Picture: Three accused, Bakang Katong, Katlego Mosimege and Phenyo Katong facing a murder case/Facebook
By OBAKENG MAJE
A murder case against an alleged drug lord and his co-accused has been postponed to 10 May 2023 by Taung Regional Court for a pre-trial conference. Bakang Katong (32), Thabang Lenyai (23) and Katlego Mosimege (31), and Phenyo Katong (34) were arrested a year ago for allegedly killing Thabiso Mothibedi (35) after accusing him of stealing R20 000 cash and cigarettes worth R600 from Katong’s house in Manthe village, near Taung.
The North West police spokesperson, Capt Sam Tselanyane said the preliminary investigation revealed that on 29 April 2022, the deceased was at Longaneng village in Taung, when the accused fetched and ferried him back to Manthe village.
“Upon arrival, the deceased was allegedly chained to a generator and assaulted. After the assault, the victim was reportedly transported to a local clinic by the accused for medical attention, however, he was declared dead upon arrival. The accused were arrested and charged with murder,” Tselanyane said.
On 1 May 2022, the community members were up in arms and torched three houses and a bakkie belonging to Katong’s family. Seven people have been arrested regarding the incident and charged with arson and looting.
Picture: Banyana Banyana players during training session/SAFA
By SAFA
Banyana Banyana has assembled in a camp for local-based players in Johannesburg this week as coach Desiree Ellis continues with her preparations for the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup in July.
Ellis said the camp will give all the players an opportunity to put their hands up and show what they can do in the coming days.
“The last camp we had, when we had that extra week, it really, really helped us. It helped us in terms of getting our defensive structure better. Obviously, this is another opportunity now to work on maybe our set pieces as well because this is sometimes a challenge for us, you know. A week might not seem a lot but it’s a lot in terms of what we can achieve, considering how we grew in the last camp a week before the FIFA date,” she told www.safa.net.
Ellis said the camp is a huge opportunity for the players in camp to impress and stake their claim to places in the World Cup-bound final team.
“It is a big opportunity for players that are in camp because obviously, they have a foot in, but the door is never closed to anyone and it can only be closed once the final squad has been announced. It has been proven over the last couple of years when players came in just before the WAFCON squad was selected and made the final team. So everybody needs to put in their best performances and best effort because that is what we’re looking for.
Sasol Senior Manager: Group Brand and Sponsorship Nozipho Mbatha expressed her excitement about the Banyana Banyana selection camp and wished the team well.
“We would like to wish all the players who have been chosen to be a part of the Banyana Banyana selection camp the best of luck. We believe that every player is excited to bring their A-Game as this may open a world of opportunities, and they could potentially be selected to represent South Africa at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
“As Sasol we would like to encourage all the players to put their best foot forward during this period and gain much intelligence from the coaching staff as they pursue to live the impossible.”
Picture: The former Vice-Chancellor and Principal of Vaal University of Technology, late Pro Dan Kgwadi/Supplied
By OBAKENG MAJE
The heartfelt condolence messages continue to pour in after the death of the former Vice-Chancellor of North West University (NWU), Professor Dan Kgwadi who died on Sunday night after a long illness. At the time of his passing, Kgwadi was the principal and Vice-Chancellor of the Vaal University of Technology (VUT).
The Chairperson of VUT Council, Prof Mandia Radebe said: “It is with sadness to announce the news of the passing of our Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Prof Dan Kgwadi. According to the family, Kgwadi passed away last night due to illness.
“On behalf of the Vaal University of Technology (VUT), I wish to take this opportunity to express our heartfelt condolences to his family, relatives, friends, and colleagues.
“Liaising with the family, we will share further details on the memorial and funeral services when available.”
Meanwhile, the North West Premier, Bushy Maape described Kgwadi as a warrior who spear-headed the NWU through the challenges of transformation.
“Prior to this appointment, he served as the Principal and Vice-Chancellor of the NWU from April 2014 to 31 January 2022. Kgwadi also served as the first Rector of the NWU (Mafikeng Campus). He started his term as a Campus Rector on 1 January 2005 to 31 March 2014.
