SPAR Proteas target clean sweep against Malawi

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Picture: The captains and coaches of South Africa and Malawi with the 2024 SPAR Challenge trophy at the pre-tournament press conference held at the Garden Court Eastgate hotel in Johannesburg on Tuesday/Supplied 

By REGINALD KANYANE

30 October 2024- New SPAR Proteas netball captain Khanyisa Chawane said her side are targeting a clean sweep in the Three-Test SPAR Challenge against Malawi in the City of Johannesburg starting this week. Speaking ahead of the first match on 31 October at the Ellis Park Arena, Chawane said their expectation is to win all three Test matches.

“We should win them convincingly because of the type of work we have put in and the type of players we have. We’ve got eight players who were at the Netball World Cup and Malawi have four, so we have much of an advantage and we want to make sure we use that.

“I’m very excited but above all, it’s a privilege and an honour to be in this position. Our team is full of leaders and having to be the leader of leaders is a great position to be in and I’m looking forward to going out with the girls and playing some good netball,” she said.

Chawane further said the Proteas will be taking to the court for the first time since December last year, and the excitement is high. She added that, if one looks at 2024, they have not been together as a team so this is really great for them.

“In training, we have been looking good and we’re really looking forward to it,” said Chawane.

While she was appointed at the start of the year, this will also be new SPAR Proteas head coach Jenny van Dyk’s first series in charge of the side.

The highly regarded coach admitted the pressure is on, but she is relishing the prospect of finally getting her tenure underway, echoing Chawane’s sentiments regarding a 3-0 series sweep.

“I definitely feel pressure. It’s been a long time and behind the scenes, we have worked hard. We are wanting to push for a 3-0 win. At the end of the day, that’s what we need to deliver.

“We know what our goals are and we know where we’re going towards, but it’s still breaking it down quarter to quarter and ball for ball and ticking all those small boxes and making sure we have all that in place in order for us to get that end result,” said Van Dyk.

The SPAR Proteas are currently ranked fifth in the world and Malawi are seventh.

Malawi coach Joanna Kachilika pointed out her side have been rebuilding with a focus on the 2026 Commonwealth Games, with only four players remaining from the squad that played at last year’s Netball World Cup in Cape Town.

“We need to prove that we are still the Malawi Queens, the African queens but we know it won’t be easy, it will be tough,” said Kachilika.

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A call for NA to probe provision of free sanitary pads  

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By REGINALD KANYANE

30 October 2024– The Portfolio Committee on Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities considered a petition from #TeamFreeSanitaryPads calling on the National Assembly (NA) to investigate the provision of free sanitary pads and menstrual health.

Civil society organisation #TeamFreeSanitaryPads briefed the committee on the various things contributing to the unsuccessful implementation of the Sanitary Dignity Programme (SDP).

The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee, Liezl van der Merwe said challenges include insufficient funding, delays in procurement, quality concerns over sanitary products, and fragmented coordination between government departments. Van der Merwe said the committee told the Department of Women, Youth

and Persons with Disabilities that is unhappy about the department’s persistent failure to implement the SDP.

“We have expressed deep concern over the lack of progress. It is unacceptable that we still have young girls missing school and women unable to access their basic dignity due to period poverty. This is a violation of their human rights that we can no longer tolerate.

“The committee acknowledges the valuable work being done by civil society, but we cannot rely on their efforts alone. The government has a constitutional and moral obligation to ensure the dignity and rights of all young girls are upheld, and we will use our oversight role to hold the department accountable,” she said.

Van der Merwe further said some of the key issues raised and discussed during the engagement include the initial request for R400 million in funding for the programme, which was only allocated R157 million in the first year. She added that the committee noted with concern the underfunding of the mandate.

“The committee also heard of the delays and challenges with procurement processes in some provinces, with the Free State province not distributing a single sanitary pad since the 2021/22 financial year.

“The committee also expressed concern about the quality and safety of some sanitary products being distributed, while some committee members called for stronger regulation and oversight from bodies such as the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority, for example,” said Van der Merwe.

She proposed an inquiry into the Sanitary Dignity Programme to better understand the implementation challenges and to develop concrete recommendations to strengthen the programme.

