Inner City Gazette

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Est 2009 Issue 11 - 2015

19 - 26 March 2015

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Joburg to host world business conference ‘This is an honour and an opportunity to entrench the City of Joburg’s objectives to encourage entrepreneurship in order to stimulate economic growth and create jobs, while also emphasising Joburg’s credentials as a leading business events destination’ Johannesburg - The Global Entrepreneurship Network has announced that Joburg has earned the right to host the Global Entrepreneurship Congress (GEC) in 2017.

The bid was awarded to Joburg as part of the opening ceremony at GEC 2015 in Milan, Italy, and was proudly accepted by Minister of Small Business Development Lindiwe Zulu.

Economic Development MMC Ruby Mathang says this is an honour and an opportunity to entrench the City of Joburg’s objectives to encourage entrepreneurship in order to stimulate economic growth and create jobs, while also emphasising Joburg’s credentials as a leading business events destination.

“A conference like this, which is expected to attract some 4000 international delegates has significant economic benefits for the tourism, leisure and hospitality sectors, approximately R45 million for Johannesburg alone,” he says.

The Global Entrepreneurship Congress (GEC) is an inter-disciplinary gathering of start-up champions from more than 150 countries and attracts over 4000 delegates. These delegates

represent distinct components of their entrepreneurial ecosystems and are focused on how best to help entrepreneurs start and scale new companies.

The Congress has previously been held in the United States, UAE, China, UK, Brazil, Russia and Italy. South Africa is now proud to be the first African country to host the event.

Global Entrepreneurship Network president Jonathan Ortmans says the network continues to expand its involvement in Africa in support of helping the next generation of entrepreneurs to rebrand the continent and shift perceptions.

Johannesburg will provide an important backdrop for startup champions everywhere to come together in building one global entrepreneurial ecosystem.

At the GEC in Milan, Minister Lindiwe Zulu praised the efforts of all bid partners, which were instrumental as a team to ensure that the bid came to South Africa.

“This is a great opportunity for South Africa and Africa to showcase its entrepreneurial prowess to the world.

The GEC is a platform that would

open doors for our youth, ignite entrepreneurship and put our youth in the global arena,” she said.

The successful bid has come about as a result of a partnership between the City’s Convention Bureau and major bid partner, SEA Africa, a research and development company with a global reach. SEA Africa supports businesses in various African markets and is also a key role player in the annual Global Entrepreneurship Week in South Africa.

Speaking in Milan was the Executive Head of SEA Africa, Kizito Okechukwu, who managed and led the bid, joined the Minister in lauding the collective work done by the bid partners.

“This shows collaboration between the private and public sector. Collaboration is vital and we need to build sustainable ecosystems for entrepreneurial growth in Africa. The work starts right now because we need to build up to 2017. We would do this in partnership with various global and local partners and we also invite all stakeholders in the entrepreneurial space within Africa to engage, support and participate in this process.”

Small Business Development Minister Lindiwe Zulu

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All set for world festival

Officials (from left) Milly Viljoen, Reeva Welman, Prof Riette du Plessis, Adv Fati Manamela and Makhukhu Mampuru during the Consumer Affairs Court relaunch ceremony.

Pic: Inner-city Press Agency

Consumer court re-launches Staff Reporter news@inner-city-gazette.co.za

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he Gauteng Department of Economic development has re-launched the Consumer Affairs court.

During the re-launch ceremony at Matlotlo House in the Joburg CBD on Friday the Director General of Business Regulations and Governance Makhukhu Mampuru explained that the court was established as an administrative tribunal to hear cases against persons or companies accused of conducting unfair business practices.

He said the role of the court is to hear matters referred to and brought before it by the Gauteng Consumer Protector, with whom consumers can lodge complaints.

“The court will investigate the consumer complaint and seek to mediate and settle the matter. If a settlement is reached a set-

tlement agreement will be signed by both parties and referred to the court to have it made an order of court. If a settlement is not reached, the matter will be referred to the Consumer Protector who may issue summons for the business to appear in court.”

Mampuru added that due to matters not being forwarded for referral to the Consumer Affairs Court on account of high resolution levels within the office, and delay in appointing members due to technical and other reasons, the court has been inactive for some years.

Advocate Fati Manamela, the Chief Director for Consumer Affairs and Business Compliance said the re-launch of the court bodes well with this month’s theme of World Consumer Rights Month 2015. “This commemorates the month, and as a way of providing greater access to its services the court will also sit in other metropolitan and

district municipalities across the province.

This will enable complainants and respondents to travel shorter distances to the hearings. The hearings will also provide a platform for the court to educate consumers and stakeholders about its processes and procedures.”

