Category Archives: NEWS

MMABANA RETURNS TO THE NATIONAL ARTS FESTIVAL


Mahikeng- When the National Arts Festival start on the 3rd July 2014 in Grahamstown, Eastern Cape; the North West based iconic institution Mmabana Arts, Culture and Sports Foundation will be fully represented for the first time since 2008.

To mark its return, Mmabana Foundation will present four theatre productions on the fringe programme of the festival. The four are Chasing Laughter, written by Monageng ‘Vice’ Motshabi and directed by Tipo Tindisa, Chris Voster’s ‘Vultures’ directed by Quinton Wils, Zakes Mda’s ‘Mother of all Eating’ directed Mahlubi Kraai; and lastly a dance derivation of Vultures titled ‘Manong’ choreographed by Reginald Danster.

“The four productions feature largely the North West Province and Mmabana reared talent through which the process of repositioning the Foundation as a hub of creativity is imbedded” Mmabana spokesperson Trinity Bogosi said.

Since its inception 28 years ago, Mmabana Foundation is known to have produced exceptional talent, many of which continues to grace television screens and theatres across the country as well as featuring in international acclaimed films, e.g. Presley Chweneyagae in Tsotsi and Thato Molamu (Nicholas in Generations) to name but a few.

As the National Arts Festival celebrates 40 years, Mmabana commemorates its 28th.
-TDN
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Jaws dispersed illegal drag racing on June 16  


Itsoseng- The Jaws intervention unit implemented the full might of the law when they disperse crowd motorbikers and city golf motorists who were illegally drag racing at Itsoseng location about 30 kilometers from Mahikeng.

More than 20 bikers and about 10 city golf motorists were apparently attended a June 16 youth celebration held in Bodibe village which was organized by the youth from the same area, then later drove to Itsoseng for drag racing were they were dispersed by the Jaws team.

North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management Gaoage Molapisi said the department would never allow any drag racing activity.

“Drag racing is completely illegal and that will never be tolerated on the roads of the province. We will always do exactly what we did in Itsoseng yesterday, all drag racing activities particularly those taking place on residential areas would be dispersed with immediate effect,” warns Molapisi.

The MEC further called upon communities to alert the department regarding any drag racing activity taking place. “The event itself is dangerous and illegal; we are not going to tolerate it, and we therefore urge our communities to let us know of any drag racing activity,” he concluded.
-TDN
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Mighty Boys walloped in a tournament


By Obakeng Maje
Taung- Mighty Boys FC were eliminated in a mouth-watering showpiece against Mega Stars during semi-finals of Taung Youth Forum Annual Tournament that took place at Nhole village, near Taung.

The tournament was organised by Taung Youth Forum Organisation to celebrate Youth Day in Taung.

The game started as well-balanced, but Mega Stars strikers constantly visited Mighty Boys FC 18-yard. Even though the Mega Stars strikers were a thorn in Mighty Boys defence flesh, they did so well to keep things under control.

Mighty Boys defender Papi Rasesana was substituted at the early stage of the game after a nagging injury. It seems that worked well for Mega Stars as they constantly exploit the Mighty Boys defence.

The illustrious player Thapelo Mosala created a goal opportunity for Manthestad-based team, but that could not be fruitful as the Mega Stars goalkeeper Boitshepo Seshaeng parried it away.

The game went to an interval with Mega Stars in a lead after their striker Ogopoleng Dichake scored a beautiful goal leaving Mighty Boys supporters crestfallen.

The Mighty Boys team came back strongly in search for an equaliser, but all their effort was not enough to prevent their ship from sinking. Gopolang Mathebula showed more skill and tried to penetrate Mega Stars defence, but that was not enough.

“I am very grateful for my players as they showed determination and even though our effort did not pay any dividends, my team showed character” Mighty Boys coach Charlie Rabannye said.

The Mega Stars team qualified for the final of the tournament as their buoyed defence were not in any giving mood.

Mighty Boys FC

Mighty Boys line-up:
Goalkeeper: Kenaleone Katong
Defenders: Boikie Mosadi, Thapelo Mosala, Papi Rasesana, Katlego Mosimege(c), Gopolang Mathebula, Peter Seetelo, Tebogo Maritshi,Boikie Maritshi

Strikers: Bakang Katong, Rebaone Maroke,
Subtitutes: Thuto Tshweu,Katlego Tikane

Coach: Charlie Ramonnye

Mega Stars line-up:
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

NWest to assess implementation of Youth Employment Accord


Mahikeng- Implementation of the youth employment accord is to be assessed, the North West Provincial Government proclaimed at youth dialogues held across all 19 municipalities over the weekend.

