The ANC in North West said it will crack the whip on councillors who have been incompetent and use their positions for self-aggrandisement. This comes after the ruling party completed an intense process of assessing the performance of its councillors in all 22 municipalities.
ANC provincial spokesperson, Tumelo Maruping said in 2021, they took a resolution to assess all councillors in all municipalities and remove those who underperform. Maruping said the party views the sphere of local government as crucial when it comes to service delivery.
“You will remember that in 2021, we launched what we called a Local Government Barometer. Now, the Local Government Barometer is an assessment instrument, where we measure functionality of municipalities’ troikas and performance of councillors.
“This is a mid-term assessment, where the ANC is contacting all municipalities to assess their performance. So, where there is a need for interventions and let’s say a certain councillor or mayor must be removed, that is exactly what is going to happen. However, that decision will be informed by the assessment report that is going to be tabled,” he said.
Maruping further said they have already completed the assessment report and they are going to use it as a yardstick for deciding on the eligibility of councillors to continue representing the party. He added that they will table the report during the ANC Provincial Executive Committee meeting, where the report will have recommendations.
A man (41) who burned the North West University (NWU) student to death was sentenced to life imprisonment by the Gauteng High Court sitting in Johannesburg. On 27 May 2023, Tinyiko Baloyi kidnapped Karabo Maluleke (21) from the NWU (Potchefstroom campus) after suspecting that she was in another relationship.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in Gauteng, Phindi Mjonondwane said Baloyi held her captive for three days at a guesthouse in Roodepoort, during which time her family and friends tried to contact her. Mjonondwane said when Maluleke was unreachable, they reported her missing.
“Ultimately, on 30 May 2023, Baloyi drove Maluleke to an open field in Doornkop, where he tied both her hands and feet, poured her with petrol and dosed her to death. Her charred body was discovered five days later in the field. Warrant Officer Rabed Zwana, traced the accused’s movements, discovering he had rented a car to fetch Maluleke from Potchefstroom to the guesthouse.
“After killing her, Baloyi returned the vehicle to the rental company. In his attempt to skip town, he exchanged his phone for money at a taxi rank before fleeing to his home in Giyani, where he was eventually apprehended. Baloyi pleaded guilty and testified in mitigation of sentence, citing that he cooperated with the law,” she said.
Mjonondwane further said Baloyi also said that he contributed to Maluleke’s well-being, including tuition fee payments and the provision of a laptop. She added that Baloyi offered an apology to the family.
Khensane Maluleke, the mother of the deceased, made an impact statement and described the harrowing circumstances surrounding her daughter’s brutal murder. She testified that the tragic loss had a profound impact on their entire family. She also said that she eagerly anticipated her daughter’s academic success, which would transform their family’s circumstances and improve their lives.
The state advocate Leswikane Mashabela stated that the accused’s heinous crimes warranted the severest sentence, as he had kidnapped and held her captive for three days, only to brutalise and murder her ultimately.
Mjonondwane said the NPA will continue to prosecute Gender-Based Violence (GBH) cases with vigour as the safety and well-being of the communities remain paramount. She said Baloyi was also sentenced to an extra 10-year imprisonment.
Picture: Netball players during tournament/Supplied
By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
The 4th edition of the Telkom Netball Championship has come to a close, leaving behind a trail of excitement, teamwork and sportsmanship. The five-day event which started on Monday, saw 88 teams of U17/18/19 from across the country battle for the top spot.
The tournament also saw the emergence of new talent, with several players catching the eye of selectors and coaches. The U17 national team of 12 players was chosen from a pool of talented athletes, who participated in the tournament.
The South African team played against Namibia U18 on Friday morning and performed exceptionally, defeating the neighbouring country’s junior side 46-25. This victory demonstrates the school’s outstanding player development efforts, as these athletes had never played together.
Kudos to the national team coaches, Talja Venter and Yolande Stone, for their invaluable contribution, as a result, they also earned their first national team caps.
The SA Schools Netball President, Di Wooley after the International match between SA and Namibia said: “Our focus is on nurturing talent in Africa before going International, making this event a stepping stone for future competitions.”
