December 2024 – Page 6 – TaungDailyNews (2025)

By OBAKENG MAJE

3 December 2024- Today marks the International Day of Persons with Disabilities and the Republic of South Africa (RSA) president, Cyril Ramaphosa said it is an opportunity to reflect on the progress they have made with respect to advancing the rights of persons with disabilities.

Ramphosa said it is also an opportunity to consider what they still need to do to implement inclusive policies and to elevate the representation of persons with disabilities in the society. He further said the Constitution and Bill of Rights enshrines the right to equality for all.

“It prohibits discrimination on the grounds of disability. Approximately 3.3 million people in our country live with some form of physical or intellectual impairment. Many of them have to contend with stigma, stereotyping, prejudice and other forms of social exclusion.

“A lack of proper understanding about disability continues in some communities. Some people see having a disability as a ‘curse’ or the result of witchcraft. This sometimes has horrific consequences. People with albinism, for example, have been victims of violence and even murder,” said Ramaphosa.

He added that persons with disabilities face an ‘invisible barrier’ in access to public spaces, amenities and facilities. Ramphosa said the lack of wheelchair ramps, braille signage, suitable toilet facilities and devices that cater for the hearing impaired pose a challenge for persons with disabilities.

“Most South Africans rely on public transportation, and this too can be a frustrating experience for disabled persons. Minibus taxis, for example, have limited capacity for accommodating wheelchairs and other mobility aids.

“As a result of these serious challenges, many in the disabled community find themselves poor, unemployed and excluded. They suffer ill-health and poor quality of life. Under democracy, we have been steadfast in our determination to ensure that persons with disabilities are supported to lead lives of dignity,” he said.

Ramaphosa said the Constitution obliges the state to take legislative and other measures to promote the achievement of such equality, and to protect persons disadvantaged by unfair discrimination. He said they introduced employment equity laws to promote equal opportunity in the workplace.

“By law, employers have to ensure that at least 2% of their workforce comprises persons with disabilities. We amended labour legislation to broaden the scope under which persons who sustain a temporary or permanent disability at work can apply for compensation.

“The Department of Employment and Labour has labour desks to provide specialist employment advice services for persons with disabilities. One of the most far-reaching legislative reforms is the Compensation for Occupational Injuries and Diseases Act,” said Ramaphosa.

He said among other things, this makes mineworkers and former mineworkers eligible for compensation if they sustained permanent disability in the course of their employment. Ramaphosa said to ensure that measures to advance the empowerment of disabled persons receive attention at the highest levels of government, a Presidential Working Group on Disability was established in 2016.

“It brings together government departments and about 45 civil society organisations from the disability sector. It is tasked with guiding the implementation of policy to advance the rights of the disabled.

“One of the key issues the Working Group has been lobbying for since its inception was the recognition of South Africa Sign Language as an official language. This was achieved in 2022 with a constitutional amendment,” he said.

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Picture: The suspected stolen goats seized by the police/Supplied

By BAKANG MOKOTO

3 December 2024- More than 126 goats estimated to the value of R315000, were recovered by the Kimberley Stock Theft and Endangered Species Unit in Kimberley on 1 December 2024.

It is alleged that the goats were stolen from the Klein Kareem Farm, outside Kimberley.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Colonel Cherelle Ehlers said it was reported that the complainant noticed that the padlock of the enclosure was believed to be broken and the goats had been stolen. Ehlers said investigations led to the recovery of 19 goats, with an estimated value of R47000 on the Griekwastad road, outside Kimberley.

“Perseverance by the members resulted in the recovery of 95 goats with an estimated value of R237000, near Platfontein on 2 December 2024. The owner was informed and positively identified the tattoo markings on the goats.

“Investigations are continuing and no arrest has been made yet. Anyone with information can contact the investigating officer, Sergeant Lerato Phiri at 082 495 0736. Information can also be relayed via the MySAPS app or 08600 10111,” she said.

