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North West Church leaders under the auspices of the Mahikeng Ministers Fellowship (MMF) on Wednesday expressed concerns regarding the Commission for the Promotion and Protection of the Rights of Cultural, Religious and Linguistic Communities (CRL commission) research report and investigation into commercialisation of religion.The formation has convened a special meeting to consolidate responses to the two reports.

“The outcome of the CRL commission research project and investigation report into commercialisation of religion are going to have far reaching implication on the church and curtail religious freedom that Christians who constitute 80% of the population in the country currently enjoy,” Chairperson of MMF (an interdenominational church leaders fellowship), said Apostle Zandisile Reginald Mpame ahead of the Sunday meeting to be held at the Mocoseng Sundown Resort as from 4pm.

Mpame expressed concern about the Xenophobic language in the reports.

“We are resolute to confront attempts to determine where, how as well as by whom the message of salvation is preached and what relationships local churches must have with the universal body of Christ,” he cautioned.

He said that overregulation recommended by the reports will impact on evangelism which is at the core of Christianity’s great commission.

“The myopic assumption that Christians are going to fall for the proposal to be enjoined with other religions to oversee church affairs as well as licensing of its practitioners is ill-conceived and amounts to state control even if it disguised as self-regulation and peer review mechanisms,” highlighted Mpame.    

He emphasised that while the overwhelming majority of churches condemn practices such as using doom on congregants, giving them disinfectants to drink, feeding them snakes and rats to congregants which are not supported by the Word of God, they will not support being brought under the control of the state when the report is formally tabled in Parliament in February next year.

Mpame said that the laws of the country are adequate to deal with abuses as well as non-compliance after the CRL has done what it is supposed to do.

“The CRL simply has to execute its mandate and primary duties to promote peaceful coexistence between religious cultural and linguistic groups in the country, educate, protect and roll awareness campaigns as regards the need for registration, improve administration and financial compliance. It will have our support if it starts doing what it is supposed to do and using resources allocated to it for that purpose,” he concluded.

The meeting will be open for all church leaders and elders from various denominations.

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The second day of the SAFA/Burger King u19 Men’s Championship produced 18 goals to add to the 18 from the first day.
 
The Burger King-sponsored Championship is taking place at the William Herbert Sports Complex in Wynberg, Cape Town.
 
The biggest winners in the six matches on Day 2 were Northern Cape who demolished North West 5-1 – with Fabian van Zyl grabbing a hatrick in the 36th, 51st and 52nd minutes, while the other goals came from Gustav Simon (33rd) and Tshepo Kakora in
referee’s optional time (70+1).
 
Van Zyl’s three goals in a match are the second of the tournament following Cape Town City’s Duncan Adoni’s hatrick on the first day.
 
Adoni is now the top goalscorer with four goals after he was on the scoresheet in their 1-1 draw against Mpumalanga, whose goal came from Lwandile Mabuya.
 
Sibabakwe Selanto of Western Cape scored a brace (69th and 70+1) against Limpopo in their 4-1 victory with Bonga Dladla (37th) and Linamandla Mcilizeli (51st) getting on the scoresheet, while Maboke Mashapu grabbed Limpopo’s solitary goal.
 
Ironically, Limpopo fired the first salvo in the 14th minute before the floodgates opened. They played with 10 men in the last eight minutes of the match after Kwena Molokomme was given his marching orders following a second yellow card.
 
Ajax Cape Town brushed aside Eastern Cape 2-0 to register their second win in as many matches, with both goals coming from Tashreeq Matthews.
 
There were no goals in the clash between KwaZulu Natal and Santos.
 
As matter stand, the Cape invitational side is leading Group A with four points, followed by Western Cape on three and KwaZulu Natal and Limpopo with two and one respectively.
 
In Group B, Gauteng and Ajax are neck and neck on six points each, but Gauteng is top of the table due to a better goal difference. Both Free State and Eastern Cape are yet to register points.
 
The battle for top spot is also hotting up in Group C where Cape Town City and Mpumalanga are on four points apiece, but the coastal team has a better goal difference. Northern Cape is just one point behind while North West has lost both their two
matches.
 
After 12 matches played, a total of 36 goals have been scored.
 
