Author: Rod Amner

By LUKAS NOWICKI and ROD AMNER Makana Citizen Front’s (MCF) Lungile Mxube has accused Makana Municipal Manager Moppo Mene of covering up corruption by failing to suspend Water and Sanitation manager Gubevu Maduna, who is facing charges of procurement fraud for his alleged involvement in a R25-million toilet tender at Setsoto Municipality in the Free State. Maduna’s trial, initially set for 6 June 2022, has been postponed until 14 November, according to Free State NPA spokesperson Phaladi Shuping. Makana Water and Sanitation manager, Gubevu Maduna. In a recent statement, Mxube asked: “How can a municipality fail to do a basic…

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A staff member and two students from Rhodes University’s International Library of African Music (ILAM) will be the stars of their own shows during the National Arts Festival (NAF) from 23 June to 3 July. Two of the ILAM shows will form part of the Curated Programme. Thandeka Mfinyongo, a PhD student in Ethnomusicology, will be performing “Ingoduko”. With her band and a guest appearance by jazz musician Dumza Maswana, Mfinyongo will be performing vocals and uhadi and umrhubhe. “Ingoduko aims to afford people access to information and skills centred around singing and playing indigenous instruments. Furthermore, it aims to document and archive…

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Millions of South African retirees are likely to run out of money before they run out of time. If you are approaching retirement, it is essential to determine the amount of money you will need to make ends meet. You will also need to estimate what your expenses will be once you stop working. If you do not grasp what your income and expenditure needs will be, you run the risk of depleting your capital during your retirement years. The first step in the process is to determine your income level once you retire. A rule of thumb is that…

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The Association of Independent Publishers says it plans to take legal action against the Media Diversity and Development Agency, writes DANIEL STEYN of GroundUp. The Association of Independent Publishers (AIP) says it plans legal action on how the R38-million Economic Development Fund is disbursed.The AIP says it was instrumental in the Competition Commission price-fixing case that led to the fund’s establishment, yet its members are overlooked.The Media Diversity and Development Agency, which administers the fund, said 30% is earmarked for bursaries and the rest for black-owned media start-ups and sustainability projects. The Association of Independent Publishers says the R38-million Economic…

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Disgust at rampant corruption in the Makana Municipality took centre stage at the funeral of one of its brave officials who fought the criminality he saw around him and was likely killed for it, writes ANNA MAJAVU of New Frame. “Who shot you in the back? Who gave the command? At what cost?” These are some of the questions the Unemployed People’s Movement (UPM) wants to be answered after the brutal assassination of ANC activist Fundile “Jeff” Budaza, 54, on 25 May. The fatal gunshot came from an unknown person in an unmarked vehicle as Budaza stood in his driveway…

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By CHRIS TOTOBELA The Makana LFA First Division got underway last weekend, although some of the games did not occur as some teams did not pitch up on Saturday. On Sunday, only two games took place. The game of the weekend was between the in-form Black Stars against Jacaranda Academy, a development team of SAB regional league outfit Jacaranda Aces. Both teams started the game like a house on fire and did not hold back. Black Stars had the better of the early exchanges but failed to make the numerous scoring chances they created count. Aces scoring chances were very…

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By CHRIS TOTOBELA Christmas has come early for the Rising Stars Football Club. Sean Thompson of the All Blacks Agencies sponsored the Joza-based outfit with full soccer and netball kits. The Rising Stars play in the Makana LFA first division and this is their debut season. The Rising Stars chairman was over the moon: “I’m very happy with this sponsorship as this will help us a lot in our quest to develop and nurture talent in our community.” Thompson was pleased to see his business making a contribution to the development of young athletes in the community. Sean Thompson of…

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All bookings happen on the National Arts Festival website. To book shows, you will need to be logged into your account. If you have forgotten your password, click on ‘lost your password?’ to reset your password. If you are a newcomer, you will need to register. Once you’ve logged in, click on ‘all shows’ on the menu bar to browse through what is being showcased at the Festival this year. You can also opt to view only Main, Fringe, vFringe or Jazz performances. 1. Select your shows. 2. Go to the DATES & TIMES dropdown menu on your show. 3.…

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Families can expect experiences at #NAF2022 suitable for children too, This year, there are two circus acts on the bill: Zip Zap’s Moya and Daniel Buckland’s Urban Circus. Join the story train live with ASSITEJ South Africa. Every day features experienced storytellers weaving their magic with words. How to Hold the World is a play about a young boy tasked with holding up the world, facing the scary (but rewarding) prospect of growing up. There’s also a penguin! The Jackal and the Wolf is based on the age-old fable of Aesop, performed with life-size puppets and masks. Ubom! Eastern Cape…

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On a budget? Here are five things you can do for FREE at #NAF2022 The Sundowner Concerts take place at the Monument daily at 5 pm. Here you’ll see a wide range of entertainment, including artists and performers doing short teasers of their shows. Entrance is free; make sure you arrive early as space fills up quickly.Browse crafts and see the buskers at the Village Green; there are dozens of stalls and a great vibe!Browse through the many exhibitions and galleries located at the Monument and across town, and fall in love with a piece of art.Take a walk through…

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