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Duarte lambastes ANC over single female premier


Johannesburg – It is unacceptable that only one woman has been appointed as a premier in the ANC-run provinces this year, party deputy secretary general Jessie Duarte said on Tuesday.
“It is a strange outcome which is not an acceptable one,” she told reporters in Johannesburg.

“I would like to call it a political structural fault line… The fault is with us, and the fault is that we need to deal with the transversal reality of the structure of the ANC at provincial level and make sure parity means exactly that.”

The ANC had gender parity at national level, but not at provincial. Duarte said this was not because there were no capable women leaders in the party.

“We have capable women in this country who don’t need grooming to lead.”

“No man is ever groomed to lead anybody, they assume leadership is their God-given birthright. It’s wrong. Women can lead as capably and often more capably than men lead.”
Of the eight provinces run by the ANC only the Northern Cape would have a female premier, Sylvia Lucas. Kenny Moemang would be provincial speaker.

After the 2009 elections four provinces had female premiers – Gauteng, North West, Northern Cape, and Eastern Cape.

The ANC held a special national executive committee (NEC) meeting in Pretoria on Monday where it decided on its premiers.

Duarte said it was a marathon meeting, which started at 08:00 and ended late evening. Each province proposed three names for premier, but the NEC had the final say.

“We [the NEC] were really concerned with the male domination of nominations and… we agreed that going forward to the next national general council of the ANC we might have to review the nomination regulations and fine-tune them to ensure the selection process has outcomes which guarantee our policy of gender parity.”

She said the NEC decided where there was a male premier there had to be a female speaker, and the provincial executive committee had to be 60% women.

Lack of women

ANC treasurer general Zweli Mkhize echoed Duarte’s sentiments about the lack of women premiers and denied this was because of a lack of female leadership in the party.

“As you are aware a number of leaders… are women and the ANC has many of them in various structures.”
Like Duarte he said women did not need to be groomed to lead and there was no programme like that in the ANC.

Mpumalanga, KwaZulu-Natal, the Free State, and Limpopo retained their premiers – David Mabuza, Senzo Mchunu, Ace Magashule, and Stan Mathabatha respectively. Their speakers would be Thandi Shongwe in Mpumalanga, Sisi Mabe in the Free State, Merriam Ramadwa in Limpopo, and Lydia Johnson in KwaZulu-Natal.

In the North West, Premier Thandi Modise was replaced by ANC provincial chair Supra Mahumapelo. Sussana Tsebe was chosen as provincial speaker.

ANC Eastern Cape chair Phumulo Masualle was appointed premier, replacing Noxolo Kiviet, who becomes the province’s speaker.

ANC Gauteng secretary David Makhura would replace Nomvula Mokonyane as premier. Former co-operative governance MEC Ntombi Mekgwe would be provincial speaker.

Concerns over Gauteng

Duarte said during Monday’s NEC meeting stability in the provinces was discussed, as a local government election was 18 months away.

“We needed to be sure that we put in place people that can carry the burden of managing both an election as well as service delivery at a higher level than ever before, so that we capture back the space we may have rescinded in the national elections.”
This was especially true for Gauteng.

The ANC’s support in Gauteng, the country’s economic heartland, decreased from 64.04% in 2009 to 53.59%, the party’s worst provincial performance in 2014.

“Frankly speaking we didn’t do very well and the ANC is very concerned about this province. We want to put it right out there, it’s not a secret. We are concerned,” she said.

The ANC in Gauteng welcomed Makhura’s appointment.

“We are confident that David Makhura will lead Gauteng province with decisiveness and sound principles, and continue to make it a better place to live, work, and play in,” it said.

The ANC in KwaZulu-Natal congratulated Mchunu on his re-appointment, saying he was the ideal person for the job.

The SA Communist Party in the Eastern Cape congratulated Masualle on his appointment.

ANC North West to hold its 5th Parliamentary Sitting


By Obakeng Maje
Mahikeng- ANC North West will have a press conference on 5th Parliament Sitting.

“The ANC in the North West led by the Provincial Chairperson, Cde Supra Mahumapelo will have a press conference to be held at the Legislature Chief Whip’s Boardroom” ANC North West Secretary-General Dakota Logoete said.

Members of the media are invited to attend the conference immediately after the 5th Parliament Sitting, taking place at the North West Legislature Chamber at 10h00.-TDN
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Mashaba keeps bulk of U20 squad for Ethiopia 2nd leg qualifier


Johannesburg- South African Men’s U20 National Team coach, Ephraim ‘Shakes’ Mashaba, has retained the bulk of the team that did duty against Ethiopia in the first leg of the African Youth championship qualifier in Addis Ababa last weekend (11 May 2014).

