Category Archives: NEWS

Premier Modise to pronounce on Bodibe traditional leadership claim within two weeks    


Bodibe-The determination as to whether the Modiboa families in Bodibe village should be recognised as a traditional community will be known in the next two weeks when the  Commission on Traditional Leadership Disputes and Claims presents its findings and recommendations on the claim lodged by Keorapetse Prince Motlhako to Premier Thandi Modise.

The Modiboa families residing in Gomola section in Bodibe village which is under Kgosi Rapulana Victor Matlaba of the Barolong Boo Tau Rapulana are currently not recognised as a traditional community.

“Motlhako lodged a claim to be recognised as a senior traditional leader of the Barolong Boo Modiboa on 3 June 2013” premier Thandi Modise’spokesperson Lesiba Kgwele said.

After receiving the recommendations of the commission, Premier Modise will announce the research findings and recommendations to all the parties that were interviewed.

The Commission for Traditional Leadership Disputes and Claims was established in terms of the Traditional Leadership and Governance Framework Act 41 of 2003 to restore the dignity and integrity of traditional communities and the entire institution of traditional leadership across the country. 

“The North West Committee on Traditional Leadership Disputes and Claims has since its inception finalised investigations into over 110 traditional leadership disputes and claims” Kgwele said.-TDN
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MEC MASIKE TO UNVEIL FIRST 10 NEW OBSTETRIC AMBULANCES IN THE PROVINCE


The North West Department of Health has procured 10 well equipped Obstetric ambulances at a cost of R5.9 million.

“These obstetric ambulances will exclusively transport high risk cases that require immediate referral between all levels of care” North West Health MEC Dr Masike said.

According to North West Chapter of Saving Mothers Report 2008 – 2010, the largest part of the population lives mainly in rural areas and 25-30% represents the number of women in a reproductive age (15-49%).

He said amongst administrative avoidable factors of maternal deaths, transport was singled out as a major challenge.

“Twenty two(22) mothers died due to lack of transport, out of which 4 (11%) had problems of home to the institution and 18 (8.1%) institution to institution” said Masike.

In May 2012, Minister of Health, Dr. Aaron Motsoaledi launched CARMMA in Kwazulu Natal. In response to the MDG 5, Minister Motsoaledi among other strategies recommended procurement of Obstetric Ambulances.

However, despite the challenges highlighted the Department has made some progress which has seen maternal mortality reduction from 229 per 100 000 live births in 2008 to 145/100 000 live births in 2011.

According to Masike, the province had also seen a decrease in the Infant Mortality Rate from 40 deaths per 1 000 live births in 2009, to 30 deaths per 1 000 live births in the same reporting period.

The figures are expected to decline drastically following the establishment of 16 maternity waiting homes to bring pregnant women closer to birthing places two weeks prior to delivery. Maternity Waiting Homes cater for pregnant women with complications or those that are far from health care facilities.

The Ambulances will be distributed to all Districts as follows:

 DISTRICT

NUMBER

RATIONALE

Bojanala

3

It is vast and highly populated

Dr RSM

3

It is vast and very rural District

NMM

2

Very rural

Dr KK

2

It is an NHI pilot site and has high maternal mortality ratio.

“These ambulances will help improve access to skilled birth attendants, reduce ambulance turn-around time; and reduce maternal and child mortality due to lack of delay of transport. Ten(10) more obstetric ambulances will be procured within the financial year 2014/2015” he said.

Health MEC, Dr. Magome Masike will unveil the 10 Obstetric ambulances in Rustenburg on Wednesday.

The unveiling will coincide with a two day Provincial Health Consultative Forum to be attended by health stakeholders in the province. The aim of the forum is to involve both internal and external stakeholders to participate and advise the department on its policies and programmes targeted at improving the provision of health care services. 

Amongst issues to be looked at the forum include improvement of health status of communities through implementation of integrated health programme and promotion of healthy living, management of district health system; and impact of municipal services to quality health care.

Details are as follows:
Venue: Orion Safari Lodge, Rustenburg Kloof
Date: 19 to 20 March 2014
(Obstetric ambulances will be unveiled at 12h00)

Time: 10h00
-TDN
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ANC takes action against gunman


Johannesburg – Disciplinary action will be taken against ANC member Nelson Mdayi – identified as the man wielding a gun in newspaper pictures of clashes in Bekkersdal, the party said on Monday.
“The ANC will institute disciplinary action against Mdayi for bringing the organisation into disrepute by carrying a firearm whilst on a campaign trail,” said ANC Gauteng spokesperson Nkenke Kekana.

