In the first game on Day 3 of TNL Power-Week 2, the Sonoblomo faced off against the Lillies from Limpopo in a B Division game. The Limpopo side came out desperate to record their first win of the tournament, however, the many unforced errors, caused them to succumb, 40 – 28 to the Free State team.
Netball South Africa spokesperson, Karabo Mokgalagadi said in the second game of the day, the current B Division log leaders, the Comets, convincingly beat the Kingdom Queens, which was not the result that the Queens needed.
Mokgalagadi said coach Magda du Plessis, desperately came out wanting her team to find all cylinders, which they are just not doing at the moment, while the Comets recorded their third win in as many days.
“In the match between Tshukudu and the Kingdom Stars, debutants Tshukudu continue to be an exciting team to watch. They had a serious step up during the game. At half-time, the Stars were leading quite convincingly, but in true cliché, proven right, never underestimate the newcomers.
“The team from the North West, managed to keep the Stars at bay and only lost to them by one point. The fourth game of the day between The Sunbirds and Diamonds, saw many moments of brilliance,” she said.
Mokgagadi further said Dlamini on goal attack, for the Diamonds, had an outstanding game. She added that Dlamini ran the attack and was a close contender for player of the match.
“The Sunbirds’ attack led by wing attack Sinothando Zimema, stood out. Lika Boysen, who walked away as the player of the match, received most of the passes and provided accurate feeding with great pace control, benefitting the team.
“The Baobabs, who are still missing Cornelia Mupenda at the back, remain a challenge for them. It seems like they are still struggling to adjust to the game’s tempo in Division A,” said Mokgalagadi.
She said Emily Mathosa’s side is still finding it difficult to record a win. Mokgalagadi said on the other hand, the Jaguars came out a little fatigued after their massive clash yesterday, but managed to stay on the winning streak against the Aloes in the last game of the day.
Former Proteas player and netball analyst, Vanes-Marie du Toit said it was exciting to watch the debutants play against experienced teams.
“Tshukudu’s mid-court players gelled well together while the Stars made questionable changes in the last quarter which directly contributed to Tshukudu catching up,” said du Toit.
Meanwhile, coach and commentator, Mampo Tsotetsi said: “There was one-way traffic for the Stings, with no response for Sian Moore in the front. It was an interesting introduction of Kelly Gouws in the GA position and brought a great partnership between Gouws and Moore in the shooting circle.
“Syntiche Kubuya, who is a fantastic left-hander, kept pushing Muhluri Hlatshwayo to her dominant side and towards the line, away from the post, which eventually affected Hlatshwayo’s confidence.”
The Moral Regeneration Movement (MRM) in the North West calls for a probe of an old age home in Jericho village, near Brits. This comes an elderly man (80), who was a resident, allegedly killed by two fellow resident pensioners aged 75 and 92.
The North West police spokesperson, Lieutenant Col Amanda Funani said the alleged perpetrators were arrested in connection with the incident and are expected to appear in the Brits Magistrate’s Court on 3 June 2024 to answer to murder charges.
“The victim and the suspects allegedly stayed at an old age home together and a fight ensued between them at around 4am on 30 May 2024. The victim was from the bathroom when he met with the suspects, who were on their way to the bathroom.
“The victim allegedly bumped one of the suspects, who allegedly retaliated by hitting him with his crutches. The suspect’s companion apparently joined his friend and they both assaulted the victim. The owner of the old age was notified and the police were summoned,” she said.
Funani further said the victim, who sustained head injuries, was transported to hospital by an ambulance, but was certified dead on arrival.
The Convenor of Moral Regeneration Movement (MRM), Pastor Lesiba Kgwele said: “As civil society led organization promoting the Charter of Positive Values and Ubuntu, we describe the incident that has sent shock waves across rural and urban communities as outrageous.
“We are extremely concerned at the level of intolerance and extreme violent behaviour that suggests possible bullying among the most vulnerable in our society who were collectively admitted at the facility to guarantee their safety and wellbeing.”
