Picture: (Gospel artist Shobi Reetseng flanked by his backup artists, Lebo Phiri (Right) and Maipelo Nkwe (Left)

GOSPEL artist Shobi Reetseng said that he welcomed the move by SABC to play 90% local music.

He said local artists will benefit from the initiative. The 37 year-old musician said the music industry needed to be revamped.

“We high appreciate the move by SABC COO, Hlaudi Motsoeneng. This is a big injection to local artists especially up and coming. We need to make sure we are part of changes within the landscape of music. I have released two albums so far and I am working on my third one.

“It had not been easy to market our music across. However the decision brings out light. We also want to commend North West premier, Supra Mahumapelo for coming up with development strategy. As local artists, we do not have to leave the province for greener pastures anymore,” Reetseng said.

Taung-born artist said his both albums were well-received by the masses. Reetseng said gospel music is an important aspect of every society.

“Gospel music can tell stories, release emotions, build bridges and break down barriers, but above all music is entertaining. There are various forms of music, but not many have a rich history as gospel music. The importance of gospel music has been relevant in African music for many years.

“Gospel music promotes a spirit of hope and provides an outlet to worship God. We use gospel music to impact in the lives of many. I have been involved in many community projects and try to bring that beacon of hope within the society. We are marred with unemployment, inequality, teenage pregnancy and demoralised society. However with gospel music we tend to bring that needed hope and help the youth to uphold morals and values,” he said.

Reetseng said North West provincial government in partnership with culture, arts and traditional affairs department (CATA) have promised to assist local artists. He said a database has been created within the department and service points across the municipalities.

“We want to commend the CATA and North West premier, Supra Mahumapelo for listening to our grievances. However more can be done by supporting our local artists. Each service point within the municipality has the local artists’ database. We will urge them to make use of it.

“Mahumapelo announced that they will build recording studios at each district. We also urge the CATA department to assist in marketing our music. One can have a fine product, but marketing is needed,” Reetseng said.

-TDN

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THE SA National Civic Organisation (Sanco) in the North West wants a probe after a farm worker died from work-related injuries.

The deceased, Jan Rammekwa was allegedly left to die from a leg injury at a farm near Ventersdorp. Apparently, there was no immediate call for help after the injury that led to Rammekwa losing his life.

Sanco provincial chairperson, Paul Sebegoe said farm workers needed to be treated as human beings.

“The injury was allegedly caused by a harvesting machine. We wish to convey our condolences to the Rammekwa family. They lost their loved one in this tragic incident. An investigation will also assist to prevent similar incidents. We urge authorities to investigate whether an occupational health and safety plan was in place as well as adhered to.

“We are deeply concerned about allegations that Rammekwa and his supervisor were ensued in an argument prior the incident. Rammekwa’s leg was chopped off by the harvesting machine. It is allegedly that the machine was switched on deliberately. The deceased was allegedly looking for something that was stuck in it,” Sebegoe said.

He added that the delay in getting Rammekwa medical assistance was disturbing. It is said to have taken longer than necessary to inform the deceased’s family as well.

“If found to be true, the supervisor who is said to be a suspect in the matter should be immediately locked up. Violation of human rights, racial abuse and callous murders warrant harshest sentences. That will serve as a deterrent to others within our farming communities,” Sebegoe said.

According to report, the deceased’s brother-in-law, Patrick Pholo shared the same sentiments. He alleged that Doornplaat Group, which owns farms in the area had not communicated timeously with them regarding the circumstances surrounding the fatal incident of his brother.

He said the wheel of justice must roll. Rammekwa was buried on Saturday at Tshing location, near Ventersdorp.

-TDN

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NORTH West premier, Supra Mahumapelo performed a sod-turning at a site where three families affected by the multi-million rand Taung Bridge will be built.

This comes after an agreement was reached between the bridge project contractor and three families whose homesteads have to be moved to give way to the bridge project.

Mahumapelo said they have reached an agreement with residents to be relocated. He said three houses will be demolished so that the bridge can be completed.

“We are performing sod-turning for three houses. We have reached an agreement with the residents to be relocated. The housing project will run co-currently with the bridge project. The bridge cost R81m and that is a high tech.

“The aim is to improve the lives of the people and we want to make sure that there are improvements. As government, our mandate is to change the lives of the people and assist them from abject poverty,” Mahumapelo said.

Public Works MEC, Madoda Sabata said the housing project for three beneficiaries will be completed in July.

“We want to complete this project as soon as we can. We have identified the site and all systems go. Public works will be monitoring the project and we will also make sure our people are well-catered for.

“The houses bulk materials cost R4m. So there houses will be well improved ones. We have intervened after we received complaints from the residents that the bridge project was trapped. Mahumapelo received a complaint from a listener from Motsweding FM during his visit. We have ironed everything and we continuing with both projects,” Sambatha said.

