​

Discovery Walter Sisulu Soccer Challenge is an initiative that captures the attention of not just the football loving fans in Soweto but legends of the beautiful game. Both fans and players wait in anticipation for this four-week long spectacle that is currently in its third week.

Former Bidvest Wits and Supersport United star, Mark Haskins believes that the Discovery Walter Sisulu Soccer Challenge showcases the best of South African football by bringing true ‘kasi’ flavour to the forefront of soccer development in South Africa.

Haskins, whose side, Bidvest Wits Juniors is currently competing in the tournament, has long been a keen observer at the games in past years.

He tells of how he enjoys the fact that teams arrive each year with the aim of not only winning matches, but to also hone their unique skills that they bring to the South African style of football.

“There is so much talent in the country, but not everybody can make it as a professional,” Haskins says. 

“The Discovery Walter Sisulu Soccer Challenge gives players the opportunity to not only feel like a superstar for a day, but also the opportunity to share a brotherhood and active lifestyle with their fellow counterparts”.

The former midfielder also believes that the experience for his Under-17 side is also a rich one and invaluable for their development as players.

“It is a chance for them to play at a higher level and learn new skills, whether technically or tactically. They get to know more about other elements of the game, such as studying the opposition, stage fright etc.”

Haskins has further edged Soweto football loving fans to come in numbers & enjoy football spectacle at their doorstep. 

“The crowds that come out to The Nike Football Centre are always eager to be entertained, they know that they will get to see some talent and skills by attending the matches, especially from players who love to make an exhibition of their opponents.”

Discovery’s Experiential Marketing and Sponsorships Manager Kristy Cunningham says the programme supports Discovery’s key purpose, which is to encourage people to be healthier, thereby enhancing and protecting their lives. The tournament is pivotal for development of young players in South Africa and allows top players to showcase their talent with a fully immersed fan base. 

The overall prize money for the winners of this year’s tournament is as follows:

•            Winners Open category (56 Teams) – R100 000

•            Winners Under 17 (32 Teams) – R20 000

•            Winners Ladies category (16 Teams) – R15 000

In addition, for this year’s tournament, Discovery will be once again reward exceptional individual performance through player awards. 

These player awards, which are valued at R1 500 each, will go to the following winners:

•            Player of the tournament

•            Top goal scorer

•            Goalkeeper of the tournament

taungdailynews@gmail.com

​

Picture: (Minister of Transport, Dipuo Peters during #RideWise campaign in Potchefstroom)

South African National Civic Organisation (SANCO) said authorities must increase visibility and intensify zero tolerance to reduce carnage on public roads. 

 Minister of Transport, Dipuo Peters released a shocking statistics that revealed a staggering 17 % increase in road fatalities compared to last year.

SANCO National spokesperson, Jabu Mahlangu said: “Motorists should also play their part by observing the rules of the road, adhering to speed limits, avoiding to drink and drive, texting and using cellphones while driving.” 

Over 800 people have died on the country’s roads since 1 December.

Mahlangu called for expansion as well as the effectiveness of road safety education and awareness campaigns. He further said speedy turnaround of blood samples for prosecution of drunken driving offenders shall be prioritised.

“Deployment of traffic officers for 24-hour road traffic operations as well as the overtime they have to perform must be cost-effective, specifically targeted at accident prone hotspots and deliver results. Allocated resources must save valuable lives and not just be extra pay,” he said.

Mahlangu added that the escalating annual death toll on public roads is placing tremendous strain on the economy as well as the country’s health care system.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

NORTH West Premier, Supra Mahumapelo said he was concerned about the imposter who continues to phone unsuspecting people under false pretext. 
Mahumapelo said the imposter pretended to be him. 

“The imposter pounced again, this time phoning Deputy Minister of Cooperative Governance Andries Nel, Head of Security at the North West Legislature Roger Ditse, and Deputy Minister of Labour Inkosi Patekile Holomisa.

“Nel was contacted yesterday. He immediately alerted me and a case was opened with priority crimes unit, The Hawks,” Mahumapelo said.

He further said Ditse and Holomisa were contacted earlier today. Ditse says the person requested an amount of R1 500.

Bokone Bophirima provincial government spokesperson, Brian Setswambung said the trickster has requested money from several people in Gauteng, Bokone Bophirima, Western Cape and Eastern Cape so far.

“The Office of the Premier once again reiterates that the Premier does not go around phoning people asking for money.

“We again call on all people who are being approached by this fraudster to notify the police immediately,” Setswambung said.

In one of the previous incidents, the imposter contacted an MP residing in the Western Cape, requesting financial assistance for an alleged student named Tshepo Moroka, who was purportedly stranded in Cape Town.

