PREMIER Supra Mahumapelo said that South Africa has to come up with a law requiring those who start informal settlements to apply to government.

Failure to have such a law makes government unable to deal with developments in such areas.

This he said would mean that such communities are forever battling for sanitation and water.

“Wherever shacks are put up the people there will first thing demand water, then electricity and then a school for children, roads and shops. Yet in the government plans there won’t be a plan to put water pipes in whatever area occupied illegally,” said Mahumapelo.

He said if people apply then the government can plan properly.

“We are not saying do not put up a shack for settlement but apply so that you are not all over. We have to do environmental impact assessment for instance some areas can be dolomitic or can be easily flooded. An example is Ntswanahatshe village in Taung. The people there will forever suffer from November to February during rainy season. They settled without assessment done in the area,” Mahumapelo.

The premier said there is need for controlled and well planned settlements and suggested that the provincial department of housing should look at ways to craft a policy on this aspect in the next 18 months.

“This is to make sure we can look at the situation and be able to say this is where the people can locate, so that we do not have what is happening in Mahikeng, for instance. We are building RDP houses in Rooigrond suddenly the number of shacks is increasing,” he said.

He said that government plans are done in three to five year cycles and anything that happens in between comes a challenge.

“We are dealing with the inherent corruption in the allocation of RDP houses. MEC for local government and human settlements is currently working with municipalities to ensure that they clean the beneficiary lists because it is the fact that lists are corrupted in some of our municipalities,” he said.

The premier suggested that priority should be given to vulnerable groups in the allocation of RDP houses.

“Senior citizens, people living with disabilities and child headed families must be prioritised before the rest of the people. It was painful two weeks ago when we were giving a house to an 89-year-old woman in Khunwana village, she has never stayed in a proper house. She was saying she can now die peacefully now that she has a proper house,” Mahumapelo said.

-TDN

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THE North West government said its decision to spend 70% of government money in villages, townships and small dorpies still stands.

Premier Supra Mahumapelo said this was done in effort to reduce capital flight to other provinces.

“We have also taken a decision of where a big contract for instance where we do not have capacity at the province, we must form partnerships. In the province we do not a huge number of grade nine in construction so we have to increase that number as possible. Now we can’t grow without giving them work and they must work with the established ones so that we can gradually stop capital fight,” said Mahumapelo.

He said doing that does not mean the province should be isolated.

“We must also have business people from the province doing business in other provinces so that we show our capacity in issues that are economic and enterprise related,” Mahumapelo said.

The premier added that the economy can only grow when that was done and not only in provinces but in SADC countries as well.

“We must also share our skills through Brics countries. The agricultural skills that we have can be transferred to Brazil and China and help with the knowledge that we have. That is why we are working on the process to deal with the Chinese on the skin and the meat of the donkeys,” he said.

He further said that government is waiting for the laboratory tests from China on the issue of donkey meat before doing business with the country.

“As soon the tests are done and were ok to do business, we will start with the production of the donkey meat to take to China,” Mahumapelo said.

He also called on business people who do business in North West, to relocate to the province or own some properties to be able to pay rates and taxes.

“This is part of boosting our economy in the province,” he said.

-TDN

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RESIDENTS of Mathibistad in Moretele local municipality are against the construction of municipal offices worth R59m when they are struggling to get basic services.

They staged a protest on Tuesday demanding that the municipality puts resident’s needs first.

Community leaders said that the municipality was prioritising non-essential issues when all they need is to have water, roads and other services.

Johannes Raseala said service delivery is more important than new municipal offices.

“The reason we embark on a march is that we have challenges at Moretele local municipality. The municipality decided to build new offices while we living in abject poverty. We believe that budget could have been allocated for service delivery.

“There is no water, sanitation and the roads are in bad condition. There are no high mast lights too and crime is rife in the area. We submitted a memorandum of grievances to municipality to urge them to halt the project,” Raseala said

Municipality spokesperson, Abel Malebye said they will address issues of service delivery raised by Mathibistad residents.

Malebye added that there was consultation session conducted before the decision was taken to build new municipal offices.

He also highlighted that the project was advertised on various local newspapers and they received no objections.

“We are not building any hall at the municipality as it was reported. But we are building municipal offices. Since the inception of municipality back in 2000, we have been using Baga-Mathibi Tribal Authority offices. We are now building municipal offices to capacitate our employees who are working here at Mathibestad,” he said.

-TDN

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BY REGINALD KANYANE

NORTH West health MEC, Dr Magome Masike dismissed as misleading a media report that painted Tlakgameng Community Health Centre in Morokweng as a shambles.

Masike visited the facility after the Sowetan newspaper reported that patients were reportedly turned away because the clinic faces a severe shortage of nurses.

In its report, the newspaper alleged that the centre has no hot water or sterilizers. It also mentioned that most of the light bulbs were burnt out and the centre has just one oxygen cylinder.

“Based on this provision, the allegation that there is no water in Tlakgameng CHC is just a fabricated story intending to dent the reputation of the institution. As for the shortage of nurses, the newspaper alleged that the centre operated with five nurses, but that is not true. Tlakgameng Health Centre is managed by the operational manager who is capable and always at the forefront in focusing on the provision of quality health care services at the institution,” Masike said.

He added: “The institution has nine general workers which consist of seven female and two males. We also have three admin clerks, two data capturers, four auxiliary nurses, one environmental health practitioner, one enrolled nursing assistant, one professional nurse relieve at the clinic when a need arise at PHC Re-engineering. On school health, we have one professional nurse, relieve at the clinic when a need arise too.”

The MEC said 11 professional nurses attend to patients on a daily basis and that the health centre has one pharmacy assistant.

“The above mentioned team is aware that there is shortage of professional nurses which is a colossal challenge. However they always make sure that it does not hinder the provision of quality health care services. They meticulously ensure that services are rendered 24 hours in the institution.

“The operational manager always elevates all challenges that are above his scope of practice, therefore he could have informed the management if ever there had been load-shedding at the centre,” he said.

The department is also in the process of buying a standby generator to supply power if load-shedding occurs.

Masike said that the institution has never encountered any challenges with regard to water as alleged.

“Hot water is also available at Tlakgameng CHC. The institution has two geysers. One of the geysers was temporarily not working, but it was already reported. The process for procurement of a new geyser was at an advanced stage,” he said.

The MEC added that if the journalist had doubled-checked with the department she would have known that a new geyser was on the way.

“The new geyser has been delivered at the centre as we speak. The medical equipment was also enough and in good working condition. The facility had all the essential items needed even for deliveries at the maternity unit. Few globes at the outpatient department were not working.

“However our investigation revealed that not long ago they were replaced. Eskom has been requested to visit the facility to inspect wiring and correct any abnormalities if any,” he said.

-TDN

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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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