BY REGINALD KANYANE

A NEWLY crowned Miss Teen Africa, Palesa Koloane said it was amazing after being crowned a winner. A 15 year-old from Potchefstroom was announced as a winner recently during the competition at Protea Hotel in Kempton Park, Johannesburg.

“I am intense about modeling. However being a winner in the whole continent, that alone inspires me. My parents taught me to remain grounded. When you start valuing yourself based on other people’s accolades, it is a little dangerous.

“I have learnt a lot and believe me, nothing can substitute hard work. The win comes as a juggernaut in my career. However my concentration is to finish school first and further my studies,” Koloane said.

Palesa said she competed against 15 girls from across the continent. She added that she tried her luck back in 2014, but she came as 1^st princess.

“I love knitting, going to the cinema with my friends. And I also enjoy spending time with my family. This is the second time I tried to win the title. Back in 2014 I was crowned as 1st princess hence I say hard work is key,” she said.

The owner of pageant SA, Carolyn Botha said the entrants were required to represent their ancient forefathers. Botha said as a result, families start looking into their heritage and culture.

“The winners in each category, together with their runner-ups, take part in charity and community work within their respective provinces. This will assist to empower those who are impoverished.

“Some of the charity work involves visiting the sick and elderly in hospital, AIDS hospices, orphanages and old age homes as well as attending fundraising events,” she said.

Botha added that Pageants SA has been in existence since 1998. She further said they decided establish Africa pageant in 2002.

“Pageants SA has gone from strength to strength. We have acquired the licenses to over 52 International pageants. Over the last two decades Pageants SA has had several International title holders.

“Our most recent international accomplishments is Miss Teen World, Little Miss World, Mr Teen World, Miss Teen Universe, Little Miss Universe, Miss 7 Continents, Little Miss Globe, Modelling & Talent Champions – USA, Miss Tourism World, Miss Tourism Queen International, Mini Model of the World, Miss Model of the World, Miss All Nations, Miss Globe Classic and etc,” Botha said.

-TDN

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BY REGINALD KANYANE

THE Hawks waged a war against fraudsters across the province. Provincial Head, Major General Linda Mbana said they will continue to clamp down those who continue to undermine the law.

Mabana welcomed the conviction of a 38 year-old fraudster, Johannes Baard.

Mbana said: “Baard was arrested on December 23 back in 2015 after being in implicated in ATM fraud scheme in Phokeng. The suspect was traced and found to be in possession of a skimming device and five bank cards. The total amount R9 463 cash was also found in his possession.”

Baard appeared in Tlhabane Regional Court on Wednesday and found guilty of fraud under Fraud and the Electronic Communication Transaction (ECT) Act 25/2002.

Banda added that the Hawks will leave no stone unturned in fight crime.

-TDN

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BY REGINALD KANYANE

MINISTER of water and sanitation department, Nomvula Mokonyane will launch Jericho Rural Water Supply in Madibeng on Friday.

North West water and sanitation department in North West spokesperson, Katlego Mokaila said the project has contributed to social economic upliftment in Jericho.

“The project has increased the water supply of the communities across Madibeng local municipality.  It involves implementation of pipelines, reticulation, testing and drilling of boreholes. It also ascertains the yield of the boreholes as well as connecting the feeder lines to the existing network and the main reservoir,” Mokaila said.

She added that government has responded to the drought and water shortages.

“Minister Nomvula Mokonyane has announced the new sms line that will guarantee that the public continues to have a central point in accessing information and registering water and sanitation challenges.

“The hotline will provide an opportunity for the public to be informed and to have constructive feedback. Issues that fuel poor service delivery will also be reported and complaints will be captured and forwarded to the relevant municipality. The reported faults will be resolved within 24 hours,” Mokaila said.

North West premier Supra Mahumapelo expected to be part of the event. Mokonyane will visit a site before engaging with community members.

North West province was amongst eight provinces been declared states of disaster because of the ongoing drought.

-TDN

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BY REGINALD KANYANE

THE ANC waded into the saga between the IEC and the independent candidates in Tlokwe. The party is demanding that the independents stop trying to harass the IEC with their unreasonable demands that the chairperson, Mosotho Mepye should resign.

The party thought the rules governing the IEC were clear and that the independents will do well do familiarise themselves with the workings of the commission.

The independent mayoral candidate in Tlokwe, David Kham said they have sent a letter of demand to IEC. According to Kham, chief electoral officer failed to comply with his duties in term of section 12(2) of the electoral commission’s Act 51 of 1996 and call for his resignation.