Agnes Mokgosi said: “We are very grateful that finally we will receive houses. The bridge project has been delayed because of miscommunication with the public works department.”

Another beneficiary, Kedibone Kgopodimetsi said: “We looking forward to receive our houses. We believe that with Mahumapelo’s intervention, everything will go accordingly.

Baga-Phuduhucwana Tribal Authority paramount chief, Aobakwe Mankuroane said: “It is a good initiative to see improvements within the Taung area. Many people have lost their live because of that bridge. Having bigger and improved bridge will reduce deaths.

“We will also work together with all stakeholders to make sure all the projects run successfully. Both projects have created job opportunities for our locals,” he said.

-TDN

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Picture: (President Jacob Zuma addressing ANC members in Taung)

PRESIDENT Jacob Zuma promised improved service delivery to thousands of ANC supporters who gathered for the ruling party’s provincial manifesto launch in Taung yesterday.

  More than 30 000 people filled up Taung sports ground to listen to their provincial and national leaders. Besides President Zuma, the ANC also deployed its national treasurer, Zweli Mkhize and NEC member, Humphrey Memezi. Party provincial chairperson, Supra Mahumapelo led several activities in and around Taung before the rally and was on hand to drum up support for the ANC.

  In his address, President Zuma said that South Africa celebrates 20 years since the adoption of the constitution in May 1996, a document he said enjoins all people to build local government that has capacity to deliver.

  “We will provide democratic and accountable government for local communities. We will also ensure the provision of services to communities in a sustainable manner. The ANC will also promote social and economic development. We will also promote a safe and healthy environment.

 “We will also encourage involvement of communities and community organisations on matters of local government. We have also ensured that those deployed in municipalities are capacitated and have the requisite skills to do with their work,” he said.

  Zuma added that all ANC councilors will be recalled if they fail to deliver their mandate. He said they encourage the communities to hold councilors accountable and report their concerns.

  “We have prioritised the necessary measures to empower the youth. We will also come up with major plans to create job opportunities amongst the youth. So the local government is in your hands. Together we can build better communities.

  “The ANC also encourage the municipalities to deal with illegal corporations. We will assist our people especially in rural areas to access lands for farming. We also urge the farmers to treat our people with dignity and integrity. Their lives need to improve and see positive changes within their lives,” he said.

  Zuma also indicated that the ANC will engage with traditional leaders, private sectors and all stakeholders in quest to improve the lives of the people. He said they will install wi-fi in villages that will benefit the youth. 

  The president discouraged municipalities from outsourcing basic services to consultants.

“ANC will promote and encourage dialogue in social-economic issues. We will also strengthen the working relationship with private sectors and all shareholders. Municipalities play a key role in economic dimension. We will make sure that our people receive medical attention. Improve treatment are also provided by clinics for diseases like TB, HIV and other chronic diseases.

  “In five years time we will improve the healthcare basics. We will also build more clinics and provide shelter to four million households. We will continue to further improve the basic services to informal settlements residents. The party will also improve roads and ageing infrastructures,” he said.

ANC alliance partners were in full force. Cosatu provincial chairperson, Solly Lekhu said: “We support the manifesto launch and we believe ANC will continue to lead. We want the party to minimise in-fights and also fight corruption. Service delivery is derailed by those issues.”

  Sanco provincial secretary, Packett Seaketso shared the same sentiments. “We still have water challenges, sanitation and poor service delivery. We want the party to focus on those issues. Let’s us intensify service delivery and go back to basics.”

-TDN

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Vera Pauw,coach of South Africa during the South African Senior Womens Team training session on the 11 April 2014 at the Dobsonville Stadium ©Samuel Shivambu/BackpagePix

Banyana Banyana head coach Vera Pauw says not being in camp for a long time meant the players were almost starting afresh when they faced Zimbabwe in an international friendly match on Sunday, 15 May 2016.

South Africa won the clash 1-0 courtesy of a Refiloe Jane strike in the 61^st minute at a chilly and rain-soaked Makhulong Stadium in Tembisa.

But Pauw was also full of praise for her charges.

“It was actually much better than I expected because at training we lacked cohesion because of being out of camp for about four weeks. We couldn’t find each other and coming to this game I thought we were not going to play as well as we wanted to.

“In general, I was happy with what I saw against Zimbabwe, we controlled the match but did not convert the chances that came our way,” said Pauw.

Despite few scoring chances, the Banyana Banyana mentor left Tembisa a happy individual with the type of the workout from her charges ahead of their trip to Netherlands in two weeks time.

