Daily Archives: July 22, 2014

Taung councillor accused of ‘habitual nepotism’ as residents want him out


By Obakeng Maje
Taung- The perverse behavior of Ward 2 councillor, Toloki Tlhaganyane continues to abrade the Ward 2 communities and they want him out.

A wayward councillor was accused of nepotism yet again, this time by Moretele and Ntshwanahatse village residents. According Concern Group representatives, there is a paving project that is about to commerce in four villages that form Ward 2.

Tlhaganyane allegedly hired his own friends who does not appear in the hiring list. The Concern Group representative Kondani Koloane said Tlhaganyane does not co-operate.

“There are people who are working currently in a cleaning project and were not hired from the onset. The hiring criteria here is, all residents go to Local Tribal Authority and submit their names. All names will be put in a box, and those who their names were picked up, they get the job” he outlines.

Koloane said the agreement was no worker must walk more than 2 Km to reach their working location, but the are people who stay in Moretele village, but working in Khaukhwe.

The residents said what irked them is that, the ward councillor does not want hear any of their grievances and that is provoking.

The meeting to iron out this issue was suppose to be held on Tuesday with Public Works department, but became futile because of time-conflict.

Tlhaganyane was approached by our crew to get his side of the story, but affronted councillor demanded to know who told us about this allegations and who our sources are.

Our crew asked if he ever heard about the allegations, Tlhaganyane confessed that he is aware of them but he could not respond until he know who our sources are. We told him that we have no choice, but speak to Greater Taung Municipality Speaker, Delilwe Zethi as it is difficult to ascertain with him.

The upset councillor stormed out of the Office throwing tantrums and told journalists to go as far as they want because he do not care. He even assured us that he is not afraid of Zethi or whoever within the Greater Taung municipality.

“We have to meet with councillor Tlhaganyane to hear his side of the story and we will take it from there. We will deal with his conduct if what you telling me is true because that is misconduct” Speaker Delilwe Zethi said.

Councillor Tlhaganyane is not new to controversy and he once crossed swords with councillor Lekoko Mahura. He was also accused of the same matter of ‘nepotism’ during water pipes project in the area, however Greater Taung municipality intervention solved the issue.

North West premier Supra Mahumapelo said during SOPA that all public servants need to adhere to the masses’ grievances and all those who found at the wrong side of the law will be dealt with.-TDN
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MEC sends her heartfelt condolences to Tau’s family in Naaupoort


Naaupoort- North West MEC for Social Development Fenny Gaolaolwe on Tuesday sympathised with Tau family at Naaupoort following the gruesome murder of the 83 year-old Semela Tau on Sunday.

According to the family member who could not be named for fear of victimisation, the suspect allegedly broke the window of the granny’s bedroom to gain entrance. He allegedly raped and throttle the granny until she died. The minor hid himself in the wardrobe and survived to tell the tale.

On Tuesday MEC Gaolaolwe accompanied by MEC for Public Safety and Transport Management Oageng Molapisi comforted the family and assured them government support.

During the visit Gaolaolwe said social workers have, since Monday offered trauma counselling to the minor who was with the granny at the time of the incident. She said family members are also receiving trauma counselling.

“Depending on the home circumstance report to be compiled by the social workers we deployed here, we will see to it that we provide grocery and other social assistance to the family through our social relief of distress programme,” Gaolaolwe said.

Meanwhile MEC Molapisi advised the family members not to take the law into their own hands and allow the law to take its course.

“Every day, very hour, every 30 seconds gruesome acts of violence are being perpetuated against the vulnerable groups of our people especially women and children. We condemn this heinous act,” Molapisi said, adding that residents should support the local community policing forum and safety forum in the area.

Local headman Mathew Jongani said they really need protection at Naaupoort and the surrounding villages.

It was reported that community members apprehended the suspect and held him ransom at the late granny’s house, threatening to torch him before the police arrived. They later handed over the suspect to the police after long deliberations.

