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Cape Town – Social Development Minister Bathabile Dlamini is expected to face Parliament’s standing committee on public accounts on Tuesday, to discuss the impending social grants crisis.

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THE Burger King-sponsored South African u20 Men’s National Team has arrived in Lusaka, the capital of Zambia, for their last Group B match against Sudan in the CAF U20 Africa Cup of Nations.

The clash will be played on Sunday, 5 March 2017 at the Heroes National Stadium.

Kickoff is at 15h00.

Amajita could be celebrating their qualification to the 2017 FIFA u20 World Cup in South Korea later this year, but let slip a 2-nil half time lead against Senegal – eventually going down 4-3.

The clash took place on Thursday, 2 March 2017 at the Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola.

South Africa head coach Thabo Senong believes that the loss to the Lions of Teranga in their second Group B match was a much-needed wake up call, and the good thing is that there is a still a fixture to be played.

“The clash against Senegal was a typical game of two halves – we played well and won the first half, but lost our way in the second stanza, eventually losing the match. We had emphasized to the players that Senegal were wounded and would come strongly at us, which is exactly what they did. We also warned the players about the critical phases of the game, but such is football,” said Senong.

Amajita face an East African side that hasn’t registered a victory in the competition but still has a remote chance of making it to the last four. And Senong knows they cannot be taken lightly.

“All is not lost though, and the good thing is that procession to the next round is still in our hands, which simply means we are still very much in it – it’s all up to us. And that is very encouraging as we have everything to play for. We have to fight harder against Sudan and not take them lightly even though they haven’t won a single match so far,” added Senong.

“The players have learnt a vital lesson – one needs to work hard for what they want, and they now know that qualifying for the semi finals is not a joke and is not an easy task, they have to earn it. We have to ensure that we make the semi finals and qualify for the World Cup.”

After two matches, Senegal tops Group B with four points, just one above South Africa and Cameroon, while Sudan has just one point.

Senegal takes on Cameroon in the other Group B fixture at the Levy Mwanawasa Stadium.

Kick off is also at 15h00.

As matters stand, all four teams in this group have a chance to qualify for the semifinals.

* A win for South Africa will see them proceed, irrespective of what happens in the other match

* Sudan can also qualify if they beat South Africa by two clear goals and Senegal beats Cameroon
 
The path to the semifinal seem clearer in Group A where the hosts have already book their place following successive wins, while the battle for second spot is between Egypt, Guinea and Mali.
 
Zambia will lock horns with Egypt while Guinea and Mali will go toe to toe. Both matches will be played on Saturday, 4 March at 15h00.
 
The hosts will also finish top of the group irrespective of the final results.
 
Zambia is on six points, followed by Egypt on two while Guinea and Mali have one each.
 
* A win for Egypt will guarantee them a place in the top four, regardless of the results from the other group match

* If both matches end in a draw, then Egypt will be safely in the semifinals
 
In the first knockout stages match, the winners of Group A (Zambia) will face Runners up from Group B, while the second match will pit the winners of Group B against the Runners up from Group A.
 
UPCOMING FIXTURES:
 
GROUP A:
Saturday, 4 March – 15h00
 
ZAMBIA vs EGYPT
HEROES NATIONAL STADIUM, LUSAKA
 
GUINEA vs MALI
LEVY MWANAWASA STADIUM, NDOLA
 
GROUP B:
Sunday, 5 March – 15h00
 
SUDAN vs SOUTH AFRICA
HEROES NATIONAL STADIUM, LUSAKA
 
SENEGAL vs CAMEROON
LEVY MWANAWASA STADIUM, NDOLA
 
 
LATEST STANDINGS:
 
GROUP A:
 
                                 P               W             L              D              GF           GA          GD           PTS
 
1. Zambia                 2               2               0               0               7               1               6               6    (Q)
 
2. Egypt                    2               0               0               2               1               1               0               2
 
3. Guinea                  2               0               0               1               1               2               -1              1
 
4. Mali                      2               0               1               1               1               6               -5              1
 
 
GROUP B:
 
                                   P              W             L               D              GF           GA           GD           PTS
 
1. Senegal                   2               1               0               1               5               4               1               4
 
2. South Africa          2               1               1               0               6               5               1               3
 
3. Cameroon               2               1               1               0               5               4               1               3
 
4. Sudan                      2               0               1               1               2               5               -3              1
 taubgdailynews@gmail.com

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Victory against Senegal for the Burger King-sponsored South African u20 Men’s National Team, will see them qualify for the semi finals of the CAF U20 Africa Cup of Nations currently underway in Zambia.
 
The two nations meet on Thursday, 2 March 2017 in a Group B clash at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola.
 
Kickoff is at 18h00.
 
The match will broadcast live on Supersport 9.
 
Amajita head coach Thabo Senong has cautioned his players, saying that playing against a wounded Senegal will be a challenge.
 
