BY REGINALD KANYANE

A 40-YEAR-OLD prosecutor from Vryburg was arrested by the Hawks for fraud. The Hawks provincial spokesperson, Hlangelani Rikhotso said Motshabi Segwane who works as a prosecutor at Vryburg Magistrate’s Court allegedly took a bribe from a shoplifting suspect. Rikhotso said Sengwane allegedly promised a woman that he will withdraw her shoplifting case in exchange for R1000.

“The money was allegedly paid to the suspect in two installments. It is alleged that the suspect paid R600 to Sengwane. The prosecutor then postponed the case of the accused to July 8 for the outstanding amount.

“The prosecutor was arrested upon receipt of the payment. Sengwane appeared in Vryburg Magistrate’s Court and was granted R1000 bail. The case was postponed to August 1 amid Director of Public Prosecution’s decision,” Rikhotso said.

The Hawks provincial head, Major Gen Linda Mbana affirmed that they were actively crackdown the province. Mbana added that they will continue to do their work without fear or favour.

-TDN

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A person who has not been to an initiation school cannot visit similar institutions and spend nights there.

This was the reaction of the Congress of Traditional Leaders of South Africa (Contralesa) after Public Service and Administration Minister Ngoako Ramatlhodi said he had visited his brother-in-law and stayed a few nights at a Limpopo initiation school.

“Only people who have been initiated can visit initiation schools and at no stage can we allow visits by uninitiated people in our schools, be it during the day or at night,” Contralesa president Kgoshi Setlamorago Thobejane said yesterday.

Ramatlhodi, a former premier of Limpopo, was allegedly seen inside the school in GaMakgaba near Solomondale, situated in the bushes near GaDikgale village.

“Anyone entering an initiation school without having been initiated is considered a trespasser,” Thobejane said.

“It is totally unacceptable and illegal to enter initiation schools without having been initiated, be it through laws of the country or not.”

The 61-year-old minister was reportedly booked in at the school on Wednesday.

Thobejane confirmed knowledge that Ramatlhodi had been present at an initiation school but requested the matter not to be made public until we get “it from the horse’s mouth”.

“I’m aware that Ramatlhodi was admitted at an initiation school but please let’s respect his right to privacy,” he said.

But Ramatlhodi denied he was being initiated.

“I can confirm that I have visited and spent a few nights at an initiation school in Solomondale, in the company of Kgoshi Malesela Dikgale, but only went there as a visitor,” said Ramatlhodi, saying he was at his house in Makgoebaskloof.

A source said Ramatlhodi seldom mingled with other initiates but spent most of his time inside a secluded tent.

“Though we’ve been barred from revealing initiates’ identities without their permission, I can safely confirm that Ramatlhodi is among the initiates at the school.”

He said the school had four tents used by initiates but one of them was accommodating Ramatlhodi alone.

“I went to check what was happening inside that tent and saw Ramatlhodi.”

The minister’s elder brother, Silas, said no one in their family had been initiated.

He said by virtue of their membership of the Zion Christian Church, they were not permitted to go to an initiation school.

“For what I know, my brother was circumcised at a hospital in Lesotho where he had gone into exile in 1980,” said the elder brother.

A close relative, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the minister had missed two important family events, which was “unusual and strange”.

“. he has not attended two funerals in the past two weekends and his whereabouts were unknown.”

Dikgale, chairman of the Limpopo House of Traditional Leaders , would only say initiates would be graduating from the school on Friday.

Source: Sowetan

BY REGINALD KANYANE

TOURISM department in partnership with other stakeholders will play a crucial part at the Bray July House Racing on Saturday. MEC for tourism department, Desbo Mohono said the horse race was recommended to be embodied in the provincial calendar of events.

“The event has been dubbed as the biggest bush horse race. It has an enormous potential to attract tourists too. The annual event takes place every last week of June and has grown from strength to strength since its inception.

“The even has now being granted a temporary totalizator license because of its consistency. The organizers have also been granted a special permission to hold a horse race meeting last year. This was in terms of section 56 and 59 of the North West Gambling act of 2001 (Act No.2 of 2001),” Mohono said.

She added that since the establishment of Bray July, its primary objective has been about the traditional horse race with a natural turf of red sand soil of the Kalahari. Mohono further said the event has also been providing a short left experience for tourism, outdoor life and camp fanatics with a life away from everything.

“Touted by its organisers as the biggest horse bush race, Bray July does not boast about fashion and glamour when compared to the popular and well established Vodacom Durban July. The red Kalahari sand track is unique and horse owners from all over the country bring their top jockeys to compete in this race.

