By Obakeng Maje

Banyana Banyana head coach Joseph Mkhonza is set to be spoilt for choice when it comes to selecting the 21 players who will represent South Africa at the CAF African Women Championship 2012 in Equatorial Guinea from 28 October to 11 November.

The Sasol-sponsored women’s senior national team has been hard at training at the national camp which started in Johannesburg on Monday, 01 October. With overseas-based players in goalkeeper Roxanne Barker, and midfielders Kylie Ann Louw and Nompumelelo Nyandeni set to arrive in South Africa next Tuesday, the race for places in the team is hotting up.

“The Banyana Banyana players realise the importance of doing well at the CAF African Women Championship 2012 which will have a healthy impact on our current world and African ranking and nobody wants to miss out on competing in Africa’s showpiece event,” said Mkhonza.

Banyana Banyana are currently ranked No 56 in the world and No 4 in Africa. The national team finished as bronze medallists at the CAF African Women Championship 2010 held in Ekurhuleni, near Johannesburg with Nigeria pipping Equatorial Guinea for top spot.

“Safa and our team sponsor Sasol need to be thanked for making this national camp possible, and I can see the passion and discipline that is being displayed in training. None of the ladies want to be left out of the national team so the competition for places is fierce,” added the national coach.

All the players are fit and out to impress the technical team – except for central defender Janine van Wyk, who has been side-lined with a bronchitis infection for the remainder of the week, and midfielder Mary Ntsweng (absent due to tertiary exams).

“We realise that we need to beef up the strikeforce and have invited some new faces to the camp in the hope of unearthing talent that can add value to our current crop of players,” said Mkhonza.

Durban Ladies (Sasol League KwaZulu Natal) striker Silindile Ngubane, with 11 goals, was the leading goal-scorer at the Sasol League National Championships held in Umlazi, near Durban in July – she has reported for national team duty.

Maluti Ladies defender Zanele Dlamini (Sasol League Free State) is equally at home playing as a striker. Dlamini was identified by the Banyana Banyana coaches at the Sasol League Road Show held in Welkom earlier this year.

The third new attacker in camp is Letsete Ladies (Sasol League Free State) speedy striker Makhanya Makhalala.

Other news faces in the Banyana Banyana squad are City Lads (Sasol League Eastern Cape) holding midfielder Andisiwe Ndesi, Durban Ladies (Sasol League KwaZulu Natal) central defender Charlotte Mshenge,Midfielder Precious Matabologa from Kanatla Ladies (Sasol League Limpopo) and goalkeeper BJ Dladla (KwaZulu Natal Police team) are the other newcomers called to camp by Mkhonza.

Banyana Banyana camp in Johannesburg (1 to 8 October 2012)

Goalkeepers:

Thokozile Mndaweni  (University of Johannesburg, Gauteng)

Andile Dlamini   (Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies, Gauteng)

BJ Dladla   (KwaZulu Natal Police)

Defenders:

Nothando Vilakazi        (Palace Super Falcons, Gauteng)

Amanda Sister             (Liverpool Ladies, Eastern Cape)

Janine van Wyk            (Palace Super Falcons, Gauteng)

Zamandosi Cele           (Durban Ladies, KwaZulu Natal)

Zanele Dlamini              (Maluti Ladies, Free State)

Charlotte Mshengu       (Durban Ladies, KwaZulu Natal)

Refiloe Jane                 (Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies, Gauteng)

Lebogang Mabatle       (Hallelujah Zebra Force, Gauteng)

Midfielders:

Leandra Smeda          (Cape Town Roses, Western Cape)

Nocawe Skiti                 (Cape Town Roses, Western Cape)

Amanda Dlamini         (University of Johannesburg, Gauteng)

Gabisile Hlumbane      (Kovsies Ladies, Free State)

Yola Jafta                       (University of Johannesburg, Gauteng)

Precious Matabologa  (Kanatla Ladies, Limpopo)

Andiswe Ndesi              (City Lads, Eastern Cape)

Strikers:

Jermaine Seoposenwe     (Spurs WFC, Western Cape)

Noko Matlou                       (University of Johannesburg, Gauteng)

Portia Modise                     (Palace Super Falcons, Gauteng)

Andiswe Mgcoyi               (Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies, Gauteng)

Silindile Ngubane               (Durban Ladies, KwaZulu Natal)

Makhanya Makhalala         (Letsete Ladies, Free State)

Sanah Mollo                       (Bloemfontein Celtics Ladies, Free State)

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By Obakeng Maje

Forty-one thousand five hundred and forty-three households benefitted from water related projects in Bojanala Platinum District Municipality during the past three financial years. The North West Executive Council Extended Lekgotla that commenced on Wednesday morning at the Mmabatho Civic Centre noted that R384 million was spend in 14 projects to address water backlog in the district.

Fifteen thousand six hundred and thirty-nine jobs have thus far been created since 2009 to-date in the district through infrastructure programme and other local economic initiatives.

