Bafana Bafana were held to a 1-1 draw by Andorra in a FIFA Series match played at the Annaba stadium, in Algeria, on Thursday night. Bafana Bafana coach, Hugo Broos kept the promise he made on the eve of the match and made a few changes.
Broos gave several players an opportunity to impress and show what they can do. He further said after the match, he would have loved to see more goals being scored by his team, but was still happy with the performance of his players.
“The European side were the first to get on the stadium scoreboard after Ricardo Fernandez put the ball in the back of the net, beating goalkeeper Ricardo Goss in the sixth minute. The South Africans fought their way back and equalised through Elias Mokwana in the 25th minute.
“The visitors created a number of opportunities and could have punished Andorra goalkeeper Antoni Gomes on another day, but they eventually had to settle for a share of the spoils. Bafana Bafana will travel back to Algiers in the coming days and a tougher assignment awaits them in this North African country’s capital when they face hosts Algeria on Tuesday,” said Broos.
Picture: The residents embarked on protest over water shortages in Taung
By OBAKENG MAJE
The police in North West call on residents to use various channels to address their concerns, especially service delivery issues. This comes after a voice note making rounds on social media platforms inciting anarchy and lawlessness.
The North West police spokesperson, Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone said, the police are aware of the meeting, where some community members and residents of Setumo Park in Mahikeng, raised legitimate concerns regarding shortage of water, poor internal roads and theft of electricity cables.
Mokgwabone said the police have also noted the voicenote that is widely circulating on social media platforms, where one of Setumo Park residents/concerned group members was interviewed in the local community radio station.
“The interviewee indicated that they escalated their concerns to the relevant authorities and that should they not get a positive response, they will embark on a protest.
“Subsequent to the interview, Setswana and English messages, which seem to indicate or suggest that there is going to be what is referred to as “shutdown” in Mahikeng. It even mentioned certain provincial and national roads that are likely to be closed,” he said.
Mokgwabone further said the police would like to request the residents of Mahikeng and Setumo Park to ignore this message. He added that Setumo Park residents, like all citizens of the North West and indeed South Africa, have rights enshrined in the constitution of the country, including the right to peacefully picket, protest and present petitions.
“The police, as the only constitutionally established law enforcement agency, must ensure that this right is neither infringed nor denied to anyone who is doing so within the ambit of the law.
“Shutdowns, barricading of roads, damage to properties and other unlawful actions are in contravention of the constitution and anyone who embarks on or incite others to break the law, regardless of how legitimate their concerns or grievances are, will face the full might of the law,” said Mokgwabone.
He said the all law-abiding residents of Mahikeng and Setumo Park are therefore requested and advised to reject and report anyone who through unlawful means, seeks to incite anarchy and lawlessness to spread fear, panic and threaten peaceful co-existence, which are intended to undermine the authority of the state.
Mokgwabone said rather than addressing legitimate concerns, violence can only lead to instability, injuries and loss of lives, which should be avoided at all costs.
“Parents and community leaders must therefore make sure that legitimate concerns are not hijacked by individuals who in most instances use children. The police are ready to enforce the law, prevent, combat and investigate crime as well as maintain public order.
“Anyone who disrespect the rule of law, will be dealt with without any fear or favour,” he said.
Five individuals were arrested for dealing in drugs in Ikageng Township, nearPotchefstroom on 21 March 2024. It is alleged that, Sibongiseni Thuseni (43), Katiso Kubu (29), Mnikazi Bhuhle (43), Sphamandla Ndaba (26) and Ivan Oliver (52), were nabbed during Project Delta One operation that was executed by a multi-disciplinary team comprising of the Provincial Organised Crime, Klerksdorp Tactical Response Team (TRT) as well as National and Provincial Crime Intelligence.
The North West police spokesperson, Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone said, the aim of the project that commenced in January 2022, was to address the scourge of dealing in drugs in Ikageng. Mokgwabone further said the police received a tip-off regarding a group of people originally from Bergville in KwaZulu Natal selling drugs in Ikageng.
