Monthly Archives: June 2018

Aggrieved ANC Eastern Cape members lose urgent bid to nullify ‘festival of chairs’ outcome

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Aggrieved ANC members have lost their court bid to force the ANC’s national executive committee (NEC) to disband the Eastern Cape executive committee elected at the so-called “festival of chairs” conference.

The South Gauteng High Court struck the matter off the roll with costs on Monday.

Judge Zeenat Carelse highlighted that the “urgency” was self-created, stating that it took the disgruntled members 11 days to approach the court after the NEC had discussed the Ndebele report.

Aggrieved ANC members have lost their court bid to force the ANC’s national executive committee (NEC) to disband the Eastern Cape executive committee elected at the so-called “festival of chairs” conference.

The South Gauteng High Court struck the matter off the roll with costs on Monday.

Judge Zeenat Carelse highlighted that the “urgency” was self-created, stating that it took the disgruntled members 11 days to approach the court after the NEC had discussed the Ndebele report.

The NEC, which is the ruling party’s highest decision-making body, had tasked NEC member Sbu Ndebele to investigate the dispute around the Eastern Cape’s 2017 elective conference.

The event descended into chaos when delegates threw chairs at each other, leaving scores injured. S members abandoned the conference after Oscar Mabuyane was elected to replace Premier Phumulo Masualle as chair of the party’s third-largest province. The weekend-long conference had already been marred by deep divisions between the two rival factions.

In his report, Ndebele recommended a disbandment of the provincial executive committee which was elected at the conference and suggested that a new conference be held.

Matter set down for next month

However, the NEC rejected his recommendation, with some members labelling his report “biased and not factual”.

The report recommended instead that there should be a “political solution” that would involve NEC members travelling to the Eastern Cape to try and help build “unity” in the province.

In dismissing the matter’s urgency, Judge Carelse set it down for hearings a month later.

“Pertinently, on the applicant’s own version, the matter cannot be rendered urgent to the extent that the applicants have requested a referral to oral evidence. This puts an end to the question of urgency. In my view the applicants have not made out a case for urgency.

“If there is urgency it is self-created,” Judge Carelse ruled.

The aggrieved members had argued before the court that the minutes from an NEC meeting discussing the matter did not reflect that it had rejected or accepted Ndebele’s report, but that the minutes only stated that the NEC had “noted” it.

Deputy secretary general Jessie Duarte, the minutes showed, had argued that the NEC had taken a decision to reject the report, leaving nothing to be implemented.

Aggrieved ANC members have lost their court bid to force the ANC’s national executive committee (NEC) to disband the Eastern Cape executive committee elected at the so-called “festival of chairs” conference.

The South Gauteng High Court struck the matter off the roll with costs on Monday.

Judge Zeenat Carelse highlighted that the “urgency” was self-created, stating that it took the disgruntled members 11 days to approach the court after the NEC had discussed the Ndebele report.

The NEC, which is the ruling party’s highest decision-making body, had tasked NEC member Sbu Ndebele to investigate the dispute around the Eastern Cape’s 2017 elective conference.

The event descended into chaos when delegates threw chairs at each other, leaving scores injured. S members abandoned the conference after Oscar Mabuyane was elected to replace Premier Phumulo Masualle as chair of the party’s third-largest province. The weekend-long conference had already been marred by deep divisions between the two rival factions.

In his report, Ndebele recommended a disbandment of the provincial executive committee which was elected at the conference and suggested that a new conference be held.

Matter set down for next month

However, the NEC rejected his recommendation, with some members labelling his report “biased and not factual”.

The report recommended instead that there should be a “political solution” that would involve NEC members travelling to the Eastern Cape to try and help build “unity” in the province.

In dismissing the matter’s urgency, Judge Carelse set it down for hearings a month later.

“Pertinently, on the applicant’s own version, the matter cannot be rendered urgent to the extent that the applicants have requested a referral to oral evidence. This puts an end to the question of urgency. In my view the applicants have not made out a case for urgency.

