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BY KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
Special Investigating Unit (SIU) will host its first consultative stakeholder
engagement in Mahikeng on  March 8. 

SIU spokesperson, Narzeen Pandor said the theme of the forum will be “Working together towards ridding society of corruption, malpractice and maladministration.” 

“The forum is aimed at enhancing the SIU’s partnership
with various stakeholders, improving communication through dialogue and providing feedback on various projects in the North West Province.

“The Premier of North West, Supra Mahumapelo is expected to give
a key note address, followed by the Head of Special Investigating Unit, Advocate Mothibi, who will speak on the legislative mandate of the SIU,” Pandor said.

She further said the guest list comprises of representatives from the North West Provincial government, members of North West Provincial
Legislature, Executive Mayors, Directors General’s and Representatives from various civil society organisations, the business community and Chapter 9 institutions.

 The event will commence at Mmabatho Palms from 08:30 -13:00.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

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Newly sworn-in member of Parliament Brian Molefe’s ANC membership forms have come under scrutiny.

FNB said it is investigating the stamp on one of Molefe’s alleged membership forms.

Last week, ANC leaders in Madibeng produced two membership forms as proof that the former Eskom chief belonged to one of the region’s branches. But hours before their announcement, Tshwane secretary Paul Mojapelo said Molefe was a member of ward 65 [Irene], in good standing.

“First National Bank has not finalised its internal investigation into this matter,” said FNB spokesperson Lee-Anne van Zyl on Tuesday.

Molefe was sworn in last week amid heavy criticism. He was implicated in former public protector Thuli Madonsela’s State of Capture report in 2016. Shortly after the release of the report, he stepped down as Eskom CEO.

The ANC leaders in Madibeng produced two forms, one stamped 2011 and the other 2015. These were said to be his membership and renewal forms. But both forms were marked renewal and one has a “back office” stamp from the bank. When asked to clarify the discrepancies, they refused.

The FNB statement comes amid speculation that the bank has suspended one of its employees over the “back office” stamp on one of the forms purporting to be Molefe’s membership papers.

The former secretary of the ward 29 branch, Christina Milanzi, also denied having any knowledge of Molefe. She served as the secretary at the branch and would have had to give the MP his oath. She, however, said this never took place and that Molefe was not on their books.

FNB refused to confirm whether it had suspended one of its employees or not.

“Due to the confidential nature of this case, we cannot divulge any further information,” it said.

It also said it maintained a zero tolerance approach to any illegal activity. 

Source: http://www.news24.com

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Bidvest Wits striker Phakamani Mahlambi has joined his u20 teammates in camp in Kitwe, Zambia.

  
The Burger King-sponsored South African u20 Men’s National Team (Amajita) is in that part of the world for the 2017 CAF U20 Africa Cup of Nations, which kicked off on Sunday, 26 February.
 
Mahlambi, who played a huge role in the 2016 Rio Olympic Games qualifiers for the South African Men’s u23 National Team – but missed out on the Brazil adventure due to an injury – brings a wealth of experience and skill to the Amajita squad.
 
“I am very happy to be a part of the Amajita family and I am grateful that the coaches have selected me on this very crucial mission for our country. I watched the match last night and was very eager to arrive here to start training with my
teammates. I was very impressed with the way they played last night – and when called upon by the coaches, I will do my best to add on what is already a very a competitive team,” said Mahlambi upon arrival in Kitwe.
 
“I know that I will have to fight for a place in the starting lineup and it will not be easy as the team has already built its foundation, however, I am ready to earn my national colours and would like to see my country playing at the FIFA u20 World
Cup tournament. We are a very blessed nation. The amount of talent we have is amazing and I hope that with the three goals that we scored against Cameroon, it is the beginning of great things to come.”
 
The prolific forward is expected to start training with his compatriots on Wednesday (1 March) ahead of their clash against Senegal on Thursday (2 March).
 
The match will be played at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola.
 
Kickoff is at 18h00.
 
In the other Group B fixture, Sudan hosts Cameroon at 15h00 at the same venue.
 
Amajita top the table with three points following their impressive 3-1 victory against Cameroon on Monday night (27 February 2017) in Ndola.
 
Senegal and Sudan are tied with a point each, while Cameroon has nothing on the board.
taungdailynews@gmail.com
  

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BY KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
North West Province will host a two-day Energy, Science and ICT Lekgotla at Potchefstroom, NW 405 Local Municipality.

Provincial government spokesperson, Brian Setswambung said the initiative is aimed at finding solutions to challenges highlighted in the already developed Villages, Townships and Small Dorpies (VTSD) Plan.

“The provincial Energy, Science and ICT Lekgotla will be attended by Ministers, Tina Joemat-Pettersson of department of Energy, Naledi Pandor of Science and Technology and Siyabonga Cwele of Telecommunications and Postal Services.