He added that the court will operate like a circuit court to accelerate consumer justice and enhance service delivery to the residents of the region.

“Some of the matters the court can deal with include motor vehicle related cases, faulty cellphones, holiday clubs, poor building workmanship and non-refund, replacement or repairs of defective items like furniture,” he said.

The other members of the re-launch panel were Chairperson of the Consumer Affairs Court Professor Riette du Plessis and Gauteng Consumer Protector Reeva Welman.

‘We will retrofit our buses with environmental friendly engines and also ensure that we mobilise the public to retrofit their vehicles’ Staff Reporter news@inner-city-gazette.co.za

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he City of Joburg will host the EcoMobility World Festival in October, becoming the second-ever city in the world to stage the high-profile event.

During the month-long global festival, which was first held in Suwon, South Korea in 2013; the City will close off certain streets in Sandton and urge residents to use public transport, dedicated cycle and pedestrian lanes or other forms of nonmotorised transport to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve the environment.

The festival, organised Staff Reporter and Troye streets in the Joburg CBD. in partnership with Lonews@inner-city-gazette.co.za “Two men robbed the deceased of an cal Governments for undisclosed amount of money; and one Sustainability (ICLEI), he Johannesburg High Court has con- of them shot him once in the upper body, will coincide with the victed murder accused Mandla Ntom- and paramedics declared him dead on the celebration of Transport bela and last Friday sentenced him to 48 scene. A tip-off from community memMonth in Johannesburg. years imprisonment. bers led to the arrest of the suspect at corSpeaking at the launch Joburg Central police Communications ner Jeppe and Nugget streets. A gun with of the festival Mayor Officer Warrant Officer Xoli Mbele says no serial number and an Ipad belonging to Parks Tau said the City Ntombela was jailed for murder, armed the deceased were recovered from him,” robbery, possession of an unlicensed fire- he explains. had decided to host arm and ammunition.

Warrant Officer Mbele acknowledged the the event in Sandton Warrant Officer Mbele says on 27 Febru- diligent work of the investigating officer. as it was the epicentre ary 2014 Ntombela shot and killed a 55- “We thank the community for being our of Johannesburg facyear old man, Hai Fu Zhu at corner Kerk eyes and ears in the fight against crime.” ing serious congestion challenges, especially during peak hour periods. He said the festival formed part of the City’s ongoing efforts to promote green transUrban Olive port alternatives.

Flats To Rent “This includes formFrom R1 950 ing partnerships with For the 1st Month cycling activists and orNo Lease Fee ganisations to develop cycle lanes, promotUrban Olive, Central Joburg ing access to affordMobile: 082 535 1234 / Tel: 011 333 0200

Court jails gunman for murder

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Joburg Mayor Parks Tau

able bicycles in disadvantages communities, improving cycle safety and awareness, and promoting cycling as a normative mode of transport. To show that we are very keen to host the EcoMobility World Festival we have dedicated a fleet of 150 new Metro buses to be part of this festival. We will retrofit our buses with environmental friendly engines and also ensure that we mobilise the public to retrofit their vehicles. We will have routes dedicated to public transport, cycling and walking, and organise a range of other activities to ensure that this EcoMobility World Festival becomes a success,” he said.

Mayor Tau added that the City had also partnered with the University of Johannesburg, transport logistics state-owned enterprise Transnet and the corporate world to make the festival an exciting event to be remembered for a long time to come.

Adriaan Enthoven of Yellowood and chairman of Hollard Insurance said he was inspired by the global festival as it had a big role to play in creating a green culture in the city. “The private sector should show the way in building infrastructure and creating a good environment for cyclists and pedestrians.”

Konrad Otto Zimmerman of EcoMobility and the Urban Idea, who presented the Mayor with a book titled EcoMobile Neighbourhood in Motion, said the number of cars on the road was increasing. “Cars are getting bigger and as a result, suffocating our cities,” he added

19 - 26 March 2015

Inner-city Gazette

Pikitup ready for

waste summit Johannesburg - Environment and Infrastructure Services MMC Matshidiso Mfikoe has handed R90m equipment to Pikitup to assist in dealing with waste challenges.

The equipment included six trucks with 12 recycling bin trailers for use at major events and in underserviced areas, 25 caged trucks, four garden or wood chippers, six rubble crushing machines and 1 000 fixed recycling bins for schools.

At a media conference ahead of next week’s two-day Waste Management Summit, MMC Mfikoe said waste management is everybody’s business and urged everyone to change their behaviour and mindset around the issue.

The summit, to be hosted by Mayor Parks Tau, will be held under the theme: Jozi@Work: A Shift Towards Innovative Waste Management Join the Conversation on 24-25 March at the Sandton Convention Centre. The two-day lekgotla is expected to bring together various stakeholders from labour, business and civil society to address issues around waste management.