Kgwele added that peaceful co-existence was supposed to characterise the environment at the old age home.
“While we are confident that the law will take its course, we urge authorities to get to the bottom of the matter and ensure that counselling and psycho-social support services are offered to the rest of the residents at the old age home and staff.
“The family of the deceased will find closure knowing that justice has been served, that there was full accountability and that the facility had done everything to safeguard the safety of their loved one,” said Kgwele.
Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, expressed his shock and conveyed his condolences to the family of the victim.
Picture: The North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Sello Lehari
By OBAKENG MAJE
The North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Sello Lehari said he has noted with concern some detractors, who claim to support him, mudslinging various ANC and government leaders. Lehari said the vicious attacks were launched on various social media platforms, especially on WhatsApp.
“I categorically distance myself from any group whatsoever and remain fiercely against groupings attacking both ANC leaders and government officials. It is worth noting that I do not have a WhatsApp account and am not a member of any group.
“I want to issue a stern warning to all who use my name by attacking provincial leaders, as well as government officials. I have directed the law enforcement agencies to investigate these charlatans and bring them to book,” he said.
Lehari further said anyone found to have contravened any statute of the Republic, will face the might of law as a ‘matter of urgency.’ He added that as part of the collective leadership of the province, does not need anyone using his name nor position to denigrate and defame other leaders.
“This is mere propaganda against me as both the MEC and the ANC Provincial Treasurer. I think this is an effort to injure my social standing as a leader,” said Lehari
Meanwhile, there are allegations over a fierce contestation between Lehari and the former ANCYL president, Collen Maine of who will become the North West Premier.
Picture: The DA leader and Member of Parliament (MP), John Steenhuisen
By REGINALD KANYANE
The Democratic Alliance (DA) and Member of Parliament (MP), John Steenhuisen said as the dust of the elections settle, they can start to see the way forward more clearly. Steenhuisen, who addressed the nation on Sunday, said the people have spoken.
He further said the voters have not given an outright majority to any party, thereby demanding cooperation from their political leaders. Steenhuisen added that with this historic result, the country has arrived at the next great fork in the road of the long and complex history.
“As we digest the results of the 2024 elections and their implications, I know that many of you are feeling uncertain and anxious about the future. Yet, it is important to remind ourselves that we have faced times of even greater uncertainty before.
“Throughout our history, South Africans have overcome seemingly impossible odds. Together, we have done it before and we must now do it again. Just over a year ago, I spoke to you from the same venue in Midrand, where the election results are currently being finalised,” he said.
Steenhuisen said following his re-election as Federal Leader, he committed the DA to the formation of a unified opposition bloc that became known as the Multi-Party Charter. He said throughout the election campaign, he encouraged voters to support the DA and the Multi-Party Charter to ensure that they achieve a collective majority of 50% plus one to form a new government.
“While the DA grew nationally and in six provinces, the Charter unfortunately did not collectively achieve majorities at national or provincial levels. Despite this fact, the DA is grateful to our MPC partners, and we remain committed to working constructively with those that are prepared to stand with us in putting the country first at this perilous time.
“During the same speech from the DA’s Congress last year, I also indicated what the DA’s position would be in a scenario where the ANC loses its majority and the MPC falls short. At the time, I said that if this scenario materialises – the DA will make it our number one priority – and do absolutely everything in our power – to prevent an ANC-EFF Doomsday Coalition from taking power,” said Steenhuisen.
He said in the 14 months since he spoke those words, the rise of the MK Party has only added to the urgency of this commitment. Steenhuisen said the reality is that the DA is the only party that foresaw this risk, and that spoke openly and honestly with voters about it.
“And so, it has come to pass. Based on current projections, a combination of the ANC, the EFF and MK have the numbers to take power nationally, as well as in KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng. The bottom line is that, collectively, the ANC, EFF and MK have the numbers to take power, while the Multi-Party Charter does not.
