Category Archives: NEWS

MEC Mohono joins World Tourism Day celebrations in the Northern Cape

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Upington – Following her recent visit to the Northern Cape where she joined the Minister of Tourism, Derek Hanekom, the Northern Cape provincial government and the whole country in celebrating World Tourism Day (27 September 2014) activities which were held under theme.

“Tourism Transforming Lives, North West MEC for Tourism, Desbo Mohono says her department was able to exchange best practices and benchmark other trends within the Tourism sector across the country. MEC Mohono said that it is important that she engages with other relevant national stakeholders, the Minister and Tourism MECs from other provinces so as to better place her newly formed department and province as set against other provincial departments in the map.

“This tour to the Northern Cape was not only to celebrate world Tourism Day, we were there to also benchmark, network and exchange best practices. I was there to ensure that I sell Bokone Bophirima as a tourism product to the market which was available there” she said.

Mohono said the North West province has quality world class tourism products which the citizens as the custodians need to represent, package and sell well to the relevant markets. “Hence we are in this province to see how we can learn from them and share best practices”, she said.

MEC Mohono also added that since the North West and Northern Cape are bordering each other the prospects of creating partnerships which will benefit both provinces in growing the economy.

“We can engage each other on a regular to develop strategies in working together to grow the tourism economy. Both our provinces are mainly rural and we both have astonishing indigenous Tourism products. Our partnership would go a long away and it will definitely yield positive results which will transform the lives of ordinary South Africans from both provinces”, she added.

World Tourism Day is an annual event meant to foster awareness among the international community about the importance of tourism and its social, cultural, political and economic value.

This year’s theme was focusing on the ability of tourism to empower people and provide them with skills to achieve change in their local communities.-TDN
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Two nabbed for fraud in Kimberley

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By Obakeng Maje
Kimberley Crime Prevention members arrested two suspects on Tuesday night for alleged ATM Fraud, says Northern Cape police.

“It is alleged that the members were doing routine patrols when at about 21:45 they noticed two suspicious men in Jones Street. After searching the two men, police found 100 bank cards, R12 000 cash, 10 ID books and a 9mm pistol in their possession” lieutenant Andrea Cloete said.

The men were arrested and detained for fraud. They are expected to appear in court soon.

The suspects aged between 30 and 40 years old are from Barkly West.
Police investigations continue.-TDN
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Zuma commits to fixing problems in Pietermaritzburg

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Pietermaritzburg – President Jacob Zuma on Tuesday said government would fix problems brought to his attention during his visit to Imbali, Pietermaritzburg, the presidency said.

“President Jacob Zuma has… committed all spheres of government to hastily address service delivery and infrastructure challenges facing Umgungundlovu District Municipality community and surrounding areas,” spokesperson Mac Maharaj said.

Problems the community highlighted included service delivery, infrastructure development, high levels of crime, social services, unemployment and substance abuse. Zuma expressed satisfaction that the community presented their problems to their elected leaders.

Challenges

“I have brought the premier and his provincial cabinet, national ministers, mayors and councillors whom I have instructed to quickly address the challenges that have been raised during this imbizo,” Zuma said.

“We will waste no time in addressing your concerns and I have undertaken to monitor progress from time to time.”

Zuma and KwaZulu-Natal Premier Senzo Mchunu visited several homes, including a household headed by 21-year-old Thulebona Maphumulo.

Maphumulo looks after his four young siblings and told Zuma they sometimes went to bed hungry.

Maharaj said: “In response to the plight of the Maphumulo family, President Zuma committed himself to educate… Thulebona Maphumulo through the Jacob Zuma Foundation.”

Zuma also called on the relevant provincial and local government departments to support the family with the necessary government services.

SAPA

Duarte: Water crisis shows officials must up game

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Johannesburg – The water shortages in Gauteng showed how officials needed to improve their performance, said ANC deputy secretary-general Jessie Duarte, Eyewitness News reported on Wednesday.

According to the report, Duarte said the water shortages were a concern for the African National Congress.

“Worries about the metro city are that we just need it to jack up its game,” Duarte told the broadcaster.

“It’s got to get over this thing of the billing system and the water problems and Johannesburg electricity.”

With municipal managers and CEOs earning a lot of money, they were expected to do their jobs.

“I am certainly behind pushing the municipal managers and the chief executive officers (CEOS), who earn quite a lot of money, to do their jobs,” she said.

The deputy secretary general said technicians needed to have access to CEOs when machinery failed to function, reported Eyewitness News.

On Tuesday, there were reports that some residents in the north and west of Johannesburg were still without water.

Rand Water urged affected residents to contact the utility’s hotline.

By Monday night, water had been restored to all affected areas, spokesperson Justice Mohale said.

SAPA

‘The church should unite in prayer for families of Nigerian Disaster’  

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Mahikeng- The Church as the body of Christ should unite in prayer for families that are anguished by the loss of their loved ones following the collapse of a Nigerian church building in which 80 South Africans reportedly died, Mahikeng Ministers Fellowship (MMF) said in a statement issued on Tuesday.