“Johannesburg is fast running out of landfill space and we need to encourage responsible waste management. We need to move away from irresponsible generation of waste and its disposal, to one that acknowledges that waste management is an acute concern for each one of us,” said MMC Mfikoe.

Pikitup Managing Director Amanda Nair said the summit would also provide a platform for the entity to strengthen existing and develop new partnerships to create an improved waste management value chain and learn from other global cities. “There are major cities that are recognising the importance of

waste avoidance and best practice waste management strategies.”

Top global speakers at the summit include coordinator of the Southern African e-Waste Alliance Susanne Karcher, MD of Waste-to-Food Roger Jaques, C40 UK Manager of Sustainable Solid Waste Network Amrita Kataria and Kenyan waste management policy expert Leah Oyakea.

Pikitup MD Amanda Nair

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19 - 26 March 2015

News Briefs from around SA

Guns galore in gangland

Education spokesman Paena Galane

‘Disturbing’ demand from school

Polokwane - The education department says Malamulele High School and governing body’s demand for new, air-conditioned mobile classrooms is disturbing.

“The department procured mobile classrooms not as permanent replacement, but as a short-term measure to alleviate pressures in schools,” said spokesman Paena Galane.

Part of the school was burned on February 2, following violence in Malamulele in January and February by residents demanding their own municipality. The Municipal Demarcation Board ruled that Malamulele did not qualify for its own municipality.

Galane said when the department received a completion certificate for any permanent structure from the implementing agent, mobile classrooms were returned to the department for use by other schools in need.

“In this case, the company that the department procured the mobile classes from will help the department in dismantling, providing maintenance, and transporting the mobile classrooms to a new site in need.”

That the Malamulele High School demanded new, air-conditioned mobile classrooms shocked the department, as the department was, from April, working on the relocation of the school to a new site, he said. Sapa

Cape Town - Up to 30 illegal firearms get confiscated every month during gang violence on the Cape Flats, police say.

Police sources in Manenberg and Hanover Park told the Cape Times that during gang violence in November; more than 60 illegal guns were seized. In gang-infested neighbourhoods, at least one gun is seized every day, police said. “There has always been availability and criminals easily obtain guns due to theft, robbery and maladministration in government, where officials don’t look after firearms properly, or cannot account for confiscated firearms that are lost to criminals when they are to be melted or destroyed.”

Gun Free SA (GFSA) spokesperson Claire Taylor said: “With the high number of guns lost and stolen, particularly from civilians, one way of reducing that is to strictly regulate the gun licensing process.”

According to GFSA, last year 12 373 guns were reported lost by civilians, an average of 34 guns a day. Taylor said 343 174 guns have been reported lost or stolen by police and civilians since 1994.

“This is an average of over 19 000 guns each year or 52 guns every day,” she said.

Some of the protesters who took part in the march against Chief Khumalo.

Exchange bid to

Residents march against chief boost agriculture Mbombela - Thousands of residents from levies for hawkers and the demand imposed Khumbula and Gutshwa recently marched to hand over a memorandum with their grievances to their Chief Sive Khumalo at his royal residence.

Part of the memorandum read: “We acknowledge the reign of Khumalo and we respect his chieftaincy, however we have noted the tyrannical methods and exorbitant levies imposed upon the community by the chief and his council.”

Their grievances included the increase of all services at the tribal authority ranging from attaining a mere proof of residence, residential fees and the demolition of houses and churches at Mgcobaneni Trust, monthly

on orphans and widows to pay R1 500 to transfer property ownership. The protesters also alleged that in the past five years of Chief Khumbula’s reign, he hardly ever called a community meeting.

The march was peaceful and the memorandum was received by Mbonisweni headman Nyathikazi. Chief Khumalo acknowledged receiving the memorandum, “We will check on it with the traditional council,” he said.

Kgosi Lameck Mathibela of the province’s House of Traditional Leaders said they would have a meeting with traditional leaders to see if levies could be made uniform as they differ in chieftaincies. Mpumalanga News

Partnership to deliver water services

Deputy Minister Mduduzi Manana

Agriculture MEC Cyril Xaba

Bloemfontein - Deputy Minister of Higher Education Mduduzi Manana has launched a partnership between the Motheo TVET College and the Energy and Water Sector Education and Training Authority (EWSETA) in Bloemfontein.

He said the programme is to improve water treatment and reticulation services.

“This will go a long way to address the scarce skill in the field of water and waste water facilities in the country,” he said.

