Banyana Banyana striker Andisiwe Mgcoyi is confident they will do well against France when they meet in an international friendly match on Sunday, 22 January in Saint-Denis, Reunion Islands.

Kickoff is at 19h00.

The Europeans are ranked 3rd in the world and 2nd in EUFA while South Africa is ranked 5th on the continent and 51st in the world.
Mgcoyi says playing against top nations can only do wonders for the Sasol-sponsored Banyana Banyana.

“This game is good for us because France is up there with the best, and playing against them will really help our game improve even more. Some of the players in the current Banyana Banyana squad faced the likes of New Zealand, USA and the Netherlands, and you could see how that helped lift their performance at the Olympic Games in Brazil where they also played other big guns like Brazil, Sweden and China. So this game is really crucial for us to try and improve as much as we can. We know it will not be easy but we are up for the task,” said Mgcoyi after their training session in Johannesburg.

The Mamelodi Sundowns striker missed out on the Olympics but was part of the squad that was in Cameroon for the 2016 CAF Africa Women’s Cup of Nations.

Mgcoyi admits that lack of goals at the tournament was their downfall.

“After the AWCON, where we finished fourth, and I think mainly because we didn’t score goals, I went back home and had a good look at my performance. If you think about it, at the Sasol League games I score many goals and I asked myself what could be the reason. The fact is that the standard of the league and international matches are very different, but we cannot use that as an excuse, we have to work harder until we get it right,” added Mgcoyi.

“We play well in the national team but don’t convert our chances, which is something we have been focusing on. As a striker I have to score goals because that is the job I have been called up for – and we must remember that scoring goals starts at training and it will be easier in the games, so it is all work in progress. But we are confident we will get a good result against France.”

The South African Senior Women’s National Team will have their final training session on home soil on Wednesday, 18 January before jetting off to Reunion Islands on Thursday, 19 January.

This will be the second meeting between the two nations – France won the first clash 3-2 back in 2009.

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BY KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

The fight between ANCWL in Bokone Bophirima and the so-called North West Business Forum (NWBF) is far from over. The ANCWL provincial secretary, Bridgette Mogakwe said they have noted the desperateness in which the so-called North West Business Forum continues to attack the ANC and its other structures.

“The ANCWL would like to make it clear to these frustrated business people that, we are an autonomous structure of the ANC and take our own decisions. We are not confused when we defend the good work that our provincial chairperson, Cde Supra Mahumapelo is doing.

“We talk about something that we and the people of Bokone Bophirima know.

We will not allow anyone who has left the ANC to come back and want to claim control of what they failed to show confidence in. We have worked hard to build the organisation,” Mogakwe said.

She further said it is very clear that there is peace and unity since Mahumapelo was inaugurated as both the ANC Provincial Chairperson and the Premier of North West province. Mogakwe added that they were unmoved by those who left the ANC and lost touch with what is happening in the movement in the process.

“It is because of that lack of knowledge that they are waging a dirty war for resources because they have forgotten the teachings of the ANC.

Our ANC President, Cde Jacob Zuma stressed the importance of unity in struggle in the January 8 Statement. The ANCWL recognises that part of its duty is to defend the ANC.

“Our movement will ensure that we achieve all that we have set out to do for our people. This year’s January 8 Statement called for the celebration of the life of the ANC’s long-serving President, Cde Oliver Reginald Tambo, who unashamedly fought for the emancipation of women,” she said.

Mogakwe further said for the first time in the province, they have a provincial chairperson who lives those values in Mahumapelo. She added that women have found a voice.

“This can be seen in the positions of influence they occupy in the province. From municipalities, to the provincial government administration led by Director General, Dr Lydia Sebego and the South African Police Service, whose Provincial Commissioner is a woman, Lieutenant General Baile Motswenyane. We also acknowledge the introduction of the Villages, Townships and Small Dorpies (VTSD) which is an economic approach. The initiative is a breath of life to our previously neglected poor areas.

