BY REGINALD KANYANE

TSWAING local municipality will come up with strategic plan to assist the residents at Khunwana village after torrential rains. Few houses were dismounted during torrential rains on Friday. Some residents were left homeless after their houses were swept away by floods.

Kedibone Sekakanyo was left dejected after her four room house was cascaded down. According to her, she has no money to start to rebuild her house. Sekakanyo said they experienced torrential rains on Friday.

“We have nowhere to go after our house was plunged by heavy rains. We lost everything including our Id documents. We are now squatting at some relatives. We will have a black Christmas. We will welcome any form of assistance so that we can have a roof over our heads,” Sekakanyo said.

Community leader, Letlhogonolo Ntwe said the rains caused damage on many houses.

Ntwe said: “We have experienced a super storm in Khunwana village. We want the Tswaing municipality to declare the area as a natural disaster. The community is desperate and seeking financial assistance to rebuild their homes. The storm was massive and unprecedented.

Tswaing municipality mayor, Ceasar Mogatuse: “We are aware of the torrential rains that took place in Khunwana village. We will be meeting with Ngaka Modiri Molema district to come up with strategic plan. We will assist with remedial retort, so we will communicate with victims soon.”

The North West province also experienced other torrential rains a month ago. The local government and human settlements in province has spent R1.3m to assist those who were misplaced after torrential rains in areas like Signal Hills and Danville in Mahikeng.

The department of local government and human settlements spokesperson, Ben Bole said then that the province co-ordinate a humanitarian relief for families whose houses and belongings got destroyed by torrential rains and hail storm in Ngaka Modiri Molema district which has worst hit.

“The department is working with different stakeholders in the province. We have engaged The South African Red Cross Society, South African Social Security (SASSA), Social Development department, Ngaka Modiri Molema district and affected local municipalities to address the situation. The South African Red Cross Society and SASSA have already started to distribute food parcels, blankets and provide social relief distress grant to affected families,” Bole said.

He said number of incidents have been reported throughout the district in Mahikeng, Ditsobotla and Tswaing local municipalities where shacks have been blown away. Bole said formal structures’ like roofs damaged and window panes damaged.

He said through the Provincial Disaster Management Centre (PMDC), the department spent R1.3m so far. “We have received assistance from other relevant stakeholders including Community Development Workers. We will continue to attend to cases reported and make the necessary arrangements to make the lives of those affected less unbearable.

“Whilst the PMDC is currently sourcing temporary shelter. We made arrangements for the repair of damaged shacks. We also donated 80 shacks to the victims. We would like to urge those who can afford to rebuild their houses. We will also put more effort on those that have been adversely affected,” Bole said.

He said other incidents took place in Bojanala platinum district in Kgetleng, Moretele, Madibeng local municipalities. Bole said a house has collapsed and others experienced broken window panes. According to him, also an early learning centre has been destroyed by strong winds.

“Bojanala platinum district municipality has been able to co-ordinate the provision of the necessary humanitarian relief for the affected families and will continue to monitor the situation,” Bole said.

One of the victims, Kesenogile Galebodiwe from Atamelang village near Delareyville said: “I lost a house after the strong rains washed it away. The strong winds and rains broke my windows. Now I do not know where to go. I hope the municipality and government will assist. It will be difficult to build another house because I am unemployed. As a single parent and a mother of three, the rains left a void.”

No incidents have been reported in Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati and Dr Kenneth Kaunda district municipalities.

-TDN

Follow us on Twitter@Taung_DailyNews or @IceT_

taungdailynews@gmail.com

BY KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

THE Operation Fiela continued to yield results across the province. Twenty two people were arrested for various crimes over the weekend.

North West police conducted searches in Rustenburg and Mahikeng since Thursday until yesterday (Sunday).

Provincial police spokesperson, Colonel Sabata Mokgwabone said: “The operation was to ensure safety among the communities during festive season. We have arrested 12 suspects for assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm, 5 for assault common, one for common robbery, 3 for malicious damage to property and one for burglary. The participation of other role players was the department of agriculture.