The Motheo College has undertaken to educate and capacitate young people who will on

completion of their studies, be absorbed by municipalities, to enable them to bring water plants in the Free State to a blue drop status. “This project will make a major impact in addressing among other things, the challenge of non-availability of skill registered process controllers and maintenance staff of water and waste water facilities, especially within our rural municipalities. Without the necessary skilled people, the ability of our municipalities to deliver adequate quality water and waste water treatment services will be hampered,” Manana said. SABC

Durban - Agriculture and Rural Development MECs in KwaZulu-Natal and the Eastern Cape, Cyril Xaba and Mlibo Qoboshiyane say they will establish an exchange programme to improve agriculture in both provinces.

The MECs visited agricultural projects at Jozini in northern KwaZulu-Natal. They said both provinces have a lot to learn from each other, in terms of food production.

The officials then visited the Makhathini area at Jozini under the Umkhanyakude district. The weather in the area allows farmers to produce and rotate all kinds of crops all year round.

Xaba said government has invested over R300 million in the Makhathini project, with a view to develop small farmers to commercial farmers. Local farmers have urged provincial government to come to their rescue and help them get access to markets where they can sell their produce.

Local youth chairperson Thabani Gumede said they are prepared to develop agricultural production.

“We will make sure that agriculture is the only way of surviving in the area. We are positive that we will be successful and create job opportunities in the area. We are the future of this country and agriculture is the way to go,” Gumede said. SABC

Health MMC Nonceba Molwele (left) cuts the bread with members of Eathimmo during the workshop.

Pic: Enock Lehung

City hosts bread projects workshop Johannesburg - Scores of entrepreneurs and cooperative members, who included youth, women and men attended a four-day workshop at the City of Joburg’s Health and Social Development offices in Bertrams to learn how to bake healthy bread, and explore ways in which bread-making projects could be made viable.

The workshop was held under the Go Jozi Healthy Lifestyle Programme, a City initiative that seeks to promote healthy living among residents by combating noncommunicable diseases. The workshop was conducted

by Mexicans Enrique Gonzalez and Flavio Siller, owners of Eathimmo, a company that makes nutritious and affordable foods using the latest technology.

Joburg Health and Social Development MMC Nonceba Molwele, who attended the workshop on Thursday, said the participants’ passion and enthusiasm was very encouraging. “You have taken the initiative to attain new skills, and will be able to generate income, create jobs and relieve pressure on the government, which will use those resources to help other needy citizens. Starting a business is not easy. I urge you to help create jobs and a healthier nation. This bread will help achieve a healthier lifestyle and combat non-communicable diseases.”

The department’s Nero Maseko said the response was overwhelming. “Healthy bread will help change eating patterns of our people. The body is able to function properly when you eat properly. Healthy bread will help us deal with obesity and high blood pressure as it has less sugar and salt. Wheat, fibre, mangos and avocados will be used to produce healthy bread,” Maseko said.

He added that the City hopes to train over 5 000 people within the next five years.

“They should be able to run their own bakeries and create jobs,” Maseko said.

Gonzalez said he was impressed by the group’s enthusiasm. His company was identified by a delegation from the City which visited Mexico last year.

“We came here to teach the people how to make healthy bread. Projects like this will help create jobs while keeping people healthy,” he said.

Thato Molotsane of BTM Food Solutions and her business partner Zama Mchunu were among those who attended the workshop. Molotsane said she would share her newly acquired skills with her group. “I will share this with 20 other people. Hopefully, we will get funding to get our projects off the ground,” she said.

19 - 26 March 2015

Home Affairs Minister Malusi Gigaba

Minister on ZSP

applications

Statement by Home Affairs Minister Malusi Gigaba at the media briefing on the Zimbabwean Special Permit application process, 17 March 2015

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he media briefing was convened to present an update on the Zimbabwean Special Permit application process which opened on 1 October 2014. This was after the Department of Home Affairs had announced the introduction of this new special permit, on 12 August 2014, for DZP permit-holders who wished to remain in South Africa after the expiry of their old permits.

The Department introduced the new Zimbabwean special permit to document Zimbabwean nationals whose stay in South Africa was normalized through the permits issued, from 2010, in terms of the old Dispensation for Zimbabweans Project (DZP).

The Department has engaged VFS Global, as a partner, to receive the applications. VFS Global started receiving applications, online, on the 1st of October 2014.

The Zimbabwean Special Permit application process closed officially on 31 December 2014, the day that also marked the expiry of the old Dispensation for Zimbabweans Project, including for those permits whose expiry dates were beyond 31 December 2014.

Regarding the breakdown of applications, we wish to announce that, as of 13 March 2015, 208 967 applications were submitted online, to VFS. A total of 206 939 applicants booked appointments with VFS for interviews, 2 028 applicants have not booked appointments with VFS, and have till 31 March 2015 to do so, which is the closing date.

