BY REGINALD KANYANE

NORTH West MEC for Education and Sport Development department, Sello Lehari has appointed a new spin doctor.

Sepeng fills in the position that was occupied by Elias Malindi who has been shifted to another position.

Malindi said: “Former SABC news reporter, Freddy Sepeng has been appointed as the new spokesperson for the department with effect from October 1. Therefore, I would like to express my sincere gratitude for the support that you have given me in the Media Liaison Sub –Directorate within the past two years.

“I have established cordial relations with many of you and I would like you to continue to support Mr Sepeng in his new functions. You are encouraged to contact him with any media enquiries from now on.”

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South Africa’s Public Protector Thuli Madonsela has got grit, determination and, above all, bravery. 
She has promised a parting gift before she leaves office soon: a report on the controversial Gupta family – the rich Indian brothers whose names pop up regularly amid the stench of state capture and financial irregularity. 

Madonsela is the woman who lifted the lid on the details of how President Jacob Zuma had allowed more than R200m in taxpayers’ money to be spent on refurbishing his homestead, Nkandla. 

The Gupta brothers – Ajay, Atul and Rajesh (Tony) – are believed to wield enormous influence on Zuma. There is a big question mark over the source of their wealth, as they arrived in South Africa as relatively small business players. 

Madonsela says she might not have all the Ts crossed and the Is dotted by the time she has to step down, but she will have a report available on what her investigations so far have indicated about the involvement of the Gupta family in state business. 

The Guptas and Nazeem Howa, CEO of Oakbay Investments, have repeatedly denied any wrongdoing by the family, so the news that Madonsela will clear up some of the discrepancies will presumably come as a relief to them – and Zuma’s family. 

In the meantime, others who are convinced that the rot runs deep will be pinning their hopes on the possibility that action against Zuma will follow the report, including Zuma’s departure as president, so that finally South Africans can get on with building the economy for the national good. 

Source: http://www.biznews.com

BY REGINALD KANYANE

NORTH West police said they have opened an inquest case after the body of Landi Tshweu was found at an abandoned Makeshift Mines in Manthe Village, Taung.

Tshweu who went missing a month ago was found dead on Thursday.

Pudimoe Police Station spokesperson, Sgt Tebogo Thebe refuted that the body of the deceased was mutilated.

“We can confirm that the deceased was found dead at the area after he went missing. However, all body parts were intact contrary to what was reported earlier on social media. Police investigation is underway.

“A case was opened at Taung Police Station. We call on people to refrain from hauling derogatory statements,” Thebe said.

Tshweu was reported missing a month ago. It was reported he was kidnapped by unknown people while on his way from My Baby tavern at Manthe Village, Taung.

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The South African u17 Men’s National Team, Amajimbos, will hit the ground running when they get to Goa, India to partake in the inaugural BRICS u17 Football Cup.

 
Amajimbos are expected to arrive in the Indian city on Thursday night (6 October 2016) following a delayed departure.
 
The South Africans play their first match against the hosts on Friday, 7 October at Bambolin Grounds.
 
Kickoff is at 16h00 local time (12h30 SA Time).
 
Amajimbos have been in camp since Thursday, 29 September and have had two practices matches against Pimville Young Stars and the Supersport Academy – losing 2-1 and 3-1 respectively.
 
“This was a very welcome exercise on different fronts. First we had to see how far they were in terms of fitness, as well as technical and tactical readiness. Based on our findings from that match, we worked out a programme because had been busy
with exams. Then we also played against Supersport United to give us an idea of what we needed to work on,” said Amajimbos head coach Molefi Ntseki.
 
“The results were not that important to us because we were on a fact-finding mission. The loss to Pimville Youngsters was a wake-up call for our players as we were playing against bigger and older boys. When you look at the practice matches and want
to emphasise on the results, then you end up not having a very positive mind going into a tournament – the emphasis was more on tactical mistakes, which we had to rectify.”
 
Ntseki is not too bothered by the late arrival in India.
 