Insufficient bulk water supply compounded by population growth and immigration increase the water backlog identified as a challenge.

Centralising the planning and implementation of regional bulk at the district level to umbrella all the five local municipalities during planning of bulk services.

Seven trucks have been bought to assist with water shortages, outbreaks and disaster relief and distributed to Madibeng (2), Moses Kotane (2), Moretele (2) and Kgetleng Local Municipalities (1).

Premier Modise has said that the key objective of the one-day Lekgotla is to ensure that government remains accountable to the service delivery needs of communities and to do an introspection on the delivery of promised quality service since 2009 in order to assist finalise an implementable intervention plan to fast track the realization of pending promises before the end of the 5 years term.

MECs, Mayors, Heads of departments, CEO’s of parastatals as well as municipal managers and Chief Financial Officers are focusing on accelerating the pace and quality of service delivery as well as synergy in implementing delivery programmes in order to create jobs and strengthen government’s capacity to speed up the provision of services and infrastructure development.

Johannesburg – A leading gold mine in South Africa started evicting thousands of its striking workers from company dormitories on Tuesday as work stoppages spread to more gold and platinum mines.

Gold Fields ordered 5 000 workers who have been on strike for three weeks to vacate the mine hostels, saying striking workers there were intimidating their fellow employees.

Workers at another mine, belonging to Anglo American Platinum, downed tools on Tuesday, and the firm held disciplinary hearings for the strikers.

And at a southern African miner, Gold One, the bulk of 1 800 workers have also embarked on an illegal strike since Monday night.

Gold Fields, the world’s number four producer of the precious metal, said it had decided to throw out the strikers from the company hostels as these places were becoming increasingly violent and were being used by the strikers to intimidate, plan and co-ordinate illegal activities.

“The hostels are effectively becoming lawless, and so we decided to put an end to that and close them down for the miners who live there,” Gold Fields spokesperson Sven Lunsche told AFP.

In a copycat move of the deadly Lonmin Marikana mine strike, Gold Fields’ protesting workers on Tuesday gathered on a nearby hill and kept a vigil there, with some planning to spend the night there.

The Lonmin mine strike ended with hefty pay hike last month.

Gold Fields’ KDC West mine – near Johannesburg, which employs 15 000 people – has been crippled since September 9, slowing production by 1 400 ounces of gold a day.

For more details go to http://www.iol.co.za

Pic:(File photo)

by obakeng maje

Twelve schools from previously marginalised rural communities around Mahikeng received sporting outfits from North West Premier Mme Thandi Modise’s discretionary programme.

The handover of the outfits including distribution of blankets,clothing and food parcels to fifty needy households was held at Setumo High School in Majemantsho village outside Mahikeng this afternoon.

The initiative by Premier Modise is intended at encouraging young people to participate in sports and is part of her discretionary programme aimed at assisting poor communities.

The elderly, people with disabilities, victims of the scourge of violence and sexual abuse against women and children from poor communities have thus far benefitted from Premier Modise’s discretionary programme.

“Just last week,a foundation slab was laid, material delivered and construction of my house has commence as part of government’s effort to eradicate informal settlements.I had lost hope after my shack burned to ashes in 2003.We appreciate what we have received through the compassion of Premier Modise,”said 82 year-old Johanna Mokoena, a widow and mother of nine after receiving her consignment. 

Ward Councillor Daddy Moepi surrounded by some of the beneficiaries who are supported by Tlamelang Bagodi Old Care Centre is receiving part of the groceriesl worth R1 500 that each of the beneficiaries received.

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By Obakeng Maje

The South African Football Coaches Association (SAFCA), a body that looks after the interest and well-being of both professional and amateur coaches has joined in the condemnation of unruly fans behaviour which has gripped local soccer of late.

“SAFCA is disturbed by the growing trend of attacks on coaches by supporters; and as a responsible organisation with the interest of football at heart, we condemn the attack on Coaches in general and in particular the consistent attacks on Mamelodi Sundowns FC Coach Mr.Johan Neeskens by the club’s supporters,” said interim President of SAFCA, Gregory Mashilo.

He also appealed to football supporters to utilize properly constituted forums that are available in all clubs.

“Supporters are a vital component of our football construct, we urge them to act in a responsible manner when dealing with challenges of any kind. It is wrong and unacceptable for the supporters to take the law into their own hands,” added Mashilo.

SAFCA is in the process of finalising its operational plans following a successful Organisational strategic architecture. SAFCA will officially launch its roadmap at a media briefing in due course. It is also responsible for both registered coaches and potential members.

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By Obakeng Maje

The 2012 North West Provincial Youth Camp in Rustenburg got off to a roaring start early this week with more than 350 youth leaders sharing ideas with the likes of former Kaizer Chiefs defender Fabian McCarthy and MEC for Sport, Arts and Culture, Ms Tebogo Modise, among others.  

