Category Archives: NEWS

Boitekong Community Health Centre closed for renovations


Rustenburg- Boitekong Community Health Center has temporarily closed its doors to allow contractors to give the health center a much needed facelift.

The health center will receive a theatre, mental facility and additional four maternity beds. The theatre and mental facility are new editions.

“The refurbishments at Boitekong CHC are part of revitalisation programme aimed at upgrading and improving infrastructure of health facilities in the province” departmental spokesperson Tebogo Lekgethwane said.

Health services that were being offered at Boitekong CHC have relocated to various health facilities within the Rustenburg Health Sub District.

During the duration of refurbishments, maternal deliveries will be catered for at Tlhabane and Bafokeng Community Health Centers, mothers and children services have relocated to Kanana clinic, while HIV/AIDS, Sexually Transmitted Infections, Tuberculosis and Trauma services have moved to Boitekong Clinic.

Lekgethwane said chronic patients will receive health services at Boitekong CHC Park home.

The department is making an appeal to members of the public to access health services at designated health facilities.-TDN
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(Edited By Obakeng Maje)

Mmabatho Nursing College to resume classes


By Obakeng Maje
Mmabatho- Academic activities at Mmabatho College of Nursing will resume on Monday. The academic program will continue as normal with students going back to class, sitting for mid-year examinations and attending to their clinical areas, says North West Health Department.

“The examinations for Group June 2011 will commence on Tuesday, 24 June at 09H00. Examinations for other category of students are deferred to a future date to be communicated to students” spokesperson Tebogo Lekgetwane said.

Students who had vacated the premises of the college following closure are urged to return to the college. The department has increased security at the college to protect property and students who stayed away from the academic activities due to intimidation.-TDN
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North West pupils get their ‘drivers’ learners licences’


Mahikeng- About hundred learners from Gaopotlake Secondary School in Mokgalwaneng recently received their drivers’ learner’s licences, handed-over by the North West Department of Community Safety and Transport Management.

Hundred learners from this school have attended lessons and wrote their test for learner’s licences.

The departmental MEC Gaoage Molapisi said the handing over of the learner’s licences for the Gaopotlake Secondary school was phase one of the project and that department will implement phase two which would be the driver’s licenses during this financial year.

“In the past we only managed to implement phase one of this project due to financial constraints, now we have worked on that and these learners would now be our first group of phase two. Our intention is that learners must have driver’s licenses when they complete matric,” said Molapisi.

Since the begin of the learners and drivers’ licenses project in 2011, the department had faced with a number of challenges which included financial constraints and lack of accredited and registered service providers in this regard.

In resolving such challenges, the department has managed to set aside budget for the second phase of the project and intends to implement it with the Mokgalwaneng learners who have recently received their learner’s licenses.

The department is further encouraging all driving school owners in the province to register their businesses and get accreditation for them to be able to do business with the department.

“We need registered and accredited driving school service providers so that we don’t struggle to find them on the database.”

“In the past we struggled to source out service providers and that created us difficulties of reaching our targets of producing Grade 12 learners with drivers’ licences,” explains Molapisi who outlined that his department mainly prioritises the learners from disadvantaged families in rural areas.

In partnership with the Department of Basic Education, the National Department of Transport introduced road safety education as part of the life skills curriculum at schools.

In support of this programme, learners in grade 11 are now able to acquire their learner’s licences and their driving licences as they complete matric.

The project is part of the Road Safety activities aligned with the aim of the Decade of Action for Road Safety strategy which is to reduce road accidents by 50% by 2020. Its main objectives are to ensure that learners have standardized high quality driver training, develop responsible and accountable drivers and further to standards and knowledge of driving.
-TDN
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South African referee quits


Johannesburg- International referee Jerome Damon has called time on his illustrious refereeing career to pursue other interests.

Damon, who made his refereeing debut in the 1996/97 season, informed the South African Football Association (SAFA) on Tuesday of his decision to hang his whistle.

The Cape Town-born whistleman said it was not an easy decision to call time on an occupation that had become part of his life for the past 18 years.

“After a very long introspection, prayer and consultation, I have decided to call an end to my active duty on the SAFA national panel of match officials after having first made my rookie appearance in the 1996/7 season,” said Damon.

The former Premier Soccer League Referee of the Season said his decision was motivated by two main factors- inability to train regularly and with the same intensity expected of the modern match official and pressing issues at his school where he is an educator.

