Monthly Archives: June 2014

‘Friends Of Taung Givers’ Extend Their Helping Hand To Needy Pupils


Pic: By Obakeng Maje(Nkitlang Primary School pupils in celebratory mood after receiving school uniforms)

Pic: By Obakeng Maje(Nkitlang Primary School pupils in celebratory mood after receiving school uniforms)

By Obakeng Maje
Taung- Pupils came out in numbers at various schools to come and receive school uniforms from Friends of Taung Givers.

The Non-Profit Organisation is the brainchild of Sandy Gasekoma and Outlwile Moeng. The two Taung-born started their initiative early this year and have been providing identified schools with school uniforms to the needy.

Friends Of Taung Givers started off at Nkitlang primary school in Sedibeng village, near Taung on Saturday. More than 50 students weathered the early morning breeze and what one could see is despondency of pupils swing from desperation to happiness to pure jubilation of school uniforms, shoes and school bags.

“We are very fortunate to have people like Friends of Taung Givers. That alone need to be applaud, their support bring hope into our society. Let’s make sure that we encourage our kids to study hard as education is the only key to success” ward councillor Kedumetse Tyalimpi said.

The Friends Of Taung Givers in conjunction with African National Congress Women League in Taung donated shoes, school jerseys and school bags. The message of support conveyed by ANCWL chairperson in the province, mme Boitumelo Mahlangu shared the sentiment.

“The support we getting from this organisation is overwhelming. It is so sad and uncalled for to see any pupil without proper school uniform at this time. As the member of ANCWL, I do not think we will be happy to see any pupil quits school because she/he does not have proper school uniform” Mahlangu said.

Mahlangu said it takes a village to raise a child, so every human being must contributes in building the future of children.

Nkitlang primary school principal Modia Raito could not contain her happiness and said this one seems pretty obvious, but showing appreciation is about more than just saying “thank you.”

“We want to let our donors know that their donation is going to play a vital role in our school. We as teachers alone wouldn’t be able to continue with our teaching while other children are in need. We can’t achieve our valuable mission without generous people like Friends Of Taung Givers” she said.

The Friends Of Taung Givers extended their helping hand to Tshite Middle School and Picong Primary School in Baga-Maidi region.

In spite of the hardship of the pupils, there has been an unusual calm and happiness as recipients gratefully receive what has been on offer.

A grade 7 pupil at Picong primary school, Didintle Tsatsing,13, said she really appreciate and happy to see donors at her school because that alone shows that there are people who care.

The North West Department Of Education also encourages quality teaching and conducive learning environment. Sekete Matokonyane was part of the event and applaud the organisation in good work they do.

“I want Friends Of Taung Givers to be able to visualize their donation at work so that they can get real gratification out of the act of giving. For that reason, I want to applaud them and their donation will go a long way” she said.

Kgosi Kesekwaile Motlhabane also sent his message of appreciation and he had this to say. “I am over the moon and want to reassure you that the donations will be used as they intended. May the Almight bless you because of the difference you doing within our communities.”

Picong primary school principal Seitibaleng Seokamo could not hide her happiness and the deputy chairperson of SGB Mankareng Matshelo shared the same sentiments.

“Our intention is to make a difference within our communities. We rendering that helping hand and by helping the pupils especially those at primary, is our objective. By uplifting the lives of others, that will be beneficiary in a long run” Friends Of Taung Givers Co-founder, Sandy Gasekoma outlines.

Even though Gasekoma said they encounter some challenges as many schools are in demand, he said they will appreciate it more if many businessmen/women could come on board and donate too.

The Friends Of Taung Givers is a Non Profit Organisation and started their initiative early this year. They concentrating on helping under-privileged pupils.

He said the aim is to change the mindset of the people of Taung and that positivity will rubs off to the young ones, and eventually the whole society will be inspired.

So far ‘The Friends Of Taung Givers’ run the initiative from their own pockets and with help of some individual donors. The organisation said ploughing back is the best thing ever and encourage pupils to study hard as the ‘stars shine better in the dark’.

-TDN
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New NWest Exco Lekgotla to determine Provincial priorities


Rustenburg- The new North West Executive Council (Exco) is to hold its Planning Lekgotla to determine critical policy and delivery priorities for the 2014/15 financial year. The two day session is to be held at Sun City outside Rustenburg as from Friday.

Premier Supra Mahumapelo has ahead of the Exco Lekgotla outlined that he main objectives of the Lekgotla to be attended by MECs, Mayors, Representation of the Provincial House of Traditional Leaders, Heads of Departments, Chairpersons and CEO’s of parastatals as well as municipal managers to be held under the theme.

“Together we move the North West Province Forward” are to:

• To consider the Medium Term Strategic Framework adopted by Cabinet and its implications for the province, 
• To develop the delivery programme of the provincial government for 2014/15,
• To identify critical challenges and determine strategic choices for the new administration.

