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Cosatu calls for peace on platinum belt


Rustenburg – Striking workers should desist from violence against other workers during their industrial action, Cosatu said on Friday.
“It is possible for workers to lead a peaceful, bloodless and effective legal strike…,” said spokesperson Patrick Craven.

He said the National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) led a peaceful strike at Northam Platinum in Limpopo.

He said Cosatu condemned the brutal murder of a NUM member who was killed in Rustenburg on Thursday.

“This is the fifth such killing in the past two weeks in the platinum belt.”

NUM said Felix Manjate, who comes from Mozambique, was stabbed to death at the Sondela informal settlement near Rustenburg while leaving for work at Anglo American Platinum’s Union mine in Limpopo.

He had apparently been threatened and warned by striking workers not to go to work.

“The federation shares the NUM’s concerns over the dire situation in the platinum mines – the long strike, the employers’ arrogance and the escalating violence which has been allowed to continue unabated by the law enforcement agencies and mine security,” Craven said.

Members of the Association of Mineworkers and Construction Union (Amcu) at Lonmin, Impala and Anglo American Platinum downed tools on 23 January demanding a basic monthly salary of R12 500.

They rejected the companies’ offer that would bring their cash remuneration to R12 500 by July 2017.

SAPA

Churches call for relief in Marikana


Rustenburg – The South African Council of Churches called for more humanitarian relief for the striking miners and their families on the platinum belt.

About 24,000 Lonmin miners who are Association of Mineworkers and Construction Union (Amcu) members, have been on strike for four months, demanding R12,500 entry level salary.
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One man dead near Pudumong in a ‘robbery drama’


By Obakeng Maje
Pudumong- North West police are investigating a case of inquest after a man suspected to be one of robbers died.

The incident took place at Loselong village near Pudumong.

According to information, two men were driving along the road from cattle auction when the atrocity took place.

“Mr Gaonamong and Mr Sekolopo allegedly saw one of the suspect pushing a car under false pretext that the car would not start. They stopped and help him to push it so that it can kick-start” our mole said.

Two people pounced on them from the bushes and stole undisclosed amount of cash from their vehicle.

After realising that they have been scammed, two men chased on the first suspects but it alleged that he fell and drop dead.

Two victims who are now suspects allegedly went to sell their cattle. According to our mole three suspects were from Rustenburg and tried to swindle two men.

Two suspects are still at large and a case of inquest that might be overturned to murder was launched at Pudumong Police Station on Thursday.

Police investigations continue.-TDN
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Pooby happy with Bafana Bafana team spirit


Sydney- SAFA NEC member and head of delegation for Men’s Senior National Team on Australasia tour, Poobalan Govindasamy says he is impressed with the high spirit within the Bafana Bafana squad ahead of their scheduled matches against Australia and New Zealand.

Bafana Bafana play Australia on 26 May 2014 at ANZ Stadium in Sydney (19h30 Australian time/ 11h30 SA time) before travelling to Auckland for a date with New Zealand on 30 May.

“The spirit in this camp is unbelievable. The guys are eager to do well and if they take on the Socceroos with this kind of spirit, we might be in for a memorable game,” said Govindasamy.

The players had an hour long pool session in mid-morning and will have a full training session later in the day (Saturday, 24 May 2014).

“Everyone is excited about being here and this is the type of team spirit we need in the camp. They are all rallying up together and this bunch of players look like they will take the country to the next level.

“They are young and need to grow up together as a unit. That is a recipe for every country’s success; the camaraderie in the squad is always a good start,” added Govindasamy.

Since arriving in Australia on Friday, the team has had only light training sessions, mostly around the swimming pool to loosen their muscles after a marathon 12-hour flight from Johannesburg.

There have been no reported injuries within the squad and according to Poobie, the match between the Socceroos and Bafana Bafana should be a thriller.

“I personally can’t wait for Monday’s encounter. This match could turn out to be one of the most fantastic matches ever. It has all the ingredients of a thriller.”

After the afternoon training session which is scheduled to begin at 15h30 (Australian time), the team will have the final training session at the match venue at 19h00 on Sunday, 25 May 2014.-TDN
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Zuma set to be sworn in for second term


Johannesburg – Jacob Zuma will be sworn in for his second term as president, at the Union Buildings in Pretoria on Saturday.

About 4 500 foreign and local dignitaries are expected to attend, including Zimbabwe’s President Robert Mugabe and his wife Grace, Botswana’s Ian Khama and Madagascar’s Hery Rajaonarimampianina.

The pomp and ceremony will include an air force flypast and a 21-gun salute. The army band has been entertaining guests at the Nelson Mandela Amphitheatre from 05:00, while the “cultural programme”, which is expected to include performances from Kurt Darren and DJ Vetkuk, starts at 08:00.

The formal ceremony begins at 11:00. Zuma will be sworn in by Chief Justice Mogoeng Mogoeng, and is scheduled to announce his new Cabinet on Sunday.

The inauguration will be attended by heads of state and government, deputy heads, and former heads from 47 countries, but no one from the United Kingdom, Europe, or America.

Also in attendance will be Democratic Alliance leader Helen Zille and Economic Freedom Fighters MP Magdalene Moonsamy.

All EFF MPs have received invitations, but it is unclear if leader Julius Malema will attend.

– SAPA

Afro-pop singer Berita pulverizes her way to stardom


By Kgatliso Ramose
Johannesburg- She is beautiful,talented and got brain. The 23 years-old Afro-pop sensation recently graduated at Walter Sisilu University.

