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BY REGINALD KANYANE
LOCAL Government and human settlements department said the induction programme for all municipal councils is underway. Acting MEC for the department, Fenny Gaolaolwe said they have seen improvements in many local municipalities.

“We can confirm that all five municipalities that were under administration in the province were cleared. There is a lot of improvement in all municipalities and we hope to see more developments. The service delivery has also improved and we encourage our municipalities to implement back to basic programme.

“We also met with Finance, Economy and Enterprise Development department (FEED) two weeks ago. They confirmed that all municipalities are submitting their financial statements monthly. This includes all municipalities that failed to do so in the past,” Gaolaolwe said.

However, Gaolaolwe added that there were still more to address. She said Mamusa and Ditsobotla local municipalities received disclaimer in seven consecutive years.    

“We are aware that municipalities like Mamusa and Ditsobotla have received disclaimer in seven consecutive years. However, there is a program in place where incompetent municipalities can make use of. We normally look into the needs of the municipality and see where we can capacitate them. We are also conscious about unravelling situation at Mamusa local municipality. The Audit General reported that the municipality used R305m as wasteful, fruitless and irregular expenditure.

“According to the reports, the municipality also procured services from nine people who have close relations with some of senior officials. Those service providers did not disclose their relations. We have intervened and we decided to put the municipality’s financial structure under administration.

“Our senior administrator in finance will mitigate and make sure the municipality function well. We also met with municipal mayors of all municipalities across the province and requested them to make sure the municipalities function well,” she said.

Gaolaolwe further said they encouraged mayors and municipal managers to implement AG’s audit reports. She added that this will assist them with good governance.

“The department will also make use of consequence management too. We want to see accountability prevailing in all municipalities. We also recommended a good working relationship between municipalities and its communities. We are in a process of doing skill audit.

“The department requested all municipalities to submit its senior managers’ qualifications. The municipalities need to employ competent people with necessary skills. This will reduce the use of consultants because they are costly. The municipalities will submit all the advertised posts to our office to check if they meet requirements before taking them to newspapers for advertising,” she said.

Gaolaolwe said they wanted to do quality assurance and make sure they obtain needed skills. All administrators are still at the municipalities because they need to do a formal hand over to the new councils.

“We are also investigating the claims that Lekwa-Temane local municipal manager does not have relevant qualifications. We have received the report and investigations are underway. There was another issue raised regarding the acting municipal manager for Ditsobotla being paid by Madibeng local municipality.

“It is true and we have also engaged with SCOPA provincial chairperson, Mhlakeng Mahlakeng to address that matter. From now on, he will be paid by Ditsobotla local municipality,” she said.

Ditsobotla acting municipal manager was previously working at Madibeng local municipality and he was transferred to Ditsobotla.

Gaolaolwe also highlighted on Marikana RDP houses. She said the North West High Court ordered the illegal occupants to vacate the area.

“We are now waiting for the law enforcement authorities to implement court order. The court gave those illegal occupants 60 days to vacate the houses. We also request them to vacate the houses and let the housing project continues.

“We urge them to visit our offices to apply for houses by following proper procedure. Those houses have relevant beneficiaries and by so doing they deter the process. We are proudly to announce that flats at Ext 39 in Mahikeng will be in operational come November.          

However, the Marikana illegal occupants’ representative, Napoleon Webster said they will never vacate the houses as they belong to them.

“These houses belong to us and no one will force us out. We know that we lost the case, but we have filed for an appeal. We will go to back to court on October 21. The judge did not adhere to our call, so we are adamant that this time we will win. The judgment was biased and we will never budge,” Webster said.

Rustenburg local municipality spokesperson, Thapelo Matebesi said the municipality finds itself in an adverse position. Matebesi said they have to deal with more than 24 informal settlements and a huge backlog of housing provision in its jurisdiction.

“To mitigate this challenge, as per the prescripts of the Housing Act, the municipality has taken all the reasonable and necessary steps within the national and provincial policy framework. We have provided our residents with decent accommodation as done during the process of integrated development planning in the recent years.

“Lawful beneficiaries were identified through extensive consultation with the community. The illegal occupation and pending threats of intensified illegal occupation continue to cause the delay for the completion of the project,” Matebesi.

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BY REGINALD KANYANE

ANOTHER minor has gone
missing in Koster. North West police said Queen Nebe, 10 went missing on
September 13.