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By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

3 December 2024- A man (26) sentenced to eight years for rape. On 5 November 2023, at approximately 2am, the victim was on her way from a nearby tavern when two men accosted her.

They dragged her into their house in Platfontein, near Kimberley threatened, assaulted and raped her. The police were alerted by community members and both men were arrested on the same day.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Sergio Kock said Andries Antonio (26) and Freddy Dristo (21), were arrested and later received bail. Kock said Dristo is still on the run.

“Antonio was sentenced in the Kimberley Regional Court on 21 November 2024,” he said.

Meanwhile, the SAPS Management commended Detective Constable Ruth Morolong from the Kimberley SAPS Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences unit for her meticulous investigation that led to the outstanding sentence, especially as the country is celebrating the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children.

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By REGINALD KANYANE

3 December 2024- Crop production in South Africa is overshadowed by storm clouds, and not the type that farmers crave. A multitude of uncertainties combine to darken prospects for the country’s crop farmers, which include climate change, water shortages, soil degradation, disease, economic instability and infrastructure and energy restrictions.

Prof Jacques Berner, Sub-Programme leader, is an expert in the field of crop physiology and said, that is why researchers at the sub-programme for Crop Production and Soil Management at the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences of the North West University (NWU) pursue concerted solutions for the country’s most critical agricultural issues. Berner said to be able to do this, the NWU must remain at the forefront of innovation, and two new agriculture-oriented projects testify to the commitment of the university in this regard.

“The NWU AgriHub and the HVAC Growth Facility with a focus on photosynthesis and the adjustment of ancient grain crops to environmental stress. My expertise lies in the investigation of physiological reactions of crops to drought and extreme temperatures.

“We want to establish the NWU AgriHub of Excellence, which is located just 4km from the NWU Potchefstroom campus, as a centre for agricultural innovation, research and training. This season we are starting a grain-based long-term trial and will focus on diverse agricultural systems to promote sustainable food production,” he said.

Berner further their vision is to develop solutions that will ensure food security and environmental sustainability, while they bridge knowledge gaps between the academic world, the industry, the government and farmers. He added that this centre will serve as a platform for influential research, industry cooperation and the development of agricultural systems that are designed for the challenges of the future.

Berner said the Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning Growth Facility (HVAC Growth Facility) is being developed close to the Botswana border. He said their HVAC Growth Facility is currently being built at the Mahikeng Campus.

“This advanced facility will offer controlled environments that mimic various climatic conditions, including variations in temperature, light, humidity, drought and flooding. It will create the ideal environment for research on the impact of climate change on plant growth and development.

“By simulating different environmental variables the facility will enable researchers to study how plants react to varying light conditions, temperature stressors and water shortages. This will provide valuable insights into their resilience, adaptability and overall health in changing environmental conditions,” said Berner.

He said this research can potentially make a considerable contribution to agricultural practices and strategies to mitigate climate change. Berner said the university is also looking beyond the immediate future to other possibilities of supporting the agricultural sector.

Meanwhile, the NWU principal and vice-chancellor, Prof Bismark Tyobeka said: “We are investigating the possibility of establishing a veterinary school, which will work with, among other institutions, the NWU’s subject group Animal Health, and the agricultural programme to make food security a priority.

“Agriculture plays an important role in the country and in North West in adding economic value, providing job opportunities, promoting rural development and creating food security.”

Tyobeka said, if they look at food security, there is currently a great need in the province and in the country, but the university has the capacity and expertise to make an appreciable difference in this sector. He said they have increased their involvement in the agricultural sector by further developing their partnerships with the government and the private sector.

“In addition to these efforts, the NWU is also looking at cooperation with the struggling agricultural colleges in the province, and considerable progress has already been made in this regard.

“Agriculture is one of the pillars supporting the South African economy, and the NWU is committed to ensuring that this sector is not only healthy, but also grows,” said Tyobeka.

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By OBAKENG MAJE

3 December 2024- Two people died in a horrible car accident in Hartwater in the early hours of Monday, 2 December 2024. This comes after two vehicles collided on N18 road, outside Hartswater at around 1:30am.

