Category Archives: NEWS

Judge rules e-toll matter is urgent!!!!

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The application by the Opposition to Urban Tolling Alliance for an interdict to prevent Sanral going ahead with the planned launch of e-tolling is indeed urgent, according to a ruling this morning in the Pretoria High Court.

Which means that Sanral has lost the first round of its battle against the alliance and the matter will now be heard – and decided – before the planned April 30 deadline.

In his ruling Judge Bill Prinsloo said Outa had made a proper case for urgency.

“The matter will proceed.”

“The widespread public interest, and the protesting, should persuade me to hear the matter.”

Prinsloo said lawyers for Sanral, the national treasury, the minster of transport and the Gauteng transport MEC did not persuade him that the Outa application was an abuse of the court.

He added that, due to inconsistency on start-up dates, unclear tariffs and a huge public outcry against the scheme, it was in the public interest to rule before the planned implementation date whether tolling should go ahead or not.

EXCESSIVE COST

In his argument, Alistair Franklin SC, for Outa, said even the estimated R20 billion needed to operate the tolls was excessive, and that Sanral had never actually revealed the true cost of operation.

David Unterhalter SC, representing Sanral, said the operation figure depended on non-compliance – at which point the judge asked drily: “The way things are going, what do you think the rate of non-compliance will be?”

Unterhalter replied that the costs would only become excessive if more than 60 percent of road users did not comply with the tolls. – Sapa

 

 

Police net R3m worth of TVs, laptops

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Police have arrested a man after he was found in possession of laptops and TVs valued at R3 million, all believed to be stolen.

Durban Central police arrested the 36-year-old man in the Point area on Tuesday, said provincial police spokesman Lieutenant-Colonel Vincent Mdunge.

He said said the man was found in possession of 19 brand-new plasma TV sets, 60 laptops, 20 old plasma TV sets and 15 desktop computers.

All these were found at the man’s flat in the Point area.

“Police investigations revealed that some of these goods were stolen during housebreakings, house robberies, and thefts out of motor vehicles and harbour containers,” he said.

Mdunge said the goods were believed to be destined for other African countries.

The man will appear in the Durban Magistrate’s Court on charges of possession of suspected stolen property.

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Safa explain Komphela’s Bafana role!!!

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kickoff.com

One of the core duties of Steve Komphela, who has been roped into the Bafana Bafana technical set-up as a part-time assistant coach, is to assess and recommend locally-based players for selection.   

According to Safa, Komphela’s other job as coach of Free State Stars will not compromise his responsibilities towards the national team.
 
As hosts of next year’s Africa Cup of Nations, Bafana will be under pressure to emulate the 1996 team that won the continental showcase on home soil.
 
“He [Komphela] is not a temporary coach, but a part-time coach for the national team,” Safa’s Director of Communications Dominic Chimhavi tells KickOff.com.
 
“He has a contract running until 2014. The agreement is that he will assist Pitso Mosimane while also attending to his duties at Free State Stars.
 
“As a coach in the Premier League, he is well placed to monitor local players. His duties with Free State Stars cannot therefore affect his input within the national team.”
 
Together with the likes of former Bafana coach Stuart Baxter, Komphela has also been linked with a move to Kaizer Chiefs, who recently parted ways with Serbian coach Vladimir Vermezovic.

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Malema: Cosatu respects ANC decision!!!

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Johannesburg – The Congress of SA Trade Unions accepts the expulsion of ANCYL president Julius Malema from its alliance partner the ANC, spokesperson Patrick Craven said on Wednesday.

“As we have said before … we accept and respect the decisions of the ANC disciplinary procedures and we feel it would not be right to comment,” said Craven when asked for Cosatu’s response on the announcement on Tuesday night of Malema’s expulsion.

“Each component of the alliance has its own rules and procedures and we respect those and we would not like to comment on them.”

Cosatu, the ANC and the SA Communist Party traditionally support each other on core development issues and usually form a united front ahead of elections.

‘Not our business’

Cosatu has previously said “it’s not our business” when asked to comment on Malema’s troubles with the ANC.

They did however come out last year and say that finding him guilty of hate speech for singing “dubhula ibhunu” (shoot the boer) was a gross insult to the country’s past, when the Equality Court in Johannesburg ruled against him.

They have also issued a statement condemning the behaviour of people who burnt ANC T-shirts and rioted in downtown Johannesburg when Malema’s disciplinary hearing first began last year.

Malema has often vocalised many of Cosatu’s points on protecting the poor, and recently joined Cosatu’s massive protest in Johannesburg against e-tolling.

On Tuesday the party’s national disciplinary committee of appeal (NDCA) expelled Malema and suspended spokesperson Floyd Shivambu’s membership for three years.

General secretary of the league Sindiso Magaqa had his sentence of suspension reduced from three years to one year.

Malema was originally suspended for five years for sowing division in the party and for bringing it into disrepute.

He was found to have done so by unfavourably comparing the leadership style of President Jacob Zuma to that of former president Thabo Mbeki, and for remarks on bringing about regime change in Botswana.

On February 29 the NDC announced that the sanction against him was being increased to one of expulsion.