“Kgwadi grew up in a very poor community, where there were no resources. But, he was one of the few black academics who defied the odds. He was passionate about physical science and mathematics from an early age. Kgwadi obtained various scholarships to pursue his postgraduate studies in the United States of America (USA),” Maape said.
He further said, Kgwadi led the university through a tumultuous period of transformation at institutions of higher learning in the country. Maape added that Kgwadi contributed to the sterling working relationship with the provincial executive, particularly in assisting the government to respond to various challenges through research in various fields, while he was at the helm of the NWU.
“We have a sound working relationship with the university and this is largely through his efforts. We will continue to work with the university to address the plight of students from poor and disadvantaged backgrounds.
“The provincial bursary scheme whose name change was recently held at Mahikeng Campus, continues to benefit students at this university. We will continue to work with the university to preserve and honour Kgwadi’s legacy,” he said.
Picture: COSATU’s 2nd deputy president, Duncan Lovuno delivering his keynote address at Colridge stadium in Vryburg
By OBAKENG MAJE
The Congress of South African Trade Union (COSATU) said it will forge ahead in bringing unity amongst the working class. COSATU in North West, commemorated May Day at Colridge Stadium in Vryburg on Monday.
COSATU’s 2nd deputy president, Duncan Lovuno who was the keynote speaker said, workers cannot afford to be divided when they are under siege. Lovuno further said the message during this year’s May Day is that they must cherish, defend and constantly invest in unity.
“It is our key weapon as we wage the working class struggles. This May Day presents us with an opportunity to reflect and commit ourselves again to the ongoing fight against slave wages, retrenchments, and poor working conditions.
“This May Day is important for workers to celebrate the gains we have made since the dawn of democracy but at the same time reflect on the current challenges facing the workers and the working class of this country and the world.
We are dedicated to fostering a spirit of solidarity and cooperation amongst all unions, inside and outside of COSATU. We are pleased with the work being done by our affiliates to build unity on the ground across unions and across federations,” he said.
Lovuno further said, workers need to unite against rising extreme poverty, unprecedented levels of unemployment, deteriorating public services, and elite corruption. He added that, workers need to work together to deal with the rising cost of living and levels of indebtedness among them.
“We are calling on all unions to cooperate and work together during this year’s round of wage negotiations to fight for decent wages for the workers.
Workers deserve decent wages that will keep up with inflation so that, they can afford to put food on the table and feed and clothe their families.
“Our priority should be a pushback against the electricity and petrol price increases. We need to unite to fight against the government’s formulaic persistence with neo-liberal macroeconomic fiscal and monetary policies that have left many living lives of brute survival,” said Lovuno.
He said this important worker’s day originates over 137 years ago in 1886 when workers stood up and demanded eight hours of work, eight hours for recreation, and eight hours for rest.
The ANC provincial chairperson, Nono Maloyi said, they are celebrating Workers’ Day across the country because workers have fought for this right and deserve this. Maloyi said, there are a few challenges workers are confronted with at their respective workplaces, especially in terms of wages.
“So, we are not only celebrating but saluting them. You will remember the situation has improved since 1994. Now, workers are able to negotiate by sitting at a round table with employers. Another challenge is economic growth, COVID-19 pandemic-related challenges, and so on.
“However at times, we are able to meet demands made by workers. Sometimes the economy does not allow, but we have to work together all of us to ensure there is economic growth. We have a great relationship with our alliance partners and there will always be challenges,” he said.
Meanwhile, the South African Communist Party (SACP) provincial secretary, Madoda Sambatha shared the same sentiments. Sambatha said, the workers’ day is an International Day.
“Workers need to be united in the sector that they are working in irrespective of race and gender. At the centre of any success, there are workers and communities as beneficiaries. However, there is only 23% of workers who are organised and belong to unions.
“Remember, the unity of the workers is the basis of the unity of the community. Unity among the working class was able to fight capitalism. The majority of unemployed are still black and mostly women and youth,” he said.
Picture: The chairperson of North West Provincial Legislature’s Portfolio Committee on Education, Arts, Culture and Sports Development, Paul Sebegoe
By OBAKENG MAJE
The North West Provincial Legislature (NWPL) is set to conduct public hearings on Copyright Amendment Bill 2017 and the Performers’ Protection Amendment Bill 2016.