“We can only improve from where we are. We need to be firmer, stronger, more direct and more opportunistic to be at the required level of the Olympics. Due to lack of not working together for a long period we could see the tempo going down towards the last minute of the game – which was expected.

“This shows how important these training camps are. We are now more or less at a lower level. But I am happy with the win because we played against an Olympic-bound team. I think we were by far the better team even though we always had to be very alert because they are more direct than us.”

Both Banyana Banyana and Zimbabwe are the two African sides that will represent the continent at the upcoming 2016 Rio Olympics in August.

The Sasol-sponsored Banyana Banyana’s next assignment will be facing 13^th –ranked Holland in two international friendly matches.

The clashes will take place on Saturday, 4 June with the second one scheduled for Tuesday, 7 June.

Both encounters will take place at the Mandemakers Stadium, RKC Waalwijk, Waalwijk in Netherlands. The two matches kick off at 15h00 and 19h00 respectively.
Here is how South Africa and Zimbabwe lined up:

South Africa:

Roxanne Barker (GK), Lebogang Ramalepe, Nothando Vilakazi, Noko Matlou, Janine van Wyk (C), Linda Motlhalo (Shiwe Nogwanya), Amanda Dlamini, Sahah Mollo (Silindile Ngubane), Refiloe Jane, Nompulelo Nyandeni (Thembi Kgatlana), Stephanie Malherbe

Subs:

Leraro Kgasago, Nomathemba Ntsibande, Silindile Ngubane, Thembi Kgatlana, Bambanani Mbane, Shiwe Nogwanya, Andile Dlamini (GK), Leandra Smeda, Chantelle Esau, Bongiwe Thusi, Lebogang Mabatle, Mapaseka Mpuru (GK)

Coach: Vera Pauw

Zimbabwe:

Danai Bhobho, Nobuhle Majika, Emmaculate Msipa, Felistas Muzongondi (C), Samkelisiwe Zulu, Sheila Makoto, Daisy Kaitano, Nobukhosi Ncube, Lindiwe Magwede (GK), Kudakwashe Basopo, Mavis Chirandu

Subs:

Rejoice Kapfumvuti, Manyara Mandara (GK), Ruvimbo Mutyavaviri, Talent Mandaza, Marjory Nyaumwe, Sibonginkosi Nleya, Eunice Chibanda

Coach: Shadreck Mlauzi

MATCH OFFICIALS:
REFEREE:                              LEKGOWE Bolokang Julia (Botswana)
ASS. REF 1:                          LETOTA Yvonne (Botswana)
ASS. REF 2:                          MOSIMANEWATLALA Botsala (Botswana)
4^th OFFICIAL:                      MOREMI Katlholo Pearl (Botswana)

Upcoming International friendly matches vs Holland

DATE:                    Saturday, 4 June 2016
KICK-OFF:            15h00
VENUE:                Mandemakers Stadium
RKC Waalwijk, Waalwijk
The Netherlands

DATE:                    Tuesday, 7 June 2016
KICK-OFF:            19h00
VENUE:                Mandemakers Stadium
RKC Waalwijk, Waalwijk

-TDN

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Cape Town – Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan is aware of plans to arrest him and is ready for the ongoing relentless struggle for control of state resources.

Five sources in the Treasury, the South African Reserve Bank (Sarb) and Gordhan’s informal “kitchen cabinet” said Gordhan will not allow himself to be intimidated, and that the onslaught by the state exploiters was to be expected.

“The future of the crime network that was allowed to flourish in the state is now under threat. They are now hitting back,” said one of the sources.

A second source said some prominent players in the private sector (who find themselves caught up in the conflict) have been warned to upgrade their personal safety.

For more http://www.news24.com

Johannesburg – No advantage will be given to any political party in the run-up to this year’s local government elections, President Jacob Zuma said on Monday.

Zuma was in Midrand, Johannesburg, where he signed the electoral code of conduct on behalf of the African National Congress.

“The ANC also reaffirms its commitment to political tolerance, peaceful co-existence with other parties, as well as free political activity throughout our country,” he said while giving his party’s pledge.

“We look forward to a robust and peaceful electioneering period at equal level and successful elections on 3 August. No advantage will be given to any [party], we canvass and participate equally as equal parties.”

For more http://www.news24.com

The cost of extra security needed during the #FeesMustFall students’ campaigns has cost millions of rands and has punched holes into the budgets of the country’s universities, a City Press investigation has found.

In a desperate bid to bring back a peaceful environment needed for learning and safeguard their priceless infrastructure, universities have been forced to beef up security on their premises.

The information on security costs, however, was not voluntarily given to City Press. In February, City Press was forced to use the Promotion of Access to Information Act to get 10 affected universities to reveal the amounts spent on added security on campuses. Half of the universities complied and handed over the information.

For more http://www.citypress.co.za