By BAKANG MOKOTO

A call for the imminent arrest of the Mpumalanga Province Premier, Refilwe Mtsweni-Tsipane is growing after she was seen on the national TV walking around without wearing a mask.

This took place during the funeral procession of the late Minister in Presidency, Jackson Mthembu at Emalahleni in Mpumalanga on Sunday. Mthembu succumbed to COVID-19 related complications.  

Twitter users did not mince their words and lambasted some of politicians and government officials who continue to break the COVID-19 Lockdown regulations of being the law unto themselves.

They call on the Minister of Police, Bheki Cele to arrest Mtsweni-Tsipane for breaking Lockdown regulations. Mtsweni-Tsipane was also seen hugging a police officer without wearing a mask.

However, Mtsweni-Tsipane later released a statement apologizing to all South Africans and argued that her mask was damaged. The part of the statement reads: “The Premier notes the images circulating on social media wherein she is seen without a mask as prescribed by the state of disaster regulation aimed at combating the spread of Covid-19.

“Upon arrival at the cemetery and disembarking from her vehicle, the Premier’s mask was damaged and the Premier was oblivious of the fact that it had fallen off. The Premier was of the belief that the mask was intact as had been the case throughout the proceedings.”

However, one Twitter user, @Omilly_N said: “She can’t disrespect us like this. My uncle got arrested for not wearing a mask. She must be arrested too! Another user, @fanafr said: “#ArrestRefilweMtsweni or else erases all the criminal records of those who were arrested for not wearing a mask.”

@dollar_mashesha said: “1^st it was Mduduzi Manana, then it was the current Minister of Communication, Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams. They broke the COVID-19 regulations and got away with it. The same will apply to the Premier of Mpumalanga.”

Meanwhile, the Democratic Alliance (DA) shared the same sentiments. DA MPL in Mpumalanga, Jane Sithole said they call on the South African Police Service (SAPS) to arrest and fine Mtsweni-Tsipane, following her non-compliance to wear a mask.

“It is ridiculous that the Minister of Police, Bheki Cele, has now called for an investigation. Mtsweni-Tsipane’s failure to wear a mask at the funeral of the late Jackson Mthembu, was broadcasted live on national television in full view of all South Africans – there is no need for an investigation.

“Had this been an ordinary citizen, they would have already been arrested and fined, without any investigation. The DA condemns the blatant double standard that is on display when it comes to the treatment of ordinary South Africans compared to the treatment of ANC cadres during this lockdown,” Sithole said.

She further said Mtsweni-Tsipane must be subjected to the same treatment as any South African. Sithole added that Mtsweni-Tsipane should be arrested and fined R1 500, payable in her personal capacity.

“The weak excuse by the Premier’s Office that she did not notice her mask fell off (“she was oblivious of that when it fell”) is an insult to the intelligence of South Africans. We also call for Mtsweni-Tsipane to appear before the Portfolio Committees on the Premier’s Office; Finance; Economic Development and Tourism in the Mpumalanga Legislature.

“She will simply not get away with a slap on the wrist. If immediate action is not taken against the Premier, the DA will be left with no option but to open a case against her,” said Sithole.

The Minister of Police, General Bheki Cele said that not wearing masks in public, is non-negotiable. Cele said if South Africa wants to beat this invisible enemy which is COVID-19, they simply can’t let our guard down.

“This is why I have spoken to the National Commissioner of the South African Police Service, General Khehla Sitole to look into the matter of the Premier and an investigation must be conducted and necessary action must be taken. I would like to remind all South Africans that the wearing of a mask in public is mandatory for every person, under the adjusted alert Level 3 Lockdown regulations.

“Any person who fails to comply with a verbal instruction by a law enforcement officer, to wear a mask, commits an offence, and is, upon conviction, liable to a fine or a period of imprisonment, not exceeding six months or both,” he said.

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By OBAKENG MAJE

SABC’s Lesedi FM radio presenter, Motseki Godfrey Nyakallo Leine (40) arrested for fraud by the Hawks’ Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation. The Hawks spokesperson in Free State, Capt Christopher Singo said the popular radio presenter, Ba2cada who is affectionately known to his listeners, appeared in the Bloemfontein Regional Court on Thursday.

“It is alleged that over the period from 2014 to 2018, Motseki submitted false Value Added Tax (VAT) returns. Subsequently the South African Revenue Services (SARS) was prejudiced and suffered a total loss exceeding R1.7 million.

