MPs want provincial MECs of human settlements and heads of department to account for underspending over the last few months.

Chairperson of the portfolio committee on human settlements Nomhle Dambuza said on Thursday they wanted the provincial MECs and heads of department to appear before the committee and explain underspending in their departments.

She said that the national department of human settlements was correct in its decision not to release the last tranche of funds to the provinces because it would have resulted in fiscal dumping.

The national department of human settlements has withheld R4.5 billion to the provinces, said Dambuza.

She said the provinces must get their house in order and start spending money on projects.

She said it did not look like the provinces would be able to achieve their targets because of the slow pace of delivery.

Most provincial departments had underspent their budgets during the last three quarters of the 2012/13 financial year.

Dambuza said they were happy that the national department would not be transferring R4.5bn to the provinces because the money would not be spent.

The portfolio committee wants provincial MECs of human settlements and heads of department to come to parliament and account for this, Dambuza said.

She said provinces must align their delivery objectives with budget plans.

“What is important is the alignment of the expenditure figures with service delivery value on the ground, furthermore, the issue of capacity within the national department, provinces and the metros is crucial in terms of having capable, committed and dedicated human resources, and credible systems, not just to have warm bodies without the ability to deliver,” said Dambuza.

She said the committee would like to see provincial departments spending their money on the delivery of houses.

Xolani Xundu, spokesperson for human settlements minister, Tokyo Sexwale, said the committee had agreed that funds for March would have to be withheld because there was underspending of R1.3 billion in January and projected underspending for the year was R4.2 billion.

He said there were issues around provinces like the Eastern Cape and Limpopo which have accepted that they will not be able spend in March.

He said the director-general for the department Thabane Zulu has proposed that business plans for provinces must be scrutinised.

Zulu wants provincial business plans to be accompanied by operational plans.

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Modise’s office and the DA after the opposition party raised concern on provincial heads of department’s attending a two-day ANC lekgotla in Rustenburg last week.

The DA raised concern over allegations that Modise summoned the heads to a party event at the expense of the government. It has since taken up the issue with the public protector and the Public Service Commission.

In a statement, provincial DA leader Chris Hattingh said: “It appears that the government’s top officials, paid by the taxpayer, have been summoned by Premier Thandi Modise to the ANC North West lekgotla. In doing this Premier Modise has basically presided over a brazen mixing of party and state.

The lekgotla was taking place over two days and who was running the provincial government?”

Hattingh said that Modise’s actions were deeply unethical and an abuse of public resources.

“We will be laying an ethics violation complaint with public protector Thuli Madonsela. If an investigation finds Modise guilty of violating the Executive Ethics Act, she must do the honourable thing and resign. This attitude of serving the ANC and not the people of the North West has been a hallmark of Modise’s term in office.

“The DA warned the premier on many occasions when she was the deputy secretary-general of the ANC that she was neglecting governance to do her party work. We are demanding answers from her office about why this abuse has taken place immediately,” he said.

In response provincial government spokesperson Lesiba Kgwele said that only a desperate but shallow politician would target Modise for a meeting that was convened by the acting provincial secretary of the ruling party and not the premier. He said that it was unfortunate that he chose to use the office of the public protector to validate his spurious claims.

Kgwele further said that heads of department who attended the lekgotla had taken leave from their official duties, “in order to contribute towards and internalise resolutions to be taken in the interest of communities and receive a mandate from the party that has deployed them in the government”.

Kgwele said the heads were paid by the taxpayer and were not political appointments.

The DA said it would include these statements as evidence in the ethics violation charge and that they would now ask how often the heads were summoned to political gatherings and whether leave was taken.

Senior management at the provincial social development department has been ordered to reimburse R174000 paid for the accommodation of officials and a woman identified as MEC Mositsanagape Mokomele-Mothibi’s friend during the ANC elective conference in Mangaung last year.

The order was given by the provincial select committee on public accounts (Scopa) when it called Mokomele-Mothibi and her top management to account for the expenditure yesterday.

