It might have been an emotional day as some of the fired ministers cleared their desks and ventured into the unknown, but for President Jacob Zuma it was business as usual.

The president today officially opened the Mbizana rural enterprise development hub in Mbizana, Eastern Cape and received a hero’s welcome from the thousands who had braved the sunny weather.

He was on a charm offensive, smiling and waving to the crowd of mostly ANC supporters in party regalia.

Zuma – who shocked the nation on Thursday night when he fired the well-respected Pravin Gordhan as finance minister and his deputy Mcebisi Jonas, and other ministers – looked relaxed for a man many thought had done the unthinkable.

His usual giggling and laughter could be heard during a tour of the facility at Dyifani, including maize fields, before he visited a milling plant.

Zuma arrived in a military helicopter two hours after nine of his black SUV protection vehicles had already arrived at the venue.

Flanked by Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Deputy Minister Bheki Cele, Small Businesses’ Lindiwe Zulu, Deputy Minister of Communications Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams, Eastern Cape MEC for Agriculture and Rural Development Mlibo Qoboshiyane and Premier Phumulo Masualle, the president sang his trademark song, Awulethe umshini wam, before his address.

The large marquee went into raptures as the crowds joined the president in the song.

During his address the president stuck to the script and did not mention any word of his Cabinet reshuffle that happed last night.

“We are happy to meet in Mbizana, the hometown of the longest serving ANC President, the late uTata Oliver Reginald Tambo.

“As you know, we have declared this year as ‘The Year of Oliver Reginald Tambo: Unity in Action Together Moving South Africa Forward’ and it is therefore fitting that we launch a rural enterprise development hub here today. We are celebrating the life of OR Tambo who worked for a better life for all including the people of Mbizana and surroundings,” Zuma said.

Zuma also paid tribute to late struggle stalwart, Ahmed Kathrada who died earlier this week.

“At the beginning of this week, we lost one of the big stalwarts of our movement, ‘Isithwalandwe’ Comrade Ahmed Kathrada. May his revolutionary soul rest in peace! His spirit will always be with us,” he said.

He said he was pleased with the creation of the hub, as one of government’s efforts to stimulate growth through agriculture and agro-processing and was positive the development will alleviate poverty and address low levels of development in the district of Alfred Nzo.

“The establishment of the hub will thus stimulate local economic development as well as the investment drive to expand beyond agriculture and traditional subsistence farming.

“Our people must make a living from the land, and must also not go hungry when they can produce food from the land. We are thus happy with the partnerships between the local municipality and other stakeholders to embark on massive grain production with the aim of addressing high level of poverty in the area,” he said.

The Mbizana hub is one of three others, in Mqanduli in the King Sabatha Dalindyebo Municipality, Ncora at Intsika Yethu Municipality and Lady Frere in Emalahleni Municipality. The total amount invested by the government in the hubs over the past three years is R190 million.

“Of the four existing hubs, this hub we are launching today leads the pack in terms of investment as government has invested R53 million for the state-of-the-art structure.

It is with great pleasure to note that the communities where the hubs have been established, have responded actively to the clarion call that government has been making over time for our people to establish cooperatives, Zuma said.

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

JOHANNESBURG – There have been 20 changes to cabinet.

Some ministers have been axed, while others have moved to new portfolios.

Let’s take a look at some of the changes.

Finance Minister: Malusi Gigaba

Gigaba served as Home Affairs Minister since May 2014.

He previously held the post of Public Enterprises Minister in 2010.

Gigaba is considered a close ally of President Zuma.

Last year, Gigaba lashed out at ANC stalwarts calling for the President to step down.

He branded struggle veterans Ahmed Kathrada and former Finance Minister Trevor Manuel as disillusioned former ANC leaders who lack discipline.

Police Minister: Fikile Mbalula

Mbalula served as Sports Minister since May 2014.

He was appointed deputy minister of police in May 2009.

Mbalula is no stranger to Twitter, regularly engaging in ‘twars’ with MP’s an Olympian Sunette Viljoen.

Public Works: Nathi Nhleko

Nhleko served as the Minister of Police.

He previously served chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Public Service and Administration, chairperson of the ANC caucus, African National Congress chief whip, and member of the Judicial Service Commission.