“A preliminary probe by SARS was reported to the Hawks Serious Commercial Crime Investigations in November 2019, which resulted in his arrest and first appearance in court,” Singo said.

He further said the case against Ba2cada was postponed to 22 February 2021 in order to set a date for a trial.

Meanwhile, Ba2cada tried to pour cold water on the matter. He posted a message on his Facebook account.

“Hey guys, most people are concerned that Ba2cada o tshwerwe (has been arrested) about tax issues. No, it is not true, but yes I have issues with tax returns just like any business person with SARS. Unfortunately, as young business people, this is the challenge that most of us face with the taxman, but this shouldn’t scare anyone to enter into business.

“We are all going to pass the stage where you will be forced to have an accountant responsible to account for any single cent that you have or spend. This too shall pass. It’s a trend, but not an excuse. I just have to prove to them that I don’t make a lot of money through my hustles like they allege, nothing personal,” said Ba2cada.

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By BAKANG MOKOTO

Heartfelt condolence messages continue to pour in after the death of the ANC ZFM Regional Chairperson and Northern Cape MEC for Finance, Economic Development and Tourism, Abraham Vosloo’s wife.

Maria Minneth Vosloo died due to COVID-19 related complications.

The African National Congress (ANC) spokesperson in the Northern Cape, Deshi Ngxanga said that they have learned with great sadness of the untimely passing Vosloo.

He said the ANC wishes the family and friends strength to overcome the heartache and sufferings confronting them right now.

“The pain that you are going through is what most of who have known and came across Mrs Vosloo is going through. As we will be sending messages of condolences through visiting the family, we call all to exercise extreme caution and observe alert level 3 COVID-19 19 regulations,” said Ngxanga.

Meanwhile, the Democratic Alliance (DA) leader in the Northern Cape, Harold McGluwa said: “We are deeply saddened by the passing of the wife Abraham Vosloo. The news of her death came as a great shock and I can only imagine the devastating impact this must have on him.

“On behalf of the DA in the province, I would like to extend our sincere condolences to his family, his friends, and his party.”

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By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

President Cyril Ramaphosa has accorded the late Minister, Jackson Mthembu an official funeral under category one. Mthembu who served as the Minister in the Presidency, died on Thursday due to COVID-19 related complications.

A 62-year-old politician will be buried on Sunday at his home in Emalahleni, Mpumalanga. Ramaphosa said the National Flag will be flown at half-mast at every flag station in the country from today until the evening of the day of the funeral on 24 January 2021.

“Mthembu contributed immensely to the liberation struggle as an anti-apartheid activist, student leader and unionist, for which he was subjected to harassment and detention by the apartheid security forces.

“He occupied several strategic and leadership roles in democratic South Africa. Mthembu served the African National Congress (ANC) as its spokesperson from 1995 to 1997 and from 2009 to 2014,” he said.

Ramphosa further said Mthembu contributed to the development of South Africa’s democratic constitution and also served as MEC in Mpumalanga. He said Mthembu has been a member of the ANC National Executive Committee since 2007 and served as the ANC’s Chief Whip in the National Assembly from 2016 to 2019.

“He was appointed as Minister in The Presidency after the 2019 general elections. Mthembu will be laid to rest in his home town of Emalahleni in Mpumalanga on Sunday the proceedings will commence at 09h00.

“A memorial service will be held at 13h00 on Saturday at the GCIS Auditorium in Hatfield, Tshwane. The memorial service and official funeral will take place in compliance with the applicable Disaster Management Act regulations,” said Ramaphosa in a statement.

Meanwhile, the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) president, Julius Malema also sent his deepest and sincere condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of Mthembu. Malema said Mthembu was amongst the very few dedicated, humble, and principled leaders of government.

“Despite his access to power and influence, Mthembu was never caught in scandals of influencing tenders and government contracts to benefit his friends and family. With decisiveness, he always provided logical and sound leadership, which often transcended narrow partisan loyalties define parliamentary politics.

“The dedication of Mthembu was demonstrated through his principled participation in the struggle against the nonsensical apartheid regime, as a students’ leader, a youth activist, as workers’ leader, community leader, and certainly without entitlement for individual benefits,” said Malema.

Democratic Alliance (DA) leader, John Steenhuisen said: “On behalf of the DA, I would like to extend our sincere condolences to his family, his friends, and his party. You have lost a generous man with a big heart and an even bigger sense of humour. To say that Jackson was much loved would be some understatement.

“During the time that we served opposite each other in the National Assembly as chief whips of our respective parties, I came to know him well and I saw a side to him that explains why he was such a revered figure in the ANC.”