But the games have not been clean with a high number of yellow cards dished out – 44, and two red cards.
 
Limpopo has collected the most yellow cards, seven in total as well as one red card.
 
The other side that has received a red card is Northern Cape.
 
The last group stage clashes will be played on Thursday, 15 December, and the matches will be played simultaneously. Group A will kickoff at 11h45, followed by Group B at 13h45 with Group C closing the day at 15h45.
 
NB: Only the three top-placed teams will qualify for the semi-finals and will be joined by the best second-placed side.
 
 
DAY 3 RESULTS – WEDNESDAY, 14 DECEMBER – William Herbert Sports Ground
 
KZN 0 – 0 Santos
 
Eastern Cape 0 – 2 Ajax Cape Town          
 
Mpumalanga 1 – 1 Cape Town City
 
Limpopo 1 – 4 Western Cape
 
Gauteng 3 – 0 Free State                
 
Northern Cape 5 – 1 North West
 
 
DAY 4 FIXTURES – THURSDAY, 15 DECEMBER – William Herbert Sports Ground
 
Western Cape vs Santos                                  11h45
                    Field A
 
Limpopo vs KZN                                          
 11h45                     Field B
 
Free State vs Ajax Cape Town                      
13h45                     Field B
 
Gauteng vs Eastern Cape                              
13h45                     Field I
 
North West vs Cape Town City                    
15h45                     Field I
 
Northern Cape vs Mpumalanga                     15h45                     Field A
  taungdailynews@gmail.com

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Zizwe United from the Western Cape and Mpumalanga’s Acornbush United will meet in a mini-play-of match to determine which team will be part of the eight that will represent the South African Football Association
(SAFA) in the last 32 stage of the 2016/2017 Nebank Cup competition.
 
Nine SAFA teams went into the hat for a draw to decide the mini-playoffs as only eight are needed for the Nedbank Cup – they will  join eight others from the National First Division (NFD) and 16 from the Premier Soccer League (PSL).
 
The draw was conducted on Wednesday afternoon (14 December) in Cape Town.

The mini-play-off will be played at the beginning of 2017 at a date and neutral venue to be determined.
 
The other seven teams that will represent SAFA are African All Stars, Day FC (SAB League), one between Maribeni United and TTM FC from Limpopo (still undecided), Acornbush United FC, EC Bees FC, Zizwe United, Buya Msuthu FC, United Rovers FC (SAB
League) and KwaDukuza United FC.
 
NEDBANK CUP PROVINCIAL WINNERS – SAFA TEAMS:
 
1. African All Stars                                         Gauteng
2. Days FC (SAB League)                              Free State
3. Maribeni United/TTM FC                          Limpopo
4. Acornbush United FC                                 Mpumalanga
5. EC Bees FC                                                Eastern Cape
6. Zizwe United                                              Western Cape
7. Buya Msuthu FC                                        North West
8. United Rovers FC (SAB League)              Northern Cape
9. KwaDukuza United FC                              KwaZulu Natal
 
The eight confirmed NFD clubs are: Cape Town All Stars, AmaZulu, FC Cape Town, Mbombela United, Witbank Spurs, Royal Eagles, Jomo Cosmos and Stellenbosch FC
  taungdailynews

A JEALOUS lover’s rage over his alleged cheating girlfriend has cost another family two of their houses.

This comes after a man allegedly torched their homes last week in a fit of rage because his girlfriend apparently had an affair with one of their relatives.

The Motlhaolwa family from Dithakong Village in the North West said they lost everything after the man set their houses on fire. Cops have since arrested the man (33) and also found stolen property in his possession.

Virginia Motlhaolwa (25) told Daily Sun: “His girlfriend was allegedly in a relationship with a cousin.

“He came to our house, terrorised us and set our houses alight. We lost all our beds, IDs and blankets.”

North West police spokesman Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone said Lomanyaneng cops arrested the suspect at Setlopo Village outside Mahikeng on Saturday.

Police also found a 9mm pistol with six rounds of ammunition and three cellphones that were stolen from a house in Dithakong West earlier this month.

“He is facing two cases of arson, house robbery, illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition as well as possession of suspected stolen goods,” said Mokgwabone.

He added that the suspect had been on the run from the law since November.