Records show that the department paid R174000 to Summer Place Boutique Guest House for seven officials from December 10 to 15 when these officials, including the MEC, were attending the Mangaung conference.

When asked for clarity, Mokomele-Mothibi conceded that her friend, only identified in documents as Mavis,

had indeed used one of the rooms.

“I can only account for Mavis, who works for the greater Taung local municipality. I agreed that she could sleep in a room that had been booked for the chief financial officer who did not come because the expenses had already been incurred,” she said.

While the MEC said the department was supposed to attend a benchmarking workshop with its Free State counterpart, which was cancelled at the last minute, she could not say whether Mavis and other people who used the accommodation were supposed to attend the said workshop or were at the ANC conference.

Department head, Matshidiso Mogale denied that the department had paid any money for people to attend the Manguang conference.

“The CFO and myself never signed anything about the ANC conference. I did not even go to Mangaung and the CFO was hospitalised at the time,” she said.

Scopa then asked the MEC and management to provide evidence for the expenditure. The order will be rescinded if they provide documentary evidence that the accommodation was a legitimate state expense.

The department will appear again on Tuesday next week but if the money was used to pay for accommodation to attend the ANC conference, it had to be repaid.

Committee chairperson Hlomane Chauke said: “We are giving you until Tuesday to furnish us with information on this R174000 but the bottom line is that if the money was spent for a party conference, it has to be paid back to state coffers.”

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Cape Town – President Jacob Zuma confirmed that mining taxes were up for review in a State of the Nation address which warned that the country needed to work against economic odds to achieve the aims of the National Development Plan (NDP).

Zuma acknowledged business’ concerns about barriers to growth, and called on other sectors, including labour, to help find solutions to push it to at least five percent – double the current forecast – and create jobs.

“In my last meeting with the business community, the sector indicated that for the economy to grow three-fold we must remove certain obstacles,” he said.

“We will engage business, labour, and other social partners in pursuit of solutions. No single force, acting individually, can achieve the objectives we have set for ourselves.”

It was widely expected that Zuma would use his speech as a rallying call to implement the plan, and his leadership victory at the Mangaung conference two months ago to try to get different political forces to converge behind it.

The president, who was battling flu, said it was a fact that the country would miss the target set out in the NDP of creating 11 million jobs by 2030 unless the economy grew threefold.

He termed the plan a road map for achieving a just and more equal country, but said its aims – from access to basic services to safety to employment – had recently been hampered by global economic woes, and he warned that these were not about to go away.

“The achievement of these goals had proven to be difficult in the recent past, due the global economic recession.

“The crisis in the Eurozone affects South Africa’s economy as the Eurozone was its major trading partner… Our GDP growth is expected to average at 2.5 percent cent, down from 3.1 percent in the previous year. We need growth rates in excess of five percent to create more jobs.”

In a nod to the left, the president also retained a focus on the role of a strong state in the economy, in rescuing stricken industries and rolling out infrastructure programmes.

“The past two years have demonstrated that where the state intervenes strongly and consistently, it can turn around key industries that face external and internal threats, as has happened in our manufacturing sector.”

He conceded that the state had encountered a learning curve on its infrastructure drive, and said projects would now be fast-tracked.

Zuma announced that mining taxes would be reviewed as part of a wider study on the suitability of South Africa’s tax regime.

Speculation to this effect had raised concern in the sector, but Zuma said he believed it had been handed policy certainty by the African National Congress’s decision at Mangaung to abandon the nationalisation debate.

“Later this year, the minister of finance will be commissioning a study of our current tax policies, to make sure that we have an appropriate revenue base to support public spending.

“Part of this study will evaluate the current mining royalties regime, with regard to its ability to suitably serve our people.”

Referring to the Marikana shooting, the president said he believed labour stability had been secured in the Rustenburg region.

He returned to the event later in his speech to signal a firm stance against violent protest, and announced that the police and the justice departments had been instructed to deal with it as a priority.