“This is not the outcome that we wanted, but it is the outcome we must now deal with. The DA will not bury our heads in the sand. We will face up to this challenge, for that is the task of leadership. All throughout the election campaign, the DA undertook to rescue South Africa from the Doomsday Coalition,” he said.
Steenhuisen said they will now do their level best to do exactly that. He said they will do so for the people, who voted for them and for the people of South Africa as a whole.
“As a result, I can today announce that the DA’s Federal Executive has unanimously adopted a resolution to initiate exploratory talks with other political parties that share a commitment to the South African Constitution, to identify options for the formation of governments at national and provincial level where no party has obtained an outright majority.
“To facilitate this process, the Federal Executive has appointed a negotiating team composed of Helen Zille, Ivan Meyer, Siviwe Gwarube, Alan Winde, Tony Leon and Ryan Coetzee to facilitate the engagement with other parties. The purpose of these initial talks is to gather information on the options that are available to the DA as we seek to rescue South Africa from Doomsday,” said Steenhuisen.
In democratic countries such as South Africa, Parliament plays a crucial role in making legislation and holding the government to account. Under a proportional representation electoral system, Members of Parliament (MPs) are elected to represent the people of the country and act as their voice. Parliament, therefore, is accountable to the people of South Africa.
Every five years, the people of South Africa have the opportunity to cast their votes for a new Parliament. Each new five-year term of Parliament is numbered. For example, in the elections of 1994, people voted for the first democratic Parliament, referred to as the First Parliament. The Second Parliament followed after the general elections in 1999, the Third Parliament in 2004, the Fourth Parliament in 2009, the Fifth Parliament in 2014, and the Sixth Parliament in 2019.
On Wednesday, South Africans cast their votes in the country’s seventh non-racial democratic election to determine which political parties and, for the first time, independent candidates will represent them in Parliament and the Provincial Legislatures. As the legislative authority of our democratic republic, the National Assembly must ensure a government by the people by choosing a President, providing a national forum for public consideration of issues, passing legislation, and exercising oversight over the executive’s actions.
The National Assembly may be constituted with no fewer than 350 and no more than 400 members.
The National Assembly is elected for a five-year term according to Section 49 of the Constitution. When the term expires or the Assembly is dissolved, the President must call an election within 90 days. Although the term of this Assembly expired on 21 May, it continued to function until the day before the first day of the elections, which was midnight on 28 May.
Currently, there is no National Assembly, and the process to establish the new House has commenced.
Handling of Election Results
Election results must be declared within seven days after an election in terms of Section 57 of the Electoral Act. Following this, members of the National Assembly are designated by the Independent Electoral Commission, and the Commission then hands these lists to the Chief Justice of the Republic of South Africa, who then hands them over to Parliament.
First Sitting of the National Assembly
The first sitting of the National Assembly must occur no more than 14 days after election results are declared. The Chief Justice of the Republic determines and gazettes the date for this sitting. Before members of the National Assembly perform their functions in the Assembly, they must swear or affirm faithfulness to the Republic and obedience to the Constitution, under Schedule 2 to the Constitution. After the swearing-in of members, the Chief Justice presides over the election of the Speaker of the National Assembly, who must, in turn, preside over the election of the Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly.
The President of the Republic is the last to be elected by the House because the Assembly must be duly constituted first to exercise its power to elect the President. The Chief Justice presides over the election of the President.
Rules for the First Sittings
The Office of the Chief Justice has officially gazetted the rules for the first sittings of the National Assembly. These rules, as approved by Chief Justice Raymond Zondo on 27 May 2024, outline the procedures for the election of key parliamentary and provincial officials, including the President, the Speaker and Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly, and the Chairperson and Deputy Chairpersons of the National Council of Provinces.
Election of President of the Republic
The election of the President, who is chosen among the members of the Assembly, is conducted by the Chief Justice of the Republic. When elected President, a person ceases to be a member of the National Assembly. Within five days, he or she must assume office by swearing or affirming faithfulness to the Republic and obedience to the Constitution at an inauguration ceremony.
