SAFA partners with Telkom VS Gaming to Elevate South African Esports around Diski

NEWS Leave a comment

Picture: Telkom VS Gaming

By REGINALD KANYANE  

13 October 2024– In a significant milestone for the South African esports community, the South African Football Association (SAFA), is excited to announce its partnership with Telkom VS Gaming. This collaboration officially accredits the Telkom E-Diski leagues and finals as SAFA National qualifying competitions, allowing players the opportunity to represent South Africa in FIFA-operated global esports events.

This partnership marks a transformative moment for esports in South Africa, bridging the gap between traditional football and competitive gaming. By aligning the E-Diski leagues with the SAFA eCup, Telkom VS Gaming is providing a premier platform for local talent to thrive while promoting growth within the esports ecosystem.

SAFA CEO, Lydia Monyepao said they are excited to collaborate with Telkom VS Gaming to operate the SAFA eCup under the E-Diski league banner. Monyepao said since joining the FIFA eGlobal series in 2019, their teams have achieved impressive results, including a top-four finish at the recent FIFAe World Cup in Liverpool.

“The E-Diski leagues will further our reach to new players and inspire a new generation of gamers to excel and proudly represent South Africa on the global esports stage. We are thrilled to partner with SAFA in this ground-breaking initiative, which highlights our dedication to advancing esports in South Africa,” she said.

Meanwhile, Telkom Chief Marketing Officer, Gugu Mthembu said: “By recognising the E-Diski leagues as the official qualifying competition for the SAFA eCup, we are granting our players a unique opportunity to showcase their skills on an international stage.

“The E-Diski leagues have quickly become a leading platform for esports football in South Africa, cultivating a passionate community of gamers and enthusiasts.”

She further said with SAFA’s support, Telkom VS Gaming is enhancing the profile of these leagues, establishing them as a vital pathway for aspiring esports athletes to pursue their dreams of national representation. Mthembu added that they have witnessed a massive rise in interest in gaming and esports across the globe in recent years and it was always a matter of time before they saw a similar boom take place in South Africa.  

“Our VS Gaming platform has become a catalyst to a major rise in interest in local gaming and that has illustrated the amazing local esports talent we have in the country.

“The partnership kicks off with an exciting Rocket League showdown, where four players will represent South Africa at the next FIFAe World Cup of Rocket League, featuring 16 nations,” she said.

Meanwhile, the domestic qualifying competition will take place this weekend October 12-13, 2024. Teams that registered on http://www.fifa.gg including those that qualified via the E-Diski League competition on Rocket League.

For more information about the eDiski leagues and the official FIFA eWorld Cup qualifying competition, please visit http://www.vsgaming.co.za or follow Telkom VS Gaming on @vsgamingworld.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

A policeman nabbed for defeating end of justice and perjury

NEWS Leave a comment

Picture: A policeman arrested for corruption/Generic 

By OBAKENG MAJE  

13 October 2924– A policeman (39) was arrested by the Provincial Anti-Corruption Investigation Unit (ACIU) for investigation for defeating the ends of justice and perjury. It is alleged that one of the members deployed for Vala Umgodi Operations, arrested a foreign national for contravention of the Immigration Act, 2002.

He further handed a statement from the Department of Home Affairs confirming the (illegal) status of the foreign national to the Investigating Officer, Sergeant Mmokwa Ratshoke, who is attached to Stilfontein Detectives. It is alleged that, Ratshoke took the docket to court without the statement from the Department of Home Affairs and the case was, as a result, withdrawn. 

The North West police spokesperson, Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone said the matter was reported to the Provincial Anti-Corruption Investigation Unit (ACIU) for investigation and the accused was nabbed.  

“Ratshoke briefly appeared in Stilfontein Magistrate’s Court and granted R1 500 bail and the case was postponed until 1 November 2024, for further investigation,” he said.

Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, expressed his gratitude to all the members involved in exposing and arresting employees, who fail to act with integrity in rendering a service and that the South African Police Service (SAPS), will not hesitate to take drastic actions against those who are involved in criminal activities.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

Former Minister of Finance, Tito Mboweni described as notable servant

NEWS Leave a comment

Picture: Former Minister of Finance, Tito Mboweni

By BAKANG MOKOTO

13 October 2024 – Heartfelt condolence messages continued to pour in after the passing of the former Minister of Finance, Tito Mboweni (65). Mboweni died in hospital in Johannesburg on Saturday night after a short illness.  

The Presiding Officers of Parliament, National Assembly (NA) speaker, Thoko Didiza and the Chairperson of National Council of Provinces (NCOP), Refilwe Mtshweni-Tsipane, expressed their heartfelt condolences on the passing of Mboweni. Didiza said he was a distinguished and versatile people’s servant, who dedicated his life, passion and vast expertise to the service of the people of South Africa.

