Central News Issue 004

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FREE STATE | NORTH WEST | GAUTENG
FRIDAY
12 MAY 2023 | WEEKLY
www.centralnews.co.za | newsroom@centralnews.co.za | WhatsApp 081 495 5487
Cogta
approves
Municipal
Manager
despite
misconduct
allegations
Cogta has granted Masilonyana Local
Municipality concurrence to extend the
appointment of Me Michelle Sello as acting
Municipal Manager.
STORY PAGE 2
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NEWS
ANC
Mokhanselara
remains in custody
The African National Congress (ANC)
ward councillor of Kanana township in
the Matlosana Local Municipality, Tebogo
Sepale will remain in police custody until his
next court appearance.
NEWS
GBV:
DJ Maphorisa gets
R4000 bail
A well-known Amapiano producer and DJ
Maphorisa, whose real name is Themba
Sonnyboy Sekowe has received a bail of
R4000 in relation to the Gender Based
Violence charges on Monday, 08 May.
Go beyond the headlines
Also available online at www.centralnews.co.za
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02 News | 12 May 2023
Cogta approves Municipal Manager
despite misconduct allegations
By Thys Khiba
The Free State Department of
Cooperative Governance and
Traditional Affairs (Cogta) has
granted Masilonyana Local Municipality
concurrence to extend acting appointment
of Me Michelle Sello as Municipal
Manager, effective from 24 March to 15
June 2023, despite misconduct allegations
that she is facing.
On 04 May 2023, the MEC for Cogta
and Human Settlements, Ketso Makume
indicated that his office received the
municipal’s request for a concurrence on
appointing acting municipal manager, on
24 March 2023.
Meanwhile, Sello’s appointment begin to
be effective from 16 March 2023.
Makume requested the troubled
municipality to submit a report in
connection with the appointment of the
Municipal Manager.
“Kindly submit to the MEC through the
office of the HOD (hod@fscogta.gov.za)
a progress report regarding the process
towards filing the vacant position of
Municipal Manager.”
This comes after the municipality took a
decision to extend the contract of Sello by
a further three months. It is alleged that
the decision was taken by the council on
Wednesday, 15 March 2023.
The suspended manager of legal services
within the municipality, Itumeleng
Mogaecho, submitted reports that looked
into a variety of allegations, including
misconduct against Sello.
The report by Mogaecho found that Sello
failed to pay third-party contributions for
the months of January, March and May
2021. The report also established that
Sello allowed an unauthorised payment
of nearly R900 000 to a bogus service
provider.
After being dragged to the Free State High
Court by the alleged actual company, the
municipality was instructed to pay the
service provider, resulting in it paying
two companies, one real and one bogus,
an amount close to R900 000.
Jet blasting to unblock sewerage drains
in 2022, formed part of the services that
were not paid to the service provider.
The reports by Mogaecho were not tabled
to the council after being suspended by
Sello.
It has been reported that the responsible
mayor refused to table the reports to the
council after suspending Mogaecho.
“…failed to execute her duties as outlined
in terms of regulations.”
Meanwhile, the mayor, Dimakatso Modise
has been accused of political interference
with matters that relate to the council.
Modise sent two emails, that are reported as
personal attack, to Mogaecho in response
to misconduct reports implicating Sello,
accusing him [Mogaecho] of being biased
and inconsistent.
“I’ve also observed how inconsistent
you are with providing legal advice,
depending on who you are dealing with.
The point of reference is a payment made
by the former acting municipal manager,
Mr Sipho Thomas, to Camelsa Consulting
Group for R700 000 despite the fact
that their contract had run its course.
I’ve been reliably informed that you
were knowledgeable about this payment
despite its bona fide intention.
“I’ve been made aware that you drafted
and tabled a report on the validity of
their contract at a meeting where both
Cooperative Governance’s (Cogta’s)
intervention team and the provincial were
present.
“It has also been brought to my attention
that these allegations were concocted
after the Acting Municipal Manager was
holding you accountable for being derelict
in the matter of the suspended expenditure
manager, Mr Diseko Ntsepe. If so proven,
it will be deeply worrisome and border
on the pure fabrication of allegations to
preserve oneself from accountability or
consequence management.”
In response to the allegations made
against Sello, the municipal spokesperson,
Zongezile Ntjwabule replied as follows:
“As a responsible journalist you have
a legal obligation to upon learning of
allegations of corruption, report such to
the authorities or advice those making
allegations of corruption to report them to
the law enforcement agencies.”