“If there is urgency it is self-created,” Judge Carelse ruled.

The aggrieved members had argued before the court that the minutes from an NEC meeting discussing the matter did not reflect that it had rejected or accepted Ndebele’s report, but that the minutes only stated that the NEC had “noted” it.

Deputy secretary general Jessie Duarte, the minutes showed, had argued that the NEC had taken a decision to reject the report, leaving nothing to be implemented.

Source: http://www.news24.com

Outrage over delays in ANCYL conference

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Maine

Picture: ANCYL president, Collen ‘Oros’ Maine

ANC Youth League president Collen Maine and secretary- general Njabulo Nzuza are being accused by disgruntled members of the league of delaying its elective conference for their own political ends.

Some members are contemplating taking them to court to seek a guarantee that the conference won’t be postponed again. Others are planning to picket outside Luthuli House to force the league mandarins and the mother body to move the elective conference, which was recently moved from June to September 6, to an earlier date.

Two senior league members and one ANC member, who didn’t want to be named for fear of victimisation, said Maine and Nzuza delayed the conference so they could continue attending ANC national working committee (NWC) and national executive committee (NEC) meetings where they could lobby for their deployment to government.

“Maine attends NWC meetings by virtue of being the president of the organisation whereas Nzuza attends NEC meetings by virtue of being the secretary-general of the league. They attend these meetings where they could continue to lobby for deployment in government. They are scared that if the conference is held and the new leadership is elected, their lobbying for positions would be difficult because they would no longer be sitting in close proximity to power,” said the league member.

Source: http://www.sowetanlive.co.za 

North West premier Job Mokgoro denies irregular tender allegations

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Job Mokgoro

Newly appointed North West premier Job Mokgoro’s office on Saturday denied that he had facilitated an irregular tender while he was acting director general in the premier’s office.

Spokesman Brian Setswambung said Mokgoro’s tenure as acting director general was terminated at the end of June 2015.

“The NEPO Data Dynamics contract was entered into between the office of the premier and the service provider in March 2016,” he said.

The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) on Thursday claimed that Mokgoro facilitated and participated in a process that militated against ethical and clean governance.

Mokgoro was elected unopposed as North West premier on Friday to replace Supra Mahumapelo who resigned on May 23.

African News Agency (ANA)

VETERAN SA PHOTOGRAPHER DAVID GOLDBLATT DIES

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The Goodman Gallery confirmed that the photographer passed away in the early hours of Monday morning.

David Goldblatt

CAPE TOWN – Veteran South African photograper David Goldblatt has died at the age of 87.

The Goodman Gallery confirmed that the photographer passed away in the early hours of Monday morning.

The award winning photographer was best known for his work documenting events during South Africa’s apartheid era.

Goldblatt is survived by his wife and three children.

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

Taung young fashion designer eager to win

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DSC_5057

Picture: (Keutlwile Mpolokeng, who entered ETV soapie, Scandal Dress Competition) 

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

Taung-based aspiring fashion designer, Keutlwile Mpolokeng said she would like to have her own merchandise one day. Mpolokeng (14) entered Etv’ soapie Scandal Dress Competition and made it to the Top 5.

A grade 9 learner at St Pauls Secondary School in Taung, said she love fashion and drawing. She further said she would like to pursue a career in Fashion Designing one day after her matric.

“I entered this competition and I believe that I can win it. I always enter competitions to try my luck, but this one is special. I think it can open doors for me and give me a necessary platform to expand my craft.

“I am so grateful that I made it to the Top 5 and I believe our people will continue to vote for me. I have received courageous messages from my teachers, my fellow learners and community of Taung at large,” Keutlwile said.

She said she was encouraged by her sister, Ingrid Mpolokeng to enter the competition. Keutlwile said Ingrid knew that she is good in drawing and also has a good eye for colour and shape.