He again appealed and it was this appeal that the NDCA dismissed on Tuesday.

Shivambu was found guilty of sowing division and bringing the ANC into disrepute. He was suspended from the ANC for three years for swearing at a journalist and for issuing a statement calling for a change of government in Botswana.

Magaqa was punished for making derogatory remarks about Public Enterprises Minister Malusi Gigaba. Initially, his suspension was contingent on him apologising to Gigaba within 15 days. Magaqa apologised to Gigaba in a statement sent to the media on March 10.
SAPA

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KOKOMENG BOY’S OPERATION WENT WELL!!!!

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                                                                   Pic: (Taken from internet)

BY Obakeng Maje

Taung– Kokomeng-born boy, Keletso Kgatwe who was born with dysfunctional genitals went under the knife on Monday for an operation. And there is a hope as most people hold their breath for a six year boy operation be successful.

Keletso has been using colostomy bag since he was born, but his life is about to change. The sad story appeared on SABC Touching Life and most people were touched.

The boy’s grandmother previously said what is needed is an operation,without it nothing will help. “We have to travel over 200km to Klerksdorp Hospital, but we do not have the taxi fare. No one is working in this house.” 

Then doctors from Durban Hospital offered some help, and Keletso was taken there. Unfortunately when he arrived, after some intensify assessment the agreement was that, he must bre taken to Chir Hani Baragwanath Hospital.

Now the boy has been operated on Monday and the family hope for the better. our crew spoke with family spokesperson Lucky Komane who confirmed the news.

“It is absolutely true that Keletso went for an operation on Monday and his sister was there with him,but was sent back home yesterday where the doctors promised to keep us in touch regarding latest updates. So we still waiting for their call to get when he will be discharged” he said.

Imperforate anus

Anorectal malformation; Anal atresia

Last reviewed: May 1, 2011.

Imperforate anus is a defect that is present from birth (congenital) in which the opening to the anus is missing or blocked. The anus is the opening to the rectum through which stools leave the body.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors

Imperforate anus may occur in several forms.

  • The rectum may end in a blind pouch that does not connect with the colon.

  • The rectum may have openings to the urethra, bladder, base of the penis or scrotum in boys, or vagina in girls.

  • There may be narrowing (stenosis) of the anus or no anus.

The problem is caused by abnormal development of the fetus. Many forms of imperforate anus occur with other birth defects. It occurs in about 1 out of 5,000 infants.

Symptoms

  • Anal opening very near the vagina opening in girls

  • Baby does not pass first stool within 24 – 48 hours after birth

  • Missing or moved opening to the anus

  • Stool passes out of the vagina, base of penis, scrotum, or urethra

  • Swollen belly area

Signs and tests

A doctor can diagnose this condition during a physical exam. Imaging tests may be recommended.

Treatment

The infant should be checked for other problems, especially those affecting the genitals, urinary tract, and spine.

Surgery to correct the defect is needed. If the rectum connects with other organs, these organs will also need to be repaired. A temporary colostomy (connecting the end of the large intestine to the abdomen wall so that stool can be collected in a bag) is often needed.

Expectations (prognosis)

Most defects can successfully be corrected with surgery. Most children with mild defects do very well. However, constipation can be a problem.

Children who have more complex surgeries still usually have control over their bowel movements. However, they often need to follow a bowel program, which includes eating high-fiber foods, taking stool softeners, and sometimes using enemas.

Some children may need more surgery.

Calling your health care provider

This disorder is usually discovered when the newborn infant is first examined. Call your health care provider if a child that was treated for imperforate anus has abdominal pain or fails to develop any bowel control by the age of 3.

Prevention

As with most birth defects, there is no known prevention.

Handicapped girl’s alleged rapists in court!!!

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Seven people, including two minors, will appear in the Roodepoort Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday on charges of gang-raping a 17-year-old mentally handicapped girl from Soweto.

The girl’s attackers also filmed the rape which was subsequently uploaded onto the internet.

The seven, who matched the descriptions of the men in the video, were arrested in Dobsonville, Soweto, a week ago.

Since their arrest there has been widescale public outrage about the attack. Two young women have subsequently been arrested, also in Soweto, for a sexual attack on a handicapped boy.

Gauteng safety and security MEC Faith Mazibuko said at the first appearance of the rape suspects that the attackers had to be punished.

“We want to call on all men and women… As men let’s use our brains to think, let’s not use our trousers to think. If you use your trouser, your trouser will put you in jail.”

The SA National Aids Council’s men’s sector said rape and violence against women was a “social time-bomb” in the country and a plan was needed to address the problem.

Malema down,but not out!!!!

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BY Obakeng Maje

ANC NDCA last night confirmed the expulsion of Julius Malema. The former ANC Youth League leader launched an appeal against his expulsion posed by ANC NDC led by Haenekom.

He was charged with bringing the party into disrepute and sowing divisions within the organisation. The question is what next for the former youth firebrand and is this the beginning of the end of Malema’s political career.

Most political analysts believe he might be expelled,but that does not necessary mark the end of his political career.

Malema believed that he was militant and radical,but it really shows that militancy without discipline is perilous.