“The dignity with which the South African authorities have as per the directive of President  Zuma responded to the worst tragedy that the country has ever experienced since the dawn of our freedom has shown its compassion for its citizens,” Chairperson of MMF(an interdenominational Pastors Fellowship), Apostle Zandisile Reginald Mpame said.   

Apostle Mpame added that the consular support provided to families of those who died including the evacuation of 22 injured survivors by the South African National Defence Force and forensic, pathological and disaster relief efforts coordinated by the Inter-Ministerial Committee has made South Africans proud of their government.

“Our prayers are with Prophet TB Joshua, the Synagogue Church of All Nations, Ministries and churches to which those who died belonged. This is not the time for opportunistic slander and ridicule to be directed at a fellow servant of God and those who visited his church,” Mpame emphasised.
 
“We should guard against xenophobia, envy and jealous over the signs, miracles and wonders experienced at the Synagogue and remember that when a part of the body of Christ is hurting, the Kingdom of God is hurting,” he stressed.

Arrangements regarding a local memorial service for those who died in the disaster would be announced in due course after the identification process of those who perished in the tragedy has been finalised, their remains brought back home and their names officially announced.-TDN
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Convicted killer sentenced to community service

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Tonga – An Mpumalanga first-year mechanical engineering student found guilty of stabbing his friend to death during a tavern brawl has been handed an effective three-year community service sentence.

Collen Sabelo Shongwe, 25, of Mdladla village near Malalane, was sentenced in the Tonga Regional Court on Tuesday, a Sapa correspondent reported.

Shongwe was arrested on 3 November 2013, and had pleaded guilty to culpable homicide before his sentencing.

He previously admitted to stabbing and killing his friend Thami Khoza during a tavern fight.

“His Legal Aid attorney, Xolani Mahlalela, read his sworn affidavit in court, stating that Khoza was stabbed with a broken beer bottle, killing him on the scene.

He said Khoza accused Mahlalela of stealing his money at the tavern and started punching him in the face, forcing Mahlalela to walk out of the tavern.

“My client told me that Khoza then followed him outside the tavern where a fight ensued. Shongwe grabbed a broken beer bottle, stabbed him once and he fell on the ground and died,” he said.

Shongwe then rushed home to inform his aunt about the incident.

The aunt called the police.

In accordance with the plea, Magistrate Edgar Moletsane found Shongwe guilty.

On Tuesday, Mahlalela pleaded with the court to hand his client a light sentence.

He said Shongwe and Khoza’s families had forgiven each other.

Moletsane handed Shongwe an eight-year jail sentence suspended to five years on condition that he does community service for three years.

“You will voluntarily give services at your local clinic by working 10 hours per month,” said Moletsane.

Shongwe is out on R1 000 bail.

SAPA

Convicted killer sentenced to community service

NEWS Leave a comment

Tonga – An Mpumalanga first-year mechanical engineering student found guilty of stabbing his friend to death during a tavern brawl has been handed an effective three-year community service sentence.

Collen Sabelo Shongwe, 25, of Mdladla village near Malalane, was sentenced in the Tonga Regional Court on Tuesday, a Sapa correspondent reported.

Shongwe was arrested on 3 November 2013, and had pleaded guilty to culpable homicide before his sentencing.

He previously admitted to stabbing and killing his friend Thami Khoza during a tavern fight.

“His Legal Aid attorney, Xolani Mahlalela, read his sworn affidavit in court, stating that Khoza was stabbed with a broken beer bottle, killing him on the scene.

He said Khoza accused Mahlalela of stealing his money at the tavern and started punching him in the face, forcing Mahlalela to walk out of the tavern.

“My client told me that Khoza then followed him outside the tavern where a fight ensued. Shongwe grabbed a broken beer bottle, stabbed him once and he fell on the ground and died,” he said.

Shongwe then rushed home to inform his aunt about the incident.

The aunt called the police.

In accordance with the plea, Magistrate Edgar Moletsane found Shongwe guilty.

On Tuesday, Mahlalela pleaded with the court to hand his client a light sentence.

He said Shongwe and Khoza’s families had forgiven each other.

Moletsane handed Shongwe an eight-year jail sentence suspended to five years on condition that he does community service for three years.

“You will voluntarily give services at your local clinic by working 10 hours per month,” said Moletsane.

Shongwe is out on R1 000 bail.

SAPA

Marikana miners haunted by police attack

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Marikana – Lonmin miners who survived the 16 August 2012 shootings at Marikana said on Tuesday they were haunted by memories of the confrontation with police.

“As I hid on this spot, I saw two of my colleagues surrendering. Their hands were fully raised,” Lonmin mineworker Shadrack Mtshamba said.

He was in an area referred to by the Farlam Commission of Inquiry as koppie three. The commission, led by retired Judge Ian Farlam, was at Marikana, near Rustenburg, North West, on Tuesday for an inspection in loco.

“When the police found some of us from the hiding places, we were beaten and dragged to the point where we were arrested. The police beat us repeatedly,” Mtshamba told reporters.

