BY OBAKENG MAJE
HARTSWATER- Some of the residents of Hartswater and surrounding areas are up in arms after the project of building canals around their area came to a grinding halt before it can start.

According to Niklaas Kraal(28) who was one of those who were employed by the sub-contractor hired to build the canals, said they have been sent from pillar to post by the sub-contractor.

“We were hired last year in September, we also went through medical test, but until now nothing came forth. We saw people working without knowing how because we were hired in front of everybody at coommunity hall where the project was unveiled” Kraal said.

Close to 20 people gathered at old-Bankdrift High School on Wednesday and blocked the entry where the contractor’s materials were kept.

They barricaded the gate with tree logs and stones.

Tebogo Pilato said it seems the contractor took them for a ride because they saw people from Taung coming to work at the site without their consent.

“We see people those who were not hired at that time reporting on duty, while we’re stucked here. We will block this gate until our grievances are taken into consideration” Pilato said.

The owners of the company hired to build the canals where left stranded at the site as they tried to remove their working materials from the site, but the demented employees never budged.

The Phokwane Municipal spokesperson Kgalalelo Letshabo said the project was brought to the area by department of Water Affairs.

“We cannot respond regarding the matter as the project was brought here by Department of Water Affairs, so all inquiries are handled by them” Letshabo outlines.

The department of Water Affairs allegedly launched the project to build new canals as the old ones are at fault.
-TDN
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The Mkhulisi family is refusing to accept the results of an independent pathologist who has confirmed that the body of the Nigerian building collapse victim is that of their family member, Phumzile Mkhulisi.

The Mkhulisi family from Benoni, east of Johannesburg, decided to view the remains, despite government’s advice against it.

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

Three people have been arrested after a shoot-out with police in Rosebank, Johannesburg. The suspects were allegedly driving a hijacked car.

Police spokesperson, Mack Ngomezulu, says, “The Gauteng Flying Squad picked up a signal of the vehicle that was hijacked on Monday the 2nd of March in Yeoville, near Rosebank.”

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

Cape Town Metro Police have arrested two men in Bellville, Western Cape, who are suspected of being linked to an ATM bombing.

The City’s Mayoral Committee member for Safety, JP Smith, says two officers were patrolling the area on foot when they heard screams in the Bellville CBD.

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

Train commuters in the Tshwane corridor have urged President Jacob Zuma to help ease congestion on trains and daily delays by asking metro-rail officials to increase the number of trains in their areas.

The president paid a surprise visit to different public transport facilities in Mamelodi and the Pretoria CBD on Friday. The president interacted with train and taxi commuters as well as passengers of the Pretoria CBD bus rapid transport.

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

An investigation has been instituted into the operations of several North West municipalities and departments.

The controversial Ngaka Modiri Molema District Municipality is among those that will be probed. It was placed under administration and subsequently dissolved following the mismanagement of funds.

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

Eight people have been arrested for public violence after angry residents of Bekkersdal on the West Rand damaged municipal buildings and looted foreign-owned shops.

Earlier, residents embarked on an illegal protest against alleged corruption, nepotism and maladministration in the Westonaria local municipality.

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

Taung – The ANC Youth League in the Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompai Region has welcomed the appointment of Mika Moeti as the new councillor in the Greater Taung Local Municipality.

Moeti filled the gap left by the late Lepodisi Tong who was also the ANC Chief Whip in the Municipality.

The Youth League expresses its appreciation and the confidence it has in Moeti whom it trust will continue the mandate of the ANC to deliver a better life of the citizens of this municipality and move the broader South African society forward.

The regional secretary Lekgotla Crespo Menyatso noted with joy that Moeti symbolizes a seasoned leader of the broader liberation movement and a loyal cadre to implement the people’s contract to better life. “As the ANC Youth we called upon the leadership to deploy cadres who are clear in terms of the understanding of the policy position of the movement,”

“We will continue to appeal for the deployment of cadres who can fearlessly play the political oversight role and hold administration accountable,” said Menyatso.

Moeti is currently a member of the regional executive committee of the ANC in the Dr Ruth Mompati. He is also the regional secretary of SANCO and led the SACP in the region.

At its regional congress held in June 2014, the Youth League resolved that municipalities must urgently heed the call of young people’s needs. Menyatso called upon leaders of councils to resuscitate the defunct youth desks in most municipalities including the one in Greater Taung.

“The Youth League can no longer tolerate the appointment of cheque collectors who in turn serve their narrow personal interest that ultimately undermine the growth and discipline of our movement,” concluded Menyatso.