“We will use every tool at our disposal to ensure this programme delivers on its promise,” said Van der Merwe.

Meanwhile, #TeamFreeSanitaryPads said that South Africa’s young girls and women need a menstrual health rights bill and law. Nokuzola Ndwandwe from #TeamFreeSanitaryPads emphasised that, rather than relying on the existing policy framework, legislation is critical to protect menstrual health.

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The R1,4 billion Eskom corruption case against Lomas transferred to high court

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Picture: One of the accused persons, Michael Harry Lomas duirng court proceeding/Supplied

By BAKANG MOKOTO

30 October 2024- The Palm Ridge Regional Court transferred the corruption case against Michael Harry Lomas to the Johannesburg High Court, where he will appear on 3 December 2024.

The Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC) spokesperson, Henry Mamothame said Lomas will be joined with 11 others, that include Eskom’s senior executives and Tibular Construction Projects directors, wherein they are facing 65 counts of corruption linked to the R1,4 billion that was meant for the upgrade of Eskom’s Kusile Power Station in Mpumalanga between 2014 and 2017. 

“He will remain in custody as he did not make any formal bail application,” he said.

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Banyana Banyana give England a run for their money

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Picture: Banyana Banyana players during a match against England/Supplied  

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

30 October 2024– Banyana Banyana lost their away international friendly match against England 1-2 in Coventry, UK, on Tuesday night, but the African Champions displayed tons of character and even won the admiration of the home supporters after a brave performance.

More than 24 000 fans filled the Coventry Building Society Arena and they cheered with excitement as both teams played some great football, creating several chances throughout the match. England went into the halftime break leading 0-2 after Leah Williamson scored the opening goal of the match in the 12th minute.

The Sasol-sponsored South African Senior Women’s National Team conceded the second goal 10 minutes later when Grace Clinton headed the ball past goalkeeper Kaylin Swart. The reigning African champions made a double substitution at halftime that saw goalkeeper Andile Dlamini come on to replace Kaylin Swart.

In another substitution, Sinoxolo Cesane came off for Kholoso Biyana to give more defence and steel in midfield. Hilda Magaia and Thembi Kgatlana combined extremely well up front to give England a few problems.

The visitors finally got the breakthrough in the 72nd minute when Kgatlana collected a loose ball and went straight for goal to pull one back for coach Desiree Ellis’ charges.

“There were a lot of things we didn’t do well in the match against Denmark that we rectified against England. We were well organized in defence and believe that we created a lot of chances.

“This match could have gone either way and we are extremely proud of our players because they matched England. We are preparing for the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in 2025 and are on the right track,” she said.

Ellis further said, they have areas to work on and they are doing so by playing matches such as these two against England and Denmark. She added that Banyana Banyana will make their way back to South Africa on Wednesday night and will regroup during the next FIFA window next month.

“They will then travel to Jamaica to play two international friendly matches against the Reggae Girlz on 29 November and 2 December 2024,” said Ellis.

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Two men who were arrested for murder remanded in custody

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By REGINALD KANYANE

30 October 2024- Two men who were arrested for murder and defeating the ends of justice, remanded in custody until 4 November 2024, for formal bail application. Bonginkosi Gift Ndaba (31) and Sithembiso Asha Zwane (39), briefly appeared before the Brits Magistrate’s Court on 28 October 2024.

The North West police spokesperson, Colonel Adele Myburgh said the pair was arrested following the discovery of a lifeless body of a man, Innocent Mandla Dlamini (41), under the bridge along the Lanseria road in Broederstroom, near Hartbeespoortdam on 22 October 2024. Myburgh said according to reports, the police responded and found Dlamini’s body after being summoned to the scene.

“His identity card was found inside his pocket and this helped police in identifying him. As a result, detectives followed up and found family members, who positively identified the body.

“Spearheaded by Hartbeespoortdam detectives in collaboration with K9 Unit and Visible Policing members, Ndaba and Zwane were traced and arrested on 22 October 2024,” she said.

