‘Mokgoro is the man for the Job’

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By REGINALD KANYANE

North West Premier, Prof Job Mokgoro who is also the Provincial Chairperson of North West Resource Development Council (NWHRDC) said they will strengthen the human resources development capacity.

Mokgoro said the launch of the NWHRDC is a very important milestone in government to mobilise various stakeholders behind the country’s Human Resource Development Strategy towards 2030.

“This aims to develop skills that serve the needs of the economy and support the national objectives of radical economic transformation towards inclusive growth. The launch of the council is aimed at building the human resource development base necessary to ensure a prosperous and inclusive South African society and economy.

“The fact that the Deputy President of the Republic of South Africa is the chairperson of this body is indicative enough of its strategic importance in the creation and growth of a capable public service in line with Chapter 13 of the National Development Plan 2030” said Mokgoro.

North West HRDC consists of members from government, organized labour, business, civil society and academics. He said the provincial HRDC should be a mirror of the national structure aimed at creating a relevant platform inclusive of all social partners and enable them to engage towards using human resource development as a key vehicle towards addressing poverty, inequality and unemployment.

“We believe that the HRDC is central to the attainment of the necessary skills for government to deliver on its key objectives and defeat challenges faced by the country and development needs that are mostly unique to the North West.

“South Africa needs to focus on building a skilled and professional public service from both the top and the bottom. At the top, recruitment and management should be based on experience and expertise while at the junior levels, the State needs to focus on producing the skills and expertise that will be necessary for future public service cohorts,” concluded Mokgoro.

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Dagga use decriminalized in SA

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The Constitutional Court has upheld the Western Cape High Court ruling that the private use of dagga is legal.

JOHANNESBURG – The Constitutional Court has ruled that it is legal to cultivate and consume dagga for personal use.

In a unanimous judgment, the highest court in the land has decriminalised the private use of dagga.

Deputy Chief Justice Raymond Zondo has upheld the Western Cape High Court’s ruling that marijuana can be used at home and ruled that Parliament must change its Drug Trafficking and Medicines Control Acts.

Source: http://www.ewn.co.za

Mokgoro appoints administrator at the Ba-Phalane Traditional Council

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DSC_7297

By BAKANG MOKOTO

The situation nearly turned tense at the Ramokoka village during an engagement meeting between the North West Premier, Prof Job Mokgoro and community on Tuesday. Some of community members stormed into a meeting singing strugglibg songs, while Mokgoro addressing other community members.

The community members barricaded roads, torched few houses belonging to headmasters and prohibited children to go to school since June 2018 demanding that the current chief, Kgosi Joy Ramokoka be dethroned.

Community leader, Charles Makinita said the Ba-Phalane Traditional Council is marred with maladministration, corruption and fraud.

“Ramokoka created a trust that he imposed on us along with his cronies. The mines operating in our area deposited almost R400m in that trust, but we do not know what happened to that money.

“We welcome Mokgoro’s decision to bring interventions. This are the necessary interventions aimed at bringing stability in our area. We will see how this ends and we will take it from there. There are so many people who are former leaders who also orchestrated these corruption activities and we cannot allow that,” Makinita said.

Mokgoro invoked Section 10 (2) read with Section 9 (3) of the North West Traditional Leadership and Governance Act, Act No 2 of 2005 as an intervention measure.

He said Section 10 (2) states that the Premier may, subject to the provisions of this Act and the Constitution and with due observation of the tradition applicable in a traditional community, take such steps as may be necessary to ensure the due performance of the functions referred to in subsection (1).

“On the other hand, Section 9 (3) states that the Premier may take such steps, not inconsistent with this Act, to ensure proper administration and good governance by traditional councils. The intervention measures to be put in place would involve the appointment of investigators with clear terms of references relating to issues raised around administration and good governance.

“To bring stability, members of the community are urged to cooperate with and support the intervention team. Furthermore, we appeal with the Ba-Phalane boo Ramokoka to allow learners to go to school, allow the clinics to open and daily operations to continue, while the intervention is unfolding,” he said.

Mokgoro also announced that due to the sensitivity of the prevailing situation and to bring stability, the intervention will be with effect from today.

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Cassper Nyovest doesn’t own the #FillUp trademark and can’t take legal action

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An investigation by TshisaLIVE has found that rapper Cassper Nyovest does not yet own the #FillUp trademark at the centre of a fight between himself and Tsonga musician Benny Mayengani.

Cassper’s team revealed last week that he would be taking legal action against Mayengani for using the phrase to market his Fill-Up Giyani Stadium concert‚ which had over 25‚000 people attend. The EFF weighed in on the drama‚ labelling Cassper a “bully” and offered Benny legal protection.