Ntjwabule indicated that the appointment
of Sello was effective from 16 March
2023 to 15 June 2023.
“The legislation (Municipal Systems
Amendment Act) empowers a municipal
council on good course shown to the
relevant MEC, to appoint a senior
manager to act as a Municipal Manager
for an extended period of not exceeding 90
days, after the first period not exceeding
90 days has ended.”
Validity of expired SASSA gold cards
extended until the end of the year
The South African Social Security
Agency (SASSA) has assured recipients
of social grants who have gold
cards that they will continue to receive
their grants uninterrupted until the end
of the year.
This follows a call from SASSA last
month to all grant recipients with expired
or about to expire gold cards to
pick up their new gold cards at post offices
nationwide.
However, the SASSA/Postbank Gold
Card’s expiration date has been extended
to 31 December 2023, as announced
by the Payment Association
of South Africa (PASA) last month.
This means that recipients of social
grants don’t have to get new cards or
switch banks to use their expired cards
for social grants payment transactions
at ATMs and merchant point of sale
(POS) withdrawals and purchases.
SASSA’s Gauteng and Mpumalanga
Chief Director, Themba Matlou, has
encouraged social award recipients
with gold cards not to overreact, as
their cards will just terminate toward
the year’s end.
Matlou stated, “We would like to inform
all social grant beneficiaries with
expired or about to expire gold cards
not to be concerned, as the cards’ validity
has been extended to the end of
December 2023.”
Matlou said beneficiaries are qualified
for pick an installment channel of their
decision.
They can still go to SASSA offices to
change their payment method so they
can get their money from their own
personal banks. This card can be utilized
at any ATM and machines.”
Meanwhile, SASSA has cautioned the
general public against the ad for food
parcel vouchers that claimed to be
from the agency.
Over 980 000 people will be eligible
for food parcel vouchers, according to
the social media advertisement.
“Please be on the lookout for the phony
information that does not originate
from SASSA. SASSA stated, “The
agency is not giving out vouchers for
food parcels.

12 May 2023 |
News
ANC Mokhanselara charged with
statutory rape remains in custody
By Thys Khiba
The African National Congress
(ANC) ward councillor of Kanana
township in the Matlosana Local
Municipality, Tebogo Sepale will remain
in police custody until his next court
appearance.
This follows a report by the police
indicating that the Klerksdorp Family
Violence, Child Protection and Sexual
Offences (FCS) Unit, was investigating a
case of crimen injuria and two separate
counts of statutory rape, after they
were reported at Kanana police station,
respectively.
In one of the cases, the suspect allegedly
shared a nude picture of his private parts
with the complainant, in the second and
separate case, but involving the same
suspect, two counts of statutory rape
were laid on Saturday 6 May 2023, by
the parents of two boys aged 15 and 17.
This comes after the Orkney Magistrates’
Court deferred the case against Sepale, to
17 May 2023, for legal representation.
The 43-year-old councillor and
charismatic preacher requested a week to
appoint a private attorney to represent him
and he will remain in police custody until
his next court aappearance
The NPA spokesperson Henry Mamothame
confirmed that the state will oppose his
bail application on 17 May.
“Sepale is facing eleven provisional
charges, two for statutory rape, three
for the violation of a child with consent,
one for manufacturing pornographic
material, four for rape and one for sexual
intimidation.
“The state is not ruling out the possibility
of more charges being added,” said
Mamothame.
Investigations are still underway to gather
more evidence against the suspect.
The public is urged to refrain from
circulating sexual content of any form
through all mediums as it may compromise
the victims and their families, as well as
the investigations into the matter.
Meanwhile, the North West ANC has
confirmed Sepale will not be allowed to
participate in the activities of the party and
his membership has been suspended with
immediate effect from Friday, 05 May.
“The ANC in the province has noted
with shock a video of one of its public
representatives engaged in a sexual act.
“We have also received a number
of complaints against the said
public representative from
various women. We are also
aware that one of his victims has
opened a case against him with
law enforcement agencies,” said
ANC provincial spokesperson
Tumelo Maruping.
The Economic Freedom Fighters
(EFF) provincial secretary, Papiki
Babuile has suggested that the
ANC leaders [Sibusiso Kula
and Sepale], who originates
from Ward 25 of Matlosana
Municipality are ‘rotten to
core.’
