BY REGINALD KANYANE

NORTH West Provincial Government is determined to have super state-owned provincial entities which will drive the economy in the province, says Premier Supra Mahumapelo.

Mahumapelo met with chairpersons and CEOs of State-Owned Enterprises that are based in the province in Brits.

Most State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs) in South Africa generally tend to experience problems of underperformance and loss of revenue. Some of these entities have routinely been bailed out by government as they struggled to retain acceptable levels of profitability.

However, Mahumapelo believed that rationalising SOEs in the province under North West Development Corporation (NWDC) will change the situation.

He says the move will ensure that these entities are more focused, well-managed and well positioned to drive development and economic growth in the province.

“We have taken a decision to rationalise State-Owned Enterprises in line with the pronouncement by the President and the Minister of Finance.

“We must create jobs, deal with poverty and inequalities in our society and SOEs have a significant role to play in helping us achieve these.

“Hence Exco has taken a decision that SOEs must all reside under NWDC which will become an anchor state owned entity  to drive the economy in the province, said Mahumapelo.

Acting CEO of Mmabana Arts, Culture and Sports Foundation Sipho Nkese said they welcomed the decision with both hands.

“This kind of consolidation is going to assist with regard to collaboration efforts and control. This will strengthen governance and help improve service delivery,” said Nkese.

It is expected that the process to rationalise these entities under NWDC will be completed by December this year.

-TDN

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BY REGINALD KANYANE

North West premier Supra Mahumapelo urged artists to become serious entrepreneurs who can contribute enormously to the economy of the province.

“The business opportunities in the arts and culture sector are huge and we want to request you as our artists to take this more seriously.

“We have taken a decision as the fifth administration to put arts and culture as one of our top priorities in growing our economy but we will not achieve this if our artists are not serious about it.”

Mahumapelo and the newly appointed MEC for Culture Arts and Traditional Affairs MEC, Ontlametse Mochware held a consultation session with artists at Tzvenza farm in Letlhabile outside Brits recently.

The aim of the meeting was to explore ways on how to deal with challenges affecting artists in the province.

More than 70 performing artists attended the consultation session and raised a number of concerns.

One of the artists, Mahlubi Kraai, a professional producer and actor said the department of Culture Arts and Traditional Affairs must employ people who have worked in the creative industry.

“We are really happy about the support that our provincial government is willing to give to us and we are keen to work together with them in taking our province forward.

“My suggestion is that our department must employ senior managers permanently who are professionals in our industry because they will understand exactly the kind of support we need,” he said.

Another artist, Joan Legalamitlwa, visual arts curator appealed to the provincial government for support.

“I want to comment the efforts of our government but I also want to request that my field be given the same treatment and support like other forms of arts in the province,” she said.

Music Producer, Thabiso Tsotetsi also raised a concern about lack of government support from government when local musician request assistance to compete in Africa and Internationally.

“We have a concern as professional artists from this province that we do not get support and the recognition after moving from here to other provinces such as Gauteng.

“We remain the children of this province and we want our government to respond to any form of request for assistance especially if we are nominated to compete in the continent and internationally,” he said.

Other artists raised concerns ranging from lack of financial supports in their various fields and projects, corruption within state owned entities such as Mmabana Arts and Culture, and the collapse of Taung Cultural Calabash.

Artists also commended Mahumapelo for the establishment of the Annual Mahika Mahikeng Cultural Festival.

The Newly appointed MEC for Culture Arts and Traditional Affairs, Ontlametse Mochware made a commitment to continue working closely with artists in the province.

“This gathering was an eye opener for me; I will personally go from one municipality to another to engage with artists with a view to address their concerns.

“I also agree there is potential in our sector and we need to continue with what we have with all our stakeholders to explore all the available opportunities,” she said.

MEC Mochware assured artists that she will move with speed in transforming the arts and culture in the province in order to increase its contribution to the economy of the province.