The suspect was arrested and put in custody at Mooifontein while the investigation continues.-TDN
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North West MEC for Finance and Enterprise Development retables Provincial Appropriation Bill


The North West MEC for Finance and Enterprise Development Wendy Nelson has today retabled the Provincial Appropriation Bill before the North West Provincial Legislature.

This is in line with the announcements made by the Premier with regard to the reconfiguration of the provincial administration which affected a number of functions in the province as well as the allocations that were made as per Appropriation Bill that was tabled on 11 March 2014.

The MEC said the Executive Council considered it necessary to undertake a comprehensive re-alignment process of the budget to the plans and programmes of the new administration and thereby having the Old Appropriation Bill withdrawn and tabling the new Appropriation Bill.

“The budget proposals that I am presenting to this August House are informed by the National Development Plan, the Medium Term Strategic Framework, the State of the Nation Address and State of the Province Address makes provision for the following allocations in line with the proclamation”, she said.

The MEC wishes to reiterate that no additional funds were given to the province but the province has to reprioritize the initially allocated R31,8 billion to allow the smooth transition of the reconfigured departments.-TDN
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NOMBULELO HLATHI BACK ON STRICTLY COME DANCING


Mahikeng- After coming off fifth best during Season 6 of Strictly Come Dancing in 2013, the diminutive but nimble footed Nombulelo Hlathi is back on the set of the popular television reality show with a new partner John Mametsa, a former rugby player.

Strictly Come Dancing returned to the screens last week Friday, on 18 July 2014.

North West Province is once more represented by the gorgeous Nombulelo Hlathi, a Professional Latin American dancer and a dance teacher at Mmabana Arts, Culture and Sports Foundation. Nobulelo was also the dance teacher of Botlhale Boikanyo, who at 12 years old was the winner of the reality competition SA’s Got Talent.

“Another North West Province dancer on the show is Mary Martin, a former winner of Strictly Come Dancing now dancing with comedian Donovan Goliath” Trinity Bogosi said.

The popular live entertainment reality show is a presentation of a dance floor battles between the country’s celebrities each paired with a professional dancer to impress both the judges and audience for the votes to with the ultimate prize.

“With the launch of the show last week now a bygone; elimination stage will start with this week’s episode, where the last two couples will dance off and the lowest being sent home” he said.

Strictly Come Dancing is broadcast on SABC 3 every Friday evening at 20H00.-TDN
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DA Honours Mandela Monument In Mahikeng


By Obakeng Maje
Mahikeng- The Nelson Mandela Monument in Nelson Mandela Street, Mahikeng seems to be a long forgotten part of the City of Mahikeng.

The DA said they decided to do an intense clean-up of the Monument during Nelson Mandela day to make sure that the City with strong roots in Madiba’s legacy and the fight for Democracy in South-Africa stays honoured.

“By working together as role-players in our environment, we as citizens, government and all interested organisations can make a difference in Mahikeng” DA Tiaan Kotze said.

The Provincial Capital needs to shape-up in its maintenance of roads and infrastructure to ensure a viable economic and tourism focused environment, says Kotze.

Kotze said DA will continue to honour South Africa’s past in order to strive for a better future.
-TDN
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31 arrested for drunken driving and two government vehicles impounded


North West- More than 31 drivers were arrested for drunken driving and 8 vehicles impounded for various reasons. Amongst the impounded vehicles were two of government vehicles in the early hours of Thursday.

The arrests followed a five day special operation conducted by the Jaws intervention unit with focus on drunken driving in Mahikeng as part of Mahikeng Revitalization programme.

More than 359 motorists were stopped and checked, while 1180 vehicles were scanned with the Number Plate Recognition System (NPRS) and 44 notices issued to motorists for different defaults during the operation.

“I am concerned about the high rate of drunken driving cases and urge motorists to avoid being on the wrong side of the law. This is completely out of order; we lose lives of our beloved ones due to accidents that are mainly caused by drunken drivers. We need to take action and become responsible road users to save lives of our people.”
“Road safety starts with an individual and with this behavior of people getting on the road while drunk will never be tolerated said North West, MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Gaoage Oageng Molapisi.

