Johannesburg – The ANC has begun consulting voters to help formulate its manifesto for next year’s general elections, national executive committee (NEC) member Jeff Radebe said on Monday.

“The African National Congress will be convening nation-wide manifesto forums with our people, from all walks of life, on the development of our election manifesto,” he said in Johannesburg.

“The manifesto forums seek to provide an opportunity for the ANC to interact with our people on progress made and challenges confronted in creating a South Africa that is better today than it was in 1994.”

Radebe said the forums would be held from 14 September to 18 October.

“These municipalities [where the forums will be held] are selected to ensure a fair distribution in terms of urban and rural mix, levels of basic service delivery, and ANC support.”

All forums to be public gatherings

A minimum of four forums would be held in each province.

“All the manifesto forums will be public gatherings, open to all people who wish to make contributions in the manifesto to guide and direct our collective aspirations,” Radebe said.

He said the ANC had been encouraged by forums held in Eshowe, KwaZulu-Natal and Sasolburg, in the Free State, at the weekend.

“Both were well-attended and were characterised by fruitful engagements by members of the public,” Radebe said.

He said more than 300 people attended the forum in Eshowe and 160 in Sasolburg.

Radebe said it was hoped the manifesto would be approved by the ANC’s NEC at the end of November.

“It [the manifesto] will be made public when we celebrate the birthday of the ANC on 8 January 2014.”

He said the ANC-led government had made “great strides” since the advent of democracy, coming up with, among other things, the National Development Plan.

“The achievements that we have made in the past five years and in the past 19 years notwithstanding, we have to consult our people because we still have many challenges that lie ahead.”

A ‘comprehensive majority’ the aim

He said the ANC always focused on its people.

“We are not going to be diverted… [by] other parties, even those who had previously been in the ANC, who have [now] formed their new parties.”

Radebe said the ANC had “a very good story to tell” for its nearly 20 years as ruling party.

“Twenty years is not a curse for us, but it is a major milestone because we believe that we have destroyed the vestiges of apartheid and on its ashes, we have consolidated our political democracy,” he said.

“Our aim is to make sure that we have a comprehensive majority in these elections.”

When asked about other parties’ claims they would claim provinces from the ANC, he joked that he did not know that political parties had psychics.

He said people still had trust in the ANC

– SAPA

Pretoria – The latest attempt by two members of the so-called Waterkloof Four to stay out of jail was dismissed by the North Gauteng High Court on Monday.

Judges Hans Fabricius, Ephraim Makgoba and Wendy Hughes denied an application by Reinach Tiedt and Gert van Schalkwyk for leave to appeal against an earlier ruling that they return to the Zonderwater Prison.

The judges granted an order to Correctional Services Minister Sibusiso Ndebele that any further applications for leave to appeal not suspend the previous order.

They gave Tiedt and Van Schalkwyk – who have been under house arrest for almost two years – until noon next Monday to report back to the Zonderwater prison.

The two, along with Christoff Becker and Frikkie du Preez, were sentenced in January 2005 to 12 years’ imprisonment for murdering a man in a Pretoria park in 2001.

They started serving their sentences in August 2008 after an unsuccessful appeal.

Correctional supervision

A Pretoria magistrate converted Tiedt and Van Schalkwyk’s sentences to correctional supervision in December 2011 after an application by the Parole Board.

Correctional Services appealed against the decision and a full Bench of the High Court ruled in June that the magistrate’s ruling had been based on an error in law and that the two must return to jail.

The judges found that Tiedt and Van Schalkwyk were not entitled to parole if more than five years of their sentence remained.

Their lawyer Jaap Cilliers SC, argued it would “ruin” their lives if they had to go back to jail when there was a chance that an appeal might eventually succeed.

Fabricius said nothing new had been put before the court and that six judges of the High Court had already interpreted the relevant statutory provisions in the Criminal Procedure Act in the same manner.

“There is in my view no reasonable prospect that another court will come to a different conclusion,” he said.

They were free to apply to the Supreme Court of Appeal or even the Constitutional Court for leave to appeal, but the rule of law required that they return to prison.

Van Schalkwyk said in an affidavit their private and business lives would be gravely and negatively affected if they returned to prison.

A social worker said in a report that correctional supervision was in fact a severe punishment in itself.

Criminal Procedure Act

Fabricius said this argument was “absurd”, having regard to a prison regime that the social worker herself described as difficult and harsh in effect while the accused in contrast lived under almost normal circumstances on a daily basis.

“As our judgment said: a prisoner is not lawfully entitled to parole if more than five years of his/her sentence remains.

“That is what the Criminal Procedure Act says and that is what this case is all about.

“We must apply the law and the respondents must know, if they read our judgment, that our reasoning is based on that fact.

