Engen Knockout Challenge Graduate Coach, Senong appointed by FIFA

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Thabo Senong during the 2024 Engen Champ of Champs Draw at Sturrock Park in Johannesburg on 25 September 2024 ©Nokwanda Zondi/BackpagePix

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

29 September 2024- Engen said it has given rise to a number of talents to go on and flourish in their respective careers. It said from players to coaches, administrators and even those who work in the background.

“The number of individuals’ careers have catapulted after featuring in the tournament which has entered its 22nd year of existence,” said Engen.

The latest example of such is Pimville-born Thabo Senong, who is an Engen ambassador, having competed in the tournament as youth coach with Orlando Pirates stretching as far back as 2010. The 44-year-old has taken the next step in his career, where he was handpicked by none other than Arsene Wenger to form part of FIFA’s Technical Development Scheme.

Senong said: “I’ve just joined FIFA in August as a FIFA talent coach, which is a program that falls under the technical development scheme, which is the idea pioneered by the Chiefs of Global Development at FIFA, coach Arsene Wenger.

“He wants to improve countries that are struggling and close the gap between developing countries and the leading nations in football,” he said.

Senong, who will be stationed in Malawi as part of his duties has given credit to Engen for the platform they have provided, not only for himself but for coaches who are currently making headway in the Premier Soccer League, as well as up-and-coming coaches who are making a name for themselves in youth football.

“We are all products of this tournament and that’s where we started. I was at Pirates under professor [Augusto] Palacios, we won it twice. It has produced a lot of coaches. Coach Kwanele Kopo is coaching Chippa United, and he has coached in this tournament a number of times.

“[There is also] coach Arthur Zwane at Kaizer Chiefs, so this tournament has produced a lot of coaches and there are more up-and-coming coaches like coach ‘DVD’ (David Mathebula), coach Andisiwe Mcgoyi and a whole lot of other coaches,” he said.

Senong said people can see that it is a well-rounded tournament that gives them experts from the administration and technical sides, not only players.

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Sports Law, Brand Management and Strategy Development take centre stage

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Picture: Former Bafana Bafana player, benson Mhlongo/Supplied

By REGINALD KANYANE

29 September 2024– Participants of the Betway 12th Man Programme have gathered once again for a two-day workshop of learning and information exchange in Workshop 5 of the ongoing Betway 12th Man Programme in Johannesburg.

Season 2 of the Betway 12th Man Programme has seen a total of 12 retired sport stars travelling a new and life-changing journey of re-inventing themselves through the uniquely designed programme by the globally acclaimed sports betting company.

Retired athletes from the fields of football, rugby, cricket, netball, boxing, canoeing and mixed-martial arts are nearing the conclusion of the uniquely designed programme that has so far resulted in them being empowered with various skills set – which include Marketing, Media, Strategy, Reputation Management as well as Financial Literacy.

Workshop 5 of the programme comes at the back of four highly informative Workshops overseen by various industry experts who continue to guide and mentor the retired heroes in their new journeys.

Speaking from the ongoing Workshop in Johannesburg, Betway 12th Man participant and former national team football player, Benson Mhlongo, said the course instilled a new sense of self-belief and confidence in him that he is putting to use in his everyday life.

“As a footballer, we were taught the importance of being confident on the field of play but very little has been taught about the importance of confidence and self-belief in the outside world.

“Through the knowledge gained with the Betway 12th Man, I am becoming a better coach and all-round human being who is better skilled and equipped to confidently venture into other areas of sport that I had very little knowledge of,” he said.

Echoing Mhlongo’s words, was former South African Netball national team player, Phumza Maweni, who went on to encourage retired sports stars to take up such opportunities.

“Life as a retired athlete can be quite depressing if you are not well prepared for it, which unfortunately is the case with most retired athletes. It is therefore important for us to be involved in such programmes to not only be able to give back to the sport in different capacities, but also equip us to continue making a living beyond our playing days.

“I really urge all retired athletes to look into such programmes that have changed our lives like the Betway 12th Man,” she said.  

Workshop 5 of the Betway 12th Man programme will have a special focus on modules such as Brand Management, Sports Law as well as Strategy Development.

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Monna o bolailwe ka go tlhabiwa ka thipa kwa Nommer 1

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Setshwantsho: Moswi, Letlhogonolo Bogosi 

Ka OBAKENG MAJE

Monna wa dingwaga di le 22 wa kwa motseng wa Nommer 1, gaufi le Taung, o tshwerwe go latela polao ya ga Letlhogonolo Bogosi wa dingwaga di le 33. Go begwa fa go ile ga runya ntwa kwa mmileng kwa Nommer 1 mo letsatsing la Lamatlhatso, mme Bogosi o ile a leka go thiba ntwa eo.