ANC provincial spokesperson, Diale Kgantsi said it is very unfortunate for the independent candidates to call for the resignation of the chairperson of IEC.

“We condemn the cheap political stunts pulled by independent candidates in Tlokwe. They need to associate themselves with rules and regulations before they could utter any words.

“IEC is a reputable anatomy which is entrusted by the masses. Independent candidates cannot expect IEC to bring voters to Tlokwe to verify their addresses. Voters do not go and vote for IEC, however they will vote for political parties. So they must stop shifting the blame. This shows incompetence and we believe voters come out in numbers and vote for ANC,” Kgantsi said.

IEC spokesperson, Kate Bapela confirmed that they have received the independent candidates’s letter.

“We have received the letter from independent candidates in Tlokwe. However the letter was forwarded to the Board of Commission. Unfortunately we cannot shed more light on the matter. We will address the matter after discussions,” Bapela said.

Mayoral candidate at Tlokwe local municipality, David Kham said: “The letter was written on behalf of the independent candidates of Tlokwe. Our struggle with IEC is well recorded in several judgments dating so far back as October 2013.

“We have been on the receiving end of bureaucracy spearheaded by the Chief Electoral Office (CEO) that, both actively and passively, was aimed at disenfranchising us,” Kham said.

He claimed that the IEC failed to verify addresses in Tlokwe and they were still experiencing problems.

The IEC was ordered by ConCourt to verify addresses of voters in Tlokwe before local government elections on August 3. The last opportunity for address verification was last weekend on June 25-26.

-TDN

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Junior Pirates Team Picture during the SAB League North West Finals on 25 June 2016 at Coldrige Stadium Pic Sydney Mahlangu/ BackpagePix

BY REGINALD KANYANE

TWO soccer teams from North West were promoted to ABC Motsepe league after being crowned as SAB league champions. Junior Pirates Football eliminated Maruding Classic while Tigane Chelsea walloped Real South during play-offs at Colridge stadium in Vryburg on Saturday.

SAB’socio-economic development specialist, Ntombi Kholwa said the grassroots development soccer augurs well for the future of football. Kholwa added that two teams were crowned champions from different levels.

“We have four regions in North West. Four teams reached the play-offs. Junior Pirates FC and Tigane Chelsea won the play-offs and now they were elevated to ABC Motsepe league. We urge them to continue to work hard on their
journey to professional football.

“Today marks another example of how much of a difference SAB is making
in various communities through the SAB league. We pride ourselves in
providing such platforms of talent identification. Sport contributes positively in curbing socio-economic issues faced by our communities,” she said.

Kholwa said 2016 SAB League season has reached its fever pitch. Kholwa said provincial play-offs were underway across all nine provinces.

SAFA’s director of competitions, Balebetse Monnakgotla said their fruitful partnership with SAB continues to yield incredible results for the development of football.

 “We thank their unwavering support in assisting SAFA to meet its mandate. Our objective is to develop football from grassroots. The SAB league is now entering into the exciting finale of the season.

“The SAB U21 national championship will take place soon too. So we are expecting to see the cream of the crop and abundance of talents in display. The organisation has paved the way for many players. Football is more than just a fun. Soccer plays a role in international development by funding global education. It also takes part in effecting positive social change and produces renewable energy. Soccer is unique and it crosses all geographic, ethnic and religious boundaries,” Monnakgotla said. 

He added that sport at large effects positive social change. Monnakgotla further said sport engage people, foster teamwork, release endorphins and teach young people important life lessons about hard work, dedication and relying on others. 

-TDN

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BY REGINALD KANYANE

MEC for community safety and transport management, Dr Mpho Motlhabane visited few police stations in Ratlou local municipality on an unannounced visit recently.

Motlhabane also visited few schools and met with community members. He said they will establish ‘Adopt A Cop’ initiative in few schools.

“I visited Boithaopo Secondary School on Friday. Many parents were concerned about the safety of their children. They said the fence has been tempered with and this exposes them to criminal activities during school hours.

“We call for the establishment of the Adopt A Cop programme. It is the school safety crime prevention programme. It was established under the protocol which was signed by education and sport development department and South African Police Services in 2011,” he said.

Motlhabane added that the protocol aimed to promote safer schools and prevent the involvement of young people in crime. He further said they will conduct internal investigation regarding criminal incidents reported to the Atamelang Police Station.