The grand final match between Tshwane A and Cape Wineland, a repeat of last year’s final, was a nail-biting encounter, with Tshwane emerging victorious. The crowd was on the edge of their seats as the teams displayed exceptional skill and grit.
Tshwane was strong in the tournament recording wins in all their game played under the guidance of Amanda Mynhardt. The tournament saw the emergence of new talent, with several players catching the eye of selectors and coaches.
Netball South Africa President Cecilia Molokwane said: “We are thrilled with the success of this tournament, the level of competition, sportsmanship, and enthusiasm shown by all teams has been outstanding. We are proud to have provided a platform for these talented players to showcase their skills.”
The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) has entered into memorandums of understanding (MoU) with the Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS) Anti-Corruption Coalition (ACC), the Transparency, Integrity, and Accountability Programme (TIP) of the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH to join forces in preventing corruption through data analytics.
The signing of the MoUs was attended by the Head of the SIU, Advocate Andy Mothibi, Valieta Barnard from the National Treasury, Valeska Onken from the GIZ and Dr Wendy Orr from GIBS, along with members of their respective teams, who will be involved in the work stemming from the MoUs. Speaking during the signing ceremony held at SIU offices in Meyerspark, Head of SIU, Advocate Andy Mothibi highlighted that this is the first collaboration of its kind in the space of digital and AI-based anti-corruption interventions in South Africa.
“Through these partnerships, the SIU will embark on statistical research efforts, proactive strengths and risk exposures, sector-based data analysis, awareness and advisory initiatives, capacity building, and integrating data analytics and predictive analysis into the institutions’ risk management systems.
“The SIU aims to take a leading role in South Africa to prevent and combat maladministration, fraud, and corruption by focusing on societal values and systems that make it difficult to engage in acts of impropriety,” he said.
Mothibi further said to achieve this, the SIU must direct strategic decision-making processes and drive prevention activities through data analysis. He added that this will provide the SIU with a competitive market advantage and long-term sustainability.
“An important enabler for leveraging the power of data analytics to prevent and combat corruption is obtaining meaningful access to as many data sources as possible. These MoUs are also part of the SIU’s implementation of the National Anti-Corruption Strategy, in particular, the whole-of-society approach, which is an integrated approach to the fight against corruption and calls on all sectors to participate in the fight against corruption and encourages collaboration between government, the private sector and civil society as one of the fundamentals of the strategy.
“Through these collaboration agreements, the SIU seeks to ensure that its anti-corruption tools are advanced and enable the SIU to move towards the prevention of corruption. The SIU plans to publish sector data intelligence and use a prevention, advisory, and awareness capacity to advise stakeholders on systemic measures to proactively identify and prevent maladministration, fraud, and corruption,” said Mothibi.
The president of the Republic of South Africa (RSA), Cyril Ramaphosa said they have made good on their promise to the South African people to work together as political parties for the good of the country. Ramaphosa said the aim is to deliver a government that will be united in action and purpose.
He further said this provides a firm basis for greater stability, coherence and a focus on implementation. Ramaphosa added that even in some of the world’s most established democracies, the formation of multi-party governments is often protracted and fraught with challenges.
“That we have reached this pivotal point just over four weeks since the election results were announced is a credit to our constitutional order. It is also testament to the authentic, collaborative spirit that has underpinned the negotiations over the past few weeks.
“This is the first time in South Africa’s history that such a broad range of parties, from across the political spectrum, will constitute a government. In mandating us to form a government that serves all, the South African people have a rightful expectation that the seventh administration begins its work as soon as possible,” he said.
Ramaphosa said South Africans appreciate that a Government of National Unity (GNU) is the best way to take the country forward. He said as political leaders, they must prove themselves worthy of the trust the citizens have placed in this government.
“The partnership between the GNU parties is guided by a Statement of Intent, which outlines fundamental principles and a minimum programme of priorities. All the parties have made a commitment to respect the constitution and to promote accountable and transparent governance, evidence-based policy and decision-making, the professionalisation of the public service, integrity and good governance.
“The incoming government will prioritise rapid, inclusive and sustainable economic growth and the creation of a more just society by tackling poverty and inequality. It will continue the economic reforms that are underway in key industries like electricity, telecommunication, water and transport,” said Ramaphosa.