“He accused the two male owners of the torched RDP houses of having relationships with his girlfriend.

“The suspect has also been linked to a case of rape committed in 2013 in Mmabatho.

“He is expected to appear in the Mmabatho Magistrates Court tomorrow.”

– Daily Sun

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SAFA CEO Dennis Mumble has laughed off reports linking former Ajax Cape Town coach, Roger de Sa to the Bafana Bafana job saying there was no vacancy for that position.

“In normal circumstances, I would not even want to respond to such speculation but for the sake of football loving fans would like to put the record straight by unequivocally dismissing such rumours.

“People must understand there is a process which is underway and must await its conclusive outcome,” said Mumble.

“No one must speculate or anticipate any outcome of this matter and no one must generate expectation around the position of Bafana Bafana coach because the post is not vacant,” he added.taungdailynews@gmail.com

BY BAKANG MOKOTO

SPEEDY recovery messages continue to pour in for a former Kagisano-Molopo mayor, Veronica Keketsi who suffered a broken leg during a car accident in Ganyesa village, near Vryburg on Monday.

North West police spokesperson, Lieutenant Col, Pelonomi Makau said the accident took place between Ganyesa and Tosca road. She said a white BMW that was driven by Keketsi collided with a police minibus taxi and six people were injured.

“A 67 year-old woman was driving in the opposite direction when she collided with police minibus taxi. Four police officers, the driver of the BMW and pedestrian suffered injuries. The police officers and the driver of the BMW were hospitalised in critical conditions while the pedestrian was treated on the scene with minor injuries.

“Police are investigating reckless and negligent driving case. Three cars were involved after the BMW driver also collided with a Toyota Camry that was parked beside the road during the calamity,” Makau said.

North West Premier, Supra Mahumapelo wished Keketsi and police officers speed recovery.

“We have learnt that former Kagisano-Molopo local municipal mayor, Veronica Keketsi was involved in a car accident and she was subsequently hospitalised. We want to wish her a speedy recovery. We also urge all motorists and pedestrians to buckle-up and exercise tolerance on the road during this festive season,” Mahumapelo said.

Meanwhile former Greater Taung Local Municipality mayor, Kaone Lobelo was buried a week ago after he died in a car accident.

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Pretoria – Social Development Minister Bathabile Dlamini has urged parents to monitor their children’s behaviour and give them the necessary support when the National Senior Certificate (NSC) results are released in the New Year.

Minister Dlamini on Monday briefed media in Pretoria on progress made in the second quarter of the year towards achieving the goals of the National Development Plan (NDP) by the Social Protection, Community and Human Development Cluster.

She said learners who receive unfavourable matric results go through a difficult time which requires immediate intervention and support.

“As we look forward to the NSC results, we also need to consider the plight of those who are not going to meet all the minimum pass requirements.

“To minimise depression, trauma and possible suicide incidents amongst Grade 12 learners, we call upon parents and caregivers to look for changes in the behaviour of their children, to give them support and encourage them to go back to school,” she said.

The 2016 examinations recorded a total of 9 216 additional candidates from the number that sat in 2015. A total of 677 141 full time and 150 183 part-time candidates sat for final examinations this year.

The marking of the NSC examinations is currently underway in 140 marking centres around the country and the matric results will be released on 5 January 2017.

“We urge all our learners to collect their statements of results at the school where they sat for the examinations,” said the Minister.

Second Chance Matric Support Programme

This year government launched the Second Chance Matric Support Programme which is a learner retention programme. It provides support for candidates writing the supplementary examinations and the modularised NSC writing option in February, March and June 2017.

Minister Dlamini said through such second chance programmes, young South Africans will be integrated back into the education system to ensure they receive a second chance at being adequately qualified before entering the job market.

“There are more benefits to the country at large to have its citizens adequately educated. The education sector has made remarkable improvements in access, redress and equity, learning outcomes have shown an upward trend in national, regional and international tests.

“This has come as a result of the government’s focus on implementing programmes that ensured that learners received sufficient support. Education is the cornerstone of youth employment, and ensuring that young people are educated and skilled is of prime concern for the state and society in general,” said Minister Dlamini. – SAnews.gov.za

BY KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

PEOPLE from all walks of life including thousands of music, arts and culture fanatics are expected to flock into Mahikeng for the 2^nd annual Mahika Mahikeng Cultural Festival. MEC for tourism in the North West, Desbo Mohono appeals to all patrons who will be descending to the festival to explore various local tourism products during their stay in Mahikeng over the weekend.