On Tuesday, the North West Provincial Legislature’s Portfolio Committee on Education, Arts, Culture and Sports Development chairperson, Paul Sebegoe said, they will be conducting public hearings on Copyright Amendment Bill [B13 D-2017] and Performers’ Protection Amendment Bill [B 24D-2016] at Mmabana Lehurutshe near Zeerust, Jouberton Hall in Jouberton, Klerksdorp, Mmabana Taung in Taung and Rustenburg Recreation Centre in Cashan near Rustenburg at 10h00.
“The Copyright Amendment Bill [B13 D-2017] seeks to amend the Copyright Act, 1978, so as to define certain words and expressions to allow for further limitations and exceptions regarding the reproduction of copyright works to provide for the sharing of royalties in-copyright works.
“It also set to provide for the payment of royalties in respect of literary, musical, artistic and audiovisual works to provide for resale royalty rights, to provide for recording and reporting of certain acts, to provide for the accreditation of collecting societies and to provide for matters connected therewith,” Sebegoe said.
He further said, the Performers’ Protection Amendment Bill [B 24D-2016] aims to amend the Performers’ Protection Act, 1967, so as to insert, delete or substitute certain definitions to provide for performers’ economic rights. Sebegoe added that, it also aims to extend moral rights to performers in audio-visual fixations and to provide for the transfer of rights, where a performer consents to the fixation of a performance.
“It aims to provide for the protection of rights of producers of sound recordings, to broaden the restrictions on the use of performances, to extend the application of restrictions on the use of performances to audio-visual fixations, to provide for royalties or equitable remuneration to be payable when a performance is sold or rented out and to provide for matters connected therewith.
“The relevant stakeholders have been invited to attend the public hearing. The public hearings will be streamed live in the North West Provincial Legislature Facebook and other social media platforms such as YouTube Channel,” he said.
Picture: Former Naledi Local Municipality employee, Clifford Seiso Shoarane/Facebook
By OBAKENG MAJE
The former Naledi Local Municipality employee, Clifford Seiso Shoarane, who was found guilty of rape by the Vryburg Regional Court, is expected to be sentenced today. Shoarane, who was working as Assistant Manager in the security department at the municipality, raped a woman in Vryburg a few years ago.
It is alleged that the woman in question was a well-known prostitute in Vryburg. According to information, the woman was hitchhiking to go to Huhudi Township when she met Shoarane. Shoarane promised the woman to take her safely to Huhudi, but instead, he headed to a dilapidated building, where he raped her.
After the ordeal, Shoarane dumped the woman in the streets and left. The woman went to the Vryburg Police Station where she opened a rape case against him.
Picture: Some of the murder accused, Bakang Katong, Katlego Mosimegi, and Phenyo Katong/Facebook
By OBAKENG MAJE
A murder case against an alleged drug lord and his co-accused is set to resume at Taung Regional Court today. Bakang Katong (32), Thabang Lenyai (23) and Katlego Mosimege (31), and Phenyo Katong (34) were arrested a year ago for allegedly killing Thabiso Mothibedi (35) after accusing him of stealing R20 000 cash and cigarettes worth R600 from Katong’s house in Manthe village, near Taung.
The North West police spokesperson, Capt Sam Tselanyane said the preliminary investigation revealed that on 29 April 2022, the deceased was at Longaneng village in Taung, when the accused fetched and ferried him back to Manthe village.
“Upon arrival, the deceased was allegedly chained to a generator and assaulted. After the assault, the victim was reportedly transported to a local clinic by the accused, however, he was declared dead upon arrival. The accused were arrested and charged with murder,” Tselanyane said.
On 1 May 2022, the community members were up in arms and torched three houses and a bakkie belonging to Katong’s family.
Picture: The CWP workers march to ANC offices in Vryburg
By OBAKENG MAJE
The Community Work Programme (CWP) participants are threatening not to vote come 2024 General Elections, if the government does not improve their salaries and working conditions. The CWP participants in North West embarked on a peaceful march and submitted their memorandum of grievances to the ANC regional offices in Vryburg on Monday.