“Undoubtedly, it is too
late for the ANC and its
government to walk on
the path of self-correcting. This difficult
time represents the golden opportunity to
liberate the community of Ward 25, which
has fallen into the bottom of the abyss.
“This kind of heinous acts of sexual
harassment and crimen injuria is highly
unacceptable and warrants a decisive
rejection of the ANC government by the
people.
“We welcome the arrest because it
corroborates our contention that ANC
leaders should not be in a constitutional
and statutory free zone,” said Babuile.
Former
Standard Bank
employee
sentenced
for money
laundering
By Thys Khiba
The Harrismith Magistrates’ Court
has sentenced a former Standard
Bank employee Thandeka Mlangeni
for fraud, money laundering in terms of
the Prevention of Organised Crime Act
as well as contravention of Electronic
Communications and Transactions Act on
Friday, May 2023.
The court sentenced Mlangeni to six years
imprisonment on the count of fraud which
is wholly suspended for five years.
On the count of money laundering she was
sentenced to ten years direct imprisonment.
On the count of contravention of Electronic
Communications and Transactions Act,
she was sentenced to ten years direct
imprisonment.
The Free State Hawks’ spokesperson,
Captain Christopher Singo has indicated,
the sentences will run concurrently and
Mlangeni will serve ten years direct
imprisonment.
“A preliminary investigation conducted
by Standard bank forensic investigator
discovered that Mlangeni issued a
fraudulent bank card using another
client’s details.
“She then transferred one million rand
to the bank account belonging to her
boyfriend, Hopewell Mpanduli Daguma
(34) who is already serving ten years
direct imprisonment.
“A further R51 000 was also withdrawn
from the same victim’s account. The
incident took place between January and
February 2020.
“The matter was reported to the Hawks
Serious Commercial Crime Investigation
team based in Bethlehem for further
exploration which culminated to the
conviction of the accused,” Singo said.
The Provincial Head of the Directorate
for Priority Crime Investigation Free
State, Major General Mokgadi Bokaba,
commended the Hawks team on the
sterling work and applauded the court
on the sanction given especially the ten
years direct imprisonment for money
laundering.

04 News | 12 May 2023
Former MEC kicked out of ANC
By Thys Khiba
The African National Congress (ANC) in
the North West has expelled the former
MEC for Cogta, Mmoloki Cwaile and
other seven members of the ANC on
Monday.
The ANC provincial secretary Louis
Diremeloindicated thatCwailehas been
expelled from the party for 10 years and is
removed from representing the ANC in the
Provincial Legislature.
This comes after the ANC Provincial
Disciplinary Committee (PDC) decided
to expel eight of its members after
disciplinary hearings.
Cwaile is charged for contravening
Rule 25.17.1 of the party constitution as
amended and adopted at the 54th ANC
national conference, in that he has acted in
breach of membership oath.
“His action prejudiced the integrity or
repute of the organisation, its personnel, or
its operational capacity. On or about 12th –
13th August 2022, Cwaile pretended to be
a voting delegate as provided for in Rule
17.2.2, Rule 17.2.2.1 and Rule 17.2.2.2.
In terms of Rule 17.2.2.3 prejudiced the
integrity or repute of the organisation, its
personnel, or its operational capacity,”
Diremelo said.
Diremelo indicated that the hearing took
place in terms of Rule 25.7(2) of the ANC
constitution, with Cwaile being absent.
Cwaile has a right to appeal the decision
taken by the party within 21 days.
“The African National Congress (ANC)
in its 55th National Congress, reaffirmed
its long standing resolution to renew the
organisation and revive unity of purpose
within its ranks. At the epoch of these
resolution, is the ability and political will
of the organisation to implement its own
good policies, fight corruption and instill
discipline within the ANC.
“It against this backdrop that, the ANC
Provincial Disciplinary Committee make
a public announcement of concluded
cases that appeared before it as prescribed
in Clause 64, Appendix 3 of the ANC
Constitution,” said Diremelo.
The outcome of disciplinary proceedings
involved, LesegoMotlapele, GontseKock,
TshepoKhwenanyane, MittahChelechele,
TumishoTlhole, MmolokiCwaile,
BafanaNebe, and Stephen Moreki.
The party has charged the MamusaLocal
Municipality leaders,Motlapele, Kock,
Khwenanyane, Chelechele and Tlhole
with misconduct.
