​

JOHANNESBURG – Online sales website Gumtree said Monday that it had banned advertisements offering donkeys in South Africa to prevent inhumane killings of the animals to meet Chinese demand for their skins.

Donkeys are being increasingly slaughtered in South Africa to supply smugglers who export the skins to China, where they are believed to have medicinal properties.

“Gumtree has decided to ban the sale of all donkeys and mules on the site, not just the hides and byproducts,” the company said.

“We hope that this will play a small part in reducing animal cruelty.”

Gelatin-rich donkey skin is used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat ailments such as insomnia, and is also an ingredient in a treatment said to delay menopause in women.

Donkey meat is also eaten in some parts of China.

South African police say there has been a surge in the illegal slaughter of the animals since last year, with thousands of hides found hidden in warehouses and backyards.

The illicit trade has also extended to neighbouring countries, including Botswana and Namibia.

According to the South Africa’s National Council of Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, the donkeys are stolen from owners and often bludgeoned to death with hammers or even skinned alive.

The organisation welcomed the move by Gumtree, saying it would help raise awareness of the slaughter.

“It is a meaningful step in the prevention of cruelty to animals and the protection of them by removing a specific market or forum for those who trade in them or their parts,” it said.

No donkeys appeared to be for sale on Gumtree late Monday.

– AFP

​

TAUNG – Following an intensive consultation with stakeholders in the health and education sectors, an agreement that the North West Province must have a medical school has been reached. To be established through the North West University, it is expected that this medical school will attract medical specialists from international countries to the province.

This was pronounced today, Friday 24 February 2017 by Premier Supra Mahumapelo while delivering a State of the Province Address at Taung Sports Ground in Greater Taung Local Municipality.  

While busy with logistics to set up the medical school, the province will continue to use the National Inter-Country agreement with countries like Cuba, Tunisia and Iran, to facilitate the recruitment of specialists.

“We managed to recruit 54 specialists from Cuba and Iran, who are employed on a three year renewable contract,” Premier Mahumapelo said.

In highlighting the province’s continued efforts to improve access to health care services, Premier Mahumapelo told the Provincial Legislature that a total of 47 clinics are now operating 24 hours a day.  

“For some of our health facilities that are not providing 24/7 hours service, we have   strengthened our doctors outreach teams coverage and maternity services for pregnant women.

“We will be deploying an integrated public health care mobile service to treat, diagnose and promote health in the rural areas,’ he said.

Mahumapelo said the province is working with the private sector and the mining industry to increase the Emergency Medical Rescue Services in the rural areas, adding that the ultimate goal is to have at least one ambulance stationed at each clinic in the province.  

taungdailynews@gmail.com

​

The South African Football Association (SAFA) condemns in the strongest possible terms the recent outbreak of Xenophobic attacks on foreign nationals in our country.

As SAFA, we work with every single country on the African continent and we have consistently pursued the path of cooperation and solidarity with all African FA members.

We continue to work hard to ensure that all Africans are welcome in our country; as they always welcome us with open arms in their own countries.

As South Africans, we should remember that we are founder members of CAF; we hosted the first African World Cup, something which was celebrated all over the continent. Our continued progress in football is through Africa first, with Africa and with
the support of Africa.

We want to reiterate that we don’t want to let fellow Africans feel unwelcome in our country.

This however, does not stop us from condeming drugs and crime that is ravaging our society, especially the youth from all walks of life.

We call upon the police to work around the clock to the deal with this scourge.

However, the problem of drugs and crime is a problem that started even under the apartheid era while foreigners only started coming to South Africa after 1994.

As SAFA, we call upon the Police to be vigilant and stop the barbaric attacks on foreign nationals in our country.taungdailynews@gmail.com

​

BY BAKANG MOKOTO
The South African U20 Men’s National Team (Amajita) arrived in Ndola, Zambia late on Friday night (24 February 2017) to be met with logistical issues.

  
They had to change their tournament base due to lack of accommodation space at their initial hotel, and were moved to Kitwe – 25km outside of Ndola.
 
Amajita are in Zambia for the 2017 CAF u20 African Cup of Nations, which kicks off on Sunday, 26 February with the first round of Group A matches in Lusaka.
 
Group B will be in action on Monday, 27 February when Senegal takes to the field against Sudan at 15h00, and three hours later (18h00), South Africa will lock horns with Cameroon in the second match of the day.
 
The top four in the tournament will qualify for the 2017 edition of the FIFA u20 World Cup to be hosted by South Korea in May.
 
“We had a few issues with our accommodation on arrival, and while we were a little disappointed we would like to thank CAF, the Local Organising Committee, and of course, our team manager Levy Ramajoe for their efficient help in resolving the issue
speedily,” said Amajita head coach Thabo Senong.
 