-TDN

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BY REGINALD KANYANE

NORTH West police are looking for a 30 year-old suspect for alleged sexual assault. Provincial spokesperson, Col Sabata Mokgwabone said the suspect is a black male, medium and well-built.

“He does have a brushed hair cut and speaks Afrikaans. The suspect is sought after he was linked to a sexual assault case.

“The incident took place on March 30 at Kanaalweg, near the bus parking at around 14:30. Anyone with information that could lead to the arrest of the suspect can call the investigating officer, Cst AA Langford of Potchefstroom FCS on 082 568 9028.

-TDN

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BY REGINALD KANYANE

Two male prison wardens died and a prisoner survived when the white Ford Ranger club cab they were traveling with collided with a truck on the N4 road at Groot Marico yesterday.

According to Traffic Authorities at the scene, it is alleged that the truck driver applied brakes and swift to the right avoiding to hit cars in front as they were also applying brakes and collided with the oncoming vehicle.

Community Safety and Transport Management department spokesperson, Shuping Sebolecwe said the correctional services vehicle was driving from Zeerust to Swartruggens direction while the truck was from Swartruggens to Zeerust.

Bokone Bophirima Community Safety and Transport Management MEC, Dr Mpho Motlhabane has sent his deepest sympathy to the families of the deceased.

“We wish to send our deepest sympathy to the bereaved families. It is heartbreaking to think of the fact that someone has just became a widow and a child somewhere in the families of the bereaved is now an orphan just because of this unfortunate accident. The rate we are losing lives of our beloved one is heartbreaking,” Dr Motlhabane said.

He further urged motorists to be vigilant and always obey to the road rules.

Motorists and road users are advised to report any hazard on the road by calling the departmental toll free number: 0800 204 992.

-TDN

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BY REGINALD KANYANE

A collision between two light motor vehicles occurred on the Elandsrand Road just outside Carletonville this afternoon. The collision seems to have been a semi head on collision.

Er24 spokesperson, Pieter Rossouw said ER24 paramedics found one person dead after sustaining fatal injuries.

“Over and above the deceased patient, there were five other patients with injuries ranging from moderate to serious. ER24 treated and transported two patients to Fountain Hospital for further treatment. The remaining patients were treated and transported to hospital by other services,” Rossouw said.

The cause of the incident remains unknown. Local authorities were on scene for further investigation.

-TDN

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TWO more schools were set alight in Ledig near Sun City on Wednesday, bringing to three the number of schools burnt since last week.

Itumeleng Secondary School was the first to be torched on Friday last week and it has emerged that Bakubung and Mpumputhe primary schools were also attacked this week leaving structures and furniture partially destroyed.

Education and sport development MEC, Sello Lehari said burning of schools needs to be condemned in the strongest possible terms.

Lehari said that such actions are barbaric and absurd.

“We want to condemn the destruction of schools in our province. This denies learners the right to education as enriched in the South African constitution. We appeal to parents and all stakeholders to take up the responsibility.

“They need to ensure that our children’s right to education is protected. Schools must be treated as centres for children’s intellectual development,” he said.

Although teaching and learning was not hampered, Lehari expressed this as an act of criminality. He further added that this was set to derail the future of young citizens in the province.

One class room was burnt at Bakubung Primary School. This left the pupils with no furniture.

“Two classrooms were left with no windows and a mobile classroom was completely burnt at Itumeleng Secondary. Mpumputhe Primary School had a cupboard in one classroom burnt down.

“The damage in all three schools is estimated at R400 000. The department will repair them soon. Classes were not affected, however this brings inconvenience.

“We call for harsher sentences to perpetrators. We also urge our communities to inform police about any unscrupulous behaviour from any community members who destroying properties,” Lehari said.

It increasingly appears that unresolved issue of mineral royalties in the Bakubung community could be the reason behind the criminal acts.

At Itumeleng Secondary School, the alleged arsonists left graffiti on the walls calling for the return of community shares in mineral royalties.

The burning of the school came on the eve of the installation of Bakubung ba Ratheo chief, Kgosi Solomon Monnakgotla, a development which was expected to bring stability to the platinum rich community.