“To be honest we would have loved to be there as early as possible to also acclimatize, but due to matters beyond our control we were not able to. We cannot cry over spilt milk but have to soldier on. From the delay, we were able to fit in more
training sessions so we departed South Africa ready to play, having completed our preparations,” added Ntseki.
 
He has emphasised the importance of getting off to a good start.
 
“It is very important to win your first match as it sets the tone for the rest of the tournament. If you do well in your first match, then you have an opportunity to go all the way to the final,” said Ntseki.
 
The u17 mentor has had to make changes to the initial team after some players suffered injuries – Thapelo Gaogatwe, Thabiso Monyane and Sphamandla Ntuli, while Linamandla Mcilizeli and Bonga Dladla have had to be withdrawn due to passport problems.
Dladla was a late withdrawal, leaving Amajimbos with 21 players.
 
Kabelo Makola (Bophelo High School), Thabo Mokoena (Kaizer Chiefs) as well as Sthembiso Kurata and Mpho Mahlangu (both from Supersport United) have been called up as replacements.
 
Meanwhile India lost their opening match 1-0 to a ten-man Russia on Wednesday, 5 October at Bambolin Grounds.
 
Russia scored through Lopatin Daniil in the 4th minute.
 
Brazil were comfortable 2-0 winners over China in the earlier match.
 
* The BRICS u17 Football Cup features the five BRICS countries – economic block formed by Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa
 
* It will be played annually
 
* Each edition will be hosted by one of the BRICS nations
 
* It is also seen as a dress rehearsal for the 2017 FIFA u17 World Cup which will be hosted by India from September – October 2017
 
 
BRICS u17 FOOTBALL CUP FIXTURES:
 
Round Robin Stage – Bambolin Ground
 
Wednesday, 5 October

China     0 – 2 Brazil
 
Russia   1 – 0 India
 
Friday, 7 October
South Africa vs India                        
                                    16h00 (12h30 SA
Time)
 
China vs Russia                                                                  
    20h00
 
Sunday, 9 October
Brazil vs Russia                                                                  
    16h00
 
South Africa vs China                       
                                    20h00 (16h30 SA Time)
 
Tuesday, 11 October
India vs China                                                                  
       16h00
 
Brazil vs South Africa                       
                                    20h00 (16h30 SA
Time)
 
Thursday, 13 October
Russia vs South Africa                                                 
         16h00 (12h30 SA Time)
 
India vs Brazil                                                                  
       20h00
 
 
3rd & 4th Place Play Off – PJN Stadium Fatorda
 
Saturday, 15 October
 
Group 3rd Place vs Group 4th Place                              10h00 (06h30 SA
Time)
 
FINAL – PJN Stadium Fatorda
 
Saturday, 15 October
 
Group Winner vs Group Runner Up                            15h30 (12h00 SA Time)
 

 
SA u17 MEN’S SQUAD TO INDIA
 
GOALKEEPERS:
 
1. TSHEPO MOHUI                                                SUPERSPORT UNITED
2. GLEN BAADJIES                                               MAMELODI SUNDOWNS
3. RHUWANO WYNNE                      
                  ROYAL BLUES
 
DEFENDERS:
 
4. MSWATI MAVUSO                        
                  GLENEDENE
5. LUKE FLEURS                                                  FISH-HOEK
6. SECHABA MOKOENA                                     HARMONY ACADEMY
7. LETHABO MAZIBUKO                                    ORLANDO PIRATES
8. NKANYISO SHINGA                                         KZN ACADEMY
9. THABO
MOKWENA                                         
KAIZER CHIEFS
 
MIDFIELDERS:
 
10. JAQUEEL DE JAGER                                      CAPE TOWN CITY
11. MJABULISE MKHIZE                                     MAMELODI SUNDOWNS
12. TYREESE PILLAY                                           PIMVILLE YOUNG STARS
13. SABELO RADEBE                                           KAIZER CHIEFS
14. NDAMOLELO RADZILANI                           PIMVILLE YOUNGSTARS
15. LUKE LE ROUX                                              IKAPA SPORTING
16. KABELO MAKOLA                                        BOPHELO SCHOOL
17. THABISO MONYANE                                     ORLANDO PIRATES
18. SIFUNDO NKOSI                                             DOUBLE CLASSIC
 