He reportedly claimed that he was requested by the President to assist the son of an old acquaintance.

The swindler claimed that he was still busy preparing for a visit by the President and requested the MP to transfer R2000 to Moroka.

“However, the MP became suspicious after realising that the cell number used was not registered. The matter is under police investigation.” 

taungdailynews@gmail.com

​

Picture: (Women rescued from a brothel in Klerksdorp)

ANOTHER brothel was shut down few days after The Hawks’ Organised Crime in North West rescued more than 50 girls in Klerksdorp.

The Hawks provincial spokesperson in Northern Cape, Capt Philani Nkwalase said: “We have shut down an upmarket brothel in Kimberley on Monday. Two brothel owners, Nonsukiswa Dlamini, 36 from Kwazulu-Natal and Nontumelelo Sonqishe, 32 from Eastern Cape were subsequently arrested. 

“The premise is said to be rental place from one of the local estate agencies. However, it is unknown whether the owner knew about the activities transpired in the premise.” 

Nkwalase added that Pornographic DVDs, condoms and several cellphones which were allegedly used to communicate schedules with their clients were also seized.

“At this stage, none of the women arrested has claimed to have been trafficked and they were subsequently arrested for running a brothel. 

“They appeared in Kimberley Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday. The case was postponed until December 28 for formal bail application,” he said.

​

Picture: (The body of Moshe Phutiyagae after crashing the wall)

BY KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

Heartfelt condolences continue to pour in for Phutiyagae family after the death of a 33 year-old man in Manthe Village, near Taung. North West police said the man allegedly killed himself by clutching his head between the open door of a moving vehicle on Monday morning. 

Provincial spokesperson, Lieutenant Col Pelonomi Makau said: “The atrocity took place at Manthe village, in Taung on Monday. The victim allegedly clutched his head between the open door of the bakkie and hit the wall. 

“The bakkie door clasped on his neck and was certified death on the scene. The motive behind Phutiyage’s death is still unknown at this stage and police investigations are underway.” 

taungdailynews@gmail.com

Picture: (A body of Moshe Phutiyagae in his bakkie)

BY KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
A man allegedly committed suicide at Mathe Village, near Taung. The police are at the scene currently. 

Even though the details amid Moshe Phutiyagae’s death are sketchy, it is alleged that he used his bakkie to kill himself. 

Police are still at the scene gathering more details. 

More details will follow.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

Gauteng Province has been crowned kings of the 2016 SAFA/Burger King u19 Men’s Championship.
 
Gauteng showed little respect to demolish the much-fancied Santos 3-0 in the final that took place on Sunday, 18 December at Phillipi Stadium in Cape Town.
 
The match was watched by SAFA President Dr Danny Jordaan, SAFA CEO Dennis Mumble and as well as some SAFA NEC members. They were joined by Dr Hassen Adams and Alex Abercrombie of Burger King and Grand Parade.
 
Also in attendance was former Bafana Bafana stars Doctor Khumalo and Phi Masinga, as well as Helman Mkhalele who was the head selector.
 
Two quick goals in the first half and another late in the second half were enough to give Gauteng victory.
 
The first came in the 12th minute when a blcoked shot ricocheted into an empty net, with the second coming just a minute later through Tshiamo Mokoena.
 
However much the home team tried, they found a solid Gauteng team at the back.
 
The second half was more open with Santos looking to get a goal, while Gauteng wanted to increase their lead.
 
It was the visitors who truimphed as they sealed the match in the 52nd minute with a neatly-worked goal that ended with Molahlehi Khunyedi finding the back of the net.
 
The result means Gauteng becomes the second side to win the SAFA-Burger King u19 Men’s Championship.
 
The first edition was won by Supersport United in 2014 when they defeated Ajax Cape Town in Bloemfontein.
 
Cape Town City claimed bronze in the 3rd/4th place play-off played earlier at the Phillipi Stadium.
 
They defeated Mpumalanga 4-1 with goals from Litha Dakuse and Buzwe Bam coming in the 7th and 8th minute respectively.
 
Mpumalanga pulled one back in the 55th minute through Uyanda Mbaziza – to be top-joint goalscorer with Duncan Adonis of City, but the latter ensured he finished top of the charts with his sixth goal of the tournament in the 64th minute.
 
The final nail of the coffin came on the stroke of full time (70th) through Brett Veale.
 
A total of 63 goals were scored after 22 matches.
 
In the indivudual awards, Gauteng almost made a clean sweep.
 
