SONA 2014: Public expectations.

@SITHOLEEXPRESS

President Zuma has reiterated that SA
has a ‘good story’ to tell in his SONA.

As President Jacob Zuma puts the finishing touches on his State on the Nation Address, SABCNews Digital journalist Sthembiso Sithole took to the street to find out from people what their expectations ahead of Zuma's speech are. - See more at:

http://trendingnewsroom.com/channel/sabcnews/6563/sona-2014-public-expectations#sthash.hu1f1vGI.dpuf

http://trendingnewsroom.com/channel/sabcnews/6563/sona-2014-public-expectations

DA ponders charges against ANC

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Some of the DA supporters have expressed their dissatisfaction.

The Democratic Alliance (DA) is consulting with police on whether to bring charges against the ANC. This after the party called off their march for jobs on Wednesday after its supporters were forced to turn back by ANC supporters before they could reach the ruling party's headquarters at Luthuli House.






SABC Digital Producer Sthembiso Sithole unpacks #DAmarch on @SABCNewsroom DSTV404.

Click below to watch:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KMKcF9VHNjU&list=TLzW9Bn57cjZ9ITYzruwR_yZDoGBaHXR4P

Service delivery protests hinder voter registration drive

Thousands of residents went on the rampage burning

properties during the voter registration weekend.
 Pic by@Chriseldalewis

Voter registration in some parts of the country were disrupted, as protesters were preventing Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) officials from doing their work.

At the Silvertown informal settlement in Port Elizabeth, protesters turned away both IEC officials and African National Congress regional leaders. They told the IEC to dismantle and remove theirs voter registration tent.

Angry Bekkersdal residents on Gauteng's West Rand attacked all voter registration stations in the area. Voter registration stations were temporarily closed due to the violent clashes between residents and the Red Ants, which have left scores of residents severely injured on Saturday.

In North West province, voter registration struggled to start in Majakaneng near Brits due to the on-going protests by the residents who demand drinking water.

Thousands of residents went on the rampage on Thursday, burning properties, barricading roads and disrupting learning at the local schools.

 Click below to see the PhotoSnack of service delivery protests.

http://www.photosnack.com/my-slideshows/details/p7tkqhnp?jsalbum=1

Despite on-going protests, IEC chairperson Pansy Tlakula has appealed to South Africans to allow people to exercise their democratic rights without any hindrance.

Tlakula says their rights should be respected.

Tlakula says: "We are appealing to South Africans to say to them, we are leaving in a constitutional democracy. So we all have rights, those who want to participate in voter registration should be allowed to do so and should not be intimidated. Those who want to stay it is also their right to do so."

Click below to see the Storify of Voter Registration drive.

http://storify.com/sabcnewsonline/last-weekend-for-voter-registration-drive

Speaking on AM Live on SAfm last week, Professor Steven Friedman said the reason why there are violent protests in South African townships is because people there are not listened to and taken seriously. Edited by Sthembiso Sithole.

Click below to listen to Professor Steven Friedman.

Download episode (MP3 688.0 KB)

This article first appeared at SABCNews. It was done by Sthembiso Sithole.

Service delivery grievances not taken seriously: Analyst

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One person was killed and another

injured in Sebokeng.(SABC)

Professor Steven Friedman says the reason why there are violent protests in South African townships is because people there are not listened to and taken seriously.

This follows a number of protests over the past 24 hours, most of which turned violent. More than 50 people were arrested after a library and a house were set alight by disgruntled Bronkhorstspruit residents.

Speaking on AM Live on SAfm, Friedman said: “What is happening in our townships at the moment is that, we don’t have enough information. Generally we have a problem where townships are only taken serious when people start burning things, start shooting at each other. We don’t take those people in those areas serious enough.”

One person was killed and another injured in Sebokeng in the Vaal, with Gauteng police now investigating who fired live ammunition during the protest action. Edited by Sthembiso Sithole.

Click below to listen to Professor Steven Friedman.

Download episode (MP3 688.0 KB)

Protester shot dead in Sebokeng

A protester was shot dead and another wounded during demonstrations in Sebokeng, south of Johannesburg, Gauteng police said on Wednesday.

 

Click below for comments on Storify: http://www.sabc.co.za/news/a/3386bd8042d47ba5bc1afe56d5ffbd92/Service-delivery-grievances-not-taken-seriously:-Analyst-20140602

 

This article first appeared on SABCNews site: It was done by Sthembiso Sithole.