A total of 162 256 applications have been done at VFS, 50% of these have been adjudicated by the DHA. We have adjudicated 83 009 applications to be exact.

It is anticipated that the adjudication and the handing out of outcomes would be finalised by the end of August 2015. The process has benefitted from the partnership the DHA had established with VFS Global in the quest for efficiency and better service. It was supported in large measure by the ten ZSP centres VFS Global established to facilitate ZSP permit applications.

We therefore thank VFS Global for the sterling work it had done in this regard, as well as our officials in the permitting section.

The ZSP will allow permit-holders to live, work, conduct business, study and financially transact in South Africa for the duration of the permit.

The Department has also met with SABRIC (South African Banking Risk Information Centre) to ensure issues around the accounts of applicants are resolved.

The ZSP will be valid until 31 December 2017.

We had allowed eligible Zimbabwean nationals in possession of the old DZP permits to be in the country and to travel between our two countries, without being declared undesirable or arrested for being illegal, until their application process had been finalized, and had been issued with their new ZSP permits.

The requirements for the new ZSP included: A valid Zimbabwean passport; Proof of employment/proof of business registration/proof of registration from a learning institution and a DZP reference number that had to be used for lodging the ZSP application online.

The Department of Home Affairs remains committed to deliver high-quality service to clients better to advance the goal of building a professional department, using cutting-edge technology, offering excellent, world-class services, in a highly secure environment.

Inner-city Gazette

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Inner-city Gazette publishes this Motoring Section every last week of the month. Motoring dealers, mechanics, etc wishing to feature in this section may contact Tel: 011 402 1977 Email: hr@inner-city-gazette.co.za

The Hyundai i20 Active

Hyundai introduces i20 Active Sudhir Matai

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mall crossovers are gaining in popularity; from the VW Cross Polo to the Renault Sandero Stepway and Toyota Etios Cross, there are numerous options for buyers who want more rugged-looking versions of standard hatchbacks.

Hyundai has now joined the fray by intro-

ducing its Hyundai i20 Active hatchback.

This i20-based crossover boasts more rugged looks thanks to increased ground clearance, chunkier bumpers fore and aft as well as plastic mouldings on the lower part of the body. Its exterior dimensions have grown fractionally, but the hatchback’s interior space remains unchanged.

In its domestic market, buyers can choose between a 1,4-litre turbodiesel producing 66 kW/220 Nm or a 1,2-litre petrol developing 61 kW/114 Nm. The petrol engine is mated with a

five-speed manual gearbox, while the diesel gets a six-speed manual transmission. Despite those rugged looks both versions are front-wheel driven.

Hyundai SA spokesperson Deon Sonnekus this morning confirmed that the i20 Active is a model that the local subsidiary would consider for the South African market. Hyundai SA already sources the i20, i10 and i10 Grand from India. However, an unfavourable Rand/Dollar exchange rate prevents the company from making any decisions on new models at this stage.

Major Service R450 Engine Gearboxes & Brake overhauls

Recon-of-Power Steering Racks-Boxes and Pumps for Cars and Trucks

19 - 26 March 2015

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Inner-city Gazette

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Africa

State agents hold US diplomat

Some mercenaries arrive at a military base in northern Nigeria.

Army ‘recruits SA mercenaries’ Abuja, Nigeria - Government has acknowledged it is getting technical and logistical support from what it calls foreign contractors in the fight against Boko Haram.

Government spokesman Mike Omeri said soldiers from Chad, Cameroon, Benin and Niger were also in operations, and other ‘individuals are on the ground in a capacity limited to training or technical support’.

But sources say mercenaries from South Africa and other countries are actually on the frontlines. A senior army officer said foreign mercenaries are doing the bulk of the fighting in towns the Nigerian military says it has recaptured from Boko Haram. He said the Nigerian army still suffers from a lack of equipment and low morale, and that without the mercenaries the towns would still be held

by Boko Haram. Diplomatic sources say

hundreds of mercenaries from South Africa and other countries came in recent weeks.

An SA defence source said foreign troops were linked to ex-SA private military firm Executive Outcomes; which was known for its involvement in Angola’s 1975-2002 war and against RUF rebels in Sierra Leone in 1995. An SA defence contractor confirmed that ex-Executive Outcomes leaders are involved in the deployment.