“The players are now settled and already in tournament mode. The focus is now solely on Cameroon and we are grateful we can continue with our preparations.”
  
The matches will be broadcast live on SuperSport 9.taungdailynews@gmail.com

​

BY REGINALD KANYANE
Two  men were killed and five others sustained various injuries in a head-on collision on the N12 approximately 18 kilometres outside of Potchefstroom last night.

 ER24 spokesperson, Werner Vermaak said paramedics found two vehicles with severe damage. He said two men, the driver and passenger, was found with fatal injuries in one of the vehicles. 

“Sadly, there was nothing that paramedics could do for them and they were declared dead on the scene. Five men were found with various injuries, ranging from moderate to severe.

“They were treated on the scene and later rushed to Potchefstroom Provincial Hospital for further care,” Vermaak said.

He added that the exact cause for the collision is not yet known. Vermaak further said local authorities attended to the scene.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

​

Picture: Taung author, Khumo Seane

KHUMO Seane said reading expose people to new things, new information, new ways to solve a problem, and new ways to achieve their goals. Seane who is a writer, said he will be launching his new book called Konyana.

“Reading does enhance you and begin to understand the world better. You can begin to have a greater understanding on topics that interest you through reading.

“I was inspired by my grandfather’s excellent use of Setswana literature. His ability to entertain people using his mother’s tongue was marvellous. I was motivated to love Setswana more,” Seane said.

He further said he decided to promote Setswana language by writing a book. Taung-based author was born in Manthe village and said he is expecting to write more books in the future.

“This is my first book, but nevertheless more still to come. My book consists of hardships, trials and turbulent we going through as individuals. However, the theme is to never give up no matter what. I wrote this book to enlighten people that they should never give up in life.

“We should be persistence in every way possible to achieve our goal. I want people to be aware that one can prosper even through all the challenges you are faced with. The book narrates a life of a boy who grew up to become a man,” he said.

Seane who is a teacher by profession, added that the boy was faced with a bleak future because of poverty and financial constraints.

“The character believed in the living God and asked for serenity. He kept on praying and God rewarded him. He became so successful in life and never forgets where he came from. In a nutshell, the book talks about two lives which was the past and the present.

“The mix of two lives abetted the character to be meticulously attached to his roots and in the other hand he enjoyed being entertained by present life. I worked with my former Setswana teacher who edited the book. Pinagare High School teacher, Ms Bonolo Job has always been there for me even during my tertiary life,” he said.

Seane added that he was not afraid that people do not read books nowadays. He further said even though people especially the youth spend more time on social media, he will encourage them to read.

“It is imperative to nurture a reading society. A society that does not read can be led amiss. We need to develop that reading mentality and know what is happening around us. I regard social media as an entertainment dynasty. People should be entertained, yet not be kept away from reading.

“Reading trains the mind to work effectively. We also have to encourage children to read from the tender age. I am also grateful that the department of Education and Sport Development came up with a strategic plan called “Drop all and Read” at various schools,” Seane said.

He further said his upbringing was a lesson. Manthestad-born graduate said he interacted with many people and learnt a lot about human nature.

“We are diverse as human beings and my parents would always encourage me to read for them before I sleep while I was still young. Even though it was a challenge by then, I am reaping the rewards of that now. I received unwavering support from my family, friends and my broader fans.

“The official launch of the book will be on February 27 at Diamond Lil’s in Bloemfontein. People love my work and that encourages me to work hard. I also do motivational talks especially amongst the youth. I always encourage them to study harder because without education, there is no future,” Seane said.

He further said it is difficult to find employment without proper education and training nowadays. Seane is armed with Degree in Education from Central University of Technology.

“I want to assist as many learners as possible to reach their potential. I also want to own a publishing company in five years’ time. If your dream does not scare you, it is not big enough I guess.” – Newsnote

​

By REGINALD KANYANE
ALL systems go as 500 houses will be electrified.  North West Premier, Supra Mahumapelo will be part of switch-on electrification projects ahead of his State of the Province Address (SOPA) in Taung on Friday.

More than 500 houses will be electrified in Moretele Ext 88, Khaukhwe Ext 61, Ntswanahatse Ext 144, Matlapaneng Phase 2 11, Phola Park Ext 35, Khibicwane Ext Phase 2 91 and Maganeng Ext 150 11.

“This is the second achievement of Eskom’s North West Operating Unit this month, following the electrification of 1 400 houses in Kgabalatsane in Madibeng Local Municipality.