However‚ the matter may never see a court room as the trademark Cassper claims Benny used without his permission has not yet been granted.

TshisaLIVE has seen the trademark records for the phrase which shows that Cassper‚ who used his full name Refiloe Maele Phoolo‚ applied for the trademark with the Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC) in November 2016.

It’s at an ‘advanced stage’ The application was processed and “accepted with conditions.” A letter was sent to Cassper in June 2017 telling him what conditions needed to be met to have the trademark granted.

“The office has issued an official action setting out the conditions for acceptance of the application. The trademark applicant needs to respond in writing to the office agreeing to the conditions in order for the application to proceed to acceptance‚” senior manager at CIPC’s Head Of Trademarks Division Fleurette Coetzee explained to TshisaLIVE.

Once a response has been received the application is advertised for three months‚ giving people the chance to object. Cassper has not not responded and‚ as a result‚ the application has not been advertised.

Cassper may be able to take action in the future Copyright lawyer Adele Els told TshisaLIVE that a person who has applied for a trademark but had not yet registered it cannot prevent another person from using it. However‚ once granted‚ they can retrospectively take action against its use while the trademark status was pending.

This means that once the trademark is registered Cassper could take legal action against Benny.

“Only once the trademark has proceeded to registration do the rights come into existence and can the trademark proprietor institute infringement proceedings. It is important to point out‚ however that once registered the rights are granted retrospectively to the date of filing‚” she said.

Source: http://www.sowetanlive.co.za

Magashule says Top 6 is ‘fine’ with his response to Ramaphosa plot claims

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Ace Magashule

ANC secretary general Ace Magashule says the ANC’s top six is content with the explanation he has given them, following claims that he was part of a secret meeting where a plot to remove President Cyril Ramaphosa was discussed.

The Sunday Times reported over the weekend that Magashule, ANC Women’s League secretary general Meokgo Matuba, ousted North West ANC chairperson Supra Mahumapelo and ANC Youth League KwaZulu-Natal secretary Thanduxolo Sabelo were part of a secret meeting to discuss such a plot.

But Magashule responded to a question News24 posed at the ANC’s Luthuli House headquarters on Tuesday and said the claims came up during the party’s top six meeting on Monday.

“We had an officials meeting. I engaged on this matter and I think we are fine with the fact that I met [former] president Zuma,” Magashule said.

The secretary general said he would engage with party members and alliance partners, who were not satisfied with denials issued by the ANC over the past few days and who felt there was more to the story.

ALSO READ: ‘This was not the first time’ I met with Zuma – Magashule slams ‘plot’ reports

ANC national executive committee members Jackson Mthembu and Derek Hanekom were among those who called for an investigation into the claims. In addition, leader of labour federation Cosatu Bheki Ntshalintshali said, although he had heard the denials, he felt there was more to the claims.

“I had to clarify certain things and there was also engagement and advice as to how we should move forward and deal with matters pertaining to the organisation,” explained Magashule.

He also said that the meeting was not secret.

“[There was] no problem with meeting [former] president Jacob Zuma. No problem at all. We did not meet at a secret place. [We] met at a busy hotel where people are all over,” said Magashule.

Source: http://www.news24.com

 

ANC rejects Sunday Times allegations of secret meeting plans to oust Ramaphosa

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The African National Congress (ANC) has strongly objected to a story published by the Sunday Times that claims top ANC officials met in Durban to discuss plans to oust President Cyril Ramaphosa.

The Sunday Times newspaper reported this weekend that former president Jacob Zuma allegedly held a secret meeting in Durban this week with key ANC officials including the party’s Secretary General Ace Magashule.

“The ANC will not dignify these blatant lies and fabrications with a detailed response. However, we would like to point out that we refute this shameless gossip,” ANC spokesperson Pule Mabe said in a statement on Sunday evening.

“We also reject attempts to link our Secretary General, Cde Ace Magashule, to this alleged plot to oust the President of the ANC, Cde Cyril Ramaphosa. It is clear that this malicious gossip is calculated to cast aspersions on the integrity and commitment of our Secretary General to the unity and renewal project of the African National Congress.

“The newspaper published a photograph of Magashule, former North West premier Supra Mahumapelo, ANC Youth League KwaZulu-Natal secretary Thanduxolo Sabelo, Zuma and ANC Women’s League secretary-general Meokgo Matuba at the Maharani hotel in Durban on Thursday.

Mabe called on ANC members and the public at large “not to be misled by this factually baseless story”.

“We are disappointed that the Sunday Times, in a very irresponsible and dangerous manner, proceeded to publish this misleading story,” he said.

“We urge the Sunday Times to immediately retract this story which is nothing but incoherent political gossip that has the potential to undermine the unity of the movement.”

