BY REGINALD KANYANE

LOCAL government and human settlements department held Bokone Bophirima Govan Mbeki Awards 2016 in Ganyesa village, near Vryburg on Thursday.

MEC for local government and human settlements department, Fenny Gaolaolwe said the purpose of these awards was to promote and re-enforce a culture of excellence within the housing sector. She said the delivery of integrated human settlements restore the dignity of all South Africans.

“The awards are also intended to encourage all stakeholders in the sector to respond systematically and foster a culture of producing quality housing and service delivery for all. We remain proud as the province and we appreciate the good work done by contractors in building quality houses for our people.

“We will continue to sustain the quality work through Saamwerk-Saamtrek philosophy. The department will also continue to take this prestigious occasion to our Villages, Township and Small Dorpies (VTSD) to boost local village economy as pronounced by North West Premier Supra Mahumapelo,” Gaolaolwe said.

Andisa Consulting Company co-founder, Tumelo Mokone, 32 won the Best Youth Contractor of the year award. Mokone also came second in the Best Community Residential Unit category.

“We are happy that also this year we managed to register another win which puts us in housing construction map. This is the reaffirmation that young black contractors are able to tap into the market and make it like any other housing developer. We are in charge and we are here to stay,” Mokone said.

The Best Woman Contractor, Lettie of Motheo Consulting said: “If we could build in Marikana where we experienced a lot of challenges in the community, we can build anywhere in the country. We were able to resolve all the community issues which stalled our project several times. Involving local contractors especially women also assisted to the completion of the project.”

Winners of different categories will compete at the National Govan Mbeki Awards to be held Durban around November later this year.

The following are categories and contractors that won the awards:

Youth contractor – Andisa Consulting

Informal settlements – Marabella Project

Best rural housing project – Tawana Business Project

Best woman contractor – Motheo Construction

Best CRU – Motheo Construction

Best farm Resident Housing Programme – Urban Dynamics

Beautified, Clean and Enhanced Neighbourhood Project – Agisanang Township Developers

Best Performing Region – Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati

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BY REGINALD KANYANE
North West Province will visit the People’s Republic of China on Sunday until September 18 to explore further investment opportunities and to confirm the provincial government’s commitment to the already proposed deals.

Mahumapelo will engage with potential investors from Beijing and Shanghai to construct power station and the establishment of a bus manufacturing plant in the province. 

He said this will include the establishment of donkey breeding farms for export of donkey hide and meat to China.

Mahumapelo will be accompanied by MECs Manketsi Tlhape of Rural, Environment and Agricultural Development and Fenny Gaolaolwe of Local Government and Human Settlements.

“We are going to to discuss on proposed deals for construction of buildings and improvement of ICT infrastructure. As part of this week-long programme, we will also include experts in the field of agriculture,” he said.

Mahumapelo further said they will visit a donkey farm and attend a Huawei Exhibition in Shanghai before meeting with various companies such as Shanghai Electric, Bus Manufacturing, Survey and Donkey companies.

“This second official trip to China is part of strengthening the existing trade and investment relations with BRICS countries, and serve as a great platform for the North West Province to learn best practices in dealing with especially housing challenges and ICT issues.

“Moreover, the engagement with potential investors in China is viewed as a significant effort geared towards boosting the province’s economy, and achieving the goals of the 5th Administration’s strategy to rebrand, reposition and renew the province,” he said.

MEC for Education and Sport Development, Sello Lehari, will be appointed to act as Premier of the North West Province for the duration of Premier Mahumapelo’s visit to China. 

taungdailynews@gmail.com

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BY REGINALD KANYANE
A 39-year-old man was killed yesterday following a collision between a bakkie and a bike on the RPM Road in Rustenburg.

ER24 paramedics, along with another service, arrived on the scene and found both the bakkie and the bike in the road. 

Er24 spokesperson Russel Meiring said the  body of the biker was found lying few metres away from the bike in the veld.

“Paramedics assessed the man and found that he had sustained numerous injuries, leaving him in a critical condition.

“The patient was treated for his injuries and provided with advanced life support interventions. He was thereafter transported to Peglaray Hospital for urgent treatment,” Meiring said.

He said upon arrival at hospital, the patients vital signs diminished. 

Paramedics immediately initiated CPR and numerous advanced life support interventions.

“Unfortunately, after 40 minutes, no vital signs returned and the man was declarded dead.

“The driver of the bakkie did not sustain any injuries,” he said.

Local authorities were on scene for further investigations.

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BY REGINALD KANYANE

Four people have been killed and one other injured this morning after a head-on collision between two SUV’s on the N12 between Klerksdorp and Wolmaransstad in the North West.

ER24 paramedics, along with other services, arrived on the scene and found both wrecked vehicles in the middle of the road. Both vehicles had sustained a large amount of damage in the collision.