After a short break, Amajita are back in camp for the second leg of the 2015 Senegal African Youth Championships qualifier, which takes place on Sunday, 25 May 2014 at Bidvest Wits Stadium.

Kickoff is at 15h00.

The South Africans won the first leg 2-0 courtesy of goals from Siyanda Ngubo and Tsepo Chaine.

A win for Amajita this weekend will see them play Cameroon in the third and final round of qualifiers.

The overall winner between the two nations will qualify for the 19th Edition of the African Youth Championships which will be held in Senegal from 8 – 22 March in 2015.

The top four teams in the tournament will represent Africa at the 2015 FIFA U20 World Cup tournament in New Zealand.

Amajita have been in camp since Sunday, 18 May.

“I am glad that all the boys are in as expected with the exception of Morne Nel who was unable to join us. We have the advantage of the two goals we scored in Addis Ababa. Now the priority is to consolidate the victory by going for more goals, but at the same time we should be careful not to give them opportunities to score. But we will not sit back as it could prove dangerous,” said Mashaba.

“”We saw what they are capable of. They can play when given space; so we need tigers in the middle of the park to thwart any danger the opponents could pose, we don’t want them to play at all.

“The good thing also is that we have kept the bulk of the players that did duty in the first leg for continuity, as you can’t afford to change the team too much. If it is not broken, don’t fix it. On Sunday we must continue from where left off in Addis.”
-TDN
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Mbete back as Speaker


Cape Town – The ANC will nominate its chairperson Baleka Mbete as National Assembly Speaker, ruling party secretary general Gwede Mantashe said on Tuesday.
Mantashe spoke after the ANC’s first caucus meeting of the fifth democratic Parliament where the Assembly’s top four positions were announced.

“Comrade Baleka Mbete will be the Speaker of Parliament. Lechesa Tsenoli will be the Deputy Speaker of Parliament,” Mantashe said.

Mbete will replace Max Sisulu after the official election process in the National Assembly on Wedneday.

Tsenoli replaces Nomaindia Mfeketo.

Stone Sizani would remain Chief Whip and Doris Dlakude his deputy.

– SAPA

Mboweni withdraws as ANC MP


Cape Town – Former SA Reserve Bank governor Tito Mboweni has withdrawn from the ANC’s list for Parliament, making himself unavailable to serve as an MP.
This was announced by ANC secretary general Gwede Mantashe in Cape Town on Tuesday.

Mantashe would not be drawn on the reasons for Mboweni’s withdrawal, contained in a letter to the ANC.

“I don’t think it would be ethical… to read a letter that Mboweni writes to the ANC… and we don’t think that should be done.

“He will be doing something different in the best interests of the country and himself.”

Mboweni’s withdrawal followed speculation that he would replace Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan if he were not available for appointment or should he be deployed elsewhere.

Gordhan, who is not at MP, was appointed in 2009.

The law allows the president to appoint to his Cabinet two ministers and two deputy ministers who are not MPs.

– SAPA

ANC North West welcomes Mahumapelo as new premier


By Obakeng Maje
Mahikeng- African National Congress National Executive Committee ended their two-day meeting that was held in Centurion, near Pretoria on Tuesday.

The NEC was tasked to discuss new names of premier candidates that were submitted by Provincial Executive Committees(PECs) of ANC-led provinces.

Eight names were announced on Tuesday and only one female candidate made the cut. Three changes were made in Gauteng, North West and Eastern Cape.

ANC spokesperson Jessie Yasmin Duarte said the ruling party elected people who will make sure they can be up to the task.

“We elected candidates who we believe will take ANC forward and we are very concern about Gauteng province where ANC did not do well” Duarte said.

The ousted premier Nomvula Mokonyane was never a potentate candidate after her fall-out with the masses especially residents of infamous Bekkersdal township where she told them that ANC does not need their dirty votes before elections.

Mokonyane since apologised but it seems mending her ways was too little too late.

ANC North West spokesperson Oupa Matla said they are so ecstatically happy by the new premier Supra Mahumapelo. “ANC North West welcomed the decision taken by NEC and we believe the clique we experienced in the province will come to an end.”

Matla said there was a faction within the province as other ANC members were in Modise’s camp while others supported Mahumapelo who was the speaker of the Legislature.

Supra Mahumapelo played it down two weeks ago during ANC Siyabonga Rally that was held in Taung coverground.

“I cannot say I want to become North West premier, but if called to the task I think I will heed the call. The decision will be solely taken by comrade Jacob Zuma” Mahumapelo said then.

ANC president Jacob Zuma said they will not elect persons who were not nominated by provincial executive committee, however Ntombi Mekgwe was included in the list of Gauteng province candidates and the decision was allegedly taken on Monday night.

