By Obakeng Maje

Bafana Bafana coach, Gordon Igesund said if all South Africans rally behind the National Team, he is confident the team can win the forthcoming Africa Cup of Nations tournament scheduled for next January here in South Africa.

“I think at the moment, there is a great vibe in the country regarding our national team and I know when this national team goes into the field and there are 60 000 people blowing their vuvuzelas and truly supporting the players and getting behind the team, we will be very difficult to beat,” said Igesund in an interview posted on 

http://www.safa.net.

“If the boys continue with the positive attitude, we really can go places including conquering Africa of course,” he added.

The national coach said he was encouraged by the cooperation given to him by the South African Football Association (SAFA) and the Premier Soccer League (PSL) who were working together to make sure ‘we have a successful Bafana’ side.

Igesund said the two friendly matches against Brazil and Mozambique had given him an ideal foundation on which to build a successful national team.

He said he would continue to monitor all eligible Bafana players plying their trade overseas; though he insisted the bulk of the national team players should be drawn from the domestic leagues.

“There are plenty of players across the World who qualifies to play for South Africa. I still believe though that a good chunk of players in the national team should come from South Africa. It is important to understand that not all players that play overseas qualify (material wise) to play for Bafana. We have our own top players plying their trade locally. Only if the overseas player is better than we have at home, will he be called up,” he said.

On whether he would continue to rotate his goalkeepers, Igesund said much as he was spoilt for choice, he is not one person who believes in the rotation system.

He also sang the praises of his two assistants Thomas Madigage and Serame Letsoaka as outstanding individuals.

“I think Tommy (Thomas Madigage) and Serame (Letsoaka) are both excellent individuals and I think our working relationship and understanding could not be better. There is no doubt in my mind that together we can make Bafana a force to be reckoned with,” he said.

JOHANNESBURG – Convicted rapist and murderer Johannes Steyn was slapped with five life sentences in the Palm Ridge Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday.  

On Tuesday, the Sunday rapist was found guilty on more than 30 charges, including murder and rape.

Judge Sita Kolbe handed down Wednesday’s ruling.

Steyn was convicted of murdering Roodepoort teenager Louise de Waal and was charged with the culpable homicide of Pretoria teen Lazanne Farmer.

Kolbe said the state had proven beyond a reasonable doubt that Steyn had committed the crimes, even though he had pleaded not guilty to all charges.

ewn.co.za

By Obakeng Maje

North West Premier Mme Thandi Modise is to meet with a delegation from Anglo American to explore solutions to challenges facing the mining sector. The bilateral engagement hosted by the Premier is to be held at the Rustenburg Civic Centre tomorrow afternoon.

The introductory meeting with the new Executive Director for South Africa, Khanyisile Kweyama who took over from Godfrey Gonwe as from the beginning of this month will also deliberate on the implications of the Marikana incident.

Premier Modise has in previous engagements with mining houses insisted that beneficiation, sustainable community development, enterprise and skills development, local procurement, social investment initiatives and greater involvement of communities in the determination of Social Labour Plans should be prioritised for mining operations to benefit communities in the province.

Modise had earlier in welcoming the wage settlement between Lonmin and Marikana mineworkers appealed for calm and cessation of hostilities at other mines in the province and for engagements within the framework of the Labour Relations Act to be sped up to avoid further violent confrontations.

–

By Obakeng Maje

Mahikeng- Police has arrested five men aged between 19 and 23 in Mahikeng after a 13 year old girl raped.

It is alleged that a case of rape was opened by a minor’s teacher noticed some strange behaviour from a young girl, North West police said.

“The teacher opened case of rape after  girl confessed that she was raped in different occassions by perpetrators” said sergeant Moiloa.

The first ordeal allegedly took place on the 01 of July and was again  raped on the 13th of September.

“Five men were arrested after being pointed out by a girl and will appear tomorrow before magistrate at Mmabatho Court” emphanticated Moiloa.

Follow us on Twitter@Taung_DailyNews

BY Obakeng Maje

As part of the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture’s drive to rejuvenate Mmabana Arts, Culture and Sport Foundation, the Department has partnered with the Foundation to stage a series of productions, beginning with Once a Woman. This top-class production explores the life of an ordinary woman performing extraordinary things in a male-dominated world. 

The production will be staged from 22nd – 29th September 2012 at Mmabana Theatre Studio One, at 15h00 while the second show will begin from 19h00. Tickets are R40 (Adults) and R30 (Students).