“As a result, several transactions were conducted with the targets between January 2022 and March 2024. One of the suspects was found with 106 mandrax tablets to the value of R40 000 after the team got a tip-off that he was on his way from Gauteng Province and transporting drugs.
“Subsequent to the arrest, his vehicle was confiscated. As part of the project and during the transactions, drugs such as crystal meth and mandrax with an estimated street value of R100 000 were seized. Preliminary investigation revealed that Kubu has two previous convictions for dealing in drugs,” he said.
Mokgwabone added that all five accused were remanded in custody until 27 March 2024 for formal bail application.
Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, commended the police for successful termination of the project and ensuring that alleged drug traffickers are brought to book to face the full might of the law.
Picture: The world renowned artist, Taylor Swift/Google
By OBAKENG MAJE
An economist from the North West University (NWU), Professor Waldo Kruger calls on the South African Tourism Industry to revive the country’s ailing economy and use some out-of-the-box remedies. This comes after a cultural phenomenon artist, Taylor Swift spelling a massive cash influx in consumer spending for her concert destinations.
Kruger said cities and provinces in South Africa can benefit hugely by exploiting the spending potential from concerts by international musicians. He further said Swift’s influence and popularity show no signs of abating.
“The behemoth that is her Eras Tour is already the most profitable in history, having thus far generated more than 1 billion US dollars in ticket sales, that is in excess of R18 900 000 000. Her Eras Tour concerts in the United States alone – where she performed at 53 shows in 20 different cities – generated more than 4,5 billion US dollars in consumer spending.
“Local governments should look to take the initiative and work with the private sector to fuel the tourism industry, especially in tourist off-seasons. Growth forecasts for the South African economy are quite muted and one wonders if Swift might not be the solution to our problem,” said Kruger.
He added that, Swift’s Eras Tour will be in Singapore soon and this has raised economic growth forecasts there from 2,5% to 2,9% for the first three months of the year. Kruger said the economics of the Eras Tour are massive.
“Spending on tickets is just the beginning. Many people travel to the concerts, stay over and eat out. They also spend money on souvenirs and costumes. The latter items are especially important.
“There is normally a ratio of about 1-to-3 with regard to money spent on a concert ticket and additional spending on items such as souvenirs, hotels, food, transportation and other merchandise,” he said.
Kruger said with Swift fans, that ratio increases to 1-to-10 and more. He said local economies in the US were boosted by hundreds of millions of dollars in a single weekend.
“The macroeconomic impact obviously depends on different things. If the spending is shifted from other concerts, holidays or celebrations, the impact is smaller. If it is people’s savings, the impact on the economy is greater.
“Economists also talk about the leakages from the stream of spending. If more of the extra spending stays in the country, the impact is greater. And then the multiplier effect plays a role,” said Kruger.
He said every hotel and Airbnb room that is full as a result of such a concert in a city, is a little extra income for someone that they can spend again. Kruger said if the extra spending can be multiplied several times over, the impact is so much greater.
“There are, however, other factors to take into consideration. The downside is of course that where the capacity is limited, performances by such a major artist can cause inflation. Last year, so many international fans of Beyoncé descended on Stockholm that the demand for hotel accommodation caused prices to rise sharply.
“A more intimate partnership between local event organisers and the local government could see international drawcards like Swift and others frequent our shores more often. For this a joint vision is needed. I have a little doubt that it is a mutually beneficial and attractive proposition. I think concerts on the scale of a Swift, one can definitely be a boost to local economies,” he said.
Kruger said: “Take Cape Town, for example. If the basis is provided for the private sector to host such events, then all stand to benefit. Arrangements can be made to help ensure safety, there is an international airport and an already-established tourism sector.
“If a concert of such magnitude is arranged for off-peak tourism periods, it can serve to fill up restaurants and accommodation venues. This will also have a spill-over effect to other sectors of the economy.’
He said a concert in Cape Town might not move the country’s GDP needle, but it sure would be a big boon for the local economy. Kruger said if anything, Taylor Swift fans will be very happy.
“This should sound like music to all the role players’ ears, and it is an opportunity not to be wasted,” he said.
The Guardian 