However the Thandolwethu hitmaker admitted that the journey was not a walk in the park “Studying financial course and work as a musician has been one of the hardest, but most rewarding thing I ever had to do” said sassy voice singer.

“There were times when I struggled to cope with exams and performing gigs but I carried my books along everywhere and it worked” she said.

Born Gugulethu Khumalo to Educator parents in Bulawayo in Zimbabwe, Berita believes very much in education.

“The spirit of learning encourages an individual to be curious and courageous at the same time” said the Menziwa singer.

With stories of broke artists making rounds everyday due to lack of knowledge and back up plan, Berita wont follow that bad phenomenon.

“I encourage young people to empower themselves with knowledge about music industry and education that has nothing to do with music” she warns.

“This is so because when one reaches the heights of their dreams, they are able to grab all the opportunities with both hands, and also when things dont work as planned they can able to seek and take advange of other opportunities” she continued.

This year Berita travelled around Southern African countries performing and she decided to enrol at a music school afterwards.

“Its always been my dream to learn more about my instrument(guitar) and my craft. Initially when I passed high school, I asked my parents if I could study music and they didn’t approve so I ended up studying accounting” she said.

Her debut album Conquering Spirit won a Metro FM award and she is working on her second album.-TDN
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Bafana to prove critics wrong


Sydney- Bafana Bafana touched down at Sydney International Airport on Friday and went straight to the swimming pool where they relaxed for around 45 minutes.

The senior national team are here to play the Socceroos in an international friendly match on Monday at (19h30 Australian time) 11h30 SA time. The match will take place at ANZ Stadium in Sydney.

Coach Gordon Igesund said although the 12-hour trip was energy sapping, he and the boys were in high spirits and ready to give a good account of themselves.

“The boys are really charged up. They have a point to prove and I have never seen such hunger and determination. This match might be a defining moment in their careers.

“These are the boys who will participate in the Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matches and that journey begins here. Most of them are under 24 and need matches of this calibre to gain international experience,” said Igesund.

After the swimming pool session, the players played table tennis before supper and went straight to bed.

“We need to adjust to the different times. It is midday at home and here we have to go to bed. Bodies will take time to adjust but this is part of this great sport. A sportsman should adjust to different conditions urgently and all these players are great professionals,” said Igesund.

The team will train at 15h30 (Australian time) and will have the final training session at the match venue at 19h00.-TDN
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Sundowns striker Manqele to sign for Chiefs?


By Obakeng Maje
Joahannesburg- Mamelodi Sundowns striker Edward Manqele is likely to join Kaizer Chiefs in the next season after he made it clear that he wants out.

According to http://www.kickoff.com Mamelodi Sundowns official, Manqele also informed the club about his decision and said the club will not force him to stay.

“As we know Manqele was on loan at Moroka Swallows, he is due to return to Sundowns and he made it clear that he wants out. So it is Sundowns policy not to force players to play for the club while their minds are elsewhere” he told kickoff.com

Former Free State Stars striker hit to prominence back in 2012/2013 season after scoring 14 goals. He was snapped by Mamelodi Sundowns and had a disappointing season.

He was loaned to Swallows and scored 12 goals. Moroka Swallows made it clear that they will not keep Manqele due to his demanding salary.

Manqele let his desire known when he said he is keen on joining Kaizer Chiefs during transfer window, but the move did not materialised.

Kaizer Chiefs coach Stuart Baxter said the club will sign offensive players and a 25 year-old strike makes the cut.-TDN
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Premier Mahumapelo congratulates newly elected NCOP Chairperson


North West Premier Supra Mahumapelo has congratulated her predecessor, Thandi Modise on her election as Chairperson of the National Council of Provinces (NCOP).

“Former Premier Thandi Modise’s exceptional performance in governance, visionary leadership, experience as Speaker of the North West Provincial Legislature,  Member of Parliament and Chairperson of Committees in the National Assembly gives us confidence that she will continue to serve the country and provinces with utmost distinction in her new role,’ Premier Mahumapelo said.Mahumapelo who nominated Modise to be elected unopposed to the position said that the province will give Modise support in her new role because “her success is our success and our success will be her success as we will be accelerating service delivery building on the solid foundation she has laid.”
He added that Modise has not disappointed or failed to live up to expectation in any of the roles and contribution she made on behalf of the ruling party thus far. -TDN
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Teacher who showed porn in class condemned


Johannesburg – The National Congress of School Governing Bodies said on Thursday it was saddened by the allegation that a teacher had showed porn to a class at Edenglen High School in Gauteng.

“Teachers are role models and play a very important role to sharpen our children to reach their destiny,” the body’s secretary general Pastor Monokoane Hlobo said.

He said teachers should behave like parents to learners.

“We will not tolerate this kind of behaviour and appeal to the department of basic education and the South African Council of Educators to investigate and deal with matter as of yesterday.”

Facing suspension

Earlier, the Gauteng education department said a life orientation teacher who allegedly screened pornography on his class projector by accident was served with a notice of intention to suspend him.

“We have instituted an investigation into this matter with the view to act,” said spokesperson Phumla Sekhonyane.

She said the pupils were receiving counselling.

“We are extremely disturbed by these allegations. The safety of children at our schools is a priority.”

According to a report in the Sowetan newspaper the Grade 10 teacher told pupils to busy themselves with work he gave them while he prepared an exam they were soon to write.

The teacher then reportedly began surfing pornographic sites, unaware his laptop was still connected to the class projector.

One mother was quoted as saying her daughter came home terrified, as the incident brought back memories of her sexual abuse when she was younger.

SAPA