Diremelo said common purpose doctrine
was applied by the Provincial Disciplinary
Committee.
“The charges are pending from
contravention of Rule 25.17.12, which
deals with the undermining of respect
for, or impeding the functioning of, any
structure or committee of the ANC.The
contravention of Rule 25.17.17 which
deals with prejudicing of the integrity or
repute of the organisation, it’s personnel,
or its operational capacity by Rule
25.17.17.1: Impeding the activity of the
organisation.
“Rule 25.17.17.2 deals with creating
division within the ranks or membership;
Thato Setilo
Police in Botshabelo request the
community to aid them in tracking down
Morena Samson Moleko (37), who
allegedly murdered Maleshoane Gladys
Majola (29).
Sergeant Sinah Mpakane stated: “It is
alleged that on Tuesday 14 December
2021 around 09:00 police received
information about a murder that happened
at Section M, Botshabelo.
On their arrival, they found the body of
and Rule 25.17.17.4 deals with acting
on behalf of, or in collaboration with,
counter-revolutionary forces, a political
organisation or party other than an
organisation or party in alliance with the
ANC in a manner contrary to the aims,
policies, and objectives of the ANC,” said
Diremelo.
Diremelo indicated that the expelled were
also charged for the contravention of
Rule 25.17.20, Rule 25.17.21 and were
expelled from the ANC permanently.
Assist Botshabelo police
to track down murder and
rape suspect
the deceased laying on the floor.”
An initial investigation revealed that the
couple were indulging on alcohol with
neighbours on Sunday 12 December
2021, before Moleko chased them
away.
“It was further indicated that Samson
was seen taking a taxi on a nearby
road while holding a bag, saying he
had found a job. He then called the
deceased’s sister, informing her that
he had killed the deceased and left her
inside the house. He is also a wanted
suspect as per the warrant of arrest that
was issued against him for rape,” added
anonymous.
Anyone with tangible information that
could lead to the arrest and successful
prosecution of Morena Samson Moleko
is promised a reward.
Anyone with information that can lead
to the arrest of the suspect is requested
to call detective Sergeant Itumeleng
Mara from Botshabelo SAPS at 079
652 8394 or contact police
Crime Stop number on 08600 10111
or provide information using MySAPS
App.
Gauteng to launch 6000
Jobs Initiative under
“Cleaning and Greening
Army Programme”
Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi and
MEC Mbali Hlophe will this Sunday,
14 May 2023, launch the Gauteng
Waste Management & food security
EPWP (Green Army) that will create
6000 job opportunities for Gauteng
youth.
“The newly appointed recruits will
conduct clean ups, collect waste from
households, recyclable and nonrecyclable,
support waste pickers, and
recycling buy-back centres.”
“They will also provide environmental
support through greening initiatives.”
Meanwhile, Premier Lesufi recently
launched the new force of 3,000 Crime
Prevention Wardens on 1 May, aiming
to protect residents, particularly in
Townships, Informal Settlements, and
Hostels (TISH) in Gauteng.
These wardens will be on patrol 24/7
across Gauteng and will collaborate
with other law enforcement authorities.

12 May 2023 |
GBV |
DJ Maphorisa
gets a
R4000 bail
By Thys Khiba
A well-known Amapiano producer
and DJ Maphorisa, whose real name is
Themba Sonnyboy Sekowe has received
a bail of R4000 in relation to the Gender
Based Violence charges on Monday, 08
May.
Sekowe appeared at the Randburg
Magistrates’ Court on Monday on
charges of assault with intent to cause
grievous bodily harm.
This comes after his girlfriend and
media personality Thulisile Phongolo
laid a charge with Sandton South
African Police Service (SAPS), that
acted promptly and arrested the accused.
“It is alleged that on Sunday, 07 May
2023, the accused assaulted his girlfriend,
Thulisile Phongolo by hitting her with
open hands and strangled her after she
confronted him about an incident that
happened the previous night where he
was booked to perform.
“The complainant laid a charge with
Sandton South African Police Service
(SAPS), that acted promptly and
arrested the accused,” said NPA Gauteng
spokesperson Phindi Mjonondwane.
Meanwhile, the victim filed a withdrawal
statement and was before court to which
she agreed for the accused to be released
on bail.
The case was remanded to 14 June 2023
for Sekowe to lodge representations to the
National Prosecuting Authority (NPA),
in light of the withdrawal statement that
has been filed by the complainant.