“I spend more time reading fashion magazines and see what is trending. I am adamant even though I do not win, I will still cherish this moment. Just making it to the Top 5 means a lot to me,” Keutlwile said.

Keutlwile’s mother, Tuelo Mpolokeng said: “Keutlwile is a shy person, but gifted when coming to drawing. She always keeps quiet and spends more time indoors. I urge our people to vote for her and make her dream come true.

“I was so happy after I saw that she made into the Top 5. I never expected it because we stay in the far-flung area like Modimong village in Taung where opportunities are slim. I hope our people will heed the call and vote for her.”

Scandal soapie online Marketing Manager, Lwazi Mluma confirmed that they running the competition. Mluma said they have already announced Top 5.

“The winner selection will be announced on the 2nd of July 2018. The prize(s) consist of the opportunity to design and make a matric farewell dress for Scandal’s Lindiwe.

“The competition started on the 24 May 2018 and the prize/s will be awarded in the order that they are drawn. The winning entries will be drawn at random selected by Moonrock Media CC on 2 July 2018,” Mluma said.

He said independent supervision of all valid entries received shall be made by MP Tax (Pty) Ltd and the decision of e.tv as to the winners of the competition shall be final. Mluma added that all entries must be original drawings/designs and the applicant must be a designer/seamstress who is capable of making the dress as well.

“The winner will be notified by telephone call within the timescale. We would like to wish our Top 5 the best of luck and Lindiwe is counting on them for her matric dance dress,” he said.

ETV Scandal Top 5

  • Winnie Mokoena (Soweto, Gauteng)
  • Alicia Matele (Kempton Park, Gauteng)
  • Katlego Maodi (Masaganeng, Mpumalanga)
  • Refentse Murwa (Kempton Park, Gauteng)
  • Keutlwile Mpolokeng (Taung, North West)

All those who want to vote for Keutlwile Mpolokeng can click on the link below and comment with letter B.

 https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=1983635665002262&id=247711308594715&fs=1

taungdailynews@gmail.com

 

Who will be the next North West Premier?

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By BAKANG MOKOTO

The African National Congress (ANC) National Working Committee (NWC) has already arrived in the North West province to discuss who should be the suitable replacement of former North West Premier, Supra Mahumapelo.

According to reports, the battle is now between Professor Job Mokgoro and North West Provincial Legislature’ Speaker, Sussana Dantjie after Minister of Environment Affairs, Edna Molewa allegedly turned down a nomination.

The ANC National Executive Committee (NEC) mandated the NWC structure to deal with the North West matter during the Special NEC meeting that was held at Irene near Pretoria on Monday.

ANC national spokesperson, Pule Mabe said: “The ANC National Executive Committee (NEC) met in a Special session on Monday as decided by its 3rd regular meeting held on the 26- 28 May 2018 to consider reports on the Eastern Cape, Free State and North West.

“The structure also touched more generally on preparations for Regional and Provincial conferences. The Special NEC dealt with these issues based on the report of the National Working Committee.”

Mabe said a Special NWC will sit on Wednesday to conclude on the matter regarding new North West Premier.

According to the statement from North West Provincial Legislature, the President Judge at North West High Court in Mahikeng has issued a notice convening the North West Provincial Legislature in terms of Section 128 of the Constitution to fill the vacancy of the Premier of the North West province on Friday at 10am.

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MEC opens case against police boss for refusing to vacate an RDP house

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RDP House

Picture: (Locals walk past an RDP house which the Groot Marico police station commander allegedly took over) 

The North West MEC for local government and human settlements Fenny Gaolaolwe has registered a case of trespassing against a local top cop for refusing to vacate an RDP house belonging to an impoverished woman.

The MEC stepped into the matter after reading in Sowetan about the plight of Tsholofelo Molefe, 34, of Groot Marico near Zeerust.

Molefe had been fighting a lonely battle for years over her state-issued house which is now occupied by station commander Margaret Mokgatlhe.

