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Constitutional Review Committee impressed by tolerance levels of Taung community at Public Hearings

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By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
A delegation of the Joint Constitutional Review Committee continued with the the North West Province leg of its public hearings into a possible review of section 25 of the Constitution in Taung on Tuesday.

The Committee Co-Chairperson, Vincent Smith said they have listened to a number of oral submissions from members of the public who included representatives from farmers’ associations, civic organisations, political parties, traditional leaders and ordinary citizens. Smith said: “The reflection of today’s hearing shows that the majority of the oral submissions made in Taung supported the review of the Constitution, while there were some people who were against the review of the Constitution.

Smith said: “The reflection of today’s hearing shows that the majority of the oral submissions made in Taung supported the review of the Constitution, while there were some people who were against the review of the Constitution.

“Once again, the committee has underestimated the interest of the people in this matter. The committee was expecting about 300 people and there were more than 1 000 people today, which shows that South Africans are very keen to have their voices heard.”

He said the committee applauded the manner in which the people of Taung tolerated each other during the hearings. Smith said there was complete silence when others spoke against the review of the Constitution and there was no need to ask people not to interrupt a speaker. “The committee is impressed by the fact that even the arguments that were made once again show that people have applied their minds.

“The engagements were robust as expected because this is a sensitive subject but the committee is comfortable with the quality of the arguments that were presented. We hope that it carries on like this going forward,”

“The committee is impressed by the fact that even the arguments that were made once again show that people have applied their minds.

“The engagements were robust as expected because this is a sensitive subject but the committee is comfortable with the quality of the arguments that were presented. We hope that it carries on like this going forward,” Smith said.

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By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
A delegation of the Joint Constitutional Review Committee continued with the North West Province leg of its public hearings into a possible review of section 25 of the Constitution in Taung on Monday.

The committee listened to a number of oral submissions from members of the public who included representatives from farmers’ associations, civic organisations, political parties, traditional leaders and ordinary citizens. The Committee Cop-Chairperson reflection of today’s hearings shows that the majority of the oral submissions made in Taung supported the review of the Constitution, while there were some people who were against the review of the Constitution.

The Committee Cop-Chairperson reflection of today’s hearings shows that the majority of the oral submissions made in Taung supported the review of the Constitution, while there were some people who were against the review of the Constitution.

The Co-Chairperson of the committee, Mr Vincent Smith, said: “Once again, the committee has underestimated the interest of the people in this matter. The committee was expecting about 300 people and there were more than 1 000 people today, which shows that South Africans are very keen to have their voices heard.”

The committee applauded the manner in which the people of Taung tolerated each other during today’s hearings. There was complete silence when others spoke against the review of the Constitution and there was no need to ask people not to interrupt a speaker. The committee is impressed by the fact that even the arguments that were made once again show that people have applied their minds. “The engagements are robust as expected because this is a sensitive subject but the committee is comfortable with the quality of the arguments that were presented. We hope that it carries on like this going forward,” said Mr Smith.

Public Hearing on land expropriation in Taung  

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By BAKANG MOKOTO

The land expropriation without compensation has gain momentum especially among the youth. A delegation of the Joint Constitutional Review Committee will visit Taung, Mahikeng and Rustenburg to continue with its public hearings.

The decision to hold public hearings follows a mandate by the National Assembly (NA) and the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) to ascertain whether a review of Section 25 of the Constitution and other clauses are necessary.

The parliament said this will make it possible for the state to expropriate land in the public interest without compensation and propose the necessary constitutional amendments where necessary.

Co-Chairperson of the committee, Lewis Nzimande commended the large number of South Africans that attended the hearings.

“Every day at least 600 people attended our hearings. They were vibrant, yet orderly. They broke out in song and dance at time, yet they were orderly. This must be commended.

“These large numbers we saw is a reflection of the importance of land in our country. It can also be seen as positive to the trust that ordinary South Africans put in Parliament and its processes,” Nzimande said.

He also welcomed the variety of views and “quality” of inputs made by the public. Nzimande said it is clear that South Africans thought deeply about this before coming to hearings.

“The hearings are for all South Africans, irrespective of colour, political affiliation or viewpoint, who wish to have a say on expropriation of land without compensation.

