Image left: Prof Dan Kgwadi (Vice-Chancellor or the NWU) receives the statute from Prof Marlene Verhoef (Institutional Registrar)

North West University vice-chancellor, Prof Dan kgwadi sais the new statute of the universiry was published in the Government Gazette on Friday 24 March 2017. Kgwadi said the statute will therefore be promulgated and brought into effect.

‘This was the culmination of three years’ work which first saw a new strategy and then a new structure adopted by the NWU Council. 

“This formed the basis of the new statute, which has been approved by the Minister of Higher Education and Training, Dr Blade Nzimande,” he said. 

Kgwasi further said the statute prescribes, inter alia, how the NWU is to be governed, who the office bearers are, how employees are to be appointed, remunerated and disciplined, the role of trade unions, student affairs and the conferring of honorary degrees and awards.

He added that the promulgation of the statute enables the newly approved structure to be fully implemented.

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JOHANNESBURG – Former president Kgalema Motlanthe has used Ahmed Kathrada’s funeral to quote the late stalwart’s letter in which he asked President Jacob Zuma to resign.

Motlanthe started off by speaking only about Kathrada’s contribution to the country’s liberation.

“It would be disingenuous to pay tribute to the life of comrade Ahmed Kathrada and pretend that he was not deeply disturbed by the current post-apartheid failure of politics.”

Motlanthe received a standing ovation and loud cheers from many in the crowd as he then read out parts of the letter saying: “Comrade Kathy continues bluntly if not arrogantly, ‘In the face of such persistently widespread criticism, condemnation and demand, is it asking too much to express the hope that you will choose the correct way that is gaining momentum, to consider stepping down?'”

Shortly after this, Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan was asked to stand up so all in attendance could see him.

He too received a standing ovation.

The Finance Minister returned home to political uncertainty on Tuesday having been hastily summoned back by Zuma.

The Presidency has still not provided any explanation 72 hours after the instruction to return came to light.

Zuma himself is not at the funeral. The Presidency released a statement this morning indicating that he would not attend as per the wishes of the Kathrada family.

Kathrada‘s family also took to the stage, saying he played a huge role in their lives and instilled important values in the younger generation.

An emotional Nazir Kathrada paid tribute to his uncle at the Westpark Cemetery on Wednesday morning.

GALLERY: Funeral of Ahmed Kathrada

The freedom icon died on Monday at the Donald Gordan Medical Centre, at the age of 87.

Kathrada’s nephew says he was a humble person.

“Kathy has always been integral in my life. I was six months old when he was arrested in 1964. From the time I turned 18, I started visiting him in prison. We discussed the goings-on at home, family, friends, politics, tolerance and my life. Kathy’s embodiment of justice has guided my life.”

COMRADES LOOK BACK

Freedom fighter Laloo Chiba also paid tribute to his longtime friend and comrade, saying although it’s a sad time for the country and Kathrada’s rich legacy needs to be celebrated.

“And while we mourn his death we also need to celebrate his life, and the rich legacy he has passed on to us and future generations.”

African National Congress veteran Sophia de Bruyn shared a funny memory of her friend.

“I met comrade Kathy many years ago, in the 50s. I met him at a party and he couldn’t dance. He had two left feet, but he loved dancing. We remained friends from that time until now.”

LISTEN: Ahmed Kathrada: A gentle freedom warrior

https://omny.fm/shows/702/we-remember-ahmed-kathrada/embed?source=twitter&size=square&style=cover

LEADERSHIP

Congress of South African Trade Unions’ Bheki Ntshalintshali evoked Kathrada’s words when he said leaders should always not be bigger than the organisations they serve.

“We must separate leaders from the organisation. Leaders will come and go, but an organisation will remain. No matter how popular you become, you’re never bigger than the organisation.”

He says the stalwart always believed that leaders come and go but organisations remain, making reference to how the veteran wrote a letter to President Jacob Zuma last year when he believed the ANC was headed in the wrong direction.

The South African Communist Party’s Blade Nzimande also paid tribute on behalf of the organisation.

LAID TO REST

The procession moved from the marquee to the burial site where Kathrada was laid to rest.

Wrapped in three sheets of white cloth, Kathrada’s body was taken out the coffin and buried.

Moulana Sulaimaan Ravat explained the process.