The week-long camp is an initiative of Sport and Recreation South Africa (SRSA) and the North West Department of Sport, Arts and Culture, in association with partners such as Lovelife and the National Youth Development Agency.

It runs till October 6, with youth from all four provincial Districts participating, ranging in age from 14 to 25. 

The idea follows international programme experience where youth camps were held with great success – which prompted the Minister of Sport and Recreation, Mr Fikile Mbalula, to launch and implement an indigenous youth movement that will nurture a spirit of nation-building.

It is further aimed at providing young South Africans with life skills and values that will help them develop into proud and patriotic citizens. 

The camp, one of nine in all Provinces, is themed around Leadership, Nation-building and Social Cohesion – with youth from diverse racial and economic backgrounds. 

Addressing the youth at the opening of the event, Ms Modise emphasised that the notion that the youth was the future of this country was not a mere cliché.

“The notion is a real source of our inspiration as we embark on projects such as this one. We want you to understand your critical role in society, now and in the future” she said.

We want you to know that your actions and thoughts today have a bearing on what becomes of tomorrow. We want you to know that you are the future of a South Africa that will play a meaningful role in world history.

That is just how big the task ahead is. And it all begins today. It all begins in your heart. It all begins in your soul. 

“As you all know, there is a beautiful Chinese saying:

“The journey of a thousand miles begins with the first step.” Let this camp be your first great step towards a thousand miles of achievement. Let it be the first light to greatness and excellence.”

Cape Town – Government has granted South African Airways (SAA) a R5bn guarantee for a period of two years starting from September 1 2012. 

Mayihlome Tshwete, spokesperson to Minister of Public Enterprises Malusi Gigaba, said the guarantee will enable SAA to borrow from global financial markets.

“This guarantee will ensure that the airline continues to operate as a going concern.”

Gigaba has been meeting with Treasury on behalf of SAA. The carrier told parliament in February it needed between R4bn and R6bn in a recapitalisation.

Gigaba earlier told Afrikaans newspaper Beeld that any financial assistance to SAA will have stringent conditions.

One of the conditions just announced was that the guarantee requires SAA’s board todevelop a turnaround strategy to be approved by the minister in concurrence with the minister of finance. 

SAA will also have to provide the department of public enterprises (DPE) and minister of finance with the financing strategy for its planned purchase of short and long haul fleet.

The national carrier is in the process of replacing its fleet with new, more fuel efficient Airbus aircraft.

The departement said a technical committee comprising representatives from the National Treasury and DPE will also be appointed to monitor SAA’s financial position as well as progress in developing and implementing the turnaround strategy.  

Tshwete says government is committed to working with SAA’s management and board of directors to ensure that the airline is viable and financially sustainable.

Last week eight SAA board members resigned after Gigaba decided to postpone the tabling of SAA’s annual results for 2012. 

The minister said the decision was made to allow Treasury and DPE negotiations over financial assistance to be concluded.

A new board has since been appointed.

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By Obakeng Maje

The North West Executive Council (Exco) is to hold its Extended Planning & Budgeting Lekgotla to assess progress on targets which the provincial government undertook to realise and achieve by 2014.

The one day session which is a culmination of Cluster and District preparatory planning engagements is to be held at Mmabatho Civic Centre in Mahikeng as from 08h30 am on Wednesday, 3 October 2012.

“The key objective of the Lekgotla is to ensure that government remains accountable to the service delivery needs of our people and to do an introspection on the delivery of promised quality service since 2009 in order to assist us to finalise an implementable intervention plan to fast track the realization of pending promises before the end of the 5 years term,” says Premier Modise.

The Lekgotla will in addition to considering how to accelerate roll-out of plans for the provision of water, electricity, sanitation, review and forecast budgets, consider priorities for District municipalities and also evaluate progress in the implementation of Clean Audit 2014 Plan of Action.

Discussion on the Strategic Integrated Projects (SIP) will be informed by the presentation to be made by the Minister of Economic Development Ebrahim Patel.

MECs, Mayors, Heads of departments, CEO’s of parastatals as well as municipal managers will focus on accelerating the pace and quality of service delivery as well as synergy in implementing delivery programmes in order to create jobs and strengthen government’s capacity to speed up the provision of services and infrastructure development.

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By Obakeng Maje

Rustenburg-North West police are investigating a case of arson and malicious damage to property after six cars were damaged and two chinese shops burnt.

“Our police are hard at work after two shops belonging to Chinese nationals were burnt” said Brigadier Thulani Ngubane.

“Six cars were also damaged and investigations are underway” he asserted.

According to information received, this unrest were preluded by ongoing strike of miners.

In a separate incident,four cars were burnt at Komanani 1 and 2.

“Police received information that six cars were burnt in Komanani 1 & 2 and they are investigating a case of arson” he continued.

Anglo Platinum ordered their striking workers to return to work or face the chop.

The Anglo Platinum strike is been underway since three weeks ago and workers demand wages increase of R12500.

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