He added that while the ANC supports freedom of the press, such freedom must be exercised with care and responsibility.

News24 previously reported that Sabelo has lodged a complaint with the Press Ombudsman.

“It is just not true what has been reported. I have made it very clear that I was not part of any meeting or aware of any plot to try and remove President Cyril Ramaphosa,” Sabelo said.

“I have laid an official complaint with the ombudsman.”

Sunday Times editor Bongani Siqoko told News24 that the publication stood by its report, adding: “We will wait for his complaint.”

In a statement released on Sunday by Matuba, on behalf of the women’s league, she called the report “malicious” and “false”.

“The ANCWL under the leadership of president comrade Bathabile Dlamini and her collective unreservedly supports the ANC leadership collective under president Cyril Ramaphosa elected at the 54th national conference held in December 2017 at Nasrec.

“There is no truth in the story… that there are plans to oust President Ramaphosa.”

Source: http://www.news24.com

Toothless Bafana Drop Points In AFCON Qualifier

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2019 Africa Cup of Nations Qualifier Report: Bafana Bafana v Libya 08 September 2018

Bafana Bafana struggled in front of goal as they failed to secure maximum points in their first home 2019 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Libya.
Stuart Baxter handed a first-ever start to Orlando Pirates winger Vincent Pule, while Thulani Hlatshwayo was named captain.
Dean Furman almost opened the scoring for Bafana in the fifth minute after winning the ball high up the field, the midfielder spotted Libya goalkeeper Mohamed Nashnush off his line but his lob sailed slightly over the bar.
The Mediterranean Knights were unlucky not to go ahead in the 15th minute after Mohamed Saltou’s close range shot hit the post following a counter-attack, with the hosts goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune getting a crucial touch.
Ali Mohamed nearly sensationally broke the deadlock for Adel Amrouche’s charges in the 25th minute with a cracking strike from 25-yards out but Khune made a good save to keep his side in the contest.
Percy Tau looked lively on occasions and almost got the breakthrough for Stuart Baxter’s men in the 36th minute with an improvised half-volley after turning inside the box but Nashnush swallowed the strike.
Bafana got stronger in the last five minutes of the half, but they were unable to take advantage and went into the break scoreless.
Buhle Mkhwanazi had a chance to break the deadlock for Bafana four minutes after the break at the back post with a free header, but his effort sailed over the bar.
Baxter’s troops were still probing for the elusive breakthrough towards the hour-mark, while the Mediterranean Knights were compact at the back.
Baxter opted for a change with 15 minutes remaining, with the in-effective Sibusiso Vilakazi making way for Aubrey Modiba.
Bafana were struggling to combine going forward as the half went on, which led to a lack of chances while Libya were threatening to grab the winner on the break.
In the end, neither side could carve out a clear-cut chance as the spoils were shared on the day.
Here’s how they lined up:
Bafana: Khune, Mphahlele, Hlanti, Hlatshwayo (c), Mkhwanazi, Furman, Mokotjo, Vilakazi, Dolly, Pule, Tau.
Subs: Keet , Maela, Xulu, Mokoena, Modiba, Mabunda, Grobler.
Libya: Abdaula, Almaghasi, Masaud, Elhouni, Ben Ali, El Trbi, Ali Mohammed, Sharadi, Saltou, Abdussalam, Alshadi.
Subs: Azzaqah, Sabbou, Al Jamal, Alhaddaj, Ali Soulah, Ali, Baleid.

Source: http://www.soccerladuma.co.za

Baxter softens Strasbourg stance

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Bafana Bafana coach Stuart Baxter says Strasbourg weren’t happy about him criticising how they communicated the unavailability of South Africa striker Lebo Mothiba.

Baxter took issue with Strasbourg’s apparent vague notification and delay in submitting proof that their new signing Mothiba is injured.

The frustrated Brit on Monday threatened to report the Ligue One club to FIFA over the matter, but has since softened his stance with a view to future dealings with the French side.

Baxter called up Bidvest Wits attacker Mxolisi Macuphu the following day as a replacement for Mothiba ahead of Saturday’s African Nations Cup qualifier with Libya at Moses Mabhida Stadium (15h00).

“No. I mean, look, you talk about Lebo Mothiba’s team; we got an email from them saying that they objected to the complaints that we made,” said Baxter when asked if he is pursuing the Mothiba matter with FIFA.

“But the truth is, we had Amiens [Bongani Zungu’s club] calling us, mailing us during the game about Bongani Zungu’s injury and we get a letter directly from the doctor.

“[With Strasbourg] we had to wait three days before we got the doctor’s [letter] and Lebo was not here. We only had one contact from the club secretary saying, ‘Lebo couldn’t come here because he had a physical problem’. We didn’t know what that problem was, three days later we got the scan.

