ANC chief whip at the North West Provincial Legislature, Hoffman Galeng lambasted the DA and EFF after the two opposition parties refused to participate in voting for the local government and human settlements department budget.

Galeng described the opposition parties’ move as dismay. He said what was displayed by both parties a political gimmick.

“This was important budget vote of local government and human settlements. The EFF and DA’s collective gripe is that the budget allocated for the provision of low cost housing to the value of R2bn. Both parties played to the gallery and politics of rank opportunism, instead of contributing to the national discourse.

“This conduct of the DA in particular seeks to defeat the advancement of the course of the black people. The very same population group whose vote they so desperately want. This is despite the fact that the portfolio committee on local government and human settlement chaired by Motlalepula Rosho,” Galeng said.

He said all political parties were represented in the legislature portfolio committee that expressed its satisfaction of the department’s progress.

“The local government and human settlements department mandated to uplift and ameliorates the conditions of our people. The aim is to free them from shackles of homelessness and restore their human dignity.

“We commend the work done by the department and further urge Mahumapelo to forge ahead with the commitment of pushing back the frontiers of poverty. This can be achieved by promoting employment opportunities and reducing the gap of inequality that exists among the people of Bokone Bophirima province,” Galeng said.

DA provincial leader, Joe McGluwa said the country has made a significant progress since 1994. He said the DA salutes struggle icons and praise them for that. However McGluwa said the country was at a crucial crossroads today.

“There is a concerning growing trend of corruption in the sphere of local governance and human settlements department. The department is the cold face of service delivery. It is this department’s mandate to create decent living conditions for the people of the North West province.

“There are too many administrators in local government and human settlements department and municipalities. The province has too many acting directors, too many acting senior managers and too many acting municipal managers. The department’s 2015/16 Annual Performance Plan stated that ten projects called a package of priority projects, however only three projects were successful,” McGluwa said.

  He added that the current housing backlog is at 238 000 households. McGluwa said approximately 14 800 households still require basic sanitation.

   “Over a million household are still without adequate water. Municipalities such as Ditsobotla have gone through six different municipal managers in just three years. Also numbers of our municipalities are actually totally dysfunctional. Our poor communities in Ditsobotla are paying R2700 for an electricity meter worth only R300,” he said.

-TDN

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THE health department in North West has paid over R41m for medical negligence.

This came to light after it emerged that 161 lawsuit cases were raised since 2011.

The department spokesperson, Tebogo Lekgethwane said they have put in place measures to improve services at public health institutions.

Lekgethwane said they have experienced increase on lawsuit during 2014/15 financial year.

“We have already paid over R19 million during 2014-15 financial year alone. We aim at reducing the number of medical negligence claims. This includes introduction of quality improvement projects. All patients will get pre-op exam from anaesthetist and will undergo x-rays prior to anaesthesia.

“We will also ensure that all health facilities have clinical guidelines. Our nurses and doctors will adhere to the guidelines as a preventative measure. They are also trained on adverse events management. The department will also ensure that there is competency testing and certification for doctors and nurses which is done before performing clinical procedures,” Lekgethwane said.

He said the department will engage with stakeholders, in particular the people they provide services to. Lekgethwane said this was in a quest to improve how they serve them.

“Internally, a policy on Health Adverse Incidents Management was developed.  The policy focuses on proactive management of patient safety by identifying causes and strategies for prevention. The department also proposes redesigning organisational systems and behavioural choices. This is based on learning through analysis of adverse incidents.

“When an adverse incident occurred, the department will look for ways in which its health care system can be improved. We have also adopted managerial and staff behavioural choices. This will help to reduce the likelihood of a recurrence of the same event significantly,” he said.

  According Lekgethwane they have also conducted internal investigation into cases of negligence. He said some of the findings included the fact that staff shortage was a particular concern in rural areas.

“There is often only one professional nurse to deal with all types of patients at each clinic. This sometimes results in neglecting emergencies. Shortage of health professionals is a national problem. However the province continues to do all possible to increase the intake of new students.

“The students are trained as doctors and nurses each year. However budget shortfalls also has a bearing on the numbers of intake. Clinical guidelines have since been distributed to all health facilities across the province. We will continue with health professional orientation and also training will be available for staff,” he said.

Lekgethwane said that the North West was the least in terms of cases and money spent on medical negligence compared to the rest of other provinces. He said that surfaced in 2014 on a seminar that was called by minister of health, Aaron Motsoaledi.

DA provincial spokesperson on health and social development, Dr Tutu Faleni said: “We are very concerned about the escalating costs of litigations brought against health department. DA is of the view that litigations against the department increase as a direct result of the ever increasing number of patients.
“Also acute shortage of critically essential medical equipment and long hours of work by health practitioners can compromise the quality of medical care. And that leads to acts of medical negligence which ultimately exposes the department to escalating costs of litigations.
Faleni said they call upon government to increase its budget allocation for the department. He said that will avoid a decline of standards in medical care at public health facilities in the province.