“We assure the public that all views will be taken into consideration during deliberations on the matter. We want to encourage the public to attend the remainder of the hearings. The two delegations of the committee will reconvene in just over a week to restart public hearings,” Nzimande said.

He added that Team A will travel to the North West for hearings on 17 July and Team B will reconvene on 18 July in KwaZulu-Natal.

“We will be in Taung Depot Hall in Taung from 11am until 4pm on the 17th of July 2018. The delegation will now move to Mahikeng Civic Centre in Mahikeng on the 18th of July 2018 at the same time.

“We will conclude our visit in North West on the 19th of July 2018 at Rustenburg Civic Centre in Rustenburg,” Nzimande said.

ANCYL regional chairperson in Dr Ruth Mompati region, Seatlathebe Lepomane said: “We urge our people especially young people to attend those public hearings. It is imperative to bring your inputs and ensure that we get our land back.

“The land expropriation without compensation is a national issue. However, the question is that do we understand where we come from? We must also ensure that we have sufficient machinery in place to deal with this issue when it is ultimately achieved.”

Political activist from Vryburg, Orapeleng Matshidiso shared the same sentiments. Matshidiso said they cannot be apologists in the land of their fore-bearers.

“History says it is not only land which was expropriated without compensation from our people. Our fore-bearers were turned into the slaves of the settlers in their own farms or land. Settlers expropriated their human dignity. Truth is told, poverty takes away your human dignity,” Matshidiso said.

He said these unfortunate mishaps introduced cheap labour that has created the current racial inequalities and ridiculous minimum wage to our poor workers.

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Taung-based disability centre needs funding

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Picture: (Boichoko Disability Centre children and staff in Rooiwal village, Taung)

By REGINALD KANYANE

Boichoko Disability Centre at Rooiwal village in Taung needs virtuous building to cater for 27 disabled children, who come from the most disadvantaged families in Taung.

The owner of the centre, Tshegofatso Jack (42) said she established the centre back in 2014. Jack said she opened the centre because she realised that there are many disadvantaged and disabled children around Taung and their parents do not know where to take them.

“Boichoko Disability Centre provides special education like sign language. However, we are doing this without any financial and professional support.

“We have approached the North West Education and Sport Development and Social Development departments for assistance, but our requests were in vain. I also have a child who is deaf and mute,” she said.

Jack said her child, Boichoko whom she named the centre after, uses sign language. She said she knows what challenges other parents in the same situation are going through.

“There is no sign language school around Taung and that is a challenge. The children at the centre pay R700 per month, but some parents cannot afford.

“I use my pocket money in most cases because some children come from deprived families. We have also received no joy from both departments,” Jack said.

She said the Social Development department has also threatened to shut down the school. Jack said she also use her house to accommodate the children.

“I urge anyone who could assist us with anything like food hampers, building materials to come forward as we are currently operating from a shack, but use my house to sleep,” Jack said.

She said nurses and doctors constantly visit the centre to ensure that the children are healthy. Jack said she has also employed 18 volunteers, who assist her at the centre, but she cannot give them any stipend because of financial constraints.

North West Social Development department spokesperson, Petrus Siko said: “First and foremost the children at this centre are receiving disability grant. As a way of intervention, our social workers had several engagements with the owners of the centre.

“Boichoko Disability Centre is nearer to Lokgabeng Disability Centre, which has enough space to admit people with disability.”

Siko said Lokgabeng Disability Centre thus comply with the norms and standards required to operate as disability centre as opposed to Boichoko. He added that equally important, Lokgabeng Disability Centre is currently being funded by the department.

“In addition, plans are afoot to establish a residential care facility in Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati in the next few years.

The Democratic Alliance (DA) Provincial Spokesperson on Social Development, Dr Tutu Faleni said: “We are concerned by the continued rejection of Boichoko Disability Centre for the disabled by the North West Department of Social Development.

“The management of the school has been operating the centre for four years without any assistance from the Provincial Social Development Department. This is in spite of requests made by the DA in the past that the MEC should help schools such as Boichoko Disability Centre to qualify for financial subsidy.”

Faleni said they will write an urgent memorandum to the MEC for Social Development and urge him to grant financial and professional support to the centre.

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Aggrieved ANC Eastern Cape members lose urgent bid to nullify ‘festival of chairs’ outcome

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Aggrieved ANC members have lost their court bid to force the ANC’s national executive committee (NEC) to disband the Eastern Cape executive committee elected at the so-called “festival of chairs” conference.