“The public must know it and every single prisoner as well. It is in the interest of justice.

“We are not concerned with possible exceptions relating to rehabilitation, family life, employment opportunities, etc. The law applies to all,” he said.

– SAPA

By Obakeng Maje

Tlokwe-The Democratic Alliance Monday decided not to attend a Tlokwe Special Council hastily convened by the speaker.

DA said the only purpose of the Council meeting was to table a report by the MEC for Local Government and Traditional Affairs on her “investigations” into allegations of maladministration, fraud and corruption which led to the two motions of no-confidence in the former Executive Mayor, Maphetle Maphetle.

“We deny that a proper investigation has taken place and that all interested parties have been consulted by the MEC’s investigative team” said the Public Accounts Chairperson and DA Caucus whip Cllr. Neels Coetzer. 

The DA said the attempt by the MEC to first announce the findings of this controversial investigation during a special media conference (failed) onThursday, then to request the Speaker to convene a Special Council meeting two days befor the Tlokwe by-elections, are opportunistic steps just before the elections and attempts to whitewash allegations against the former mayor.

“Since the matter is still being investigated by the Hawks and the Public Protector, the matter remains sub judice and therefore the council may not discuss and make decisions on the conduct of Mr. Maphetle” said Cllr Hans-Jurie Moolman, DA Caucus Chairperson.

They further pointed out that the speaker does not have the authority to convene a special meeting, unless requested to do so by the mayor or a majority of the Council. Neither of which happened in this case.

The postponedment of the Special Council meeting to Friday, after the Council failed to quorate this morning, is also in jeopardy because the Speaker’s assumption that the ANC will have a majority after Wednesday’s by-elections. 

The continuation of the by-elections in at least some of the wards will be decided by the Electoral Court (On Tuesday?) when it will be hearing evidence in the application of the Independent Candidates to have the By-elections postponed.

Motions of no confidence in the DA Mayor, prof. Annette Combrink, and the ANC speaker, Ms. Barei Segotso appear on the agenda of a continuation meeting of the Council where it is expected to be dealt with when clarity is reached who is in control of the Tlokwe Municipality.

The DA is keen that the issue to be resolved and those urgent matters are attended to. But in all cases, within the law and the city’s rules.-TDN

Follow us on Twitter@Taung_DailyNews or @IceT_

By TDN

Atamelang-North West Premier Thandi Modise is saddened by the untimely death of three

toddlers who died in a disused fridge in Vrisgewaagte Village, outside

Mafikeng last Friday .

“We send our heartfelt condolences to the families affected by this tragedy. We again appeal strongly to our people to get rid of unused items

around their homes that may unsuspectingly become a death trap for children,” cautioned Premier Modise.

She says the provincial government will be deploying officials to visit the family to determine the extent of the assistance they might need during this trying time.

Five-year-old Skhukhuza Stuurman and two of his neighbours, three-year-old

Rorisang Medupi and four year-old Onalena Medupi’s bodies were found in the fridge last week Friday after missing for more than twelve hours.

It is suspected that the children were playing when they somehow landed in the fridge.

Police say investigations are underway but no foul play is suspected at this stage.

Premier Modise says parents must be circumspect about derelict objects that create unsafe environments for children and that children must not be left unattended for lengthy periods.

Last year Premier Modise made the same plea after two girls aged two and three suffocated to death while playing in an old unused car in Henryville,

outside Zeerust.-TDN

Follow us on Twitter@Taung_DailyNews or @IceT_

Christiana – A 9-year-old boy has drowned in a swimming pool in Christiana, North West police said on Monday.

“Police in Christiana are investigating a case after a 9-year-old boy drowned in a two-metre-deep swimming pool on Sunday at 11:00,” said Sergeant Kealeboga Molale.

“The incident happened at Christiana School for the Blind.”

The boy was believed to have climbed over the swimming pool fence. He had no visible injuries on his body.

He was declared dead after being taken to hospital.

Molale said police were investigating.

SAPA

By Obakeng Maje

Taung- The countdown has began for Pudumong Annual Spring Fes.

With just less than five days left to the first annual Spring Fes Party, the excitement is brewing for what promises to be the biggest party extravangaza Taung ever seen.

Also featuring in this year’s event is Chymamusique and other local artists.

Burgersfort-born pionist has rocked crowds with world renowned musicians and has been featured on rocking sold out shows. 

He has been spreading his jazz house music brand across the country.

“He is one of the artists who will appear at the weekend at Pudumong Hall where the event will take place” said Dj Sphere.

South Africa’s cream of the crop CHYMAMUSIQUE, Linda, Bizza, Baxcha, Pine, Notorious, Mr Buzz, Sphere 24Dec, Tdo, Soulfreak, Uncle T and Oak The Champ. 