-TDN

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AN elderly woman was allegedly murdered on the eve of Mother’s Day in Phela village in Moses Kotane local municipality on Saturday night.

North West police spokesperson, Col Sabata Mokgwabone said the police were summoned to the scene after an elderly woman was killed.

“The elderly woman was allegedly murdered on Saturday night. No one has been arrested and police urge anyone with any information that could lead to the arrested of the perpetrator to come forward. According to information, the woman was staying alone and was attacked by unknown suspect/s,” Mokgwabone said.

The motive of the murder was also not clear at the moment but police investigations are likely to reveal more once arrests are made.

Moses Kotane mayor, Fetsang Mokgati condemned the murder and urged that people should repent to such barbaric deeds and learn to take care of elderly people.

“We want to condemn the incident in the strongest possible terms and urge our people to care of our elderly folks. The elderly woman stayed alone in the house and she was vulnerable. Please let’s make sure that we work with the police to arrest the perpetrator/s. We cannot live in fear in our own houses,” she said.

The mayor decried the situation in the area where it is alleged that the community has become a drug den.

“Crime does not pay but leave painful scars in our lives. The use of drugs and abuse of alcohol in Phela village is rife. So we urge the youth to live their lives positively and refrain from criminal activities,” Mokgati said.

-TDN

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GROWTH in the tourism industry is the only sure thing that will raise the profile of North West province.

These were the words of tourism MEC, Desbo Mohono at the opening of the Durban Tourism Indaba held at the Dr Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre on Saturday.

She said that the province’s aim was to push into the top four category of most visited regions in the country.

“North West province remains committed to its mandate of growing the tourism industry. We have experienced increase on number of visitors. A Re Yeng Bokone Bophirima also propels us into reaching out 2020 vision. Our objective is to see the province being amongst the top four of most visited provinces in South Africa.

“The North West Tourism Board (NWTB) took advantage of the opportunity created by government through South African Tourism to market Destination North West at this annual event. The Tourism Indaba is an established top travel show. It provides opportunity to the tourism industry. The event also allows us to partake in the South African leisure tourism show,” Mohono said.

She added that the North West province exhibitors comprised of a wide range of product owners. Mohono said exhibitors were ready and well positioned to showcase their products to the Africa’s biggest and best travel trade show.

According to Mohono, the show drew exhibitors from across the continent. She said it offered ravel buyers an unrivaled platform to do business with the cream of the African leisure tourism industry.

“Attention was deliberately given to product owners in villages, townships and small dorpies in line with the vision of the fifth administration in the province. We assisted tour operators to sell a diversity of attractions to discerning tourists.

Tourism provincial head of department, advocate Neo Sephoti shared the same sentiments. She said tour operators met with buyers on one-one session.

“They gained competitive advantage in the sector and met with other sale representatives from more than 1200 exhibiting companies. The aim was to let them do direct business with them. Prime attractions and companies like Sun City through Sun Intentional, Pilanesburg National Park, Madikwe River Lodge used the platform to amplify the positioning of North West as a prime and preferred destination for tourists,” Sephoti said.

Tourism minister, Derek Hanekom said: “Africa is vibrant melting pot for tourism. The diverse cultures, customs and traditions of our people merged with the endless variety of our landscapes, blended with our unique biodiversity, tempered by our historical legacy, and fired by the spirit of freedom and equality.”

-TDN

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FIVE people aged between 21 and 42 are expected to appear in the Stilfontein Magistrate’s Court today (Monday) on charges of illegal possession of firearms and ammunition as well as contravention of the national environmental management.

North West police spokesperson, Col Sabata Mokgwabone said the five were arrested in Khuma location, near Stilfontein on Thursday. He said they were also linked to a rhino poaching incident that took place in April at Hartbeesfontein farm.

Two rhinos were killed and dehorned.

Mokgwabone said police investigation led to the suspects at a certain house in Khuma Location, near Stilfontein.

“The police pounced and searched the suspects. They allegedly found a hunting rifle with a silencer, one pistol and five ammunitions in their car. They are facing conspiracy to commit crime, trespassing, possession of dangerous weapons and contravention of Section 57(1) of the National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act, 2004 (Act No.10 of 2004).

“The sixth suspect linked to rhino poaching was nabbed in Hartbeesfontein on Tuesday. The suspect appeared in court on Thursday and was remanded in custody until May 12,” Mokgwabone said.

-TDN

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THE Justice and Constitutional Development department in North West embarked on a series of activities to address racism.

At an event held at Mmabatho Palms in Mahikeng, regional head of department, Joseph Makutle said the main objective was to acknowledge efforts and strides that put the country where it was today.

Makutle said that they encouraged sense of liberation and that employers should encouraged their employees to become familiar with the constitution.

“We want our employees to utilise their daily guide on all matters of legislation requirements. The awareness campaign commenced on April 25 and was spread across the province. We engaged with various stakeholders. Issues that were discussed were family advocate, South African Human Rights Commission and the launch of the national action plan on anti-racism.