Damon was Referee of the Season in the 2004/05 and 2008/09 seasons. He was also stand-by referee for the 2006 FIFA World Cup in Germany and got a run in the FIFA 2010 World Cup on home soil.

He was a familiar face on the African continent as he handled the 2004, 2006, 2008 and 2010 Africa Cup of Nations matches.

“I have certainly enjoyed every single moment of serving on this county’s highest panel as, first, an assistant referee and then, as a referee. I have made many friends along the way and cherish numerous memories – certainly too many to accurately document here. But the most memorable one is being able to represent South Africa on many international tournaments around the world, the climax of course, being the 2010 FIFA World Cup, right here in South Africa.

“I want to thank everyone involved in forming my refereeing career from my late dad through to every assessor and commissioner (locally and internationally). I especially want to thank the SAFA President and the NEC for rubber-stamping every opportunity that I was given,” said Damon.

“With the ending of one chapter, comes the opportunity to write another. I do believe that there is still a lot for me to do in the refereeing world and I look forward to the next challenge, the next opportunity to serve. Football has left an indelible mark on my life and I hope that in some small way I have left a mark in its books,” he concluded.
-TDN
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A man shot dead, suspects fled the scene in Brits


By Obakeng Maje
Brits- North West police are investigating a case of murder and attempted murder after three suspects entered a house at Mamogaleskraal, near Brits and fired shots at the victims.

“A 69 year-old man was certified dead and the suspects allegedly fled the scene with his white double cab Isuzu” Mokgwabone said.

The atrocity took place at around 21:30 on Monday and no one has been arrested yet. Police request anyone with information that could lead to any arrest to contact Brits police station.

Police investigations continues.-TDN
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NWest teen accidentally shot his brother dead while hunting


By Obakeng Maje
Wolmaransstad- The police are investigating a case of murder after a 17 year-old minor allegedly shot dead his 21 year-old brother on Monday at about 14:30 at Witpoort farm, near Ottosdal.  

Colonel Sabata Mokgwabone said it appears that the pair were using their father’s rifle to hunt warthogs.

“They allegedly kneeled down and aiming at a warthog when a 21-year-old brother suddenly stood up. It is apparent that the minor,unaware that his brother was on an upright position, fired a shot and the bullet allegedly hit the victim in the head” Mokgwabone said.

A case of murder has been registered and the minor is expected to undergo social worker’s assessment. A case of negligent handling of a firearm in terms of Section 120(8)(a) of Firearm Control Act, 2000 (ACT 60 OF 2000) is registered against the father.-TDN
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Majaneng family receive a helping hand from MEC after fire razed the house


By Obakeng Maje
Taung- The family of Phatwe in Majaneng received a helping hand to weather the winter breeze after their house was razed by blazing fire a week ago.

Phatwe’s 5 roomed house was reduced to ashes after alleged candle was left unattended. The grisly event took place weeks ago at Majaneng village, West of Taung.

According to Saki Phatwe,51, they were asleep when the fire erupted. The house caught fire and was fanned through the house leaving them with no choice, but to run for their lives.

“We were sleeping in the house where we were eventually woken up by blazing fire. My husband tried to extinguish the fire, but with no luck. We are left with no clothes, no I’d documents and also our Sassa cards burned” she said by then.

The North West Social Development MEC Feeney Galaletsang Gaolaolwe intervenes and provided the family with help they could get.

“North West Social Development MEC Feeney Galaletsang Gaolaolwe deployed a social worker to compile a home circumstance report” departmental spokesperson Petrus Siko told TDN.

According to Siko,Gaolaolwe provided the family with social relief of distress to the tune of R1300 including food parcels and blankets.

“Gaolaolwe urges parents to be cautious when using candles and any flammable substance during winter season” Siko said.

Phakwe’s family said there was no electricity unit and decided to use the candle and that caused the fire.-TDN
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Zuma puts economy centre stage


Cape Town – President Jacob Zuma put the need to boost economic growth at the centre of the first major policy speech of his second term on Tuesday, saying he hoped to lift annual growth to 5% by 2019.
Zuma also said he would take direct responsibility for improving social conditions in the mining industry, which has been beset by two years of crippling strikes.

He said the government still strongly believes that the most effective weapon in the campaign against poverty, is the creation of decent work, and that creating work requires faster economic growth.

“To achieve (the set target growth of 5% by 2019), we will embark on various measures and interventions to jump-start the economy.

He said the economy has grown below its potential over the last three years and many households are going through difficulties. “We have (thus) set this target during a difficult period.”

