IF your children are not learning how to program, now is the time to start now. Those were the words of a 27 year-old Information Computer Technology student from Dinokana village in Zeerust. Tsholofelo Botlholo is doing her final in ICT at Falsebay College in Cape Town.

She said it is important for programming to become a subject at many schools across the province.  

“Our children need to be taught mandatory computer programming education in schools. The ability in programming is taking on an unprecedented level of importance. Programming has not become this popular by accident. There is a growing understanding that knowing how to program is essential, especially for younger generations.

“I am teaching kids programming from the age of seven to 22 years. There is a challenge amongst the kids especially in rural areas. Hence we came up with this project called Kids In ICT. We have visited few schools across Ramotshere Moiloa local municipality and offered the course for free,”

Botlholo said they have also created few applications that could make life easier for people. She came up with an application called Bua which is a translator.

“The application helps kids to understand words easily. It also translates words into different 11 official South African languages. It also has an audio, so this will help kids to easily understand about what they talking about. However we are still waiting for licensing and we can be able to put it into use.

“We also created another application called Pulse App. We are already testing it in few hospitals in Cape Town. The Pulse App helps on filing system. We have realised that filing at many hospitals is still in analog and it is always difficult to find a file of a patient. But with this app, it will be easy to track down the file. Patients can be able to collect their medication from pharmacies and other institutions the health department agreements to fight backlog and queues at many hospitals,” she said.

Botlholo added that the educational system is changing to digital and other children should adjust before they were left behind.

“South Africa is now a global player. We need to move together with the world. These skills will enable children to succeed. Programming is a basic literacy in the digital age and kids are growing up in a very different world than that of their parents.

“We need to also understand the logic behind this. When learning to program, kids understand and tinker with the digital world they inhabit. Programming draws back the seeming magic of technology so they can truly understand the logic and science,” Botlholo said.

-TDN

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NEWLY-built multipurpose at Madidi village in Madibeng local municipality is expected to bring government services closer to the people. Madibeng local municipality spokesperson, Tumelo Tshabalala said a R7.4 million institution will address the underlying issues encountered by those who are impoverished.

“The implementation of multi-purpose centre is to bring government services closer to the people. It will provide the community with the opportunity to communicate with government. Multi-purpose centre has been identified as the primary approach for the implementation of development communication and information programmes.

“We know that many South Africans live in abject poverty. So the centre is part of community development. This is part of unemployment, inequality and poverty alleviation strategy. We also promote the improvement of the quality of community life,” he said.

Councillor Susan Ntshangeni reiterated that the government does not want to alienate those it is trying to serve. She added that this complement the North West premier, Supra Mahumapelo’s vision to develop of villages, townships and small dorpies.  

“Our aim is to improve the quality of community life. We are looking forward to its completion to allow local residents to utilise it for different activities. The project has created 53 jobs to locals,” she said.

One of the workers, Jabu Hlongwane said he was grateful for the job.

“I am now able to provide for my family. I have been out of job for a very long time. Job creation is imperative as we continue to live in abject poverty. We welcome the centre as it will also create jobs after it is completed. People will also have easy access to government primary services. We have been travelling to far-fetched areas to get help,” Hlongwane said.

Community liaison officer, Victor Budlele said: “We have been using the tribal hall to host events. We are looking forward to the completion of the centre to host. However we hope our government will bring more services to be accessible to our people. We will not lose hope as good things come to those who wait.”

-TDN

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A 89-YEAR-OLD elderly woman officially moved into her new furnished RDP house. The house was handed over to her by local government and human settlements department.  

Gaserekwe Matlabe from Khunwana village in Tswaing local municipality lived in a dilapidating mud house which was at the verge of collapsing.

Matlabe could not believe the sudden change in her life. She thanked the provincial government for restoring her dignity.

“I’ve been staying in the house for years and it was not comfortable. Insects would creep in and when callous weathers come, I would pray for my house not to collapse. I highly appreciate the house. I have a better shelter to call it home now,” she said.

Local government and human settlements department MEC, Galaletsang Gaolaolwe said a house was part of Breaking New Ground (BNG) project.