It is alleged that, a vehicle that was driving from Pampierstad, disregarded the stop sign at the T-Junction and collided with a vehicle that was travelling towards Jan Kempdorp.

According to the Northern Cape police spokesperson, Colonel Cherelle Ehlers, a young girl and boy died in an accident.

“The driver (29) of the vehicle traveling from Pampierstad, allegedly sustained serious injuries, a girl (17) and a boy (10), died on the scene. The driver and two passengers in the other vehicle sustained injuries and were transported to hospital for treatment.

“A case of culpable homicide was opened and under investigation,” she said.

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By REGINALD KANYANE

2 December 2024– Banyana Banyana are looking forward to giving hosts Jamaica a sterner test when the two nations meet again at the Catherine Hall Stadium in Montego Bay on Monday.

The Sasol-sponsored South African senior women’s national team lost the first meeting 0-3 on 29 November 2024, at the same venue and will be determined to make amends in the second international friendly match tonight.

Banyana Banyana will be looking to correct their errors in this second match and Head Coach Dr Desiree Ellis said her team will have to be more deliberate when going forward against the Reggae Girlz.

“We had a great video analysis session with the players, and we know that going into the second match we will have to be aggressive upfront. We are good at creating chances and staying compact at the back, but it will be important that we make use of our chances.

“One of the main reasons for these matches was to see new players, and we will continue to give as many players as possible a chance to play, but this is also always dictated by the match itself,” she said.

Ellis said they are looking for an improved performance tonight, as they are still preparing for next year’s WAFCON.

Meanwhile, the match will be live on Youtube and kick off is at 02h30 on Tuesday morning (South Africa time) as Jamaica is seven hours behind South Africa.

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Ka BAKANG MOKOTO

2 Sedimonthole 2024- Sepodisi kwa Christiana, se batlisisa kgetsi ya morago ga loso. Se se tla morago ga gore setopo sa monna o sa itsiweng se bonwe kwa nageng.

Go begwa fa setopo sa monna o sa itsiweng, se bonwe gaufi le mafulo a leruo kwa nageng kwa motse-setoropong wa Utlwanang, gaufi le Christiana mo letsatsing la maabane.

Sebueledi sa sepodisi mo sedikeng sa Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati, Sarasanta Tryphosa van Rooyen are: “Sepodisi se ile sa bilediwa kwa lefelong la tiragalo. Go fitlha ga jaana, moswi ga itsiwe.

“Ga gona matshwao ape a bontshang fa monna o a bolailwe. Fela, ga se re itse gore loso le ka tswa le bakilwe ke eng. Seo se tla itsiwe morago ga diteko tsa loso.”

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By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

2 December 2024- The North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Wessels Morweng has noted a preliminary ruling by the Gauteng High Court in Pretoria.

Morweng said the ruling follows an urgent application filed by a group referring to itself as Mining Affected Communities United in Action.

In the case filed on 30 November 2024, Morweng has been cited as first respondent.

“I have indicated that the department will comply with the court ruling. The department’s legal team is studying the judgement, but has hastened to indicate that they are intending to oppose the ruling.

“The next hearing is on 5 December 2024,” he said.

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Picture: Netball players duirng the match/Supplied

By REGINALD KANYANE

2 December 2024- Two-time defending champions Johannesburg were untroubled on the opening day of the SPAR National Netball Championships, hosted by the City of Johannesburg on Monday.

The home side comfortably won both of their two opening matches. Their first encounter was against eThekwini, a side new to the A section after competing in the B division last year. The KZN team battled to keep up with the defending champions who, despite some inaccurate shooting, managed to claim a 69-35 victory.

It was then on to a Jukskei Derby against Tshwane. Some may have expected a closer match between the two, but the Johannesburg side raced to a 21-9 lead by the end of the first quarter and never looked back.

