BY REGINALD KANYANE

The North West Provincial Legislature’s Portfolio Committee on Local Government and Human Settlement has raised serious concerns about the Local Government and Human Settlements department’s lack of progress on the allocation of houses to the military veterans in the province.

Portfolio committee chairperson, Motlalepula Rosho said this came after the committee held an oversight meeting with the department and North West Housing Corporation over their 1st Quarter reports for the financial year 2016/17 and 1st draft of the Annual Performance Plan (APP) for the 2017/18 financial year.

Rosho said although the matter of the backlogs on allocation of houses to the military veterans was seriously raised in the previous financial year where the draft of the current APP was discussed, the department continuously fail to provide houses to the military veterans.

“It is unfortunate that out of the 142 houses that the department plans to build in the current financial year, they cannot inform the committee about the number of houses built in the 1st quarter of 2016/17 financial year. There is lack of progress on this strategic government policy that was pronounced by the minister of Defence and Military Veterans and North West province.

“The government policy has not implemented it accordingly and timeously as some of the veterans feel undignified by the government. It cannot be correct that in Ramotshere Moiloa local municipality where there are a lot of struggle icons, no housing unit on this programme has been constructed whilst a plan of 60 units was done by the department, but only 15 beneficiaries were reported to qualify,” she said.

Rosho also said the department must accelerate housing projects including areas such as Welgevonden, Kwa Mogopa and Makweteng villages in the then Ventersdorp local municipality now LM 405, where the elderly complained about RDP houses that are prioritised to young people.

“Some of the elderly in these areas have not received their houses yet they submitted applications as far back as 1998,” she said.

Rosho added that the committee was concerned that there are no close-up reports on the municipalities that were under provincial government’ Section 139 (1)(b) interventions.

“The committee needs to assess whether there was value for money and any positive outcomes on these interventions in municipalities such as Ngaka Modiri Molema district municipality, Maquassie Hills, Ventersdorp and Ditsobotla local municipalities.

“In the 1st quarter ended on June 30, 2016, the department spent 23% of the planned 25% of budget which constitutes to R598 372 million. It also oversaw the implementation of the Back to Basics principles and supported the institutionalization of performance management systems in all the 22 municipalities in the province,” she said.

North West MEC of local government and human settlements department, Galaletsang Gaolaolwe said the department will engage the with department of Defence and Military Veterans on how to accelerate allocation of houses to the military veterans.

“The department’s main challenge is on the criteria used to allocate houses to the veterans as many do not qualify. The veterans cannot be subjected to ordinary people’s criteria on allocation of houses,” Gaolaolwe said.
She said they will submit a close-up report on the municipalities that were under provincial government’ Section 154 and Section 139 (1)(b) interventions.

Gaolaolwe added that the department will approve extension of housing contracts to fast-track housing deliveries.

“We will also engage and assist municipalities to issue clearance certificates so that we can deliver title deeds to new home owners. On the construction of Provincial Disaster Management Centers, we have requested additional funding from the Provincial Treasury to complete them,” she said.

The North West Housing Corporation (NWHC) spent 14 percent of the 25 percent budget which constitutes to R3, 24 million. The Chairperson of the board, Kgalalelo Tlhaole said the incurred expenditure in the 1st quarter was mostly due to the compensation of employees, transfer payments, and goods and services.

“We are in a process of negotiating with the municipalities on payment arrangements for outstanding property rates,” Tlhaole said.

Rosho urged the department to submit a close-up reports on the municipalities that were under provincial government’ Section 139 (1)(b) interventions in the North West Housing Corporation should within 14 days.

She also said they must submit a turnaround plan on how they will accelerate performance in the 2nd quarter.

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Picture: (Dagga worth R4.5m in Northern Cape)

BY REGINALD KANYANE

NORTHERN Cape Police Border Policing confiscated R4.5 million of dagga on Wednesday. Provincial police spokesperson, Lieutenant Sergio Kock said that the operational commander of the Nakop Border post, Lt Col Eugene Van Kratenburg and two SAPS administration members were en-route from Upington to the border post when they spotted 34 striped bags lying in the veld.

“The bags were discovered approximately 16km from the border post. Upon its discovery, police found 885kg of dagga stashed inside. The approximate street value of the dagga is R4.5 million,” Kock said.

The investigation continues.

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Picture: (Prisoners in jail)

BY REGINALD KANYANE

A 37-YEAR-OLD man was sentenced to three years imprisonment by Kakamas Magistrate Court on Wednesday. Nico Quinton Pieters was arrested after he was found guilty of house breaking with intention to commit an offence.