“This will be a different game to the one we played against Cameroon, and I told my players to build on from that performance. We are facing a Senegal that is wounded and will do anything and everything in their power to get a win, so they will come hard at us. Remember a loss for them could mean curtains for the World Cup spot, so we have to be really prepared for anything,” said Senong.
 
“They played with a one man less due to a red card, and I believe that was the main factor in their draw. We have analyzed the past matches – us vs Cameroon and Senegal against Sudan – so we are confident that our game plan will work against Senegal, but then again it will not be easy. I said to the players to forget about the previous match because the most important game is the one in before us as we know that victory will see us booking our place at the FIFA World Cup and I am positive about the outcome.”
 
All the players are available for selection including captain Tercious Malepe, who served his one match suspension, as well as striker Phakamani Mahlambi who arrived late in camp due to club commitments – and missed the opening match of the tournament.
 
South Africa is top of Group B with three points, following their 3-1 demolition of the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon on Monday (27 February).

Senegal and Sudan are second and third respectively, with a point each, while Cameroon sits at the bottom of the table and is yet to register a point.taungdailynews@gmail.com

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BY BONOLO MOHLAKOANA
Taung – The tripartite Memorandum of
Understanding (MoU) signed between the Department of Community Safety and
Transport Management, Denel Technical Academy and Reucomm Systems is set to
benefit about 40 unemployed matriculates.

These learners
will receive aviation technical training on aircraft maintenance and mechanical
engineering, welding and boiler making.

This was
announced yesterday by North West Premier S.O.R. Mahumapelo while delivering the
2017 State of the Province Address in Taung.

Mahumapelo
said the 40 recruited learners will receive a full government bursary, which
will cost the Provincial Government a total budget of R6 million.

“These
learners will be recruited through the Ikatisong School of Government and the
recruitment processes will benefit 10 young people per district municipality in
the province, with at least 50% pass in Mathematics and Science in matric,”
said Premier Mahumapelo.

The Department
of Community Safety and Transport Management has signed the tripartite MoU with
Denel Technical Academy and Reucomm Systems in October last year.

As pronounced
by Premier Mahumapelo, the five year programme which is set to create
employment and contribute to the youth development initiatives will be
officially launched in June 2017 in Mahikeng.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

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BY BONOLO MOHLAKOANA
Taung
– The North West Provincial Government has
acknowledged without reservations the significant growth within Tourism
fraternity in the Province and that the Tourism department is well on course to
realizing its set goal of ensuring that the province becomes the 3^rd
most visited province in the Country. 

This was confirmed by Premier Supra Mahumapelo
when he was delivering his State of the Province Address (SOPA) at the Taung
Sports Ground in Taung.

Premier Mahumapelo said that there are
commendable signals indicating progress in efforts to position the Bokone Bophirima
amongst the top 3 most visited Provinces in the country.

“The focus of our agenda going forward will be
anchored on building efficiencies in the sector, improving our tourism
marketing efforts, strengthening tourism infrastructure in VTSD areas, building
strong regulatory regime, partnering with bodies responsible for capacity
development in the sector and aggressively attracting investment into the
tourism sector.

“We
urge all relevant stakeholders to rally behind the Department of Tourism in
ensuring that they work hand in glove in developing a comprehensive Provincial
VTSD Tourism Action Plan.  We also hope
that in the next financial year, this department will be able to finalise the establishment of Bojanala
and Dr Kenneth Kaunda Hotel Schools, and also expand the Tourism Youth
Hospitability Learnership Programme”, said Mahumapelo.

Premier
Mahumapelo told the Provincial Legislature that the success of the Province to
attract tourists will be largely dependent on security, stability, cleanliness,
friendliness, improving our transport and road infrastructure.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

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BY KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
Special Investigating Unit (SIU) will host its first consultative stakeholder
engagement in Mahikeng on  March 8. 

SIU spokesperson, Narzeen Pandor said the theme of the forum will be “Working together towards ridding society of corruption, malpractice and maladministration.” 

“The forum is aimed at enhancing the SIU’s partnership
with various stakeholders, improving communication through dialogue and providing feedback on various projects in the North West Province.

“The Premier of North West, Supra Mahumapelo is expected to give
a key note address, followed by the Head of Special Investigating Unit, Advocate Mothibi, who will speak on the legislative mandate of the SIU,” Pandor said.

She further said the guest list comprises of representatives from the North West Provincial government, members of North West Provincial
Legislature, Executive Mayors, Directors General’s and Representatives from various civil society organisations, the business community and Chapter 9 institutions.

 The event will commence at Mmabatho Palms from 08:30 -13:00.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

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Newly sworn-in member of Parliament Brian Molefe’s ANC membership forms have come under scrutiny.

FNB said it is investigating the stamp on one of Molefe’s alleged membership forms.

Last week, ANC leaders in Madibeng produced two membership forms as proof that the former Eskom chief belonged to one of the region’s branches. But hours before their announcement, Tshwane secretary Paul Mojapelo said Molefe was a member of ward 65 [Irene], in good standing.