Nhleko faced criticism for the suspension of Robert McBride in March which was ruled by the Constitutional Court to be unlawful.

Sports and Recreation: Thulas Nxesi

Nxesi served as the Minister of Public Works and previously served as Deputy Minister of Rural Development and Land Reform.

He assumed responsiblity of the portfolio in October 2014, following an investigation into the conduct of former Public Works Minister, Geoff Doidge and his then deputy minister, Hendrietta Bogopane-Zulu.

Nxesi was denied a visa by Israel in 2012.

Public Service and Administration: Faith Muthambi

Muthambi served as Communications Minister.

She was one of the seven ANC MPs nominated for the ad hoc committee to consider President Jacob Zuma’s submissions on former Public Protector Thuli Madonsela’s report on his Nkandla home.

Opposition party MPs called for Muthambi be axed.

The proposals came as members of the ad hoc committee continued deliberations on the SABC inquiry.

The SABC is fully owned by the government, with Muthambi acting as its shareholder representative.

Tourism: Tokozile Xasa

Xasa served as Deputy Minister of Tourism.

She was the first female mayor of a district municipality in the transitional period of local government in the Eastern Cape.

Home Affairs: Hlengiwe Mkhize

Mkhize served as Deputy Minister of Telecommunications and Postal Services from 2014.

She is a founder member and a trustee of the Children and Violence Trust since 1995 and she has been a trustee of the Malibongwe Business Trust from 2005.

Energy Minister: Mmamoloko Kubayi

Kubayi served as a Regional Executive Member of the ANCYL in the Greater Johannesburg region.

She subsequently became a Deputy Provincial Secretary of the ANCYL in Gauteng province.

Kubayi previously held the position as Chairperson of the Telecommunications and Postal Services committee.

Transport Minister: Joe Maswanganyi

Maswanganyi is a member of Parliament and former MEC of Sports, Arts and Culture in Limpopo.

Communications: Ayanda Dlodlo

Dlodlo served as the Deputy Minister for the Public Service and Administration .

She is a member of the ANC National Executive Committee and a Member of Parliament.

Dlodlo served an Adviser to President Zuma from 2009 to 2010.

– eNCA

Friday will see Government launching the National Strategic Plan (NSP) for the next five years, on HIV, Tuberculosis (TB) and Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs).

Cabinet approved the five-year plan, which will guide South Africa’s response to the HIV epidemic, STIs and TB, at its fortnightly meeting on Wednesday.

The plan, to be launched in Mangaung, in the Free State, draws on the vision of the United Nations programme of zero new HIV infections, zero preventable deaths associated with HIV and zero discrimination associated with HIV.

It is also in line with the World Health Organisation’s goals for reducing TB incidents and mortality.

Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa, supported by the Minister of Health, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi, UNAIDS Executive Director Michel Sidibe, and Members of the Executive Council, will launch the plan.

The Deputy President is the Chairperson of the South African National AIDS Council (SANAC), a voluntary association that includes government, civil society and all other stakeholders committed to drive an enhanced country response to HIV, TB and STIs.

The launch of the NSP is one of the highlights of TB month which is commemorated annually across the globe, to raise awareness about TB.

In a statement on Thursday, Cabinet said that South Africa’s response to HIV and TB epidemics means that the average South African now lives nearly a decade longer than they did in 2004.

“This fourth NSP seeks to scale up successes while introducing new strategies to prevent new infections, identify infected people sooner and successfully treat and care for them. It outlines the strategic framework for a multi-sectoral partnership to accelerate progress in reducing the morbidity and mortality associated with HIV, TB and STIs.

“This is aligned to the National Development Plan, which acknowledges the profound effect that HIV and TB have in slowing national development,” said Cabinet.

The document will be aligned with all national and provincial strategic plans on HIV prevention and its entire implementation will be monitored by Cabinet.

The NSP is the strategic guide for the national response to HIV, TB and STIs in South Africa. One of the objectives of the Plan is to intensify focus on geographic areas and populations most severely affected by the epidemics.

This Plan is usually developed for a period of five years, and the current one is coming to an end on 31 March 2017.