“As per mandate of the department, we are hard at work to provide houses, security and comfort to our people especially elderly people. We have prioritised them and they deserve a better life. We will continue to ensure that we fulfil our objectives,” Gaolaolwe said.

North West premier, Supra Mahumapelo was also part of the handing over.

He said: “As government, we know that we have delivered when an undisputed change has been registered in the life of an ordinary citizen. We have set aside over R2 billion in this financial year for the construction of houses. We want to improve the lives of our people.”

-TDN

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NORTH West police are investigation two separate cases of business robberies in Taung. According to information, a Malawian shop owner, 24 was allegedly attacked by four unknown suspects at his shop in Nhole village around 1:40am on Sunday morning.

Provincial police spokesperson, Sgt Kelebogile Moleko said the victim was asleep.

“The suspects allegedly gained entrance after breaking the window and threatened the victim with a knife. They allegedly tied his hands with a DVD cable before stealing cigarettes, airtime vouchers, groceries and undisclosed amount of cash. No one has been arrested so far,” she said.

Moleko also added that another business robbery took place at Kgetlheng village in Taung on Sunday at around 6pm. She said a Pakistani national was allegedly closing his shop when he was attacked.

“One suspect allegedly entered the shop under the false pretence as a customer. He pointed the owner with a gun. Two other suspects were allegedly waiting outside, but entered afterwards. They stole airtime, cash cellphone belonging to the victim and undisclosed amount of cash. No one has been arrested and police investigations are underway,” she said.

-TDN

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NORTH West MEC for health department, Dr Magome Masike sent his heartfelt condolences to Donald Macwili’s family and friends. Taung-born doctor who just completed his 5^th year medical studies in Cuba died in a horrible accident on Saturday in Pampierstad.

“According to his family, Macwili arrived home at Rooival village in Taung on Saturday from O.R. Tambo Airport. He went out to visit his friend in the same area at around 9pm. They travelled together to Pampierstad and they tragically lost their lives in a car accident while coming back.

“The loss of life especially that of a young person like Donald is always tragic and hard to accept.  It is a great loss not only to the family but the entire Bokone Bophirima Province. We would like to convey our heartfelt condolences to the family and we wish them strength to heal through this difficult and trying moment,” Dr Masike said.

He added that the health department is in need of health professionals. Masike added that they cannot afford to lose those that they were training.

“It is a setback to the province,” he said.

-TDN

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Legal experts believe it will be at least six years before convicted murderer Oscar Pistorius will be eligible for parole.

Pistorius will be sentenced in the Pretoria High Court by Judge Thokozile Masipa tomorrow.

By law the crime of murder carries a minimum sentence of 15 years’ imprisonment.

Not only will it be years before he is released, but the likelihood of Pistorius being able to appeal his sentence is slim, say law academics, who believe that he will receive at least 12 years’ direct imprisonment.

While Judge Masipa will take into account the year Pistorius spent behind bars on a culpable homicide conviction, experts doubt he will get off lightly.

The Supreme Court of Appeal overturned the culpable homicide conviction, stating that Pistorius was guilty of murder. The Constitutional Court upheld that ruling.

Legal expert Dr Llewellyn Curlewis, chairman of the Law Society of the Northern Provinces’ criminal law committee, said Masipa could work only within the parameters of a minimum of 15 years’ imprisonment.

“She must start by deducting one year for the time Pistorius has already served. She then has the discretion, in terms of the Criminal Procedure Act, to deduct more time where she finds compelling and substantial evidence.

“Rehabilitation factors alone do not suffice. What will be taken into consideration is the fact that he is a double amputee, [that he is] willing to undergo rehabilitation and whether she believes he has shown proper remorse,” Curlewis said.

“If she hands down a sentence of between 11 and 14 years she will be spot on in terms of sentencing.

“But, unlike his culpable homicide conviction, where correctional supervision was imposed, this sentence is one of direct imprisonment. Pistorius will have to serve half [his term] before he will be eligible for parole.

“He cannot deviate from this, which means he will probably serve at least six years in prison.”

Wits University law professor Stephen Tuson said three factors had to be taken into consideration when it came to sentencing: the offender’s circumstances, the seriousness of the offence and the interest of society.

