Daily Archives: October 13, 2024

SAFA partners with Telkom VS Gaming to Elevate South African Esports around Diski

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Picture: Telkom VS Gaming

By REGINALD KANYANE  

13 October 2024– In a significant milestone for the South African esports community, the South African Football Association (SAFA), is excited to announce its partnership with Telkom VS Gaming. This collaboration officially accredits the Telkom E-Diski leagues and finals as SAFA National qualifying competitions, allowing players the opportunity to represent South Africa in FIFA-operated global esports events.

This partnership marks a transformative moment for esports in South Africa, bridging the gap between traditional football and competitive gaming. By aligning the E-Diski leagues with the SAFA eCup, Telkom VS Gaming is providing a premier platform for local talent to thrive while promoting growth within the esports ecosystem.

SAFA CEO, Lydia Monyepao said they are excited to collaborate with Telkom VS Gaming to operate the SAFA eCup under the E-Diski league banner. Monyepao said since joining the FIFA eGlobal series in 2019, their teams have achieved impressive results, including a top-four finish at the recent FIFAe World Cup in Liverpool.

“The E-Diski leagues will further our reach to new players and inspire a new generation of gamers to excel and proudly represent South Africa on the global esports stage. We are thrilled to partner with SAFA in this ground-breaking initiative, which highlights our dedication to advancing esports in South Africa,” she said.

Meanwhile, Telkom Chief Marketing Officer, Gugu Mthembu said: “By recognising the E-Diski leagues as the official qualifying competition for the SAFA eCup, we are granting our players a unique opportunity to showcase their skills on an international stage.

“The E-Diski leagues have quickly become a leading platform for esports football in South Africa, cultivating a passionate community of gamers and enthusiasts.”

She further said with SAFA’s support, Telkom VS Gaming is enhancing the profile of these leagues, establishing them as a vital pathway for aspiring esports athletes to pursue their dreams of national representation. Mthembu added that they have witnessed a massive rise in interest in gaming and esports across the globe in recent years and it was always a matter of time before they saw a similar boom take place in South Africa.  

“Our VS Gaming platform has become a catalyst to a major rise in interest in local gaming and that has illustrated the amazing local esports talent we have in the country.

“The partnership kicks off with an exciting Rocket League showdown, where four players will represent South Africa at the next FIFAe World Cup of Rocket League, featuring 16 nations,” she said.

Meanwhile, the domestic qualifying competition will take place this weekend October 12-13, 2024. Teams that registered on http://www.fifa.gg including those that qualified via the E-Diski League competition on Rocket League.

For more information about the eDiski leagues and the official FIFA eWorld Cup qualifying competition, please visit http://www.vsgaming.co.za or follow Telkom VS Gaming on @vsgamingworld.

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A policeman nabbed for defeating end of justice and perjury

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Picture: A policeman arrested for corruption/Generic 

By OBAKENG MAJE  

13 October 2924– A policeman (39) was arrested by the Provincial Anti-Corruption Investigation Unit (ACIU) for investigation for defeating the ends of justice and perjury. It is alleged that one of the members deployed for Vala Umgodi Operations, arrested a foreign national for contravention of the Immigration Act, 2002.

He further handed a statement from the Department of Home Affairs confirming the (illegal) status of the foreign national to the Investigating Officer, Sergeant Mmokwa Ratshoke, who is attached to Stilfontein Detectives. It is alleged that, Ratshoke took the docket to court without the statement from the Department of Home Affairs and the case was, as a result, withdrawn. 

The North West police spokesperson, Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone said the matter was reported to the Provincial Anti-Corruption Investigation Unit (ACIU) for investigation and the accused was nabbed.  

“Ratshoke briefly appeared in Stilfontein Magistrate’s Court and granted R1 500 bail and the case was postponed until 1 November 2024, for further investigation,” he said.

Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, expressed his gratitude to all the members involved in exposing and arresting employees, who fail to act with integrity in rendering a service and that the South African Police Service (SAPS), will not hesitate to take drastic actions against those who are involved in criminal activities.

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Former Minister of Finance, Tito Mboweni described as notable servant

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Picture: Former Minister of Finance, Tito Mboweni

By BAKANG MOKOTO

13 October 2024 – Heartfelt condolence messages continued to pour in after the passing of the former Minister of Finance, Tito Mboweni (65). Mboweni died in hospital in Johannesburg on Saturday night after a short illness.  