“Mboweni’s activism spanned both the struggle for freedom and the consolidation of democracy in our country. As a dedicated anti-apartheid activist, he passionately fought for justice, equality, and the

liberation of all South Africans, laying the groundwork for the democratic values he later championed in public service.

“After the dawn of democracy, he became the first Minister of Labour under the cabinet of President Nelson Mandela. In this role, he was instrumental in shaping South Africa’s labour policies during a critical time of transition, ensuring that the rights and dignity of workers were protected and enshrined in the new democratic order,” she said.

Didiza further said as one of the first generation of members of the first post-apartheid Parliament, Mboweni contributed to the establishment of laws and policies aimed at dismantling the legacy of apartheid and building a more inclusive and just society.

She added that as the first Black Governor of the South African Reserve Bank in 1999, his tenure was marked by visionary leadership and transformation.

Meanwhile, the Chairperson of National Council of Provinces (NCOP), Refilwe Mtshweni-Tsipane said although his stewardship of the Bank came during a turbulent period for the rand, his astute management ensured South Africa’s resilience in the face of global and local challenges.

She said under Mboweni’s guidance, the Reserve Bank was not only a guardian of economic stability, but also a symbol of transformation and progress.

“Mboweni’s legacy will forever be remembered for his unwavering commitment to building a better South Africa. He was a patriot who believed in the potential of this nation, and his work has left an indelible mark on the country’s democratic and economic institutions.

“We extend our deepest sympathies to his family, friends and comrades in the African National Congress (ANC). May his memory serve as a source of inspiration to us all, as we continue the work of building the South Africa he so tirelessly championed,” said Mtshweni-Tsipane.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

Mtshweni-Tsipane calls on parliaments to combat technology-facilitated GBV and Discrimination

NEWS Leave a comment

Picture: The Chairperson of NCOP, Mtshweni-Tsipane

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

13 October 2024 – The leader of Parliament’s delegation to the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), Refilwe Mtshweni-Tsipane, has called on Parliaments to use legislation to prioritise the prevention, elimination and responses to all forms of technology-facilitated Gender-Based Violence and Discrimination.

Mtshweni-Tsipane, the Chairperson of the National Council of Provinces (NCOP), made the call in Geneva, Switzerland, this morning during the IPU Forum for Women Parliamentarians’ discussion on a draft resolution for the IPU Standing Committee on Democracy and Human Rights titled: “The impact of artificial intelligence on democracy, human rights and the rule of law.”

She said the world continues to grapple with a significant gender equality problem, and the emergence of artificial intelligence systems holds the potential to perpetrate and exacerbate this issue. Mtshweni-Tsipane further said of particular concern is technology-facilitated Gender-Based Violence (GBV), a rapidly spreading problem that evolves with each new technological advancement.

“This poses serious challenges to digital governance and creates a persistent lag in adopting laws and policies to tackle this issue effectively. The legislation should include guidelines on enhanced content moderation, accessible and effective reporting systems and the establishment of content removal processes compliant with international human rights laws.

“A 2024 United Nations report based on a survey encompassing women journalists from 125 countries revealed that 73% of those women had fallen victim to online violence in the course of their work,” she said.

Mtshweni-Tsipane added that this serves as a reminder that the impact of technology-facilitated GBV is pervasive and affects individuals across diverse professions and regions. She said as legislatures, it is their responsibility to confront this pressing issue.

“We must take proactive measures to address the use of artificial intelligence in perpetuating GBV and ensure that our laws and policies effectively keep pace with these evolving challenges.

“So, we urge Parliaments to enact legislation prohibiting the distribution of non-consensual, explicit images and providing the cost to the victims,” said Mtshweni-Tsipane.

Meanwhile, the 149th IPU Assembly is held under the theme: “Harnessing science, technology, and innovation (STI) for a more peaceful and sustainable future.” This is the first time a delegation of the 7th Parliament has attended the IPU Assembly, a decision-making body where parliamentarians from 180 national member Parliaments adopt resolutions.

The IPU is the global organisation of national parliaments. What began in 1889 as a small group of parliamentarians, dedicated to promoting peace through parliamentary diplomacy and dialogue, has since grown into a truly global organisation with 180 members and 15 associate members.