The slogan of this new NSP is: “Let Our Actions Count” which is a call to action for all South Africans to play a part in achieving the goals of the Plan.

This year, government is targeting mainly leaders of society such as Parliamentarians, Members of Provincial Legislatures, Councillors, Traditional leaders, Business leaders, Religious leaders and civil society to commit themselves in the fight against these epidemics and to engage their communities and constituencies. – SAnews.gov.za

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Bafana Bafana and Angola played to a goalless draw in an international friendly match held at a packed Buffalo City Stadium on Tuesday, 28 March 2017.

 
With the result, South Africa extended their unbeaten run to 17 games.
 
A moment of silence was observed before the start of the fixture in remembrance of the late liberation struggle icon Ahmed Kathrada who passed away on Sunday morning (28 March 2017) as well former Bloemfontein Celtic owner Dr. Petrus “Whitehead” Molemela who lost his life this past Sunday (26 March 2017).
 
In the first half Bafana Bafana looked disjointed, but that was to be expected after stand-in coach Owen da Gama made nine changes to the team that started in the 3-1 win over Guinea Bissau on Saturday, 25 March 2017 in Durban.
 
Da Gama handed out three new caps to Phakamani Mahlambi, Diamond Thopola and Luther Singh.
 
Angola controlled the proceedings in the first half as the hosts tried to find their feet.
 
South Africa were however able to create a number of chances but nothing came of them, with Percy Tau coming close in the opening 20 minutes but chose the wrong option of passing the ball when he could have taken the shot himself.
 
The visitors nearly found the back of the net with a Herenilson’s shot, but Darren Keet was alert in the Bafana Bafana goals and was able to deal with it.
 
With the score 0-0 at halftime, Da Gama made four changes as he brought on Ramahlwe Mphahlele, Themba Zwane, Thulani Serero and Keagan Dolly for Thopola, Mahlambi, Lebohang Manyama and Singh respectively.
 
The home team managed to wrestle back the control of the game, but still could not find the back of the net – even the late inclusion of Kermit Erasmus for Tau was to no avail as the match ended in a stalemate.
 
South Africa has now met Angola 13 times, winning eight matches, drawing four and losing only once.
 
This is how they lined up:
 
South Africa:
Darren Keet (GK), Diamond Thopola (Mphahlele 46′), Erick Mathoho, Rivaldo Coetzee, Teboho Langerman, Andile Jali (C), Tiyani Mabunda, Phakamani Mahlambi (Zwane 46′), Lebohang Manyama (Serero 46′), Luther Singh (Dolly 46′), Percy Tau (Erasmus 74′)
 
Subs:
Shu-Aib Walters (GK), Itumeleng Khune (GK), Lorenzo Gordinho, Ramahlwe Mphahlele, Hlompho Kekana, Kamohelo Mokotjo, Dean Furman, Themba Zwane, Thulani Serero, Keagan Dolly, Kermit Erasmus, Lars Veldwijk
 
Angola:
Neblu, Lunguinha, Nary, Bastos, Natael, Manquxi, Leite, Herenilson, Nandinho, Yano, Papel.
 
Bafana Bafana’s 17 game unbeaten run

24 Oct 2015 (a)              v Angola 2-1                         (CHAN qualifier)

13 Noc 2015 (a)             v Angola 3-1                          (World Cup qualifier)

17 Nov 2015 (h)             v Angola 1-0                          (World Cup qualifier)

26 Mar 2016 (a)              v Cameroon 2-2                     (Nations Cup qualifier)

29 Mar 2016 (h)              v Cameroon 0-0                     (Nations Cup qualifier)

05 June 2016 (a)              v Gambia 4-0                        (Nations Cup qualifier)

18 June 2016 (a)              v Lesotho 1-1                        (COSAFA Castle Cup)

22 June 2016 (a)              v Swaziland 5-1                    (COSAFA Castle Cup)

25 June 2016 (a)               v Botswana 3-2                    (COSAFA Castle Cup)  

02 Sep 2016 (h)                 v Mauritania 1-1                  (Nations Cup qualifier)

06 Sep 2016 (h)                 v Egypt 1-0                           (Friendly)

08 Oct 2016 (a)                  v Burkina Faso 1-1               (World Cup qualifier)

11 Oct 2016 (h)                  v Ghana 1-1                          (Friendly)

12 Nov 2016 (h)                 v Senegal 2-1                        (World Cup qualifier)

16 Nov 2016 (a)                  v Mozambique 1-1               (Friendly)

25 Mar 2017 (h)                  v Guinea-Bissau 3-1             (Friendly)

28 Mar 2017 (h)                  v Angola 0-0                         (Friendly)
 taungdailynews@gmail.com

Drought conditions associated with an El Nino weather pattern are likely to reoccur in a few months time, the government said on Thursday.

