BY REGINALD KANYANE

Two women sustained minor injuries after a collision on Marine drive in Margate on Saturday.

Netcare 911 spokesperson, Athlenda Mathe said the exact detail to the cause of the accident will remain a subject for police investigation.

“Netcare911 paramedics managed to stabilise both women on the scene before being ferried to a nearby hospital for further medical care. Both women were drivers of the two vehicles. The vehicles collided against each other,” Mathe said.

-TDN

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The African National Congress is set to announce their mayoral candidates for the 2016 local government elections.

The ANC held a special National Executive Committee meeting on Saturday to decide on candidates for mayoral positions in the metropolitan municipality and other municipalities.

ANC National spokesperson Zizi Kodwa said the announcement follows the NEC rigorous process of internal democracy within the ANC .

“The process saw more than 9300 candidates submitting as councilor candidate and regional and provincial executive committees deliberating on the best of those to lead the municipalities as Mayors,” Kodwa said.

The ANC will announce the candidates during a media briefing later on Saturday.

Watch ANN7 on DSTV Channel 405.

Picture: (Taung Dam) 

BY REGINALD KANYANE

THE water and sanitation department in North West said the water level in most dams has dropped. Provincial spokesperson, Katlego Mokaila said dams such as Johan Neser, Kromellenboog , Lyndlespoort and Rietspruit have declined in storage levels.

“We have already imposed abstraction restrictions on Kromellenboog and Lyndlespoort dams. This has impacted negatively on food production as these dams are used for agricultural purpose.

“South Africa receives an annual rainfall of 500 millimetres whereas the rest of the world receives 985 millimetres. In order to mitigate against the drought effects, dam operating rules countrywide have been applied to 35 dams,” she said.

Mokaila said restrictions were applied with regard to the water resource (mandatory restrictions on domestic and agricultural use).

She further added that minister of water and sanitation, Nomvula Mokonyane indicated that it can take more than three years for dam levels to recover to its acceptable operating capacities.

“This was caused by the effects of a strong El Nino weather phenomenon. We also estimate that an additional 3 000 million m3 per annum of water will be needed to meet the projected demand in 2030. This will ensure adequate resources available for socio-economic development,” she said. Acting regional head in the North West, Dr Tseliso Ntili stressed that with water restrictions being imposed in dams, community participation to mitigate against the effects of drought was necessary. Ntili further added that water conservation should be a way of life for all.

“More than 3 million people were affected by drought in the province. Some of the most effective ways of conserving water in dams and streams is through the removal of invasive alien plants. They consume a lot of water and we encourage our people to avoid activities that can pollute dams and rivers. They must use the drip irrigation system. Also collaborating with community leaders in advocating for water conservation in schools, churches, clinics and the community at large will help.

-TDN

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RUSTENBURG residents continue to commend the service delivery they receive during Setsokotsane programme visit in their area. The programme is a service delivery jamboree as espoused by North West premier, Supra Mahumapelo.

Rustenburg local municipality spokesperson, Thapelo Matebesi said Setsokotsane programme is in their area since Monday. He said the programme was Mahumapelo’s vision and was unwavering welcomed.

“As the municipality, we will focus on registering unemployed people on our database; youth outreach program and career guidance. We will also address unemployment, crime, drugs and human trafficking.

“We will also commemorate youth month, fixing of illegal electricity connections, grass cutting on the sidewalks of the roads and in open spaces. Other issues to be addressed are street cleaning, refuse removal, installation of missing road signage, repair of street lights and water leaks, amongst others,” Matebesi said.

He added that they invite residents from various areas to be part of the programme. He said they will commune full details through ward councillors and media.

Rustenburg local municipality mayor, Mpho Khunou said they will receive assistance from various departments. He added that the commencement is the second lap of Setsokotsane campaign.

“We all know Setsokotsane programme was in our area between January and February this year. The aim is to ensure that government services are expedited and brought closer to people.

“We will continue to renew, rebrand and reposition Bokone Bophirima province. We will make sure that all the programme comprises of various government departments. The services will be spread to all wards within Rustenburg local municipality,” Khunou said.

-TDN

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NORTH West provincial government encouraged its public servants to uphold the vision of the government. North West director-general, Lydia Sebego met with public servants in Dr Ruth Mompati and Kenneth Kaunda district municipalities on Monday and Tuesday.