He said Masipa had to exact an appropriate level of retribution “without destroying the offender”.
Source: http://www.timeslive.co.za

FORTY young people from Khunwana village will receive intensive training in construction through local government and human settlements department’s Youth Build programme.

The project was launched on Saturday at Khunwana village in Tswaing local municipality.

The initiative was part of Local government and human settlements department.

MEC Galaletsang Gaolaolwe said they have allocated R200 million to assist youth across the province.

“The initiative will aid to fight poverty, inequality and unemployment especially amongst young people. The Youth Build programme was set to benchmark the class of 1976. We want to empower our youth and make sure they contribute to the growth of economy.

“We have also partnered with construction companies to mentor them. Young people will obtain skills from those contractors so that they can be able to form cooperatives and enterprises in the future,” Gaolaolwe said.

She added that they had handed over two RDP houses to elderly people in the area.

“We have also donated two furnished RDP houses to two elderly people here. As department, we partnered with developers to achieve that. The youth will build 200 RDP houses for impoverished after they acquired the needed skills.

North West premier, Supra Mahumapelo who was also part of the proceeding said it was imperative to empower the youth. He said through Youth Build initiative, many job opportunities will be created.

“When youth become engaged in community activities they develop the skills needed to be effective leaders. As the provincial government, we support the programme and we will work hard to empower the youth.

“We need skilled people in order to grow our economy. They must rise and begin to show signs of leadership. Those who received two furnished RDP houses were enormously happy. They were indebted and this showed that we are heading to the right direction in improving the lives of our people,” Mahumapelo said.

RDP house beneficiary, Gaserekwe Matlabe, 89 said she has been living in abject poverty for long.

“I am very grateful for the house. I have been living in a mud house for long. This proved that God is alive. He touched and changed my life through the provincial government,” Matlabe said.

Another beneficiary, Keamogetse Moalosi, 86 shared the same sentiments. Moalosi who stayed in a one-roomed mud house said the new house will improve her living condition.

Kgosi Motseathebe Moshwete said: “The youth are faced with many challenges like unemployment, crime, teenage pregnancy and alcohol abuse. They also lack funds to further their studies. So this project becomes a beacon of hope for them.”

One of the Youth Build Programme beneficiaries, Kedibone Mocuminyane, 33 said they will benefit in abundance from the programme. She added that the youth need to be capacitated in order to fight poverty and inequality.

-TDN

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SOUTH African Social Security Agency (SASSA) in North West said even though inequality continues to remain high between population groups, SASSA grants played a significant role in plummeting poverty.

The agency awarded their long-serving members at Mmabatho Convention Centre on Thursday.

Acting chief executive officer (CEO) Raphaahle Ramokgopa said the annual excellence and long service awards aimed at recognising employees who steadfast served the organisation.

“You served the organisation with excellence, dedication and determination between 10 to 30 years. It is extraordinary to still have people like you. You are prepared to serve the public service.

“We cannot rebuff that time has changed. The notion of a job for life is gradually fading. However today we are celebrating ten years since the establishment of SASSA. We value your contribution and without you, we would not reach our mark.

“We want to say thank you and continue to work hard to change the lives of our deprived people. We want to honour you in our decade of excellence. You have developed and transformed SASSA into a reputable agency,” Ramokgopa said.

She added that they have bigger goal to pursue through SASSA. Ramokgopa further said they will continue to pay the right social grant to the right person, at the right time.

SASSA employee, Theuns Van der Merwe served the organisation for 30 years.

Merwe said: “I am speechless today. I highly-appreciate the unwavering support from my colleagues and the management. Let us continue to be the beacon of hope to many.

Another long-served employee Mmoni Mmakokoe (59) who hails from Ikageng Township in Tlokwe said: “I served the institute for the past 30 incessant years. I am highly motivated and humbled to work for this agency. This must encourage other employees to show consistency, satisfactory and be devoted at all time. We need to show loyalty and practice Batho Pele principle at all time. I am happy for the recognition and I am retiring next year.”

-TDN

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JERICHO residents welcomed a new rural bulk water supply in their area. Minister of water and sanitation, Nomvula Mokonyane launched R15m project on Friday.

Mokonyane urged the residents to preserve water and stop vandalising infrastructure.