STRIKERS:
 
19. LYLE FOSTER                                               ORLANDO PIRATES
20. MPHO MAHLANGU                                     SUPERSPORT
UNITED
21. STHEMBISO KURATA                                  SUPERSPORT UNITED
  (Unedited edition)

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BY REGINALD KANYANE
The North West department of Education and Sport Development will be highlighting National Nutrition Week from 09-15 October 2016.

Education and sport development department newsly-appointed spokesperson, Freddy Sepeng said the provincial theme for 2016 “Love your beans – eat dry beans, peas and lentils!” is targeted at consumers in general to heighten public awareness of the nutritional benefits of legumes/ dry seeds as part of sustainable food production. 

“Because of their high nutritional value, legumes are greatly a part of our National School Nutrition Programme (NSNP) and are recommended for our learners as a source of protein and for preventing non-communicable diseases and obesity,” Sepeng said.

The provincial nutrition week will be held at Moitshoki Mofenyi Primary School, Koster at 10:00am.

“Key issues including eating healthy, guidance of right portion sizes and right amount of food groups, dangers of overloading and how to avoid overeating will be tackled during this week.

“The message for this campaign is in line with the international theme from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations-‘2016 International Year of Pulses:  Nutritious Seeds for a Sustainable Future,” he said.

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BY REGINALD KANYANE

A man was found dead at Taung abandoned makeshift mines. It is alleged that some of his body parts were missing.

The deceased who resided in Manthe Village, near Taung went missing a month ago and was heard to be in Amalia.

Landi Tshweu’s death comes just few weeks after a four year-old girl, Nomthandazo Talakase went missing in Vryburg and her decomposed body was later found with a missing hand.

North West police said they are still gathering information amid Landi Tshoeu’s murder.

More details will follow-up.

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NEWLY-crowned Miss Teen Universe, Taahirah Zungu arrived back in the country.

Taahirah was crowned at a ceremony in Bodrum. She also walked away with the titles of Miss Sympathy, Photomodel of the Universe and Best Talent in the Teen Category.

Taahirah competed against 19 girls from around the world and judging consisted of talent performance, TV Star production, general behaviour on a daily basis, interaction with other contestants and finally three ramp judging rounds in National Costume, Fashion Casual Wear & Evening Wear.

According to Pageants SA, Taahirah’s “sparkling personality, friendliness, compassion towards her fellow contestants, ability to communicate across language barriers and general interaction with everyone she came into contact with during the competition” earned her the internationally acclaimed Miss Teen Universe title for 2016.

The duties awaiting Taahirah will include her active involvement in keeping children in school by supplying DeskBags to children in areas where schools do not have desks, and also distributing Mimi Sanitary wear to girls from disadvantaged communities.

Pageants SA said that under the guidance of its CEO Carolyn Botha, “we are sure that Taahirah will have a wonderful and incredible year.”

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

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BY KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

MEC for Public Works department, Madoda Sambata said they will spend R142 million to construct D221 road that links Manokwane and Maphoitsile villages.

“We have negotiated with Minister of Road, Dipuo Peters to allocate budget for the road. We all know that this road was marred with court cases after contractors took the department to court.

“However, finally the storm is over and budget is no more an issue. We have also introduced the contractor to the communities and we expecting the construction of the road soon,” Sambata said.

North West premier Supra Mahumapelo was part of sod-turning. He said the community of Maphoitsile and Manokwane will duly benefit from the road project.

“The project will create job opportunities for the locals. We also urge community members to work closely with relevant stakeholders and make sure that the project succeeds.

“We need to ensure that we protect and preserve our properties. If you encounter any challenges, please use available structures to address that. We do not want to see the project being derailed because of some differences,” he said.