CHARGES AGAINST ALL THREE!!!

It said league spokesperson Floyd Shivambu has been suspended for three years while its secretary general Sindiso Magaqa has been suspended for one year.

The panel said the reasons for its decision were as follows:

-Malema refused to accept the authority of the ANC’s disciplinary process.

-The trio made various claims and innuendos in their arguments which showed they have no respect for the party.

-The trio had made a public inference that President Jacob Zuma somehow controlled the disciplinary panels.

-Magaqa’s decision to withdraw his appeal against his sentence was designed to frustrate the process and that’s why a harsher sentence was imposed upon him.

Malema’s big decision now is whether to take legal; or political action.

REACTION

Both the ANC and Cosatu have welcomed the decision by the party’s appeals panel to expel Julius Malema.

The party’s Jackson Mthembu said it was a painful decision for the party.

Our crew tried to get response from ANCYL, but our attempt was futile.

“The expulsion of anybody from the party is painful. But this decision was necessary.”

Cosatu general secretary Zwelinzima Vavi said it was an important process.

“We have to respect the internal process and decisions made by the ANC appeals panel.”

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Shivambu settles hate speech case!!!

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Suspended ANCYL spokesman Floyd Shivambu and journalist Carien du Plessis reached a settlement agreement on Tuesday in a case of hate speech before the Johannesburg Equality Court.

The parties signed the settlement, which included an admission and apology by Shivambu.

Du Plessis said: “I am glad he has apologised and relieved that it’s come to an end. It is a vindication for the profession of journalism.”

A journalist asked Shivambu if he would shake Du Plessis’s hand for a photo opportunity, but he declined.

Du Plessis brought hate speech charges against Shivambu after an SMS exchange between them in May 2010.

In the SMS he wrote: “You must learn to respect people. I don’t comment on YCL issues and please stop being stupid… I wouldn’t want to earn respect from white bitches… so dream on.”

Du Plessis was suing for R100 000 in damages, but the settlement had no monetary component.

Within moments of the magistrate announcing that the settlement had been reached, Shivambu issued a statement on the matter.

“I signed the settlement because I did not deem it valuable to continue with court cases that have no bearing or influence in the struggle for economic freedom in our lifetime,” he said.

“My legal representatives advised that I sign the settlement agreement, and I complied because the court proceedings are a waste of time on a non-issue.”

The court previously ruled that Shivambu pay Du Plessis’ legal costs, amounting to R18 000, because it appeared he had tried to stall proceedings by asking for postponements when they were unwarranted.

This was one of three cost orders against Shivambu in this matter, and he had so far failed to pay.

Earlier, defence attorney Lucky Maunatlala had asked for a postponement.

Du Plessis’s advocate, Richard Moultrie said he was “astounded” that Shivambu’s team should ask for a postponement simply because Shivambu was too busy to meet his legal team.

“(He) regards himself as more important and worthy of indulgence than (Du Plessis) … and thinks he is more important than this court.

“This matter will not benefit from any postponement.”

Shivambu appeared in court wearing a black leather trench coat. During proceedings he played with his tablet computer, and occasionally whispered to his legal team.

Earlier this month, Shivambu was found guilty by the ANC’s National Disciplinary Committee of sowing division and bringing the party into disrepute. He was suspended from the ANC for three years for swearing at a journalist and for issuing a statement calling for a change of government in Botswana.

On Tuesday there were reports that he and suspended ANCYL president Julius Malema would receive feedback from the National Disciplinary Committee of Appeals later in the day on whether the sanctions against them would be upheld. – Sapa

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R15bn for FET colleges!!!

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BY Chantall Presence

Higher Education Minister Blade Nzimande has set aside R15 billion to ensure more youth enroll at further education and training (FET) colleges.

In 2011, around 500,000 students enrolled at FET colleges around South Africa. 

That is a vast increase from previous years.

Nzimande said the additional funding will be used to improve the quality of learning and for expansion programmes.

In January, a Gauteng mother was crushed to death while waiting in a registration queue at the University of Johannesburg’s APK campus. 

Officials from the Higher Education Ministry promised to highlight the importance of FET colleges to prevent a similar incident in the future.

(Edited by Lindiwe Mlandu)

Sanral attacks Outa!!!

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Alex Eliseev

The South African National Roads Agency Limited (Sanral) on Tuesday said the Opposition to Urban Tolling Alliance (Outa) adopted a “wait-and-see approach” in their legal bid against the Gauteng e-tolling system.

The agency also accused the alliance of resorting to a court challenge at the eleventh hour.

On Tuesday, the North Gauteng High Court in Pretoria heard an application for an interdict to stop the controversial project.

The e-tolling system is set to go live on Monday.

Sanral advocate David Unterhalter said it was unreasonable to sit back and watch the political process unfold, before attacking the project, shortly before the launch.

He said there was nothing obscure about the way e-tolling was introduced.

Unterhalter also referred to the public participation process.

Earlier, Outa suffered a setback when the court rejected its attempt to amend the entire application. 

Under the system, Gauteng motorists will pay around 30 cents per kilometre to use some of the province’s highways.  

(Edited by Zethu Zulu)