Fela go begwa fa mmelaelwa a ile a tlhaba Bogosi ka thipa mo sehubeng, mme a mmolaya ka gangwe.

Sebueledi sa sepodisi mo Bokone Bophirima, Colonel Adele Myburgh are, sepodisi se ile sa bilediwa kwa lefelong la tiragalo. Myburgh are fela ba ile ba fitlhela setopo sa ga Bogosi.

“Kgetsi ya polao e ile ya bulwa kgatlhanong le mmelaelwa, mme ene o ile a tshwarwa. One a latofadiwa ka polao.

“Mmelaelwa o solofetswe go ka shadikanya matlho kwa kgotlha-tshekelo ya Taung mo letsatsing la Mosupulogo, fa dipatlisiso mo kgetsing di tswelela,” Myburgh wa tlhalosa.

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DA: ‘Turning optimism into action for growth and jobs’

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Picture: The DA leader, John Steenhuisen

By BAKANG MOKOTO

29 September 2024- The Democratic Alliance (DA) leader, John Steenhuisen said his party chose to put South Africa first. Steenhuisen said in the 100 days since the election, the DA has begun to turn that optimism into action.

“Our first decision was to prioritize economic growth and job creation above all else. By entering the Government of National Unity (GNU), the DA has generated enormous optimism for a better future, and injected new confidence in our country’s economic prospects.

“The single most important outcomes for the GNU are higher levels of growth and lower unemployment. Those are the KPIs that the DA is focused on. Consequently, we are viewing every department in which the DA is represented as an opportunity to drive growth and jobs, and to develop policy priorities accordingly,” he said.

Steenhuisen further said this can be seen in some of the work already done by DA ministers and deputy ministers. He added that this includes promoting a comprehensive spending review to identify government programmes that do not deliver value for the people of South Africa, with a view to eliminating them.

“We absolutely have to bring the debt-to-GDP ratio under 70% in the next five years in order to avoid a fiscal crisis. Faster growth is necessary, but so too is better prioritized spending.

“Working with Treasury and the Presidency to include in Operation Vulindlela the concession of ports and the concession of the rail management system, creating open access to rail, establishing a secondary market for broadband, reforming the local government financial model and reforming the financing of local government infrastructure,” said Steenhuisen.

He said this includes developing the “Home Affairs@home” vision for a digitally transformed department that delivers world-class services without requiring clients to visit Home Affairs offices. Steenhuisen said they have also introduced a Trusted Tour Operator Scheme (TTOS) to unlock tourism from China and India.

“We have refined and finalised regulations for remote work visa and a new points-based work visa that will attract skills into the economy to drive growth and create tens of thousands of new jobs.

“Positioning infrastructure South Africa as the single point of entry for all priority infrastructure projects, to streamline processes and reduce inefficiencies​. Initiated a series of investigations into corruption in the department of public works,” he said.

Steenhuisen said they have initiated a review of the 30% local procurement rule for construction projects to ensure that it is not abused by criminal elements and that small businesses are truly empowered. He said this includes amending the KPIs of the Energy and Water SETA and the Fibre, Processing and Manufacturing SETA, to include the number of the learners that are absorbed into employment or enabled to become entrepreneurs.

“Initiating the first ever comprehensive review of education financing and beginning the process of stabilizing the funding for education over the medium term.

“Within less than one month of identifying the issue, the Department of Home Affairs has managed to clear a backlog of almost 250 000 ID applications that had been accumulating for almost a year,” said Steenhuisen.

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A man who is believed to be alleged rapist and murderer nabbed

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By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

29 September 2024– A man (50), who is believed to be an alleged serial rapist and murderer, was arrested by the Provincial Anti-Gang Unit, Mahikeng Detectives, Mahikeng Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit (FCS) and North West Phycology Investigation Unit, during multi-disciplinary investigation on 27 September 2024.

The suspect was arrested at his residential place in Makhubung village, near Mahikeng, in the early hours of the morning on Friday.

The North West police spokesperson, Colonel Adéle Myburgh said the suspect was arrested after he was linked to the rape and murder case of Neo Kgabanakgosi (42). Myburgh said according to the initial reports, Kgabanakgosi’s naked and lifeless body, was discovered by a passerby in the bushes at Danville Township, in Mahikeng, on 7 September 2024.

“The passerby immediately alerted the police. Kgabanakgosi was declared dead on the scene by Emergency and Medical Rescue Services (EMRS). The investigations revealed that, there is a witness who saw the suspect picking-up the victim with a car during the late hours of Friday night, 6 September, a day prior to when she was found killed.