“The Lekgotla will focus on implementation of the National Development Plan in order to move the North West Forward, rebranding, repositioning and renewal, accelerating the speed and quality of service delivery as well as synergy in implementing delivery programmes in order to address the triple challenges of poverty, inequality and unemployment and strengthen government’s capacity to speed up the provision of services and infrastructure development,” Premier Supra Mahumapelo said.

The resolutions of the Lekgotla will form the basis of government’s programme of action to be articulated by the Premier Mahumapelo in his inaugural State of the Province Address to be delivered on Friday 27 June 2014.
-TDN
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MEC Molapisi to assure communities of Ganyesa safety following allegations of intimidations


North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management MEC Gaoage Molapisi will engage with communities of Ganyesa and assures them safety following the ongoing allegations of intimidations by the alliances of the Disipi filling station owner, Mr Ferdinant Monstert.

The communities of Ganyesa claims to be living in fear following continuous threats and attacks since the arrest of Mr Monstert who was arrested for the allegations of handcuffing and electrocuting a 9-year-old boy on Wednesday 28 May 2014.

 The accused was arrested on June 11, and released on R1000 bail the same day. Since then, members of the victim’s family and Ganyesa communities claim that Monstert alliances are continuously threatening and intimidating them.

MEC Molapisi is expected to strongly condemn the alleged threats and intimidation acts against the communities and ensures them safety and security.

“No one should be denied security or live in fear of been attacked,” says Molapisi.

Monstert will appear at the Ganyesa Magistrate court on the 7th July to face allegations of assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm.-TDN
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North West Education Hosts Youth Seminar


Brits- The North West department of education & Sports development is hosting a two-day youth seminar (27-28June 2014) at SedibaKwele Veldskool in Brits.

The Department of Education said 200 Grade 10 and 11 learner representatives from schools across the province will engage with the department’s senior officials and other stakeholders from sister departments such as Social Development, Department of Health, Moral Regeneration in the Premier’s Office and Love Life to discuss social issues affecting youth in schools.

“The session will help the department to understand the challenges experienced by learners in schools and together with the learner representatives come up with strategies to intervene on the challenges identified” departmental spokesperson Brian Setswambung said.

Setswambung said this will also groom learner representatives’ leaderships skills and to act as catalysts of school discipline.

This seminar was piloted in 2013 to discuss learner concerns and how the department’s senior officials and the learner representatives could resolve them.

North West MEC for Education and Sports Development Wendy Matsemela will deliver a key note address at the seminar.
-TDN
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Pauw happy with Banyana progress


Johannesburg- Banyana Banyana held a four day training camp which ended yesterday. The South African Senior Women’s National Team coach Vera Pauw says it was important to have this camp so as to keep the players active. This is in preparation for the upcoming 9th edition of the African Women’s Championship in Namibia later this year.

The squad lost 4-2 in a practice match against the SAFA School of Excellence U16 team on Wednesday (18 June) at the Bedfordview FC grounds.

Sasol Banyana Banyana’s goals came from experienced defender Gloria Thato who plays for University of Pretoria Ladies F.C as well as Alochia Thoboka who plays Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies F.C, both in the Gauteng Sasol League.

Pauw is impressed with the team’s progress thus far, as they aim to finish in the top three teams at the AWC so as to qualify for the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup scheduled for Canada.

“The aim of playing the match was for us to test our strength and our build-up going forward. I think we’ve made huge progress if I compare to the first time we played against the same team two months ago, and lost that game 4-0,” said Pauw.

“We only struggled later in the match, and they managed to score four goals, but we created different chances and scored two goals as well – that is a huge step for us.”

“The girls have improved a lot from the last time we played against them, they are better organised and defend very well. They are more dynamic when going forward and physically strong,” said Mojalefa Mathebula, SAFA School of Excellence U16 coach.

“I am confident that the girls will do well at the African Women’s Championships. What impressed me the most was their technical ability. They are more vigorous, their first touches are impressive and their ability to play accurate long diagonal balls is outstanding,” concluded Mathebula.
-TDN
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The Department of Education to address binging disorder amongst learners


Rustenburg- In a quest to promote positive mindset amongst learners, the department of basic education dedicated the month of June to commemorate International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking by converging about 1, 300 Grade 8-11 learners of schools around Bojanala district at Tlhabane Technical High School on the 24 June 2014 at 10:00.

Under the theme “Don’t let binging be your sinking”, the event is aimed at sensitizing learners about dangers of alcohol abuse which has adverse consequences on academic performance and lack of sporting activities.

According to the statistical survey by the Human Science Research Council (HSRC) in 2008, there prevalence rate of Grade 8-11 learners who had used alcohol and drugs was at 12percent. This also led to increased engagement in risky sexual behaviour of contracting HIV, STIs or expecting early pregnancy.

“Upon informing learners on dangers of alcohol binging, the department of education will distribute information on binge drinking to enrich the learning outcomes. Furthermore, learners will participate in a competition to design pamphlets on binge drinking” departmental spokesperson Brian Setswambung said.