Kakamas Police Station spokesperson, Captain Francois Steenkamp said: “The incident took place on January 8, 2016 at about 21:30. Steenkamp said the complainant was woken up by a barking dog.

“Upon investigating, he found that one of his house windows were broken and found the accused inside the house. The accused ran away when questioned how he got inside the house. The accused was arrested after two days and appeared in court.”

The Kakamas Police Station commander, Colonel De Bruin applauded the police for a job well done. De Bruin said dedication and hard work made it possible to secure this sentence.

“Kakamas SAPS experience a lot of housebreakings. We hope that this sentence will send a strong message to intended perpetrators. We also urge community members to properly mark their property and also try to minimise opportunities for criminals to execute their actions,” he said.

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Picture: (Minister Lindiwe Zulu)

BY REGINALD KANYANE

Minister of Small Business Development Lindiwe Zulu will host women in small businesses as part of the Women’s Month programme on Friday.

The department spokesperson, Cornelius Monama said the event is a business and knowledge sharing engagement.

“We seek to address challenges female entrepreneurs faced with. We also want to inspire and bring key institutions of government, and private sector closer to female entrepreneurs.

Monama said minister Zulu will also launch the publication.

“Exploring the finance pipeline for women-owned SMMEs in South Africa. The publication contains a report of a study commissioned by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in 2012 in partnership with Small Business Development department.

“The purpose of the study was to look at the financing pipeline for women-owned SMMEs and to investigate problems underlying access to finance despite there being an array of financial institutions and funding vehicles in South Africa,” he said.

Monama added that the study was also aimed at assessing current financial mechanisms in order to provide recommendations for an alternative approach to financing women owned SMME South Africa. He said the event will be held at DTI CAMPUS, INTERNAL STREET at 8:30am.

“The department believes that Friday’s event will provide an opportunity for women in business to gain knowledge, share insights and lobby for extended market access. We also hope to use this event to celebrate women achievers in business and to highlight progress on women economic empowerment in the last twenty-two years,” he said.

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BY REGINALD KANYANE

WATER and Sanitation department in North West embarked on a workshop to address the importance of water. The department provincial spokesperson, Katlego Mokaila said the province celebrated its Women’s Day and invited specialists to talk to women about health issues.

CANSA representative, Goitse Gabedi shared his advice on the matter. He said women needed to be savvy around diseases such as diabetes, high blood, gout, arthritis and opportunistic diseases such as cancer (breast cancer, cervical cancer) and prevent them.

“Cancer statistics has increased since 1994. Women must begin to take care of themselves. They must take charge of their lives and go for regular check-ups. They should also be able to interpret their own bodies. They need to take note of the kind of lifestyle they engage on because it has a negative effect on their health and career,” he said.

Mokaila shared the same sentiments. She said today women have moulded this country through their meticulous work.

“Water is reached by all people in all spheres across South Africa. It can never be disputed that behind every man, there is a woman. But in this case, women are at the forefront of decision-making in water project. We have strong willed women, who are content with themselves. They strive to bring positive sustainable change in the water business. Women brought an end to the idea that gender can only be related to power and dominance, which is associated with men,” she said.

Mokaila added that the Minister of Water and Sanitation, Nomvula Mokonyane and her deputy minister, Pam Tshwete have demonstrated this by committing themselves to this country. She further said they ensured that water supply and basic sanitation reached all communities.

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Picture: Former Community Safety and Transport department in North West, Bailey Mahlakoleng 

BY REGINALD KANYANE

NORTH West MEC of Community Safety and Transport Management department, Dr Mpho Motlhabane said they bade a farewell to two employees. Oageng Mosiane and Bailey Thabang Mahlakoleng who was the Head of Department (HoD) have parted ways with the department.

Motlhabane said the two employees have been part and parcel of Rebranding, Repositioning and Renewing Bokone Bophirima initiative.

“We are indeed proud as the department to have had patriotic citizens of your calibre. We wish you the best in your journey and trust that you will continue to serve the people of Bokone Bophirima wherever you go. We are in the process of appointing the new HoD.

“The interim, Buti Chuma will be acting as the HoD. We know that this is quite a challenging responsibility entrusted on him. Chuma brings a wealth of experience within the public service that is vitally needed to fast-track service delivery in the province,” he said.

Chuma holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Occupational Therapy from the University of the Western Cape. He has attended a number of courses in Change Management, Strategic Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation, Project Management.

“He is currently studying towards a Master of Management Degree in Public Development at the University of Witwatersrand. He has extensive Human Resources Development background as well as experience in Policy Planning and Research.

