National Council of Provinces (NCOP) members who visited the North West for a week-long provincial service delivery inspection programme expressed concern over the slow pace of services in areas around Moretele local municipality.

The delegation decried the lack of commitment it said was demonstrated by the provincial government and the municipality towards delivering quality services in the areas of housing, water and maintenance of roads.

Parliament communications officer Faith Kwaza said some recently completed housing projects exposed a lack of adequate inspection by authorities.

“In Mogogelo village, the delegation was shocked to discover that only 80 units of a 1000-unit RDP development project were completed since 1999 while the rest were blocked due to structural defects. The delegation was informed that the human settlements department was busy with financial audits, compilation of Geo Tech reports and beneficiary lists and the projects would be unblocked in the financial year,” she said.

Water shortages in some parts of the municipality were noted and it emerged there was an inadequate supply from the Themba Water Treatment Plant. The 60-mega litre plant supplies parts of the province as well as the entire Tshwane municipality.

“The delegation condemned the Bojanala district municipality for initiating projects and not seeing them to completion. The council visited Serodumo sa-Rona Brick Project in Moeka village, a project which was never completed.

The delegation believes this is a waste of public funds and vowed to follow up the issue,” Kwaza said.

The only positive development the NCOP acknowledged was the rehabilitation of a 12km road between Swartdam and Makapanstad. Work on this road is expected to be completed next February.

Kwaza said the delegation, led by Collen Maine, interacted with Premier Thandi Modise, finance MEC Paul Sebegoe, Moretele local municipality mayor, Jonas Lehari, and municipal leaders.

Municipalities recently put under administration had a chance to meet the council in the Dr Kenneth Kaunda district but details of the meeting were not available at the time of going to press.

Unions, the local government portfolio committee and SA Local Government Association expressed concern over the provincial executive council’s decision to invoke Section 139 (1) (b) on Ditsobotla, Makwassie Hills and Matlosana local municipalities.

For more http://www.thenewage.co.za

Twelve photographers are ready to demonstrate the skills they acquired from a workshop conducted by legendary lens-lady Neo Ntsoma in Mahikeng.

The documentary photography three-day workshop, held at the Mmabana Arts, Culture and Sports Foundation last week, attracted both amateur and aspiring photographers.

For more http://www.thenewage.co.za

Members of the public have been asked to come to the rescue of the education of a four-year-old hearing-impaired girl – Phatsimo Ntlhane – who is on the brink of missing out on classes and a chance to speak, if her mother fails to raise R21000 to pay part of her tuition fees.

For more http://www.thenewage.co.za

By Obakeng Maje

Taung-North West police arrested two men after masquerading as soldiers.

Two men were arrested after a tip-off from concerned community members in Kgatlheng village, near Taung on Sunday.

According to police, two men in full SANDF attaire made a roadblock in the area.

Even though police captain Aafje had lesser information about two suspects whether they are part of SANDF or how they obtain police uniform,confirmed the arrest.

“Two men will appear today at Taung Magistrate Court for being in possession of police uniform and hijacking” police said.

According to statement received, two men tried to hijack a car in the area and they have been harrassing community members.

Police investigations continue.

Follow us on Twitter@Taung_DailyNews

Premier Modise leads trade missions to showcase tourism, music and art

North West Premier Thandi Modise is leading a provincial delegation that is departing on missions to Ireland and Thailand to participate in the South Africa Week Celebration and explore trade, tourism and cultural activities in both countries. The business delegation that includes tour operators and 27 music performers and an artist is flying-off tomorrow Tuesday.

Premier Modise says that the objective of the visits to the two countries is aimed at understanding the Irish and the Thai markets, to get to know how South Africa is perceived by both countries and to learn the cultural, trade, tourism and investment best practices.

The delegation for Ireland includes MEC for Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism, Motlalepula Rosho and tour operators will as part of its visit market and profile trade and investment opportunities in the province at the Southern African Provincial Economic, Trade and Tourism Fair to be held as from Wednesday to Friday in Dublin and Limerick.

The delegation to Thailand that includes MEC for Sport,Arts and Culture, Tebogo Modise will be part an Investment Seminar to be held in Bangkok on Wednesday and the tour guides seminar to be held on Thursday.

The group that includes representatives of Tlhako ya Pele Heritage and Culture Institute will strive to learn more about the Thai market and to introduce North West market and opportunities as part of South Africa’s celebration of 20 years of diplomatic relations with Thailand.

Both delegations will regroup on Saturday for the South Africa’s National Day celebrations and Fashion Show to be hosted by His Excellency Mr. Jerry Ndou South Africa Ambassador to Ireland. The celebration is aimed at promoting South Africa through the provinces with South African food, wine, music, fashion and dance.

D-voted opera group, South African Traditional Music Awards winners and nominees Traditional music and dance groups Dithaga Tsa Ga-Mma Halenyane from Sekhing village in Taung, Thaga Moso from Wilbedacht township in Zeerust will enjoy International exposure and showcase their musical talent and creativity on the 

 programmes for the missions.

Pedro Serasengwe from Ga-Khunwana village will also be taking his paintings depicting rural life for display with other artworks from Bokone-Bophirima Craft Development Initiative that the delegations supported by Investment North West and 

 North West Parks and Tourism Board are taking along on the missions.

