News24.com | Ramaphosa says latest allegations against Manana ‘have not been made known’ to him

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President Cyril Ramaphosa said the latest allegations against ANC MP and NEC member, Mduduzi Manana, “have not been made known” to him. 

On Tuesday, Ramaphosa was answering questions in the National Assembly when IFP MP Liezl van der Merwe put it to him that the government was not doing enough to fight gender-based violence.

Van der Merwe asked if the president thought Manana was still suitable to be an MP after allegations emerged that he had assaulted his domestic worker.

Last year in September, News24 reported that Manana was convicted of three counts of assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm after he pleaded guilty to the charges.

The charges related to the assault of three women at Cubana in Fourways on August 6, 2017, which was filmed and went viral on social media, sparking a national outcry for his arrest.

In the latest incident, it is alleged that Manana shoved his 53-year-old domestic worker down the stairs over the weekend. Charges were initially laid, but were later withdrawn.

Manana said on Monday that he intended laying a complaint against the domestic worker for allegedly trying to extort R100 000 from him.

“The new allegations levelled against me are both unfortunate and malicious,” he said in a statement.

TimesLive reported on Tuesday that a recording emerged in which Manana allegedly offered his domestic worker R100 000 to drop the charges.

On Tuesday, Ramaphosa agreed with Van der Merwe that more needed to be done to stop gender-based violence. He said the justice system needed to be more responsive.

Ramaphosa also said that the government was going to commit more resources to combat gender-based violence.

“This is an area of focus we need to shine a light on.”

Referring to the latest allegations against Manana, Ramaphosa said “the issues have not been made known to me”.

He was jeered from the opposition benches.

“Even he, Mduduzi Manana, needs to go through his own party’s system,” Ramaphosa said.

“I think it is best to leave it there, because that is where the real evidence will emerge.”

Manana couldn’t be seen from the press gallery in the ANC’s backbenches, which he now occupies after resigning as deputy minister of higher education and training last year.

While Ramaphosa spoke, DA MP Terri Stander shouted several times: “Fire Manana!”

Earlier on Tuesday, she said in a statement that police must investigate the claims of assault.

“The suggestion that the SAPS will no longer investigate the claim because the complainant has ‘withdrawn’ it, is both disingenuous and contrary to the law,” she said.

“The SAPS must ensure that the claims against Manana are thoroughly investigated and that he be charged if found to have acted unlawfully.”

She added that the police should also investigate reports that the domestic worker had been threatened, intimidated and was subsequently offered R100 000 to withdraw the complaint.

“The DA will add these fresh allegations against Manana to our complaint to Parliament’s Ethics Committee,” Stander said.

“Manana, a person of wealth and influence, previously avoided serving 12 months in jail by paying a R100 000 fine after being convicted of three counts of assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm in September 2017. He should not be allowed to escape the consequences of his alleged actions through coercion or bribery.”

Stander said Manana did not belong in Parliament where he earned a salary paid by taxpayers. The fact that he continued to serve as an MP proved that the ANC was not committed to building a non-sexist society and to ending the scourge of violence against women.

The ANC Women’s League said in a statement that it noted the withdrawal of the charges against Manana.

“Whilst we take into account the principles of innocent until proven guilty, the ANCWL is resolute in supporting the victims of violence and wishes to reiterate this position. ANCWL acknowledges that there are various reasons for victims of gender-based violence to withdraw cases, however that practice defeats the goal of eliminating gender-based violence in the country,” ANCWL secretary general Meokgo Matuba said in the statement. 

The league called on all members of society to unite and provide support to the victims of gender-based violence.

“Withdrawal of cases of gender-based violence has a potential to delegitimise the fight against [the] abuse of women.

“The ANCWL condemns violence against women and encourages all victims to report cases to law enforcement agencies and allow the law to take its course.”

News24.com | ANC North West accepts Mahumapelo’s resignation with ‘apprehension – but great pride’

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Embattled North West Premier Supra Mahumapelo has “voluntarily” decided to resign, the ANC in the North West confirmed on Tuesday.

There have been violent protests in the province’s capital Mahikeng and other towns through the province over the past month as pressure mounted on him to vacate his position.

Acting provincial secretary Susan Dantjie confirmed in a statement that the party accepted Mahumapelo’s resignation “with a sense [of] apprehension – but great pride”.

“As an organisation, we will forever be appreciative and learn from his emphatic, principled but simple approach to issues,” Dantjie said.

“In his 35 years of revolutionary activism in the ANC, he has mastered the art of remaining simple and humble at all times, despite sustained concocted attacks against him by some friends and comrades.”

READ: ‘Packing my bags and going home from tomorrow,’ says Supra Mahumapelo

She said the party was confident he would continue his movement in whatever new role he was deployed to.

“We urge him to remain steadfast in what he believes are the necessary tasks of executing the revolution,” she said.