The IPU facilitates parliamentary diplomacy and empowers parliaments and parliamentarians to promote peace, democracy and sustainable development around the world.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

Safety of women and children vital in conflict-ridden regions

NEWS Leave a comment

By REGINALD KANYANE

13 October 2024 – The National Assembly (NA) Deputy Speaker, Dr Annalie Lotriet has called for parliamentarians to advocate for safety zones in conflict-ridden regions to protect expectant mothers and mothers of young children, older people and people living with disabilities. Lotriet spoke during a panel discussion on promoting and preserving women’s and girls’ rights at the 149th assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) in Geneva, Switzerland.

“As parliamentarians, we must advocate for effective interventions and support the establishment of safe

zones to protect the civilian population, particularly expectant mothers and mothers of young children, children, the elderly, and people living with disabilities.

“International humanitarian and human rights laws outline specific protections for women in conflict, safeguarding them against various forms of abuse and guaranteeing access to essential necessities,” she said.

Lotriet further said, however, it is deeply troubling that in the present day, numerous countries continue to contravene these laws, leaving millions of women and girls in dire circumstances. She added that they are deprived of essentials such as food, safe water, toilets, washrooms, sanitary pads, and living in inhuman and disease-ridden conditions.

“We urge parliamentarians to work together to ensure that the voices of vulnerable women and girls are heard, and their rights are upheld, as outlined in the existing international humanitarian law.

“Madam President, how many more women and girls must suffer before decisive action is taken to bring peace to the Middle East and other conflict-driven regions?” said Lotriet.

She said it is the duty of every parliament to ensure that these violations are addressed and rectified, to uphold the rights of women and to implement measures that guarantee their access to essential services during times of conflict. Lotriet said it was important that parliamentarians return to their respective parliaments and ensure that necessary legislation is enacted to address human rights not only during conflict but also during peacetime and post-conflict.

Meanwhile, the 149th IPU assembly is held under the theme: “Harnessing science, technology, and innovation (STI) for a more peaceful and sustainable future.” This is the first time a delegation of the 7th parliament is attending the IPU Assembly, a decision-making body where parliamentarians from 180 national member parliaments adopt resolutions.

The IPU is the global organisation of national parliaments. What began in 1889 as a small group of parliamentarians dedicated to promoting peace through parliamentary diplomacy and dialogue has since grown into a truly global organisation with 180 members and 15 associate members.

The IPU facilitates parliamentary diplomacy and empowers parliaments and parliamentarians to promote peace, democracy and sustainable development around the world.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

Two motorists killed each other in a road rage

NEWS Leave a comment

Picture: Two men allegedly stabbed each other during a confrontation/Facebook

By OBAKENG MAJE

13 October 2024- Two men aged 32 and 34, allegedly died after stabbing each other in what appeared to be a road rage incident that occurred on Saturday afternoon in Mahikeng Central Business District (CBD). The North West police spokesperson, Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone said the police are investigating two separate cases of murder.

Mokgwabone alleged that, the police were summoned to the scene on Martin Street in Mahikeng, at approximately 13:30pm.

“On arrival, they found a man lying on the ground and bleeding from the neck. The ambulance was called, but paramedics declared the man dead. It was further established that the other man, whose relatives transported him to hospital, also died.

“The investigation into the matter is underway and the motive is yet to be established although it appears that the fight ensued following an argument for a parking lot,” he said.

The North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, condemned the incident and once more, urged members of the community to always exercise patience and strive to resolve their differences peacefully rather than resorting to violence.

Meanwhile, North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Wessels Morweng has cautioned community members to stop sharing gruesome pictures on social media platforms. Morweng calls on community members to be sensible and think of family members of the deceased.

“I have been told that the incident started as a road rage, where the two men allegedly stabbed each other. I am pleading with motorists to be tolerant of one another and report bad driving to our law enforcement agencies that are always available on our roads.

“It is indeed a sad loss that could have been avoided as they are fathers, family members, friends and perhaps breadwinners to their families,” he said.

Morweng further said they send messages of heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

NWU Soccer Institute Manager Made It To The Top

NEWS Leave a comment

Picture: The NWU Soccer Institute Manager, Dr Dr Vuyolwethu Sambo/Supplied

By OBAKENG MAJE 

9 October 2024- The NWU Soccer Institute Manager, Dr Vuyolwethu Sambo (36) said prodigious attributes are required to be a great manager. Sambo said as a manager, one deals with day-to-today issues and good leadership, tactical knowledge and eye for talent will come in handy. 

Sambo, who is a former player and originates from Nelspruit in Mpumalanga Province said he decided to focus on his studies due to uncertainties surrounding soccer players’ career. 

“I was exposed to the North West University (NWU) as a student and also as a player. So, I saw another life through studies and decided to focus on my academics. So, I resisted all offers that came my way as a player and focused on my academics. 

