Junior Pirates Team Picture during the SAB League North West Finals on 25 June 2016 at Coldrige Stadium Pic Sydney Mahlangu/ BackpagePix

BY REGINALD KANYANE

TWO soccer teams from North West were promoted to ABC Motsepe league after being crowned as SAB league champions. Junior Pirates Football eliminated Maruding Classic while Tigane Chelsea walloped Real South during play-offs at Colridge stadium in Vryburg on Saturday.

SAB’socio-economic development specialist, Ntombi Kholwa said the grassroots development soccer augurs well for the future of football. Kholwa added that two teams were crowned champions from different levels.

“We have four regions in North West. Four teams reached the play-offs. Junior Pirates FC and Tigane Chelsea won the play-offs and now they were elevated to ABC Motsepe league. We urge them to continue to work hard on their
journey to professional football.

“Today marks another example of how much of a difference SAB is making
in various communities through the SAB league. We pride ourselves in
providing such platforms of talent identification. Sport contributes positively in curbing socio-economic issues faced by our communities,” she said.

Kholwa said 2016 SAB League season has reached its fever pitch. Kholwa said provincial play-offs were underway across all nine provinces.

SAFA’s director of competitions, Balebetse Monnakgotla said their fruitful partnership with SAB continues to yield incredible results for the development of football.

 “We thank their unwavering support in assisting SAFA to meet its mandate. Our objective is to develop football from grassroots. The SAB league is now entering into the exciting finale of the season.

“The SAB U21 national championship will take place soon too. So we are expecting to see the cream of the crop and abundance of talents in display. The organisation has paved the way for many players. Football is more than just a fun. Soccer plays a role in international development by funding global education. It also takes part in effecting positive social change and produces renewable energy. Soccer is unique and it crosses all geographic, ethnic and religious boundaries,” Monnakgotla said. 

He added that sport at large effects positive social change. Monnakgotla further said sport engage people, foster teamwork, release endorphins and teach young people important life lessons about hard work, dedication and relying on others. 

-TDN

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BY REGINALD KANYANE

MEC for community safety and transport management, Dr Mpho Motlhabane visited few police stations in Ratlou local municipality on an unannounced visit recently.

Motlhabane also visited few schools and met with community members. He said they will establish ‘Adopt A Cop’ initiative in few schools.

“I visited Boithaopo Secondary School on Friday. Many parents were concerned about the safety of their children. They said the fence has been tempered with and this exposes them to criminal activities during school hours.

“We call for the establishment of the Adopt A Cop programme. It is the school safety crime prevention programme. It was established under the protocol which was signed by education and sport development department and South African Police Services in 2011,” he said.

Motlhabane added that the protocol aimed to promote safer schools and prevent the involvement of young people in crime. He further said they will conduct internal investigation regarding criminal incidents reported to the Atamelang Police Station.

“The community alleged that the police station delays in investigations regarding crimes reported. So we will conduct an internal investigation on the matter. We are working hand-in-hand with the tribal council.

“We discussed how best we can work on an integrated approach. We don’t need guns to fight crime but Saamtrek, Saamwerk approach can take us far. Crime is a societal thorn which needs the participation of everyone,” he said.

Motlhabane said the unannounced visits to police stations were intended to assess the level of service delivery provided by police stations. He added that compliance towards improving frontline service delivery was imperative.

“The visits are intended to determine the extent of service delivery and ensure that government principles of Batho Pele are adhered to. These are part of the Setsokotsane programme which is currently implemented in all four districts of the province,” Motlhabane said.

-TDN

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BY HOFFMAN GALENG

As the Youth Month and the celebration of the heroic struggle waged by the class of 1976 to advance the quest for freedom is drawing close, there is a need to reflect on the lessons learnt from this heroic epoch to suggest ways on how its significance can be meaningfully sustained.

Although the conditions of the present generation of youth differed markedly with those of the class of 1976, it is incumbent upon the youth of today to emulate themselves in defining their cause for a better South Africa by producing a model for contentious politics to be felt for years to come. 