Simphiwe Ncamane of Gauteng was crowned King (Player) of the Tournament; Duncan Adonis finished as the Top Goal Scorer of the Tournament with six goals; Tshiamo Mokoena of Gauteng walked away with the Whopper of a Goal of the Tournament award; Given
Mthombeni of Gauteng was chosen Goalkeeper of the Tournament while Bambiso Maxixole was named Referee of the Tournament.
 
Each won themselves a R500 gift voucher to use at any Burger King outlet.
 

INDIVIDUAL AWARDS WINNERS:
 
King (Player) of the Tournament                             Simphiwe Ncamane  (Gauteng)
 
Top Goal Scorer of the Tournament (6 goals)         Duncan Adonis (Cape Town City)
 
Whopper of a Goal of the Tournament                    Tshiamo Mokoena (Gauteng)
 
Goalkeeper of the Tournament                                 Given Mthombeni (Gauteng)
 
Referee of the Tournament                                        Bambiso Maxixole
  taungdailynews@gmail.com

​

Picture: (South Africa President Jacob Zuma at Gopane Village, near Zeerust)

Reconciliation Day, which is observed annually on 16 December, was inaugurated in 1995 to help South Africans heal from the horror of the events of the past and to signal the promise of a shared future, regardless of race, culture or creed.

It was previously known as Dingane’s Day and the Day of the Vow. It is a significant day in South African history. Its origins can be traced to the Battle of Blood River in 1838. The Voortrekker army defeated the Zulu army at the battle of Ncome River, which was fought over land ownership.

This year’s national event is being held at Black Aces Sports Grounds in Gopane, just outside Zeerust. This is in honour of the bravery of women in 1957 in Zeerust, who revolted against passes in the villages of Dinokana, Lekgopung and Motswedi.

“We salute the women of Gopane village in Zeerust, who organised a march against pass laws in 1957. Their actions illustrate the active participation of women in the struggle for liberation, not only in urban areas but in rural areas as well. 

“This serves as an inspiration as we continue building a new nation, founded on the values of human rights, justice and equality,” said President Zuma ahead of today’s main event.

It is a sea of colour and sound to mark the day, with high police visibility in the area. But in the midst of the festivities, the importance of the day is not lost.

SAnews spoke to some locals about the meaning of the day, if indeed the nation has reconciled and what needs to be done to nurture relations among citizens.

Many attending the national celebration were of the view that the country is upholding the preamble of the Constitution, which charges the nation to “Heal the divisions of the past and establish a society based on democratic values, social justice and fundamental human rights”. However, much more needs to be done.

For Martha Mokgotsi, progress has been made in reconciling the nation but she believes there is a long way to go, as there are still racist elements in society.

“We have come a long way but it’s a handful that continue to be ignorant and pull us back. For reconciliation to work, more still needs to be done. We still need healing and forgiveness because South Africa is an angry nation. For us to succeed in healing and forgiveness, we need to start working together in common humanity and ubuntu that brings us together.”

Hake Kgakatsi was of the view that the nation needs to move forward and forget the injustices of the past.

“We cannot reconcile until people let go of the past. For that to happen, we need to look beyond skin colour and embrace each other as human beings first. But I believe reconciliation is possible.”

Another youth, Kearabiwe Boikanyo (23), felt that the younger generation handles issues of race better than their parents.

“South Africa has evolved. For example, the current youth doesn’t have a problem looking beyond the issue of race. We interact well with other cultures, despite the few reported incidents.”

However, what needs to be accelerated, according to Biokanyo, are equal opportunities in the economy and education.

“The economy needs to be redistributed so that every skin colour is represented. The same goes for education. Everyone, regardless of their economic standing, must have access to education.”

Others were of the view that South Africans struggle to reconcile because the injustices brought by apartheid are still not dealt with fully. They want fairness and equal opportunities for all.

“The problem that has delayed reconciliation is that [not everybody is on board]. For example, when government arranges such national events and izimbizo, [not everyone will attend] but the issues affect us all. We need to get everyone on board if we want to move forward as a country,” Micheal Kgatsi said.

Although they might have a different approach to how reconciliation should work, one thing is for sure: the community of Zeerest is eager to listen to the President for some guidance. – SAnews.gov.za

​

The Office of the Premier of the North West wishes to warn members of the public about an imposter who goes around phoning unsuspecting members of the public, claiming to be Premier Supra Mahumapelo.

This imposter has reportedly tried to solicit money from people in several provinces including Gauteng, Western Cape and Eastern Cape.

The Office of the Premier wishes to state that the Premier does not go around phoning people asking for money. 

We call on all people who are approached by this fraudster to notify the police immediately. 