Myburgh further said it is alleged that Dlamini was assaulted in the early hours of Sunday morning, 21 October 2024, following a quarrel that ensued between him and the accused. She added that Ndaba, accompanied by Zwane, who was driving a Toyota Quantum, allegedly ran over Dlamini on the street in Klipfontein, Chloorkop.

“The pair then loaded Dlamini’s body into the vehicle and ultimately dumped it under the bridge on Lanseria road at Broederstroom. Following the court appearance, both men were remanded in custody until 4 November 2024, for their bail application,” said Myburgh.

Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, thanked the police for their tireless efforts that resulted in the arrest of the suspects to answer for their deeds.

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The families of Esidimeni victims demand justice

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Picture: The victims of Esidimeni

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

29 October 2024- The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) said it take note of the Memorandum of Demand for justice and accountability for Life Esidimeni victims, which was handed in and accepted by the Director of Public Prosecutions, Advocate Sibongile Mzinyathi at our offices earlier today.  

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson, Lumka Mahanjana said in the memorandum, Section 27 is requesting their office to expedite the prosecution proceedings, ensure comprehensive accountability and commit to regular updates to affected families.  Mahanjana further said the Life Esidimeni matter is a tragedy that has been referred to as “the greatest cause of human rights violations” by the state under South Africa’s democracy.

“The NPA’s decision to refer the matter for inquest was exactly for the courts to assist with the determination of the cause of death of the victims and most importantly, whether any criminality can be inferred on any party that was involved in the scandal. 

“It is therefore critical that the decision taken is one that will ensure justice and closure for the families of the victims, and the public at large. We want to assure the families as well as organisations representing the families of the victims, that the NPA takes this matter very seriously and we are in the process of making a thorough, well-informed decision,” she said.

Mahanjana added that it is very important to note that the outcome of the inquest does not necessarily equate to a trial ready case, as there may be additional criminal investigations that need to be conducted.  She said, however, the DPP is prioritising the matter, and a decision will be taken and communicated.

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‘A concern as more teachers faces retrenchment’

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By REGINALD KANYANE

29 October 2024– The Portfolio Committee on Basic Education has urged provincial education departments to reconsider reducing the number of teachers next year and to look for other ways in which it can cut costs to address budget cuts. The committee today met with the Northern Cape Education Department (NCED) and the Western Cape Education Department (WCED), following the committee’s recent oversight visit to these provinces.

The Chairperson of Portfolio Committee, Committee Joy Maimela said the committee conducted its first oversight visit to these provinces. Maimela said they had many concerns and noted challenges to which no responses could be provided at the time.

“Since then, we have received written responses, but further clarity was needed as senior officials like the Head of Departments and MECs were not at the oversight.

“Today, the WCED confirmed that its current educator workforce will be reduced by 2 407 educators, but assured the committee that this does not mean that any educator will be retrenched,” she said.

Maimela further said the WCED said that this number includes educators, who are currently on contract and whose contracts will not be renewed. She added that the committee heard that a matching skills exercise will be done in an attempt to accommodate those educators, who are permanently employed by the WCED.

“Schools in the province have until next month to indicate which educator posts it can do without. We are indeed concerned that it seems like a greater focus is being placed on budget than on our learners.

“The province complains regularly about migration of learners to the province, yet it is doing away with more than 2 400 educator posts. We foresee an increase in learner/teacher ratio,” said Maimela.

She said they have also requested a breakdown of which schools will be affected and the subjects in question. Maimela said the NCED assured the committee in consultation with the Premier that there will be no impact on the 663 teachers who will not be covered in the current budget.

“An agreement was reached that other cuts, such as cancelling projects, should be made instead to ensure that no teaching posts are lost. We also requested that greater and renewed efforts should be made regarding social cohesion and thereby excluding racism.

“Regarding preparations for the Basic Education Laws Amendment (BELA) Act, the WCED assured the committee that the WCED is in support of the universalisation of the sector. The committee noted the WCED’s commitment to review the application for scholar transport to Morrisdale Primary School in Ceres,” she said.

Maimela said the committee highlighted in today’s meeting several of the key observations it had made during the oversight visit. She said the language policy and even application forms in some of the schools is exclusionary, as they are only in Afrikaans.