He said the new administration will build on the progress that has already been made in the drive for greater investment in infrastructure and an improved environment for business. Guided by the Statement of Intent, Ramaphosa said the GNU will safeguard the rights of workers and ensure there is adequate social protection for the poor and vulnerable.
“The government will invest in South Africa’s people through quality education and health care. It will work to build state capacity, address crime and corruption and strengthen social cohesion. The administration will pursue a foreign policy based on human rights, solidarity and peace.
“While the ministers and deputy ministers who make up the National Executive come from different parties, they will be expected to serve the people as a whole. They will be expected to implement a shared mandate and a common programme of action,” he said.
A shop owner (44) briefly appeared before the Brits Magistrate’s Court on 3 July 2024, in connection with the alleged murder of a man (19). It is alleged that a couple from Masenkeng Section in Oukasie Township, near Brits, saw Nhlakanipho Ndwandwe lying unconscious with multiple injuries on their driveway at around 7:30am on 1 July 2024.
The North West police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Amanda Funani said they then called the police. Funani said upon arrival, the police summoned an ambulance and the victim was transported to a local hospital.
“A case of assault with intent to do Grievous Bodily Harm (GBH) was registered. The case was later changed to murder after the police received a phone call that the victim died. As part of the investigation, the police looked for the people who were last seen with the victim.
“Consequently, one of the suspects’ friend who was also assaulted, disclosed what occurred early that day. The suspect was ultimately arrested on Monday evening, 1 July 2024, at his shop and was charged with murder. The preliminary investigations revealed that the suspect and unidentified accomplices assaulted the victims after accusing them of robbing people who visit his shop,” she said.
Funani further said more arrests are imminent.
Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, congratulated Brits Detectives for acting swiftly and arresting the suspects. Kwena also thanked the community for working together with the police to ensure justice.
He added: “I gave instruction that no stone should be left unturned to ensure that everyone involved is put behind bars.”
CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA – SEPTEMBER 13: General view of participants and activities during the SA Rugby Get Into Rugby Festival at Voorbrug Sport Field on September 13, 2023 in Cape Town, South Africa. (Photo by Grant Pitcher/Gallo Images)
By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
The 2024 edition of the nationwide grassroots, get into Rugby (GIR) programme targeted at children aged 6 to 13 is officially underway and heads to the Free State province on 18 July 2024. A festival event, two days before the world champions’ Test Match against Portugal in Bloemfontein, will take place to officially mark the return of the Engen-sponsored Get into Rugby season.
The grassroots rugby initiative saw 244 788 boys and girls play the game across all nine provinces of the country in 2023, touching the lives of 114 281 boys and 130 507 girls, who might previously have never experienced organised sport, let alone rugby. The programme also offers young, aspirant rugby coaches, both male and female, an opportunity to develop their rugby coaching skills – a key aspect that aligns with Engen Sports’ values of creating a holistic platform for youth sport development.
Engen Brand and Sponsorship Manager, Tsholo Tiro said that Engen was looking forward to another season of impacting and contributing to the growth of rugby in South Africa through the programme.
“The Engen Get Into Rugby programme is quite important to Engen due to its unique ability to reach children at grassroots level. Over the years, sport has proven to be a fundamental aspect of the growth of children.
“As proud sponsors of this programme, Engen takes pride in contributing to a unique platform that encourages not only sport development, but the holistic development of the children to ensure that rugby and society benefit from well-groomed future rugby players,” said Tiro.
The festival in Bloemfontein will be visited by Springbok players to add inspiration and impetus to the young players, while Rian Oberholzer, CEO of SA Rugby, emphasised the importance of providing new experiences and opportunities to young people.
“The Get Into Rugby programme has successfully introduced hundreds of thousands of children to rugby and sport over the many years and we’re grateful for Engen’s continued support. This programme is the first rung on a ladder which leads to our men’s and women’s Springbok teams. But, as much as that, it offers an opportunity to play organised sport for many children who would not ever have the chance to experience it,” said Oberholzer.
Note: Get into Rugby is a nationwide grassroots rugby initiative operated under the auspices of SA Rugby and is a brainchild of World Rugby in its strategy of growing the game globally through encouraging players of all ages to try, play and stay in rugby.
The Guardian 