“Recurrence of El Niño drought conditions likely … The next summer season has increased the likelihood for the development of El Nino conditions which are often associated with drought and water scarcity as seen recently in South Africa,” the government said in a statement.

The previous El Nino, which faded in May of last year, brought widespread drought to southern Africa, hitting crop production and fuelling inflation across the region while leaving millions in need of food aid. South Africa’s weather service and global forecasters have predicted that El Nino will form again in the southern hemisphere winter or spring, which falls between July and September.

“The likelihood has increased from previous assessments and as we near the winter period, these forecasts improve in reliability,” the government said.

It said the issue had been raised at a meeting on Wednesday of the National Disaster Management Advisory Forum (NDMAF), which coordinates the government’s response to such events. The forum will meet again on May 11.

If El Nino does return between July or September, it would be the first time it reformed so quickly since the mid-1960s.

El Nino is a warming of ocean surface temperatures in the eastern and central Pacific that occurs every few years, with global consequences. In Africa it often brings excessive rains to the east while the southern cone gets parched.

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

taungdailynews@gmail.com 

EFF leader Julius Malema will honour the late struggle stalwart Ahmed Kathrada’s wish for him to visit Robben Island.

It was revealed at Kathrada’s funeral on Wednesday that the struggle stalwart wanted to personally take Malema to the island where he and many other anti-apartheid activists were held captive.

“One of the last things Ahmed Kathrada wanted me to organise last year, comrade Malema, he wanted to take you to Robben Island. He pressed us to organise this thing, unfortunately the communication didn’t work out,” Neeshan Balton, the Executive Director of the Ahmed Kathrada Foundation told Malema at the funeral service.

Speaking to Imaan Rapeti on Power FM, Malema said he will be going to Robben Island on Kathrada’s birthday.

He revealed that he spoke to the Kathrada’s wife Barbara Hogan and came to a conclusion to visit the island on the stalwart’s birthday in August.

The visit to Robben Island in August will be Malema’s first after he told the radio station that he has never gone because the place did not make him “feel comfortable”.

Malema received a special mention at the funeral by the Kathrada Foundation before the stalwart was laid to rest.

Source: http://www.sowetanlive.co.za 

Image left: Prof Dan Kgwadi (Vice-Chancellor or the NWU) receives the statute from Prof Marlene Verhoef (Institutional Registrar)

North West University vice-chancellor, Prof Dan kgwadi sais the new statute of the universiry was published in the Government Gazette on Friday 24 March 2017. Kgwadi said the statute will therefore be promulgated and brought into effect.

‘This was the culmination of three years’ work which first saw a new strategy and then a new structure adopted by the NWU Council. 

“This formed the basis of the new statute, which has been approved by the Minister of Higher Education and Training, Dr Blade Nzimande,” he said. 

Kgwasi further said the statute prescribes, inter alia, how the NWU is to be governed, who the office bearers are, how employees are to be appointed, remunerated and disciplined, the role of trade unions, student affairs and the conferring of honorary degrees and awards.

He added that the promulgation of the statute enables the newly approved structure to be fully implemented.

taungdailynews@gmail.com 

​

JOHANNESBURG – Former president Kgalema Motlanthe has used Ahmed Kathrada’s funeral to quote the late stalwart’s letter in which he asked President Jacob Zuma to resign.

Motlanthe started off by speaking only about Kathrada’s contribution to the country’s liberation.

“It would be disingenuous to pay tribute to the life of comrade Ahmed Kathrada and pretend that he was not deeply disturbed by the current post-apartheid failure of politics.”