“To mark the process and programme to rejuvenate Mmabana, we decided to kick off with a production that will showcase talent in the Province,” said MEC Tebogo Modise. “We want people to come and see the talent that we possess in the Province, what our youth can do for themselves and their communities.”

Modise added that the Mmabana rejuvenation programme was part of the Department’s mandate, and a promise she made during her Budget Speech a few months ago. “We are committed to taking Mmabana Foundation back to the days when it produced international award-winning artists such as Presley Chweneyagae. We hold the view that ‘art belongs to the community.’” From now on, Mmabana will stage regular productions and other related activities. 

ABOUT THE PLAY 

Once a Woman is a story that portrays the challenges and difficulties that women endure on day-to-day basis .Though the author is not insinuating that women are more superior to men, he is simply saying perhaps a little bit more consideration to the plight of women will make the challenges of this world easier and more simpler to overcome.

The play is authored by Mothusi Mokoto and directed by Danny Jasson. 

Performers are: Tanisie Kgosiemang, Katleho Macheoane, Boipelo Mokaila, Bonolo Qebane, Tiisetso Titi, Nomhle Mpambane, Lesego Gwai, Katlego Gwai, Keitumetse Keakopa, Ofentse Motsamai, Tanisie Kgosiemang, Omolemo Mothupi, Dambi Mothupi.

By Obakeng Maje

As part of the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture’s drive to rejuvenate Mmabana Arts, Culture and Sport Foundation, the Department has partnered with the Foundation to stage a series of productions, beginning with Once a Woman. This top-class production explores the life of an ordinary woman performing extraordinary things in a male-dominated world. 

The production will be staged from 22nd – 29th September 2012 at Mmabana Theatre Studio One, at 15h00 while the second show will begin from 19h00. Tickets are R40 (Adults) and R30 (Students).

“To mark the process and programme to rejuvenate Mmabana, we decided to kick off with a production that will showcase talent in the Province,” said MEC Tebogo Modise. “We want people to come and see the talent that we possess in the Province, what our youth can do for themselves and their communities.”

Modise added that the Mmabana rejuvenation programme was part of the Department’s mandate, and a promise she made during her Budget Speech a few months ago. “We are committed to taking Mmabana Foundation back to the days when it produced international award-winning artists such as Presley Chweneyagae. We hold the view that ‘art belongs to the community.’” From now on, Mmabana will stage regular productions and other related activities. 

ABOUT THE PLAY 

Once a Woman is a story that portrays the challenges and difficulties that women endure on day-to-day basis .Though the author is not insinuating that women are more superior to men, he is simply saying perhaps a little bit more consideration to the plight of women will make the challenges of this world easier and more simpler to overcome.

The play is authored by Mothusi Mokoto and directed by Danny Jasson. 

Performers are: Tanisie Kgosiemang, Katleho Macheoane, Boipelo Mokaila, Bonolo Qebane, Tiisetso Titi, Nomhle Mpambane, Lesego Gwai, Katlego Gwai, Keitumetse Keakopa, Ofentse Motsamai, Tanisie Kgosiemang, Omolemo Mothupi, Dambi Mothupi.

By Obakeng Maje

Stakeholders in the tourism industry have been afforded a platform to receive valuable insight on government’s plans for the growth and development of the sector at an engagement to be hosted by the North West Provincial Government at the Rustenburg Civic Centre as from 6:00-8:30 am on Thursday morning.

 The engagement to be held under the theme “Service Excellence-the non-negotiable element of hospitality” as part of the programme for Tourism month is targeted at tourism and related service owners, management and employees who play a pivotal role as the interface and image of destination as a tourist attraction.

A workshop on service excellence will follow the engagement with North West Premier Mme Thandi Modise, Deputy Minister of Tourism, Tokozile Xasa and Provincial MEC for Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism, Motlalepula Rosho. The interaction is to be broadcast live on E-TV ‘s Sunrise Programme.

Tourism has been identified as one of the six pillars that are priority sectors that could contribute to economic growth through the creation of jobs, contribution to the GDP, alleviation of poverty, and contribution to peace and social cohesion.

In terms of the National Tourism Sector Strategy (NTSS), the establishment of partnerships, coordination and cooperation among the players and stakeholders are identified as core elements of mapping a brighter future for the industry.

The NTSS highlights tourism, growth and the economy, visitor experience, the brand, sustainability and governance as its strategic objectives.