Maphoitsile Kgosi, Keaobaka Saku also lauded the public works department. Saku said the construction of the road will make those areas accessible.

“We have been waiting for this moment since 2012. However, we are grateful that final the road will be built. Many people will benefit from the project and also the road will be accessible during rainy season,” Saku said.

Manokwane community members embarked on a protest and burnt two houses belonging to the then councillor and the headmaster.

The demanded that the road to be constructed.

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BY REGINALD KANYANE

FIVE community members those who benefited from Kolong Bridge project received the keys to their newly-built houses. 

They were relocated from their original residential areas to make way for the newly built bridge.

One of the beneficiaries, Kedibone Kgopodimetsi applauded the North West Provincial Government for building them beautiful houses.

“I never thought I will stay in a beautiful house like this one in my lifetime. It really shows that the government is fullfilling its objective to improve the lives of ordinary people,” Kgopodimetsi said.

Another beneficiary, Baitshinye Mokgosi shared the same sentiments. Mokgosi said the house she received has everything she needed.

“I stay with my grandchildren and having a shelter like this one over our heads is grateful. I have been living in a mud house since 1988,” she said.

North West premier Supra Mahumapelo said the developments were positive. He said the houses worth R4.8 million combined.

“The Public Works department used their in-house engineers to construct the houses. This saved us a lot of money. They built quality houses,” Mahumapelo said.

He mulls that maybe the provincial government will build houses like these in the near future. 

“We are going to drill water for the beneficiaries too. This is part of Village, Township and Small Dorpies (VTSD) initiative. 

“We aiming at improving the lives of deprived people especially in far-flung areas like Taung. The bridge is at its final phase and  we will be opening it soon,” Mahumapelo said.

The bridge cost R84 million and Mahumapelo said it will make  travelling easier than before.

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BY KAMOGELO POOE

North West MEC for Tourism, Desbo Mohono reiterated her call to all South Africans to make tourism their every day activity. 

Mohono’s call come at the time when she rounded off her departmental Tourism Month events in the Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati district in Taung on Friday. 

She appealed to both the district and local mayors to ensure access for all and preserve the existing tourism sites in the area.

Mohono was speaking during her “Tourism Fridays – Wake Up with the MEC” which is an interactive live radio show, hosted at a less popular tourist destination around Taung. 

According to MEC Mohono, the North West province has beautiful sites with rich history, culture, hospitality and beautiful landscape to visits. 

She says those areas are potential local economic development ventures. Mohono visited areas such as Small Heaven in Thomeng, Dinkgwaneng, Taung Dam and the Taung Skull Heritage Site.

She said that such areas are some of the hidden potential Tourism sites in the provinces. 

“Such sites need aggressive marketing, which we will continue to do as a department. They also have that potential of currying the Villages, Townships and Small Dorpies concrete, based on their locations, Job creation and further alleviating poverty,” said Mohono.

Meanwhile Greater Taung Local municipality Mayor, Kgosi Nyoko Motlhabane, also appealed to the people of Taung to keep the said sites in a clean environment. 

He said as the municipality, they will make it a point that such areas are clean all the time and that they become environmentally clean. 

“We need to make sure that we develop such areas so that everybody could have access and enjoy themselves. We also need to make sure they should be in a state where they will continue to attract oversees tourists, which will be a great boost to the local economy,” said Motlhabane.

The Department further donated linen to the Lokgabeng old age home, where MEC Mohono and Chairperson of Tourism Board David Mogashoa, praised the district mayor Cllr. Boitumelo Mahlangu for the initiative. 

According to Mahlangu, the place has restored the dignity and ensured proper care for the aged.

“The elderly were not getting proper care at their home due to different challenges they were faced with. Since the establishment of this place eleven years ago, many elderly people were resident to the place and have received proper care. 

“The place has grown from strength to strength with support from different quotas of society. And we are pleased to know that support in all forms continues to come from all directions,” she said.

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