The Madibeng local municipality was marred with water challenges across North West for years. However Mokonyane highlighted that this will restore people’s dignity.

“We appeal to our people to protect and fight against vandalism. We are aware that water was a challenge within the municipality. However other contributing factors were vandalism and theft of infrastructure.

“So people need to patrol their areas at night to protect water infrastructure from being vandalised. We are bringing this water to you today, so take ownership of it. It is about time that you protect the infrastructure that the government brings to you,” she said.

“We provided purified water to this community after been without water for years. We have invested in a pump station and two new boreholes. We have also refurbished three boreholes and installed bulk pipelines,” Mokonyane said.

She added that they have activated the reservoir that was built for more than 15 years ago. Mokonyane highlighted that 95% of Jericho residents now have access to water.

“There are areas that suffered because of illegal connections. However we will root out that criminal behaviour. We urge all those who have illegally connected water to come forward. Connecting water illegally is a criminal offence, so those who found to be guilty will be charged.

“The sentence starts from 15 years jail term. So we urge our people to refrain from that. We will install smart water metres so that we manage the use of water,” she said.

North West Premier Supra Mahumapelo said: “We are here to witness the results of inter-governmental relations between the national, provincial and local government. The people in this area had water challenges for some time. We are relieved as a province.

“We urged the water and sanitation department to assist and they never looked away. Vandalism is sabotage against democracy. So we want our people to rise against that. People vandalise and blame the government.”

Madibeng local municipality mayor, Jostina Mothibi welcomed the new water supply.

Keitumetse Baloyi, a pensioner who benefited from the water programme thanked Mokonyane and Mahumapelo for bringing water closer. Baloyi had a tap installed in her yard.

“This would go a long way towards helping me to cook for my family in time and to do my washing at home instead of going to the river,” she said.

Jericho Water and Sanitation Forum chairperson, Moses Seokane said Jericho residents were grateful for the water project.

“The forum has been at the forefront of agitating for water reticulation in the area for years. For the first time in many years we are having tap water in our yards. This is a dream come true for our impoverished area,” Seokane said.

In February 2015, minister Nomvula Minister Mokonyane issued a directive to Magalies Water in accordance with section 41(1)(a)(ii) of Water Services Act, 1997 to provide bridging finance to start-up implementation of the emergency projects in Majakaneng village, which is few kilometres from Jericho.

-TDN

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MEC for finance, economy and enterprise development, Wendy Nelson said the abuse of alcohol continue to be another factor contributing to deaths. Nelson along with community safety and transport management department MEC, Dr Mpho Motlhabane visited Dr Kenneth Kaunda district municipality to inspect liquor traders on Friday.

“We embarked on a joint operation to do the compliance inspection of liquor traders. However the primary objective was to reduce alcohol-attributable deaths, harmful societal effects and create a responsible liquor trading environment.

“The initiative was conducted by Provincial Liquor Board in partnership with the South African Police Services (SAPS), Matlosana Municipal Fire Department and the Provincial Traffic Authority (JAWS),” Nelson said.

Nelson said alcohol influences social change. She further said liquor traders need to go through all the North West Liquor Board programmes to assist in building responsible drinking generation.

Motlhabane shared the same sentiments. He said they focused on ensuring that traders comply with liquor act. Motlhabane added that they visited sixty six liquor outlets.

“Thirty five outlets were compliant and thirty one others were non-compliant with the National Liquor Act No 27 of 1989. We issued sanctions for contravening liquor act.

“The sanctions ranged from various sections of structural alterations without approval of the Liquor Board, appointing managers without following proper procedures, failing to display licenses on the premises, allowing patrons to consume alcohol in non-consumption outlets, and also selling food in a non-consumption outlet,” he said.

Motlhabane added that businesses with serious violations of the act were issued with non-compliance notices. He said five liquor outlets were fined R1500.

“We also handed down fine amounting to R6000 to those that transgressed the liquor act. A number of outlets were also found to be non-compliant with the Occupational Health and Safety Amendment Act, No. 181 of 1993.

“Several arrests were also made for drinking and driving, driving without a valid driver’s license. We also impounded road unworthy vehicles. One person was also arrested for being in possession of an unlicensed firearm,” Motlhabane said.

-TDN

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