Mokgatlhe “inherited” the house from her now late boyfriend, who had occupied the house ahead of its legal owner, Molefe.

She had been fighting to evict Mokgatlhe since 2015. The top cop claimed her lover had spent a fortune renovating the house.

Molefe reported the matter to the public protector who ruled that the house must be returned to her.

Yesterday, Gaolaolwe said she could not allow the matter to drag on.

“I [have] opened a case against the station commander,” the MEC said.

Her spokesman Ben Bole said they investigated the matter after Sowetan’s report and found out the house indeed belonged to Molefe.

“In our view the station commander does not qualify, that is why the MEC has opened a case against her,” Bole said.

He said they would also find out how the house allocated to Molefe ended up being occupied by the now deceased man. He said such problems were widespread in the area.

“We first get a number of beneficiaries from the municipality before we build the house[s]. We even know whose house we were building for, and house number 1152 belonged to Molefe.”

Molefe, who now rents a backroom for R600 a month, said she would be happy only when the house is returned to her before the end of winter.

“I have put my trust in God. I believe that the MEC will help me get it back,” she said.

Mokgatlhe could not be reached for comment.

North West police spokesman Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone said they were investigating the “case of trespassing against the station commander”.

Source: http://www.sowetanlive.co.za 

N West government on the brink of total collapse

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Picture: (North West Premier, Supra Mahumapelo)

The North West government is on the brink of a total collapse due to corruption. The startling disclosure came out of a briefing by the Inter-Ministerial Committee appointed by Cabinet to assess the governance situation in that province.

It was briefing members of the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) in parliament on Thursday.

The Committee painted a picture of a government that is almost dysfunctional. It appeared from the briefing, that Public Finance Management Act had been completely disregarded.

Almost all municipal governments were dysfunctional. Twenty of a total of 22 received disclaimers, while 12 of them were totally dysfunctional.

But according to the Committee, the rot was deeply embedded in the Premier’s office.

Technical Task Team Mpumi Mpofu says:”The office of the premier failed to provide administrative leadership to the entire province and was not able to prevent conditions or responsibilities of oversight in this instance come to question.”

The most scathing report was the one presented to the Inter-Ministerial Committee by other stakeholders.

The Committee has recommended immediate interventions to stop the rot.

The NCOP will be visiting the province soon to conduct its own oversight.

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

Maine touches many hearts through painting   

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Picture: (Sello Maine next to Winnie Madikizela-Mandela painting)

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

Taung-born artist, Sello Maine won many people’s hearts after he painted a face of the late struggle stalwart, Winnie Madikizela-Mandela who passed away few months ago. The picture depicting Mama Winnie as Madikizela-Mandela was affectionately known in the political landscape, circulated on social media and shared among many people.

Maine said the gallantry and courage showed by Mama Winnie, inspired him to display his craftsmanship to celebrate her life. Mama Winnie was buried at tranquil and exclusive Fourways Memorial Park and EFF wants the Cape Town International Airport to be named after her.

“I am very passionate when coming to painting. Many people came out in numbers to her funeral and honoured her. However, people like me who stay in the deep rural area such as Mokgareng village, in Taung could not attend the funeral. So, the least I could do was to paint her picture wearing a doek.

“Remember that artists play a different and necessary part in contributing to the overall development and well-being of our society. Painting needs creative thinkers and makers to provide their communities with joy, interaction and inspiration. So, that is what I would like to do to disseminate a message through painting,” he said.

Maine added that he started to take his painting artwork very serious at the age of 15. He went to Mmabana Cultural Centre in Taung in 2002 to polish his craft.

“I also went to Artist Proof Studio in Newtown, downtown of Johannesburg in 2005 to further his studies in painting. I studied Sign Writing and Print Making course, which was different to what I obtained at Mmabana. My work continues to inspire others as people come out in numbers for more paintings.