The CPW shop steward in North West and Maanda Ashu Workers Union (MAWUSA) member, Thandeka Mchunu alleged that the government is using CWP as a form of exploitation against the marginalised.
“We, the CWP participants who are all voters in our respective provinces and wards, demand that the ANC give a political directive to the Minister of Labour to speedily transform the CWP policies. This will allow the realisation of the living wage of the participants as per the memorandum sent to the Department of Labour on 3 February 2023.
“It cannot be accepted anymore for government workers to earn R800 per month in this high-cost economy status of the country. We also want the government to release the Maanda Ashu Workers Union of South Africa (MAWUSA)’s registration certificate, which was declined with no grounds,” Mchunu said.
She further said, the review of the ministerial determination for a lowest-earning beneficiary to be remunerated in line upper bound poverty line of R1800 per month. Mchunu added that, they also want immediate access to the minimum wage of R3500, migration of EPWP/CWP from ministerial determination to sectoral determination, and in-sourcing of CWP participants to full-time employment.
“Participants should work five days per week and 20 days per month. We further demand that, the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA) and CWP national management engage with workers through our union to make inputs on any matter affecting the CWP and or workers.
“We call for the release of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and tool of trade (Occupational Health Safety), consistent payment day and monitoring of sites by COGTA and Department of Labour,” she said.
The ANC regional secretary in Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati, Walter Mabogola received the memorandum on behalf of the ruling party. Mabogola said, he will ensure that, the memorandum is delivered to the relevant stakeholders and find expression.
“We have received your memorandum on behalf of the ANC in Luthuli House and it will be signed off. It will also be brought to the attention of those who are supposed to be held accountable. It is the ANC that has deployed anyone who is responsible for COGTA and the Department of Labour.
“So, you have taken the right step in directing your memorandum to the ANC. You have not made any mistake by so doing, so it is the responsibility of the ANC Regional Executive Committee (REC) through the Office of the Regional Secretary to ensure that your grievances are taken up with those who are supposed to respond to your grievances,” he said.
Mabogola also made a commitment that, before the end of this week, CWP participants will receive a progress report in terms of their memorandum. He said, the first progress they will be reporting on, is a meeting between ANC in the region and relevant regional directors.
“We will have a consultative engagement with all mayors across municipalities, including the Department of Labour. We will use that engagement as the platform to address your grievances.
“The second activity that we are going to embark upon, is a meeting with your leadership, where we will be presenting a feedback report. Where possible, we will have another meeting, which will be inclusive and agree upon a program of action,” said Mabogola.
He said this would assist CWP leadership to be able to go back to the participants and give a feedback report on the progress registered. Mabogola said since ANC is a policymaker, all policies including monitoring and evaluation should favour the masses.
Meanwhile, the North West MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlement and Traditional Affairs (COGHSTA), Nono Maloyi said: “Unfortunately, I won’t be able to answer that question without facts. The CWP participants did not march to our offices and we do not know whether what they are getting is enough. So, we will tackle that issue when we have gathered all facts.”
Picture: Players registered with MYSAFA to stop age cheating/SAFA
By OBAKENG MAJE
South African Football Association (SAFA) said it will continue to crack the whip on age cheating. SAFA president, Danny Jordan said, age-cheating has become a widespread problem in African football.
Jordan said this includes rogue schools, clubs, and even parents sometimes complicit in forging players’ ages in order to gain an advantage on the pitch.
“SAFA’s commitment to fighting cheating via digital player registration is one big reason that its teams have not been caught up in the high-profile scandals that have rocked African football recently.
“The Men’s U17 national team set to compete in the 2023 Under-17 Africa Cup of Nations is a striking example. Sixteen members of the 21-man squad of rising stars have been registered on MYSAFA a combined 48 times,” he said.
Mamelodi Sundowns FC player, Thato Sibiya tops the list with six registration records dating back to his U13 Gauteng Development League (GDL) playing days in 2018 – MYSAFA’ second year of existence.
This success has not gone unnoticed, with stakeholders in South African football praising MYSAFA as an invaluable tool for fighting age cheating.