“Nebe resides at house no 5105
at Senthomole Section in Reagile, Koster. She was last seen on the 13^th
of September at a tuckshop by her neighbour. The police urge anyone who could
assist with any information that could lead to find Nebe to come forward.

“They can also contact the
investigating officer, Cst Morolodi of
Koster Police Station. He can be contacted on the following numbers: 
014-543 8600/076 510 9112.

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BY REGINALD KANYANE

BATLHAPING High School was yanked into controversy by Douglas Police Station former typist, Thapelo Samson Shongwe. Shongwe lied about his qualifications and said he passed his Grade 10 at the renowned school.

He was arrested back in October 2015 after it was discovered that he submitted fraudulent document in order to gain employment within the South African Police Service.

The Hawks spokesperson in Northern Cape, Capt Philani Nkwalase said Shongwe’s appointment dates back from 26 March 2004.

“He worked as a data typist for the duration of his employment. The minimum requirement for a data typist post was Grade 10 as advertised. However, Shongwe submitted a statement of symbols on his application indicating that he wrote his matric examination in November 2003.

“He also highlighted that he passed his Grade 10 in 1989 at Batlhaping High School. Hawks Investigations revealed that Shongwe did not meet the minimum requirements for the post he occupied,” Nkwalase said.

Shongwe firstly appeared in Douglas Magistrate’s Court in October 20, 2015. He was released on R1000 bail.

Nkwalase added that in September 20 this year, Shongwe pleaded guilty.

“He was fine R6000 or 24 months imprisonment. The court further imposed 24 months imprisonment on him and suspended it for five years on condition that he is not found guilty on similar offences,” he said.

Northern Cape Hawks Provincial Head, Major General KD Galawe said they welcome the court outcomes against Thapelo Samson Shongwe.

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BY REGINALD KANYANE

THE recent attacks on emergency personnel have left a bitter taste in the mouth of many as they say they are afraid to go out and assist. Er24 spokesperson, Chitra Bodasing Harduth said emergency personnel are called upon to help people in their greatest time of need.

“In many instances, they could be the difference between life and death. Despite their dedication to helping strangers and aiming to save as many lives as possible, the risk of finding themselves in life-threatening situations when trying to assist people in need of medical attention is increasing.

“Attacks on EMS crews have been going on for a long time. Crimes committed against them started increasing a few years ago.  At ER24, just one of various emergency medical service companies in the country, there has been about 15 incidents over the past two years,” she said.

Bodasing-Harduth said some of these incidents resulted in crews sustaining serious injuries. She further said fortunately, there have not been any fatalities at ER24 to date.

“EMS personnel have been attacked, robbed, hijacked, stabbed and assaulted. These incidents either occurred while staff is responding to an incident, at a scene while attending to a patient or while on their way to or at the hospital for example.

“There have been incidents where criminals have posed as fake patients in order to attack and rob staff. Items have been stolen from the ambulance while paramedics were attending to a patient on a scene. EMS personnel attend to a number of medical-related calls in crime hotspots. There were instances where paramedics were targeted in these areas,” she said.

Bodasing-Harduth added that EMS personnel have also been seen as the “enemy” at protests and other hostile situations. She further said they have been attacked while trying to attend to patients at some of these incidents.

“ER24 launched a course called EMSHE (Emergency Medical Support in Hostile Environments) in 2011. This course is directly targeted at addressing concerns relating to violent crimes committed against EMS personnel.”

Peter van der Spuy, General Manager of Quality Assurance and Support Services at ER24 said: “The aim of the course which entails various training exercises, is to teach our staff various skills such as identifying hostile environments, how to deal with these situations and, if the need arises, how to defend themselves and the patient.

“We have found that this course has better equipped staff to deal with crimes committed against them (opportunistic crimes while attending to patients or while responding, during protests and other hostile incidents for example),” she said.

“In 2014 we introduced EMSHE 2, a more advanced course. We have seen a number of successes due to the implementation of EMSHE. In addition, ER24 also has continued education courses and workshops to better equip staff. We pride ourselves in protecting our staff,” Van der Spuy said.

“ER24 also works closely with the SAPS to ensure that it keeps up to date with trends and hotspots to further improve the safety of staff. We monitor situations and have a network which helps in identifying potential threats. ER24 works well with various local authorities and we have utilised their services numerous times. We continue to do so.

“Dealing with various incidents and scenarios can have a severe and negative impact on EMS personnel. ER24 ensures that staff members have access to trauma support specialists when required. Debriefing takes place as well,” she said.