“I looked at the lifespan of football and realised that most of my peers will play soccer, but two years down the line, they will be out of contracts and end up in the wilderness,” he said. 

Sambo said he comes from a poor background and through academics, he can be able to take care of his family. He further said as a manager, they wanted to have stability within the team. 

“We also looked at the recruitment issue. We had an idea of what type of players we needed to recruit to make the NWU Soccer Institute a force to reckon with. We need players who are goal-driven, dedicated, disciplined and dedicated. 

“We need players who will fight for the badge of the institution and die with their boots on the ground. The institute is dedicated to develop not only soccer talent, but also well-rounded individuals who contribute academically and professionally,” added Sambo.

He came to the NWU back in 2007, and enrolled for a Bachelor of Administration Degree after matriculating from the South African Football Association’s Transnet School of Excellence. Sambo’s journey reflects the success of this model. 

“I was one of the first students to join the institute, which opened its doors in 2007, and went on to captain the team that won back-to-back University Sport South Africa (USSA) championships in 2009 and 2010. 

“His teammates included notable players such as Thabo Rakhale, Luvolwethu Mpeta and Boalefa Pule. Since taking over the role of manager, I led the institute to a series of achievements. The team won the Varsity Football title in 2019, reached the final in 2024, and made history by reaching the last 32 of the Nedbank Cup in 2020,” he said. 

Meanwhile, the team also won the North West Province ABC Motsepe League in 2022. Also, under his leadership, the institute has produced several professional players, including Lindani Nkabinde, Mandisi Gadla, and Tshepiso Mahlangu.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

 

Residents call for accountability over R4m donation 

NEWS Leave a comment

Picture: The community members during a meeting

By OBAKENG MAJE 

9 October 2024- The residents of Dryharts village in Taung, call for a remedial action against allegations of corruption and mismanagement in the R6 million donation. According to one of the community leaders, Goitsione Matubako, eight years back, the Impala Platinum Mine in Rustenburg, donated R6 million to the community for the construction of a sports facility. 

Matubako said, however, the sporting facility could not be built because there was no tribal resolution from the Batlhaping Baga-Phuduhucwana Tribal Authority regarding the land. He alleged that a few months ago, their ward councillor, Kagiso Pudule, convened a community meeting and suggested that the money be utilised.  

“So, we agreed that the money should build a school. However, the idea was rejected by the Sekate Boijane school, as they alleged that the North West Department of Education promised to build them a school. 

“Then, we agreed that some of the money will be used to renovate the Dryharts clinic. Indeed, that happened, but as community members, we were kept in the dark during the process,” he said. 

Matubako further said there are now allegations that R1.8 million is missing. He added that, when he requested Pudule to account, he became arrogant and treated them as if they had leprosy.  

“Accountability is essential and will go a long way towards giving the people of Dryharts deserved answers to what became of the money meant to drive development in their area. 

“There was machinery that was bought, but there is no place to put them. The alleged missing R1.8m was supposed to build two roomed for it. So, there is concerning evidence of corruption that undermined efforts to bring development to the residents,” said Matubako. 

Cagey Pudule refused to comment. 

Meanwhile, the Impala Platinum Mine Group Head: Investor Relations and Corporate Communications, Alice Lourens said: “Please note that Impala Platinum Mine cannot confirm any allegations regarding the missing money. However, we have committed to the Department of Minerals Resources and Energy (DMRE) to construct a community hall, but the project was replaced with an access road and capacitation of the Dryharts clinic.

“This change was a joint decision between Impala, the DMRE and the community. The parties could not identify the required land for the construction of the community hall, but also established through engagements that a community hall was built through other means, meaning Impala could do a pre placement project.” 

Lourens said the committed budget of R4 million was used to construct an access road and capacitation of the clinic. She said all the funds earmarked for the project was utilised.

“The total commitment budget was R4m and total spent is R4.4m. Total spent for the clinic is +- R3.3m excluding road works, which increased to R 4.4m when the road works was included,” she said. 

Lourens said indeed medical equipment amounting to +-R1.6m were bought and the launch will take place on 18 October 2024. 

taungdailynews@gmail.com

Molekgotlha o latofadiwa ka go neela ba lelapa la kwa ga bo mosadi wa gagwe diporojeke 

NEWS Leave a comment

  

Setshwantsho: Molekgotlha, Kagiso Pudule

Ka OBAKENG MAJE 

8 Diphalane 2024- Baagi ba kwa motseng wa Dryharts, gaufi le Taung, ba latofatsa molekgotlha wa bone, Kagiso Pudule ka go sa nne le tirisano-mmogo. Ba re ebile Pudule wa ungwelwa mo diporojekeng tsa baagi, ga mmogo le ba kwa bogogadie. 