MEC said disciplinary proceedings will also be instituted against drivers responsible for the government vehicles impounded. He further urged government employees authorized to drive state vehicles to be more responsible and vigilant at all times.

“As we celebrate the Former President, who valued life, we need to follow his footsteps and continue to save the lives of our people in general and inculcate the element of responsibility to all especially in Mahikeng town which is part of our contribution to the safety cleanup campaign and revitalization programme. We shall continue with these operations beyond Mandela Day. By so doing, we believe that his soul will forever rest in peace,” concluded Molapisi.
-TDN
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We could not have asked for better preparations – Mashaba


Johannesburg- The South African Men’s U20 National Team (Amajita) has settled in well at their base in Ouagadougou in Burkina Faso – the first of four on their West Africa tour.

Amajita are in this part of the continent to play four international friendly matches in preparation for a crucial 2015 African Youth Championships qualifier against Cameroon next month (Saturday, 16 August) in Yaounde.

The South Africans travelled for just over three hours to Nairobi to catch a connecting flight to Mali. After a five-hour wait at the airport they flew for six and a half hours to Bamako, Mali and spent the night there. The next morning they took an hour’s flight to Ouagadougou to kick-start their preparations.

“I must admit it was a very taxing travel but that is exactly what I had in mind when we planned this. The idea was to prepare them physically and mentally because I didn’t want any player complaining about anything when we travel to Cameroon – be it conditions or weather. I want them to focus on the job at hand,” said South African U20 head coach Shakes Mashaba.

“We chose Burkina Faso, Mali, Senegal and Ivory Coast as opponents because this is an acclimatization tour. I wanted the boys to know what to expect when we return for Cameroon. This exercise will ready the boys for anything, even if things might not be the same. Also, the four opponents are similar in terms of style of play with Cameroon – the physique of their players, the robustness of their game and also to have a good feel of the playing fields. This trip addresses all of that.”

Amajita’s first match is against their Burkina Faso counterparts on Wednesday, 23 July at 18h00 local time in Ouagadougou (20h00 SA time).

The match will be played at the Stade du 4 Août – a 35 000-seater multi-purpose stadium that hosted the 1998 Africa Cup of Nations final between South Africa and Egypt.

“The first match is always important and first impressions always last. I want the boys to exert themselves. I would also like to send our greatest gratitude to the four football associations for agreeing to accommodate us for our preparations and making this happen. Great thanks also to SAFA for giving our boys this opportunity to feel and see how it is like in the West,” added Mashaba.

MEC Nelson helps to maintain cleanness in Mahikeng


Mahikeng- In line with Premier’s call to clean Mahikeng during this year’s International Nelson Mandela Day, MEC for Finance and Enterprise Development Wendy Nelson led scores of Provincial Treasury staff on a campaign to give Mahikeng Local Municipality Ward 9 a breath of fresh air.

The ward is constituted at Riviera Park, Danville and part of Lomanyaneng.

Staff members from Price Water House Coopers also joined the department to lend a helping hand in ensuring that a campaign becomes successful.

The cleaning campaign took place when the country and the rest of the International community celebrate the day for the first time since the passing on of Icon and Hero, Tata Madiba.

Clad in cleaning gear, MEC Nelson led the eager and enthusiastic employees who were chanting songs of admiration of the late former statesman as they embarked on the day’s activities.

Starting with grass cutting project at Riviera Park Zeerust Road, MEC Nelson and staff joined a group of deployed Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) beneficiaries for the task at hand and progressed to picking up litter along the streets including areas next to the Rugby Stadium. The team ensured that the collected refuse was disposed off at an agreed place for later collection by the local municipality.

The area around Danville Primary School received utmost attention as there was a lot of litter.