“I’m questioning they way that was done and they are questioning possibly what we did. But I think, in terms of going forward, we need to have relationships with every club.

“We ought to be given respect in that we are trying to do a job here. Not just they bought a player with a lot of money and he’s their property, no, he’s not.

“He’s our player as well and we need to do a job here. We need information about our players as quickly as possibly, as soon as they are injured. We are trying to get that with South African clubs. Amiens, they did that and some others do that.

“So we are getting there, but this is a new relationship with Strasbourg … I don’t know the people there. But I just know that we need to have immediate information about players, open and honest information. And then there’s no problem.”
Source: http://www.kickoff.com

R17m can buy you … nothing. It’s what you’re paying for Zuma’s legal fees

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Former president Jacob Zuma’s personal legal fees bill to be covered by the Presidency now stands at close to R17 million‚ an increase from the R15.3 million previously disclosed in March.

The Presidency has confirmed that President Cyril Ramaphosa has written to National Assembly Speaker, Baleka Mbete, to revise the figure.

Ramaphosa said that the additional R1.4 million came to light through investigations by the department of justice while preparing documents for litigation.

Ramaphosa’s letter to Mbete said that the sum of R16.78 million had been confirmed by director-general in the presidency Cassius Lubisi in an affidavit submitted to the high court.

In sending the letter, Ramaphosa was correcting a reply he had given in Parliament in March that the legal costs amounted to R15.3 million.

The Democratic Alliance has launched an application to review and set aside the agreements between the presidency and Zuma to cover the legal costs incurred by him for his criminal prosecution.

The case will be heard in the High Court in Pretoria on November 6 and November 7.

“Over the last decade, Zuma has exploited our justice system with numerous court proceedings that had the intention of avoiding or delaying criminal prosecutions against him.

“He has also misused the courts to maintain his grip on power,” DA federal council chairperson James Selfe said Friday.

“The taxpayer has so far footed the bulk of the legal bill for this. The DA will not stand by and let this unjust situation continue.

“South Africans have already paid too dearly for Zuma’s term in office and should not be required to foot the costs of his legal proceedings.

“Zuma should not be entitled to any further financial support from the government or the people of South Africa and the DA looks forward to arguing our case in court,” Selfe said.

Source: http://www.citypress.co.za

EFF North West calls for a probe in Sebego’s resignation

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Dr Lydia Sebego

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) in the North West said the resignation of the North West Provincial government (NWPG) Director- General, Dr Lydia Sebego is long overdue. Sebego is officially bowed out on August 31 after more than 30 years of public service.

Sebego who served as the Director-General in the Office of the Premier since 2015, was employed by the former North West Premier, Supra Mahumapelo despite her alleged involvement in a tender storm that has cost the North West government as much as R250 million.

According to City Press newspaper, Sebego was implicated in a forensic report by audit firm SizweNtsalubaGobodo, while she was then the head of the health department.

It is alleged that Sebego ‘supervised’ a signing-off on multimillion-rand payments for medical equipment that was not quoted on, but was purchased – and yet not delivered. The SizweNtsalubaGobodo report, concluded in October 2012, led to a fraud and corruption investigation by the Hawks in 2013.

The investigation was commissioned in 2011 to look into alleged irregularities in the procurement of X-ray machines and scanners for a regional hospital in Vryburg and a district hospital in Ledig. The SizweNtsalubaGobodo report revealed that the expensive X-ray machines that had not been quoted on were paid for but not yet delivered.

It is also alleged that other machines that were bought did not have the necessary licences – and could expose patients to danger. Payments were claimed without evidence of invoices submitted.

However, Sebego said she was not aware of any investigation into her activities. She said that when she was appointed director-general in 2015. She said the office of the premier had checked whether she had a criminal case pending, and nothing was revealed.

The EFF’s Member of Provincial Legislature (MPL), Thabo Sehloho said: “Her resignation is long overdue. Actually she was supposed to go when her master, Mahumapelo resigned. Sebego was leading the provincial government during the period when the government, departments and municipalities were collapsing.

“Irregular, wasteful expenditure, maladministration and corrupt activities happened under her leadership. She has contributed on collapsing of the North West government. So, as EFF in the North West, we call on the current Premier to institute an investigation on Sebego’s failure to implement consequence management while she was in the office.”

Sehloho added that they also call on the Hawks to extend their investigations on Mahumapelo to her. He said they will follow up on what prompted Sebego to resign while the water is boiling for her ‘master’.

North West Premier, Job Mokgoro said: “We want to wish Sebego well in the next chapter of her life. We want to describe her as a decisive and courageous leader who displayed a rare ability to commendably manage at operational and strategic level, this despite the turbulent environment within which she worked.”

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