BY KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

PEOPLE from all walks of life including thousands of music, arts and culture fanatics are expected to flock into Mahikeng for the 2^nd annual Mahika Mahikeng Cultural Festival. MEC for tourism in the North West, Desbo Mohono appeals to all patrons who will be descending to the festival to explore various local tourism products during their stay in Mahikeng over the weekend.

“I am sure our visitors will enjoy their stay in the province. We urge them to visit our tourism destinations to experience the beauty, quality service and the warm welcome by the people of the Bokone Bophirima.

“We want to expose other hidden treasures within the province especially in Mahikeng. Locals must ensure that they know more about tourism products in their periphery. We also have a campaign called “Shapa Raondo mo Bokone Bophirima” as part of the implementation of the domestic tourism strategy,” Mohono said.

She further said the guest houses and hotels were ready to accommodate visitors. Mohono added that they also expecting to see major contribution towards the local economy as many will be spending while enjoying their stay here.

“We also make a call and encourage our visitors to explore tourism products within the platinum province during this festive season. The campaign which started in the Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati and Bojanala districts is now continuing in the Ngaka Modiri Molema district and mainly focusing in villages, Townships and Small Dorpies of the province.

“We also have festive packages in the entire province as provided by participating products. This aims to showcase the province as the preferred Holiday destination of choice. Our visitors’ lengthy stay will boosts local economy,” she said.

Mohono also said the campaign is also geared towards marketing the upcoming festive events such as Mahika Mahikeng Cultural Festival, DJ Nation Annual Bash, Dj Sphere Annual Bash and many other festive events taking place during this time of the year in the North West.

“The month long campaign will run in all the four districts of the province. We will continue to lead the tourism team throughout the festive season alongside renowned artists like Mo Molemi and Stoan Seate,” she said.

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Picture: Moses Kotane Local Municipality acting mayor, Lawrence Kapari

BY BAKANG MOKOTO

The Moses Kotane Local Municipality hosted Integrated Development Plan Representative Forum (IDP Rep Forum) meeting at the Council chamber in Mogwase on Friday.

The municipal acting mayor, Lawrence Kapari said the aim of the meeting was to engage stakeholders on the IDP process plan. Kapari further said community needs analysis emanating from community consultations that were held last month in line with the legislation.

“Development of the Integrated Development Planning (IDP) is in compliance with the Local Government, Municipal System Act No 32 of 2000. The forum which is attended by municipal councillors and officials, Tribal Authorities, community development workers, ward committees, government departments, mining companies, state owned entities, business community, non-governmental organizations amongst other key stakeholders, is formed  to enhance community participation in the municipal IDP and its processes and in the monitoring, measurement and review of municipal performance.

“The forum meets quarterly to discuss and reach a consensus on municipal planning and the development of sector plans. This will be followed by development of cluster formation of project steering committee that will oversee projects that have been implemented and finds of ensuring that other villages that have never befitted also are provided for with services, he said.

He added that once consultation with all relevant stakeholders is finalised, the draft IDP and budget for 2017/ 2018 financial year will be adopted by Council before end of March 2017. Kapari said the report on community needs analysis will be tabled before Council for adoption in preparation for the IDP document 2017/ 2018 financial year.

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BY BAKANG MOKOTO

NORTH West Premier Supra Mahumapelo has condemned the killing in Marikana where a man was attacked and ruthlessly killed by a group of people on Thursday. According to the police statement, the deceased sustained serious injuries caused by sharp objects and pangas used during the attack.

“We view this heartless incident as a deliberate and senseless attack on the Provincial Government’s Reconciliation, Healing and Renewal programme. The second phase of this programme was rolled out at Wonderkop near Marikana this past Sunday. These are opportunistic criminal acts, which we call on the police to leave no stone unturned during investigation.

“While the motive behind this attack is not yet known, we call on the residents of Marikana to remain calm, fearless and united. We also urge them to help police with information that will lead to the apprehension of perpetrators who are reportedly still at large,” Mahumapelo said.

He further said killers have no place in the society. Mahumapelo added that suspects must be apprehended and face the full might of the law.

“We reiterate the significance of the RHR programme. Such incidents will not deter and defocus the provincial government from advocating nation building and social cohesion. This is in the context of Rebranding, Repositioning and Renewal of Bokone Bophirima,” he said.

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Picture: (MEC for education & sport development department)

BY REGINALD KANYANE

MEC for education and sport development department, Sello Lehari said the long awaited matric results for the Class of 2016 will be announced at Batlhaping High School in Taung on January 5, 2017.

“We are adamant after a total number of 35 397 candidates set for their matric examination. They also completed their final examinations on November 29 without any report of irregularities. The main event will take place at 9am and we will address the media afterwards,” Lehari said.

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Picture: (By Mpho Bilwane) Comedian, Shapoomizer during Mahoka Mahikeng Comedy Show at Mmabatho Convention Centre, in Mahikeng

LAUGHTER is the only effective weapon that the human race has, says East Rand-based comedian, Sister H. Young and upcoming comedian shared a stage with renowned comedians like Kagiso Lediga, Chris Mapane, Shamponizer and others during the opening of Mahika Mahikeng Music Festival at Mmabatho Convention Centre on Thursday. 

Sister H as Hilda Sethosa is affectionately known in comedy fraternity said: “Comedy explains love for humour. The comic’s job is to create, sustain, and guide the audience throughout their performance. The comic touches on material that is taboo to the society and creates conducive atmosphere for people to talk about those issues.

“Mahika Mahikeng Music Festival Comedy show is a good initiative because it creates a platform especially for young and upcoming comedians to launch their vocation. It will also give Mahikeng necessary exposure on the long run. Audience was enormous and I enjoyed being here. I normally use comic to educate our people about various issues affecting them,” she said.

Another comedian from Mahikeng, Madeza Makhotla said even though he is passionate about comedy, music is his first love. Makhotla is a music tutor at Mmabana Foundation in Mahikeng.

“I love comedy, but music is my first love. I was encouraged by many people to embark on comedy. However, I will treat it as a hobby for now.”

Tshepo Sethosa shared the same sentiments. He said jokes are obviously meant to be laughed at and understood by the way in which the comedian communicates their craft on stage.

“We share jokes that are both relatable and comical to our audience. Comedians work on their craft and understand their audience. They also hone in on the jocular to earn trust and respect from the people that pay to laugh. Trust and respect is crucial to the comic to not only obtain laughter, but also to send a message to the audience, that even in times of difference, we are more similar than we think.

“I started to embark on comedy back in 2002. The Mahika Mahikeng Comedy show is great platform. Lot of people does not know much about me, but sharing the stage with renowned comedians boosts my confidence. The initiative is not only for North West people, has that potential to grow,” Sethosa said.  

One of revelers, Lesedi Rosho from Golfview in Mahikeng said: “The comedy was lit and I personally did not expect this. This is a good initiative and the event will boost the image of Mahikeng. The show reached its essence and we hope to see something like this again in the future.”

Omphile Ramadi said: “I enjoy the comedy show and anticipate fireworks during this weekend. Mahika Mahikeng brings back that vibrancy and vibe that Mahikeng is known for. We also hope our SMMEs and locale will benefit financial through this initiative.”- Newsnote