“The body is brought to a grave that is dug facing in the direction of Mecca. The knots at the two ends of the shroud are loosened, the body is placed in the niche at a slight angle and planks are placed behind the body. The grave will then be filled with sand.”

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

BY KEDIBONE MOLAETSI 

Deputy Minister of Small Business Development, Elizabeth Thabethe will host the crafts imbizo in partnership with the Mahikeng Local Municipality at Mmabana Foundation Centre in Mahikeng on Wednesday.

Thabethe said the partnership between Department of Small Business Development and Mahikeng Local Municipality seeks to prioritise the creative industries as a sector for development and empowerment, including focused support.

“The objective of the Imbizo is to ensure that we fight poverty through support geared towards the creative industries in general and the crafts sector in particular.

“This platform is also meant to ensure that the artists are empowerment to make proposals directly to the department, but also to engage with my department in various issues including support,” she said.

Thabethe said: “Many of our crafters are not benefiting from their creations and talent simply because there isn’t support for protection of their intellectual property rights. In the long run, they do not get credited for their work and they also do not get royalties from their skills and knowledge after a lot of hard work and many sacrifices”, said Thabethe.

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​Sad news of the passing of Bloemfontein Celtic founder Ntate Dr Petrus Molemela. My his legendary spirit and soul RIP.

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BY KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
FOUR children burnt to death at Madibogo village, outside Mahikeng on Thursday at around 9pm.

North West police spokesperson, Lt Colonel Pelonomi Makau said they are investigate a case of arson after four  children (three girls and a boy) aged  between 5 and 7 burnt to death inside their shack at Phofung Section in Madibogopan.

“The fifth child, an 11-year old boy who was also inside the shack survived the incident and was taken to the hospital with serious burn wounds. 

“According to information,  the children were alone inside the shack at the time of the incident. The mother of two of the children was allegedly at the neighbour’s place when the incident occurred,” Makau said. 

The cause of the fire is still unknown at this stage and investigation into the matter continues.

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BY REGINALD KANYANE

MEC for Finance, Economy and Enterprise Development, Wendy Nelson is expected to launch Provincial Consumer Affairs Court at Mahikeng on Friday.

Nelson said the Provincial Consumer Affairs Court was established in terms of Section 11 of Consumer Affairs Act No. 4 of 1996, as amended.

“The operation of the Court will finally see consumers in Bokone Bophirima getting redress and unscrupulous business ordered to cease unfair business practices. It will further enforce one of the most important rights to redress,” she said.

The Provincial Consumer Affairs Court members will be led by John Nkomo as the Chairperson of the Consumer Court. Nkomo has vast experience within the legal field and he will be working with Messrs Jacob Kgomongwe and Paul Hlahlane.

“They will serve as members of the Court, while Advocate Johannes Strydom will serve as an alternative member. All four members pledged to fast-track the resolution of cases that will be referred to the Court by the Department’s Consumer Affairs Unit.

“The function of the Court will be among others, make orders declaring business practice to be unfair, interdict any prohibited conduct, confirm arrangements and order any appropriate relief to consumers,” Nelson said.

She added that the department is expecting representatives from Consumer Regulators, Law and Enforcement Authorities, government departments to mention few.

“We have appointed people with legal background that will be able to ensure that businesses comply with relevant consumer legislation’s and adhere to orders of the court.  The Court will have its 1^st sitting the same day as the launch as we do not want to delay services to consumers,” Nelson said.

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People who shared a video on social media of a 14 year old girl performing sexual acts on herself might end up in trouble with the law.

The mother of the girl is consulting the police and a social worker on how to proceed. 

The explicit video was recorded by the 14-year old on a friend’s cellphone. After returning the phone the video was shared on the internet. 

The girl is also receiving counselling after being traumatised by the video going public. 

“ The child will now see a social worker for counselling so that she can be alright then we are thinking of opening a case to ensure that other kids thinking of doing something like this are warned,” said the mother.

It is unclear at this point how the video was published. 

The police warn that anyone in possession of the video or distributing it faces arrest.

People downloading child pornography can be sentenced to 10 years in prison.Source: http://www.sabc.co.za

BY BAKANG MOKOTO

South African Public Protector, Advocate Busisiwe Mkhwebane met with stakeholder at the North West Provincial Legislature in Mahikeng on Thursday. Mkhwebane said her visit was to harness good working relationship with institutions tasked with oversight over the executive, provincial legislatures.