“First National Bank has not finalised its internal investigation into this matter,” said FNB spokesperson Lee-Anne van Zyl on Tuesday.

Molefe was sworn in last week amid heavy criticism. He was implicated in former public protector Thuli Madonsela’s State of Capture report in 2016. Shortly after the release of the report, he stepped down as Eskom CEO.

The ANC leaders in Madibeng produced two forms, one stamped 2011 and the other 2015. These were said to be his membership and renewal forms. But both forms were marked renewal and one has a “back office” stamp from the bank. When asked to clarify the discrepancies, they refused.

The FNB statement comes amid speculation that the bank has suspended one of its employees over the “back office” stamp on one of the forms purporting to be Molefe’s membership papers.

The former secretary of the ward 29 branch, Christina Milanzi, also denied having any knowledge of Molefe. She served as the secretary at the branch and would have had to give the MP his oath. She, however, said this never took place and that Molefe was not on their books.

FNB refused to confirm whether it had suspended one of its employees or not.

“Due to the confidential nature of this case, we cannot divulge any further information,” it said.

It also said it maintained a zero tolerance approach to any illegal activity. 

Source: http://www.news24.com

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Bidvest Wits striker Phakamani Mahlambi has joined his u20 teammates in camp in Kitwe, Zambia.

  
The Burger King-sponsored South African u20 Men’s National Team (Amajita) is in that part of the world for the 2017 CAF U20 Africa Cup of Nations, which kicked off on Sunday, 26 February.
 
Mahlambi, who played a huge role in the 2016 Rio Olympic Games qualifiers for the South African Men’s u23 National Team – but missed out on the Brazil adventure due to an injury – brings a wealth of experience and skill to the Amajita squad.
 
“I am very happy to be a part of the Amajita family and I am grateful that the coaches have selected me on this very crucial mission for our country. I watched the match last night and was very eager to arrive here to start training with my
teammates. I was very impressed with the way they played last night – and when called upon by the coaches, I will do my best to add on what is already a very a competitive team,” said Mahlambi upon arrival in Kitwe.
 
“I know that I will have to fight for a place in the starting lineup and it will not be easy as the team has already built its foundation, however, I am ready to earn my national colours and would like to see my country playing at the FIFA u20 World
Cup tournament. We are a very blessed nation. The amount of talent we have is amazing and I hope that with the three goals that we scored against Cameroon, it is the beginning of great things to come.”
 
The prolific forward is expected to start training with his compatriots on Wednesday (1 March) ahead of their clash against Senegal on Thursday (2 March).
 
The match will be played at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola.
 
Kickoff is at 18h00.
 
In the other Group B fixture, Sudan hosts Cameroon at 15h00 at the same venue.
 
Amajita top the table with three points following their impressive 3-1 victory against Cameroon on Monday night (27 February 2017) in Ndola.
 
Senegal and Sudan are tied with a point each, while Cameroon has nothing on the board.
taungdailynews@gmail.com
  

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BY KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
North West Province will host a two-day Energy, Science and ICT Lekgotla at Potchefstroom, NW 405 Local Municipality.

Provincial government spokesperson, Brian Setswambung said the initiative is aimed at finding solutions to challenges highlighted in the already developed Villages, Townships and Small Dorpies (VTSD) Plan.

“The provincial Energy, Science and ICT Lekgotla will be attended by Ministers, Tina Joemat-Pettersson of department of Energy, Naledi Pandor of Science and Technology and Siyabonga Cwele of Telecommunications and Postal Services.

“In line with the outcomes of the Provincial VTSD Lekgotla which was held last November, this week’s Lekgotla will focus its attention on Energy, Science and ICT projects that will contribute towards the growth of VTSD economies,” Setswambung said.

He further said amongst the key stakeholders expected at this Lekgotla are representatives from North West University, Telkom, SA Connect, State Information Technology Agency and Science Innovation Hub companies.

“Programmes relevant for the development of Energy, Science and ICT in VTSD areas will also be exhibited by different stakeholders.

“Invited Ministers will in addressing the Lekgotla, highlight their respective departments’ packages aimed at addressing the needs of the North West Province’s VTSD areas,” he said.

Setswambung said reaffirming the province’s commitment to developing the VTSD areas, Premier Mahumapelo in his 2017 State of the Province Address which he delivered on Friday, 24 February at Taung said “In line with our Saamtrek-Saamwerk philosophy, we are engaging with various stakeholders with appetite to contribute towards the socio-economic transformation of our Province. As part of this process, we will be hosting the 1^stAnnual Energy, Science and ICT Lekgotla in Potchefstroom, where all stakeholders will engage on practical interventions required to empower our people in the villages, townships, and small dorpies,” declared Premier Mahumapelo.

Date   :         Thursday, 02 to Friday 03 March 2017

Venue :         Madiba Banquet Hall, Potchefstroom, NW 405 Local Municipality

Time   :         08h00

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