BY REGINALD KANYANE

MEC for education and sport development department, Sello Lehari embarked on a massive school safety awareness campaign. Lehari began his initiative at Cocekani Secondary School in Kanana Township.

“We also went to Ikgomotseng Secondary School in Schweizer Reneke last week. The aim of the Provincial School Safety Forum is to encourage pupils to apply positive values and create safer and secured learning environment. The forum issues out risk assessment checklist annually.

“Schools through its SGB’s and school safety committees are able to assess their level of preparedness in dealing with emergencies and disasters. The participating schools are those situated at hot spots areas were crime and violence affect the school communities,” Lehari said.

He added that the characteristics of those hot spots areas have high rate of burglary, gangsterism, absenteeism, bullying, smoking, etc. Lehari further said the department was committed to harness the moral wealth of the nation through inculcating ubuntu during the Mandela Month.

“The Provincial School Safety Forum consists of various stakeholders like education and sport development, health, community safety and transport management, social development, SAPS, justice department, NPA, SALGA, Office of the Premier, House of the Traditional Leaders, etc.

“The school safety awareness campaign focuses on four pillars. They are school emergency preparedness like committees (policies, procedures, warning signs, ability to respond and take action on whether systems are in place). The ability to respond and take action such as putting systems in place on emergency numbers,” he said.

Lehari added that during his visit to schools, experts from fire department taught pupils how to distinguish fire.

-TDN

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BY REGINALD KANYANE

PUBLIC Service Commission (PSC) will visit Taung District Hospital on Wednesday. PSC spokesperson, Humphrey Ramafoko said this will be part of service delivery mandate.

“We will conduct service delivery inspection at Taung Hospital, in the North West Province. The inspection aims to assess the quality of services offered by the healthcare facility in the province. The inspections will focus on safety and security of staff and patients (physical security and protective clothing). We will also look into the availability of beds/space for patients, adequate medical equipment.

“PSC will also look at the availability of medicine, ambulance services, waiting period for patients to undergo surgery, functioning of the hospital in the provision of services,” Ramafoko said.

He added that they will also look at Human Resources available for the functioning of hospitals and compliance with the implementation of the Batho Pele Framework.

The chairperson of the PSC, Adv Sizani and the Commissioner for the North West, MD Sejosingoe will be part of the visit.

It is envisaged that the inspections will be completed by 12:30, so ideally members of the media are advised to at least arrive at the Hospital by 12:00 to ensure that there is no delay.

-TDN

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Keagan Dolly of South Africa (11) celebrates with teammates during International Friendly match between South Africa U23 and Egypt U23 on 12 June 2015 at Sugar Ray Xulu Stadium Pic Sydney Mahlangu/BackpagePix

BY REGINALD KANYANE

The Lotto-sponsored South African u23 Men’s National Team (The Olympic team) held their first training session in Brasilia on Monday afternoon after a long journey to the 2016 Olympic Games. The left-back, Tebogo Moerane fired a warning shot to South Africa’s opponents.

With only 10 days left to the beginning of the games, players are finally seeing the product of months and months of preparations, and the excitement in the camp is there for all to see.

Moerane says it is every player’s dream to play in the Olympics. He said this was a chance of a lifetime for him and the opportunity will help him to take his career to the next level.

“As young players we only have memories of the class of 2000 playing in Sydney. We did not realise how big this platform is; this is massive. Playing at the Olympics is an honour and I want to ensure that I give it my all,” Moerane said.

“We will be facing Brazil for the second time this year when we play them in our opening match next Thursday and although we lost 3-1 in the friendly match in March, we are a better prepared team now. We will not only be facing Neymar Jr but a full strength squad along with the 12th man, the supporters but we are up for the challenge,” he added.

Moerane said the South African squad had come of age and will surprise a few in this tournament.

“We believe we have what it takes to give not only Brazil a run for their money, but all the teams in our group. The support staff has done all they can throughout the past year to get us to this point and we as players know that the future lies in our hands,” he concluded.-TDN

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BY REGINALD KANYANE

MMABANA Foundation together with the Culture, art and traditional affairs department celebrated the Nelson Mandela International Day 2016. Mmabana Foundation spokesperson, Trinity Bogosi said the programme started at KagoNtle Child Care Centre in Montshioa Township in Mahikeng on Monday.