Dantjie added that the ANC still believed “in Cde (comrade) Supra’s innocence until he’s proven otherwise” and commended him for putting the interests of the province and its people before his own.

“Continue leading us on an exemplary role in society as you have done for so many years.”

Earlier, News24 asked Mahumapelo if reports that he would be stepping down on Wednesday were true. He responded: “Packing my bags and going home from tomorrow.”

His detractors have called for his entire provincial executive committee to also be disbanded.

Pressure mounted on Mahumapelo to vacate his office after President Cyril Ramaphosa appointed an inter-ministerial task team to investigate the unfolding crisis. He has already placed the health department under national administration.  

Ramaphosa was expected to receive a report from the inter-ministerial team, led by minister in the Presidency Dr Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, this week.

Sport24.co.za | Blitzboks without Brown, Agaba to Europe

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Cape Town – The Springbok Sevens team will be without key forwards Kyle Brown and Tim Agaba when they re-assemble in Stellenbosch on Monday for the final two tournaments of the 2017/18 HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series, in London (June 2-3) and Paris (June 8-10).

READ: Blitzboks handed easy London Sevens draw

Brown, their most experienced squad member, will undergo knee surgery next Tuesday to repair ligament damage sustained in Singapore last month.

Agaba’s season was also cut short due to a bicep injury.

The Blitzboks are currently second on the World Rugby Sevens Series log after eight tournaments. They trail Fiji by three points and will have all to play for as they aim to defend their series title.

Neil Powell’s side made the top four in all eight tournaments thus far this season, pointing to their consistent performances since the opening tournament in Dubai in December last year.

South Africa will contest Pool D at the London Sevens, along with Samoa, Canada and Russia.

Branco du Preez, who had an ankle strain, and Ruhan Nel, Justin Geduld and Philip Snyman, who were rested for the Singapore event, will all be integrated back into training next week.

Speedsters Rosko Specman (shoulder) and Selvyn Davids (hamstring) are currently recovering injuries and are in a race against time to be considered for the final two events.

There was a bit of good news on the injury front though with Chris Dry, who underwent knee surgery in December, recovering well as he aims to be ready for the Rugby World Cup Sevens in San Francisco from July 20-22.

Health24.com | 10 ways to avoid being ‘patient zero’ in the office

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It takes one to four days for flu symptoms to show once you’ve been infected with the virus.

You can be contagious from the day the symptoms begin through five to 10 days after the illness starts.

With winter fast approaching and flu season creeping up on us, it might be a good idea to refresh your memory on what you should do in order to avoid being “patient zero” in the office. 

Here are 10 simple tips on how to counter the flu like a professional and be a considerate co-worker.

1. Wash your hands correctly

Washing your hands is the most simple and effective way to prevent yourself from spreading and catching germs that cause illnesses. According to the Global Hygiene Council, washing your hands at least six times a day with soap and water is considered the basic hygiene minimum.

How long you wash your hands is also important. A quick rinse will not do, rather count slowly to 20 while vigorously rubbing your hands together – with soap, of course.

2. Dry your hands thoroughly after washing

Drying your hands on a clean paper towel will further help to remove germs. Washing your hands is not effective if you don’t dry them properly afterwards – bacteria and viruses thrive on wet surfaces. According to a study published in the US National Library of Medicine, the transmission of bacteria is more likely to occur from wet skin than from dry skin.

3. Eat healthy

Eating healthily is important, regardless of whether or not you are sick. Boosting your immunity with flu-fighting foods is highly beneficial. 

Boost your immune system with foods rich in vitamin C, like oranges, grapefruit and lemons, as well as foods rich in beta-carotene, like pumpkin, sweet potato and butternut. Fatty fish, rich in omega-3 fatty acids is a great source of zinc. Load up on meat, poultry and eggs, too, to keep your immune system strong to combat the flu.

4. Medicate, but be smart

Over-the-counter medications such as effervescent immune boosters are great as they are designed to strengthen the immune system and protect your body against colds and flu. Remember that antibiotics are useless against a cold, as colds are caused by viruses. However, if you have the flu, an antiviral might help – this works best when taken as early as possible. 

5. Invest in hand sanitiser

Hand sanitiser is so convenient – you can keep a bottle in your pocket, purse, car or at your desk at work. Using an alcohol-based sanitiser is more effective in reducing the spread of rotavirus, adenovirus and rhinovirus than medicated and non-medicated hand soaps, according to studies done by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

6. Sneeze into your elbow or a tissue

Scientists have discovered that it only takes a single sneeze from a person with the flu to spread germs around an entire room. With this information, not covering your nose and mouth during a sneeze should be a punishable offence.

If you do not have tissues handy, use your elbow instead of your hands. This is because you don’t touch things with your elbow like you do with your hands. If you have to use your hands, clean them with hand sanitiser. 