Sekowe rose to stardom after producing
several hit singles for artists of
multiple music genres, such as Uhuru
(“Y-Tjukuta”), Kwesta (“Ngud’”),
Busiswa (“Lahla”), DJ Zinhle (“My
name Is”), Professor (“Jezebel”) and
Shekinah (“Suited”).
His genre of music is Amapiano,
although he first ventured into Gqom,
but due to the Durban producer’s calling
him out for doing a genre that wasn’t
from his town, he decided to major in
Amapiano.
He is popularly known for producing
beats for top artistes locally and
internationally. Among his best works
is “Soweto Baby” which he featured
Nigerian singer Wizkid in. Other artistes
he has worked with are Kwesta, Uhuru,
Drake, Black Coffee, Major Lazer,
Runtown, among others.
By Thys Khiba
A
former African National Congress
(ANC) Member of Parliament
in the North West Legislature,
Veronica Mapule Mafolo and Thabo
Freddy Phutiyagae have been sentenced
to three years direct imprisonment on a
charge of stock theft by the Schweizer
Reneke Regional Court.
The state urged the court to impose direct
imprisonment on the accused as the
offence they committed is prevalent in the
North West province.
Magistrate Paul Moeng shared the same
sentiments with the state and described the
action by the duo as influenced by greed.
Moeng said stock-theft harm the farmer’s
business and further destroys employment
for farm workers.
The 48-year-old woman and 36-year-old
man were arrested following an incident
that occurred on 12 January 2018, at a
farm in Schweizer Reneke, whereat one of
the farmers noticed fresh car tracks in his
farm in the early hours of the morning.
“Upon counting his stock, he realised
that two Bonsmara calves were missing,
and he subsequently alerted his brother to
report the matter to the police.
News 05
GREEDY former ANC MP
sentenced for stock theft
“The farmer was later called at the
Vryburg Auction Kraals, where he
positively identified his missing calves,”
said North West NPA spokesperson Henry
Mamothame.
Evidence gathered has suggested that the
ANC member did not want the public to
know about her criminal activities.
“Evidence led in court revealed that
Mafolo pleaded with the farmer not to lay
charges against her as it would dent her
reputation as a member of Parliament,”
said Mamothame.
“Stock theft is rife in our province and the
criminal justice system will deal harshly
with perpetrators of such offences without
fear, favour or prejudice,” said Director of
Public Prosecutions in the North West, Dr
Rachel Makhari.
At the time of publishing this article,
Central News could not get a comment
from the ANC in the province.

06 Classifieds | 12 May 2023
cnclassifieds

12 May 2023 |
Business 07
business
R15 billion Iinvestment to develop Xhariep District
By Thato Setilo
The Xhariep District will see
development with investments
totaling more than fifteen billion
rand. According to Free State Premier
Mxolisi Dukwana who said during
Deputy President Paul Mashatile’s visit
to the small mining town of Jagersfontein
in the Kopanong Municipality as part of
the District Development Model (DDM)
on Tuesday.
The Premier addressed the community
during a meeting in the devastated town
where the mine dam collapsed leaving
many residents losing their homes, and
others succumbing to their deaths. The
focal point of the visit was to answer the
consuming inquiries of reconstructing
the local area that was so devasted by
the calamity and to address the cruel
financial difficulties that proceed with see
by far most jobless and perlious living
conditions.
Cooperating through the DDM, all circles
of government answered unequivocally
to issues of monetary and advancement
in Xhariep, Kopanong in particular.
Deputy President Mashatile visited one
of the homes that are getting closer to
completion today and was pleased with
the standard. The process of building new
homes for people who have been displaced
is in progress.
The Deputy President visited the water
treatment plant and met with management
of the mine, who reiterated their
commitment to taking full responsibility
for the loss of the community and to
be at the center of restoration
and rebuilding the
community. They
were accompanied
by EXCO led by
the Premier,
the Mayor of
Kopanong,
Councillor
Xolani
Tseleletse,
and Deputy
Ministers for
Cooperative
Governance
and Traditional
Affairs, Parks Tau,
and Fikile Majola.