Representatives of the provincial government announced  to the over 9000 participants that the assessment to be conducted by the new administration led by Premier Supra Mahumapelo is to cover absorption of young people in the private, green economy, business process sectors and promotion of young cooperatives, entrepreneurship.
A 60% target had been set for absorption of youth in the green economy with the solar heater installation programme identified as a youth focused sector. A target of 80% target was set for young people in the business process sector that includes call centres.   

Work exposure, education, training and public sector measures that had committed to 80% absorption of youth through the Expanded Public Works Programme and the Community Works Programme are also to be assessed.
The assessment will also examine the efficiency and effectiveness of the Narysec programme, the Green, Health and Literacy brigades in the province.

Young people who participated in the dialogues hosted by the Office of the Premier Youth Development Support Directorate in partnership with the National Development Agency and municipalities under the theme ”Youth moving South Africa Forward”  expressed optimism about the establishment of a youth service portal.

The portal is to provide unemployed young people with critical information they require about goods, services, learnerships, bursaries, youth cooperatives, entrepreneurships and job opportunities to participate in the mainstream economy will contribute significantly towards reducing youth unemployment.

“We are excited about the great initiative which has raised our hope,” 28-year-old  Katlego Mopharing from Montshioa.
Her sentiment were echoed by 33 -year- old community leader from Lotlhakaneng village, Eric Manokula who said that the initiative is a good start towards empowering young people to access information and funding.

“There are no short cuts to success. Young people should seek information that should advance their interest in business. We should not rely solely on government to solve our problems. We should be innovative and venture into identified growth sectors to assist government to solve the challenge of youth unemployment through job creation,” successful young Mahikeng businessman, Kelebogile Jacques Seeco of Dikgwetlo Trading said in motivating aspirant entrepreneurs.-TDN
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KITTY KAT ROCKS THE AIRWAVES


Big Brother Mzansi housemate Katlego Mohoaduba (23) left a lasting impression on the show’s viewers all over the continent.

Dubbed Kitty Kat in the house for always teasing the men in the show, Kat has managed to position herself in the entertainment industry.
For more http://www.dailysun.mobi

EFF donates more cash to Amcu strike fund


Johannesburg – The Economic Freedom Fighters has pledged to donate another R50 000 to union Amcu’s strike fund, The Citizen reported on Tuesday.

EFF leader Julius Malema made the announcement at the party’s 16 June rally in Freedom Park, Rustenburg.

“We will never retreat from supporting workers. That is why we gave R50 000 to the strike fund, we will put another R50 000 tomorrow [Tuesday],” Malema was quoted as saying.

He called on workers to protect Association of Mineworkers and Construction Union leaders, the newspaper reported.

He said Freedom Park was the home of the EFF and Amcu.

Criticism of ANC

Malema also criticised ANC secretary general Gwede Mantashe and said the EFF would teach him how to dress first, the newspaper reported.

“Mantashe, with a scruffy beard, thinks he can intimidate the EFF.”

At a media briefing last week, Mantashe accused the EFF of turning the platinum wage dispute into a political strike.

On Saturday, at a post-election rally in Wonderkop, Marikana, Malema wished President Jacob Zuma suffering.

“Zuma is not sick, he is a troubled man. We do not wish him well, we wish him long suffering,” he told supporters.

Amcu members at Impala, Anglo American Platinum and Lonmin went on strike on 23 January for a basic monthly salary of R12 500.

Platinum producers proposed to increase the salary of the lowest paid workers by R1 000 for two years and R950 in the third year. This excluded other benefits.

The proposed settlement was for three years.

The platinum sector eagerly awaited whether the proposed deal to end the strike had been accepted by Amcu.

SAPA

Maite Nkoana-Mashabane ends Iran visit


Johannesburg – International Relations Minister Maite Nkoana-Mashabane ended her two-day working visit to Tehran, Iran, on Monday, her department said.

“The minister’s visit coincides with the 20th anniversary of South Africa’s freedom and democracy and 20 years of diplomatic relations with the Islamic Republic of Iran,” said spokesperson Clayson Monyela in a statement.

Nkoana-Mashabane delivered a keynote address on Monday during a seminar called “20 years of South Africa’s freedom and relations between South Africa and the Islamic Republic of Iran”, said Monyela.

The seminar was hosted by the South African embassy, in conjunction with the Centre for International Studies and Research in Tehran.

“The year 2014 truly presents a momentous occasion for us as a unified nation to reflect on how freedom and democracy were achieved, the progress we have made thus far, and how we as South Africans are going to work together to implement Vision 2030,” Nkoana-Mashabane said during her address.

Other speakers at the seminar included deputy president for women and family affairs Hossein Amir Abdolahian, and presidential spokesperson Mac Maharaj, who addressed the seminar in his personal capacity.

Nkoana-Mashabane met Iranian Foreign Affairs Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif and paid a courtesy call to Iran’s President Hassan Rouhani.