“I am self-employed and use the money I get to provide for my family. I normally make R5000 per month and that assist me to improve my livelihood. However, I would like to have my own Painting Academic Studio one day. This will assist me to develop emerging artists and share my experience. I like to paint facial and animal painting,” Maine said.

He matriculated back in 2003 and could not further his studies because of financial upheavals. However, Maine said he was grateful to God for giving him the natural talent.

“I am also inspired by season painting artists like William Kentridge and Gerald Sekhoto. The paintings of Kentridge and Sekhoto give thoughtful critique to the political, economic and social systems. Maine said most people think painting artworks is just a waste of time, but one can make a living out of it.

“Our work normally pushes communities to engage thoughtfully and make steps toward social progress. Our work range from documenting human history to expressing collective emotions and they are creative contributors in the society,” he said.

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‘ANC is ready for 2019 General Elections’

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Picture: (ANC Provincial Executive Committee member in North West, Doctor Mmolawa)

By BAKANG MOKOTO
African National Congress (ANC) PEC member in Bokone Bophirima, Doctor Mmolawa said they will continue to work hard to ensure that the ruling party is well-prepared for the 2019 General Elections. Mmolawa said he is not concerned about the infights and divisions that have transpired in the province recently.

“We are aware of those counter-revolutionaries unfolded in the province recently. However, we need to unite and ensure that the ANC is the biggest winner at the end of the day. What happened is a wake-up call for the organization. Yes, the infights will affect us in the upcoming General Elections, but I maintain that the party will win this province.

“The ANC is the only party that can ensure that there is sustainability within economic growth and prosperity in changing the lives of the masses. ANC-led government is the policymaker and always provides other stakeholders with the opportunity to contribute to that dialogue by sharing their aspirations and concerns,” he said.

Mmolawa, who was born on Witrankiesfontein Farm, near Potchefstroom said, he was inspired by the former ANC and South African President, Thabo Mbeki and the former Minister of Safety and Security, the late Steve Tshwete. A 52 year-old politician said life was difficult during apartheid, but he never gave up.

“I started to develop interest in politics while I was working in a mine back in 1986. I joined the ANC and became part of the struggle. I was raised by a single parent who was working as a labour on that farm. However, they were forcefully removed from the farm and we relocated to Jouberton Township in Klersdorp.

“In 1996, I returned home after working in rigorous environment as a miner. I participated in all structures of the ANC and South African National Civic Organisation (SANCO). The main aim was to change the situation and fight apartheid regime. Our parents and fellow brothers were subjected to injustices by the apartheid government. We had to sacrifice ourselves for the betterment of the people,” Mmolawa said.

In 1996, Mmolawa was elected as the ANC branch chairperson in ward 6 in Jouberton. He served for two years in that position and he was elected as a deputy branch chairperson afterwards.

“I was working together with the likes of George Mtutuzene and the later Abuti Chika. In 2004, I was elected as a branch treasurer. I also served as SANCO additional member in their Provincial Executive Committee (PEC) in the province. Our youth can learn more from our previous leaders like the late Dr Nelson Mandela, Walter Sisulu, Moses Kotane, Ruth Mompati and others.

“The ANC is a national liberation movement that was formed to unite the African people and spearhead the struggle for fundamental political, social and economic change. However, some people use the party for self-enrichment which is uncalled for,” he said.

Mmolawa said the ANC has led the struggle against racism and oppression for decades. He added that the time is now to fast-track Radical Economic Transformation (RET).

“We believe that the economy and the wealthy of the country should equally benefit its people. The ANC achieved a decisive democratic breakthrough in the 1994 elections, where it was given a firm mandate to negotiate a new democratic Constitution for South Africa. Now, we have to ensure that economic freedom is also achieved.

“We will also continue to call for united, non-racial, non-sexist and democratic society. However, we continue to see glimpse signs of discrimination from some individuals and we call justice system to be harsh on those people. I will be grateful if I could see our Africans and black people in general being liberated from political and economic bondage, Mmolawa concluded.

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