In the latest incident, the imposter contacted an MP residing in the Western Cape, requesting financial assistance for an alleged student named Tshepo Moroka, who was purportedly stranded in Cape Town.

He reportedly claimed that he was requested by the President to assist the son of an old acquaintance. 

The imposter claimed that he was still busy preparing for a visit by the President and requested the MP to transfer R2000 to Moroka.

However, the MP became suspicious after realising that the cell number used was not registered.

Police are investigating the matter.

BY KABO LETLHOGELA

North West Provincial Legislature’s Portfolio Committee on Local Government and Human Settlements has condemned Mahikeng and Ditsobotla Local Municipalities’ lack of cooperation with the Provincial Government’s Intervention Team under Section 139 (1)(b)which is tasked with compiling and implementing new General Valuation Rolls in the municipality including Ditsobotla and Lekwa-Teemane Local municipalities.

This came after the Committee held a meeting with Department of Local Government and Human Settlements for the close-up reports on the Provincial Intervention at Mahikeng; Lekwa-Teemane; Ditsobotla; Madibeng; Matlosana and Ventersdorp Local Municipalities on Section 139 (1)(b) and Section 154.

The Administrator for three municipalities (Mahikeng; Lekwa-Teemane and Ditsobotla), Willie Berker informed the Committee that although progress has been registered in the other two municipalities, the provincial intervention team has been experiencing resistance from Mahikeng Local Municipality.

“This specific municipality has not held a special council sitting to approve the intervention process. Role players in the municipalities are not on board and we find it difficult to obtain information on building plans and new buildings; consolidations and subdivisions; rezoning and determination of date of Valuation, etc.” Berker said.

Committee Chairperson, Motlalepula Rosho said the Committee is worried that the Mahikeng and Ditsobotla Local Municipalities are not cooperating with the intervention team to ensure that the valuation process of properties in the municipality is concluded.

“This shows serious laziness by officials from the municipalities who refuse to ensure that the process is concluded timeously. The inability of the municipal officials to compile and implement the new General Valuation Rolls for properties has forced the department to intervene yet they also failed to cooperate with such intervention team. This shows lack of consequence management by the leadership of the municipalities on such ill-disciplined officials,” Rosho said.

On issues of close-up reports on Section 139 (1)(b) and Section 154 interventions in Matlosana; Ventersdorp and Madibeng Local Municipalities, Rosho said the Committee is concerned that the department is unable to inform them on whether the reports were adopted by their respective Councils.

“We are unable to trace whether the department ensured that the Municipal Councils were convened and the close-up reports and its recommendations were tabled and taken through as part of adjustment period of Integrated Development Plan (IDP) in January 2017 for finalization.

“It shows that the department is very weak on conducting oversight in municipalities,” she said.

The former Administrator at Matlosana Local Municipality which was under Section 139 (1)(b) intervention, Seth Ramagaga said the intervention team together with the Department of Finance, Economy and Enterprise Development and National Department of Finance has developed a Financial Recovery Plan and conducted work sessions on finance, governance and administration.

“Public Participation on Budget and Service Delivery and Budget Implementation Plan was done. The municipality has also maintained positive bank balance as it is currently paying its debt with Eskom and all Supply Chain Management Committees were trained,” Ramagaga said.

The Administrator at Madibeng Local Municipality, Kelebogile Mogamisi, which was under Section 139 (1)(b) in the previous administration and currently under Section 154 said the municipality is implementing water projects accordingly and many areas residents receive water.

“We have set a coordinated water provision approach and implemented credit control measures and customer complains measures in situations where there are water shortages,” said Mogamisi.

Rosho said the Committee will meet with the department and the new administration at Matlosana Local Municipality to find proper processes on issues rose in the previous meeting with the municipality.

“On the meeting with the municipality on its Annual Report, they alleged that that the intervention team has put them in more debt and claimed that it has created more problems. The switching of interventions at Madibeng Local Municipality with the same administrator from Section 139 (1)(b) on water and sanitation prior local government elections to Section 154 after such elections is creating a serious problem because it is the responsibility of the department to support municipalities as expected,” she said.

Rosho said the Committee is also not happy with the close-up report of Ventersdorp Local Municipality and there is still a need to conduct an assessment on whether there is progress registered.

“We requested the department to go back and relook into the report and rewrite it properly. Its findings must be integrated with the process of the newly established North West 405 municipality which is an incorporation of former Ventersdorp and Tlokwe Local Municipalities,” she said.

Rosho further said the Section 139 interventions in the province remains the going concern and the value for money on the overall interventions still needs to be established.

taungdailynews@gmail.com