Live Performance by Tu-Klaps Mr Sea Mr Chabzen Lerole and KatMaks. 

The pre-party to be hosted on September 20 at Shimmy’s Place.

“We are delighted to have the opportunity to share the music with the people of Taung which is the paradise of biodiversity and fun” Sphere said.

Pudumong-born Dj said Domestic destination is the backbone of any successful tourism in any country. 

“We will utilise tourism month (September) to highlight the importance of local travel. The event will benefit the people of Taung economically” he said.

The event is expected to be a blasting one and revellers will get their money worthy performance from ecstatic performers.-TDN

Follow us on Twitter@Taung_DailyNews or @IceT_

Johannesburg – A 4-year-old child burnt to death when a shack caught fire at the Witsand informal settlement in Atlantis on Sunday, said the City of Cape Town.

Disaster Risk Management Centre spokesperson Wilfred Solomons-Johannes said 20 people were left homeless after their homes were destroyed in the blaze.

“It is suspected that an occupant dropped a light or [an] open flame device [fell] over resulting in the fire, said Solomons-Johannes.

The damage caused was estimated to be to the value of R36 000. 

SAPA

Rustenburg-An Eyewitness News investigation has lifted the lid on the shady world of dog fighting, which is widespread in South Africa. 

The illicit sport, on an organised level, reportedly involves secret communication on social media with some bets including sexual acts and drugs. 

Eyewitness News has obtained a graphic video of two bloody Pitbull puppies mauling each other in a park somewhere in the Cape Town metro. 

The Cape of Good Hope Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA)’s Allan Perrins says the blood sport is prevalent throughout the province involving a number of clubs with racial admission criteria and rival kennels battling it out.

“We also know that Huskies are thrown into the pit having been drenched in blood and used to offset the blood lust of some of these fighting dogs.

”But the National Animal Welfare Task Team’s (NAWTT) Mariette Hopley says the problem is not just limited to the Western Cape.

“There was a dog fight that came up in Rustenburg where the bet on a dog was R1.5 million.” She says dog fighting and cross–border dog smuggling is also often linked to drug trafficking and money laundering. Last month seven boys, all under the age of 15, were arrested in Muizenberg in connection with dog fighting.

For more http://www.ewn.co.za 

Government denied on Friday reports that Tlokwe in the North West is receiving food parcels because of upcoming by-elections.

“There is nothing untoward with Tlokwe being one of the recipients of government services,” acting government spokeswoman Phumla Williams said in a statement.

“The imbizo at Tlokwe forms part of Project Mikondzo, which is a service delivery improvement initiative aimed at improving access to the department and its entities.”

Social Development Minister Bathabile Dlamini visited Tlokwe on Friday.

Earlier this week her office said the visit was part a service delivery improvement initiative and a follow-up to her visit to the area last month.

Williams said: “Minister Dlamini is currently doing a follow-up in the Tlokwe area, as she promised during her last visit to the area.

“Handing out food parcels is in-line with attending to the concerns raised during the general household survey of 2010, and is a small initiative to assist in the alleviation of poverty in the area.”

After Dlamini’s last visit the SA National Civic Organisation (Sanco) and the Democratic Alliance accused the minister of trying to buy votes in Tlokwe with food parcels.

Her visit came a few days before a by-election in Tlokwe’s ward nine.

At the time, Dlamini denied that this was the motivation behind the relief efforts and said there were more than 17,000 child-headed households in Tlokwe.

The DA on Friday said it had written to Public Protector Thuli Madonsela asking her to investigate the distribution of food parcels in Tlokwe by Dlamini.

“The minister’s conduct is at the very least, unethical, and a violation of the executive ethics code of conduct,” DA MP Mike Waters said in a statement.

“The distribution of food parcels just before nine by-elections can only be construed as the dishonest use of public office to further a party-political agenda,” he said.

By-elections will be held on September 18 in Tlokwe, in wards one, four, six, 11, 12, 13, 18, 20 and 26.

Tlokwe’s ANC mayor Maphetle Maphetle was unseated twice when African National Congress councillors voted to replace him with DA councillor Annette Combrink.

The ANC’s North West provincial disciplinary committee expelled the 14 councillors concerned, resulting in them losing their seats. Their expulsion was however overturned by the ANC’s national disciplinary committee.

Despite this, eight of the councillors reportedly registered as independent candidates for the by-elections.

Members of the ANC’s national working committee were deployed to wards in Tlokwe on Monday to campaign ahead of the by-elections.

DA parliamentary leader Lindiwe Mazibuko, party leader in the North West Chris Hattingh, and constituency head Juanita Terblanche will be campaigning in wards four, six, 12 and 13 ahead of next week’s by-elections.

-Sapa