“We want them to familiarise themselves with the vision of the fifth administration. They also need to implement the ten point campaigns. The province will not be able to reach its goals if public servants do not understand its vision.

“You are the drivers of all the programmes in our provincial government. We believe that it is imperative for us to make sure that you understand the direction we want to embark on,” Sebego said.

She further added that their administration wanted to rebrand, reposition and renew the province. She said all that will be achieved through five concretes.

“We have agriculture, culture and tourism (ACT). We also have villages, townships and small dorpies (VTSD). Other concretes are reconciliation, healing and renewal, Setsokotsane and Saamtrek Saamwerk philosophy.

“We also need to tackle societal issues that affect our people on a daily basis. We also need to encourage them to live a healthy-lifestyle. Obesity Awareness Campaigns, Building a Non-racial Province Campaign, Opening the Door of Learning and Culture Campaign, Safety, Security, Comfort, Corruption and Crime-free Society Campaign, Environmental Issues Campaign, Women and Children Abuse Awareness Campaign, Sport Development and Participation Campaign, Rates and Tax Payment Campaign, including water and sanitation campaign and drought mitigation and relief campaign are important,” Sebego said.

“We have changed our normal approach of doing things in government. It has never happened before and it is our duty to make sure that you follow as we take this province forward.

“We must also engage with our people. We also need to be on the ground to resolve the challenges facing our people, it is also your duty as you carry out your work to ensure that you make people understand what we are doing,” she said.

Public works employee at regional office in Taung, David Bogatsu shared the same sentiments. He said the engagement from provincial government is welcomed.

“We want to applaud our provincial government for engaging with us. We needed to understand the government’s vision. We also see many changes and we are glad to get clarity from the government,” Bogatsu said.

-TDN

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NORTH West premier Supra Mahumapelo urged community members to work together with police to fight criminal activities. He said this during church service at Unathi Fellowship Church in Robega village in Rustenburg on Sunday.

“We need churches to lead in praying for drugs and substance abuse in our province. We will not have a normal society if we are going to continue keeping quiet about the effects of drugs and substance abuse in our everyday life.

“We believe in putting the Almighty first in resolving the challenges facing us. We agreed earlier this year as members of executive council to regularly attend services of various churches in the province,” he said.

Mahumapelo also reiterated that it is important to support the police. He added that police alone will not win the fight against criminal acts.

“The criminal activities are fuelled by drugs and substance abuse. We need to be united as a society to fight the scourge of drug and alcohol abuse. Our youth think they are invincible after using these drugs.

“Let us pray hard for them. They must know that using drugs is not an alternative to the challenges they are faced with in daily basis. Let me also take this time to send our heartfelt condolences to former SABC TV and radio personality, Hope Zinde’s family,” he said.

Unathi Fellowship Church, Bishop Duma Sithole also prayed for Mahumapelo. He said the current leadership in the province is in good hands.

“We acknowledge the good work you are doing as the Premier of this province. It is good that you recognise and support churches. God will always give you guidance and this province will be prosperous.

“We will continue to pray for you and the province especially the socio-economic issues. Drugs and substance abuse is a huge challenge within the society,” Sithole.

-TDN

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LOCAL government and human settlements department MEC, Fenny Gaolaolwe met with elderly people at Robega and Simone villages in Rustenburg on Sunday.

Gaolaolwe was accompanied by North West premiers Supra Mahumapelo during her unannounced visit. She was monitoring beneficiaries of Breaking New Ground homes in Rustenburg local municipality.

She said elderly people are most vulnerable citizens. Gaolaolwe further added that the priority needed to be given to them.

“We visited several households in Robega and Rasimone villages in Rustenburg Local Municipality. Most elderly people are living in abject poverty. However we cannot allow them to continuing in such conditions. They are most vulnerable people.

“Some stay in shacks and uninhabitable houses while young and energetic people get Breaking New Grounds houses. We will continue to monitor that only those who are mostly vulnerable get prioritised,” she said.

Mahumapelo also shared the same sentiments. He urged the local and human settlements department to always make sure that elderly people received the necessary support.