Security operations have been stepped up as Nigeria prepares for elections on March 28. Polling was delayed by six weeks to restore stability in the northeast. On Wednesday President Goodluck Jonathan said two companies were providing ‘trainers and technicians’ to help Nigerian forces. The general run has seen the tide turn against Boko Haram in recent weeks. Reuters

Freetown, Sierra Leone - The ruling All People’s Congress (APC) has denied that vice president Samuel Sam-Sumana’s life is in danger after he sought asylum from the US citing concerns for his personal safety.

“Since the expulsion of vice-President Sam-Sumana from the APC, the party has not threatened his life,” the statement read.

The party also denied that Sam-Sumana’s residence had been vandalised. SamSumana, who entered voluntary Ebola

quarantine after one of his bodyguards died of the disease last month, is in hiding. The US State Department said they are trying to resolve the standoff. Spokesman Darby Holladay urged resolving the matter in appropriate procedures. He also denied that Sam-Sumana is sheltered in the US embassy.

Sam-Sumana was expelled from the APC for ‘anti-party activities and fomenting violence’. He denies the allegations and has appealed against his suspension. AFP

Kinshasa, DR Congo - Security years against presidents atforces detained a US diplomat on tempting to extend their time in office.

Sunday in a raid that also targeted journalists and democracy activIn 2011 and 2012, Y’en a Marre mobilised ists, accusing them of posing against the re-election a threat to the stability of the bid of Senegal’s then state, government spokesperpresident Abdoulaye son Lambert Mende said.

He said the unnamed diploWade, who then lost to current President mat was found among people Macky Sall. The Balai who are believed to be in the Citoyen movement process of attacking the state. The US Embassy did not comment proved instrumental in the uprising on the issue. The detentions that led to Burkifollowed a news conferna Faso former ence in Kinshasa organized in support of the Filimbi orpresident Blaise Compaore’s fall ganisation, which aims for greater youth participation Govt spokesperson Lambert Mende in October after 27 years in power. in politics.

In January mass protests erupted against Mende did not have information on whether the diplomat, activists or local journalists proposed changes to the electoral law, which had been released. The activists included was seen as an attempt by President Joseph members of Burkina Faso’s Balai Citoyen Kabila to prolong his time in power. Human and Senegal’s Y’en a Marre movements. Rights Watch reported that at least 40 people Both have led large-scale protests in recent were killed in Kinshasa and Goma. AP

Govt blasts ICC bid to arrest president

Party denies threat to ousted leader

President Omar al-Bashir

Khartoum, Sudan - Government says the International Criminal Court (ICC) is a ‘failure’ for referring it to the UN Security Council for failing to arrest President Omar al-Bashir over alleged war crimes.

The ICC ruled Sudan had failed to arrest Bashir over alleged war crimes in Darfur and passed the case to the Security Council. Information Minister Ahmed Osman said the ICC decisions are not binding, and raising the case with the Security Council reflects failure of the ICC. Bashir, 71, is wanted over his role in the conflict. Over 300 000 people have been killed in the fighting, the UN says, but Khartoum puts the toll at 10 000. The ICC issued warrants against Bashir in 2009 and 2010, but he travels across Africa despite an obligation by ICC members to arrest him. Sudan has not signed the ICC’s treaty. In December the ICC said it was shelving investigations into alleged war crimes in Darfur, and prosecutor Fatou Bensouda criticised the Security Council for its inaction over the conflict.

Mandera region Governor Ali Roba

Shabab attacks convoy

Nairobi, Kenya - Gunmen have attacked a convoy carrying a Mandera region governor Ali Roba near the Somali border, leaving him unharmed but wounding several people close to the spot where Islamists launched a string of deadly attacks last year.

Somali Islamist group al Shabaab said its fighters killed four soldiers in the attack on Friday morning. “We killed four Kenyan soldiers. We burnt two military trucks and took one car from them,” Sheikh Abdiasis Abu Musab, al Shabaab’s military operation spokesman told Reuters.

Al Shabaab has vowed revenge attacks against Kenya after it sent troops into Somalia where they are battling the al Qaedalinked group as part of an African Union peacekeeping force. Musab said the convoy was travelling between Mandera and Wajir, two northeastern Kenyan towns close to the border with Somalia.

Kenya Defence Force spokesman David Obonyo said Kenya’s military had not been ambushed. “The attack was on the convoy of the governor.”

The Daily Nation and Standard newspapers said armed men attacked a convoy in the Mandera region, where al Shabaab killed more than 60 people last year.

Roba has been urging the government to improve security in the crime-ridden region awash with bandits and gunmen. Another convoy carrying him was attacked by an improvised explosive device in 2014. Reuters

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Inner-city Gazette

19 - 26 March 2015

The city is getting tough on outdoor advertising rules.

Pic Moeletsi Mabe

City tightens billboard laws

Some of the Ekhaya Neighbourhood and Bad Boyz security personnel who took part in the cleaning event.