North West Premier Thandi Modise has expressed shock at the untimely death of the Interim Chairperson of the North West Provincial Council of Aids Dr. Danile Favourscent Gcinumkhonto who was certified dead on arrival at a hospital in Johannesburg on Sunday.

Premier Modise said that Dr Gcinumkhonto’s premature death a week before his wedding on Saturday and less than three weeks after she had announced him as Interim Chairperson of the newly appointed council is tragic loss that has robbed communities across the province and institution of a selfless medical professional whose passion and desire was to serve and give of himself of the course to uplift others was inspirational.

“We wish to convey our condolences to his loved ones, colleagues in the medical fraternity, staff at Victoria Private Hospital and fellow board members and shareholder partners on Itokolle Clinix Board. In him we have lost a champion for health, a man for all seasons and many talents, an intellectual, a development activist and a community builder whose immense contribution will be sorely missed,” emphasised Premier Modise.

Dr Gcinumkhonto had obtained his Bsc Degree from Fort Hare University and acquired his medical degree from University of the Transkei in 1995.

Gcinumkhonto had worked briefly at the Klerksdorp-Tshepong Provincial Hospital before opening his private practice in Mahikeng in 1997 and worked part time at Thusong Provincial Hospital.

He had obtained a Degree in Masters of Philosophy in Applied Ethics from Stellenbosch University in 2001 and a Diploma in Advanced Computer Course from North West University.

He was nominated by the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture to serve as Member of the Medical Portfolio for Ring Physicians in Boxing South Africa and served as a board member of the North West Economic Development Board and a member of the subcommittee of Invest North West Board.

Dr Gcinumkhonto had worked as a casualty officer at Victoria Private Hospital in Mahikeng from 2006 and was a Director and Shareholder of the Itokolle Clinix Board. 

A memorial service in his honour is planned for 10:00 am on Thursday at Unibo Chapel opposite North West University Mahikeng Campus prior his funeral on Saturday.

London – Taken at face value it was an innocent enough remark, encouraging friends to explore “a belief system to apply to day-to-day life to attain peacefulness”.

But when Peaches Geldof chose to share her “religious” convictions with her 148 000 followers on Twitter, it lifted the lid on a much more sinister world than first impressions would suggest.

For more http://www.iol.co.za

Johannesburg – Communications Minister Dina Pule must provide evidence that the Sunday Times was involved in a smear and blackmail campaign against her, editor Phylicia Oppelt said on Monday.

For more http://www.iol.co.za

The South African Football Association’s (SAFA) Referees Review Committee says that referee Lwandile Mfiki acted in a correct manner during the fiery encounter between Kaizer Chiefs and Golden Arrows which was marred by crowd disturbances. 

The Review Committee comprising chairman Bruce Mphela and committee members Steve Goddard, Frans Boshilo and Moses Hleza viewed the recording of the match extensively and concluded that the referee had handled the match appropriately in a hostile environment. 

“The Review Committee confirms that the decision to dismiss Reneilwe Letsholonyane of Kaizer Chiefs in that match, for serious foul play, was correct.     

“The cautioning of Kaizer Chiefs’ Tefo Mashamaite, in the first 25 seconds of the match set the tone for the proceedings of the tense game. It gave the referee a clear indication of what was to come,” read the statement from the review committee. 

The statement goes on to say: “Mfiki should also have sent off Lucky Baloyi of Kaizer Chiefs, as his foul was a clear dismissal offence instead of a plain caution. 

“The match officials must be complimented on their calm approach to all the incidents throughout this match,” concluded the Review Committee. 

The Committee said the attempted attack on Mfiki by a spectator will be dealt with by the PSL. 

By Obakeng Maje

Taung-North West Department of Health, Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District will for the first in history show-case it’s EMRS Helicopter that will service critically injured patients in the District.

Department of Health in Dr. Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District is show-casing its newly acquired EMR helicopter service.

The show-case is scheduled to take place on Monday, 22 April 2013 (TODAY) at the following venue:

“Helicopter landed at Taung Sun at 10:00 – 11:00 am and Vryburg Aerodrome at 12:00 – 13:00 pm. Doctors, EMRS and Hospital casualty personnel given a briefing on the sites by helicopter attached medical team” said District communication officer, Sthembiso Mkhize.

“All our hospital shall construct heli-pads for landing and collection of patients. However it shall use alternative available landing sites on varying Sub-Districts” Taung Hospital CEO Ompolokilwe Cwaile said.

Medical guidelines for use of air transport include but not limited to Head injuries with Glassco Coma Scale (GSC)  of more than 6 but less than 12 and low BP; Spinal Injuries where road transportation exceed 20km ( and or bad roads), threatening or real amputation above knee/elbow and severe respiratory distress cases he said.

The Helicopter services are a two year RT 79 National Contract and the District is contracted to fly 30 hours per month. This kind of service is expected to improve and most importantly save lives of our people.

Follow us on Twitter@Taung_DailyNews

Details of the LAUNCH are as follows:

Venue : Vryburg Aerodrome

Date    : 22 April 2013

Time   : 12:00 – 13:00 pm 

Venue : Taung Sun  

Date    : 22 April 2013

Time   : 10:00 – 11:00 am