BY BAKANG MOKOTO 
TAUNG-born artist, Obakeng Maruping said artistry work holds perspectives with innovative thinking. Maruping who is an emerging artist said the aim of his work is to raise awareness about socio-economic issues affecting the people.

“Art pushes controversial buttons and inspires creative ideas. I also look to explore overlooked issues to encourage debate. However, we cannot orchestrate our own agenda through art because we representing the masses.

“I developed interest in art while I was still at primary school. I used to draw a lot and back in 2009, I went to Mahikeng Art Centre to sharpen my skill. I have realised that not many people are into art especially blacks. They lack passion in this craft and transformation is needed in the industry,” Maruping said.

He is also studying towards BA Degree in Tourism at University of South Africa (Unisa). Maruping further said he want to have his own gallery one day and put rustic Taung on the map.

“I want to be a world-renowned principled artist one day. We have artists who tell negative stories and depict sensitive matters. There was an artist who depicted our former president, the late Dr Nelson Mandela and president Jacob Zuma recently on an awkward sexual position. The picture made rounds on various media platform, however, I believe that was wrong.

“As an artist, you should not use your position to push personal vendetta and attack others. That was disrespectful in different forms and I condemn that. The industry is still underdeveloped and that reflects badly on emerging artists. We need to respect the rights of others including our political leaders,” he said.

Maruping said even though there is lack of support in Taung, he believed that one day assistance will come.

Greater Taung Local Municipality Local Economy Development (LED) Member of Mayoral Committee (MMC) chairperson, Judy Gaoboihe said Taung has abundance of opportunities. Gaoboihe said they will continue to provide a necessary support to emerging entrepreneurs.

 “The municipality is prepared to support various sectors like agriculture, tourism, mining and manufacturing companies. With a petite budget we have, we are willing to support Small Micro Medium Enterprises (SMMEs) across the municipality. We believe that small businesses play a pivotal role in growing the economy.

“We believe that artists also play a pivotal role in marketing Taung to the world. LED structure has been relocated to municipal mayor’s office and that will speed-up the processes in funding many projects. We are currently engaging with our stakeholders to outsource funding from them,” she said.

Gaoboihe added that private and public sectors need to work together. She further said the government alone cannot manage to address treble challenges like unemployment, inequality and poverty.

“We urge privately-owned companies to provide support and come on board. The municipality also urge youth-owned enterprises to apply for funding at our offices. We provide mentorship, training and workshops where necessary. The structure does not give monetary support, but assist in buying material and brings skilled people to assist.  

“We encourage our artists to register on provincial government’s database to be recognised. We do not want to see our artists dying paupers. We will continue to partner with them and celebrate their immense talent. We have various reputable platforms like exhibitions for them to showcase their work and build their profile in the industry too,” Gaoboihe said.

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By REGINALD KANYANE 

THE hope of finding their two missing girls is slowly fading away. The parents of Matseleng Nteta (7) and her friend, Rethabile Tshabadira (3) alleged that they lost hope in the law enforcement authorities after their children went missing over three months now.

Two girls were residing in Boitumelong Location, Extension 5 in Bloemhof.

Maria Nteta (28) who is the mother to Matseleng said: “We are still waiting for our children to come back home. However, we lost hope in the police because nothing positive comes out of investigations. It seems they have also hit dead end. I miss my daughter so much and I am looking for closure. I cannot cope during the night and wish I could do something to find her.”

Matseleng was playing along with her friend, Rethabile in the street before their disappearance. It is alleged that they went to buy sweets at the local shop, but never returned.

 Rethabile’s grandmother, Lenah Tshabadira (49) said the police have failed them. She said the police do not put more effort in finding the children.

“Rethabile was a bubbly person and I urge anyone who have information regarding their whereabouts to contact police. The police took 48 hours to intensify a search and I believe if they reacted earlier, we could have found them in time,” she said.

North West police spokesman Brig Sabata Mokgwabone said: “The investigations are still underway and police are working hard. It is untrue that police are dragging their feet in finding the missing girls. We urge anyone with any information to call Captain Sebolai on 0725053045.”

South African Civic Organisation regional secretary in Dr Ruth Mompati, Mika Moeti said: “We will work closely with police to ensure that perpetrator/s are caught. We cannot continue to live normal while we have missing children. They have families and it is wrong for monsters do as they please within our communities.” 

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Picture: (Bokone Bophirima Provincial Government spokesperson, Brian Setswambung)

MORE than 4000 public servants across all sectors and community members across Bokone Bophirima province took part in Move for Health Day celebration on Wednesday. Bokone Bophirima Provincial Government spokesperson, Brian Setswambung said the initiative was aimed at promoting physical activities, healthy and diet.

