook Lake in Mahikeng.

Mahumapelo said they have made an assessment of the Rebranding, Repositioning and Renewal efforts in the Province.

“This is a gathering that is constituted by the Premier, MECs, HODs, Mayors and Municipal Managers and CEOs of State Owned Entities. After a thorough assessment of the implementation of the 5 concretes, the EXCO Lekgotla appreciated work done to date.

“We have taken several decisive decisions that are intended at taking Bokone Bophirima forward. We have reached an agreement with Eskom to roll out prepaid electricity meters with special focus in farming areas and should work with municipalities,” he said.

He further said Eskom noted and appreciated the processes initiated by the provincial government to commence the policy process to make it illegal to erect an informal dwelling (shack), without pre-approval from the municipality.

Mahumapelo added that the Environmental Impact Assessment studies should assist in this regard.

“Before the end of 2016/17 financial year, Eskom should align its planning and execution with VTSD. The Lekgotla resolved that by November 2016, the province should have 864 Village People’s Chambers of Commerce, 73 Township People’s Chambers of Commerce and 23 Small Dorpies People’s Chambers of Commerce.

“The provincial government will explore the possibility of encouraging individuals to contribute R1 (one rand) towards the Kgetsi ya Tsie (KYT) Bursary and Skills Development Fund. The bursary scheme will be collected from every electricity and water purchase/payment made,” he said.

North West premier said, however public opinion will be sought on the matter.

He said in order to ensure a lasting solution to challenges associated with water tankering, the Lekgotla resolved that they should gradually migrate from tankering to the borehole system. Mahumapelo said government will in this regard work out a plan to provide subsidies for struggling farmers.

“The department of Water and Sanitation in conjunction with Local Government and Human Settlements will decide which municipalities should be assisted to roll out the prepaid system for water. A Provincial Integrated Consequence Management regime will be introduced for all municipalities and departments to ensure it is comprehensively attended.

“To effectively deal with silo operations in government, the Lekgotla resolved that the Provincial Planning Commission will ensure that the integration of Integrated Development Plans (IDPs) and VTSD Plans are incorporated into Annual Performance Plans,” Mahumapelo said.

He said ICT architecture of the provincial departments and municipalities will be synergized to ensure seamless communication and to avoid duplication of services and wastage of resources. Mahumapelo added that the province should commence with a phased in approach of Wi-Fi implementation in VTSD areas.

“The province will work with the National Department of Telecommunications and Postal Services, to roll out fibre optic. The Lekgotla also resolved that municipalities should place more effort on their MIG spending. Public servants from provincial departments will be deployed to assist municipalities,” he said. Premier Mahumapelo further said Organizational Development (OD) Specialists will be deployed in municipalities to assist with normalization of municipalities’ bloated structures. He said committees of Councils should correspond with provincial departments.

“The committee will deal with for example, Public Works and Roads issues at municipal level, such as, each ward having a warehouse for pothole filling material. The Lekgotla also received progress report on work done so far to rationalise some of the State Owned Entities and for the establishment of PEGA. “They accordingly appreciated progress registered. It resolved that all matters relating to liabilities and assets of entities that are being rationalised should be concluded. As per the Premier’s pronouncement in the 2015 SOPA, the provincial government continues to receive and deal with reported cases.

“The Lekgotla noted that so far, a total of 445 cases have been reported. Of this total, 400 have been dealt with and closed, whilst the outstanding 45 cases are still being processed. The EXCO Lekgotla appreciated the positive response by Members of Executive Council, who this week on Tuesday morning, took calls from members of the public through the Setsokotsane Operation Centre,” Mahumapelo said.

He added that MECs responded to service delivery issues raised through Setsokotsane Operation Centre. Mahumapelo said the Lekgotla also noted that this public engagement method will be embarked upon every second Wednesday of each month.

“This initiative is a view to bridge the communication gap between the provincial leaders and the communities. While at the same time accelerates service delivery to the people of the province. The EXCO Lekgotla also welcomed the resolve to reduce the duration of its sittings from the usual 3-days to a day. This is as part of the provincial leadership’s effort to do further cost-saving. The Renewal, Healing and Reconciliation Unit that is located in the Office of the Premier, will in working together with the traditional leaders and healers, churches and the department of Social Development, soon embark on a vigorous programme that seeks to deal with the evident moral decay amongst especially the young people in the province.

“Department of Culture, Arts and Traditional Affairs (CATA) in Bokone Bophirima in partnership with North West Development Corporation (NWDC), will officially launch Heritage month on September 3 at Lotlamoreng dam,” he said.

Mahumapelo further said this year’s theme is “Human Treasures and Legends: Our Living Heritage”. 

“It is about honouring and celebrating our Living Human Treasures from various disciplines such as heritage, museology, indigenous knowledge systems, storytelling, knowledge of the natural environment and many other aspects of life,” he added.

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BY REGINALD KANYANE

ECONOMIC Freedom Fighters provincial chairperson Betty Diale was left with an egg on her face after the North West provincial legislature deputy speaker, Jane Manganye forced her to retract her R3m bribery claim.

ANC North West provincial Legislature Chief Whip, Hoffman Galeng also lambasted the manner in EFF provincial chairperson, Betty Diale conducted herself during the legislative sitting on last week Tuesday.

Diale alleged that ANC won Rustenburg local municipality after possibly bribing small parties to get their votes.

“ANC did not win Rustenburg local municipality on its own. They needed assistance of smaller parties to win. There was a missing R3m from Rustenburg local municipality, and it was possibly used to bribe people,” Diale said.

Diale was tricked by Portfolio committee member statement, Motlalepula Rosho when she said ANC won all local municipalities in the province including Rustenburg.

However, chair of chairs, Itumeleng Mosala who was the presiding officer requested Diale to retract her statement or provide substantial evidence to support her derogatory statement.

She said she was certain about what she said and cannot degrade herself by making false statement. Diale also added that she will bring prove in the next sitting to support her statement.

However, Diale failed to submit evidence to support her statement during House Sitting on Tuesday. North West provincial legislature deputy speaker, Jane Manganye said Diale failed to submit her evidence to back-up her claims.

“We will request EFF member of legislature, Betty Diale to retract her statement because she has not submitted her substantial evidence to support her statement,” she said.

Diale said: “I will retract my statement pending investigations on the matter. The investigations are underway from our side as EFF.”

Galeng said members should refrain from making such derogatory statements.

“It is tantamount for political leaders to mislead the house without substantial evidence. We cannot make careless statements. The public has now developed a keen interest on the matter, but now there is no evidence.

“We will never bribe people as the ruling party. We have won all municipalities across the province fair and square. We will also take steps as the ruling party because the statement is serious allegations,” he said.

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