The youth have therefore stopped seeing “Youth Month” as an exclusive month for the class of 1976 and have adopted an approach that amalgamates the contributions of all young people in South Africa. The process ensures that their contributions filter down to the grass-root level in a sustainable manner for prosperity.

As the youth of today augment the contribution made by the class of 1976 who were confronted by the repressive state machinery intended to undermine the dignity of the African child and to further deepen the plight of the black majority in line with the apartheid policies.

They should therefore use the power of their vote in the upcoming Local Government Elections to claim their stake in the current political realm.

With the Local Government Elections coming up on August 3, we welcome the survey results for March-May 2016 published by Ipsos markinor. It is renowned and leading research company. It indicated that 71 percent of our youth intend to vote on elections day. The results of this reputable institution conducted among 3 786 households targeting young people, during face to face interviews, laid to rest the allegations of youth apathy as being reported in certain media houses and quarters. 

This is a welcome change on the part of our youth in participating in the affairs of the country geared towards changing their socio-economic status.

The youth of today are combat ready to participate in the political processes of the country as reflected in the high proportion of newly eligible voters who were registered in the last leg of voter registrations by the IEC.

Our youth are conscious of the fact that opting out of the democratic process is an indication of cynicism, as this would result in their exclusion in both national planning and decision making processes of the affairs of the country.

In taking forward their own legitimate struggles of today, be it around education, participation in electoral processes and employment opportunities, or the provision of services, young people should be mindful of the fact that the hallmarks of the struggle of the class of 1976 were unity and discipline.

Our fifth democratic government theme for this Youth Month “Youth moving South Africa forward” is quite apposite as it seeks to engender a sense of involvement in our youth and urge them to remember the wise words of one of our legend from the Bokone Bophirima Province, uncle Moses Kotane, who declared that “At this hour of destiny, your country and your people need you.

The future of South Africa is in your hands and it will be what you make of it.” This cannot be further from the truth as South Africa needs a legion of its youth at this particular juncture.

As we will be making long queues to cast our votes in the upcoming local government elections and renew the mandate of the ANC in most municipalities in the province and country-wide, we should be mindful of the myriad challenges that still lies ahead in facilitating programmes aimed at job creation and economic security of youth through government, business and civil society.

Franz Fanon once declared in his celebrated quote that “Each generation must discover its mission, fulfil it or betray it, in relative opacity.” We have no doubt as the ANC-led government, that the youth of today are up to the task and will renew the mandate of the ANC-led democratic local government on August 3.

Hoffman Galeng is the Chief Whip of the Majority party (ANC) in the North West Legislature and writes in his personal capacity

-TDN

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BY REGINALD KANYANE

NINE families from Pudimoe location in Taung received their title deeds on Monday. Local government and human settlements department bestowed house owners with title deeds after 20 years.

North West MEC of local government and human settlements department, Fenny Gaolalwe said the houses belonged to North West Housing Corporation (NWHC).

“Through the NHWC housing discount benefit scheme, the owners had their outstanding debts on these houses (known as old stock) cancelled. We have spent over R16 000 on the transfer costs.

“Now homeowners can be at ease. They have title deeds as proof of ownership. They can now sleep better at night without a fear of being evicted. The North West Housing Corporation has properties in some parts of the North West, Northern Cape, Gauteng and Free State provinces,” Gaolaolwe said.

-TDN

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BY REGINALD KANYANE

A RENOWNED radio and TV personality Collen Lemawane has released a book to unleash his experience about money. Lemawane said his book is called “Why Broke When There Is So Much Info”.

“There is a concern on how people manage their financial status. A poor management in administrating lump-sum payouts can affect many lives. Those who received it ended up coiling back to square one or even worse.

“This book is not only interesting, but exciting to read too. It addresses and gives practical tips to follow if you are tired of being broke. As a first time writer, I believe that we need to be alert especially when it comes to financial literacy. We need to understand the language used to educate the public about money,” he said.