Move for Health Day was launched in 2002 by the World Health Organisation and is celebrated annually. Setswambung said the Move for Health Day activity coincided with the beginning of the monthly provincial Setsokotsane 10-by-10 Campaign.

“The campaign seeks to promote healthy living and raising awareness on obesity. We are working in collaboration with the provincial departments of Health, Culture, Arts and Traditional Affairs as well as Education and Sport Development in coordinating the celebration of the Provincial Move for Health Day.

“We declared this day an official public service sport and recreation day. This is in line with the provincial government’s policy on Employee Health and Wellness and the overarching National Development Plan 2030. The NDP has also put health as one of its priorities. The involvement generates public awareness on the benefits of physical activities to prevent non-communicable diseases too,” he said.

Setswambung said there were many activities like fun walk, fun run, aerobics and recreational games. He further said the exhibitions aimed at promoting good nutrition and the benefit of physical activities.

“Exercising contributes immensely towards increasing lifespan and productivity. We will continue to urge private sector to come on board because government alone cannot manage. We need to work together to ensure that we participate in changing the lives of our people through this initiative. The provincial government also took a resolution that from each 10^th of the month until the 20^th, public servants and communities will embark on an outreach programme and participate in exercising.

“We also want to applaud the Justice department for taking this opportunity and deliberate on racism, abuse and domestic violence issues. Unfortunately, we have experienced racial attacks across the province recently. However, through initiatives like this, we will unite our people despite their backgrounds, race, gender and colour,” he said.

Mahumapelo will visit embattled Coligny to launch Reconciliation, Healing and Renewal Forum. Setswambung said the programme will assist to bring tranquillity at the area after unrest.

“There is a need for social cohesion, unity in diversity and the need to co-exist as South Africans.”

One of participants, Euclid Tsunke who is deaf said he enjoyed being part of the initiative. Tsunke is a senior admin clerk at Social Development department.

“To be honest this day is great which gives me some rest and need to take all stress away after hard work. Our government has done enough to assist those who are disable. However, I still believe that more can be done to improve communication between disabled and normal people. My wish is to see all my colleagues being fluent in sign language in order to communicate easily,” Tsunke said.

Another participant from Justice Department, Malepa Medupe said: “Our bodies were meant to move. Our bodies actually crave exercise and regular exercise is necessary for physical fitness and good health. It reduces the risk of heart disease, cancer, high blood pressure, diabetes and other diseases. It can improve your appearance and delay the aging process.”

Source: http://www.newsnote.co.za 

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Picture: (ANC PEC member in Bokone Bophirima, Rose Diphoko)

However, she said people’s future should be determined by their backgrounds. Diphoko who is a Provincial Executive Committee (PEC) member in Bokone Bophirima is also adamant that the ruling party will steer people out of poverty.  

“I grew up on a farm in Klipfontein, outside Wolmaranstad. Life was not conducive by then and we went through hardships and tribulations. I started my schooling while I was nine year-old. We had to go and work at the nearby farms after school in order for us to have school fees money.   

“I joined politics because I wanted to be the voice of the voiceless. I could not sit back and turn a blind eye while our people were subjected to violence, abuse and inequality in their own country,” she said.

Diphoko said she joined African National Congress (ANC) not because she wanted to be self-enriched. However, she said she wanted to represent the masses and the ANC was the only political party that understands the needs of the impoverished.

“I joined ANC during transition back in 1995. I was recruited by Gopolang Mongale and Mahero Dintwe. I still believe that ANC is still relevant in political arena and what is happening within the party will pass. We must take note that ahead of each elective conference, there are some divisions and challenges experienced. However, the divisions are brought in because of different ideologies.

“I want to urge all our structures to be united and stand firm. You will remember that we once experience bloodshed in our province. However, things are back to normality since the inception of Mahumapelo as the provincial chairperson,” she said.

 A 42- year-old politician said ANC-led government came up with various programmes that benefit the country and its people. She further said through all challenges, ANC will continue to strive.

“I also want to urge our provincial chairperson, Supra Mahumapelo to consider another term. We see progress since he took over and we also believe in him because he has the interest of the organization at heart. We have two women in the top five leadership and that says a lot.

“Women continue to be in leadership positions either politically or academically. We can see transformation regarding more women being roped in as decision-makers. So, I am not intimidated as a woman because I know my capabilities. Women can deliver and having more women as executive mayors in the province attest to that,” Diphoko said.