The Orlando Pirates Head of Youth Development, Cayl Coetsee said: “Registering players early and often in MYSAFA is the best tool we have to fight age cheating in South African Football.
“There is simply less incentive to cheat at age 10 or 11, and once a player’s details are captured in the system, they can’t be changed. Adopting the MYSAFA system is a game changer for our LFAs. It’s an outstanding tool.”
MYSAFA General Manager, Shane Felix said, it is also a big reason FIFA regulations require all players to be registered from age 12. Felix further said, FIFA has even taken the extra step of mandating that by July 2025, these regulations must be included “without modification in [every] association’s regulations.
“By creating a complete registration history, known as a player passport, it becomes difficult for a player to falsify their date of birth for a single league or tournament.
“Proprietary MYSAFA tools such as home affairs verification and the ability to scan a player’s card to see their registration details online have become indispensable features for SAFA officials and coaches,” he said.
Felix added: “MYSAFA’s player profile scanning and Home Affairs API have been instrumental in fighting age cheating in South African football.
“Perception is also important. If coaches and parents think that it’s likely they will be caught and shamed in front of their friends and their football family, they are much less likely to try.”
Inqaku COO, Jason Anderson said, that Inqaku does not plan to rest on its laurels just yet. Anderson said facial recognition and artificial intelligence will soon be enlisted in the war on cheating. Doing a 3-D facial scan of each player will allow us to digitally check if the player’s ID photo matches.
“The technology is mature and we already have a proof of concept up and running. It will enable us to check for matches where a player used different personal details, like date of birth, providing yet another check against the data sent from Home Affairs. In other African countries where we operate, this will become our primary method of catching cheaters,” he said.
Picture: The deceased, Karabo Kevin Moehi/Facebook
By OBAKENG MAJE
A burnt body of a man was discovered in a toilet in Mokgareng village, near Taung on Thursday. The North West police spokesperson in Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati cluster, Warrant Officer Tryphosa van Rooyen said, the deceased was identified as Karabo Kevin Moehi (35).
“The police were called to the scene in Mokgareng after the body of a male person was found burned in a toilet. An inquest was opened for further investigation.
“The deceased was positively identified by his relatives. No foul play suspected,” van Rooyen said.
Meanwhile, the www.healthline.com website said: “There are a number of steps one can take to manage and navigate depression. Making small changes to one’s daily routine, diet, and lifestyle habits can all have a positive effect. Depression can drain your energy, leaving you feeling empty and fatigued. This can make it difficult to muster the strength or desire to get treatment.
“Small lifestyle changes may help you manage these feelings. Small steps have a big impact and if a person feels sustained, intense, feelings of sadness or loss of interest in activities, they may have clinical depression.”
It continues to say, people also refer to this condition as major depressive disorder. However, the website said, there are small steps you can take to help you gain more agency in your life and improve your sense of well-being.
“Depression is common and it affects millions of people, including some in your life. You may not realize they face similar challenges, emotions, and obstacles. The key to navigating depression is to be open, accepting, and loving toward yourself and what you’re going through.
“Every day with this disorder is different. It’s important to take your mental health seriously and accept that, where you are right now, is not where you’ll always be. If you’re up for exercise, consider a walk around the block.”
It says, on days when you feel as if you can’t get out of bed, exercise may seem like the last thing you’d want to do. The www.healthline.comsaid, however, exercise and physical activity can help to lower symptoms of depression and boost energy levels.
“The research suggests that, for some people, exercise can be as effective as medication at relieving depression symptoms. It may also help prevent future depressive episodes. Even when you have the feeling that you’re unable to or have very little energy, see if you’d be willing to do the opposite of what your mood is telling you to do, such as curling up in bed.
“Instead, set a small goal for yourself, such as taking a walk around the block. Also, know that today isn’t indicative of tomorrow. Internal emotions and thoughts can change from day to day. So, tracking experiences through journaling or keeping a mood diary can help to remember this.”
It says, if you were unsuccessful at getting out of bed or accomplishing your goals today, remember that you haven’t lost tomorrow’s opportunity to try again. The website says, to give yourself the grace to accept that, while some days will be difficult, some days will also be less difficult.
The Guardian 