“Chuma has previously worked as a Senior Manager responsible for Performance Monitoring and Evaluation at National Department of Co-operative Governance and SITA as Senior Manager for Corporate Performance Management,” Motlhabane said.

He said Chuma was substantively appointed as Chief Director Performance, Monitoring, Evaluation and Intervention in the Office of the Premier.

“The baton has been passed on and I believe that through the spirit of Saamtrek, Saamwerk. We will be able to fast track service delivery in the province. We are therefore confident that we have chosen the right person who will continue where his predecessor has ended. I call upon everyone in the department together with our stakeholders to give the acting HoD the necessary support he deserves. We wish him a pleasant productive stay in the department,” Motlhabane lamented.

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Picture: (EFF Provincial Chairperson, Betty Diale)

BY REGINALD KANYANE

NORTH West Provincial Legislature Speaker Sussana Dantjie said she was disenchanted by the dismay attribute made by EFF provincial chairperson, Betty Diale during North West provincial legislature House Sitting on Tuesday.

Diale who is a lawyer by profession, alleged that ANC did not win Rustenburg. She added that the ruling party needed the support of minority parties to win the municipality.

“ANC did not win Rustenburg local municipality on its own. They needed assistance of smaller parties to win. There was a missing R3m from Rustenburg local municipality, and it was possibly used to bribe people,” Diale said.

Diale was asked to retracted her statement or submit a substantial evidence to back up her claims. However she refused and said she will bring prove of her claims during the next sitting.

“I am certain about what I said. I cannot degrade myself by making false statement. I will bring prove in the next sitting to support my statement,” Diale said.

Dantjie said that whilst members of the provincial legislature enjoy the protection of the law for any statements they make during the debates in the house, however she cautioned them to refrain from making such statements.

“Members should at all times remember that the role of the legislature is law making, oversight and to enhance public participation through robust informative and educative debates. They should refrain from the temptation of abusing the privileges and protection they have.

“It is quiet regrettable that in this instance, Diale allowed excitement to take the better of her and made such unsubstantiated wild accusations that does not only degrade the majority party, but also borders on insulting the people of Rustenburg,” she said.

Dantjie added that people of Rustenburg did not have the opportunity to defend themselves.

“Diale and all members are lawmakers. They should know better that bribery is a criminal offence in South Africa. Anyone who has facts on such acts should report it to the law enforcement agencies. Failure to do so is also an offence.

“Members of the legislature should at all times lead by example and avoid the temptation of abusing their power and privileges. They should not use debates as a platform to insult the integrity of our people as the good lawyer seems to be doing,” she said.

North West provincial legislature Chief Whip, Hoffman Galeng lambasted the way in manner Diale conducted herself.

Galeng said if a member has evidence in whatever she/he said, they will submit that as a notice of motion in line with the legislative rules.

“It is tantamount for political leaders to mislead the house without substantial evidence. I am very pleased that Diale said she does have evidence that the ANC has bribed people to the tune of R3m.

“It will be very much interesting to see that evidence and that will indicate who bribed who. It will also be surprising for Diale to have that kind of evidence, but still did not take that evidence to the relevant law enforcement authorities,” Galeng said.

He added that bribery is regarded as a criminal offence. Galeng also said Diale was supposed to lay criminal charges against those who did that as it has been three weeks since the elections.

“We will further advice her to lay charges against the perpetrator/s. Her statement leaves many questions than answers because she is a lawyer by profession, but decided to sit on evidence like this.

“The public has now developed a keen interest on the matter as she alleged that the ANC bribed people to win Rustenburg local municipality. We will also take serious steps as the ruling party because the statement is serious allegations,” he said.

North West provincial legislature provincial chair of chairs, Itumeleng Mosala said necessary procedures will be followed to address the matter.

“We will follow the legislative process and let the law takes it course. The matter will be adjourned and allow the EFF provincial chairperson, Betty Diale to provide evidence on the matter,” Mosala said.

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Losing the first game of the season is never really a train smash, but it’s how you lose that often sets off alarm bells.

In their 2-1 defeat to Bidvest Wits on Tuesday night, Kaizer Chiefs never looked like a team that could go on to mount a championship challenge.

It was a team that seemed to lack any real sense of drive, purpose or conviction.

Coach Steve Komphela admitted that they looked desperate and made things easy for Wits, but he is not reading too much into the defeat as he believes Amakhosi can bounce back.

“When we defended, we looked desperate. As a result we could not play from the back. We need to be calm. We played the ball long. One man who showed that if we kept the ball on the ground something could have happened is Twala (William). He had a field day on the left. We made it easy for them,” said Komphela.