Er24 spokesperson Russel Meiring said the paramedics found a man and woman lying trapped in the first SUV while another man and woman were lying trapped in the second vehicle. All four patients showed no signs of life.

“On assessment, paramedics found that all four patients had already succumbed to their multiple fatal injuries. Nothing more could be done for them and they were later declared dead on scene.

“A fifth patient, a woman, was found lying trapped inside one of the SUV is in a serious condition. Emergency workers set about carefully extricating her from the vehicle. Once freed, paramedics treated the patient and provided her with advanced life support interventions,” Meiring said.

The patient was later transported to Wolmaransstad Hospital for urgent treatment.

The details surrounding the incident are not yet known but local authorities were on scene for further investigations.

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BY REGINALD KANYANE

GALESHEWE police have launched a men hunt following two separate rape cases over the weekend. Northern Cape police spokesperson, Lieutenant Olebogeng Tawana said the suspects allegedly fled the crime scenes after they took turns in raping two women in separate incidents in Galeshewe.

He said a 38-year-old woman was allegedly abducted and raped.

“A woman was walking near Soul City in Galeshewe when she was abducted. The incident happened on Friday at about 19:30.

“It is alleged that a black Toyota Tazz with GP registration number plates with four occupants made a sudden stop next to the victim and forced her inside the Tazz. They covered her head with a woolly cloth and drove off with her to a certain house in Galeshewe,” Tawana said.

He further said the woman was allegedly captivated for three days between Friday and Sunday.

In another incident, a 41-year-old woman was also raped by two men. Tawana added that the victim was allegedly walking on foot when she was grabbed by two unknown men.

“They dragged her in the nearby bushes and took turns in raping her. They robbed the victim a bag, shoes and undisclosed amount of cash. The suspects in both cases fled into unknown directions after rape incidents.

“Anyone with information that could assist the police could be communicated with the investigating officer, Sergeant Daniel Satisfied on 083 9400 503 / 082 4954 605 and Galeshewe police station at 053 8076 000,” he said.

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Eight is the number! Two MTN8 semifinals. Two CAF Champions League semifinals. Four league matches. A game every three or four days.

This is what awaits Mamelodi Sundowns this month – if the PSL does not alter some of the fixtures.

This is the price clubs pay for taking part in continental competitions.

September is a make-or-break month for Sundowns as they have to juggle three competitions.

The Brazilians have not had any rest by virtue of their CAF Champions League participation.

They start with their marathon fixtures on Sunday when they visit Chippa United in the first leg of the MTN8 semifinals at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium.

Three days later, the defending Absa Premiership champions open their league account against Maritzburg United.

Then they are off to Zambia for the first leg of the Champions League on September 17 at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola.

They host the Zambians a week later at home in the second leg.

But they face Platinum Stars the Wednesday before the return leg.

Downs are also supposed to host Chippa United in the second leg of the MTN8, but the league has not yet scheduled the game.

Adding to that, they have another date with the Chilli Boys in a league game scheduled for September 25 at the same Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium.

Sundowns will end their marathon run against Bloemfontein Celtic at home three days later.

Hopefully, by then, they will be in the finals of the MTN8 and the Champions League.

The Brazilians have already lost striker Leonardo Castro to injury and playing back-to-back matches could compound their troubles.

Sundowns CEO Sizwe Nzimande told City Press that they were engaging with the league to have some of their matches rescheduled.

Nzimande said it would be a challenge to feature in all the matches as they are currently arranged.

“We are hoping that the league will come to our rescue and reschedule some of the matches.

“One match we would really like to shift is the one against Maritzburg as we have to travel to Zambia immediately thereafter. It would be better not to play that match so we could travel in time to Zambia,” said Nzimande.

He is hopeful that they will come to a beneficial arrangement with the league.

If they succeed in rescheduling the Maritzburg game, the Brazilians will start their defence of the league title against Platinum Stars towards the end of this month.

They would have to play catch-up games throughout the season, particularly if they go all the way to the finals of the Champions League and MTN8.

Source: http://www.news24.com

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After a thrilling display of football by the Ke Yona team against an experienced Supersport United side, Nedbank in partnership with the Premier Soccer League today announced the results of the PSL draft where 16 of the Ke Yona Team players were drafted into each of the PSL clubs.

The Nedbank Ke Yona Team PSL Draft is in its second year after the 2015 edition saw players such as Ian Chikohwa (University of Pretoria), Luthando Sixhaso, (Kaizer Chiefs) Thamsanqa Gwabeni (Platinum Stars) and Jerrad Meyer (Jomo Cosmos) all eventually signing professional contracts and making their football dreams happen.

All 16 players will assemble for camp at their new clubs on 1 October and will spend an entire month of training with the hope of securing a professional contract.

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2016 Nedbank Ke Yona Team PSL Draft Results

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Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) treasurer-general Magdalene Moonsamy has resigned from her position to concentrate on her career as a lawyer.