Itsoseng-born presenter said financial problems emanate from lack of financial planning, strategy and literacy for many. He said in his book, he draws from his personal experience and decisions that landed him in financial trouble and how he bounced back.

“The book is a metaphor of many people’s financial journey. It also gives tips on how to take action and plan better for the future. I was in hospital and could not move as I was paralyzed. So I decided to take a good look into my finances and that made me realise how far off the mark I was.

“The way I was going was not a healthy one financially. And being in hospital made me realize where I went wrong. I had to share what I discovered about our relationship with money, hence the book,” Lemawane said.

He is a presenter for SABC business news and was a current affairs presenter on SABC 3 and Motsweding FM. He said financial mediocrity is what contributes to financial instability.

“I saw the tension between my savings and spending habits. And it took me about three years to write this book. My objective is to help and save millions who continue to sink in debts.

“This book is for everyone. I first want to challenge the notion that black people don’t read. We need to develop interest in putting our finances in line through financial literacy. I also want the middle-aged reader to remember to start saving now for retirement,” Lemawane said.

He added that only few people think of saving every day. He said the book also communicates well with people who were about to retire or were on pension or received their lump-sum cash.

Lemawane said people need to know how to safe their money before they give it to quick-buck schemes. It speaks also to couples who tend to allow love to cloud their vision when it comes to financial planning.

“I went on a personal fact finding mission speaking to pensioners and financial practitioners, institutional and desktop research and a whole lot of literature review. I then extended invitations for special contributions from professionals like ETF strategist Nerrina Visser, certified financial planner Neo Mmatli and David Kop from the Financial Planning Institute as well as Economists.

“I was also concern about what most pensioners go through. Mostly go through retirement depression. So I engaged the services of Unisa psychologist Vicy Malefo,” he concludes.

TDN

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BY REGINALD KANYANE

ANC mayoral candidate in Madibeng local municipality, Jostine Mothibi said she will make sure that there are improvements at the municipality. Mothibi said stability is needed in the municipality. She said ANC is the only organisation that can associates with the masses and know what people need.

“We know that Madibeng local municipality is under administration and marred with corruption and fraud. However we are working together with The Hawks to root out corruption there. We will also make sure we come up with strategic plans to resuscitate the municipality.

“ANC is the gatekeepers of democracy. The party plays a key role in facilitating women’s access to political leadership and decision-making in public office. We will apply a comprehensive approach to ensure that we change the lives of the masses,” Mothibi said.

Provincial secretary Dakota Logoete said the party has a successful mobilisation programme. He said they embarked on door-to-door campaign with their voting district coordinators.

Legoete added that the voting district coordinators play a pivotal role to make ANC visible and win over voters. He said the party volunteers met with different potential voters in various regions across the province on Sunday.

“We are convinced that our people heed the call. These are hard-working ANC representatives identified by branches. They work for the movement voluntarily. The party leaders also visited different churches in Wolmaransstad on Sunday.

“Our team also continued with elections mobilisation programme to different wards in Zeerust. We also introduced our ward councillor candidates to the people of Ramotshere Moiloa sub region,” Legoete said.

He added that the party mingled with leaders in a relaxed mood during a jazz breeze. Legoete said they also recruited more members and voters.

“We enhanced the activation of the election mood. The party needs to emphasise the importance of voter contact. Our regional and provincial leadership also scrutinised the voters’ roll and shared responsibilities according to streets and residential blocks,” he said.

The incumbent mayor for Tlokwe local municipality, Khotso Khumalo said they will make sure there is a strategic plan in improving the situation in the beleaguered Ventersdorp.

“The two municipalities will be merged together. So we have already formed a political task team to address community’s grievances. Our people welcomed the demarcation decision. We will also incorporate workers from both municipalities and make sure we provide workshops to our employees. Batho Pele principles will be put in practice,” Khumalo said.

-TDN

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Picture: (GTLM outgoing mayor, Kaone Lobelo)

BY REGINALD KANYANE

EVEN though is mostly marred by unemployment, the lives of the people continue to be improved. This was the words of the outgoing mayor, Kaone Lobelo.