“We know that it is largely this policy that is driving the so-called NWBF up the wall. VTSD ensures that even small businesses are empowered. Unlike in the past, when some established business people benefited alone. Our Provincial Chairperson has now opened the space for everyone to benefit,” Mogakwe said.

She further said women and mothers will not allow disgruntled business people to cause chaos in the province. Mogakwe said this will impact on vulnerable people.

“Women are most vulnerable group within the society. The same people who recorded the two songs making rounds on social media are not doing this for the first time. They failed in the past when they tried to sow divisions between Mahumapelo and the former North West premier, Thandi Modise.

“They once released a song attacking Modise. They are trying again and hiding behind supporting the songs because they agree with its content. However, they know very well that they are the funders and creators of these songs,” Mogakwe said.

She said NWBF members are politically bankrupt because they cannot even come out and stand for their own ridiculous acts.

However, NWBF spokesperson, Sello Mogodiri refuted the claims. Mogodiri said they did not produce the songs, however, they endorse them.

“The chicken have come home to roast. Mahumapelo is being given a taste of his own medicine. The NWBF wishes to remind Mahumapelo that during the period leading up to the 2014 general elections, he commissioned derogatory and defamatory music CDs about the then outgoing North West premier, Thandi Modise.

“In his desperate attempt to ascend to power by discrediting her, he also organized service delivery protests against Modise’s administration. So, the production of CDs has always been his idea,” he said.

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BY REGINALD KANYANE

RUSTENBURG Local Municipality successfully re-launched the Safe and Clean City Campaign recently. Acting municipal spokesperson, Andrew Seome said the main objective was, inter alia, to raise awareness amongst the residents of Rustenburg, members of the public and the entire society about the safe and clean environment.

“This involve all communities in keeping Rustenburg clean. The campaign has seen many successes especially as it relates to community safety, notwithstanding cleanliness of the city.

“As part of the Safe and Clean City Campaign, the municipality’s Public Safety department in partnership with the South African Police Service (SAPS) embarked on uprooting illegal activities around Tlhabane policing area including drug trafficking, undocumented persons, human trafficking, and other crime related activities,” Seome said.

He further said six cases were opened in drug-related crimes front, twenty cases opened in undocumented persons’ front, and two cases of contravention of liquor Acts, where liquor is being sold without a license.

“Abandoned houses and addresses were identified where illegal activities usually take place. These details have been referred to relevant departments for further investigation.

“Furthermore, there were many other activities that the municipality was involved in, including, among others, illegal dumping sites that were cleared of rubbish, and attending to areas where other challenges were experienced, to meet the needs of the community,” he said.

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By BAKANG MOKOTO

HEARTFELT condolences messages continue to pour in after the death of former councillor, Phenge Mngomezulu. Moses Kotane Local Municipality speaker, Sipho Vava said: “We expressed sadness on the passing of the former PR councillor, Phillip Phenge Mngomezulu this week. Mngomezulu served in the Moses Kotane Local Municipality as the Proportional Representative of COPE from 2011 until 2016.”

Vava said the funeral of Mngomezulu will take place at Mohlakeng Location, Randfontein on Saturday. He said that Mngomezulu’ soul will rest in peace.

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BY KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

THE Chairperson of Thuso Sports Development Centre (T.S.D.C) in Pampierstad, Thuso Phecheni said he is obsessed about sport development especially in rural areas. He said sport plays pivotal role within the society.

“Sport teaches us about life skills, teaches us about character, and provides a family and emotional escape. Most of us have applied skills we learnt from sport in our everyday lives. You also learn about time management, dedication and determination.

“I run a non-profit organisation called T.S.D.C. which aims to empower pupils through sport. We also address the importance of education, youth and community development,” Phecheni said.

A Motsweding village-born man said he was prompted by challenges facing the pupils in a daily life to establish the foundation. Phecheni, 36 further said that the youth are the most vulnerable group within the society.  