“His action has undermined the ANC’s integrity and [its] public image. The ANC does not approve the use of weapons during election campaign activities from its members or from any political party, as this can only serve to intimidate or escalate tensions unnecessarily.”

The party’s provincial integrity committee would look into the matter. Mdayi is also a government employee and a resident in Bekkersdal.

The City Press on Sunday reported that he was employed by the Westonaria municipality.

On Thursday, an ANC delegation visiting Bekkersdal, west of Johannesburg, were pelted with stones during a door-to-door campaign ahead of the 7 May general election.

The delegation included Eric Xayiya, Ntombi Mekgwe, and Brian Hlongwa.

Thabang Wesi, leader of the Concerned Residents of Bekkersdal, said residents saw ANC “bodyguards” with weapons in the township shooting at unarmed people, mainly school pupils.

The Star on Friday reported that ANC “bodyguards” fired live ammunition at residents after disrupting schooling.

The Citizen newspaper carried pictures of the episode. One was of Mdayi wearing an ANC bib with a gun behind his back.

Gun license questioned

Police spokesperson Lungelo Dlamini told the newspaper the case was outside the jurisdiction of the police.

He could not be reached for comment on Monday.

Kekana called on the police to investigate whether Mdayi’s gun was licensed.

He said ANC officials were in touch with community members of Bekkersdal to address their concerns.

“We want to work the community… to resolve election campaign issues and related matters, so that all voters, no matter which party they will choose to vote for, can go to the polls in peace and without fear,” he said.

“It is unacceptable that schooling should be disrupted, and that legitimate public representatives be barred from doing their work.”

He said an investigation into the matter was also being carried out by the government.

“We will not accept any violence or acts of intimidation from any of our members and we will therefore investigate any wrongful action or intent.”

He urged ANC members to adhere to the Constitution.

“We encourage all of our volunteers to adhere to the election code of conduct in all their door-to-door and on-the-ground efforts.”

– SAPA

ANC takes action against gunman


Johannesburg – Disciplinary action will be taken against ANC member Nelson Mdayi – identified as the man wielding a gun in newspaper pictures of clashes in Bekkersdal, the party said on Monday.
“The ANC will institute disciplinary action against Mdayi for bringing the organisation into disrepute by carrying a firearm whilst on a campaign trail,” said ANC Gauteng spokesperson Nkenke Kekana.

“His action has undermined the ANC’s integrity and [its] public image. The ANC does not approve the use of weapons during election campaign activities from its members or from any political party, as this can only serve to intimidate or escalate tensions unnecessarily.”

The party’s provincial integrity committee would look into the matter. Mdayi is also a government employee and a resident in Bekkersdal.

The City Press on Sunday reported that he was employed by the Westonaria municipality.

On Thursday, an ANC delegation visiting Bekkersdal, west of Johannesburg, were pelted with stones during a door-to-door campaign ahead of the 7 May general election.

The delegation included Eric Xayiya, Ntombi Mekgwe, and Brian Hlongwa.

Thabang Wesi, leader of the Concerned Residents of Bekkersdal, said residents saw ANC “bodyguards” with weapons in the township shooting at unarmed people, mainly school pupils.

The Star on Friday reported that ANC “bodyguards” fired live ammunition at residents after disrupting schooling.

The Citizen newspaper carried pictures of the episode. One was of Mdayi wearing an ANC bib with a gun behind his back.

Gun license questioned

Police spokesperson Lungelo Dlamini told the newspaper the case was outside the jurisdiction of the police.

He could not be reached for comment on Monday.

Kekana called on the police to investigate whether Mdayi’s gun was licensed.

He said ANC officials were in touch with community members of Bekkersdal to address their concerns.

“We want to work the community… to resolve election campaign issues and related matters, so that all voters, no matter which party they will choose to vote for, can go to the polls in peace and without fear,” he said.

“It is unacceptable that schooling should be disrupted, and that legitimate public representatives be barred from doing their work.”

He said an investigation into the matter was also being carried out by the government.

“We will not accept any violence or acts of intimidation from any of our members and we will therefore investigate any wrongful action or intent.”

He urged ANC members to adhere to the Constitution.

“We encourage all of our volunteers to adhere to the election code of conduct in all their door-to-door and on-the-ground efforts.”

– SAPA

Marikana evidence leader supports bid for Mr X


Pretoria – A police witness, only identified as Mr X, should testify from a remote location, the Farlam Commission of Inquiry heard on Monday.