The decision was overturned on Tuesday and Makhura was announced as Gauteng premier Nomvula Mokonyane’s successor.

The newly-appointed premier Mahumapelo has a mammoth task to recuperate the province after unrest experienced.

He said the most task is to deal with unrest that permeated through the province.

Many people picketed across the province to show unhappiness due to poor service delivery.

Mothutlung, Marikana, Bloemhof and other hotspots areas will be given first preference.

The ANC is expected to recompenses the outgoing premier Thandi Modise by deploying her within the ANC structure.

The ANC North West appointed a new speaker Sussana Tsebe.-TDN
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The OFFICIAL List of Premiers:

Gauteng: David Makhura (new appointment)
Mpumalanga: David Mabuza (retained)
Limpopo: Stan Mathabatha (retained)
Free State: Ace Magashule (retained)
Eastern Cape: Phumulo Masualle (new appointment)
Northern Cape: Sylvia Lucas (retained)
KwaZulu-Natal: Senzo Mchunu (retained)
North West: Supra Mahumapelo (new appointment)
-TDN
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Bursaries for students who want to further their studies


Not sure on Bursaries and Loans? This article below will help you get in touch with resourceful information.

South Africa is home to many world-class universities and colleges, and you’re smart and want to get ahead in life. How are you going to pay for your studies?

Studying is an expensive undertaking. You can expect to pay between R20 000 and R30 000 for each year of undergraduate study at a South African university. Specialised or professional degrees, such as medicine and engineering, can cost much more.

South Africa also has a wide range of private colleges, where tuition fees can be higher than at the subsidised public institutions.

Be sure to consider your options before deciding how to pay for your studies, and apply for any award or bursary for which you’re eligible.

•University financial aid
•National financial aid
•External bursaries
•Student loans
•Bursaries for teachers
•Paying your own way
•Websites with bursary information
University financial aid

If you have already enrolled at a university, or are considering doing so, their financial aid office should be your first stop. (See the list of university websites on the right.)

Most universities offer bursaries or grants to students that have excelled in their previous studies, or on the sports field.

Check with your university’s financial aid office whether you are eligible for any of these bursaries or awards, and make sure that you apply before the closing date, which is usually in October of the year preceding the start of your studies. Some can be as early as March, so it’s worth checking the date.

•The NSFAS website carries a comprehensive list of the contact details of South African educational institutions

National financial aid

If you are a South African citizen you may be eligible for a National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) loan for study at one of the country’s public higher education institutions.

The NSFAS, a statutory body funded by the Department of Higher Education and Training, provides study loans to academically able but financially needy students.

Much of an NSFAS loan can be converted into a bursary, which does not then need to be repaid, depending on one’s academic progress. A 100% pass rate would result in a 40% bursary rebate on an NSFAS loan.

The size of the initial NSFAS loan ranges from R2 000 to R30 000. You should apply at your university’s financial aid office.

External bursaries

Many South African companies as well as provincial government departments offer bursaries to promising students.

The terms of these bursaries vary tremendously. Contract bursaries require you to “pay back” the bursary by working at the company once you’ve completed your degree – giving you a job and work experience immediately after your graduation. Many mining and engineering companies, in particular, provide contract bursaries.

A booklet known as the Bursary Register is published every year and includes a full list of bursaries available in your particular field. While copies are available at most high schools and at your university’s financial aid office, you can also order a copy from: The Bursary Register

Tel: +27 (0)11 672 6559
Email: rlevin@mweb.co.za
Student loans

All of South Africa’s major banks offer student loans, both to South Africans and to non-South Africans with valid study permits. Bank loans, unlike NSFAS loans, will also cover studies at a private institution.

When applying for a bank loan, you will have to show proof of registration at an educational institution. You’ll also need somebody, such as a parent or guardian, to sign surety for you.

Although you will only need to start repaying your bank loan once you’ve completed your studies, you will need to keep up the interest payments throughout the term of the loan.

Bursaries for teachers

Funza Lushaka is a government-funded bursary scheme aimed at promoting teaching in public schools.

Students planning to complete a teaching qualification (in a subject area identified as a national priority by the Department of Basic Education) can apply for full-cost bursaries – which cover the cost of tuition, books as well as living expenses.

Recipients of these bursaries have to be South African citizens and will be required to teach at a public school for the same number of years that they receive the bursary. While recipients may request to be placed at a school in a particular province, they cannot choose the school.

Note that you need a student number to apply for a bursary and you can apply for a Funza Lushaka bursary through your university. •See the Funza Lushaka website for more information.

•Considering social work as a career? Apply for a full-service bursary from the Department of Social Development.