Through the Department
of Economic Small Business
Development, Tourism, and
Environmental Affairs(DESTEA), the
provincial government will soon launch
two massive projects in the district in
collaboration with the municipality. First,
to rebuild
Xhariep we
need to
reimagine it
there is a solar plant that is expected to
create 6,000 jobs in Xhariep. Furthermore,
a cannabis industrial site which will
embark on manufacturing of a variety
of cannabis products such as textile and
clothing, medicinal and hygiene products
and many others.
The Department of Agriculture
has allocated
four million for
immediate use
inKopanong’s
agriculture.
Animal
feed,
water
reticulation,
and
fencing
will
be used
to assist
small-scale
farmers who
lost some of their
livestock.
The Department of Sport,
Arts, Culture, and Recreation
will begin construction on a Multi-
Purpose Centre in Kopanong as a means
of preventing drug and alcohol abuse
as well as other forms of social ills in
Jagersfontein and the surrounding areas.
The provincial government through the
Department of Cooperative Governance
and Traditional Affairs will kick-start
the process that will enable provincial
government to assist the municipality
in resolving water provision challenges
confronting the municipality and this is to
happen as soon as yesterday.
Deputy President Mashatile established
a Project Management Task Team
composed of Deputy Ministers, MECs,
Mayors, Municipal Officials and experts
who will meet regularly and see to the
full implementation of all deliverables
committed to by all parties involved.
“To rebuild Xhariep we need to reimagine
it, and that begins with letting go of our
attachments to the old. We will build
an industrial area which will house a
variety of companies, among others,
soap factories, hemp factories and an
agricultural industry. We are working
together with merSITA to develop and
to upskill our youth. This initiative will
greatly empower our communities to
be a place of economic activity that has
the full control of the entire value chain.
Through education we will solve our own
problems here at home” said Premier
Dukwana Mxolisi.
editorial
By Thys Khiba
Karabo Nkoli:
Young but
intentional
and mature
writer
Without any doubt and indisputably,
Karabo Nkoli is an exceptional produced
author that the south of Gauteng province,
Vaal has produced.
Nkoli became one of South Africa’s
youngest produced author at the age of
13, whom published his first book titled,
Whispers Of Life, at the age of 14 in 2016.
The book was received and read by
former president Thabo Mbeki, Dr
Mamphela Ramphele, Prince Mangosuthu
Buthelezi, Ahmed Kathrada, Mama
Winnie Madikizela-Mandela and Andrew
Mlangeni amongst others.
In 2022, he has published his second book
titled, Conscious In Crisis, that features
a foreword written by Dr Mamphela
Ramphele.
Nkoli celebrated his 21st birthday on
Tuesday, 9 May with two books on his
name.
Central News would like to join the
people of Gauteng, Free State and South
Africa in wishing him a prosperous and
blessed birthday.
Karabo Nkoli writes:
On 9 May 2023 I marked my 21st birthday
having been born at Sebokeng Hospital at
02:00 AM, being the first born amongst
three boys.
Each year provides one with the
opportunity to reflect on how far one has
come and also overcome.
If I were to reflect on my life journey
as one who’s Young, African & Gifted I
would quote Nina Simone saying: “You
can’t help it. An artist’s duty, as far as I’m
concerned is to reflect the times.”
What led me to becoming one of South
Africa’s youngest produced authors at the
age of 14 in 2016 was my questioning
of the state of the country and also my
yearning to see my generation, the current
youth, fulfil our generation mission.
I am alive solely towards achieving the
ideal of young people rising up in all
sectors, leading the winds of change for
the country and continent we all desire.
The journey has not been easy however it
has been worth it.
I already have 2 books published under 20,
Whispers Of Life(2016) and Conscious
In Crisis(2022), along with 2 awards and
will be receiving my third award, African
FUTURE Leaders - Honoree 2023 on 27
May 2023. All I can say is I’m grateful to
my Creator for this calling.
As I go forward, I will continue to rise
with the responsibility of rising with
others.

08 Sports | 12 May 2023
sports
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SAFA appoints Lydia Monyepao as CEO
Lydia Monyepao, a former COO,
has been appointed CEO of the
SouthAfrican Football Association
(SAFA).
She takes over from Adv Tebogo
Motlanthe who has resigned from
theposition with immediate because of
individual reasons.
Dr. Jordaan, president of SAFA, made the
announcement of her appointment to the
media on Monday (8 May 2023). He said
that the former Banyana Banyana
player and senior women’s
national team manager
of South Africa was
well-suited for the
position.
We wish her
every success.