“Interacting with Ward Concillor Mpengezi, MEC Nelson implored the need to have the area around the primary school clean at all times as continued littering has potential to harm the environment and the health of learners” departmental spokesperson Kesalopa Gill.
Said.

MEC Nelson thanked the Price Water House Coopers (PWC) staff members for their hard work and said the public private partnership is expressed in a positive manner. She indicated that such partnerships are important in ensuring that the province is repositioned, renewed and rebranded and called on other businesses to find ways of joining forces with the provincial government.-TDN
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‘MEC Gaolaolwe takes Signal Hill kids to school’


North West MEC for Social Development Fenny Gaolaolwe on Monday fulfilled her promise to take Banyana Malefo’s nine grandchildren to crèche and the local primary school when the schools reopened yesterday.

“During my first visit to Malefo family I made an undertaking to deploy social workers to look for space for these children and register them at a nearby crèche, which they did. I further promised the family that I would take the children to the crèche myself when the school reopens in July. Here they are today, registered at Jakunda early childhood development centre” Gaolaolwe said.

She said the other two children aged 12 and 15 are to be registered at Signal Hill Primary school while others are to be admitted at an ABET school in the area.

Gaolaolwe’s department and the National Development Agency would explore possibilities of renovating the current structure or building a new prototype early childhood development centre to cater to more than 150 children in the area.

When the school reopened on Monday, some of the five children, Tshireletso 5, keletso 7, and Puseletso 5, could be heard teasing their friends when they left their granny’s dilapidated shack to Jakunda crèche with MEC Gaolaolwe.

The children aged 0-6, accompanied by MEC Gaolaolwe were welcomed to Jakunda early childhood development centre at Signal Hill.

“We are going to crèche, man,” they said, jubilantly.

The manager of Jakunda crèche Agnes Mogale welcomed Malefo’s five children to the centre with open hands. Her crèche caters for 52 children from poverty stricken families who depend largely on social grants.

“I am so happy to receive these children. The more we have children in this centre, the more the stipend increases. For children aged 0-2 years parents pay R90 and for those aged 0-6, they pay R150 per month. We use this money to pay for the teachers and buy food,” Mogale said.

Yesterday after receiving Malefo’s children Mogale was granted a piece of land by the local chief.

“When government avail funds, we would built a big centre for all the children in this area,” she said.

Banyana Molefo(72), a mother of four daughter lives in a dilapidated shack with more than nine grandchildren including their four mothers who are unemployed. Malefo says her family depends on her pension grant which she claimed is minimal to cater for the rest of the family members.

She added: “All these children do not have birth certificates. As a result they are not getting child support grant because their mothers do not have identity documents. They all have to depend on me for survival.”

Signal Hill is notorious for child neglect and misuse of social grants. Most of the residents spend time drinking ‘nola,’ a home made beer to whirl away time.

MEC Gaolaolwe said her department would do household profiling in the area before the end of this month to determine needs of the residents in the area.-TDN
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NWEST PREMIER CONVENES A MASS DAY OF RECONCILIATION, HEALING AND RENEWAL IN BLOEMHOF


Bloemhof- Premier of the North West Mr Supra Mahumapelo will on Wednesday convene a mass day of Reconciliation, Healing and Renewal to pray for peace in Bloemhof following events of the last two months.

This event will kick start a province-wide campaign spearheaded by Premier Mahumapelo as announced during the State of the Province Address.

“The purpose of this programme is to restore peace and stability in Boitumelong in particular and reignite the spirit of community and cooperation amongst communities affected by violence and other social ills in the area” Sam Mokaila said. 

Mokaila said the prayer day will be facilitated by community and church leaders from various denominations. 

Mahumapelo has committed himself to a lasting and sustainable solution for the area that includes government intervention on socio economic challenges facing the community in Bloemhof.  

The event that will be held as follows:

Venue: Boitumelong Cover Ground, Bloemhof
Date: Wednesday 23 July 2014
Time: 10 o’clock
-TDN
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