7. Be careful about touching surfaces in cafeterias and common rooms 

Areas used by your co-workers such as doorknobs and cafeteria tables are a breeding ground for germs. According to a study conducted by Dr Charles Gerba, professor of microbiology at the University of Arizona, the dirtiest place in your office is the break room. So if you know you’re not feeling great or just trying to avoid getting sick during flu season, try and avoid these areas or clean your hands thoroughly before and after using them.

8. Stay hydrated

If you are suffering from a cold, staying hydrated helps you to recuperate. Drink as much liquid as possible; your urine should be a pale transparent yellow if you’re doing it properly. Try water with lemon and decaffeinated tea with honey. Stay away from alcoholic drinks as these will dehydrate you and intensify your flu symptoms. 

9. Stay home, if possible

Take time off from work to recover at home, especially if you’re coughing and sneezing constantly, as those are the fastest way to spread germs. Staying at home will not only speed up your recovery by resting, but you will also be saving your co-workers from your germs. 

10. If you cannot stay at home, isolate yourself

If you cannot afford to stay home and rest, try to isolate yourself from contact with other people as much as possible. If you can, work in an office by yourself or find a desk as far away as possible from your colleagues. If you do have to leave your quarantine, make sure you wash your hands with water and soap or hand sanitiser before and after you’ve touched anything, including your face.

Read here on why your place of work could be making you sick. 

Image credit: iStock

Jemima Lewin

eNCA | Heavy traffic as train bursts into flames above busy Joburg highway

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JOHANNESBURG – Traffic came to a standstill on the N1 highway near the Maraisburg and Gordon off-ramps in Roodepoort on Tuesday afternoon after a train caught fire on the bridge above the highway.

Authorities were at the scene and no injuries were reported

It is not known what caused the train to catch fire.

Police are investigating the incident.

The public took to social media to warn motorists to be vigilant around Maraisburg.

eNCA

eNCA | ‘By tomorrow midday, I will be former premier’: Mahumapelo

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JOHANNESBURG – North West Premier Supra Mahumapelo says he’ll resign by midday on Wednesday.

Mahumapelo told SABC News that “by tomorrow, midday, Supra Obakeng Ramoeletsi Mahumapelo will be the former Premier of North West.”

Mahumapelo is expected to make the announcement at a media briefing on Wednesday.

READ: Will Supra Mahumapelo resign?

Earlier on Tuesday, Mahumapelo promised to send a letter to the Speaker of the provincial legislature by Friday.

He did not provide details of what would be in that letter.

Mahumapelo met with President Cyril Ramaphosa last week after the ANC recommended that he step down as premier.

eNCA

Senior Information Analyst (Cape Town)

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Remuneration: Basic salary 
Location: Cape Town
Type: Permanent
Reference: #1805212
Company: Datafin Recruitment

Environment:

A leading multinational corporation in the skincare industry seeks the expertise of a highly skilled senior information analyst who is keen to join a small systems development team. Your core role will involve helping build web-based ERP platforms and websites. The ideal candidate should possess a suitable Degree, have at least five years’ experience in a similar role, be strong in relational databases for reporting dashboards and enjoy find simple solutions to complex problems.

Duties:

  • Work closely with the technical lead and business analysts to develop a deep understanding of our business and to develop reporting that helps to bring key metrics to life.
  • Build reporting dashboards.
  • Investigate, lead and champion the company’s move into a full BI setup.

Requirements:

  • Must have a relevant Degree.
  • Five – 10 years of relevant experience.
  • Strongly skilled in relational databases.
  • A talent for solving complex problems with simple solutions.

While we would really like to respond to every application, should you not be contacted for this position within 10 working days please consider your application unsuccessful.

Comments:

When applying for jobs, ensure that you have the minimum job requirements. Only SA Citizens will be considered for this role. If you are not in the mentioned location of any of the jobs, please note your relocation plans in all applications for jobs and correspondence. Please e-mail a word copy of your CV to

moc.nifatad@ellehcim

and mention the reference numbers of the jobs. We have a list of jobs on http://www.datafin.com. Datafin IT Recruitment – Cape Town Jobs.

Posted on 08 May 14:27

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Michelle Roberts
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DataFin was established in 1999. We pride ourselves on the fact that we have established relationships with industry leaders and a vast majority of our business is repeat business.

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Algemene Plaas Bestuurder

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‘n Gevestigede Groente Boerdery in Bainsvlei, is opsoek na ‘n dianamiese persoon met Landbou agtergrond/kwalifikasies. Persoon moet admin vaardig wees met goeie mense verhoudings, Sotho magtig sal aansoek versterk. Eie bakkie is ‘n vereiste. Salaris is onderhandelbaar. Stuur asseblief CV aan dpvorster@gmail.com