“Furthermore, four more victims, who allegedly survived sexual and physical assaults by the same suspect, came forward and reported it to the police. Any person with information that can assist the police with the investigations, is requested to contact the Investigating Officer, Sergeant Boitumelo Motsamai of Mahikeng Detectives on cell: 079 881 9905,” she said.

Myburgh further said the possibility of linking the suspect to multiple cases of the same nature, where females were found raped, murdered and their bodies dumped in the bushes around Mahikeng, cannot be ruled out.

She added that the suspect is expected to appear before Molopo Magistrate’s Court on 30 September 2024, for the alleged murder and rape Kgabanakgosi.

Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, congratulated the police for their diligence and working around the clock to arrest the suspect. Kwena said the police will continue to work hard to ensure that criminals face the full might of the law.

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A suspect allegedly involved in truck hijackings arrested

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Picture: The blood stains in the alleged hijacked truck/Supplied

By REGINALD KANYANE

29 September 2024– A suspect, who was arrested for allegedly being involved in truck hijackings, set to appear in Stilfontein Magistrate’s Court on 28 September 2024. The suspect was arrested by the Stilfontein K9 members who were on patrol.

The North West police spokesperson, Colonel Adele Myburgh said the initial reports indicated that on Saturday afternoon, the police allegedly saw that an Isuzu truck was losing its cargo, which consisted of a variety of alcohol products. Myburgh said the truck was driven in Davill Sreet in Walkerville, Klerksdorp.

“The police allegedly pulled the truck over, when the driver and passenger allegedly jumped out and ran away. The police caught the driver of the truck and seized two firearms, of which one was a toy gun.

“He was immediately arrested as he did not have a

licence to possess a firearm. Upon further investigation, blood was found in the driver’s side of the truck and other police units were alerted,” she said.

Myburgh further said the members of Potchefstroom Flying Squad found an injured man later at a local hospital in Klerksdorp, who was shot in the upper body. She added that it was alleged that an Uber driver, who noticed the injured man next to the road in Manzil Park, rushed him to the local hospital.

“Upon interviewing the man, he alleged that he was driving an Isuzu truck on the R30 road between Klerksdorp and Ventersdorp, when he was allegedly stopped by suspects in two vehicles about 15km from Ventersdorp.

“He tried to escape, but was shot and placed in the back of a vehicle and dropped-off later in Manzil Park. The suspect, who is estimated to be in his 30’s, will appear before the Klerksdorp Magistrate’s Court on Monday, for illegal possession of firearm and ammunition, attempted murder and for being in possession of suspected stolen property,” said Myburgh.

She said the police investigations are continuing and linkages to more cases cannot be ruled out.  

Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, congratulated the police for their attentiveness and teamwork, that led to this success. Kwena also commended the Uber diver for rescuing the injured truck driver and said police will leave no stone unturned to ensure that the perpetrators face the full might of the law.

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A policeman and civilian nabbed for possession of unwrought gold bearing material

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Picture: Some of equipment seized by the police during raid/Supplied 

By OBAKENG MAJE

29 September 2024- A police officer and a civilian aged 35 and 37, were arrested in a smelter house in Extension 1, Khuma Township, near Stilfontein on 27 September 2024. The suspects were arrested during Operation Vala Umgodi.

The North West police spokesperson, Colonel Adéle Myburgh said the police allegedly pounced on unsuspecting suspects and found them in the process of allegedly refining gold bearing material. Myburgh said the duo were immediately arrested.

“Upon further investigation, it was realized that one of the suspects is a local police officer. They were charged for conspiracy to commit an offence, manufacturing of illegal gold without a permit and possession of unwrought gold bearing material.

“The police constable was also charged for defeating the ends of justice. Both suspects will appear before the Stilfontein Magistrate’s Court on 30 September 2024,” she said.

Myburgh further said during the bust, the police allegedly seized illegal mining equipment such as an oxygen bottle, LPG Gas bottle, a scale and suspected gold bearing material.

Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, welcomed the arrests and thanked the police for their continued efforts in the fight against illicit mining activities. Furthermore, Kwena said this arrest will send a strong message that police officers involved in criminal activities will be held accountable.

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NWU: “Tourism matters to all”

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By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

26 September 2024- The research unit Tourism Research in Economics, Environs and Society (TREES) at the North West University (NWU), has established itself as a leading research unit focusing on sustainable tourism. TREES distinguishes itself by conducting innovative research on the economic, environmental and social impacts of tourism, and in promoting evidence-based strategies to enhance the sector’s growth.

The Director of TREES, Prof Elmarie Slabbert said the unit plays a crucial role in promoting tourism in South Africa by analysing market trends, developing sustainable tourism models, and engaging with policymakers and stakeholders. She further said Tourism either affects the people or affect the industry.