Steenhuisen said he knew Mthembu as a man of integrity, and someone who managed to see the bigger picture and the greater cause. He added that Mthembu was always prepared to do what it took to find solutions to whatever impasse they might have been facing in the House.

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By REGINALD KANYANE

North West MEC for Education, Wendy Matsemela said her department has registered satisfactory progress as it concluded marking of National Senior Certificate (NSC) examinations papers on Thursday.

Matsemela said the province had 2626 markers in 17 of its marking centres under intense Covid-19 protocols.  The department reported that 13 markers tested positive for Covid-19 virus since the marking process commenced.

“All the markers who tested positive are from various marking centres across the province and are now released to go back home for self-quarantining. The hostel and marking rooms which were used by these markers have been decontaminated,” she said.

Matsemela added that the department has completed capturing of the School-Based Assessments (SBA) with 100% capturing done. She also thanked the markers for forging on amid concerning times.

“Today we wrapped up the marking of NSC scripts. I take this time to express my sincere gratitude to the heroes and heroines we have in the education sector who selflessly gave their time to mark our candidates’ scripts in the midst of concerning Covid -19 times.

“Thank you for your servitude and time. It is sad that some of our markers contracted the virus in the thick of the work they have been doing. However, I am more pleased that there have not been devastating death cases in our province,” said Matsemela.

She further said capturing of marks in the province commenced on 8 January 2021 and will be concluded on 25 January 2021.

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The Pretoria News is to get a new editor from February 1.

Valerie Boje has stepped down from the position she has held for the past eight years and will be replaced by Piet Rampedi.

Rampedi, currently the assistant editor at the Sunday Independent,i is an award-winning investigative journalist with experience in print and broadcasting.

He is a recipient of several awards, including CNN African Journalist of the Year, Vodacom

Journalist of the Year (twice), Media24 Legends and City Press Journalist of the Year Awards.

Executive chairman of Independent Media and chairman of the Sekunjalo Group, Dr Iqbal Survé, congratulated Rampedi saying the appointment marked an exciting new chapter in Piet’s career within the group, as well as for the Pretoria News and its readers.

“Piet is a courageous journalist who boldly and truthfully reports the news that needs to be told. We have watched his development through the Group and have been enthused by his progress and his adherence to journalism’s highest tenets. We look forward to his editorial leadership at Pretoria News,” said Dr Survé.

Rampedi said he looked forward to continuing the Pretoria News’ tradition of ground-breaking journalism.

“Pretoria News is the pulse of the capital city and, by extension, the nation. It’s an institution with a renowned history of ground-breaking and credible journalism. It’s the main source of information for the residents of our capital, the country’s decision-makers, as well as the diplomatic corps,” said Rampedi.

Outgoing Pretoria News editor Val Boje.

Survé commended Bojé, one of the long-standing seniors at Independent Media, for her diligence and passion for the Pretoria News.

“Val and her news team have built a strong focus on the affairs of the capital city, including its governance, academic, research and diplomatic sectors. She has also led from the front in a sea change of technological advancements, including new systems and the switch to digital news consumption, and has embraced transformation within the media group and broader society.

“It is in this spirit, she has recognised that the time is right for new leadership at the Pretoria News,” concluded Survé.

“The Pretoria News has been my life for so many years, and I have been privileged to serve it and the people of this city I call home,” she said.

“I thank Dr Survé for the trust placed in me, COO, Takudzwa Hove, and all the group executives and editors for their support, and look forward to continuing to serve the group in a new way.

“To all those who have worked alongside me at the Pretoria News now and in the past, you have helped shape and sustain it, even in the toughest times and I salute you,” she said, wishing Piet and the team all the best for the time ahead.

Source- Pretoria News

By OBAKENG MAJE

Heartfelt condolence messages continue to pour in after the untimely death of the Minister in the Presidency, Jackson Mthembu who died on Thursday due to COVID-19 related complications.

North West Premier, Prof Job Mokgoro also sent his earnest condolences to the family of the deceased. Mokgoro described Mthembu as one of the dedicated and hardworking Ministers he has come to know.

“We have received the news of the passing of Mthembu with great shock. As we try to digest this painful reality, we will remember him as a dedicated member of the ruling party whose work ethic has never been doubted in all the positions he occupied.

“He died with his boots on, in the forefront of the fight against the invisible enemy. It is not a surprise that he was deployed in the Presidency. We are very much saddened by his passing,” he said.