Mmabana Foundation acting Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Sipho Nkese handed over food items, clothes, toiletries and cleaning material to KagoNtle Child Care Centre management.

“The donations were made possible by contributions from Mmabana staff, Dr Kofi Ofori, Dr Nkele Makgoba, Tag Cash Carry, Checkout Supermarket, Spar Supermarket, Mobs Production, Lecwai Industries & Distribution.

“KagoNtle Centre offers food and other services to the disadvantaged and the homeless children who visit the centre on a daily basis. Addition to that, volunteers scrubbed the floors and cleaned the surroundings,” Bogosi said.

Nkese said: “We are proud of being part of this day’s activities. This is in recognition of our late icon, Dr Nelson Mandela. We want to commend all those who give their time in recognition of the 67 Minutes’ campaign.”

The day was concluded at Mmabana Foundation Theatre in Mahikeng with free performances for children from Boikagong Youth and Child Care Centre, KagoNtle Child Care Centre and other schools from around.

-TDN

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ANC in Tlokwe welcomed two councillors from the DA last week. ANC chairperson Supra Mahumapelo said they welcome the councillors.

Bobedi Nimrod Fransman and Davie Schoeman were regarded as staunch members of the DA in Promosa location, Tlokwe. They have been with DA for the better of the time.

“We believe that their defection will strengthen the ANC in the area. We want to welcome them and we are very adamant that their move will diminish the DA’s chances. We have been saying that ANC does not have any competitor in the political arena. We are very adamant that come August 3, we will emerge victorious,” Mahumapelo said.

Fransman said: “DA is racist and I saw that long time ago. The DA leaders have been using us. Their caucus consists of most whites and they will take decisions beforehand without our contribution. They will then use us blacks as rubber stamp only.”

Schoeman shared the same sentiments. He added that things were not working out at DA.

“The party was not showing us any support. So it is an appropriate time for me to join the movement which is the ANC. I want to fix things while I am in the ANC because they know what our people need,” he said.

However the DA caucus leader in Tlokwe, Chris Landsberg refuted the accusations. He said his party will never allow the existence of racism.

“We are not staggered their defection from DA. Their move to ANC will not affect our reparations for upcoming local government elections. We are almost in a situation where we can say is a good riddance. Generally things like these happen during local government elections. The DA will not be distracted from its mission to take over the City of Tlokwe,” Landsberg said.

Political analyst from North West University in Potchefstroom, Andre Duvenhage said the defection of DA councillors may affect the DA’s chances in quest to win Tlokwe.

“Tlokwe is one of the hotly-contested metro municipalities. Even though DA claims that their councillors’ defection will not affect them, I believe it will. Internal squabble sometimes give the oppositions edge. However I still believe that the amalgamation of Ventersdorp and Tlokwe will also work into ANC’s favour,” Duvenhage said.

-TDN

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COMMUNITY media plays a fundamental role within communities. Taung-based radio station news presenter, James Gaojelwe said even though some of the appeal of radio may have ceded, radio continues to be the primary medium of communication.

Gaojelwe, 35, joined Vaaltar FM Community radio station back n 2004. Maphoitsile-born presenter hosts a daily current affairs show at the station between 12-1pm.

“I was inspired by people like Motsweding FM, Oshebeng Koonyaditse and Soweto TV presenter, Tim Modise. I am very passionate about radio and news to be selective. The news attracts more listenership and people want to be informed and know what is happening around their surroundings.  

“Radio is one of the best medium because people can listen anywhere whether at home, in vehicles or in offices. For those who want to become radio presenters and get to be part of this broadcasting environment, they need to have the voice, passion and creativity,” he said.

“I have been on radio for 12 years now. However I want to spread my wings to the mainstream. It is not easy to be a radio presenter especially for news department. We are heading to local government elections and we host various political parties on our show. Some of them accuse us for being biased. They believe the presenter sometimes favours some political parties.

“As journalists, we are also being threatened by some community members. When one go and cover stories especially that expose corruption or crime stories. Media is regarded as the watchdog and it is very important for our communities to know its role,” Gaojelwe said.

Even though Gaojelwe does not have any qualifications for radio so far, he said that will never deter his hopes.

“I am working hard to get necessary qualifications. Media is a very competitive field. I am also using the available recommendations of experienced broadcasters to get better.