“By default, they are excluding any person that does not speak Afrikaans. Here we included both Duineveld Hoerskool in Upington and Brackenfell High School in the Western Cape.

“The committee also requested clarity on the late placement of learners in the WCED, with conflicting reports reaching the committee during the oversight visits of March and July,” said Maimela.

She said the issue of programmes to foster social cohesion, lack of textbooks in some schools and exorbitant municipal accounts were also highlighted. Maimela said not all the issues raised were completely ventilated.

“We will be sending further or follow-up questions to the departments in order to exercise our oversight responsibility,” she said.

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Former ANC councillor apologises to community members after calling them ‘illiterate and empty-minded’

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Picture: The former ANC ward councillor, Tebogo Morweng/Facebook 

By OBAKENG MAJE

29 October 2024- Former ANC ward councillor, Tebogo Morweng, has apologised to the people of Magogong village, near Taung, after allegedly calling them illiterate and empty-minded. This comes after a voicenote that depict Morweng’s voice leaked to the public.

Morweng’s remarks were made after community members allegedly embarked on protest and burned a traditional healer, Omphile Mothusiemang-Legodu to death, torched her RDP house and looted tuckshops on 20 October 2024. Mothusiemang-Legodu was accused of kidnapping and killing a girl, Rethabile Molapo (11), for ritual purposes.

Molapo’s charred body was discovered in a pit latrine at an abandoned house.  

One of irked community members, Kamogelo Ledwaba wrote on Facebook displaying annoyance and disenchantment towards Morweng’s utterances. Ledwaba said she does not wish bad on Morweng, but she hopes that what is happening in Modutung, will not happen to him.

“Tebogo Morweng o ntshwabisitse ele ruri….I don’t know you closely my guy, even so I had so much respect for you from a distance but I came across a recording of you calling batho ba Modutung illiterate.

“I don’t wish bad on u sir mara I just hope gore se se diragalang ka bana ko motsing wa Modutung ga se go diragalele ka gore le wena as far as I know, o Motsadi. Infact all of us are parents. And this can happen to any of us as parents.” Sic.

However, Morweng said the utterances were blown out of proportion. He said he had a private conversation with one of his friends, who in turn, leaked the voicenote.

“I find it unfortunate that there is a narrative put out there in efforts to tarnish my reputation. I had a conversation with Lorato Moselane like any other conversation we normally have.

“The words that were highlighted such as illiterate and empty-minded, were not directed to the level of education of the people, but it was rather a concern that, we as people are not careful or conscious of how the law works,” said Morweng.

He further said the context of illiteracy was not used to degrade anyone, but to raise an issue of ignorance to how the law works systematically. Morweng added that he was shocked that Moselane went extreme and shared the only portion of the whole conversation, where she was not implicated.

“This is the same person, who was in agreement with the views we engaged on that people cannot be killed regardless of age, gender or any other reason. So, it is sad and disappointing to see that this narrative has given opportunity to people to attack me and my family.

“The Morweng’s family was not part of the conversation between I and Moselane. This is the same family that previously managed to offer their support and their resources (vehicles) to the community after Oratile Mothibi went missing,” he said.

Morweng said he personally does not condone the kidnapping or killing of children in their area. He said he has been visible in supporting and mobilising the community during Mothibi’s case.

“Many can attest that I am in support of the community. However, I condemn the killings and urge the community members to allow the law to take its course. We should also make efforts to assist the police and ensure that justice prevails.

“I will never distance myself from the people of Magogong. I have donated schools and been vocal about various challenges affecting the community such as calling for the re-opening of Magogong Satellite Police Station and clinic to operation in 24 hour basis ,” said Morweng.

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Sibanye Stillwater mine donates two ambulances

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Picture: The North West MEC for Health, Sello Lehari and delegation from Sibanye Stillwater mine/Supplied  

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

29 October 2024- The Sibanye Stillwater mine in Rustenburg has donated two ambulances and an emergency response vehicle. The vehicles which are fitted with modern equipment will provide much needed solutions for health facilities in the Bojanala District and further allow for ease of transportation of patients to specialised units equipped to treat their unique ailments.

