Tag Archives: south africa

Agricultural industry looks set for rounds of contestment

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Picture: (Maize Cup launch at Delareyville library)

Picture: (Maize Cup launch at Delareyville library)

South Africa’s agricultural industry looks set for fresh rounds of yet more contestation, as recent reports have indicated increased rates technological application and mechanization by commercial plot owners. With the future of thousands of farmworkers at stake as a result of this adoption, fears as to the route of recourse by these threatened farmworkers lends to already shaky ground regarding farm attacks and other forms of violent protest against farm owners. Filtrations through state aligned media houses have been known to dumb down the seriousness of this issue, with state intelligence even being known to step in at times when reports are thought too gruesome for mass visibility.

The adoption of agricultural technology, as is now well known, looks only set to increase. This comes especially as pressure from growing populations (the UN expects the global population to reach 9 billion by 2050 – but I’d rpedict abn earlier date) and worsening climate change necessitates innovation and implementation almost immediately. Unfortunately, the adoption of technology in the commercial sector adds yet another proverbial mound to ‘the land question’ of South Africa. This can only add to the woes of the ANC led government, not to mention race and class relations in the country.

For more http://www.news24.com

Bokone Bophirima celebrate Africa’s women Day

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BY OBAKENG MAJE


THE department of Public Service of South Africa in North West celebrated African Women’s Day under the theme “Women Empowerment” in our lifetime.

The event was held at Christiana location, in Lekwa-Teemane Local municipality in conjunction with North West’s Office of the Premier.

Some of those who graced the event were Gender Commissioner, Nomasondo Mazibuko, deputy director from the Office of The Premier, Humang Mashimbye and other women from public sectors.


Mashimbye who was the keynote speaker said empowerment of women is the process of providing power to women to stand up against the control of the others and help them become prosperous leaders and successful life.

She said historically, women have been regarded as constituting a weaker section in the society.

“We need to realise that since post-apartheid, which was the beginning were democracy brought a series of changes in the status of women especially in Africa. For a country to truly progress each sector of the community should be empowered so that they can solve their problems on grassroots and they can fend themselves,” Mashimbye said.

Gender Commissioner, Nomasonto Mazibuko said women should find the way to improve their status as mostly they are not given same opportunities as applies to their male counterparts.

“In this case, a nation will not progress if the women in the public and private sectors will be limited by gender constraints in the field of economic power. Once women gain the economic power through the support of the rest of the community, it is possible for them to be part of nation building and not just mere dependents of their male ties,” Mazibuko said.

Another woman who made it in agricultural sector, Deliwe Ntebele-Mutlwane(54) from Delareyville said as a farmer she sometimes get undermined by male-counterparts, but that does not bother her because she does what she knows best.

“I am a farmer and I did not let my disability determines my destiny. I sometimes experience challenges in this agricultural field from male counterparts by being undermined because I am a woman.

“Some of them when they see me riding a tractor will ask who is the owner of that tractor, but get goose bumps when I explain to that that’s my tractor. Message to all women is that, they must work hard and to those who held high positions especially in government must not abuse their power,” Mutlwane said.

The event was being celebrated across the continent and in alliance with African Union Commission’s 2063 vision.

-TDN
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ANCYL in North West celebrates June 16 in Taung

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BY OBAKENG MAJE
African National Congress Youth League in North West (ANCYL) gathered together at Pudimoe Community hall in Taung in celebration of June 16 on Tuesday.

The day is celebrated in order to recognize the role of youth in the liberation of South Africa from the Apartheid regime.

Those who attended the event was ANC mother-body in the province and ANCYL leadership.

Various schools were in attendance and many youth dressed in various school uniforms.

Hundreds of students were killed during the protest back in 1976. Although this youth revolution did not see the taking back of the language order immediately, it did see a turning point in South Africa’s liberation campaign which ultimately saw the downfall of the apartheid government there.

The former youth league member in the province, Pontsho Kgosieng said Youth Day in South Africa is celebrated in memory of all the youngsters who lost their lives during the protest, especially the death of Hector Pieterson, a 12 year old student who was killed during the uprising.

“The day is celebrated around the country in order to celebrate the energy of youth. The youth of 1976 fought for liberation and now our youth is fighting a different battle. This day also sees various educational discussions being organized by school and college students around the country. Various youth oriented non- profit organizations also organize awareness campaigns on this day to make the youth of the country aware of the challenges in the current environment of the country,” Kgosieng said.

ANCYL provincial secretary Sipho Dial said the youth of today are fighting for economic emancipation and more jobs need to be created.