“We are working together with social and local government and human settlements departments to improve your lives. As the provincial government we will ensure that you receive necessary support. No young people must occupy houses while our elderly people have nowhere to go,” Mahumapelo said.

One of the residents, Motlatsi Makhuthe, 63, of Robega village, was delighted to see the leadership of the province visiting his family. He requested the Premier and the MEC to build his family a house.

“I am so happy that you are here. I live in abject poverty and lives in a shack which I call my home. I applied for a house a long time ago and to no avails. I will be very grateful for your intervention,” Makhuthe said.

Another resident from Rasimone village, Hanse Molwane said he has also applied for a house. He said however he has not received any assistance until now.

“When it is time to sleep, I do not know if I will wake up alive in the morning. The small mud house that I am living in is dilapidating. We suffer a lot during this winter weather. We need help as soon as you can please,” Molwane.

-TDN

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MEC for community safety and transport management, Dr Mpho Motlhabane urged the young people in North West to stay away from alcohol and drugs. Dr Motlhabane said the youth must emulate the Class of ’76.

“During this day, we must all remember and understand that it was a Bloody Day. The day should be treated with the necessary honour, respect it deserves. We need to commemorate it in a dignified manner. We should not celebrate it through braaivleis and indulging in alcohol.

“Today’s young people have a heap of challenges that they need to deal with in their daily lives. However, a very solid foundation has been laid for them. The doors of learning have been opened. And now the future is in their hands,” he said.

Dr Motlhabane said the #feesmustfall campaign was led by young people in various institution of higher learning. He added that the government embraces and working very hard to attend to the matter.

“Our future leaders are now ravaged by drugs which are available at every corner of the community even at schools. Young people are committing all sorts of brutality and crime after taking drugs. Some become addicted and others die because of overdose.

“However we want to make a clarion call to all young people. They need to champion and partner with our department to fight these epidemics. We urge them to be committed and come up with initiatives and proposals that will eradicate the drugs,” Motlhabane said.

“We have already established a Provincial Youth Road Safety Structure that is partnering with education and sport development department to educate and deal with the high number of young people who perish on our roads due to speeding.

“Young people need to understand the importance of this day because heroes and heroines sacrificed their lives for us to be where we are today,” Dr Motlhabane said.

He added that in honour of our fallen heroes and heroines, they must all say #beingsafeiscool.

-TDN

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THE North West tourism department joined hands with the Naledi local municipality and Taung Hotel School and Convention Centre to donate blankets and heaters to a crèche in Vryburg.

The three entities handed over the goods to Mmabana Merriam Dikole early childhood development in Vryburg’s Huhuding location on Wednesday.

Tourism head of department, Advocate Neo Sephoti said: “We know the importance of raising better children. There are dynamics that need to be applied. We need to spruce our children from the early childhood.

“We took time to engage with the children and teach them their rights. We advised them how to behave amongst other children and avoid bullying. Most children record what is happening around them, and grow with it,” Sephoti said.

She further indicated that all the donations were organized by tourism department employees.

Sephoti used the opportunity to urge community members to contribute to the learning of the children.

“I want to challenge community members to be part of the outreach programmes. We need to raise our children in the equitable manner. As adults or parents, let’s not send our children to buy alcohol. By so doing, we instil the erroneous mindset in them.

“They will think that indulging in alcohol is proper. Also stop fighting in front of them. Introducing them to multiply partners as parents is also off beam. They will adopt that and think is the right thing,” she said.

The head of department also encourage parents to always monitor their children’s movements saying many kids get raped and abused because some parents were negligent.

“We will come back to donate books. Today was only the beginning. We will change the lives of those needy children and develop a wonderful society,” Sephoti said.

Mmabana Mirriam Sekole early childhood principal, Poiho Mangcotywa said she started working at the crèche back in 1987.

To date, the crèche has produced community leaders.

“This crèche was established back in 1987. We have produced people like NCOP chairperson, Thandi Modise, ANC provincial chief whip, Hoffman Galeng and the former MEC, Dankie Afrika.

“We are so grateful to receive donations. We also appreciate the support we get from social development department. However we have seven employees so far and the stipend we get is too little. We also urge the community members to assist to avoid break-ins at the crèche,” Mangcotywa said.

 –TDN

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