Unquestionably
at the
SAFA Crisis
Council meeting
yesterday
(Sunday, 8 May
2023, the choice
was consistent.
Lydia Monyepao was
appointed Chief Executive
Officer of the South African
Football Association with everyone’s
approval. So, congratulations, and you
need to get going right away. The primary
commitment is tomorrow (Tuesday, 9
May 2023) in Cape Town with the public
authority,” the SAFA President said.
“She knows all the deadlines (for South
Africa’s bid for the FIFA Women’s
World Cup in 2027) because she has been
working on all of these matters already,
and it is nothing new,”
Monyepao stated in her acceptance speech
that while she was aware of the difficulties
posed by the new position, she was ready
for them.
‘’It is large shoes that I am filling and I need
to raise a ruckus around town running,”
she said.
“I will accept the task and move
the work forward because I am
capable of starting from the
beginning.” Regarding the
requirements for this
position, I am not
ignorant. I know
the difficulties
that encompass
any Chief
of the South
African Football
Affiliation, I’m
not oblivious to
that.
“However, as
previously stated, no
job is straightforward;
rather, you must accept it as it
comes and apply your strengths and
capabilities.
I am extremely grateful to the President
and the SAFA NEC for having faith in my
abilities. I believe I am capable of this, as
my resume and educational background
will demonstrate.
The new CEO has, among other
credentials, a Bachelor of Commerce from
the University of the Witwatersrand,
a Masters in Sports Management from
Loughborough University in the UK,
and a BCom Honours in Accounting
(CTA) from the University of KwaZulu-
Natal.
Adv Motlanthe, who also briefly
attended the Press Conference, stated
that the Association would be in good
hands when he left and that there was no
animosity among the SAFA hierarchy.
He likewise said he had given his
marked renunciation letter to the SAFA
President and reduced most, if not all,
connection with a letter that has been
flowed in the media over the most recent
couple of days.
“It is true that I have handed in my
resignation and sent a letter that I have
signed to the SAFA President. He stated,
“I would like to categorically say that
the one that is on social media is not my
letter, and I do not know.”
He said. “Mine has a signature and has
my reasons. My reasons are personal
and private.”
PHOTO SUPPLIED
He said thanks to Dr Danny Jordaan
for the valuable chance to lead such a
major association like SAFA and said
his relationship with the Affiliation stays
warm.
“I don’t have any bad blood with anyone,
including the President. We worked
very well with the President, he has
been a father and he has guided me. It
is just a personal decision that I have
taken. I would like to thank the National
Executive Committee, they have given
me support, the regions, members and
staff, I wish all of them all of the best.
“I support the bid for the 2027 FIFA
Women’s World Cup. We started with the
process with me being there and I’m not
divorcing myself from it. I will continue
to support it from outside. As I said to the
President, wherever he needs me I will be
available. We are not leaving each other
on bad terms as it has been painted out
there.
There is no bad blood. It is just a personal
decision.”
Busquets
leaves
Barcelona
end of season
By Thys Khiba
After 18 years with Barcelona
legend Sergio Busquets has
confirmed his plan to leave the
club as a free agent at the end of the
season as his contract is set to expire.
Busquets is expected to join Saudi
League as talks are understood to be
very advanced.
Al Shabab, Al Nassr, and Al Hilal are
the main contenders who could land
a signature of Barcelona long serving
footballer.
This comes after winning eight LaLiga
titles, three UEFA Champions League,t
three FIFA Club World Cup, three UEFA
Super Cup, seven Copa Del Rey and
seven Spanish Super Cup tittles.
The 34-year-old joined his club, La
Masia in 2005 and rose through the
ranks before establishing his legendary
status at Barcelona club.
Despite being convinced by former
teammates, Xavi Hernandez and Barca
head coach, Busquets wants to try a
different challenge.
“Hello Culers. The time has come to
announce this will be my last season at
Barcelona.
“It has been an unforgettable journey.
Since I was a child coming to the matches
or watching them on TV. I always dreamed
of playing with this shirt in this stadium.
“And reality has exceeded my dreams. I
wouldn’t have believed you if you’d told
me when I arrived as a youth player that I
would play 15 seasons at the best club in
the world. The club of my life, of which
I have been, am, and always be a fan,
member, player, captain. And surpass 700
matches,” said Busquets.
Busquets said it has been an honour, a
dream and a source of pride to represent
Barcelona for almost 20 years.