“Pledge banners against racism were signed. We encouraged community members to stand against any form of racism. The department also affianced with farm owners in Venterdorp. We want to assure them that the government is doing everything in its power to provide safety and security to all citizens,” he said.

Regional spokesperson, Thabo Seadira said they will ensure that the rule of law is adhered. He said they also pleaded with farmers to familiarise themselves with labour laws.

“We believe that will avoid unnecessary conflicts between farmers and their employees. Farmers urged government to provide their employees with all necessary welfare challenges like identity document and social security on a regular base.

“We also conducted education and awareness campaign to farm communities at Rysmierbult, Klippan, Buffelsvlei and Sterktroom farms. We will continue to work with various stakeholders like Ventersdorp local municipality, Office of the Premier, social development, health, local government and human settlement, community safety and transport management and South African Human Rights Commission to reach broader communities,” Seadira said.

One of residents in Ventersdorp, Mothusiotsile Godisamang said: “We are grateful for justice department to share information about the services they render and available opportunities. We were also afforded an opportunity to air our views.”

Another resident said: “We had opportunity to enquire about justice related matters. And justice department officials provided information and assistance. We urge the department to conduct such campaigns on a regular base as they enlighten us.”

-TDN

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MEC for health Dr Magome Masike said his department cleared R751m accruals which were reported in the last financial year. He said accruals have been crippling his department’s budget over the years.

“We have overcome this after we introduced transaction accuracy system and the provincial treasury intervention played integral role. We have also implemented enhanced financial accounting procedures. These procedures were introduced to avoid the re-occurrences of accruals in future.

“We believe that the success is due to the fact that we implemented a turnaround strategy. The cost-cautious programme was also imperative. The department has substantially reduced the high rental costs by sharing office space. We are now sharing the space with Ngaka Modiri Molema District Municipality at the new Office Park.

“We have approached the similar method in our district offices. The Tirelo Building Office lease is now officially behind us. We have plans to accommodate Mahikeng Sub-district in the offices currently occupied by Bophelong Psychiatric Hospital once we move to the new hospital. We will continue to look at opportunities of creating more office space within our facilities and safe as much as we could,” Masike said.

The health department said they will continue to implement measures to prevent unauthorised expenditure. Masike further added that they will continue to pay service providers within 30 days except for those projects or services were queries of service provisions.

North West provincial legislature approved health department’s R9 460 530 budget for 2016-17 financial year.

Masike said the department was now in a position to do better with the allocated budget. He said the accruals hindered his department’ service delivery.

Provincial chairperson for the portfolio committee on health and social development, Nono Maloyi said: “The portfolio committee is pleased that the department has cleared the accruals. This means there will be enough budgets to address health service delivery issues. Maintenance of health facilities was identified as challenges by the portfolio committee recently during the visits.”

-TDN

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BY REGINALD KANYANE

A 31-year-old suspect was arrested for being in possession suspected stolen vehicle in Modderspruit on Friday. Provincial police spokesperson, Col Sabata Mokgwabone said the suspect was arrested after he botched to give account of the vehicle.

“Preliminary investigation revealed that the vehicle was reported stolen in Tlhabane, near Rustenburg two years ago.

-TDN

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BY REGINALD KANYANE

TWO suspects are expected to appear in Brits Magistrate’s Court on Monday. North West police spokesperson, Col Sabata Mokgwabone said the suspects were arrested after being in possession of drugs.

“Two suspects aged 33 and 38 were arrested at Slovo and Newstand sections in Modderspruit respectively. They were allegedly found with 300 and 200 plastic packets of drugs.

“The drugs were estimated at the street value of R15 000. Police also discovered undisclosed amount of cash. They were arrested through a crime intelligence driven operation that took place in Modderspruit near Brits on Friday,” Mokgwabone said.

-TDN

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FIVE suspects aged between 21 and 42 are expected to appear in the Stilfontein Magistrate’s Court on charges of illegal possession of firearms and ammunition as well as contravention of the national environmental management.

North West police spokesperson, Col Sabata Mokgwabone said the suspects were arrested at Khuma location, near Stilfontein on Thursday. He said they were also linked to a rhino poaching incident that took place in April at Hartbeesfontein farm.

Two rhinos were killed and dehorned in the process.

Mokgwabone said police investigation led to the suspects at a certain house in Khuma Location, near Stilfontein.

“The police pounced and searched the suspects. They allegedly found a hunting rifle with a silencer, one pistol and five ammunitions in their car. They are facing conspiracy to commit crime, trespassing, possession of dangerous weapons and contravention of Section 57(1) of the National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act, 2004 (Act No.10 of 2004).

“The sixth suspect linked to rhino poaching was nabbed in Hartbeesfontein on Tuesday. The suspect appeared in court on Thursday and was remanded in custody until May 12,” Mokgwabone said.

-TDN

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