Speaking during the handover ceremony, the North West MEC for Health, Sello Lehari, hailed the donation as yet another good example of how the private sector can work together with the government in finding solutions to challenges that confront citizens on a daily basis.

Lehari thanked Sibanye Stillwater for the donations.

“Undoubtedly, this contribution will improve our ability to deliver essential medical services to our citizens. I am very confident that these vehicles will enable high quality medical service delivery to patients requiring inter-hospital transfers and external referrals.

“South Africa’s public healthcare facilities are under great strain and the ambulance service is no exception, which is tragic, given that when it comes to health issues, speed of reaction by medical personnel is very often the difference between life and death,” he said.

Lehari further said the government can achieve much, but the government can achieve much more through partnerships with stakeholders. He added that as a government, they hold a firm view that it takes the community, the private sector, civil society organisations and government partnerships to significantly impact on service delivery.

Meanwhile, the Vice President for Social Sustainability at Sibanye Stillwater, Sibongile Zikalala said the gesture was symbolic of their commitment to community development.

“As Sibanye, we are putting every effort in partnering with government as we have a long standing partnership with the provincial department. To date, the company’s PGM operations have donated 23 ambulances, 3 mobile clinics and 1 emergency response vehicle to enable improved health services,” she said.

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Ruthless South Africa put Seychelles to the sword

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WELLINGTON, NEW ZEALAND – AUGUST 02: Hildah Magaia of South Africa celebrates with teammates after scoring her team’s second goal during the FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 Group G match between South Africa and Italy at Wellington Regional Stadium on August 02, 2023 in Wellington, New Zealand. (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)

By REGINALD KANYANE

29 October 2024 – COSAFA Banyana Banyana coach, Maud Khumalo asked her players to be more clinical in front of goal ahead of COSAFA Banyana Banyana’s final Group A match against Seychelles, and they followed her instructions masterfully as they beat the islanders 8-1 at Madibaz Stadium in Gqeberha on Monday.

The youthful Sasol-sponsored South African side was ruthless in front of goal and a hat-trick from Kesha Hendricks, a brace from Sinamile Mkhwanazi and goals from Ntando Phahla, Ayesha Moosa and Tshegofatso Motlogelwa completed the rout. Asanda Hadebe wrapped up a successful day at the office for the South Africans when she walked away with the Player of the Match Award.

Pascaline Moustache converted from the penalty spot to score the consolation goal for the islanders 15 minutes from time.

Khumalo’s charges had already qualified for the semi-finals after beating Namibia and Eswatini in matches played earlier in the group stages, but they certainly did not take their foot off the pedal and proceeded to dismantle the visitors at will.

Khumalo said they were aware that Seychelles are still a developing team.

“We knew that Seychelles are building, and it is still a process for them. For us, it was more about fixing things we didn’t do right in the first two games in terms of scoring the goals, in terms of sticking to the game plan and our combinations.

“This is something we were doing in our training sessions. We need to have more players moving off the ball so that we create chances for the player who has the ball. I was encouraging Asanda Hadebe to be more offensive than defensive because most of the ball was coming to her side, and there was no pressure on her side,” she said.

Khumalo further said she was happy with the way her team performed against Seychelles.

“When the players go into camp, we set the standard and remind them why they are here. When they wear that jersey, they represent the national team, and they must forget where you are coming from.

“We have a lot of combination play, so I think it’s very interesting to be exposed to these different playing styles. Definitely, we have learned many lessons, it was also very exciting for us” she said.

Khumalo added that she is happy with the way her team played in the group stages after scoring 12 goals (1-0 vs Namibia, 3-0 vs Eswatini and 8-1 vs Seychelles) and only conceding one (against Seychelles).

Meanwhile, Seychelles coach, Chris Hew Seem Yip-Au Hew Seem, said they had learned some important lessons after the three matches they played in the group stages against Namibia, Eswatini and South Africa.

“I think for me, in every game that we played, we learned a lesson. In the match against Eswatini, the weather conditions were not very good for us and of course we saw how relentless they are,” she said.

“Against Namibia, we faced a team that has a very direct attacking way of playing, so it was interesting to play a different playing style. And of course, we have South Africa,” said Seem.

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