Picture: Some of the drugs confiscated by police during arrests/Generic
But OBAKENG MAJE
A case of dealing in drugs against two accused has been postponed to by Klerksdorp Magistrate’s Court to 26 February 2024. Reagan Barnes (38) and Jackie Victory (39) briefly appealed in court and facing eight charges of dealing in drugs.
The Hawks spokesperson in North West Warrant Officer, Amogelang Malwetse said their arrests emanate from an Intelligence-driven disruptive operation conducted by the Klerksdorp based Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation team in collaboration with the Dr Kenneth Kaunda District Illicit Mining task team and K9 on 16 February 2024 at Freemanville and Alabama township during execution of two search warrants.
She said this comes after a diligent investigation, where evidence was gathered which linked the suspects to mandrax and crystal meth dealings to the total value of R2080. Malwetse further said the suspects were arrested on charges of dealing in drugs.
“Barnes’ case was postponed to 26 February 2024, while Victory’s case was postponed to 27 February 2024 for formal bail application.
Picture: The acting North West Premier, Nono Maloyi/Facebook
By OBAKENG MAJE
In his 2024 State of the Province Address, the acting North West Premier, Nono Maloyi made a compelling narrative of economic resurgence in the province, highlighting substantial job creation and strategic initiatives set to transform the province.
Maloyi said that, the province stands as one of the three provinces with the most significant employment growth during the third quarter of 2023. He further said a staggering 61,000 jobs have been generated, showcasing the administration’s commitment to addressing the pressing challenges of poverty and unemployment.
“We expressing deep concern over persistently high levels of poverty and unemployment, particularly among women and the youth. However, there is urgency of addressing these issues, citing the critical role that women and young people play in the growth of the provincial economy.
“Despite an 11% increase in the unemployment rate from 2010 to 2023, there is a comprehensive roadmap for economic recovery and promising signs for job creation. We need to applaud the North West Department of Economic Development, Environment, Conservation, and Tourism’s pivotal role in notching two vital investment promotion events such as the North-West BRICS Investment Conference and the Premier’s Dinner with Investors, which yielded 34 investment pledges, totalling over R104.1 billion,” said Maloyi.
He added that, currently, 14 confirmed projects worth R13.5 billion are in the pipeline for the Bojanala Special Economic Zone, promising an additional 10,000 jobs. Maloyi said the implementation of the Tourism Recovery Plan has already yielded growth in both domestic and international visitors.
“There are plans to revitalise Pilanesberg and George Dick Montshiwa Airports, aiming to boost tourism and create new economic opportunities in cargo hauling, hanger and airline services. The requests for proposals have been sent out, and the preferred bidders are expected to commence work by May 2024.
“The completion of the resuscitation of the Premier’s Economic Advisory Council, which is a crucial step in ensuring strategic support and coordination for the implementation of the PGDS. The Council will play a pivotal role in promoting integrated economic planning and sector contributions,” he said.
Maloyi said the imminent announcement of Economic Advisory Council members is scheduled within the next two weeks following consultations with critical stakeholders.
The road to Paris continues for Banyana Banyana as they take on the “Twigas Stars” of Tanzania in a Third Round CAF 2024 Olympics qualifier on Friday (23 February 2024).
The last time the two sides met was in 2014 in a friendly match where the Sasol-sponsored South African senior women’s national football team won 6-1, but coach Desiree Ellis emphasized that past results remain irrelevant.
“This is a very important game. We are a team that does not underestimate anyone, we take each game on its merits,” said Ellis.
“The last time we played Tanzania was in 2014 when we were preparing for WAFCON, and you can’t depend on history because teams change and evolve every year. So previous results have no bearing.”
South Africa will be coming into this encounter with a fusion of young talent with the likes of Asanda Hadebe and Nicole Michael, and experienced players like Noko Matlou, Andile Dlamini and Thembi Kgatlana among others.
Tanzania will not be short of talent themselves and will be highly dependent on forward Opah Clement, who plays for Besiktas United Payment Kadin Futbol in Turkey, to trouble the South Africa defenders on home turf.
The Guardian 