Zuma said the slow growth has been caused in part by the global economic slowdown and secondly by domestic conditions, “such as the prolonged and at times violent strikes, and also the shortage of energy”.

Shortly before Zuma was dew to deliver his State of the Nation address, state utility Eskom announced it has started Stage 1 of load shedding again as the electricity suplly was exceptionally tight.

Also on Tuesday, platinum producers confirmed that they had received a response from mining union Amcu, which could end the almost five-month-long strike plaguing the platinum sector.

Zuma said given the impact of the untenable labour relations environment on the economy, it is critical for social partners to meet and deliberate on the violent nature and duration of the strikes.

The social partners will also need to deliberate on wage inequality, he said.

“On our side as government we will during this term investigate the possibility of a national minimum wage as one of the key mechanisms to reduce the income inequality.”

He said Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa will convene the social partners dialogue, within the ambit of Nedlac.-Reuters

Bangladesh shop owner attacked in Maphoitsile village


By Obakeng Maje
Taung- A Bangladesh national was allegedly attacked by unknown gang at his shop in Maphoitsile village, near Taung on Tuesday.

According to report, close to six gang members pounced on a Bangladesh shop owner in the area and disguised as customers. It is alleged the gang lured the owner into his shop under false pretext and he refused to get into the shop.

One of the gang members allegedly hit him with an axe on his head and was also attacked. The gang fled the crime scene after the attack and left him bleeding profusely.

North West police spokesperson colonel Sabata Mokgwabone said they have not received any case of that matter yet and will inform our crew after receiving the matter from Taung police station.

Our mole said the community went berserk and launched a manhunt, but no one was arrested as the gang members were not known. The incident took place at around 10:30 am on Tuesday and Mokgwabone did not return our calls at the time of going to press.

Nothing was allegedly stolen as the victim scream scared his perpetrators away.-TDN
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Movers FC pipped Mega Stars to be crowned champions


By Obakeng Maje
Taung- The FC Movers were announced as winners of Taung Youth Forum 3rd Annual Tournament on Monday after they pipped Mega Stars FC by 2-0 in the final.

The tournament were hosted at Nhole village, Taung and was organised by Taung Youth Forum.

The organisation co-ordinator Frank Sedumedi said the theme of the tournament was to commemorates June 16.

“We want to take the youth off the streets so that we help to fight the scourge of drug and alcohol abuse. We mostly dealing with issues that affect the youth and by organising tournament like this, surely that will help and bring the awareness” Sedumedi said.

Movers FC took the game to their opponents from the word go. The Modimong-based team raided the half of Mega Stars constantly and their attempt were proved fruitful as Tiro Bakai scored the opener.

Mega Stars tried their best as they came from a convincing win that gave them a spot in the final and also were oozing with confidence. Movers FC players knocked the ball around in the middle of park and that made it difficult for Movers FC to contain them.

Tshepang Saku orchestrated a move and laid the ball to oncoming Bakai who made no mistake. Veertien-based team tried to punch holes in Movers’ defence, but their attempt proved futile.

Mover FC scored their second goal and put the game beyond Mega Stars’ reach. Enterprising striker Kgotso Serolong took a low-down shot that left Mega Stars goalkeeper Boitshepo Seshaeng in no man’s land.

The goal was a confirmation of the winner as it pierced through the hearts of Veertien-based team supporters who were left dejected. The referee blew his whistle minutes after the goal and Movers FC were crowned Taung Youth Forum Annual Tournament Winners for 2014.

FC Movers line-up: Goalkeeper: Johannes Mosiwane
Defenders: Kagiso Bakai, Itumeleng Kwate, Thabiso Pico, Arthur Khaba,

Midfielders: Tiro Bakai, Milton Bokwe, Tshepang Saku, Moses Tlonkwe

Strikers: Thomas Molenyane, Gabagaisanye Bakai

Mega Stars:
Goalkeeper: Boitshepo Seshaeng
Defenders: Aaron Shomalakgosi, Tshwaro Motseko, Goitse Tala, BoitumeloDikgase
Midfielders: Elivis Mothibi, Lebogang Letebele, Motsamai Morwe, Mohau Manyetsa, Rebaone Mokalake, Thapelo Itumeleng Ogopotse Dichake, Thabo seitebogeng, Shadrack Pheko, Reabetswe Tala, hendrick Bakai,

Coach: Boitumelo Molaolwa
-TDN
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