“I read a lot and that also helps me. Passion is needed if one works for community radio station because the money is not that good. Those who want to sharpen their presenting skills then will benefit from that. News plays very important roles in daily chores of our life. Every state and country has their own news channels providing them with latest and breaking news about their area and country,” Gaojelwe said.

He said media helps government and political leaders to account. Gaojelwe further said media also helps to fight corruption, fraud and maladministration in organisations.

“We regard ourselves as the voice of the voiceless. We represent the views of the masses. Reporting responsibly is also needed because we have seen many people using media to discredit others. As journalists, we need not to take side protect the democracy at all times,” he added.

-TDN

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BY REGINALD KANYANE
SAFA President Dr Danny Jordaan has once again hailed the Association’s Vision 2022 as a Master Plan that is fast taking shape.

Congratulating the national under 20 men’s national team for qualifying for Zambia where the u20 CAF junior tournament will take place early next year, Dr Jordaan said the success of the country’s national teams especially junior teams in qualifying for major tournaments was unprecedented in the history of the country.

“The u20, Amajita have qualified for the 20^th Edition of the u20 Africa Cup of Nations in Zambia undefeated and not only that; they did so in comprehensive fashion.

“To those who thought Vision 2022 was another talk shop, results of our national teams are there for all to see. Our aim is not only to dominate African football but to be a major powerhouse on the globe in few years to come,” said Dr Jordaan.

The SAFA President said South Africa was the only country on the continent and among three other countries in the world that is sending two football teams to the Rio Olympics.

“We are the only country sending two football teams to the Olympics from the African continent and one of the few in the world to do so. And with the amount of resources we poured to prepare the two teams, we might surprise a few at the Olympics.”

Apart from winning the COSAFA Cup which was competed for by most of the current u23 now in Brazil, Dr Jordaan said all of the junior national teams were fast realising their potential and by qualifying for major tournaments on the continent and the world, showed what a well executed plan can bring.

“Soon Amajimbos (the national u17 men’s national team) will be taking on Tanzania in a two-legged qualifier and the winner will book a ticket to Madagascar for the African Youth championships next year. We are very confident the u17 will continue the winning streak by our national teams.

“Our blueprint as the Association is to make sure that all our national teams are constantly among the top 3 in Africa and top 20 in the world; that is what we aim to achieve, come 2022,” added Dr Jordaan.-TDN

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BY REGINALD KANYANE

NORTH West police urged motorists to be extra careful on the roads. Provincial police spokesperson, Sgt Kelebogile Moleko said eight cars were involved in a pile-up accident on Monday morning 20km outside Schweizer Reneke.

“The accident took place between Vryburg and Scweizer Reneke road. According to information, the accident was caused by slippery road. Slippery roads can cause car accidents and it is dangerous to drive in those conditions.

“Drivers need not to underestimate the danger of weather conditions and drive unreasonably. No one suffered serious injuries and we urge drivers to obey the road signs and rules at all times,” Moleko said.

North West province experienced rain and cold weather on Monday.

-TDN

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BY REGINALD KANYANE

The Department of Local Government and Human Settlements in Bokone Bophirima continues to ensure home ownership for all residents through the distribution of title deeds.

Over 945 title deeds have been distributed to the residents of Atamelang, Monakato and Tlhabane thanks to the Bokone Bophirima provincial government through the North West Housing Corporation (NWHC) which has ensured that they get title deeds for the houses they bought more than three decades ago.

Handing over the title deeds recently, MEC for Local Government and Human Settlements, Galaletsang Gaolaolwe, said through the title deeds, these home owners can now have peace of mind knowing that their children have a place to call home without any doubt.

One of the elated recipients, Salamina Tshito (66) a widow from Monakato had been staying in the houses since 1997 and she lost hope when her husband passed away last year. Tshito a mother of two and grandmother of three is a former domestic worker, said she almost gave up on her wish to have a place to call her own. 

“Nothing beats the feeling of having your own place to stay with legal documents to prove it,” she said.

Another equally elated recipient, Maggie Skhosana (71) of Atamelang said: “Having waited for more than 10 years to get a title deed, I used to hear stories about people being evicted for failing to produce proof of ownership, but I now know it will never happen to me,” she said.

-TDN

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