“Courts will be allocated to deal with such cases on a prioritised roll. The law must be enforced and it must be seen to be enforced, fairly effectively and expeditiously.”

In perhaps his most to-the-point annual address, Zuma took a tough stance on crime and on shortcomings in education.

He singled out the rape and murder of Anene Booysen in Bredasdorp, and called for a concerted effort to end violence against women.

“The brutality and cruelty meted out to defenceless women is unacceptable and has no place in our country.”

On education, he said a presidential remuneration commission would tackle the teaching profession first to ensure that it attracted and retained skills.

“In elevating education to its rightful place, we want to see an improvement in the quality of learning and teaching and the management of schools. We want to see an improvement in attitudes, posture and outcomes.”

He said the government’s insistence that teaching be termed an essential service would not affect the profession’s right to strike.

Political analyst Susan Booysens, from the University of the Witwatersrand, described Zuma’s speech as a “very beholden and conservative” move back to basics.

Her colleague in the economics department Oren Dayan faulted it for not holding out more stability to the mining sector.

“I find the speech to be very informative in terms of statistics and figures, but I was waiting for value in terms of economic growth and jobs stability for the mining industry,” said Dayan.

“What would have been expected from the president is how he would bring surety for the miners and the mining companies.”

Democratic Alliance leader Helen Zille said Zuma had come up with nothing new.

“The president focused on the right issues… but he hardly came up with a single new plan,” she said. – Sapa

Johannesburg – A Nike advert of paralympian Oscar Pistorius with the tagline “I am the bullet in the chamber” was removed from his official website on Thursday following a shooting at his home in Pretoria.

The advert shows Pistorius dressed in a green lycra body suit coming off the starting blocks wearing his distinctive blades. The Nike “Swoosh” and its slogan “Just Do It” are shown on the advert.

Earlier, the international sportswear brand declined to comment on its future relationship with Pistorius.

“This is a police matter and is under investigation,” Nike SA spokeswoman Seruscka Naidoo said.

“From Nike we extend our condolences to everyone affected by this.”

Nike is one of Pistorius’s five major sponsors. He has appeared in a number of commercials for the company since 2008.

Pistorius’s model girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp was shot dead in his home in Pretoria on Thursday morning.

Pistorius is in police custody and will appear in court on Friday.

Nike’s website was down on Thursday afternoon. – Sapa

By Obakeng Maje

Bafana Bafana’s good showing in the recently-ended Orange Africa Cup of Nations South Africa 2013 has seen the team move up an incredible 25 places on the latest FIFA World Cup rankings released on Thursday, 14 February 2013.

South Africa has jumped to 60th in the world, while also returning to the top 10 on the continent. Bafana Bafana put up a remarkable performance in the AFCON 2013, reaching the quarterfinals where they lost to Mali on penalties after both sides were locked 1-1 after extra time.

“This is a good start for our country, and is certainly in line with our pledge to see Bafana Bafana in the top three on the continent and top 20 in the world,” said SAFA President Kirsten Nematandani.

“We should at this stage congratulate coach Gordon Igesund and his technical team as well as all the players for this remarkable achievement. We now need to keep the momentum going so we can climb even higher in the rankings, and this move has clearly shown that it can be done.”

Under Igesund, Bafana Bafana have played seven friendly matches – Brazil, Mozambique, Poland, Kenya, Zambia, Norway and Algeria – as well as four competitive games in the AFCON 2013 – Cape Verde, Angola, Morocco and Mali.

“We should also take this opportunity to wish our head coach speedy recovery from his operation. We hope he will come back stronger to continue with the good work that he has started,” added Nematandani.

TOP 10 African countries 1. Ivory Coast    (12th) 2. Ghana    (19th) 3. Mali     (25th) 4. Nigeria    (30th) 5. Algeria    (32nd) 6. Tunisia    (42nd) 7. Zambia    (47th) 8. Central African Republic  (51st) 9. Burkina Faso    (57th) 10. South Africa   (60th)

AFCON 2013 champions Nigeria have risen 22 places to 30th in the world and fourth on the continent. AFCON 2013 finalists Burkina Faso were the biggest movers -up 37 places to ninth in Africa and 57th overall.