“In line with the outcomes of the Provincial VTSD Lekgotla which was held last November, this week’s Lekgotla will focus its attention on Energy, Science and ICT projects that will contribute towards the growth of VTSD economies,” Setswambung said.

He further said amongst the key stakeholders expected at this Lekgotla are representatives from North West University, Telkom, SA Connect, State Information Technology Agency and Science Innovation Hub companies.

“Programmes relevant for the development of Energy, Science and ICT in VTSD areas will also be exhibited by different stakeholders.

“Invited Ministers will in addressing the Lekgotla, highlight their respective departments’ packages aimed at addressing the needs of the North West Province’s VTSD areas,” he said.

Setswambung said reaffirming the province’s commitment to developing the VTSD areas, Premier Mahumapelo in his 2017 State of the Province Address which he delivered on Friday, 24 February at Taung said “In line with our Saamtrek-Saamwerk philosophy, we are engaging with various stakeholders with appetite to contribute towards the socio-economic transformation of our Province. As part of this process, we will be hosting the 1^stAnnual Energy, Science and ICT Lekgotla in Potchefstroom, where all stakeholders will engage on practical interventions required to empower our people in the villages, townships, and small dorpies,” declared Premier Mahumapelo.

Date   :         Thursday, 02 to Friday 03 March 2017

Venue :         Madiba Banquet Hall, Potchefstroom, NW 405 Local Municipality

Time   :         08h00

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The African National Congress(ANC) succession debate is being conducted in a reckless and ill-disciplined manner that might if unabated lead to a split of the ruling party and its revolutionary alliance, the South African National Civic Organisation(SANCO) warned on Monday.

“We are as SANCO extremely concerned that the sacrifices of our struggle for liberation including the gains of our revolution are about to be sacrificed on the altar of factionalism, self-interest and patronage,” declared SANCO General Secretary, Skhumbuzo Mpanza following the civic organisation’s two-day National Executive Committee(NEC) held at the Garden Court OR Tambo in Ekurhuleni over the weekend.

Mpanza said that the next alliance political council must focus on how to deal with counter-revolutionary tendencies that are leading the ANC towards a dangerous precipice.

“We are disappointed with the conduct of some of our leaders including fraternal structures that are pronouncing on their leadership preferences against a directive not to do so and might need to consider options available for SANCO to safeguard the interests and advance the aspirations of our communities if the ANC is imploding,” he said.

He added that the NEC has reiterated SANCO’s principled position not to participate in processes that will serve to advance the agenda of wedge-drivers as well as weaken the strength of the ANC and its revolutionary alliance.  

“Structures of the ANC are the ones that will at the right time and in the appropriate conference decide on who should lead their organisation,” highlighted Mpanza.

He stressed that SANCO has resolved not to be detracted from its mission to serve communities by ANC internal battles or sink with the ANC if that is the path it is choosing for itself.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

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Taung – Premier Supra Mahumapelo says the North West Province requires
a total budget of R8.6billion to deal with the province’s entire road network
of 19 786 kilometers, adding that more could be needed due to damages caused by
the severe rains and floods that the province has experienced over the recent
weeks.

Mahumapelo
said this yesterday, at Taung Sports Ground, where he was delivering his State
of the Province Address during the Official Opening of the North West
Provincial Legislature.

“The department of Public Works and Roads will prioritise Villages, Townships
and Small Dorpies’ unpaved or gravel roads badly affected by the rains and
floods. Focus will be put on strategic economic roads that connect villages to
villages, villages to townships and villages to small dorpies,” said Premier
Mahumapelo who told the Provincial Legislature that Ngaka Modiri Molema and Dr
Ruth Segomotsi Mompati Districts have unpaved or gravel roads in the majority. 

Highlighting
progress in respect of other strategic road construction projects in the province,
Mahumapelo said, “While the contractor for the much awaited Nelson Mandela
Highway that is linking Lichtenburg and Mafikeng is already on site, other projects
that would be going on tender before the end of the first quarter of the new
financial year include Lebotlwane Road, Molatedi to Derdepoort, Dudfield to
Gelukspan, Setlopo – Dithakong – Mantsha to Mareetsane,  Lokaleng – Mogosane – Tlapeng to Mmasutlhe, and
Delareyville – Ganalaagte – Kopela to Mareetsane.

The
Premier emphasised that in the spirit of “bietjie-bietjie maak meer”, no
contractor in the Province will be allocated a road tender which is more than
20km with effect from the beginning of 17/18 Financial year.

Mahumapelo
said there is a growing need for the provincial government to double its efforts
to secure private sector funding for the building of roads, as it is becoming
increasingly difficult to rely exclusively on public funding given the
pressures on the budget.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

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JOHANNESBURG – Online sales website Gumtree said Monday that it had banned advertisements offering donkeys in South Africa to prevent inhumane killings of the animals to meet Chinese demand for their skins.