“Two motorists were also issued with fines for contravention of the Road Traffic Act. Eleven fines were issued for contravention of Fertilizers, Farm Feeds Agricultural Remedies Act, 1947 (Act No. 36 of 1947). The suspects were found in possession and selling of unregistered agricultural products, mainly fertilizers.” Mokgwabone said.

The police searched 81 premises, 121 vehicles and 396 persons. The suspects appeared before Mahikeng and Rustenburg Magistrate’s Courts respectively on Monday.

Mokgwabone said the operations will continue in various parts of the province under operation “Fiela- Reclaim”. He said they want to maintain stability and ensure the safety of the community during this period.

 -TDN

Follow us on Twitter@Taung_DailyNews or @IceT_

taungdailynews@gmail.com

BY KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

PREMIER Supra Mahumapelo said the provincial government will host a reconciliation, healing and renewal programme at Morare High School grounds in Pella, near Rustenburg on December 16.

The event is meant to heighten the need for unity among residents.

“Renewal, healing and reconciliation continues to remain amongst our five key pillars. We want to bring unity and reconciliation within the province. It is very important to heal the past wounds. That can only be possible when we join hands.

“The provincial government has achieved unprecedented work since the fifth administration. This is part of various remedial programmes we have. The programme was launched back in 2014 at Wonderkop stadium in Marikana. We believe this will help to resolve challenges the province is facing. There will be also a commemoration for reconciliation day during the ceremony,” he said.

A similar campaign was recently held at Montshioa Stadium in Mahikeng through a prayer service.

Mahumapelo said that there was need to bring unity, renewal and healing within communities.

“We want to bring together members of the community and instil peace, unity and Ubuntu.  If we want to achieve our objective, we need to work together. Every individual must play his/her part to make sure North West becomes a better province. Basically we’re pursuing what our former president late Nelson Mandela and other struggle stalwarts stood for.

“We want to make sure that we make necessary intervention in societal issues. Many people are faced with challenges in their daily lives. We are going to create a database for all those who retired, but have necessary skills. We will bring people like lawyers, teachers, nurses and social workers and other professionals on board to assist,” he said

The premier added that the event was set for Phella to honour the late struggle icon, Moses Kotane.

“We must remember what our struggle icons did for us. People like Moses Kotane were selflessness and dedicated their lives to the struggle. We need to learn more from them and their history. To know where one going, we need to know where we come from,” he said.

-TDN

Follow us on Twitter@Taung-DailyNews or 2IceT_

taungdailynews@gmail.com

BY REGINALD KANYANE

THE inaugural Mahika Mahikeng music and cultural festival lived to the billing as it brought a lot of entertainment to Mahikeng over the weekend.

The three-day concert started at Mmabatho Convention Centre on Friday with live performances from some of the best musicians in the country.

North West premier, Supra Mahumapelo said that the festival was aimed at transforming Mahikeng into one of the arts and cultural hubs in the country.

Mahumapelo said that the festival will stimulate economic growth and create job opportunities for those in the music and arts industry.

“Mahika Mahikeng will also promote tourism product in the province. The platform develops local artists and also gives opportunity to Setswana culture to broader audience. We want to make sure that the communities across the province have an opportunity to come and sell their crafts to the masses.

“The music festival started as a three-day show and it will gradually be grown into an eight-day festival. We want it to be an eight day musical festival. The aim was to uplift the face of Mahikeng as a capital city. Mahikeng is unkempt, untidy and in need of a facelift. We want vibrancy within the city. We want the city to be amongst the best in the country,” he said.

Local artists like KB Motsilanyane and Bucie Nqwiliso applauded the concept.