“It’s disappointing. We were reluctant to impose our game plan. Wits played with more purpose than we did and they looked more aggressive than we did. We need to accept that we deserved to lose, but You do not win the league through the first match.”

Komphela explained his bizarre decision not to have most of his new signings in the team for the opening match.

Chiefs brought in 10 new players during the off season, including two from their development squad, but only three of them made the 18-man match-day squad.

There was very little change from last season but the impression they had created is that they meant to make big changes this season.

“I thought the team had been training extremely well. It is the same team that played extremely well in the Carling Black Label Cup,” Komphela said, strangely overlooking the fact that the line-up for that competition was picked by fans.

Chiefs have a chance to get their first victory of the season when they visit the Mother City to face Cape Town City in the MTN8 tomorrow (8pm).

Source: http://www.sowetanlive.co.za

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THE community of Magogong village, Taung in conjunction with Taung Police Station convened to come up with strategic plans to combat crime. This came after unresolved crimes in the vicinity.

The meeting was held at Magogong Tribal Authority on Sunday. Taung 

Police Station representative, Captain Simon Jabetle said there were many unsolved cases reported at the police station. 

Jabetle said that could have been caused by lack of evidence or poor investigations from the police.

“We are aware of the escalating crime in Magogong village. The area and its vicinity are leading Taung as crime hot spot. The police also rely on the help of the local citizens and communities for case-making tips and information to make progress.

“Different methods are created to incentivize people coming forward and sharing valuable information. Our people need to assist police in dealing with crime. Some of the cases end up thrown out of court because they lack evidence,” he said.

He said witnesses play a pivotal role in many cases and assist police to combat crime. Jabetle added that in most instances, key witnesses refused to come forward with evidence.

“We urge our people to come forward with any key evidence to assist police in combating crime. Police websites offer crime hotline numbers and promise anonymity. For serious crimes, cash rewards may be offered. There were constantly house, business and armed robberies experienced in this area.

“We also decided to capacitate Community Policing Forums (CPFs) to assist the police. We also visited affected neighborhoods to distribute flyers and solicit information from locals. Despite these outreach efforts, many crimes still remain unsolved without adequate evidence,” Jabetle said.

Somali businessperson, Ayele Ayanto said crime is rife in Magogong village.

“I have a tuck-shop in the area and I was robbed at gunpoint last week Thursday. The criminals took undisclosed amount of money, airtime vouchers and groceries.  When we call the Taung Police Station, the police dropped the call if they realise that we are foreigners,” Ayanto said.

Another Somali, Ashebo Tumidaudi said: “We are not safe in this area. We need police to swiftly response to the situation. We sometimes have difficulties from police side. They will respond three days after the incident.”

Magogong Fight Against Crime leader, Tebogo Morweng said: “When neighbourhoods stand out against crime, they can improve the welfare of their community. Police and citizens must both understand the value of working collaboratively to solve difficult cases.”

“The neighbourhood patrol can change the living environment with direct police correspondence. This program will yield positive results by lowering criminal activity.”

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THE Goodwill Primary School held an entrepreneurship day to encourage children to calculate money in Mahikeng last week Friday. Education and sport development spokesperson, Elias Malindi said calculation was no more just a classroom matter.

“Mahikeng schools decided to host an entrepreneurial day in order to teach pupils about practical calculations of money. This will assist them to understand more about additions and subtractions.

“Pupils were also encouraged to secure stalls for the business. They were encouraged to sell products like sweets, toys, lollipops, drinks, ice-pop, etc. Some parents went to as far as Johannesburg to buy stock for their children’s business,” Malindi said.

He added that the main objective of the entrepreneurial day was to empower pupils with the practical knowledge of calculations. Malindi further said they have experienced that most pupils were unable to understand word questions during examinations.

“The entrepreneurial day offered them a practical platform to add and subtract when selling products,” Malindi said.

One of the parents said: “As parents, we truly appreciate the initiative of entrepreneurial day because it gives pupils a practical exposure. The initiative deals with counting money. We want to applaud the education system for this exercise.”

Goodwill Primary School principal, Kirileng Seremo added that the exercise targeted pupils of all grades except for the Grade R class. Seremo further highlighted that Goodwill Primary school usually hold the entrepreneurial day once a quarter for pupils to understand calculations.

 Another parent, Thabo Lehutso said he went as far as Johannesburg to buy goods for his daughter. Lehutso added that pupils’ participation in the exercise is imperative.

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