Agang charts way forward after failed merger

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Helen Zille and Mamphela Ramphele

 slug it out on twitter(SABC)

Democratic Alliance leader Helen Zille says Agang SA leader Dr Mamphela Ramphele took advantage of her. This follows a failed merger between DA and Agang SA. Zille expressed her views on social media under her twitter handle @helenzille.

According Zille, Agang had pressure from donors who wanted a united opposition.

Zille tweeted: “No one forced the DA. Agang needed a lifeline. We gave it, they grabbed it but couldn't follow through. And by the way, it was not only one donor that put pressure on Mamphela. It was EVERY donor. They want a united, strong opposition.”

Instead of replying to Zille, Ramphele and her party are planning a way forward after their marriage with the DA failed.

Tweeting under @MamphelaR handle, Ramphele said: “It is unfortunate that many who were praise singing now choose to revert to games & name calling. I am afraid we did rush into it. We now need to re-focus on what @AgangSA has built, has brought to the political landscape, and our vision for SA.”  Edited by Sthembiso Sithole.

Agang plans way forward as DA gripe continues

Click below to see the tweets.

http://storify.com/sabcnewsonline/agang-plans-way-forward-as-da-gripe-continues

This article first appeared on SABCNews site. It was done by Sthembiso Sithole

‘Lesego Motsepe was loved by many’

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The funeral service for the actress will be on Saturday.
(Sthembiso Sithole)

President Jacob Zuma's international relations adviser Lindiwe Zulu has described the late South African actress Lesego Motsepe as a flower of a free South Africa.

She was speaking at the memorial service of the late Isidingo cast member, which was held at the SABC in Auckland Park on Thursday. Zulu also says Motsepe was a talented actress who was loved by many people.

Different speakers at the memorial recalled their memories with Motsepe. One of the speakers was Tshepo Maseko who was Lettie’s (her character on Isidingo) brother Parsons Matabane on the soapie.

"I feel like the director can say cut. I had great moments with Lesego. We studied together at Pretoria Tecknikon, now known as TUT. She lived her life 100% and I enjoyed working with her," says Maseko who was smiling as he was reliving great moments that he had with Motsepe.

The actress, poet and storyteller had courageously made a public announcement of her HIV status in 2011 on World Aids Day. Her doctor, Marlin McKay says he admired Motsepe for coming out in public with her status. He however says he was not happy but respected her decision not to take her ARV treatment.

During the service, attended by celebrities, politicians, business people and members of the public, mourners were shown a DVD where different soapie stars paid tribute to Motsepe.

One of them was Sophie Ndaba who plays Queen Moroka on Generations. She described Motsepe as someone who has played her role in the media sector.

She was found dead in her home in Randburg, Johannesburg on Monday. She will be laid to rest on Saturday in Johannesburg. She is survived by her mother Ivy Skhosana, brothers Moemise and Andile Skhosana.

This article first appeared on SABCNews site. It was done by Sthembiso Sithole.

SABC to host memorial service for Lesego Motsepe on Thursday

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The late actress will be laid to rest on Saturday. (SABC)

The memorial service of late South African actress Lesego Motsepe will be held at the SABC headquarters in Auckland Park on Thursday at 13:00 pm.

The 39-year-old was found dead in her home in Randburg, Johannesburg, earlier on Monday.

Family spokesperson, Onkgopotse JJ Tabane says preparations for her funeral are also underway. "A memorial service will be held for Lesego at SABC on Thursday at 13h00 pm. The family is busy with preparations for the funeral. Possibly the funeral might take place in Randburg."

Tabane adds that the family of the former Isidingo actress is grateful for the support received from South Africans and the world.
A former colleague, Tumisho Masha, who played her boyfriend on the soapie, paid his tribute to the actress on twitter.

"Deeply saddened by the news that Lesego Motsepe has passed away. She was a talented actress, good friend and excellent soul. May she RIP!"

Motsepe was part of the soapie from 1998 to 2008. She played the role of Lettie Matabane.

Motsepe announced her HIV-positive status on World Aids day in 2011 and became an Aids ambassador. She is survived by her mother Ivy Skhosana, brothers Moemise and Andile Skhosana.

This article first appeared on SABCNews site. It was done by Sthembiso Sithole.