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Picture: (Dj Nation playing his set during Dj Nation Annual Bash last year)

BY BAKANG MOKOTO

THOUSANDS of revellers are expected to flock to one of the biggest events in North West on December 28. MEC for Tourism, Desbo Mohono said they expecting music fanatics to flock into Taung for Dj Nation Annual Bash 2016. 

“We appeal to all patrons who will be descending to the festival to explore various local tourism products during their stay in Taung. We have embarked on a festive campaign called “Shapa Raondo mo Bokone Bophirima”. The aim is to encourage locals to explore tourism products within the platinum province during this festive season. 

“The campaign started at Bojanala, Ngaka Modiri Molema districts and we visited Dr Kenneth Kaunda district last week. We will end our campaign in Dr Ruth Mompati district. Our main focus is in Villages, Townships and Small Dorpies (VTSD) of the province. Among others, the venture seeks to promote festive packages in the entire province as provided by participating products,” Mohono said.

She further said they want to showcase the province as the preferred holiday destination of choice. Mohono urged visitors to increase their stay in Bokone Bophirima during festive season. 

“We need to ensure that we boost local economy. So, Shapa Raondo mo Bokone Bophirima” campaign is part of the implementation of the domestic tourism strategy. We are expecting thousands and thousands of music patrons to attend Dj Nation Annual Bash activity. Guest houses and hotels are ready to accommodate them and we also expect to see major contribution towards the local economy.

“I am sure that during their stay in the province, they will get to experience the beauty, quality service and the warm welcome by the people of the North West. We want to expose other hidden treasures within the province especially in Taung. In so doing, we are sure that locals will know tourism products in their periphery,” Mohono said.  

Dj Nation Annual Bash organizer, Blondie Mokgwabone said: “It is all systems go as far as preparations are concerned. We are looking forward to welcome people from corners of South Africa and neighbouring countries into Taung. The festive is regarded as the best village entertainment event. The road between Taung District Hospital and Taung Station will be closed to avoid congestion. 

“What the patrons must also take into consideration is that No U18s and bottles will be allowed inside the venue. Major security measures will be put in place and we urge people to buy tickets early to avoid disappointments. One can find Dj Nation Annual Bash tickets at Computicket/Shoprite/Checkers.” 

Mokgwabone added that they also appreciate unwavering support they have  received so far over the years.

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Discovery Walter Sisulu Soccer Challenge is an initiative that captures the attention of not just the football loving fans in Soweto but legends of the beautiful game. Both fans and players wait in anticipation for this four-week long spectacle that is currently in its third week.

Former Bidvest Wits and Supersport United star, Mark Haskins believes that the Discovery Walter Sisulu Soccer Challenge showcases the best of South African football by bringing true ‘kasi’ flavour to the forefront of soccer development in South Africa.

Haskins, whose side, Bidvest Wits Juniors is currently competing in the tournament, has long been a keen observer at the games in past years.

He tells of how he enjoys the fact that teams arrive each year with the aim of not only winning matches, but to also hone their unique skills that they bring to the South African style of football.

“There is so much talent in the country, but not everybody can make it as a professional,” Haskins says. 

“The Discovery Walter Sisulu Soccer Challenge gives players the opportunity to not only feel like a superstar for a day, but also the opportunity to share a brotherhood and active lifestyle with their fellow counterparts”.

The former midfielder also believes that the experience for his Under-17 side is also a rich one and invaluable for their development as players.

“It is a chance for them to play at a higher level and learn new skills, whether technically or tactically. They get to know more about other elements of the game, such as studying the opposition, stage fright etc.”

Haskins has further edged Soweto football loving fans to come in numbers & enjoy football spectacle at their doorstep. 

“The crowds that come out to The Nike Football Centre are always eager to be entertained, they know that they will get to see some talent and skills by attending the matches, especially from players who love to make an exhibition of their opponents.”

Discovery’s Experiential Marketing and Sponsorships Manager Kristy Cunningham says the programme supports Discovery’s key purpose, which is to encourage people to be healthier, thereby enhancing and protecting their lives. The tournament is pivotal for development of young players in South Africa and allows top players to showcase their talent with a fully immersed fan base. 

The overall prize money for the winners of this year’s tournament is as follows:

•            Winners Open category (56 Teams) – R100 000

•            Winners Under 17 (32 Teams) – R20 000

•            Winners Ladies category (16 Teams) – R15 000

In addition, for this year’s tournament, Discovery will be once again reward exceptional individual performance through player awards. 

These player awards, which are valued at R1 500 each, will go to the following winners:

•            Player of the tournament

•            Top goal scorer

•            Goalkeeper of the tournament

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Picture: (Minister of Transport, Dipuo Peters during #RideWise campaign in Potchefstroom)

South African National Civic Organisation (SANCO) said authorities must increase visibility and intensify zero tolerance to reduce carnage on public roads. 

 Minister of Transport, Dipuo Peters released a shocking statistics that revealed a staggering 17 % increase in road fatalities compared to last year.

SANCO National spokesperson, Jabu Mahlangu said: “Motorists should also play their part by observing the rules of the road, adhering to speed limits, avoiding to drink and drive, texting and using cellphones while driving.” 

Over 800 people have died on the country’s roads since 1 December.

Mahlangu called for expansion as well as the effectiveness of road safety education and awareness campaigns. He further said speedy turnaround of blood samples for prosecution of drunken driving offenders shall be prioritised.

“Deployment of traffic officers for 24-hour road traffic operations as well as the overtime they have to perform must be cost-effective, specifically targeted at accident prone hotspots and deliver results. Allocated resources must save valuable lives and not just be extra pay,” he said.

Mahlangu added that the escalating annual death toll on public roads is placing tremendous strain on the economy as well as the country’s health care system.

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