The competition will take place in all provinces and each province will select the best three pamphlets designed by learners which will then be used by DBE to develop one pamphlet on binge drinking.-TDN
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Social Development needs Safety parents in Dryharts


By Obakeng Maje
Taung- The North West Social Development in Dr Segomotsi Ruth Mompati intensify its commitment to help the abused children within the communities. The department said they need people who could come out and voluntarily foster for the children who come from abusive home.

Tuelo Mankabane who is a social worker for Ward 4 in Dryharts village, near Taung request that three people who would like to act as foster parents to abused children must come forward, he said that during community meeting.

“We need three parents who could be voluntarily chosen and accommodates children in the area who will be identified by department of Social Development. We need someone with a conducive home, minimum having three children under her/his care and would be assessed by the department to see if that person meet the criteria” Mankabane said.

He said the department will help the chosen parent with a monthly salary of R750 per child. And the person might accommodate close to six children at once.

A safety parent initiative is to help children from broken background and before they copy things that are bad from their parents/guardian.

“We want to build a positive society with morals and values of life. Children are our future leaders, so they need to be taken care of” he said.

The department also advised blind and myopic people to come forward to be identified for any job opportunities or skill development- TDN
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20 School Choirs To Represent North West In Music Competitions


The Department of Education & Sports development’s MEC, Wendy Matsemela will embark on a roadshow to congratulate school choirs that will be representing the province at the National schools’ choral Eisteddfod competitions.

MEC Matsemela’s first road show will be in Dr. Kenneth Kaunda district and details are as follows:

Venue: Jouberton Hall
Date: Monday, 23 June 2014
Time: 09:00am

Followed by Venue: Daeraad Special School
Date: Monday, 23 June 2014
Time: 12:00pm

The National schools’ choral Eisteddfod competitions will be held in Durban, from the 15-17 July 2014.

The North West province will be represented by 20 school choirs, which are in the intermediate phase (Grade 4-Grade7), senior phase (Grade 8-Grade10) and FET band phase (Grade10-12).

“Music is one of the art forms and is embedded in Creative Arts in the Life skills subject (Gr R-9) to enrich the academic part of schooling” departmental spokesperson Brian Setswambung said.

-TDN
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Pudumoe Police Held Bring Back Our Girls Campaign


By Obakeng Maje

The Pudumoe Police Station held a campaign in pledging the release of Nigerian girls those who were kidnapped by the rebels called Boko Haram in Nigerian a month ago. The South Africa Police Service says they are part of the world to make their voice heard by delivering a message to those perpetrators.

The prayer service was held at Pudumoe Police Station Board room and many schools in the area especially girl came to show their support.

“The recent abduction of school children in the Federal Republic of Nigeria by armed group, Boko Haram, has sparked global outrage and prompted calls for action from people all over the world” lieutenant colonel Motshidisi Moruting said.

Most representatives from churches were there and candle lighting was performed. Keabetswe Lepodisi , 19, said the world need to pray and always make sure that countries get prepared to deal with rebels.

“We, the female learners from Maatla and Pudumoe High School, encourage all public servants to commit to join hands with all people across the world and in particular, Nigerian people, to work for safe return of our girls” she said.

Chaplin Khuduge from Mafikeng was part of the event and said our actions are inspired by our conviction that injustice anywhere in the world must never be tolerated. “Women and children abuse must be confronted with every might at our disposal and should be everybody’s duty to work relentlessly towards its total elimination” he said.
-TDN
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Career Expo hosted at Mmabana Taung


North West department of Social Development hosted a Career Exhibition at Mmabana Taung to enlighten local students in Dr Ruth Mompati district and provide them with awareness, knowledge and education about job and internship opportunities in various departments across the province.

Social Development said this will guide the youth to the right directions for their future.”We want to give the youth support and valuable information about the different life opportunities that will help and encourage a positive future, at the same time we want to promote the Exhibitors, Sponsors, and Lecturers giving the exposure to the youth” Mogomotsi Keameditse said.

Tshwane University of Technology representative Tshepang Manyesa shared the same sentiment. He said there are many students who leave school and struggle to know what they want to study, where they want to study and a lot are thinking about Gap year, some students are forced to university, misled or misunderstood.

“We see failures, drop outs and successful students every year, surely we are in need of events like this. MY CAREER EXPO is very essential as it guide, educate, support, and lead in the right direction towards a positive future” he said.

The LoveLife was also part of the event and Oratile Matsitle who is a co-ordinator also outlines that events like this serve as a solid platform for students to come and seek information on what they want to do after school.

Parents and Guardians were also encouraged to be part of the event.

“Education is the only thing that will sustain your livelihood and eradicates poverty. We want to have a fostering and self-reliant society that will uphold human dignity” said a motivational speaker Selebogo Setswalo.-TDN
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