The Presiding Officers of Parliament, National Assembly (NA) speaker, Thoko Didiza and the Chairperson of National Council of Provinces (NCOP), Refilwe Mtshweni-Tsipane, expressed their heartfelt condolences on the passing of Mboweni. Didiza said he was a distinguished and versatile people’s servant, who dedicated his life, passion and vast expertise to the service of the people of South Africa.

“Mboweni’s activism spanned both the struggle for freedom and the consolidation of democracy in our country. As a dedicated anti-apartheid activist, he passionately fought for justice, equality, and the

liberation of all South Africans, laying the groundwork for the democratic values he later championed in public service.

“After the dawn of democracy, he became the first Minister of Labour under the cabinet of President Nelson Mandela. In this role, he was instrumental in shaping South Africa’s labour policies during a critical time of transition, ensuring that the rights and dignity of workers were protected and enshrined in the new democratic order,” she said.

Didiza further said as one of the first generation of members of the first post-apartheid Parliament, Mboweni contributed to the establishment of laws and policies aimed at dismantling the legacy of apartheid and building a more inclusive and just society.

She added that as the first Black Governor of the South African Reserve Bank in 1999, his tenure was marked by visionary leadership and transformation.

Meanwhile, the Chairperson of National Council of Provinces (NCOP), Refilwe Mtshweni-Tsipane said although his stewardship of the Bank came during a turbulent period for the rand, his astute management ensured South Africa’s resilience in the face of global and local challenges.

She said under Mboweni’s guidance, the Reserve Bank was not only a guardian of economic stability, but also a symbol of transformation and progress.

“Mboweni’s legacy will forever be remembered for his unwavering commitment to building a better South Africa. He was a patriot who believed in the potential of this nation, and his work has left an indelible mark on the country’s democratic and economic institutions.

“We extend our deepest sympathies to his family, friends and comrades in the African National Congress (ANC). May his memory serve as a source of inspiration to us all, as we continue the work of building the South Africa he so tirelessly championed,” said Mtshweni-Tsipane.

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Mtshweni-Tsipane calls on parliaments to combat technology-facilitated GBV and Discrimination

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Picture: The Chairperson of NCOP, Mtshweni-Tsipane

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

13 October 2024 – The leader of Parliament’s delegation to the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), Refilwe Mtshweni-Tsipane, has called on Parliaments to use legislation to prioritise the prevention, elimination and responses to all forms of technology-facilitated Gender-Based Violence and Discrimination.

Mtshweni-Tsipane, the Chairperson of the National Council of Provinces (NCOP), made the call in Geneva, Switzerland, this morning during the IPU Forum for Women Parliamentarians’ discussion on a draft resolution for the IPU Standing Committee on Democracy and Human Rights titled: “The impact of artificial intelligence on democracy, human rights and the rule of law.”

She said the world continues to grapple with a significant gender equality problem, and the emergence of artificial intelligence systems holds the potential to perpetrate and exacerbate this issue. Mtshweni-Tsipane further said of particular concern is technology-facilitated Gender-Based Violence (GBV), a rapidly spreading problem that evolves with each new technological advancement.

“This poses serious challenges to digital governance and creates a persistent lag in adopting laws and policies to tackle this issue effectively. The legislation should include guidelines on enhanced content moderation, accessible and effective reporting systems and the establishment of content removal processes compliant with international human rights laws.

“A 2024 United Nations report based on a survey encompassing women journalists from 125 countries revealed that 73% of those women had fallen victim to online violence in the course of their work,” she said.

Mtshweni-Tsipane added that this serves as a reminder that the impact of technology-facilitated GBV is pervasive and affects individuals across diverse professions and regions. She said as legislatures, it is their responsibility to confront this pressing issue.

“We must take proactive measures to address the use of artificial intelligence in perpetuating GBV and ensure that our laws and policies effectively keep pace with these evolving challenges.

“So, we urge Parliaments to enact legislation prohibiting the distribution of non-consensual, explicit images and providing the cost to the victims,” said Mtshweni-Tsipane.

Meanwhile, the 149th IPU Assembly is held under the theme: “Harnessing science, technology, and innovation (STI) for a more peaceful and sustainable future.” This is the first time a delegation of the 7th Parliament has attended the IPU Assembly, a decision-making body where parliamentarians from 180 national member Parliaments adopt resolutions.