On the walls were written: “DJ we want our shares” “Musa we want our assets back”. This was in apparent reference to an administrator who was appointed by the provincial government to manage the issue of shares on behalf of the community.

Council speaker at Moses Kotane local municipality, Ralesole Diale called on residents of Ledig to protect schools and community property.

-TDN

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YOUNG people across the North West kick-started Youth Month celebrations with performances like drama, poetry and traditional dancers at their respective schools and communities.

   Premier Supra Mahumapelo launched this year’s Youth Month programme at Mothotlung Secondary School near Brits with the call for young people to run away from drugs as his rallying cry.

  Mahumapelo said this was part of the province’s wide programme to celebrate the fruits and responsibilities of Freedom.

 “As the provincial government, we have dispatched our government officials to various schools. It is imperative to engage with learners over this matter. We need to conscientise pupils about democracy and freedom.

  “Education system still needs to do more to teach our children about the genealogy of our Kings. They need to know more about the history of the struggle. Learners need to know how we have achieved democracy as a country,” he said.

  Mahumapelo added that there is a need to ponder on the achievements made since the 1994. He said that pupils need to know how democratic breakthrough was achieved in all spheres of life such as in political, economic, religious and social realm.

  “These achievements need to be properly documented. They will enable us to make an assessment of what still needs to be done. However, there are still challenges that need to be tackled.

  “The government will attend to the shortage of classrooms in the school. We will build additional classrooms. The Madibeng local municipality mayor will also raise funds for a sound system. The sound system will be mounted in the school for the convenience of teachers and learners,” the premier said.

   He pointed out that pupils should strive to stay away from drugs and alcohol for such things will only make them delinquents and failures.

   Mothotlung Secondary School has 1157 pupils and 39 teachers. There are 23 classrooms and five additional mobile classrooms at the school.

  According to the school principal Tshidi Mabusela, the school has six primary schools as feeders.

  “The large learner enrolment is a result of the school rationalisation process which merged Sedimosang Middle and Mothotlung High Schools. The school’s infrastructure requires a facelift to accommodate all 1157 learners with ease. However the education and sport development has stepped in and provided us with five additional mobile classrooms,” she said.

-TDN

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The two projects formed what MEC Tlhape said was part of Premier Supra Mahumapelo’s vision in dealing with societal issues affecting people on a daily basis.

“This is part of the action plan that the department has developed in order to contribute to the achievements of campaign.  We are committed to bring in development including skills. However we cannot do that forever that is why we need you to gain skills and begin to implement it.

“The markets are available for production. We have signed memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the South African National Defense Force (SANDF) regarding supply of produce to their various centres,” Tlhape said.

She added: “We are going to do the same with our hospitals. So, we expect you to produce more products so that these markets keep us as a supplier. There is a need for extension and advisory services to all farm workers cooperatives.”

The MEC said that her department is committed to ensure that living conditions of the people improve.

She also visited Group 10 farm workers cooperative and planted seedlings in order to set path and encourage the cooperative to continue with the operations.

A farm worker, Lydia Thage, 45, commended Tlhape for the good work she is doing.

“I am part of 8 members and operate as a farm worker. Our cooperative specialises in fruits and vegetable production. We are grateful now because we are recognised. We will work hard to grow our business,” she said.

Thage’s cooperative received a financial boost of R496 000 back in 2007 from department. This assisted them to purchase centre pivot with cable, hail nets, plastic for tunnels, 2 broiler houses with accessories, boiler, water pump, electric motor, fertilizer, fertilizer tank, cable to broiler houses.

-TDN

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Picture: (MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Dr Mpho Motlhabane)

MORE than 23 vehicles were impounded for various offences in Brits near Madibeng on Wednesday.

MEC for community safety and transport management department, Dr Mpho Motlhabane said defaulting motorists will continue to be monitored across the province.