Pic: Inner-city Press Agency

Hillbrow clean-up drive Staff Reporter news@inner-city-gazette.co.za

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n Tuesday this week Ekhaya Neighbourhood and Bad Boyz Security personnel engaged in a clean-up campaign in the Hillbrow neighbourhood.

During the event Ekhaya Neighbourhood co-ordinator Bafikile Mkhize

said they regularly conduct such cleaning activities. “Our objective is to keep the area clean, safe, liveable and friendly. We do it whenever we feel there is a need to clean up the neighbourhood,” Mkhize said.

The cleaning event was conducted at Ekhaya Park in Claim Street, and in the areas around Pietersen and Nugget streets. Mkhize added that they

work in co-operation with the City of Joburg entity Pikitup in their cleaning operations.

“If for any reason they are unable to join us they provide us with the plastic bags with which to collect the rubbish, and also other cleaning materials,” she said.

Mkhize added that the next cleaning will be conducted before Easter.

Johannesburg - The City of Johannesburg has toughened up on its outdoor advertising rules and will place violations in the same category as building hijacking, it said on Sunday.

The manager of outdoor advertising in the city’s planning department Jack Sekgobela said the City is now getting tough on several offending companies, including top international brands.

“This is a new drive to avert loss of revenue and possibly recoup some of the lost revenue as well as ensure compliance,” Sekgobela said.

He stated that the city is losing millions each year to illegal outdoor advertising, and would audit ‘each and every sign’ to verify which ones are legal and which are not, and how much revenue is being lost.

“The old by-laws allow offenders to use loopholes. The offenders deliberately ignore our officials when approached to find amicable solutions.

The court processes are lengthy, and even when the matter eventually gets to be heard, these companies get a slap on the wrist,” Sekgobela said.

Sekgobela added that the revised bylaws would allow the city to institute civil claims against offenders. “It has started laying criminal charges against landlords of premises on which billboards are erected, the advertising agency, the company being advertised, and its directors and shareholders. The Outdoor Advertising and Billboards By-laws do not allow for illegal billboards to be erected without the city’s permission. Most of the billboards were erected at night or over weekends by unknown people.”

The approval process for outdoor advertising has also been streamlined with no current applications in the system to be processed or approved, Sekgobela said.

Sekgobela added that a task team including the police, the National Prosecuting Authority, the Hawks and the Johannesburg metro has now been set up to tackle the problem.

“The city won a case against international the electronics company, Samsung last year after a four-year legal battle, over the matter,” he added.

Fake cops arrested Staff Reporter

news@inner-city-gazette.co.za

O

n Sunday afternoon Joburg Central police arrested four people between the ages of 26 and 42 for impersonating police at corner Jeppe and Von Weilligh streets, Communications Office Warrant Officer Xoli Mbele says.

“Police received a tip-off that two men and two women targeting foreign nationals demanding bribes from them. It is alleged that the bogus cops demanded R200 from a woman who was with her sister; after they failed to

produce their passports. They paid that money after they were threatened to be taken to the cells. The victims saw police in uniform questioning the bogus cops; they went over and related their story.

“Police searched the fake cops and found a police wallet from one of the females, and a fake appointment certificate from one of the males. They were arrested on the spot for impersonating police and robbery,” Warrant Officer Mbele says.

He adds: “It is an offence to portray yourself as a police officer, it is also a crime to solicit bribes from members of the community.”

Metro police officers dismantle an illegal trading structure during the operation.

Pic: Veli Nhlapo

Cops in by-law operation Johannesburg - Joburg metro police have begun clearing the city of beggars, illegal traders, pamphlet distributors and window washers at major traffic intersections, and over 300 people have been arrested.

Launched last month, Operation Ke Molao is aimed at curbing ‘the sharp increase in illegal activities at intersections’. These included smash-and-grab attacks, unsolicited windscreen washing, illegal trading and begging.

Metro police spokesman Edna Mamonyane said the prioritised hot spots had been cleared.

These included the M2 at Denver, the M2 on Main Reef, the N1 at William Nicol, the M2 east on Mooi Street, the M1 at the Grayston offramp, the M1 at Malboro, and the Grayston Drive and Katherine intersection in Sandton.

“Our officers visit these intersections accompa-

nied by other units. Beggars are removed and the social services division of the city comes to help them, while those trading are assisted on how the city can help them to trade the right way by the social development department,” she said.

Metro police deployed unmarked vehicles driven by specially trained officers to tackle street intersection crimes. This was in reaction to growing complaints about people trading on the streets and the hostility created by those who demand donations and window-washers.