Tshwane did improve during the course of the match and even won the final quarter by one goal, but that first-quarter deficit was just too large to make up, with Johannesburg ultimately winning 63-42.

Johannesburg coach and former SPAR Proteas captain, Dr Elsjé Jordaan said afterwards she was happier with her side’s second match of the day.

“I’m pretty pleased. I think we were better in the second game on rounding off – working so hard, punishing them and then getting the reward. The calmer the shooters are when they receive the ball, the more accurate they become.

“But it is challenging – it is quite hot out there and it’s physical so it’s about running legs and running players. As soon as you think a player is settling, you realise you need to make a change,” she said.

Jordaan said whoever is going to win this will be the team that manages their team the best. She further said in terms of consistency, they are still not where they want to be, but she thinks overall a good first day for them.

Tshwane coach Erin Burger explained that several players were unavailable for the side, but she believes the team will improve as the tournament progresses. They claimed a 48-42 victory over the South African under-21 side, who are also competing in the A section, before their loss to Johannesburg.

“It’s a new team and I think they’ve got a lot to give. It’s just to get the combinations to settle and to settle in under pressure.

“I think as the tournament goes, we’ll get stronger as a team as they get to know each other under pressure on court,” added Burger.

Burger agreed with Jordaan’s sentiments regarding the heat.

“This is still the start, it’s a long week. The heat is going to play a big role. I think the changes you make as a coach, how the bench comes on court, is going to play such a big role later,” she said.

Meanwhile, apart from Johannesburg, the other teams to retain a clean sheet with two victories on the opening day were Cape Town, who beat Ekurhuleni 57-45 and Dr Kenneth Kaunda 51-47 and Cape Winelands, who were thrilled with their 51-46 victory over last year’s runner-up Mangaung after beating Nelson Mandela Bay 56-24 in their opener.

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By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

1 December 2024- Four men who killed a well-known Egyptian Business Manager, Khalil Lofty Ghazy, sentenced to 25 years by the Northern Cape High Court sitting in Springbok. On 1 February 2021, Ditiro Brooks (28), Rapaleng Brooks (27), Kgagamatso Mokoding (42), and Ohentse Bless (30), from Kuruman, executed a well-orchestrated robbery.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson, Mojalefa Senokoatsane said, armed with firearms, they confronted Ghazy, robbing him of R122 500 before fatally shooting him. Senokoatsane said the perpetrators fled the scene in a rented white German Sedan, heading toward Okiep, a settlement near Springbok.

“They hid in the tavern of one of the accused, the late Thamsanqa Khauma. Swift action by the police led to their arrest. The stolen money was recovered and the firearms were found in the vehicle’s boot.

“The fourth accused, Ohentse Bless, was apprehended at a roadblock in Kathu, 40km from Kuruman. The court denied them bail and they remained in custody until sentencing” he said.

Senokoatsane further said the accused persons received 25 years for murder under Section 51(1) of Act 105 of 1997. He added that 18 years for robbery with aggravating circumstances under Section 51(2) of Act 105 of 1997.

“They were also sentenced to 5 years each for unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition. The sentences for robbery, firearm, and ammunition charges, will run concurrently with the murder sentence.

“This results in an effective 30 years of direct imprisonment,” said Senokoatsane.

Meanwhile, Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions (DDPP), advocate Johannes Cloete, led the state’s case. The trial showcased meticulous investigative work, including detailed tracking of the accused’s movements across three provinces using advanced technological tools.

Cloete said evidence from CCTV footage, including video of the robbery and murder. He said testimonies from numerous witnesses, including the victim’s friend and countryman, who shared the devastating impact of the crime on Ghazy’s family in Egypt.

In aggravation of sentencing, Cloete emphasized the premeditated nature of the crime, highlighting the accused’s callousness and disregard for human life.

“The court found no mitigating circumstances to warrant a reduced sentence, agreeing with the State’s plea for a stringent penalty. The NPA remains steadfast in ensuring justice for victims and advocating for harsher sentences for violent crimes that threaten community safety,” he said.

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