“I am sure our visitors will enjoy their stay in the province. We urge them to visit our tourism destinations to experience the beauty, quality service and the warm welcome by the people of the Bokone Bophirima.

“We want to expose other hidden treasures within the province especially in Mahikeng. Locals must ensure that they know more about tourism products in their periphery. We also have a campaign called “Shapa Raondo mo Bokone Bophirima” as part of the implementation of the domestic tourism strategy,” Mohono said.

She further said the guest houses and hotels were ready to accommodate visitors. Mohono added that they also expecting to see major contribution towards the local economy as many will be spending while enjoying their stay here.

“We also make a call and encourage our visitors to explore tourism products within the platinum province during this festive season. The campaign which started in the Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati and Bojanala districts is now continuing in the Ngaka Modiri Molema district and mainly focusing in villages, Townships and Small Dorpies of the province.

“We also have festive packages in the entire province as provided by participating products. This aims to showcase the province as the preferred Holiday destination of choice. Our visitors’ lengthy stay will boosts local economy,” she said.

Mohono also said the campaign is also geared towards marketing the upcoming festive events such as Mahika Mahikeng Cultural Festival, DJ Nation Annual Bash, Dj Sphere Annual Bash and many other festive events taking place during this time of the year in the North West.

“The month long campaign will run in all the four districts of the province. We will continue to lead the tourism team throughout the festive season alongside renowned artists like Mo Molemi and Stoan Seate,” she said.

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Picture: Moses Kotane Local Municipality acting mayor, Lawrence Kapari

BY BAKANG MOKOTO

The Moses Kotane Local Municipality hosted Integrated Development Plan Representative Forum (IDP Rep Forum) meeting at the Council chamber in Mogwase on Friday.

The municipal acting mayor, Lawrence Kapari said the aim of the meeting was to engage stakeholders on the IDP process plan. Kapari further said community needs analysis emanating from community consultations that were held last month in line with the legislation.

“Development of the Integrated Development Planning (IDP) is in compliance with the Local Government, Municipal System Act No 32 of 2000. The forum which is attended by municipal councillors and officials, Tribal Authorities, community development workers, ward committees, government departments, mining companies, state owned entities, business community, non-governmental organizations amongst other key stakeholders, is formed  to enhance community participation in the municipal IDP and its processes and in the monitoring, measurement and review of municipal performance.

“The forum meets quarterly to discuss and reach a consensus on municipal planning and the development of sector plans. This will be followed by development of cluster formation of project steering committee that will oversee projects that have been implemented and finds of ensuring that other villages that have never befitted also are provided for with services, he said.

He added that once consultation with all relevant stakeholders is finalised, the draft IDP and budget for 2017/ 2018 financial year will be adopted by Council before end of March 2017. Kapari said the report on community needs analysis will be tabled before Council for adoption in preparation for the IDP document 2017/ 2018 financial year.

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BY BAKANG MOKOTO

NORTH West Premier Supra Mahumapelo has condemned the killing in Marikana where a man was attacked and ruthlessly killed by a group of people on Thursday. According to the police statement, the deceased sustained serious injuries caused by sharp objects and pangas used during the attack.

“We view this heartless incident as a deliberate and senseless attack on the Provincial Government’s Reconciliation, Healing and Renewal programme. The second phase of this programme was rolled out at Wonderkop near Marikana this past Sunday. These are opportunistic criminal acts, which we call on the police to leave no stone unturned during investigation.

“While the motive behind this attack is not yet known, we call on the residents of Marikana to remain calm, fearless and united. We also urge them to help police with information that will lead to the apprehension of perpetrators who are reportedly still at large,” Mahumapelo said.

He further said killers have no place in the society. Mahumapelo added that suspects must be apprehended and face the full might of the law.

“We reiterate the significance of the RHR programme. Such incidents will not deter and defocus the provincial government from advocating nation building and social cohesion. This is in the context of Rebranding, Repositioning and Renewal of Bokone Bophirima,” he said.

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