“The community alleged that the police station delays in investigations regarding crimes reported. So we will conduct an internal investigation on the matter. We are working hand-in-hand with the tribal council.

“We discussed how best we can work on an integrated approach. We don’t need guns to fight crime but Saamtrek, Saamwerk approach can take us far. Crime is a societal thorn which needs the participation of everyone,” he said.

Motlhabane said the unannounced visits to police stations were intended to assess the level of service delivery provided by police stations. He added that compliance towards improving frontline service delivery was imperative.

“The visits are intended to determine the extent of service delivery and ensure that government principles of Batho Pele are adhered to. These are part of the Setsokotsane programme which is currently implemented in all four districts of the province,” Motlhabane said.

-TDN

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BY HOFFMAN GALENG

As the Youth Month and the celebration of the heroic struggle waged by the class of 1976 to advance the quest for freedom is drawing close, there is a need to reflect on the lessons learnt from this heroic epoch to suggest ways on how its significance can be meaningfully sustained.

Although the conditions of the present generation of youth differed markedly with those of the class of 1976, it is incumbent upon the youth of today to emulate themselves in defining their cause for a better South Africa by producing a model for contentious politics to be felt for years to come. 

The youth have therefore stopped seeing “Youth Month” as an exclusive month for the class of 1976 and have adopted an approach that amalgamates the contributions of all young people in South Africa. The process ensures that their contributions filter down to the grass-root level in a sustainable manner for prosperity.

As the youth of today augment the contribution made by the class of 1976 who were confronted by the repressive state machinery intended to undermine the dignity of the African child and to further deepen the plight of the black majority in line with the apartheid policies.

They should therefore use the power of their vote in the upcoming Local Government Elections to claim their stake in the current political realm.

With the Local Government Elections coming up on August 3, we welcome the survey results for March-May 2016 published by Ipsos markinor. It is renowned and leading research company. It indicated that 71 percent of our youth intend to vote on elections day. The results of this reputable institution conducted among 3 786 households targeting young people, during face to face interviews, laid to rest the allegations of youth apathy as being reported in certain media houses and quarters. 

This is a welcome change on the part of our youth in participating in the affairs of the country geared towards changing their socio-economic status.

The youth of today are combat ready to participate in the political processes of the country as reflected in the high proportion of newly eligible voters who were registered in the last leg of voter registrations by the IEC.

Our youth are conscious of the fact that opting out of the democratic process is an indication of cynicism, as this would result in their exclusion in both national planning and decision making processes of the affairs of the country.

In taking forward their own legitimate struggles of today, be it around education, participation in electoral processes and employment opportunities, or the provision of services, young people should be mindful of the fact that the hallmarks of the struggle of the class of 1976 were unity and discipline.

Our fifth democratic government theme for this Youth Month “Youth moving South Africa forward” is quite apposite as it seeks to engender a sense of involvement in our youth and urge them to remember the wise words of one of our legend from the Bokone Bophirima Province, uncle Moses Kotane, who declared that “At this hour of destiny, your country and your people need you.

The future of South Africa is in your hands and it will be what you make of it.” This cannot be further from the truth as South Africa needs a legion of its youth at this particular juncture.

As we will be making long queues to cast our votes in the upcoming local government elections and renew the mandate of the ANC in most municipalities in the province and country-wide, we should be mindful of the myriad challenges that still lies ahead in facilitating programmes aimed at job creation and economic security of youth through government, business and civil society.

Franz Fanon once declared in his celebrated quote that “Each generation must discover its mission, fulfil it or betray it, in relative opacity.” We have no doubt as the ANC-led government, that the youth of today are up to the task and will renew the mandate of the ANC-led democratic local government on August 3.

Hoffman Galeng is the Chief Whip of the Majority party (ANC) in the North West Legislature and writes in his personal capacity

-TDN

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BY REGINALD KANYANE

NINE families from Pudimoe location in Taung received their title deeds on Monday. Local government and human settlements department bestowed house owners with title deeds after 20 years.

North West MEC of local government and human settlements department, Fenny Gaolalwe said the houses belonged to North West Housing Corporation (NWHC).

“Through the NHWC housing discount benefit scheme, the owners had their outstanding debts on these houses (known as old stock) cancelled. We have spent over R16 000 on the transfer costs.

“Now homeowners can be at ease. They have title deeds as proof of ownership. They can now sleep better at night without a fear of being evicted. The North West Housing Corporation has properties in some parts of the North West, Northern Cape, Gauteng and Free State provinces,” Gaolaolwe said.