Term of the President and Executive
The term of the President, along with the members of the Executive, only ends when the new President is sworn into office by the Chief Justice of the Republic. This is usually during the inauguration ceremony after the National Assembly has elected the President. This is intended to ensure there is no gap in the country’s administration between the election and the assumption of office by the incoming President.
Opening of Parliament Address
Once the President has assumed office, he or she must appoint the Cabinet. Further, the President, in conjunction with the Speaker of the National Assembly and the Chairperson of the National Council of Provinces, determines a date for the Opening of Parliament Address.
According to the new joint rules of Parliament, the Opening of Parliament Address (OPA) is now distinct from the State of the Nation Address (SONA). The State of the Nation Address (SONA) is held annually in February to outline the government’s plans and priorities for the year and report on the state of the nation. The Opening of Parliament Address (OPA), on the other hand, occurs once every five years, after elections, to announce the new administration’s plans and to mark the beginning of the new five-year parliamentary term.
The Opening of Parliament is more than a ceremonial occasion – it is a platform where the government’s vision and priorities are presented, setting the tone for the legislative and administrative actions that will follow. It also symbolises the functioning of the new Parliament, reflecting the continuity and stability of governance.
Orientation of New MPs
Newly elected MPs are inducted and oriented through a structured orientation programme. This programme typically includes briefings on parliamentary procedures, ethical guidelines, legislative responsibilities, and administrative processes. The orientation also often involves training sessions on effective communication, law-making, and constituency management, ensuring that new MPs are well-prepared to fulfil their roles effectively.
Venue for the First Sitting
Parliament is fully prepared, and all necessary arrangements have been made for establishing the new National Assembly. Comprehensive plans are in place to ensure a seamless transition, including onboarding new Members of Parliament. The first sitting and onboarding venue has been secured at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC).
Parliament will, in due course, provide the comprehensive process that will be followed in establishing the National Council of Provinces of the seventh democratic Parliament.
Picture: Some of drugs and money confiscated by police during Operation Shanela/Supplied
By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
More than 234 suspects were arrested connection with serious crimes such as murder, rape, assault GBH and illegal possession of firearms. Out of 234 suspects, 119 were allegedly wanted suspects.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Colonel Cherelle Ehlers said these wanted suspects were arrested by Detectives. Ehlers said other arrests comprised of dealing in drugs, illegal dealing in liquor, possession of drugs, murder, attempted murder, attempted rape, assault and burglary.
“A total of 5503 persons and 2835 vehicles were stopped and searched. Five unlicensed liquor outlets were closed and a significant amount of alcohol was confiscated. A considerable amount of drugs and cash believed to be the proceeds of crime was also seized.
“Operation Shanela disruptive actions will continue relentlessly to ensure that priority crimes are addressed throughout the province. The arrests were executed by the multi-disciplinary teams in all five districts from 27 May until 2 June 2024,” she said.
Ehlers further said these actions included the searching of premises, stop and search actions, high visibility patrols, compliance inspections, roadblocks and vehicle check points. She added that Operation Shanela will not relax efforts to combat crime in hotspot areas and national key points in order to secure the safety of all inhabitants and essential infrastructures in the province.
Setshwantsho: Motshameko magareng ga Nkamodira FC le Mogopela Wonderous FC
Ka OBAKENG MAJE
Seemo se letse se tswile mo taolong mo letsatsing la maabane kwa mebaleng ya metshameko ya motse-setoropo wa Ipelegeng kwa Schweizer Reneke mo motshamekong ya go khwalifaela liga ya ABC Motsepe ma gareng ga setlhopa sa kgwele ya dinao sa Nkamodira FC kwa Vryburg le sa Mogopela Wonderous FC mono Taung.
Motshameko one wa emisiwa morago ga gore go tsoge ntwa ma gareng ga balatedi ba Nkamodira FC le Mogopela Wonderous FC. Mongwe wa balatedi ba Nkamodira FC go begwa fa a tlhabile molatedi (46) wa setlhopa sa Mogopela Wonderous FC ka thipa mo tlhogong, mme a mo tlogela a pokga-pokga madi.