Bucie said: “As local artists from the province, we want to applaud the premier, Supra Mahumapelo for endorsing the festival. It is long overdue because North West artists used to be brought together like through Taung Cultural Calabash and other events. We need the leadership of Mahumapelo’s calibre. The province has potential to conquer the world with its craft. The Mahika Mahikeng and other festivals will boost the economy growth within the province. As an artist, we are happy to come and present what we have back at home.”

Mahika Mahikeng, which was in the mould of Macufe, will be an annual event.

World renowned artists like Nathi, Tshedi Mholo, Bonolo, Donald, The Soil and others graced the event.

On Saturday, artists like Cassper Nyovest, HHP, Tuks, Notshi, Mo Molemi, Rick Ricky and many more came forth.

R&B singer, Keabetswe Motsilanyane said: “The impact Mahika Mahikeng festival will have in the lives of ordinary people will be awesome. Local business persons can come and sell their crafts to the world. It is also a platform for local and upcoming artists to showcase their talents. There is also a fashion show that is taking place, so is not all about music.

“As the premier said, they want to form Mahikeng into arts and culture hub. The initiative augurs well because it will also boost the tourism product. People from various areas will flock to the city and spend their money here,” she said.

The festival was held at Lotlamoreng dam in Mahikeng on Saturday and Sunday.

-TDN

Follow us on Twitter@Taung_DailyNews or @IceT_

taungdailynews@gmail.com

BY REGINALD KANYANE

FIVE people perished in a terrible accident between Dryharts village and Taung on Friday. A truck and a light vehicle were involved in a collision resulted in five people to losing their lives.

North West police were not immediately available before going to press. The cause of the accident was yet unknown and investigations were underway.

-TDN

Follow us on Twitter@Taung_DailyNews or @IceT_

taungdailynews@gmail.com

BY KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

A NEW farmers’ market has been opened for smallholder farmers in the Mogwase area.

  The new market helps farmers showcase their produce and sell directly to clients.

It comes after similar markets were established in other parts of the province to give farmers exposure to the business side of their enterprises.

  Rural, environment and agricultural development (READ) department head Dr Poncho Mokaila said that the initiative came about as a support system for small farmers.

He said this was the third one in the province after two were launched recently in Mahikeng and Taung respectively.

He pointed out that the department partnered with the North West Development Corporation and the North West University Mafikeng campus in rolling out the farmers’ markets.

“The establishment of the farmers’ market is vital. This will assist in existence of the small hold producers. The initiative will benefit largely as the farmers will bring their products direct to the public. Consequently this would further reduce and eliminate middlemen as the produce will directly be sold to the consumers. The consumers will also safe money from travelling expenses,” he said.

  Mokaila added that the occasion accentuated the North West provincial government’s agriculture, culture and tourism (ACT) strategy. He said the agriculture is at the apex of the province economic drive.

“Agriculture has been elevated to such status. So it is equally important that the department assist farmers create avenues. Farmers’ market also put farmers in a pole position as they will benefit from profound sustainable incomes,” he said.

The head of department pointed out that the department offered training and workshops for small farmers to be made sure sustainability prevails. He said that small farmers contributed significantly to the economy of the province.

A local farmer, Kerotse Lekabe from Phela village said: “On behalf of farmers here in Mogwase, we want to applaud the department of READ for their effort. This will ease the challenges we come across as farmers. It has been difficult year for us and we believe this will help. The transportation was always an issue for us. Now it will be easy for consumers to access our products.”

-TDN

Follow us on Twitter@Taung_DailyNews or @IceT_

taungdailynews@gmail.com 

BY KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

INCIDENTS of road rage have often led to loss of life and North West police want an end to the problem this festive season.

North West police spokesperson, Sergeant Kelebogile Moleko said that there was need for patience and tolerance so that people do not lose their lives unnecessarily.

This came after a number of incidents were recorded in the province since the launch of Arrive Alive last week.

Moleko said: “Two drivers were ferried to a local hospital after a head on collision. It is alleged that a consignment truck collided with an oncoming truck. The driver of a consignment truck found vehicles at stop and go sign. He did not stop, but opted to overtake all vehicles that were at the stop sign.