Spain still tops the world rankings

BY Obakeng Maje

Rustenburg– North WEest police arrested two armed suspects at about 03:15 in Rustenburg.

The Rustenburg Tactical Response Team arrested two suspects for allegedly being in possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunitionS.

The two suspects aged 33 and 35 respectively were arrested at Manamakgoteng and Moruleng village police said.

“They are detained at Mogwase Police holding cells” Brigadier Thulani Ngubane said.

“Police were conducting their patrol duties when they received information about a suspects who are in possession of unlicensed firearms” Ngubane said. “They went to the first suspect’s house at Manamakgoteng village for investigation” He said.

It is alleged that while police were searching the suspect’s room they discovered a black plastic with a hunting rifle.  Police also discovered live rounds, frontier magnum live rounds, shotgun live rounds, nirinco 9mm live round, R5 rifle live round, black and brown holster,black and brown Guerria and 1911 gas hunt pistol.

” Police asked the suspect where he obtain the weapons and ammunitions, but he couldn’t gave an explanation or produce the relevant documents. 20 live rounds ammunition were discovered”lice said.

Police proceeded to Moruleng village to search the house of another suspect who is also linked to the case.

Police also discovered  9mm pistol live rounds. 

The 33-year-old suspect was also arrested.

The suspects are expected to appear before Magwase Magistrates’ Court on Friday for charges of possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunitions.

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Sasol-sponsored Banyana Banyana agile goalkeeper, Roxanne Barker has set her sights on being amongst the top South African goalkeepers when she begins the new season for the Portland Thorns FC ; a top side in USA’s National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) in March.

The National Women’s Soccer League is professionally run Women’s League that was recently revived following its demise in 2011. The NWSL compromises of eight teams under the administration of the U.S Soccer Federation to create a sustainable league for the country’s National Team.

The eight founding clubs are Boston Breakers, Chicago Red Stars, FC Kansas City, Portland Thorns FC, Seattle Reign FC, Sky Blue FC, Washington Spirit and the Western New York Flash.

Roxanne will begin the new season with Portland Thorns FC next month where she has also enrolled at the Portland Community College with the ultimate objective of attaining a BSC Degree in Biology this July.

Roxanne feels it is an honour to have been selected amongst a group of 3 796 potential players and she is going to give her best in her first season at Portland Thorns F.C.

“The call up to play for the Portland Thorns FC in the professional Women’s League came as a surprise to me but I am incredibly excited about beginning a new season there and will be looking forward to learning a lot as I will be playing among some amazing players. It’s an opportunity of a lifetime.

“It will be a great honour to get a national call-up because South Africa is my home and I love playing for my country. Banyana have accomplished so much for South Africa and I want to be part of the team,” said Barker.

Barker was previously based at the Pepperdine University in California and has been the first choice goalkeeper for the Waves of Pepperdine University.

Banyana Banyana national team coach, Joseph Mkhonza is proud of Roxanne’s achievements in the United States and hopes that the experience she gains there will come in handy for Banyana.

“I would like to congratulate Roxanne for her achievements so far. Playing in a professional Women’s League means that she will be playing in a competitive league among some of the world’s highly ranked players. This is a good start for her more so because she is young and would play a major role in the national set up in the coming years.  It would be great to see some of our players play in these competitive leagues and progress to become some of the greatest women footballers in the country as well as the world.” said Mkhonza.

At Portland Thorns FC, Barker will be playing with the Canadian national team goalkeeper Karina Le Blanc and several other highly ranked Women’s football players who received accolades in the 2012 London Olympics. These include: • Alex Morgan – forward (U.S. Women’s National Team Olympic Gold Medallist) •  Tobin Heath – midfielder (U.S. Women’s National Team Olympic Gold Medallist) • Rachel Buehler – defender (U.S. Women’s National Team Olympic Gold Medallist) • Christine Sinclair – forward (Canadian National Team) • Karina LeBlanc – goalkeeper (Canadian National Team) • Luz Saucedo – defender (Mexican National Team) • Marlene Sandoval – defender (Mexican National Team)

Barker who has been capped 7 times for Banyana Banyana featured in the opening match at the Olympics in Banyana’s 4-1 loss to Sweden.