Evidence leader Kameshni Pillay supported an application to have Mr X testify in-camera through a video link.

“On a factual basis, having regard to all the factors, it has been shown to be reasonably necessary for Mr X to testify in-camera and via the video link,” she said.

The life of Mr X and his family would be in danger if the commission demanded that he travel to testify daily at the public hearings in Centurion.

“Having regard to what we understand to be the version of Mr X and the extent to which he directly implicates individuals, whom he said are capable of brutal violence, it is reasonable to draw the conclusion that his life will be in danger.

“There have been a number of witnesses who have not only been threatened but have also lost their lives,” said Pillay.

Farlam has authority to make arrangements

Sesi Baloyi, for the SA Police Service, earlier submitted the application for Mr X to testify through a video link.

Baloyi said the commission chaired by retired judge Ian Farlam had the authority to make such special arrangements for a particular witness.

The man identified as Mr X was apparently part of a group of protesting miners which underwent a ritual at Marikana that included the burning of live sheep on the night of 11 August 2012.

The rituals were a preparation for a confrontation with police, according to documents in the SAPS application.

He would testify about “the killing and intimidation of Lonmin employees who were unwilling to take part in the violent strike”.

Baloyi said Mr X’s name would be disclosed only to the commissioners of the inquiry, and lawyers for the wounded and arrested miners, but they could not disclose it to anyone.

When Mr X testified, the SAPS wanted only the commissioners, lawyers, and accredited media to be present in the auditorium.

Miners’ lawyers oppose application

The SAPS proposed that Mr X testify from a remote location.

“Members of the public willing to listen to the evidence of Mr X may do so by listening to audio transmission. The media reporting on his evidence should not identify him or in any way disclose his identity,” said Baloyi.

“Any video footage recording the evidence should be blurred or blacked-out so as not to disclose his identity in any way.”

The SAPS application was opposed by Dali Mpofu, SC, for the wounded and arrested miners, Dumisa Ntsebeza, SC, for the families of slain miners, and Anthony Gotz for the Association of Mineworkers and Construction Union (Amcu).

Concern over killings

The inquiry is investigating the deaths of 44 people during strike-related violence at Lonmin’s platinum mining operations at Marikana, near Rustenburg in the North West.

The police shot dead 34 people, mostly striking mineworkers, wounded over 70, and arrested 250 on 16 August 2012 while trying to disarm and disperse them. In the preceding week, 10 people, including two policemen and two security guards, were killed.

In August 2013, Farlam expressed concern about murders linked to possible witnesses of the inquiry.

“It is a matter of concern because a number of people connected to this commission have been assassinated. It is a matter which I am sure is receiving attention from the authorities,” he said
SAPA

Cop quizzed on residue test


Pretoria – A primer residue test conducted on murder accused Paralympian Oscar Pistorius’s hands and arms was described in the North Gauteng High Court in Pretoria on Monday.
Warrant Officer Barend van Staden, during cross-examination by Advocate Barry Roux for Pistorius, explained how he did the so-called PR test on the athlete.

The test is done to determine if someone has fired a gun.

Pistorius is accused of the premeditated murder of his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp in his Pretoria home on 14 February last year.

He shot and killed her through the closed door of his toilet, apparently believing she was an intruder.

Van Staden, who was standing in the witness box, pecked at his arm and hand with his index finger, and explained how he used a piece of special sticky paper to lift possible traces of residue from Pistorius’s hands.

Because Van Staden had learnt that Pistorius had washed his hands, he did the residue test on both his arms as well.

Roux wanted to know exactly how Van Staden did this.

“So you go around the whole arm up to the elbow, and then?”

He asked how long the test took.

“Seconds,” Van Staden replied, speaking clearly and confidently in Afrikaans.

Oscar’s emotional state

Roux asked Van Staden to describe Pistorius’s emotional state as he found him in the garage of his house, where he did the residue test and took photos of him.

“Very quiet and emotional,” he said.

Roux asked him to explain what he meant by emotional.

“Tearful,” he replied.

Court was adjourned until 09:30 on Tuesday.

Van Staden is attached to the photography section of the Local Criminal Record Centre. He had been with the centre for 12 years, and in the police for 21.

In addition to the murder charge, Pistorius is charged with contravening of the Firearms Control Act. He allegedly fired a shot from a Glock pistol under a table at a Johannesburg restaurant in January 2013.

On 30 September 2012 he allegedly shot through the open sunroof of a car with his 9mm pistol while driving with friends in Modderfontein.