Fela motshameko one wa tswelela, mme setlhopa sa Nkamodira FC, se ile sa bona penalty, mme ba e ragela kwa godimo. Seo se ile sa shakgatsa balatedi ga mmogo le bakatisi ba setlhopa sa Mogopela Wonderous FC, fela motshameko one wa tswelela.
Ene ya re mo go tsweleleng ga motshameko, setlhopa sa Nkamodira FC, se ne sa nosa nno. Ene ya re o setse metsotso e balwa, bakatisi ga mmogo le bangwe ba balatedi ba Mogopela Wonderous FC, ba ne ba itatlhela mo lebaleng ba ipelaetsa ka tsamaiso ya motshameko.
Seo se ile sa tlhotlheletsa molaola-motshameko go ka emisa motshameko. Molatedi o neng a tlhabilwe ka thipa, o ile a tabogisetswa kwa kliniking go bona thuso ya potlako.
Setshwantsho: Molatedi wa setlhopa sa Mogopela Wonderous FC o tlhabilwe ka thipa kwa mebaleng ya metsameko kwa Ipelegeng kwa Schweizer Reneke
Kgabagare, sebueledi sa sepodisi mo Bokone Bophirima, Lieutenant Col Amanda Funani are: “Ke nnete sepodisi se butse kgetsi ya go teketa ka maikaelelo a go ntsha dikgobalo. Go fitlha ga jaana, ga gona ope o tshwerweng.”
Picture: The ANC Secretary-General, Fikile Mbalula/Google
By OBAKENG MAJE
The ANC said most South Africans have shown confidence in its concerted efforts to get the country back on a path to prosperity for all. The ANC Secretary-General, Fikile Mbalula said the people are supporting the efforts to rid the ANC of corrupt elements as part of its renewal process.
Mabalula who was addressing the media ahead of the much anticipated announcement of General Elections outcomes later today said, the ANC commends the people of South Africa for once again demonstrating the strength and vibrancy of the democracy.
He further said while they still await the formal announcement of results by the IEC, it is clear that the ANC has won the most votes and remains the most popular party in South Africa. Mabalula added that the ANC has also achieved a decisive majority in six provinces.
“The millions of South Africans who voted for the ANC have seen the effects of the work we have done to end load-shedding, to revive our infrastructure programme, to provide social protection to the poor and unemployed, to provide work opportunities and work experience to young people, and to hold those responsible for corruption to account.
“The ANC emerges from this election with a firm mandate to continue this work to rebuild the economy, create
jobs, end corruption, tackle the high cost of living and continue the transformation of the economy and society,” he said.
Mbalula said while the ANC has won the most votes in this election, the results show a significant decline in the ANC support from previous elections. He said while there are several factors that have contributed to the decline in support, the results send a clear message to the ANC.
“We wish to assure the people of South Africa that we have heard them. We have heard their concerns, their frustrations and their dissatisfaction. Over the last six years, the ANC has been engaged in a process of renewal and revitalisation.
“This process is not yet complete and the election results show that we need to intensify and accelerate the fundamental renewal of our movement. We want to assure the people of South Africa that the ANC will not turn its back on renewal,” said Mbalula.
He said they will not compromise on the renewal and rebuilding of the movement. Mbalula said the results also show people’s concerns about shortcomings in governance and delivery.
“We enter a new term with both a clear mandate and a firm commitment to improve the maintenance of infrastructure and the provision of services in communities throughout the country.
“The ANC is committed to the formation of a government that reflects the will of the people, that is stable and that
is able to govern effectively. The ANC is committed to pursue a path of fundamental social and economic change, for which it has received a firm mandate,” he said.
Mbalula said over the next few days, the ANC will be having discussions within the organisation and with other parties and stakeholders on how best to establish national and provincial governments that reflect the will of the people, and that are able to take the country forward. He said the voters of South Africa have shown that they expect the leaders of this country to work together in the interests of all.