-TDN

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BY REGINALD KANYANE

A RENOWNED radio and TV personality Collen Lemawane has released a book to unleash his experience about money. Lemawane said his book is called “Why Broke When There Is So Much Info”.

“There is a concern on how people manage their financial status. A poor management in administrating lump-sum payouts can affect many lives. Those who received it ended up coiling back to square one or even worse.

“This book is not only interesting, but exciting to read too. It addresses and gives practical tips to follow if you are tired of being broke. As a first time writer, I believe that we need to be alert especially when it comes to financial literacy. We need to understand the language used to educate the public about money,” he said.

Itsoseng-born presenter said financial problems emanate from lack of financial planning, strategy and literacy for many. He said in his book, he draws from his personal experience and decisions that landed him in financial trouble and how he bounced back.

“The book is a metaphor of many people’s financial journey. It also gives tips on how to take action and plan better for the future. I was in hospital and could not move as I was paralyzed. So I decided to take a good look into my finances and that made me realise how far off the mark I was.

“The way I was going was not a healthy one financially. And being in hospital made me realize where I went wrong. I had to share what I discovered about our relationship with money, hence the book,” Lemawane said.

He is a presenter for SABC business news and was a current affairs presenter on SABC 3 and Motsweding FM. He said financial mediocrity is what contributes to financial instability.

“I saw the tension between my savings and spending habits. And it took me about three years to write this book. My objective is to help and save millions who continue to sink in debts.

“This book is for everyone. I first want to challenge the notion that black people don’t read. We need to develop interest in putting our finances in line through financial literacy. I also want the middle-aged reader to remember to start saving now for retirement,” Lemawane said.

He added that only few people think of saving every day. He said the book also communicates well with people who were about to retire or were on pension or received their lump-sum cash.

Lemawane said people need to know how to safe their money before they give it to quick-buck schemes. It speaks also to couples who tend to allow love to cloud their vision when it comes to financial planning.

“I went on a personal fact finding mission speaking to pensioners and financial practitioners, institutional and desktop research and a whole lot of literature review. I then extended invitations for special contributions from professionals like ETF strategist Nerrina Visser, certified financial planner Neo Mmatli and David Kop from the Financial Planning Institute as well as Economists.

“I was also concern about what most pensioners go through. Mostly go through retirement depression. So I engaged the services of Unisa psychologist Vicy Malefo,” he concludes.

TDN

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BY REGINALD KANYANE

ANC mayoral candidate in Madibeng local municipality, Jostine Mothibi said she will make sure that there are improvements at the municipality. Mothibi said stability is needed in the municipality. She said ANC is the only organisation that can associates with the masses and know what people need.

“We know that Madibeng local municipality is under administration and marred with corruption and fraud. However we are working together with The Hawks to root out corruption there. We will also make sure we come up with strategic plans to resuscitate the municipality.

“ANC is the gatekeepers of democracy. The party plays a key role in facilitating women’s access to political leadership and decision-making in public office. We will apply a comprehensive approach to ensure that we change the lives of the masses,” Mothibi said.

Provincial secretary Dakota Logoete said the party has a successful mobilisation programme. He said they embarked on door-to-door campaign with their voting district coordinators.

Legoete added that the voting district coordinators play a pivotal role to make ANC visible and win over voters. He said the party volunteers met with different potential voters in various regions across the province on Sunday.

“We are convinced that our people heed the call. These are hard-working ANC representatives identified by branches. They work for the movement voluntarily. The party leaders also visited different churches in Wolmaransstad on Sunday.

“Our team also continued with elections mobilisation programme to different wards in Zeerust. We also introduced our ward councillor candidates to the people of Ramotshere Moiloa sub region,” Legoete said.

He added that the party mingled with leaders in a relaxed mood during a jazz breeze. Legoete said they also recruited more members and voters.

“We enhanced the activation of the election mood. The party needs to emphasise the importance of voter contact. Our regional and provincial leadership also scrutinised the voters’ roll and shared responsibilities according to streets and residential blocks,” he said.

The incumbent mayor for Tlokwe local municipality, Khotso Khumalo said they will make sure there is a strategic plan in improving the situation in the beleaguered Ventersdorp.

“The two municipalities will be merged together. So we have already formed a political task team to address community’s grievances. Our people welcomed the demarcation decision. We will also incorporate workers from both municipalities and make sure we provide workshops to our employees. Batho Pele principles will be put in practice,” Khumalo said.

-TDN

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