“We need to harness close working for greater impact. Our meeting can only bode well for good governance. The Public Protector has effectively worked with this legislature before to hold the executive to account. We were one of several investigative institutions that we were called upon by the North West Standing Committee on Public Accounts (NWSCOPA) in January 2013.

“We investigated allegations of maladministration, abuse of power and irregular expenditure in the appointment of a law firm as a service provider for Finance, Economy and Enterprise Development department,” Mkwebane said.

She said that the report was subsequently handed over to NWSCOPA in Madibeng on August 29 back in 2016. Mkhwebane said the report revealed gory details of how R15million in public money was irregularly spent by the department to procure legal services for disciplinary enquiries of three officials.

“I will be in Bokone Bophirima over the next two days as part of a nationwide blitz that commenced in Johannesburg mid-February. The aim of this roadshow is threefold and I deemed it fit to not just waltz into office quietly and start writing to stakeholders to inform them that my office is investigating their conduct.

“It was paramount importance for me to take the people of South Africa into my confidence regarding the plans that I have for his institution over the seven years of my non-renewable term of office. It was essential for me to reveal my vision for the institution and hear from stakeholders what they think of it,” she said.

Mkhwebane said it was crucial for her to listen to the people. She further said false information has been said about her.

“I want to grant the people of this country an opportunity to engage in an unmediated fashion with me. We will proceed to Madibogo village on Friday to engage with the masses. Along with the Auditor-General, the Human Rights Commission, the Commission on Gender Equality, the Commission for the Promotion and Protection of the Rights of Cultural, Religious and Linguistic Communities and the Electoral Commission, we established by Section 181 of the Constitution to support constitutional democracy.

“We have the power to receive protected disclosures and serve as a safe haven for whistleblowers under the Protected Disclosures Act. The power to review the decisions of the National Home Builders Registration Council under the National Protection of Housing Measures Act,” Mkhwebane said.

She said the Public Protector’ services are free. Mkhwebane said Nkgono from Majemantho in Mahikeng does not need money to call them. Mkhwebane said people can call them on toll-free line. 

“My vision for this institution is that of a Public Protector that is a stronghold and a place of refuge for the poor and the marginalized. It is of a Public Protector that is an avenue for justice in disputes between the people and the state. At the core of this vision, is the need for this institution to be accessible to all people.

“We have offices in Mahikeng, Rustenburg and in Klerksdorp. This will ensure that we are closer to the corridors of power. Our aim is to seek and obtain answers on behalf of the people. This has to be counter-balanced with the constitutional injunction for us to be accessible,” she said.

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BY KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
SIx suspects aged between 19 and 27 were arrested and charged with murder and attempted murder at Tigane Township, Hartbeesfontein.

North West police spokesperson, Brig Sabata Mokgwabone said the suspects allegedly fought each other on Sunday at about 21:30 where one person died and the other admitted at a hospital.

“The fight allegedly started at a local tavern and police were called. They managed to calm and separated the gang members. The latter allegedly went to another place where their  fight continued. 

“A 21 year-old man was stabbed several times. The man died on the scene while another one, aged 29 was rushed to hospital where he is recuperating,” Mokgwabone said. 

He said the suspects were arrested on Monday.  Mokgwabone said other suspects are still at large and investigation continues.

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Durban – Itumeleng Khune will captain Bafana Bafana in the upcoming international friendly matches against Guinea-Bissau and Angola.

 
The announcement was made on Tuesday at the squad’s base camp in Durban.
 
Thulani Hlatshwayo, Dean Furman and Hlompho Kekana have been appointed as vice-captains.
 
Khune is the captain of Kaizer Chiefs, while the trio of Hlatshwayo, Furman and Kekana hold leadership  positions at Bidvest Wits, Supersport United and Mamelodi Sundowns respectively.
 
All have worn the Bafana Bafana armband with the exception of Kekana.
 
Both Khune and Hlatshwayo have been alternating as captains in the Bafana set-up over the past few months.
 
Bafana Bafana face Guinea-Bissau at Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban on Saturday at 15:00 while their next fixture will be against Angola three days later (Tuesday, March 28 at Buffalo City Stadium in East London at 19:00.

Owen da Gama will serve as caretaker coach. 

Source:www.news24.com