“There are instances, such as during protests for example, where EMS personnel are either instructed not to enter a hostile area until it is cleared by authorities or are escorted by authorities to gain access to patients.

“There are also cases where the patient has to be brought out to EMS personnel. With this said, we also have processes in place to determine which crews, based on their experience and training, will go into these areas should the need arise,” said Van der Spuy.

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BY REGINALD KANYANE

North West legislature committee on education will conduct an oversight at Mphebatho Library in Moretele local municipality on Friday. The portfolio committee will check the availability of resources and infrastructure in Dertig village, Moretele Local Municipality at 08h30am.

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BY REGINALD KANYANE

Two children that were reported kidnapped this morning at Lokgabeng village in Taung were allegedly found wandering in the veld. Taung community-based radio station, Vaaltar FM earlier reported that two pupils from Thuso Primary School were allegedly kidnapped while walking to school on Thursday morning.

Taung community was left deflated after the reports. It was reported that the pupils were kidnapped by unknown people in a minibus taxi.

However, Taung Police Station spokesperson, Sgt Tebogo Thebe said no kidnapping case was opened.

“We cannot comment on the matter because it was not reported to the police. No kidnapping case was opened thus far,” Thebe said.

Meanwhile, a girl, 4 was founded murdered in Vryburg after she went missing for a week. Nomthandazo Talakase’s mutilated body was found dumped in the bushes on Tuesday. The police said Talakase’s left hand was missing from her body.

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​https://youtu.be/_e9ZLN5nBKk

BY REGINALD KANYANE

NORTH West University in Mafikeng has been shut down indefinitely by protesting students. The students said they were infuriated by Minister of Higher Learning, Dr Blade Nzimande.

Dr Nzimande announced on Monday that universities can increase the fees in the next financial year. However, he highlighted that no university will be allowed to increase its fees by over 8%.

North West University (Mafikeng campus) administration and laboratory buildings were torched during #Feesmustfall campaign in 2015. This forced the university to go on recession for a month. The damages were estimated to the value of R150 million.

The NWU SRC president, Dikago Pule said they want to put pressure on the university council not to increase fees.

“We reject any talks regarding fees increment. We will never budge in our move and we remain defiant. We met with our students and we took a decision. Even though we embrace the need for education to achieve sustainability, only limited progress has been made on any level. This lack of progress stems from many sources.

“Lack of vision or awareness from both universities and government has impeded progress. We have many students who come from poor backgrounds. However, they continue to drop out of universities because of pricey education,” Pule said.

NWU Vice-chancellor, Professor Dan Kgwadi said they will meet with council to discuss way forward regarding fees augmentation. Kgwadi said they have been waiting for an announcement from government.

“We will meet with council after the announcement made by minister of higher education, Dr Blade Nzimande. We are now in a position to go and finalise our budget proposal to council and take it from there,” he said.

The council is expected to meet on Wednesday to discuss way forward.

Outgoing South African Public Protector, Advocate Thuli Madonsela visited the university on Monday to talk about challenges facing higher institutions of learning in South Africa. The lecture was under the theme:  “Prestige Lecture”.

“We have not invested enough in education. This is based on reality that we see. The situation our students are faced with is upheaval. Figures has shown that more students have been accepted in academic institutions, however, there is no enough money that has been invested to cover the new number.

“We urge our students to use their minds to fight social injustice. You must be like Sol Plaatjie who fought the system with his mind. Everyone deserves social justice because it matters. As long as there is injustice somewhere, sustainable peace cannot be experienced anywhere,” she said.

Madonsela further said the difference between the old and new state is that the former would not listen to people. She added that the character of the new state as envisaged in the constitution makes accountability by those exercising public power central while entrenching citizen participation.

“Young persons can fast-track the delivery of the South African dream without violence. If dialogue fails, they can make use of other constitutional avenues such as the Public Protector, the South African Human Rights Commission and Petitions among others. In the 1970s, protestors did not burn down the infrastructure. They knew they were going to need them in the future. When you are disgruntled at home, you do not set alight the house because you will need it for shelter.

“Regarding #Feesmustfall campaign, I believe fees must fall for only those who cannot afford. Otherwise resources meant for the disadvantaged will be lost to those that were historically advantaged. This will also benefit those who are well off due to the fruits of democracy,” Madonsela said.

She also called for the implementation of Chapter 5 of the Equality Act. Madonsela said the act explain that the Promotion of Equality Act has two dimensions. However, she said only one of these has been implemented thus undermining its impact on addressing apartheid disparities including academic injustice.