Mamonyane said intersections which have been ‘cleared’ were handed back to the metro police bylaw enforcement division.

The operation received mixed response from the public. Certain commentators warned that the city could not just remove beggars without a programme to help them. TimesLive

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Track star Caster Semenya

Bafana coach Shakes Mashaba

Bafana Bafana fans hope for better performance by the national team.

Hope for better times for Bafana Chiefs goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune and Ajax Amsterdam’s Thulani Serero have returned to the senior national team after missing the Africa Cup of Nations tournament in Equatorial Guinea Soccer Correspondent

B

afana Bafana coach Shakes Mashaba hopes that the squad he has put together will be able to bring good results.

“Our main task is to build a new national team, a team that will bring results,” said Mashaba.

Bafana Bafana are set to play two international friendly games. On March 25 South Africa will play before hosting Nigeria at the Mbombela Stadium on March 29.

“I know many will say we are playing Swaziland they are weak, but we have to be careful because many countries are regrouping. As we are going to Swaziland we should not forget that any team that plays South Africa wants to win,” Mashaba said.

The Bafana coach added that he expects Super Eagles to spit fire, fol-

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lowing the results during the AFCON qualification rounds at Cape Town Stadium and in Nigeria.

“As for Nigeria we know they are tough, arrogant and you can never be arrogant when you are not confident.

So we have to go and compete, not just tactically, but also mentally and physically. Let’s also not forget they might come here spitting fire because we denied them a chance to go to Afcon, so it is going to be a very tough encounter,” he added.

Mashaba has called up six new faces for the two international friendly matches later this month.

Goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune and Ajax Amsterdam’s Thulani Serero have returned to the senior national team after missing the Africa Cup of Nations tournament in Equatorial Guinea. Kamohelo Mokotjo has also been recalled by Mashaba.

Free State Stars defender Daniel Cardoso, AmaTuks’ Thabo Mnyamane, Polokwane City’s Cole Alexander, Thapelo Morena of Bloemfontein Celtic, Danish-based Lebohang Phiri and Siphelele Ntshangase of Black Leopards are the six new faces in the Bafana squad. May Mahlangu, the man who was banned in October has also made his return to the Bafana squad. As expected, Lehlohonolo Majoro makes the cut.

Bafana Bafana squad Goalkeepers: Itumeleng Khune (Kaizer Chiefs), Brilliant Khuzwayo (Kaizer Chiefs), Jackson Mabokgwane (Mpumalanga Black Aces) Defenders: Daniel Cardoso (Free State Stars), Anele Ngcongca (KRC Genk), Thulani Hlatshwayo (BidVest Wits), Erick Mathoho (Kaizer Chiefs), Rivaldo Coetzee (Ajax Cape Town), Thabo Matlaba (Orlando Pi-

rates), Siyabonga Nhlapho (Bidvest Wits), Thapelo Morena (Bloemfontein Celtic), Sibusiso Khumalo (SuperSport United) Midfielders: Lebogang Phiri (Brondby FC), Oupa Manyisa (Orlando Pirates), Andile Jali (KV Oostende), Dean Furman (Doncaster Rovers), Mandla Masango (Kaizer Chiefs), Cole Alexander (Polokwane City), Thuso Phala (SuperSport United), Jabulani Shongwe (Bidvest Wits), Thulani Serero (Ajax Amsterdam), Ayanda Patosi (Lokeren FC), Bongani Zungu (Mamelodi Sundowns), Kamohelo Mokotjo (FC Twente), May Mahlangu (Konyaspor FC) Forwards: Tokelo Rantie (AFC Bournemouth), Sibusiso Vilakazi (Bidvest Wits), Thabo Mnayane (University of Pretoria), Lehlohonolo Majoro (Orlando Pirates), Siphelele Ntshangase (Black Leopards).

Caster set to bounce back Nazli Hamilton

T

he 800m track star, Caster Semenya has been working hard to put a slump in form behind her. Her disappointing results go as far back as 2013 when she failed to qualify for the World Championships in Russia.

She then missed qualification for the Commonwealth Games last year.

Last year Semenya split with coach Maria Mutola. The slump preceded Mutola though, but the Mozambican former champion couldn’t break the bad run. Semenya has been struggling to break the two-minute mark for the past two years. She retained her national title with a time of 2:03.05, but that was way off her best.

Semenya has teamed up with Jean Verster at Pukke and her outlook seems better. “I can’t wait to start racing again,” she said at the Varsity Athletics season launch on Monday.

Semenya is set to run in Varsity Athletics meets on March 24 and April 20. She is targeting a spot at the World Championships in Beijing, China, in August, and to get there she has to run the qualifying standard of 2:01:00 by August 10. supersport.com