“Many of the youth no longer realise the important of sports. They spend most of their time indulging in drugs, alcohol, sex and crime. Most of the things they indulge in are not important. We have abundance of talent which goes unnoticed in our province. However lack of exposure is the main reason for that.

“Our province is not well-represented especially in soccer. Taung and North West province have few soccer players trading their talents in the elite league, Premier Soccer League (PSL). We have players capable to compete with the best in the country,” he said.

Phecheni further said North West province has never been represented during International Olympic Games. Pampierstad-based man took his soccer team to play with Soweto giants, Orlando Pirates Development team recently.

“Our Under 13 soccer team had a sizzling practise match against Orlando Pirates’ Under 13 team. We also played against a local team in Westbury Township, in Johannesburg.

“Westbury Township produced the legendary players like former Bafana Bafana skipper, Steven Pienaar and others despite the challenges. Our boys won both games and that showed that we have talent. We will continue to monitor the talent and polish it. The aim is to produce players with international standard,” Phecheni said.  

He added that: “We have realised that not all pupils excel academically. Pupils also need to be encouraged to follow their passion. They could also use their talent to better their lives and families. The support and monitoring will have an impact in reducing unemployment, poverty and inequality.

“The success of these youngsters will not only benefit them, but will also boost our economy and put our province on the map. We also aiming at building the centre that will capacitate the youth. The youth need to understand the importance of sport in the pursuit of a healthy and active lifestyle.”

“We develop and appreciate the concepts of fair play. We also promote honesty in any competition and good sportsmanship. We also have the capacity to maintain interest in sports. We prepare each pupil to be able to participate fully in the competitive, recreational and leisure opportunities offered outside the school environment,” he said.

Phecheni added that his organisation develop self-esteem and self-confidence through positive sporting experience. He further said education is very imperative.

“Being employed by University of Johannesburg, I’ve realised many challenges faced by our youth. Most pupils are technologically disadvantaged because of their background. The method of learning is computerized at the higher learning institutions.

“I also donated computers few computers to few schools in the area. We have also received numerous request of assistance from many schools. However, we were unable to reach out to many because of financial constraints. We have not received any funding from government yet, and we running the organisation from our own pockets,” he said.

Phecheni said he will organise a career exhibition for Grade 12s across Taung soon. He further said anyone who would like to donate anything to the foundation is welcome.

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​

Police on have confirmed reports of a school being torched in Tshitale outside Vuwani‚ Limpopo.

Yes a school was torched last night. That is all we can confirm at this stage‚” said Lt-Col Malesela Ledwaba.

There were also government offices and a post office that were torched in the area during the incident.

The area made headlines when 20 schools were torched by residents last year during a protest over municipal demarcation.

For more http://www.timelive.co.za

Johannesburg – Dramatic video footage of a Katlehong petrol station heist during which a policeman was fatally wounded in a shooting has revealed that a fellow officer may be responsible for his death.

News24 previously reported that the officer had been wounded in the shooting and later died in hospital.

The officer had confronted a gang of armed men who were in the process of robbing a petrol station and it was initially reported that the policeman had been shot by the gang in an exchange of fire.

He sustained a gunshot wound to his upper body.

Last week, police spokesperson Captain Kay Makhubela confirmed in a statement that the wounded officer had died in hospital as a result of his injuries on Thursday.

“The police responded to information of a business robbery in the early hours of 12 January, 2017, that heavily armed suspects attacked one petroleum filling station where they forced entry, but failed to open the drop safe,” he said.

“They took off with an undisclosed amount of cash after damaging the tills,” Makhubela said.

Arrests were yet to be made.

Ongoing murder investigation

News24 has since obtained video footage of the shootout.

Footage shows a group of officers crouching down before apparently shooting at the gang of suspects who are not in view.

While shooting at the suspects with a rifle, the policeman appears to be shot by a fellow officer as he moves across that officer’s line of fire.