“I’ll be joined by Members of the Executive Council and the North West Eskom Senior Managers. The switch-on project will commence in Ntswanahatse at 10am and proceed to Khaukhwe,” Mahumapelo said.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

​

Subsequent to a series of reported mechanical breakdown incidents involving the official vehicles allocated to Premier Supra Mahumapelo, the North West Provincial Government has decided to purchase a new official vehicle for the Premier.

Premier Mahumapelo has been using two vehicles which he inherited from his two predecessors, Premiers Maureen Modiselle and Thandi Modise, which had not only clocked over 250 000 and 190 000 kilometers respectively, but had stuck on a number of occasions due to mechanical problems.

While the Ministerial Handbook allows the Premier to change his car once it has gone over 120 000km, Mahumapelo had always maintained his view that the people of the province need to play a role and guide him on when they believe it’s the right time for the provincial government to procure a new official car for the Premier. This despite the SAPS VIP Protection Unit warning Premier Mahumapelo that using old cars that are way beyond the prescribed 120 000km and tend to be unreliable can put both his life and those of his protectors at risk.

Equally, whereas the Ministerial Handbook allows for provincial governments to purchase a vehicle valued at R1.4million, Premier Mahumapelo had in his continued effort to lead by example and encourage Members of Executive Council to exercise cost saving measures when procuring official government vehicles, agreed to the purchasing of a vehicle with a total cost of  R1.1million, thus saving R300 000 of public funds.

The provincial government wishes to thank members of the public who have unreservedly supported the move to purchase a new and reliable official vehicle for the Premier, the process of which is being facilitated by the provincial department of Community Safety and Transport Management.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

​

MOKGARENG River in North West has claimed the life of another young girl.

Fourteen-year-old Hlompho Monchonyane from Leshobo Village in Taung was found dead on Saturday, about seven kilometres down stream from where she drowned.

Her father, Amos Monchonyane (46), said she was excited on the day of her death.

“She called her friends and they went to the river,” he said.O

ne of them told him Hlompho went straight into the water, claiming she wanted to test it.

The friend stood helplessly as she saw Hlompho going into the deep part before being swept away.

Aunt Elizabeth Dehuis (56) said: “ With the help of residents, police searched for Hlompho the whole night without success.

“Her body was swept to the bank of the river. She was a sweet girl who loved school. She performed well and had a bright future.”

Village chief Sam Mankuroane said it was not the first time the river has claimed lives.

He said there is a great need for cleansing and prayer.

The people in the area believe there is a snake that swallows teenagers.

“Some of these incidents are not reported to the authorities.”

In December, two teenagers drowned and one is still missing.

Pudimoe police spokesman Sergeant Tebogo Thebe confirmed that police are investigating.

He said residents called police to the scene, who found the body of the teenager reported missing on Friday.

“The family positively identified the body and investigations into the circumstances are underway,” said Thebe.

– Daily Sun

Picture: Former Eskom CEO, Brian Molefe 

JOHANNESBURG  – The South African Communist Party (SACP) on Monday said the appointment of former Eskom CEO, Brian Molefe as MP was “problematic” because its alliance partner, the ruling African National Congress (ANC), did not consult before it made the move.

In a statement the SACP in the North West, complained: “We learnt about this decision through the media when it first emerged, as if we are not an ally of the ANC, as if we do not share a common Alliance electoral platform, as if we have not campaigned together for the ANC to win elections”.

The SACP added: “This pattern of unilateralism was entrenched by the provincial leadership of the ANC since the 2014 general election.

The fellows have appropriated to themselves, exclusively, the ‘prerogative’ to change lists, even without involving the provincial deployment committee”.‎

Molefe’s appointment is apparently based on the removal of Abram Mudau from the North West Province’s National Council of Provinces representatives.

“Nevertheless the way deployments have been done in our province makes it doubtful whether Mudau voluntarily withdrew,” said the SACP in its statement attributed to Madoda Sambatha, the provincial secretary.

The SACP said this “new tradition” in the province does not fit in with the principles of internal democracy. Neither does it constitute consultation with Alliance partners especially at ANC meetings extended to Alliance partners.

“Consultation requires meaningful engagements: freedom of discussion. Without freedom of discussion, especially where it is required, there can be no unity in action.

“It is important for the ANC to walk the talk. This year, according to the ANC, is the year of unity in action in memory of OR Tambo. The manner in which Molefe was appointed represents the exact opposite of the commitment.

“No person within the ANC-headed Alliance denies the ANC the right to take deployment decisions. But this has to be done properly in the context of our shared Alliance electoral strategy.”

The SACP also said it notes the ongoing public debate about the appointment of Molefe as an ANC MP.

Source: African News Agency