“As you can see, there are thorns and rocks on this area. Since then, not one of us has received counselling. We are traumatised even now. This place brings back bad memories.”

Some Lonmin miners, who did not want to be named, said theirs had been a long wait for justice.

Evidence leader Matthew Chaskalson led a large delegation of commissioners, lawyers, journalists, surviving miners and widows near the hill in Wonderkop, Marikana.

A few of the miners wore red EFF T-shirts while some widows wore green Association of Mineworkers and Construction Union (Amcu) regalia.

Compared to the previous inspection in loco, there were fewer miners and widows.

Numerous police officers accompanied the delegation. A few Nyala armoured personnel carriers were parked nearby.

The previous inspection, on 8 September, was terminated due to security concerns. Chaos erupted when a woman wearing a red National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) T-shirt joined the inspection. Miners threatened her, shouting obscenities.

The area has been marked by rivalry between the NUM and Amcu.

Amcu replaced the NUM as the dominant union at Lonmin’s platinum mining operations during the 2012 strike.

‘Cut the nonsense’

During the 8 September spat Farlam intervened, telling the miners to “cut the nonsense”, but his calls were ignored.

The commission is investigating the deaths of 44 people during unrest at Lonmin’s platinum mine in Marikana in August 2012.

Thirty-four people, mostly striking mineworkers, were shot dead in a clash with the police on 16 August.

More than 70 people were wounded and more than 200 were arrested. The police were apparently trying to disarm and disperse them.

In the preceding week, 10 people, including two policemen and two Lonmin security guards, were killed.

SAPA

Generations bow out…for now

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JOHANNESBURG – The future of Generations hangs in the balance.

South Africa’s most-watched soapie airs for the last time on Tuesday night.
For more http://www.enca.com

Mahikeng Supa Drift Series A Success

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Mahikeng is about to be known for great and unique things. The capital city of North West Province hosted the 2nd Supa Drift Series from 26 – 27 September 2014, in the parking area of the Mmabatho Stadium.

The event which ignited excitement to people of Mahikeng, families and visitors drew crowd of almost 6000 people which were able to view the spectacular drifting show and also visit the flea market and food stalls which were set up by local SMME’s.

The Supa Drift Series had 30 professional drifters participating from Cape Town, Durban, Eastern Cape, Gauteng and other areas around the country.

“This is the second motor sport initiative we are seeing in the province, we want to rebrand, renew and reposition Mahikeng as a vibrant and event filled Capital City and attract more visitors to the province,” said the MEC for the Department of Economy and Enterprise Development, Wendy Nelson.

The event was held in partnership with the Bakgatla ba Kgafela Tribal Council and Ultrapex Communication with the aim of creating tourism footprint and growth of small and thriving businesses in the North West province.

The family orientated weekend was full of fun and entertainment and benefited both local small businesses as well as the enthusiastic drifting fans.

Nelson applauded Rolance Molapisi, a young and local qualified drifter and professional racer, to have partnered with the Department to bring such a great and innovative event in the Province. Molapisi a young and good will product of Mahikeng saw the initiative as a flagship for tourism and economic spin off for the province.

“The words uttered by Molapisi “my dream started four years ago right here at this stadium parking lot. I have traveled a long journey to get where I am now and excited to share my dream career with local young people and urge them not to view this kind sport as a farfetched dream, said Rolence.

He further said that he is in a process of opening a drifting club to develop emerging drifters by offering training and share skills to young people who want to venture into this scare motorsport career.

Rolence thanked his professional mentor, Mike Skelton for introducing him to this prestigious sport and giving him the platform to bring such initiative to Mahikeng.

Mike said that he is thrilled by support and commitment shown by the MEC and her Departmental staff for making this event a roaring success.

“My team is overjoyed by the spirit and love they received from the people of Mahikeng and looking forward to bringing the event again next year and this time the venue would be the Mahikeng Airport. We are in the process of building and transferring the skill to Rolence so that after 3years he can own and operate the franchise and be able to host the event on his own” concluded Mike.

MEC Nelson highlighted that with this kind of sport event; the Department wants to create young entrepreneurs who can come up with unique and fresh ideas which will contribute to the value chain of growing the economy of the province.

The Supadrift Series is one of the activities which the Department is venturing into that is aimed at creating awareness and great ambition for local products.

The competition ended with a tough fight for pole position with Paolo Gouveia taking 1st place, Jason Webb taking 2nd place and Shane Gutzeit taking the 3rd place.

The event was preceded by visits to nearby schools and motor-cate as part of creating hype for the event.

Learners were taken through a short demonstration of what will be happening and were urged not practice illegal drifting on the streets. MEC expressed her gratitude to the people of Mahikeng and other role players to have supported the event and encourage them to continue to have the spirit of “Saamtrek and Saamwerk” to reposition Mahikeng.

The MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Gaoage Molapisi pledged his support towards the event and said that his Department will partner with Economy and Enterprise Development in the hosting of this event next year.
-TDN
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