Paying your own way

You can also choose to pay your own way. By taking a year off to work before studying, or by working part-time while pursuing your studies, you can gain valuable work experience while earning to finance your degree.

You’ll have to be disciplined, however, to make sure that you set aside enough time for both your studies and your work, and to make sure that you don’t fall behind in either.

Websites with bursary information

•GoStudy SA: lists bursaries according to field of study and includes bursary values, as well as a link to specific sites.

•Funding opportunities from the National Research Foundation, which is one of the Department of Science and Technology’s key science councils.
-TDN
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North West departments ‘hostage drama’ victims named


Mahikeng-The Department of Human Settlements Public Safety and Liaison in the North West, has released the names of its employees who became victims of the last week Thursday shooting incident that left two people dead and the other three hospitalised with serious injuries.

The Departmental Spokesperson Ben Bole confirmed the names of the deceased, as Mr Serame Moirapula who was the Chief Housing Inspector, Mr Aubrey Kgaladi who was newly appointed as Admin Officer.

According to Bole the unfortunate incident has sent a panic wave among employees. He further confirmed that those who sustained injuries from the unfortunate incident are now stable.

“We had three colleagues who got seriously injured and two got admitted to hospital and were discharged on Saturday”, said Bole.

They are Ms Veronica Mosala who is the commercial cleaner, Mr Sehularo Matsobane who is the Assistant Director compliance and enforcement unit in the Department of Economic Development and Mr Leshoe Phenyo who is the Deputy Director in Chief Directorate housing development was also treated for head injuries by private doctor.

He said that, following internal preliminary investigations, the department discovered that Mr Moirapula has not been reporting for duty since the beginning of 2014 calendar year. “In view of the foregoing, the Department had no option but to freeze his salary for May 2014 informed by Section 17 (3) (a) (i) of the Public Service Act,” said Bole.

The police are still investigating what could have led to the unfortunate incident where Mr Moirapula is alleged to have shoot colleagues and later turned the gun on himself.-TDN
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Bafana coach upbeat despite injuries to some players


Bafana Bafana coach, Gordon Igesund, has announced some changes to his squad that are due to fly out to Australasia for the friendly matches against Australia and New Zealand. 
The national team has been rocked by some late withdrawals from the squad in recent weeks due to injury – the latest players to have pulled out are the Kaizer Chiefs trio of Itumeleng Khune, Bernard Parker and Siphiwe Tshabalala.

European-based defenders, Siyanda Xulu and Kagisho Dikgacoi earlier withdrew due to injury, and at the moment it seems as if Igesund will be taking something of a skeleton squad for the Down Under tour. The games against Australia and New Zealand are not Fifa-sanctioned, meaning that players don’t have to make themselves available to go on tour.

Nonetheless, at a press conference held earlier today at OR Tambo airport in Johannesburg, Igesund outlined his plans to compensate for the unavailable players.

He told the assembled press corp, “I think it was important to call a press conference to let everyone know what is happening. Originally I called up 18 players and there were 11 withdrawals due to injuries, and other reasons. Some clubs were not willing to release certain players as well. I mean we only found out about some of them on Monday night.”
Igesund added, “I can confirm that players that are out are Oupa Manyisa, Thabo Matlaba, Itumeleng Khune, Kagisho Dikgacoi, Tsepo Masilela, Siphiwe Tshabalala, Bernard Parker, Andile Jali, Siyanda Xulu and Sibusiso Vilakazi. In their place I’ve called up Hlompho Kekana for ‘KG. Senzo Meyiwa for Khune. Thuso Phala for ‘Shabba’, Thato Mokeke for Masilela. Kermit Erasmus for Parker and Eric Mathoho for Xulu. I also called up Vilakazi to replace Jali but then he later got injured. In his place I’ve called up Teko Modise instead. I wanted to acknowledge Teko’s form by calling him up, you know.

The national team coach concluded, ‘”Our team doctor is also going to assess Manyisa and Matlaba after this conference. We will then know if they will be able to play or not.”

Bafana are scheduled to take on Australia on 26 May and then New Zealand on 30 May.
For more http://www.soccerladuma.co.za 

Musicians fear isolation by parties: Cwusa


Mthethwa said musicians had expressed fears they could face isolation and discrimination, particularly from the African National Congress, after performing for other political parties at pre-election rallies.

“[The] ANC is the founding pillar of these constitutional rights and it would be really disturbing if the very ANC would turn around and do the contrary to what they penned as the freedom of association, in line with the freedom charter and their own experience that led some cadres to end up in exile.”

However, the union said it was unaware of any musicians being isolated by the ruling party for performing for other parties.
For more http://www.sowetanlive.co.za