The IPU is the global organisation of national parliaments. What began in 1889 as a small group of parliamentarians, dedicated to promoting peace through parliamentary diplomacy and dialogue, has since grown into a truly global organisation with 180 members and 15 associate members.

The IPU facilitates parliamentary diplomacy and empowers parliaments and parliamentarians to promote peace, democracy and sustainable development around the world.

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Safety of women and children vital in conflict-ridden regions

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By REGINALD KANYANE

13 October 2024 – The National Assembly (NA) Deputy Speaker, Dr Annalie Lotriet has called for parliamentarians to advocate for safety zones in conflict-ridden regions to protect expectant mothers and mothers of young children, older people and people living with disabilities. Lotriet spoke during a panel discussion on promoting and preserving women’s and girls’ rights at the 149th assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) in Geneva, Switzerland.

“As parliamentarians, we must advocate for effective interventions and support the establishment of safe

zones to protect the civilian population, particularly expectant mothers and mothers of young children, children, the elderly, and people living with disabilities.

“International humanitarian and human rights laws outline specific protections for women in conflict, safeguarding them against various forms of abuse and guaranteeing access to essential necessities,” she said.

Lotriet further said, however, it is deeply troubling that in the present day, numerous countries continue to contravene these laws, leaving millions of women and girls in dire circumstances. She added that they are deprived of essentials such as food, safe water, toilets, washrooms, sanitary pads, and living in inhuman and disease-ridden conditions.

“We urge parliamentarians to work together to ensure that the voices of vulnerable women and girls are heard, and their rights are upheld, as outlined in the existing international humanitarian law.

“Madam President, how many more women and girls must suffer before decisive action is taken to bring peace to the Middle East and other conflict-driven regions?” said Lotriet.

She said it is the duty of every parliament to ensure that these violations are addressed and rectified, to uphold the rights of women and to implement measures that guarantee their access to essential services during times of conflict. Lotriet said it was important that parliamentarians return to their respective parliaments and ensure that necessary legislation is enacted to address human rights not only during conflict but also during peacetime and post-conflict.

Meanwhile, the 149th IPU assembly is held under the theme: “Harnessing science, technology, and innovation (STI) for a more peaceful and sustainable future.” This is the first time a delegation of the 7th parliament is attending the IPU Assembly, a decision-making body where parliamentarians from 180 national member parliaments adopt resolutions.

The IPU is the global organisation of national parliaments. What began in 1889 as a small group of parliamentarians dedicated to promoting peace through parliamentary diplomacy and dialogue has since grown into a truly global organisation with 180 members and 15 associate members.

The IPU facilitates parliamentary diplomacy and empowers parliaments and parliamentarians to promote peace, democracy and sustainable development around the world.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

Two motorists killed each other in a road rage

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Picture: Two men allegedly stabbed each other during a confrontation/Facebook

By OBAKENG MAJE

13 October 2024- Two men aged 32 and 34, allegedly died after stabbing each other in what appeared to be a road rage incident that occurred on Saturday afternoon in Mahikeng Central Business District (CBD). The North West police spokesperson, Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone said the police are investigating two separate cases of murder.

Mokgwabone alleged that, the police were summoned to the scene on Martin Street in Mahikeng, at approximately 13:30pm.

“On arrival, they found a man lying on the ground and bleeding from the neck. The ambulance was called, but paramedics declared the man dead. It was further established that the other man, whose relatives transported him to hospital, also died.

“The investigation into the matter is underway and the motive is yet to be established although it appears that the fight ensued following an argument for a parking lot,” he said.

The North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, condemned the incident and once more, urged members of the community to always exercise patience and strive to resolve their differences peacefully rather than resorting to violence.

Meanwhile, North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Wessels Morweng has cautioned community members to stop sharing gruesome pictures on social media platforms. Morweng calls on community members to be sensible and think of family members of the deceased.

“I have been told that the incident started as a road rage, where the two men allegedly stabbed each other. I am pleading with motorists to be tolerant of one another and report bad driving to our law enforcement agencies that are always available on our roads.

“It is indeed a sad loss that could have been avoided as they are fathers, family members, friends and perhaps breadwinners to their families,” he said.

Morweng further said they send messages of heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased.

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