The South Gauteng High Court struck the matter off the roll with costs on Monday.

Judge Zeenat Carelse highlighted that the “urgency” was self-created, stating that it took the disgruntled members 11 days to approach the court after the NEC had discussed the Ndebele report.

Aggrieved ANC members have lost their court bid to force the ANC’s national executive committee (NEC) to disband the Eastern Cape executive committee elected at the so-called “festival of chairs” conference.

The South Gauteng High Court struck the matter off the roll with costs on Monday.

Judge Zeenat Carelse highlighted that the “urgency” was self-created, stating that it took the disgruntled members 11 days to approach the court after the NEC had discussed the Ndebele report.

The NEC, which is the ruling party’s highest decision-making body, had tasked NEC member Sbu Ndebele to investigate the dispute around the Eastern Cape’s 2017 elective conference.

The event descended into chaos when delegates threw chairs at each other, leaving scores injured. S members abandoned the conference after Oscar Mabuyane was elected to replace Premier Phumulo Masualle as chair of the party’s third-largest province. The weekend-long conference had already been marred by deep divisions between the two rival factions.

In his report, Ndebele recommended a disbandment of the provincial executive committee which was elected at the conference and suggested that a new conference be held.

Matter set down for next month

However, the NEC rejected his recommendation, with some members labelling his report “biased and not factual”.

The report recommended instead that there should be a “political solution” that would involve NEC members travelling to the Eastern Cape to try and help build “unity” in the province.

In dismissing the matter’s urgency, Judge Carelse set it down for hearings a month later.

“Pertinently, on the applicant’s own version, the matter cannot be rendered urgent to the extent that the applicants have requested a referral to oral evidence. This puts an end to the question of urgency. In my view the applicants have not made out a case for urgency.

“If there is urgency it is self-created,” Judge Carelse ruled.

The aggrieved members had argued before the court that the minutes from an NEC meeting discussing the matter did not reflect that it had rejected or accepted Ndebele’s report, but that the minutes only stated that the NEC had “noted” it.

Deputy secretary general Jessie Duarte, the minutes showed, had argued that the NEC had taken a decision to reject the report, leaving nothing to be implemented.

Aggrieved ANC members have lost their court bid to force the ANC’s national executive committee (NEC) to disband the Eastern Cape executive committee elected at the so-called “festival of chairs” conference.

The South Gauteng High Court struck the matter off the roll with costs on Monday.

Judge Zeenat Carelse highlighted that the “urgency” was self-created, stating that it took the disgruntled members 11 days to approach the court after the NEC had discussed the Ndebele report.

The NEC, which is the ruling party’s highest decision-making body, had tasked NEC member Sbu Ndebele to investigate the dispute around the Eastern Cape’s 2017 elective conference.

The event descended into chaos when delegates threw chairs at each other, leaving scores injured. S members abandoned the conference after Oscar Mabuyane was elected to replace Premier Phumulo Masualle as chair of the party’s third-largest province. The weekend-long conference had already been marred by deep divisions between the two rival factions.

In his report, Ndebele recommended a disbandment of the provincial executive committee which was elected at the conference and suggested that a new conference be held.

Matter set down for next month

However, the NEC rejected his recommendation, with some members labelling his report “biased and not factual”.

The report recommended instead that there should be a “political solution” that would involve NEC members travelling to the Eastern Cape to try and help build “unity” in the province.

In dismissing the matter’s urgency, Judge Carelse set it down for hearings a month later.

“Pertinently, on the applicant’s own version, the matter cannot be rendered urgent to the extent that the applicants have requested a referral to oral evidence. This puts an end to the question of urgency. In my view the applicants have not made out a case for urgency.

“If there is urgency it is self-created,” Judge Carelse ruled.

The aggrieved members had argued before the court that the minutes from an NEC meeting discussing the matter did not reflect that it had rejected or accepted Ndebele’s report, but that the minutes only stated that the NEC had “noted” it.

Deputy secretary general Jessie Duarte, the minutes showed, had argued that the NEC had taken a decision to reject the report, leaving nothing to be implemented.