“The two ministers recalled the successful 11th Joint Commission held in October last year and reiterated the need to strengthen co-operation in the fields of trade and investment, health, science, technology and education,” said Monyela.

Nkoana-Mashabane said at the seminar that there was a South African business delegation in Tehran organised by the South African government.

“Their presence is a sign of growing bilateral economic relations between our two countries,” she said.

Nkoana-Mashabane and Zarif discussed developments in their respective countries and regions.

“On the multilateral front, the two ministers discussed the need to strengthen South-South co-operation in the field of development, peace and security,” said Monyela.

“In this regard, Minister Nkoana-Mashabane reiterated South Africa’s support for President Rouhani’s initiative that was tabled at the 68th session of the United Nations General Assembly, calling for a dialogue against violence and extremism,” he said.

On Iran’s nuclear programme, Nkoana-Mashabane said South Africa welcomed the continued negotiations between the P5 (Permanent Members of the United Nations Security Council) and Iran and hoped that the final outcome would be fair and would lead to the lifting of international sanctions, said Monyela.

SAPA

Military veterans get free services


Johannesburg – In honour of the youth of 1976, all military veterans would be afforded free services, the department of military veterans announced on Monday.

These included access to free health care services, education support for them and their dependants, business support, creation of job opportunities, skills development as well as the provision of decent houses, spokesperson Mbulelo Musi said in a statement.

This was in commemoration of the 38th anniversary of the 1976 Soweto uprisings, which was marked on Monday. On 16 June 1976, a group of schoolchildren set off from Morris Isaacson High School in Orlando, Soweto, to protest over Afrikaans being the medium of instruction, among other grievances against the apartheid government.

There was a stand-off with police, who opened fire on the children. The township was sealed off and attacks on government buildings followed; as well as the flight of many youths and political leaders into exile. This day is now commemorated as youth day.

The department also congratulated the thousands of military veterans who, during this period 38 years ago, “took the bull by its horns,” said Musi.

“They took brave steps to swell the ranks of the armed wings of the liberation movements such as Umkhonto we Sizwe and the Azanian People’s Liberation Army,” he said.

There sacrifices allowed South Africa to not only celebrate 20 years of democracy, but also the country’s second phase of deepening and accelerating economic transformation.

“We urge the military veterans of the June 16 generations and all others, the SA National Military Veterans Association and indeed all military veteran organisations to work with us in ensuring the attainment of that vision,” said Musi.

SAPA

Spotlight on SA youth’s future challenges


Johannesburg – With 50% of young South Africans between 15 to 24 unemployed, Youth Day not only represents South Africa’s achievements of the past, but also places the spotlight on the challenges of the future says global human rights and advocacy organisation World Vision South Africa.
Statistics like the above by the World Economic Forum’s (WEF) Global Risk Report 2014 also places the country third when it comes to the highest employment rate in the world for youths.
“The 16th of June highlights that South Africa needs to not only celebrate and remember the achievements and struggles of the past but also use it to pave a way for the future that highlights the plight of the unemployed youth,” said Paula Barnard, national director of World Vision South Africa
“As an organisation we deal with the causes and results of unemployment on a daily basis and therefore challenge government, business and NGOs to offer practical and feasible solutions to the youth of the country. Surely June 16 should celebrate the future and current examples of change and advancements.”
The WEF’s Global Risk Report 2014 in particular highlights the role of education.
“”It’s vital we sit down with young people now and begin planning solutions aimed at creating fit-for-purpose educational systems, functional job-markets, efficient skills exchanges and the sustainable future we all depend on,” states the report.
“Apart from access to education, South Africa needs to move beyond its talk shop mentality and implement a system and environment that fosters sustainability, entrepreneurship and cements a generation that contributes proactively to the economy of our country,” said Barnard.
“The reality is unemployment leads to social decay, crime and a country riddled by instability which ultimately impacts future generations of children trying to carve a full life for themselves in the world.”
With education in mind, World Vision SA’s Area Development Programmes (ADP) across the country have used Youth Day to highlight its importance through practical and sustainable interventions in various parts of SA.
World Vision SA is currently active in 20 in-community projects and programmes, in six provinces throughout South Africa, impacting and serving over 87 000 children directly through child sponsorship, and indirectly impacting a further 15 million children, and over 1 million households through advocacy and in-community programming efforts which includes access to education.
SAPA

Protesters throw rocks at passing vehicles


Johannesburg – Residents in Mofolo, Soweto, protested on Tuesday morning by burning tyres and throwing rocks at passing vehicles, Johannesburg metro police said.

“Motorists are advised to use alternative routes as it is not safe to drive in the area,” spokesperson Chief Superintendent Wayne Minnaar said

The protests started at Mofolo and Vincent roads, he said.

It was not immediately clear why the residents were protesting.

SAPA