“It is a balancing act between economic benefits, environmental protection and community well-being. By showcasing our tourism gems in a responsible manner, we preserve them for the future. 

“For South Africa, the tourism sector leads to economic growth, infrastructure development, job opportunities, environmental conservation and more. On the other hand, the people living in tourism hubs benefit indirectly from these developments and improvements,” said Slabbert.

She added that it is their duty as South Africans to take care of tourists, to offer a sustainable tourism product and if possible, to be tourists themselves. Slabbert said Tourism matters to everyone, whether you are directly involved or not.

“Now is the time for tourists to experience what South Africa and Africa have to offer. South Africa’s natural beauty is a key driver of its tourism industry, attracting visitors from around the world and TREES is leading the way in ensuring that this sector is sustainable.

“Researchers at TREES are working to protect our natural tourism gems, ensuring that they remain a source of economic and environmental benefits for generations to come,” she said.

Slabbert said nature-based tourism, is a cornerstone of South Africa’s tourism industry and it includes wildlife, adventure, eco- and geo-tourism.

A key researcher at TREES, Prof Peet van der Merwe said they focus on addressing the balance between tourism and environmental protection. Van Der Merwe said his current research looks at issues such as overcrowding in national parks and the socio-economic impacts of wildlife tourism, particularly hunting.

“Tourism plays a crucial role in the economy, but it is equally important to ensure that tourism is managed sustainably. Our research aims to develop models that promote sustainable tourism practices, ensuring that South Africa’s natural wonders are preserved for future visitors,” he said.

Meanwhile, Dr Madeline Huyser and her team are also exploring how conservation technology, such as drones and apps, can be used to protect the environment and enhance the visitor experience. She said these tools have the potential to not only protect the wildlife, but also educate tourists about the importance of conservation.

“Our research highlights the role of technology in shaping the future of nature-based tourism, offering solutions to some of the sector’s most pressing challenges,” said Huyser.

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                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     

A man nabbed for allegedly killing his tenant in Hartbeespoortdam  

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By REGINALD KANYANE

26 September 2024 – A man (72) was arrested for allegedly shooting and killing his tenant (66) in Hartbeespoortdam, near Brits on Sunday. The suspect was arrested by the police in Hartbeespoortdam and Brits Crime Intelligence.

According to the North West police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Amanda Funani, the tenant approached his landlord when he discovered that there was no electricity and water at his place. Funani said following an argument that ensued between the two, the landlord went inside his house and came back with a firearm and allegedly shot the victim on his upper body.

“The suspect fled from the scene while the victim was transported to the hospital, where he was declared dead on arrival. The suspect was arrested during an

Intelligence-driven operation conducted around the Skeerport area.  

“The police also recovered a firearm, which will be subjected to ballistic tests. The suspect briefly appeared in the Brits Magistrate’s Court on 25 September 2024, for murder,” she said.

Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, congratulated the police for their concerted effort to ensure the arrest of the suspect.

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Two departmental officials who allegedly faked their matric certificates out on bail

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By BAKANG MOKOTO

26 September 2024- Two suspects aged 46 and 54 respectively, briefly appeared before Rustenburg Magistrate’s Court on 25 September 2024, facing charges of fraud, forgery and uttering. Morwesi Margareth Mokone and Mankwane Suzan Raleru were arrested by the members of Rustenburg-based Serious Commercial Crime Investigation.

The Hawks spokesperson in North West, Lieutenant Colonel Tinyiko Mathebula said Mokone and Raleru’s arrests follow an investigation into allegations of submitting fraudulent matric certificates when they applied for advertised posts in the Department of Education in North West.

Mathebula said in August 2008, Raleru was hired as an Early Childhood Development Fieldworker at the Kgetleng River APO following an advertisement of a post. He said the accused allegedly submitted a matric certificate, which she claimed to have obtained in 1992.

“The investigation revealed that the accused did write matric, but never passed it. It was discovered during the investigation that the accused submitted a fraudulent matric certificate when applying for the post. As a result, the department paid the accused over R2.3 million in salaries.

“In a separate incident, Mokone applied for an administration assistant position at the Kana Primary School in March 2011 and was subsequently hired. She applied for the post with a matric certificate, which she allegedly obtained in 1998. Upon conducting an investigation, it was revealed that the accused never sat for matric exams and that she had forged a matric certificate to apply for the post,” said Mathebula.

He further said consequently, the department paid the accused over R2.2 million in salaries. Mathebula added that the pair had been granted R10 000 bail each, and their matter was postponed to 14 November 2024 for further investigation.

Meanwhile, the North West Hawks Head, Major General Patrick Mbotho and the Director of Public Prosecutions in North West, Dr Rachel Makhari, have commended the investigation and prosecution team’s sterling work in ensuring that the accused are brought to justice.

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