He said a total number of 3875 housing units have been built. Lobelo added that this included the inclusive of 2090 units that were constructed during 2015/16.

“We have also planned to build an extra 1785 houses for 2016/17 financial year. This includes houses planned for Reivilo/Boipelo Township of 200 units and 75 Lykso. The community have been patiently waiting for these houses. We couldn’t provide due to planning processes such as township establishment by the relevant department.

“However productive this might sound, the municipality is facing an acute land shortage for further development. To address the ever growing need for housing, we engaged with our chiefs (dikgosi) for land allocation,” he said.

Lobelo added that the municipality is currently experiencing illegal occupations of land that is registered under the municipality. He said this practice is mainly common around Taung Ext. 6, the Taung CBD area and Pudimoe Township.

“However all is not lost as we completed land audit (Taung CBD, Pudimoe Township and Reivilo/Boipelo Township. We have also reviewed our environmental management framework, the spatial development framework and the land use management scheme.

“The development of Taung Central Precinct and establishment of municipal planning tribunals to decide on land development applications (Act 16 of 2013) still needs to be implemented. There is a challenge of implementing the spatial planning and land use management act (SPLUMA).  We will continue to engage with traditional authorities with regards to the implementation of the spatial plans (SDF, EMF, LUMS and the Precinct Plan), he said.

 Lobelo also mentioned that the municipality has constructed 100 high mast lights to the amount of R16m in six villages. He said this was part of the area lighting programme.

“Only 24 high mast lights existed in Greater Taung local municipality prior to 2011. We also addressed safety at “Hot Spot” areas as identified by the SAPS. An additional 23 high mast lights will be constructed in eight villages at a cost of R6.9m during 2016/17 financial year.

“We have also instilled electricity to 2383 households over the last five years. We also expanded the project to 2178 in-fills.

During the past three years, the municipality has performed very well in terms of planning, organising, controlling and implementation projects through EPWP,” he said.

 Lobelo said seven small bridges were constructed over the last three years through EPWP and two streets were upgraded. He added that 8 vegetation control projects were also done.

 According to Lobelo, the grant of R1.3m for the 2016/17 financial year will ensure that they create 105 full time equivalents (FTE’s).

He added that they equate to 105 people employed for twelve months at R2000 per month.

“The municipality will strive to utilise 30% of its MIG allocation of R43m towards local labour. This will yield another 550 FTEs in terms of EPWP. This translates to a total estimate of 655 full time job opportunities for 2016/17 financial year.

-TDN

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BY REGINALD KANYANE

COMMUNITY safety and transport management department MEC, Dr Mpho Motlhabane engaged with various high school pupils during road safety campaign at Mmabana Taung this week.

Motlhabane said the participation of pupils in road safety debate was crucial. He said young people have a role to play in advocating and networking with their peers on the five pillars of the Global Plan for Road Safety.

“They need to take part on how to focus on road safety management, safer roads, safer vehicles, safer road users and improved crash response. Their commitment and enthusiasm convince me that they will make an indelible mark in response to our 2020 Decade of Action on Road Safety.

“Even though there is lot that needs to be done, we will continue to support our various youth structures. We will also develop them to become our safety ambassadors of tomorrow,” Dr Motlhabane said.

Mahikeng High School was announced as the 2016 provincial champions. They will represent the province at the national debate competition.

St Pauls Secondary School pupil said they welcome the move by government to teach them about safety measures on the road.

“So many children are knocked down by cars on the roads. So we need to be extra careful while crossing the roads. We will also encourage others to adhere to the road signs,” Ratilodi said.

Another pupil from Batlhaping High School said: “The situation has improved compare to olden days. We have our patrollers before the school helping young pupils to cross the roads. So the campaign needs to be intensified.”

This year’s provincial road safety debate was aligned to the Setsokotsane and the VTSD programmes introduced by Premier Supra Mahumapelo.