Donkeys are being increasingly slaughtered in South Africa to supply smugglers who export the skins to China, where they are believed to have medicinal properties.

“Gumtree has decided to ban the sale of all donkeys and mules on the site, not just the hides and byproducts,” the company said.

“We hope that this will play a small part in reducing animal cruelty.”

Gelatin-rich donkey skin is used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat ailments such as insomnia, and is also an ingredient in a treatment said to delay menopause in women.

Donkey meat is also eaten in some parts of China.

South African police say there has been a surge in the illegal slaughter of the animals since last year, with thousands of hides found hidden in warehouses and backyards.

The illicit trade has also extended to neighbouring countries, including Botswana and Namibia.

According to the South Africa’s National Council of Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, the donkeys are stolen from owners and often bludgeoned to death with hammers or even skinned alive.

The organisation welcomed the move by Gumtree, saying it would help raise awareness of the slaughter.

“It is a meaningful step in the prevention of cruelty to animals and the protection of them by removing a specific market or forum for those who trade in them or their parts,” it said.

No donkeys appeared to be for sale on Gumtree late Monday.

– AFP

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TAUNG – Following an intensive consultation with stakeholders in the health and education sectors, an agreement that the North West Province must have a medical school has been reached. To be established through the North West University, it is expected that this medical school will attract medical specialists from international countries to the province.

This was pronounced today, Friday 24 February 2017 by Premier Supra Mahumapelo while delivering a State of the Province Address at Taung Sports Ground in Greater Taung Local Municipality.  

While busy with logistics to set up the medical school, the province will continue to use the National Inter-Country agreement with countries like Cuba, Tunisia and Iran, to facilitate the recruitment of specialists.

“We managed to recruit 54 specialists from Cuba and Iran, who are employed on a three year renewable contract,” Premier Mahumapelo said.

In highlighting the province’s continued efforts to improve access to health care services, Premier Mahumapelo told the Provincial Legislature that a total of 47 clinics are now operating 24 hours a day.  

“For some of our health facilities that are not providing 24/7 hours service, we have   strengthened our doctors outreach teams coverage and maternity services for pregnant women.

“We will be deploying an integrated public health care mobile service to treat, diagnose and promote health in the rural areas,’ he said.

Mahumapelo said the province is working with the private sector and the mining industry to increase the Emergency Medical Rescue Services in the rural areas, adding that the ultimate goal is to have at least one ambulance stationed at each clinic in the province.  

taungdailynews@gmail.com

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The South African Football Association (SAFA) condemns in the strongest possible terms the recent outbreak of Xenophobic attacks on foreign nationals in our country.

As SAFA, we work with every single country on the African continent and we have consistently pursued the path of cooperation and solidarity with all African FA members.

We continue to work hard to ensure that all Africans are welcome in our country; as they always welcome us with open arms in their own countries.

As South Africans, we should remember that we are founder members of CAF; we hosted the first African World Cup, something which was celebrated all over the continent. Our continued progress in football is through Africa first, with Africa and with
the support of Africa.

We want to reiterate that we don’t want to let fellow Africans feel unwelcome in our country.

This however, does not stop us from condeming drugs and crime that is ravaging our society, especially the youth from all walks of life.

We call upon the police to work around the clock to the deal with this scourge.

However, the problem of drugs and crime is a problem that started even under the apartheid era while foreigners only started coming to South Africa after 1994.

As SAFA, we call upon the Police to be vigilant and stop the barbaric attacks on foreign nationals in our country.taungdailynews@gmail.com

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BY BAKANG MOKOTO
The South African U20 Men’s National Team (Amajita) arrived in Ndola, Zambia late on Friday night (24 February 2017) to be met with logistical issues.

  
They had to change their tournament base due to lack of accommodation space at their initial hotel, and were moved to Kitwe – 25km outside of Ndola.
 
Amajita are in Zambia for the 2017 CAF u20 African Cup of Nations, which kicks off on Sunday, 26 February with the first round of Group A matches in Lusaka.
 
Group B will be in action on Monday, 27 February when Senegal takes to the field against Sudan at 15h00, and three hours later (18h00), South Africa will lock horns with Cameroon in the second match of the day.
 
The top four in the tournament will qualify for the 2017 edition of the FIFA u20 World Cup to be hosted by South Korea in May.
 
“We had a few issues with our accommodation on arrival, and while we were a little disappointed we would like to thank CAF, the Local Organising Committee, and of course, our team manager Levy Ramajoe for their efficient help in resolving the issue
speedily,” said Amajita head coach Thabo Senong.
 
“The players are now settled and already in tournament mode. The focus is now solely on Cameroon and we are grateful we can continue with our preparations.”
  
The matches will be broadcast live on SuperSport 9.taungdailynews@gmail.com