Follow us on twitter@Taung_DailyNews

By Obakeng Maje

North West Premier Mme Thandi Modise has welcomed the wage settlement agreement reached between Lonmin and Marikana mineworkers on Tuesday as a progressive development.

“Beyond the wage settlement, parties have a responsible to rebuild trust among themselves so that the healing process assists put closure to a tragic chapter in the history of wage negotiations in the mining sector. We should never ever again be in a situation where all of us emerge as losers,” Premier Modise said emphatically.

Premier Modise urges workers to reorganise themselves within union structures for collective bargaining and thanks the South African Council of Churches and Traditional leaders for playing a significant role in resolving the conflict through mediation. 

 The Premier calls for support for the Judicial Commission appointed by the President to investigate the Marikana tragedy and for responsible action and conduct that will contribute towards normalising the situation and assist the healing process. 

  Premier Modise said that its part, province will continue to engage with relevant national government departments and mining houses for closer involvement on issue relating to implementation of Social Labour Plans, decent housing, as any conflict in the sector affects communities.

Modise appeals for calm and cessation of hostilities at other mines in the province and for engagements within the framework of the Labour Relations Act to be sped up to avoid further violent confrontations

By Obakeng Maje

Taung- The communication breakdown between to offices in North West caused confusion regarding North West Cultural Calabash that was supposed to be held at Taung village this weekend.

Minister of Sports,Art & Culture mme Tebogo Modise announced earlier that the event has been put in abeyance because of investors that retreat of sponsoring the event.

The event did not take place last year after an outcry from the community of Taung as they say the event does not benefit them.

“As minister said on Thursday, the event won’t take place as it was suppose to” said Vusimuzi Kama.

“I actually wanted you to speak with her personally” he continued.

This rather left the residents of Taung in repugnance, as they expected to see the most loved event with much popularity returning to it’s origin.

Our crew was taken aback when we spoke with mr Kgwele, Thandi Modise spokesperson who confirmed the event and promised to give more details.

This prelude residents of Taung to become more restive. 

We decided to do follow ups and this is the respond we received.

“I am in a meeting now with premier, I will call you back immediately after I’m done” Lesiba Kgwele said.

So it seems you have to brace yourselves for another year without the event especially with the visit of the president next week.

Editor’s point: It is very disheartening and embarassing to see two departments that rather supposed to work hand-in-hand have a poor communication like this.

We hope next time two Departments communicate very well, and avoid creating any confusion in their statements.

Follow us on Twitter@Taung_DailyNews

By Obakeng Maje

Mahikeng- Thousand of public servants across the North West Province turned up in large number on take part in the Provincial Sports and wellness day that is part of the Public Service Month.

More than 3 000 Public Servants participated in sporting and wellness activities aimed at promoting individual wellness, fitness and healthy lifestyles held at the Mmabatho Stadium last Friday.

Many participants started at 6:30 am with a fun walk and run around Mahikeng.

Amongst other activities that characterized the day were aerobics, soccer, table tennis, volleyball and netball.

Employees participated in free health and wellness screening for ailments like high blood pressure, cholesterol, Tuberculosis, HIV & Aids and cancer pap smear screening for female employees.

Most of civil servants participated in the Marathon Aerobics to burn a few calories and acknowledged the importance of employees’ wellness, fitness and healthy lifestyle.

Dietician Meokgo Maine advised public servants that in order to lose approximately 500g to 1kg in one week, they should adopt an energy restricted diet as a method of promoting weight loss. Along with energy restriction, they should also follow a healthy balanced diet and combine it with physical activity.

The diet should be made mainly of fresh fruit and vegetables, beans, whole grains and fish. If these foods feature in every meal, one will definitely benefit to achieve and maintain a healthy body weight and ensure an optimal heath. One should also ensure an adequate amount of fibre, which could reduce the cravings for food while it helps to eliminate toxins and detoxify the entire system.

Captain Leeuw from the Provincial Office of the SAPS indicated that they were part of exhibiting the Employee Health and Wellness Service of their unit, which deals with psycho-social stress, management of trauma and debriefing victims of suicide, physical attacks, hostage drama, and hostage shooting incidences.

The other services they provide includes counselling employees experiencing relationship problems, work related problems like dealing with transfer, sick leave, absenteeism, grievances, sexual harassment, incapacity leave, dealing with bereavement of members of families, HIV/AIDS counseling with employees, dealing with the infected and affected.

Follow us on twitter@Taung_DailyNews