Source: http://www.news24.com

Downs want to get back on track

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Johannesburg – Mamelodi Sundowns will use the free soccer lessons they received from Barcelona to good effect in the CAF Champions League.

The Brazilians will now turn their attention to the Champions League, where they face Guinea’s Horoya AC in their second game of the group stages on Tuesday evening.

The game was rescheduled to accommodate the Barcelona friendly, which was held to celebrate Nelson Mandela’s centenary.

After being made to run around by the star-studded La Liga champions on Wednesday, Pitso Mosimane said the game was good preparation for the Horoya match.

Mosimane said he was not disappointed with the 3-1 final scoreline, but was unhappy about how his players gave away possession too cheaply, and allowed two costly mistakes that resulted in two goals against them.

The Catalans put Sundowns to the sword with an easy victory thanks to goals from Ousmane Dembélé, Luis Suárez and André Gomes.

Sibusiso Vilakazi scored Downs’ consolation goal.

The Brazilians need to get their campaign back on track after dropping points at home against defending champions Wydad Casablanca.

Downs are third on the log behind Horoya, who won their opening game at Togo-Port, and Wydad, who also beat the Togolese side in their second match this week.

Mosimane said he expected his players to go back to playing their normal game – unlike when they froze on the big stage and committed schoolboy errors against Barca.

Downs will welcome back striker Percy Tau after he missed the opening game due to suspension.

Against the north Africans, Downs were impotent in front of goals and clearly missed the services of their top scorer.

Although they created chances to wrap up the game, they could not capitalise and Mosimane bemoaned their lack of killer instincts as their downfall.

He is hoping for a better outing against an equally good side, who will be motivated by their away win.

Downs cannot afford to drop more points if they are to advance to the knockout stages of the tournament.

Downs will be eager to end this season on a high as this match will serve as their last game before the World Cup and their much-needed break.

Added to this, they do not want to lose sight of leaders Wydad at the top.

A loss to Horoya will make their lives difficult going forward.

This could also be Khama Billiat’s last game for the club as his contract runs out at the end of the month.

The Zimbabwean has refused to extend his contract and he has been linked with clubs in Saudi Arabia and Azerbaijan.

Sundowns’ next game will be in Togo in July.

Source: http://www.news24.com

Denel CEO resigns

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JOHANNESBURG – Denel CEO Zwelakhe Ntshepe has resigned from the arms manufacturer.

He has worked at the state-owned entity for 20 years, but was chief executive for only six months.

Denel’s board has appointed its head of aeronautics, Michael Kgobe, as interim CEO.

Ntshepe’s resignation comes after revelations that Denel gave North West Premier Supra Mahumapelo’s son an R1.1-million bursary to become a pilot.

Rapport newspaper reported at the time that Denel had “bent the rules” to award the bursary.

Ntshepe reportedly signed the contract.

The DA has laid a criminal complaint against Ntshepe and Mahumapelo for alleged fraud and corruption.

– eNCA

Man found guilty of killing six-year-old hero Kutlwano

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Family members and supporters of slain six-year-old Kutlwano Garesape said that they expect a lengthy and harsh sentence to be handed to the man found guilty of his murder.

Tefelo Dikole was on Friday found guilty in the Northern Cape High Court of the brutal murder of Kutlwano and the attempted rape of the young boy’s mother on August 12, 2016.

Kutlwano was killed while trying tried to defend his mother from Dikole who wanted to rape her.

Members of the public filled the gallery and sighed in shock as they heard how Dikole assaulted Kutlwano by twice throwing him into the air and letting him fall to the ground before stabbing him with a broken bottle in full sight of his mother.

After the guilty verdict, they shouted at Dikole and told him that he deserved two life sentences for the crime.

“Two life sentences two life sentences,” one lady shouted as she held up two fingers.

Kutlwano’s mother, Evelyn Garesape, said that she was relieved that Dikole was found guilty and she now wants the harshest sentence handed to him.

“We are happy that the case has finally come to an end. It did seem that this chapter would never end when the case first started. I am glad that the man who killed my son was found and will serve jail time for killing my baby,” Garesape said.

She added that she still feels a void in her life and misses Kutlwano every day.

“I think about Kutlwano every day there is not a day or moment that passes where I do not think of him.

“Kutlwano is my hero. It is heartbreaking that he had to pay with his life to protect me I am forever indebted to him for his brave act. He was only six years old but fought for what was right. I would have been a victim of rape if it was not my son.