BY Obakeng Maje

Bafana Bafana coach, Gordon Igesund was successfully operated at a Johannesburg Hospital last night.

According to Dr Ephraim Nematswerani who is attending to the national coach, as per initial diagnosis of appendicitis the decision was made to do appendicectomy (operation to remove appendix).

“The operation was successfully done last night and Mr Igesund is feeling very well, he is in good spirits and should be released by the weekend,” said Dr Nematswerani.

Igesund himself said he wanted to thank all South Africans for their support.

“I want to thank all South Africans from all walks of life for the overwhelming support they have shown towards me. I feel very humbled and want to thank each and everyone from the bottom of my heart,” said the coach from his bedside.

Durban – The alleged leader of a gang of robbers which targeted people selling cars on online advertiser Gumtree, was nabbed by police on when they noticed him sitting in a police cell.

The 44-year-old convicted killer had been in custody after allegedly stealing beds and air conditioners, and the link to the more serious crimes had not yet been made.

Two policemen from the SAPS Provincial Task Team – which has been searching for him since May – went to fetch another prisoner for questioning from the holding cells at Durban Central Police Station.

The sharp-eyed policemen, Warrant Officers Rajen Nagesar and Krishna Naidoo, suddenly spotted the fugitive sitting in a cell.

He is expected to appear in the Durban Magistrate’s Court today on seven counts of armed robbery, hijacking and kidnapping.

Nine months ago, another member of the so-called “Gumtree gang” was arrested and pleaded guilty to six counts of armed robbery.

He was sentenced to six terms of 25 years.

Soon after the arrest, the gang leader fled his Chatsworth home and has been on the run from police since.

Police have since established that he had been living in a lodge in central Durban. He was originally arrested for placing orders for beds and air conditioning units to be delivered to a false address, where he would be waiting.

The accused had been released on parole last January, after serving 14 years for murder.

A police source said the gang had targeted victims on the Gumtree website and set up appointments on the pretext of wanting to buy used vehicles.

“Once they met the victim they asked to take the car for a test drive,” the police source said. During this time the gang leader allegedly introduced one of his accomplices as his personal mechanic who needed to check out the car before it could be bought.

“During (the test drive) the victims were accosted, robbed and cable-tied,” the source said. “They were also taken to ATMs and made to withdraw large sums of cash.

“The suspects then dumped them in remote locations and made off with the cars and other valuables.”

In May, gang member Raventhran Kistensamy Chetty pleaded guilty to six counts of armed robbery.

He was given a prison sentence of 150 years – 25 years for each count. The sentences run concurrently, meaning he will serve an effective 25 years in prison.

Two suspects belonging to the gang are still on the run.

In his guilty plea, Chetty admitted that in all the hijacking and robberies, the victims were held at gunpoint, and that violence and force was used to instill fear. He had said his crime spree started last February when he met the gang leader, who allegedly promised to organise him a job as a driver.

Chetty had said the first victim was from Chatsworth and that he (Chetty) was identified by the gang leader as a mechanic.

“He told the buyer that I needed to test drive the car,” he said in his plea.

“Once on the road, he produced a gun and told the victim he was being hijacked. The victim jumped out of the vehicle and ran away.”

Chetty said the vehicle was recovered that same day by police.

He said they committed six armed robberies from February until May 1. Victims were targeted in eManzimtoti, Sydenham, Malvern, Verulam, Savannah Park, Merebank and on the South Coast.

The same modus operandi was used in all instances.

Chetty said after each hijacking, he was paid up to R800 and the gang leader drove off with the stolen car.

Charges against his co-accused, Thiloshan Chetty, were provisionally withdrawn last month