Picture: The cattle suspected to be stolen seized by the police/Supplied
By OBAKENG MAJE
Nine suspects aged between 28 and 55, are expected to appear before the Lehurutshe and Delareyville Magistrate’s Courts on 3, 4 and 6 June 2024, on separate charges of stock theft. The suspects were arrested on 26, 28 and 30 May 2024, after being found with suspected stolen livestock.
In Delareyville, Isaac Maraise (36), Walter Masisi (40), Hans Wels (46) and Richard Peka (55), were arrested on 26 May 2024, after they were found in possession of suspected stolen livestock. According to the North West police spokesperson, Lieutenant Col Amanda Funani, the accused allegedly stole 14 calves worth R81 900 at a farm, near Delareyville and called a certain man to sell them to him.
“The police eventually arrested the accused while in the process of selling the calves. They made initial court appearances on Tuesday, 28 May 2024, and are expected to re-appear on Tuesday, 4 June 2024, for bail application.
“In Lehurutshe, Oratile Matebesi (26) and Vincent Kgomo (30), briefly appeared before the Lehurutshe District Court on 30 May 2024, for stock theft. The accused were arrested after being seen branding suspected stolen livestock at Ikageleng Section, in Dinokana village and the community members informed the police,” she said.
Funani further said the Lehurutshe Stock theft and Crime Prevention Units were patrolling along the N4 road on 27 May 2024, when they spotted a Toyota bakkie with a trailer loaded with three cattle and stopped the vehicle for search.
She added that the police arrested the two suspects and charged them for possession of suspected livestock.
“On 30 May 2024, three more outstanding suspects were arrested after they handed themselves over to Lehurutshe Police station.
“Three suspects between the ages of 28 and 41 are expected to appear in the Lehurutshe District Court for their first court appearance. The preliminary investigations showed that the three cattle were stolen in Botswana.
“The accused were then arrested for possession of suspected stolen stock. Matebesi and Kgomo appeared before the court and their case was postponed until 6 June 2024, for formal bail application,” said Funani.
Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, congratulated Sannieshof and Lehurutshe Stock Theft and Endangered Species (STES) Units, for their swift response, which led to the arrests and the recovery of the cattle. Kwena said the suspected stolen cattle were returned to the lawful owners.
Picture: The netball players during TNL Power Week 2/Supplied
By REGINALD KANYANE
Netball South Africa said Day 2 of TNL Power Week 2 was electric. According to the Netball SA spokesperson, Karabo Mokgalagadi, spectators flocked to the iconic Ellis Park Arena in Johannesburg, to witness a day of thrilling netball encounters.
Mokgalagadi said teams came out stronger, hungrier, and more strategic, but notwithstanding the couple of missed opportunities in the shooting circle. She further said the match-up between the Flames and the Aloes, saw a lot of turnovers with the ball going up and down the court.
“The Flames put tremendous pressure on the Aloes forcing them to make many errors and capitalizing on that, but could not end in the winning seat as the Aloes edged the win with 2 goals. While talking about capitalizing on errors, this was highly noticeable in the games between the Diamonds and the Comets.
“Although the Diamonds led for three quarters, the Comets came out to win the game 51 – 47. This again was a testament to teams not being able to sustain full momentum throughout the game,” said Mokgalagadi.
She added that in the match-up of the day, with screaming fans and a filled arena, the Golden Fireballs hosted their provincial counterparts, the Jaguars. Mokgalagadi said both the teams were determined to prove who is the best in the battle of the Titans, as they came out of first-round wins this week.
“Kamogelo Maseko’s return to the court strongly impacted the squad and youngster Kayla Dames, who pulled some magic tricks out of the hat. In the end, Marichelle Visagie of the Fireballs showed her consistency as she kept her pose.
“It was a fast-paced match as the Jaguars started strong, demonstrating their intentions in the first two centre passes. The Golden Fireballs then found their rhythm, and the crowd went wild,” she said.
The Guardian 