“The youth are faced with different issues compared to 1976 youth. The country experiences decline in job-creation and now that leaves more youth with blank future. The youth are faced with HIV epidemic, unemployment, teenage pregnancy and alcohol and drug abuse issues,” Dial said.

The ANCYL chairperson, Collen Maine who was also pronounced as the presidential candidate for ANCYL nationally, encourages the youth to use education as the gateway vehicle from poverty.

“The ANC-led government’s Freedom Charter said the doors of learning shall be opened. I would like to encourage the youth to use education as the tool to survive and alleviate poverty.

“We know that to have a better society, we need to learn and stop engaging in issues like drugs and alcohol that will destroy our future. The future of this country is in our hands, now is the time for us to take the baton and work hard. What legacy would we leave behind?” Maine outlines.

All four districts in North West gathered together to celebrate June 16 2015.

One of the youth who attended the event, Kedibone Matshidiso from Pudimoe location said “It was the Soweto Uprising which laid the grounds for the release of Nelson Mandela and the end of the Apartheid regime in the country,” she said.

-TDN

Follow us on Twitter@Taung_DailyNews or @IceT_

Bafana win against Angola in a friendly

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May Mahlangu (15) of South Africa celebrates after Thamsanqa Gabuza of South Africa scores during the international friendly between South Africa and Angola at Cape Town Stadium, Cape Town on 16 June 2015 ©Ryan Wilkisky/BackpagePix

May Mahlangu (15) of South Africa celebrates after Thamsanqa Gabuza of South Africa scores during the international friendly between South Africa and Angola at Cape Town Stadium, Cape Town on 16 June 2015 ©Ryan Wilkisky/BackpagePix

Bafana Bafana beat Angola 2-1 in their international friendly at a wet and cold Cape Town Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

Shakes Mashaba had made four changes to the side that drew 0-0 with Gambia in a 2017 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier at the weekend, with Patrick Phungwayo, Clayton Daniels, Bongani Zungu and Jabulani Shongwe coming into the side.

It seemed to pay off as the hosts dominated the early exchanges – without creating too many opportunities – but it was the visitors who would take the lead.

It came on 19 minutes courtesy of a stunning 25-yard strike from Mfutila, which leaft Itumeleng Khune with no chance as it bounced in off the underside of the bar. This after Bongani Zungu lost possession in midfield.

Thamsanqa Gabuza then missed two gilt-edged chances – first from a header and then mis-controlling with just the goalkeeper to beat after some fantastic skill by Thulani Serero.

For more http://www.kickoff.com

Reserve bank sees “high likelihood” of rate hikes soon

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Reconciliation

There’s a high likelihood that South Africa’s central bank will increase interest rates at its next few meetings, one of its deputy governors said on Tuesday.

The South African Reserve Bank (SARB) left interest rates unchanged as expected last Thursday but signalled that rising oil prices, above inflation wage settlements and a weaker Rand currency could stoke inflation and bring a rate rise in coming months.

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

US ambassador: Madonsela CIA claims baseless

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Cape Town – The US ambassador to South Africa on Monday said claims that Public Protector Thuli Madonsela is a CIA agent are “baseless” and “offensive”.

The US’s top envoy to South Africa, Patrick Gaspard, tweeted that the US completely rejected the claims and will lodge a complaint with South Africa’s government.
For more http://www.news24.com

NUM backs Zuma’s inquiry

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The National Union of Mineworkers has welcomed the commission of inquiry to investigate the killing of striking workers at Lonmin Marikana mine in North West.

“The NUM strongly believes that such a commission is necessary and would help unearth the motive forces behind the senseless violence,” said the union on Friday.

NUM said the commission should help the country understand the underlying threats faced by the country’s democracy.

It said the public display of dangerous weapons, threats and intimidation should have no place in the South African democracy.

President Jacob Zuma earlier announced that a commission of inquiry would be set up to uncover the truth behind the shootings at the Lonmin mine in Rustenburg where 34 protesters were gunned down this week.

“We remain fully committed to ensuring that this country remains a peaceful stable, productive and thriving nation that is focused on improving the quality of life for all,” Zuma told reporters at the Lonmin conference centre.

A total of 34 people were killed in a shootout that erupted near the mine on Thursday when police tried to disperse striking miners.

More than 78 people were injured. Another 10 people had by then been killed in the violent protests at the mine over the past week.

The protests were believed to be linked to rivalry between the National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) and the Association of Mineworkers and Construction Union (Amcu) over recognition agreements at the mine. Workers also wanted higher wages. – Sapa