“We welcome the support from other government entities. We also call on for more support to make the event even more successful. This extravaganza affair is now being supported by people from Botswana, Kuruman, Ganyesa, Vryburg, Kimberley, Schweizer-reneke, Bloemhof, Taung, Jan Kempdorp and other neighboring villages and town,” she said.

There will be other elements of entertainment like Horse Racing and Betting, Barn Dance, Various Food Stalls, Wild Game Adventures, Camping, Beauty Pageant, Soccer and Netball Tournament.

-TDN

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BY REGINALD KANYANE

A MEMORIAL service for the late ANC provincial treasurer and MEC for social development department, Kgakgamatso Nkewu will be held at Molelema Village in Taung on Thursday. ANC in North West said Nkewu has a record of more than 20 years as a volunteer of the party.

ANC provincial secretary, Dakota Legoete said: “As ANC in North West, we highly-appreciate Nkewu’s enormous contribution. Her involvement with the party started at a branch level in Molelema village where she comes from.”

North West provincial Legislature also held memorial service for Nkewu at Mahikeng Civic Centre on Tuesday.

The members of the North West provincial legislature executive council described her as a selfless leader, a gender activist who sacrificed her life for changing the lives of the people in North West.

Family members of the late MEC Nkewu, Chairperson of the National Council of Provinces, Thandi Modise and various community members also attended the Special Sitting.

Premier Supra Mahumapelo said the people of the North West Province and the African National Congress has lost a leader who was energetic, visionary, resolute, hardworking and principled.

“On behalf of the People’s Province of Bokone-Bophirima, we have lost a dedicated and selfless leader to transform the lives of our people. She was obedient and very principled when it came to dealing with challenges of our people or the organisations concerned.

“To the family, they must know that in these difficult times, they must trust the Almighty. They must know that they are not alone, but we are with them as government and the people of the province. She will surely be remembered in centuries to come,” Mahumapelo said.

Democratic Alliance member in the legislature, Jacqueline Theologo said Nkewu was a very respectable and humble leader, with the most beautiful and friendly smile.

“Even when we differed in the legislature, she was never rude but a person who would listen to your point and engage on the matter. We could relate to her very well and communicate with. She was a formidable woman whom we loved to have in the legislature committees’ meetings and oversights,” Theologo said.

A leader of the EFF, Betty Diale also sent condolences to the family of the late MEC Nkewu and the people of the Bokone Bophirima.

“We are saddened by this loss, and humble ourselves to say, if it’s the will of the Lord, then we shall accept his word. May the Soul of the late MEC Nkewu Rest in Peace,” Ntsangani said.

Nkewu will be laid to rest at Molelema village in Taung on Saturday.

-TDN

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Picture: (North West FM presenter and Motivational Speaker, Sir Max)

FROM a difficult upbringing, Ndleleni Maxongo has defied odds and has become one of the sought-after motivational speakers in the country.

Maxongo, 32, popularly known as Sir Marx is a radio presenter at North West FM, an author and a motivational speaker.

He hails from Dithakong village in Mahikeng where life used to be tough growing up.

“What I can say now is that I’m a child of God, a philanthropist, accomplished speaker and best-selling author. I remember my upbringing was very difficult because I grew up in abject poverty. My father was a driver and my mom was a domestic worker.

“At the age of 12, my father died in a car accident. Shortly afterwards, my mother committed suicide, leaving my two siblings and I as orphans. After the death of my mother, I went to Lichtenburg in search of greener pastures. However I ended up scavenging for food in rubbish bins,” Sir Max said.

He had to work as a taxi queue marshal but that too was not easy and he returned home and went back to school.

With the rough experience he had, Sir Max put his shoulder to the wheel and studied hard. He now has Bachelor of Arts in Tourism Management, a post-graduate diploma in Finance Management and a Masters of Arts in International Relations. He is also registered for doctoral studies.

He has also used his speech proficiency to earn him reputation as one of the leading motivational speakers.

“Being a motivational speaker for me is a calling. That was pronounced upon my life at very early stage. Magic happened when I answered my calling to inspire the human race. Many people inspired me, but to mention just but two of them. The late Apostle Samuel Seipei was my spiritual father and Dr John Tibane is my mentor. Apostle Samuel Seipei’s death was the most challenging thing in my life,” Sir Max added.

“I have been in the business world since 2003. The quality of my talks earned me a status as one of the highly paid motivational speakers. My talks are mostly about creating organisations that add value to investors, customers and employees. I also talk about the powers of the mind.