Motlanthe received a standing ovation and loud cheers from many in the crowd as he then read out parts of the letter saying: “Comrade Kathy continues bluntly if not arrogantly, ‘In the face of such persistently widespread criticism, condemnation and demand, is it asking too much to express the hope that you will choose the correct way that is gaining momentum, to consider stepping down?'”

Shortly after this, Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan was asked to stand up so all in attendance could see him.

He too received a standing ovation.

The Finance Minister returned home to political uncertainty on Tuesday having been hastily summoned back by Zuma.

The Presidency has still not provided any explanation 72 hours after the instruction to return came to light.

Zuma himself is not at the funeral. The Presidency released a statement this morning indicating that he would not attend as per the wishes of the Kathrada family.

Kathrada‘s family also took to the stage, saying he played a huge role in their lives and instilled important values in the younger generation.

An emotional Nazir Kathrada paid tribute to his uncle at the Westpark Cemetery on Wednesday morning.

GALLERY: Funeral of Ahmed Kathrada

The freedom icon died on Monday at the Donald Gordan Medical Centre, at the age of 87.

Kathrada’s nephew says he was a humble person.

“Kathy has always been integral in my life. I was six months old when he was arrested in 1964. From the time I turned 18, I started visiting him in prison. We discussed the goings-on at home, family, friends, politics, tolerance and my life. Kathy’s embodiment of justice has guided my life.”

COMRADES LOOK BACK

Freedom fighter Laloo Chiba also paid tribute to his longtime friend and comrade, saying although it’s a sad time for the country and Kathrada’s rich legacy needs to be celebrated.

“And while we mourn his death we also need to celebrate his life, and the rich legacy he has passed on to us and future generations.”

African National Congress veteran Sophia de Bruyn shared a funny memory of her friend.

“I met comrade Kathy many years ago, in the 50s. I met him at a party and he couldn’t dance. He had two left feet, but he loved dancing. We remained friends from that time until now.”

LISTEN: Ahmed Kathrada: A gentle freedom warrior

https://omny.fm/shows/702/we-remember-ahmed-kathrada/embed?source=twitter&size=square&style=cover

LEADERSHIP

Congress of South African Trade Unions’ Bheki Ntshalintshali evoked Kathrada’s words when he said leaders should always not be bigger than the organisations they serve.

“We must separate leaders from the organisation. Leaders will come and go, but an organisation will remain. No matter how popular you become, you’re never bigger than the organisation.”

He says the stalwart always believed that leaders come and go but organisations remain, making reference to how the veteran wrote a letter to President Jacob Zuma last year when he believed the ANC was headed in the wrong direction.

The South African Communist Party’s Blade Nzimande also paid tribute on behalf of the organisation.

LAID TO REST

The procession moved from the marquee to the burial site where Kathrada was laid to rest.

Wrapped in three sheets of white cloth, Kathrada’s body was taken out the coffin and buried.

Moulana Sulaimaan Ravat explained the process.

“The body is brought to a grave that is dug facing in the direction of Mecca. The knots at the two ends of the shroud are loosened, the body is placed in the niche at a slight angle and planks are placed behind the body. The grave will then be filled with sand.”

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

BY KEDIBONE MOLAETSI 

Deputy Minister of Small Business Development, Elizabeth Thabethe will host the crafts imbizo in partnership with the Mahikeng Local Municipality at Mmabana Foundation Centre in Mahikeng on Wednesday.

Thabethe said the partnership between Department of Small Business Development and Mahikeng Local Municipality seeks to prioritise the creative industries as a sector for development and empowerment, including focused support.

“The objective of the Imbizo is to ensure that we fight poverty through support geared towards the creative industries in general and the crafts sector in particular.

“This platform is also meant to ensure that the artists are empowerment to make proposals directly to the department, but also to engage with my department in various issues including support,” she said.

Thabethe said: “Many of our crafters are not benefiting from their creations and talent simply because there isn’t support for protection of their intellectual property rights. In the long run, they do not get credited for their work and they also do not get royalties from their skills and knowledge after a lot of hard work and many sacrifices”, said Thabethe.

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​Sad news of the passing of Bloemfontein Celtic founder Ntate Dr Petrus Molemela. My his legendary spirit and soul RIP.

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