“Drivers were fined for various offences ranging from driving without driver’s license, PRDP, unroadworthy vehicles, driving with expired disc and using wrong routes with monetary valued at R61 300.

“We are going to consolidate a plan on how to intensify this approach. The plan will cover the road traffic management which has already set the tone by impounding vehicles that are not roadworthy. We will also include our intensified road safety education and crime prevention,” he said.

Motlhabane further added that the department’s plan will form part of Setsokotsane programme. He said the launch of the 10 point campaign plan by Premier Supra Mahumapelo will lead as a beacon of hope.

“This social mobilisation campaign plan is aligned to Setsokotsane, Reconciliation, Healing and Renewal to deal with societal issues affecting our people on a daily basis. The plan is further set to ensure that the maximum impact of government’s presence is created within the context of Setsokotsane,” Dr Motlhabane said.

To report bad driving, accidents and other unlawful acts, please contact departmental toll free number: 0800 204 992.

-TDN

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Los Angeles – Heavyweight boxing legend Muhammad Ali, an icon of the 20th Century whose fame transcended the sport during a remarkable career that spanned three decades, died Friday, his family said.

The beloved 74-year-old sports hero, who had been battling Parkinson’s disease for decades, passed away in a hospital in Phoenix, Arizona, where he had been admitted earlier this week suffering from respiratory problems.

“After a 32-year battle with Parkinson’s disease, Muhammad Ali has passed away at the age of 74,” spokesman Bob Gunnell said.

“The three-time World Heavyweight Champion boxer died this evening.”

Funeral arrangements for Ali would be announced on Saturday, he added.

Concern for Ali had grown throughout Friday, and tributes immediately poured in for “The Greatest,” who was known globally not only for his storied ring career but also for his humanitarian activism.

Ali had been hospitalized multiple times in recent years.

He spent time in hospital in 2014 after suffering a mild case of pneumonia and again in 2015 for a urinary tract infection.

His Parkinson’s, thought to be linked to the thousands of punches he took during a brutal career studded by bruising battles inside the ropes, had limited his public speaking.

But he continued to make appearances and offer opinions through his family members and spokespeople.

In April, he attended a Celebrity Fight Night Dinner in Phoenix that raised funds for treatment of Parkinson’s.

In December, he issued a statement rebuking US presidential hopeful Donald Trump’s call for a ban on Muslims entering the United States.

“Muhammad Ali transformed this country and impacted the world with his spirit,” said longtime boxing promoter Bob Arum. “His legacy will be part of our history for all time.”

His 30-year career, which stretched from 1960 to 1981 and saw him retire with a record of 56-5, included such historic bouts as the Rumble in the Jungle — against George Foreman in 1974 in Kinshasa, Zaire.

Other defining moments of his career included two knockouts of Sonny Liston and his thrilling rivalry with Joe Frazier — which saw the two men slug it out in the ring and verbally spar out of it.

“Ali, Frazier & Foreman, we were 1 guy. A part of me slipped away — the greatest piece”Foreman wrote on Twitter shortly after Ali’s death was announced.

Former heavyweight champion Mike Tyson added: “God came for his champion. So long great one. @MuhammadAli #TheGreatest #RIP.”

Ali, born Cassius Marcellus Clay Jr in Louisville, Kentucky, dazzled fans with slick moves in the ring, and with his wit and engaging persona outside it.

His refusal to serve in the Vietnam War saw him banned from the sport for years, but the US Supreme Court overturned his conviction for draft dodging in 1971.

He took the name of Muhammad Ali after converting to Islam in 1964, soon after he had stunned the sport by claiming the title with a monumental upset of Sonny Liston.

He was vilified in some quarters for that conversion and his outspoken stance on Vietnam and civil rights issues, but he held firm to his beliefs and eventually earned accolades as an activist.

He was chosen to light the Olympic torch in 1996 in Atlanta and was named a UN messenger of peace in 1998.

He received the highest US civilian honor, the Presidential Medal of Freedom, in 2005.
Source: http://www.sport24.com