Mokgoro further said they will dearly miss the enormous contribution Mthembu has made in different aspects of the lives of South Africans. He said on behalf of the North West Provincial Government (NWPG) and its citizens, send their deepest regards to the Mthembu family and friends.

“We once more plead with the citizens of the province to continue to adhere to all lockdown regulations to curb the spread of the virus and safe lives,” said Mokgoro.

Meanwhile, the African National Congress (ANC) Caucus in the North West Provincial Legislature (NWPL) shared the same sentiments. NWPL ANC Chief Whip, Paul Sebegoe expressed shock following the death Mthembu.

He also described Mthembu as a revolutionary giant and a true patriot.

“We wish to convey our deepest condolences to the Mthembu family, relatives, cabinet colleagues, friends including comrades as well as the ANC and the people of South Africa that Mthembu served with integrity and dedication.

“His death is an epic loss because in him Africa and the country had lost a champion of the marginalized and downtrodden, a gallant freedom fighter who had dedicated his life to the liberation of our people and the betterment of their lives,” highlighted Sebegoe on behalf of the caucus.

The South African National Editors’ Forum (Sanef) also sent its regards to Mthembu’s family. Sanef chairperson, Sbu Ngalwa said: “Out of many roles he played within the ANC, the media will always remember him as the friend and defender of media freedom and freedom of expression. Mthembu served as a spokesperson in the Mpumalanga Province for both the ANC and for the provincial executive. He moved on to be the national spokesperson of the governing party.

“Throughout his tenure, he showed tremendous respect for and gave journalists from mainstream media to community media equal opportunities and access to leaders.

He did not discriminate between senior and young journalists and ensured that they got the chance to ask questions.”  

Ngalwa added that Mthembu always strove to build bridges and forged the professional spirit between media and politics. He said Mthembu was working with SANEF in the past few weeks towards fulfilling President Cyril Ramaphosa’s undertaking to initiate dialogue to find solutions for sustainable funding models for the media sector in the country.

“He was also organizing the first, in over 10 years, lekgotla between the executive and SANEF. It was also going to be the first under the Ramaphosa administration. SANEF regards his death also as a great loss of a voice of reason and an ally of the freedom of expression inside the governing party.

“Mthembu stood up and defended media freedom. He had frank and honest qualities in dealing with the media that are rare among politicians. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family at this time of great loss. He will leave a great void in the presidency,” he said.

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By BAKANG MOKOTO

A 45-YEAR-OLD man was sentenced to five years imprisonment with an option of a fine of R30 000 for fraud at the Brits Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday. 

The Hawks spokesperson in North West, Capt Tlangelani Rikhotso said: “Calvin Kwinana who was employed by the South African Nuclear Energy Corporation (SANEC) as an accountant reportedly misappropriated the company’s funds to the value of R268 000 which he transferred to his personal account. 

“The Hawks’ Serious Commercial Crime Investigation team resulted in the accused being arrested in 2015. He made a series of court appearances until his recent conviction and sentencing.”

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 By REGINALD KANYANE

Heartfelt condolence messages continue to pour in after the passing of the Mahikeng Ministers Fellowship (MMF) treasurer, Apostle Dr Laurie Maralack’s father. The MMF Chairperson, Senior Pastor Moss Tlalang conveyed condolences to the Maralack family.

“Our deepest condolence to the family that has suffered a double blow with the passing away of Pastor Lourens J Maralack on Friday morning coinciding with the send-off of Apostle Maralack’s mother-in-law and mother to MMF Deputy Secretary, Prophetess Dr. Julia Scholtz-Maralack.

“An 87-year-old Emeritus Pastor Maralack was a General of Faith, a peacemaker, and bridge-builder whose life was dedicated to the Great Commission and the advancement of the Kingdom of God as well as bringing many to the knowledge of Christ as a soul winner throughout his over 50 years of ministry,” Tlalang said.

He said their thoughts and prayers are with the bereaved family, Christian Revival Church (CRC) Mahikeng Branch led by Apostle Dr Laurie Maralack and Prophetess Dr Julia Scholtz-Maralack, the Grabouw faith community, the Apostolic Faith Mission (AFM) Paarl Branch that he had served as well as the AFM Mbokweni that he was a now a member.

Tlalang added that Maralack leaves behind a proud legacy of servant leadership, having modeled true love and Christian parenting together with his wife, Rhoda of 63 years affectionately called Ma-Maralack. He further said the deceased who has gone home to be with the LORD is survived by six children, twenty grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

Meanwhile, Maralack will be buried on Thursday in Paarl.

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