EFF’s leader Julius Malema announced on Monday that Moonsamy has established her law firm and had requested the organisation to afford her time off.

“The position of treasurer-general is a full-time position‚” noted Malema.

Her departure follows the recent announcement that the EFF’s national spokesperson‚ Mbuyiseni Ndlozi‚ “will be on study leave effective immediately‚ till 1 November 2016”.

“Commissar Fana Mokoena has therefore been appointed to the position of acting national spokesperson until Commissar Ndlozi can resume his duties in November‚” the party had said in a statement. – TMG Digital

FORMER municipal manager at Ngaka Modiri Molema District Municipality, Mokgele Mojaki could be in trouble after R105m was abused under his watch.

This came out when the district leadership appeared before the North West select committee on public accounts (Scopa) in Mahikeng.

It emerged that the district lost R104 698 512 that went out of its coffers in direct contravention of supply chain and procurement requirements.

Scopa indicated that there was a lot of rot at the municipality and people would have to be arrested.

The committee sent out seven questions to the municipality and members did not mince their words that they were not impressed by the direction the municipality was moving.

They made it clear that good governance was not part of the attributes at the district municipality and called for drastic measures to be taken if the situation is to be contained.

Scopa chairperson, Mahlakeng Mahlakeng said the municipality relies too heavily on consultants to assist with key services.

“We believe that the municipality does not have any plan to recoup the missing money. The municipality is in tatters and we want answers. We want criminal charges to be laid against the former municipal manager, Mokgele Mojaki and others.

“We are guided by MFMA rules and regulations. The municipality employed more staff and most of the budget goes to their salaries rather than service delivery. The answers that the municipality giving us does not have remedial actions on them,” Mahlakeng said.

Committee member, Boitumelo Moiloa said the municipality must stop relying on consultants.

She said that huge sums of money were paid to consultants while there are people employed and paid to do the same job.

“The municipality needs to hire competent people. Consultants are too expensive and this will strain the municipality financially. The Audit General also highlighted that the municipality does not have adequate system to reconcile millions lost,” she said.

Executive mayor, Justice Makolomakwa and acting municipal manager Jerry Brandon said they were doing their best to make sure they exorcise the financial mismanagement ghost haunting the municipality.

“As for the R105m and the former municipal manager, the provincial treasury commissioned a forensic audit and the report is out. We are just waiting for further directions from the department before we start acting on the recommendations,” Makolomakwa said.

“There is another case we referred to the hawks for consideration because we are of the view that some people can be criminally charged. Once the Hawks have decided, we will now what step to take next,” he added.

On his part, Brandon promised to work round the clock to bring about accountability and clean governance at the municipality.

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

NEWLY elected Matlosana mayor, Maetu Kgaile has rubbished claims by the DA in the area that she planned a lavish R1m inauguration bash for the new council.

Mateu, the first female mayor in Klerksdorp was accused of wanting to indulge friends and pals at the expense of the taxpayers.

While acknowledging that the inauguration party is coming on September 9, Kgaile said it will cost less than R200 000.

“The City of Matlosana can confirm that on 9 September 2016, they will be inaugurating its first female Executive Mayor, Cllr Maetu Kgaile. This is a historic event for the City, hence it is important to have a ceremony or a special event to mark the beginning of her term of office,” she said.

“Inauguration is not something new, it is an ancient way of inducting a leader into the system by communicating intentions, mission, values and strategies to the community at large. The inauguration committee budget plan was presented before council, subjecting the plan for approval.

I can allude that the inauguration committee is continuing with preparations for the event and that the budget is less than R200 000,” Kgaile added.

The mayor pointed out that the R1m was a figment of the DA’s imagination and such claims should be dismissed.

The DA’s Maritha Coetzee said that her party’s objections to stop a lavish party in Jouberton had been overruled by the ANC majority.

She alleged that the mayor and acting municipal manager had planned to host about 8 000 people and fears were that this will cost R1m.

“Contradictory to Treasury MFMA  Circular 82 which states that “excessive and wasteful expenditure has to be reduced” and “restrictions is placed on conferences, catering, entertainment and social functions” the ANC-led council approved this exorbitant and wasteful expenditure.

“This circular also warns against financing of social functions by any suppliers or sponsors.  Nevertheless the ANC is awaiting donations from ABSA and ESKOM respectively, stating that information regarding these donations will be revealed at the next council sitting – which will only happen after the planned inauguration,” Coetzee said.

She added that the ANC had no intention to ensure that public funds are appropriately utilized or to address economic challenges.

“The DA is shocked by ANC remarks that “R1 million is not a lot of money”. We disagree and are convinced it can at least contribute in repairing or replacing much needed service delivery vehicles for a start.

“This is just another way of how the ANC fails the people of Matlosana. In an area where poverty and unemployment are huge challenges, luxuries like this party is a disgrace to the people of the area,” she said.

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