-TDN

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BY REGINALD KANYANE

LOCAL government and human settlements department in North West said they will assist municipalities to adhere to labour practices. Provincial spokesperson, Ben Bole said they were aware of the fine pinned down to Moses Kotane local municipality for contravening of occupational health and safety regulations.

“We will work closely with affected municipalities. Our employees’ safety must be prioritised. Failing to adhere to that, will bring us unnecessary fines. Precautionary measures must always be applied at all time.

“The employer must ensure that the employees are safe and working under conducive conditions. So as the department, we will make sure they adhere to the call. The fines derail our basic service delivery to our people because we ended up using the money that was unbudgeted for to pay the fine.

Moses Kotane local municipality was fined R20 000 after they ignored occupational health and safety regulations. The labour department inspectorate and enforcement services welcomed the fine and said this will deliver a stern message to other municipalities.

Labour department provincial spokesperson, Orpa Mathabe said the matter took two years before it could be resolved.

“Our labour officials, Jeff Lethoko and Elvis Nkotwe fought the battle for almost two years. The municipality was totally ignoring contravention notices instructing them to comply with the occupational health and safety (OHS) act of 1993,” Mathabe said.

Lethoko commended the court for their splendid decision. He said this will encourage safety in South African workplaces.

“Our inspector, Elvis Nkotwe will visit the municipality again after 60 days to confirm compliance. We will meet the municipality again on September 22 for the closure of the case. However this will happen only if there is compliance,” he added.

The municipality failed to provide workers with toilet paper as stipulated on the Facilities Regulation 2(3) (a) and (d) of the OHS Act. They also contravened the law by failing to take workers for medical surveillance and provide emergency doors in the buildings.

SAMWU provincial secretary, Thebeetsile Mokoto said they welcome the fine. He said only one municipality out of 23 adhered to labour practice.

“Thus far the judgment sees two of the North West municipalities fined whilst other cases are still on the court roll. Some offices of Tswaing local municipality in Sannieshof, Ottosdal and Agisanang remain prohibited by labour inspectors after they were tagged unsafe for workers.

“We urge our municipalities to take the safety of our workers into considerate. We cannot continue to see our workers being exposed to unfavourable working conditions,” Mokoto said.

TDN

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BY REGINALD KANYANE

SIXTEEN young people from North West received an intensive training in various fields of broadcasting this week. They were identified during SABC 3 soapie Isidingo’s visit in Christiana All Resort.

This was in partnership with North West Development Corporation (NWDC), Seven Colors and Isidingo.

NWDC spokesperson, Annemarie Marx said the project afforded the youth the opportunity to experience on-the-set training. She said they were part of few upcoming episodes of Isidingo.

“Those episodes were filmed at Christiana All Resort hotel. We needed people with interest for television and film production. The industry is steadily growing in the province.

“We joined forces to afford the youth this opportunity. They shadowed crew whilst production on an actual set takes place. The project is indebted to finance, economy and enterprise development (FEED),” she said.

Marx said they needed the youth between the ages of 18 and 35. She added that the youth were asked to submit a written motivational letters as part of the application process.

“They were elected after a rigorous selection process. Those who were selected received training on location scouting, technical operator for camera and lighting, sound mixing, make-up and hair, the art department which includes set dressing, props management etc,” she said.

Marx said the candidates also received training on production and wardrobe. She added that the youth received certificates after they concluded the project.

Seven Colors spokesperson, Eugene Mametse commended NWDC and North West provincial government for their industrious spirit and great vision in making this niche youth development opportunity a reality.

Those who benefited from the project were Hazel Letsholo, Tshepo Motlhabane, Katlego Letebele, Tshediso Lebele, Modiri Mogatsi, Tshidiso Moshoeshoe, Sello Kgengwe, Lara Kruger, Lu-Anne Thomas, Thapelo Pule, Letabele Raphala, Refilwe Nkaunyane, Lucky Mokaila, Mehroon Thomas, HSM Magano and Graeme Makan.

TDN

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