“The motivational talks are aimed at developing and cultivating a new way of thinking within organisations and individuals. I am an honorary member of Golden Key International Honour Society,” he said.

Sir Max is also a founder and chief executive officer for consulting firm, Sir Max Corporation. He said the company specialises in inspirational talks, team building, strategic planning, leadership, management consulting and organisational development.

“Through God’s grace I consult for government departments, private business, NGOs and universities. I also served as a lecturer at the North West University at Mafikeng Campus and sit on several boards as a director.

“Our youth today should stay away from drugs and alcohol abuse. Those are bigger thieves as they steal and destroy great potential of our youth. They also rob them of their future. My future aspirations are to touch more hearts and transform many minds,” he said.

Sir Max started his radio career back in 2010 at Mahikeng FM and then moved to Motsweding FM to host an inspirational show called Matlhasedi a year later. He then joined North West FM in 2015 as a host of one of the most inspirational shows, The Inspiration Summit.

He also wrote three books: Become Your Portrait, It’s Your Mentality Not Your Ability That Can Crack Your Success Code and The Billionaire Mind Blueprint.

“I hosted a Young Champions Seminar recently in Mahikeng. It was an inspirational summit aiming at empowering youth to change their lives. We also advised them to adapt into these ever changing times. The core of the message was the DNA of game changers.

“There are many people playing the game at the moment, but the world is calling us to change it. Young Champions seminar was a great a success,” he said.

-TDN

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THE Rustenburg local municipality has ordered political parties that did not comply with outdoor advertising to remove their posters in the city.

Municipality spokesperson, Thapelo Matebesi said that affected parties have been informed to adhere to regulations.

“The consequences of contravening the Outdoor Advertising By-Law, Section 3(1), were fully explained to all parties in attendance by the municipality’s legal and valuation unit. Transgressors were told to remove their illegal posters affixed and displayed on the municipal buildings, transformers, bridges and walls within five working days.

“Failure to do so will result is a party getting fined R30 per poster as according to the rules and regulations. It was also explained to them that all posters must be removed within fourteen (14) days after the elections date and failing which they shall be guilty of an offence,” Matebesi said.

He added subsequent to this meeting, the ANC heeded the call and removed their posters.

Matebesi said the municipality is currently in the process of pursuing and charging political parties that to date failed.

-TDN

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THOSE operating illegal initiation schools in North West have been warned that government would have them arrested and send to jail if they continue to defy regulations.

This comes after the provincial department of culture, art and traditional affairs closed an unregistered initiation school that had been reopened in Madibogo village, outside Mahikeng on Monday evening.

The school was initially closed at the beginning of the winter season but was reopened and had 15 initiates.

CATA MEC, Ontlametse Mochware said that while initiation schools are part of customs and tradition they need to be run in a way that does not compromise the health and life of boys.

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“It is procedural for those who want to hold initiation school to follow process prior to that. We have initiation task team that outreaches all the districts to inform the people about the procedure. The process is initiated at tribal authorities, but where there is no Dikgosi like townships, the applications must be made at local municipalities.

“The application will be forwarded to the office of the MEC. We will do thorough observations and if we are content enough about the compliance, the application will be authorised,” Mochware said.

Two deaths have been recorded so far while about 140 initiates have been rescued from 13 bogus initiation schools.

The province has approved 16 schools that operate mainly in the Ngaka Modiri Molema and Dr Kenneth Kaunda districts.

“If ever come across illegal school, we will close it. We also encourage our communities to come forward with any information regarding illegal initiation schools in their areas. They can do this by calling the national hotline number 0800111166.

“We are also working with health department to keep the initiates at various clinics and hospitals after we have demolished the illegal initiation schools. Parents are being advised that forceful taking of young children or anyone to initiation school is not allowed. Parents are urged to pledge that they allow their kids to go to initiation schools,” she said.

Chairperson of Tradition Customs and Culture, Kgosi Thari Maotwe expressed concern on the behaviour of those running the initiation school in Madibogo.

“I can say the owner of the initiation school is too young. We are looking for the owner who escaped and major legal actions will be taken. We did open a case against him, but we are not too sure if he is on bail or what happened.

“He is undermining the law and the constitution of the country. We condemn those who operate initiation schools while they are under age. We only found 8 initiates after others allegedly escaped. According to the information, the school has about 15 initiates,” he said.

A 40 year-old man died at illegal initiation school at Dihatshwane village near Rooigrond in Mahikeng more than two weeks ago.

-TDN

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