For more http://www.news24.com

WATCH: https://youtu.be/YW

BY BAKANG MOKOTO

One person has been killed and seven others were left injured on Sunday evening after three vehicles collided on the N4 in Rustenburg.

ER24 spokesperson, Russel Meiring said paramedics arrived on the scene and found three light motor vehicles completely blocking the road.

“Debris from the vehicles were speckled across the road. Upon closer inspection, paramedics found one man lying trapped inside his light motor vehicle. The man was assessed and found to have sustained numerous injuries. He showed no signs of life and unfortunately, nothing could be done.

“He was declared dead on the scene and seven other patients from the three vehicles were ferried to various hospitals. One of the injured was a young child.

Paramedics assessed the patients and found that their injuries ranged from minor to moderate,”Meiring said.

He said rescue services had to use specialised rescue equipment to later free the deceased from the vehicle. The details surrounding this incident are not yet known but local authorities were on scene for further investigations.”

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​The North West Premier became the subject of ridicule this week, when a song attributed to the North West Business Forum went viral. The ANC Women’s League said it was not impressed by the audio, primarily because of its reported source but also because of its contents.

The African National Congress Women’s League said the songs about Supra Mahumapelo, which had circulated on social media, were slanderous and unacceptable.

The North West Premier became the subject of ridicule this week, when a song attributed to the North West Business Forum went viral. The ANC Women’s League said it was not impressed by the audio, primarily because of its reported source but also because of its contents.

“We have noted a slanderous recording in [the] form [of] a song which has been circulating in the social media,” said ANCWL Provincial Secretary Bridgette Mogakwe.

“The defamatory song is said to be attributed to [the] North West Business Forum which is known to be representing a group of business people and not pseudo musicians with vulgar tones,” Mogakwe.

The song calls for the North West Premier’s resignation.

“We call on the North West Business Forum to remove the masquerade and become politicians to that we treat them accordingly or continue with the business of tendering where they will be accorded an opportunity to operate if they qualify in terms of the legislated conditions set for business operating in this government.

“We are not afraid to challenge such characters in a political platform and defeat them as we defeated all those opposed to the ANC through the ballot since 1994,” she said.

The ANC in the North West said it was aware of the song, calling it a malicious attack on the leadership in that province.

“We are aware that the said songs are already being shared on Whatsapp and could have reached some of our members and supporters. Though the songs appear to be originating from another province, we know that the work behind this is a joint effort with some in our province whose goal is to wreak havoc. We condemn their malicious aims in the strongest terms,” ANC Provincial Secretary Dakota Legoete told the African News Agency.

“While the ANC is the first one to defend everyone’s freedom to express themselves it is also the ANC’s duty to teach our people that the said freedom comes with responsibilities,” added Legoete.

For more http://www.sabreakingnews.co.za

BY REGINALD KANYANE

THIRTY Four intestines were found in the veld near N12. Northern Cape police spokesperson, Capt Olebogeng Tawana said the Kimberley Stock Theft Unit has launched an intensive manhunt after 78 sheep were stolen.

“The sheep were stolen last week at Veemark Vleis Mark, in Kimberley. The sheep were allegedly ferried for about 10 Kilometres outside Veemark Vleis Mark. During our investigation and search in the veld, we discovered 34 intestines in the veld near N12.

“These intestines are suspected to be of the sheep which were stolen from Veemark Vleis Mark. The suspects allegedly slaughtered 34 sheep and left intestines in the veld. They took the carcasses and skins with them,” Tawana said.

He said upon further investigation, 21 of the 78 sheep were found wandering off near Eureka Farm recently. Tawana said they were following leads which could assist them with investigation to bring the perpetrators to book.

“Anyone with the information that could lead to the arrest of the suspects is requested to contact Warrant Officer Bean at Kimberley Stock Theft Unit on 082 4546 374 Tawana or 10 111 / 08600 10 111. All information shall be treated with strictest confidentiality,” he said.

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