SAPA

Eleven orphans receives a decent house to ease their burden


Matlosana-A family of eleven orphans in Khuma extension 6 was amongst the households’ beneficiaries who received houses during the recent handing over ceremony in the Matlosana Local Municipality.

Handing over the keys to the orphans, North West MEC for Human Settlements, Public Safety and Liaison, Nono Maloyi encouraged them to take a good care of the house and not fight over it.

“You should know that this house was built by government and it doesn’t mean that since you did not pay for it you must then smash it, a lot has been spent from taxpayers’ money. One other critical thing is that, this house belongs to all of you but one of you could apply on your behalf, therefore you all have equal rights to the house,” said Maloyi.

The 25-year-old Yolisa Jija who applied for the house, said their parents died in 2012. She said they were then forced to share a one room shack with their parents. “We used to live in a one roomed shack with our parents before they died. My siblings have kids now and twenty people were forced to share the small space. I am very happy for what government has done for us. Life has been tough as we are unemployed and survives on child support grant and this house will now ease our burden,” said the delighted Jija. 

Gogo Anna Naanyane who stays with her three daughters and two orphans of her late daughter also received a house. One of her dependants is mentally disturbed and they survive on old age and foster care grants.

”I used to stay in a shack which damaged my belongings when it rains, since my house was built I have been thanking God every day, and I would like to thank the Provincial Governemt for this good initiative,” said gogo Naanyane.

Since the beginning of February, MEC Maloyi has been handing over houses to their rightful beneficiaries. Over 8 000 houses are anticipated to be handed over at the end of the project which will be completed the end of March.-TDN
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MEC MALOYI TO HAND OVER 250 HOUSES IN GREATER TAUNG


Taung-MEC for Human Settlements Public Safety and Liaison Nono Maloyi will on Tuesday hand over about 250 houses to the Taung families in the greater Taung local municipality.

The Houses are part of the 8000 houses that are expected to be handed over between February and March 2014.

“The benefiting families are mostly those that have been staying in mud houses while others are those who lost their houses due to floods in the area. The benefiting families are from villages such as Manthe, Tlapeng and Tsokonyane respectively” departmental spokesperson Ben Bole said.

The department has prioritized families headed by the elderly, child and people living with disability. The Taung villages were previously hit by heavy floods where lifes were lost and thousands of rands lost due to property damages.

“The handover is part of celebrating twenty years (20yrs) of freedom, and also in line with the Outcome 8 of the National Development Plan vision 2030 which is intended to improve the quality of people’s lives and bring back dignity to the marginalised communities across the province” Bole said.

The hand over programme is also part of the department’s service delivery initiative and reduction of housing backlog in the province.

The handover will take place as follows:

Date: 18 March 2014

Time: 14H00

Venue: Tlapeng tribal authority
-TDN
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Premier Modise urges parties to recommit themselves to end strike


Marikana-Parties involved in the platinum mining sector wage dispute should intensify efforts to find a win-win solution to bring the protracted strike to end, North West Premier Thandi Modise appealed on Monday.

“There is a need for parties to renew their commitment to end the strike which has entered its eighth week as it is impacting negatively on our economy and putting a strain on relations between striking miners and our communities,” Premier Modise said.

Modise has expressed concern regarding continued acts of violence and intimidation of non-striking workers and called on striking workers to respect public and private properties and the freedom of movement of other citizens and those who wanted to go to work.-TDN
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Pistorius trial enters week three


Johannesburg – Monday will see day 11 unfold in the murder trial of Paralympian Oscar Pistorius in the North Gauteng High Court.

On Friday, a former police officer admitted to the court that evidence was mishandled on the scene where the paralympian shot his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp.

Giliam van Rensburg said he was dismayed to see a colleague pick up the handgun found on Pistorius’s bloodied bathroom floor without protective gloves.

“So I asked him ‘what are you doing?’ ” said Van Rensburg, adding that at this the ballistics expert looked down and realised he was bare-handed.

“And then he said ‘Sorry’,” said Van Rensburg, a now retired station commander who was the first policeman to arrive at Pistorius’s home after he shot Steenkamp on Valentine’s Day last year.

The admission came as Van Rensburg was answering questions from prosecutor Gerrie Nel, testifying notably that there was no sign of forced entry into the disabled track star’s home.

Pistorius has pleaded not guilty to premeditated murder, claiming that he believed there was an intruder hiding in a locked toilet cubicle in his home when he fired four shots into it, fatally wounding Steenkamp.
SAPA