“I miss him terribly but thank God for giving me a guardian angel,” she said while fighting back the tears.

Adam Feltman from the Muslim Judicial Council (MJC) of South Africa said that they were also pleased that Dikole was found guilty on both the murder and attempted rape charges.

“This is a case where an innocent child and his mother were attacked. The attack resulted in a young child being brutally killed. What is even worse is that the attack happened while the mother was walking to school with her two minor children. We do not want people such as the accused in our societies. We should be able to live in our societies,” said Feltman.

He added that the MJC will continue to support Kutlwano’s family.

“We have been in contact with the family since we got news of the attack in 2016. We have assisted them with the educational needs of their younger son. We will continue to support the family in any way possible,” he said.

The ANC in the Northern Cape also welcomed the judgment.

“We have been following this matter as the ANC and commend the police as well as the courts for reacting speedily on this matter. We see the ruling as a major victory, which sets a good precedence for future offenders and especially those that prey on vulnerable children and women,” the party said.

“We applaud the Department of Transport, Safety and Liaison for the assistance that has been provided to the family in their time of need. We call on all community members to assist government’s initiatives in ensuring that we protect the most vulnerable members in our communities.”

Source: http://www.iol.co.za

Motsweding FM presenter laid to rest

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By BAKANG MOKOTO

Thousands of mourners came out in numbers to witness the burial of SABC’s Motsweding FM presenter, Modiko Mothupi. A 56 year-old broadcaster passed away on Monday after a short-illness and he was buried at Mmabatho Cemetery in Mahikeng on Saturday.

SABC News Provincial Assignment editor, Winston Mphahlele said Mothupi served the organization for more than 15 years.

“He was a disciplined, dedicated and determined announcer, DJ and presenter. Mothupi was a colleague who spent his better part of life in broadcasting. He was the example of the crop that was chosen and came into the industry with passion. Mothupi did not join the SABC for personal gain, but because of passion.

“He went through thick and thin, but he continued to serve the organization unconditionally. Mothupi was also a soft-spoken and kind individual who was easy to associate with. He was also a devoted Christian and he was so creative when coming to his work,” he said.

Mothupi’s longtime friend and colleague, Lawrence Kuntwane shared the same sentiments.Kuntwane said: “We wish we could have a person of his calibre, especially when coming to traditional Setswana music. Our emerging presenters could take a leaf out of Mothupi’s life. Mothupi was a simply man who never regarded himself as a celebrity. He was the voice of the station.”

Kuntwane said: “We wish we could have a person of his calibre, especially when coming to traditional Setswana music. Our emerging presenters could take a leaf out of Mothupi’s life. Mothupi was a simply man who never regarded himself as a celebrity. He was the voice of the station.”

Judge Bafshoe, who was Mothupi’s neighbour said: “Mothupi loved God and he was always vibrant. He believed in himself and always encouraged people to work hard.”Mothupi was also advocating a fight against women and children abuse. He was well-known and blended well with his neighbours.

“Mothupi was also advocating a fight against women and children abuse. He was well-known and blended well with his neighbours.”

Bafshoe added that Mothupi played an integral part in making sure that they become a one big family.

“I will miss him and I hope God will grant his family serenity,” he said.

Keorapetse who is Mothupi’s daughter said: “We will always cherish your presence in our life. You also encouraged us to study harder as you believed in education. We hope you will always look down on us from heaven and we were grateful to have a father like you,” she said.

ANC acting Provincial Secretary, Sussana Dantjie said: “Mothupi was so passionate about his job. He promoted Setswana language and culture. Mothupi has been dedicated to his job as a Setswana broadcaster fordecades and contributed to our society’s history and development.

Mothupi leaves two children, Keorapetse and Oarabile Mothupi behind including his wife, Brenda.

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Mahumapelo postpones media briefing indefinitely

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By REGINALD KANYANE

North West Provincial government’s Office of the Premier has indefinitely cancelled the media briefing that was scheduled on Wednesday at 10am.

North West Premier, Supra Mahumapelo was supposed to brief the media amid his resignation. However, Mahumapelo spokesperson, Brian Setswambung said: The indefinite postponement is due to new developments. We regret the inconvenience occasioned by this indefinite postponement.”

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