“The constitution promises an improved quality of life for all and a freed potential to each person. Young leaders have the power to make a difference as they carry the dreams and hopes of our people. We need more innovative young people such as Ludwick Marishane who invented the DryBath and Nkosana Makate who came up with “Please Call Me”.

“We also need our own Marxs and Platos to generate new ideologies and philosophies to help us address today’s problems. The Equality Act provides a systematic mechanism for addressing apartheid, patriarchal and disability disparities. So, without a systematic approach to structural inequality, social justice is a pipe dream,” she said.

Minister Dr Blade Nzimande said: “Our public universities are a significant national asset. They empower the next generation with skills and knowledge. They also contribute significantly to the ability of our economy to compete globally through innovative and appropriate research.

“Our universities currently face serious challenges in terms of funding. At the same time, large numbers of South Africans are currently finding it difficult to access post-school education because of the financial challenges they as individuals or as families face. Government is aware of these challenges and takes them very seriously.

“Indeed, government remains firmly committed to progressively realise free post-school education for the poor and working class, as called for by our constitution, and to assist middle class families who are unable to pay.”

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BY REGINALD KANYANE

EDUCATION is the only unique way to end poverty. Bokamoso Innovation Hub founder, Lesego Serolong said they will continue to empower the youths who were deprived.

Serolong said they offering many students from previously disadvantaged backgrounds across Dr Ruth Mompati district, bursaries to further their studies at tertiary level.

“We have a project called Raising The Children which supports mostly child headed families and orphans. We have assisted more than 30 students so far and some of them have already graduated. In order to end poverty, we must empower youths and women to transform their lives.

“Education is very critical and we always encourage our youths to take it seriously. We are now working together with North West premier’s wife, Kule Mahumapelo to unlock young minds. We do this through business training and mentorship,” Serolong said.

She was born in Choseng village, Taung and studied in United Kingdom. Serolong said she decided to come back to South Africa to assist in eradicating poverty.

“We have visited various areas across North West and realised how women continue to carry the burden of poverty. For women to successfully move out of poverty, they need confidence and business skills. Our model allows them to leave poverty behind for good.

“We have decided to create food gardens for the youths and women. This will creates dignity, ownership and self-sufficiency. Turning women and youths into entrepreneurs creates a lasting opportunities for them to lift their families out of poverty,” she said.

Serolong and Mahumapelo visited Moretele local municipality last week. She said they are now doing research and feasibility study about the life-style of the youths and women in that area.

“We will be working in partnership with Moretele chief to come up with strategic plans to assist the youths there. We also urge all stakeholders to come on board. It is important for the society to take care of the youths and women. We need to use education as a tool to fight poverty, unemployment and inequality.

“We also encourage the society to take care of the most vulnerable group which is our elderly persons. It is hard nowadays to find young people be committed to take care of aging persons. We are committed in improving the lives of our grandparents. We visited the far-flung areas were grandparents are living in abject poverty,” Serolong said.

North West province first lady, Kule Mahumapelo shared the same sentiments. Mahumapelo said they met with Serolong and now they are working together.

“Serolong is dedicated human being in assisting the youths. She has a food garden in Manyeledi village in Ganyesa and employed many people. She also offered bursaries to underprivileged children.  We need to take a stand and encourage the youths to make progress with their lives.

“We also visited Zambia few months ago with her. We were touched how life turned out to be for youths and women in that country. So we will be going back in November to donate clothes. We are also working together in building an old age home at Moretele local municipality,” Mahumapelo said.

Thato Marope who is a bursary scheme beneficiary said he is studying Mathematics at Rhodes University. Marope said Serolong played a pivotal role in his life.

“I am an orphan and having people like Lesego Serolong and Kule Mahumapelo is breath-taking. I highly-appreciate the opportunity and believe that many people will also benefit from this project. I want to assist in bringing opportunities to other disadvantaged communities. I need to take part in promoting development at schools.

Another beneficiary, Qoliswa Mgwabe said: “I also encourage the matriculants to apply to various institutions and I assist them with career guidance. We have introduced tutoring and mentorship programs at few schools to assist other during recession.”

Moretele chief, Kgosi Jacob Mathibe lauded the initiative. Mathibe added that many youths were embedded with many form of abuse.

“We have challenges where youths engaged in crime, alcohol and drug abuse. We need to make sure that we fight that. They need to be taught how to change the lives for the better,” he said.

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