Go begwa fa go ile ga nna le porojeke ya mantlwana-boithusetso kwa motseng wa Dryharts, fela Pudule le ene o ungwetswe, le mororo a direla masepala o mogolwane wa Taung. Baagi ba, ba latofaditse Pudule ka go ba ikgatholosa, fela o neela ba kwa bogogadie le ditsala tsa gagwe ke porojeke tsa motse. 

Mosadimogolo Getrude Ngithi (64) are ntlwana-boithusetso ya gagwe e wele, mme o lobaka a itsisitse Pudule. Ngithi are fela ga go tle gore a agelwe ntlwana-boithusetso.  

“Ke tshaba le go e dirisa, gonne ke tla wela mo teng. Ke dula le bana, mme re patelesega gore re ithusetse kwa patlelong. 

“Ke lebaka le le telele ke itsisitse Pudule gore ntlwana-boithusetso yame e wele, fela ga ke bone thuso. Se ke se itseng ke gore, ntlwana-boithusetso yame e tswile gore e agiwe, mme ga ke itse gore e tshwerwe ke eng,” Ngithi wa tlhalosa. 

O mongwe wa baagi le ene o lela selelo sa ga Ragele. Molemoeng Modise le ene o latofatsa Pudule ka go ikaba ka letlhakuri fa a rebola ditirelo. 

“Thebolo ya ditirelo mo Dryharts ke tlhoba-boroko. Erile fa porojeke ya mantlwana-boithusetso e tsena mo motseng, re ne re ikwadisitse. Fela, Pudule o direla lelapa le le lengwe fela, eleng la kwa ga bo mosadi wa gagwe. 

“Rona ba bangwe ra a tlodiwa, mme fela fa o bua le molekgotlha are o tla tla. Kgang eo ga e re tseye sentle, gonne le fa ditirelo di tla mo motseng, o neela batho ba gagwe ditirelo ntle le baagi,” Modise. 

Mongwe wa kemedi ya baagi, Philemon Motsewabone are: “Go bua nnete fela, ga gona tirisano-mmogo magareng ga kemedi ya baagi (ward committee) le Pudule. Re ile ra kwala makwalo re kopa mmusa-kgotlha wa masepala, Grace Moipolai go tla go tsereganya kgatlhanong le maitshwaro a makgasa a ga Pudule. 

“Selo seo se re tshwenya thata, mme fa go sena botsitso magareng ga molekgotlha le kemedi ya baagi, seo se tlile go ama thata ditirelo mo motseng. Jaanong, ga ese re bone karabo go tswa go Moipolai, mme re tshepa fa a ka tla ka tharabololo.”

Kgabagare, Pudule o a neng a angwa fela ke tse a neng a di apereng are, baagi ga ba na dingongorego. Are batho ba ba ntshitseng dingongorego ke maloko a lekoko la sepolotiki la EFF, mme ene ga dire le batho ba go tshwana le bao. 

taungdailynews@gmail.com

Four accused sentenced to 28 years for armed robbery and kidnapping

NEWS Leave a comment

By BAKANG MOKOTO

8 October 2024- Four accused who were arrested for aggravated robbery and kidnapping, were sentenced to a combined 28 years imprisonment by the Kuruman Regional Court. In June 2018, the complainant was approached by Lopang Molaolwa (34), Mothusi Maele (39), Herbert Obiditse (28) and Kagisho Masala (22), as they requested a hike/lift.

The Hawks spokesperson in Northern Cape, Warrant Officer Nomthandazo Mnisi said he gave them a lift and while driving, he was instructed to stop the vehicle and he refused. Mnisi said the driver realised that the person behind him had pointed at him with a firearm and he stopped.

“The group assaulted and forced him into the back of his vehicle. They drove with him to a veld, where they forcefully took his bank card and tied him to a tree with his shoe laces and belt.

“He managed to free himself and went to look for assistance. The victim and the police went to the Grand Hotel and found three accused in his vehicle and the fourth suspect was pointed out by a witness, while he was already inside the Grand Hotel,” she said.

Mnisi further said the police managed to recover the victim’s vehicle, cell phone, spare wheel, car radio, speakers and groceries. She added that a case docket was then transferred to Hawks Serious Organised Crime Investigation team for further investigation which resulted in a successful conviction and sentencing.

“Molaolwa, Maele and Obiditse were sentenced to 10 years imprisonment each and Masala was sentenced to 8 years imprisonment on both counts. All accused were declared unfit to possess a firearm,” said Mnisi.

taungdailynews@gmail.com