“He collided with an oncoming truck and that caused the delay. We want to urge our road users to have patience at all times. They need to follow the rules and regulations of the roads. A case of reckless driving was opened at Coligny police station and investigations are underway. We encourage road disambiguation to avoid road rage at all times,” she said.

Moleko added that angry behaviour on the roads will not be tolerated. She said police will make sure anyone who uses rude gestures, verbal insults, deliberately driving in an unsafe or threatening manner, or make threats will be arrested.

“Road rage can lead to altercations, assaults, and collision that result in injuries and even deaths. It can be thought of as an extreme case of aggressive driving. We will be observant and on high visibility across all roads in the province. We will be working hand-in-hand with the community safety and traffic department in the province.

“We have also realised that some people tend to take chances by driving while under the influence of alcohol. Those who will find themselves on the wrong side of the law will be locked up. Alcohol contributes in many deaths on the roads annually. We also urge pedestrians to make sure they wear visible clothes while walking in the streets. Those who will be driving road unworthy vehicles will also be arrested,” she said.

Two people also died on a separate accident between Klerksdorp and Wolmaransstad last week Thursday.

Another two died in an accident in Taung since the beginning of the month.

Community safety and transport management spokesperson, Daddy Sebolecwe said: “Our roads will be full of vehicles from various spheres during festive season. We want to encourage our residents and road users to buckle-up. It is our paramount to make sure all road users are safe on the roads. We will make sure our law agencies are visible at all times.

“During this period, there are those who take advantage of busy roads. They tend to disobey road regulations and rules. Some of them drive unroadworthy vehicles. MEC Gaoage Molapisi rolled out the festive season plans. The department wants to send out a stern message to those who will find themselves on the wrong side of the law,” Sebolecwe said.

-TDN

Follow us on Twitter@Taung_DailyNews or @IceT_

taungdailynews@gmail.com

BY REGINALD KANYANE

LUCK ran out on five armed men who robbed a Chinese business in Wolmaransstad before police swooped on them.

The men were arrested after their gateway vehicle with Gauteng registration was cornered after a chase.

Captain Paul Ramaloko said: “The suspects allegedly pounced on a Chinese shop and robbed them. The police reacted swiftly after the suspects had no knowledge that the Operation Fiela was in the area.

“A chase ensued between the police and the suspects. The suspects allegedly started to shoot at the police randomly. The police retaliated and injured one suspect. They were later arrested and undisclosed amount of money was recovered from them. The police confiscated the vehicle with Gauteng registration numbers that was used during the crime,” he said.

-TDN

Follow us on Twitter@Taung_DailyNews or @IceT_

BY REGINALD KANYANE

THE North West province has new number plates. The new securitised plates were unveiled in Mathibestad in Moretele yesterday.

Community safety and transport management MEC, Gaoage Molapisi said that North West was the first province to officially launched new security tight bar-coded number plate.

He said that the new number plates will contribute in reducing incidents of car theft and hijacking that were on the increase lately.

“Theft of prestigious, high-value vehicles is on the increase across the country. Highly-organised criminal gangs are using sophisticated technology to override the car security. The new number plates will come out with a bar-code. It will be easy for the police to verify the car information. With the bar codes, it would be impossible for number plate clowning,” he said.

Molapisi said that while criminals were always crafty, there is assurance that the new number plates will be fool-proof.

“Criminals are smarter, so we need to impede their criminal activities. The North West premier, Supra Mahumapelo has received his number plate already. Government departments’ fleet will receive their numbers soon,” he said.

The MEC also indicated that the processing of new number plates was officially open and motorists should be ready to take up the new plates.

“The system will be rolled out alphabetically. Those whom their number plates start with letter

A alphabet will be the first on the list. However no one will be penalised for not having new number plates,” Molapisi said.

-TDN

Follow us on Twitter@Taung_DailyN ews or @IceT_

taungdailynews@gmail.com