-TDN

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BY OBAKENG MAJE
TAUNG- THE Greater Taung Municipality Executive Committee sworn-in one of African National Congress stalwarts in Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati as a PR councillor.

Mika Dikgole Moeti(49) originally from Maphoitsile village, near Taung was finally sworn-in as a PR councillor on Tuesday at Choseng village.

According to Greater Taung Municipal Speaker Deliwe Zethi, Moeti is one of the best deployees of the party as he brings his vast experience and political exposure.

“We believe he will bring stability into the party and his contribution will be immensely. We appointed him to fill the vacant left by the late comrade Lepodisi Tong. He will be helping ward 1 councillor in Reivilo” Zethi said.

Moeti said he welcomes the decision and the trust bestowed oon him by the ruling party to make use of his experience.

“I accepted the position offered to me by ANC because as a public servant, I cannot refuse when the party need my contribution. I will be helping the ward councillor at Reivilo and also helping to oversee things at Local Economic Development department within Greater Taung municipality” Moeti said.

Moeti once worked as a director at North West Social Development department in Mahikeng under Mosetsanagape Mokomele-Mothibi’s tenure.
-TDN
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By Lesedi Setlhodi

The multi-talented artist from the Texas of South Africa, Vryburg made time from his forever dynamic schedule to speak to Taung DailyNews (TDN). Otshabeng Paul, affectionately known as Tshabz Motswanarap is one local artist who in the rise and has already had a taste of greater things in the music industry.

Tshabz, who is also a Latin and American ballroom dancer, is a hip-hop artist who was born in Mahikeng, bred in Huhudi (Vryburg). A 28-year old artist started writing his own lyrical content at the age of 16. “I grew up from music background, my mom was a choral singer and she loved music too. I believe I got my talent from her,” shares the modest Tshabz.

The young man is preceded by a long trail of his remarkable reputation. He is not just a hip-hop artist, but also an entrepreneur as he also runs his own marketing and advertising agency.

In 2009 he scooped first position on the then talent scouting show Jam Alley; he then later that year released his first mixtape titled Self Restriction. His latest single “Never let you” go is making waves on local and several University campus radio playlists. He has made appearances on Play Network (Sabc 3); Shiz Niz (e TV); the most recent one was when he performed live on e TV’s Sunrise in January this year.

TDN caught up with Tshabz…

Why did you choose to pursue hip-hop music?

The love for music and I express myself better when I make music. I take it as having a conversation with someone that I don’t know who is willing to hear and relate to my story.

Who motivates you to do what you do?

My life motivates my journey in life; growing up without both parents and being raised by a single grandmother who did everything in her power to support us made me want to turn my life around. It made me want to inspire young people who went through the same struggle I did and those who continually sharing the same element as me.

He has shared platform with heavy weights like TUKS, Morafe, HHP, Alaska and would like to work with amongst others, Zahara, Thandiswa Mazwai, Black Coffee, Kanye West and Dr Dre in the future.

How do you prepare for your gigs?

To be a great artist takes a lot of rehearsal and focus is required every minute of the way. You have to be always prepared.

Challenges you face in the industry?

A challenge that most artists never talk about on their interviews is that of financial support. Making music requires a lot of money and so is recording an album and shooting music videos. You need a good PR team that will make sure that your brand and music is being dished out well to music lovers. Lastly but not least, you need to study the music industry/business, learn all the relevant channels of the industry while building good relationships.

How is your latest single doing in the market? When can we expect the 2015 album?

I have released a single from my upcoming album titled Never let you go and so far the song is doing good, the fans are showing love by buying the song. I have also released another single (Uyababa) which is going to be big in South Africa! I’m releasing my first album this year titled Lentswe and on it I worked with hardworking upcoming artists and producers from various areas.

How do you like the limelight?

I just appreciate the recognition that I get from my fans and from people I do business with. One day I want to be seen as a legend. My responsibility is towards the youth, I am passionate about uplifting them and give them hope especially those from disadvantaged precincts and circumstances.

Any hidden talents?

Hahahaaaaa! My hidden talents include acting, basketball, dancing and soccer.

Any words of encouragement to your fans or those who look up to you?

You need to be a hard worker and passionate about what you do, take good care of yourself and choose your friends correctly. Work more on your weaknesses and grow your skills; like I said I have never been to school for business, arts or graphic designing but with dedication and the love for what I do, I’m getting there. I can say one should just be self and believe in God, and don’t forget to pray.

For more on Tshabz visit www.tshabz.co.za

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