Former Tswaing councilor occupied various positions in the ANC. Diphoko joined ANCYL in 1995 and was elected as the branch treasurer of the league in 2000. She was elected as the secretary of ward 12 ANCYL in 2003 until 2004.

“I am very grateful about all leadership positions I once occupied. I participated in all activities of ANC as a volunteer and I once also elected as a deputy secretary ANCYL in ward 12. I am the founding member of SACP branch and an active member in ward 12. I am also a founding member of ANCYL and recruiting officer in ward 12, led the ANCWL branch as the secretary from 2006-2008 in ward 12.

“I was elected in the ANCWL Regional Executive Committee in 2008 until 2011 when we were disbanded by ANCWL National Executive Committee (NEC). I was also elected as the PEC member for Young Communist League (YCL) in 2008 until 2010. I was then elected as PEC member for ANCYL and the PWC member until we were disbanded in 2013,” Diphoko said.

She was elected as the ANC PEC member in 2011 until 2015 and was appointed as a converner in Dr Ruth Mompati region. Diphoko was also appointed as the chairperson of International Relations sub-committee in2012.

“I was also appointed as the chairperson of Communication and Media Sub-committee of the PEC in 2013 until 2015. I was re-elected in the ANC PEC and served as a member of campaigns and mobilization sub-committee until to date. I am currently working as community developer in Wolmaranstad,” Diphoko said.- 

Source: http://www.newsnote.co.za 

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BOKONE Bophirima Premier, Supra Mahumapelo presented the budget for his office at North West Provincial Legislature on Thursday. Mahumapelo received a total allocation of R648.857 million for 2017/18 financial year.

Mahumapelo said the Administration received R127.288m, Institutional Development received R320.034m. He said Policy and Governance structure received R201.535m while North West Development Corporation (NWDC) received R32 893.

Newly formed structure, Youth Entrepreneurship Services (YES) received R11 078.

“In summary, the above programmes serve as a framework to achieve concomitant mandates like effective and efficient administration, Institutional Development and Support, Development of Policy and effective governance. T o g e t h e r w e will m o v e B o k o n e B o p h i r i m a f o r w a r d. Our long-term strategic goal is to create a National Democratic Society (NDS) which is united, non-racial, non-sexist, peaceful and prosperous through the National Democratic Revolution (NDR).

“The course of this struggle will be a protracted one pursued by us for the benefit of future generations like the generation before us fought for us to inherit the democracy we enjoy today. This imposes an obligation on all of us collectively as a society to continuously strive for the creation of this national democratic society to deal with the injustices of our past,” Mahumapelo said.

He further said the minimum programme to achieve the creation of the national democratic society is the National Development Plan which in the Province is implemented in the context of the Rebranding, Repositioning and Renewal (RRR) through the five concretes.

“Overview, our province’s competitive advantage in the mining industry as an important tributary accounts for 50% of world’s platinum, gold, diamonds, chrome, vanadium, granite, slate, limestone, dimension stone, nickel, silica, manganese, phosphate, fluorspar, zinc etc. Mining is a strategic catalytic sector and tributary to other fundamental strategic areas of focus by the fifth administration, like ACT.

“To illustrate this understanding, I would like to provide the following example: If one owns a plot of 10ha it will be more strategic economically to plant crops and use mineral deposits embedded there in as a basis to raise capital for growing and sustaining crop through the necessary infrastructure for water, crop, livestock etc. Agriculture in your 10ha plot will exist forever whilst the diamond or gold in the 10ha will be depleted at some point,” he said.

Mahumapelo added that capital generated from the mining activity can also be used to attract tourism to the establishment for entertainment as part of arts & culture and accommodation, lessons on farming, history of the area as part of tourism and this will exist continuously, anchored on the best marketing plan. He said all these will finally clarifies all the people including some of honourable members who have claimed that mining is excluded as an important sector of our economy.

“Our province is the food basket of South Africa, producing more than 20% of South Africa’s maize crop. The province also produces livestock (cattle & poultry), sunflower seeds and oils; nuts; citrus, tobacco (all GMO free). The Business and financial services contributes 14% to provincial GDP and accounts for 5% of employment. There is high potential in renewable energy opportunities within Municipal Waste conversion, Biomass (converting alien invasive plants into energy) and Solar Technologies including Off-grid energy for rural areas.

“The strategic location of our province bordering Botswana, is ideally positioned to access the 14 countries comprising the Southern African Development Community (SADC) as well as the islands of Africa’s east coast, and even the Gulf States and India. The Province’s well developed road and rail links provide the platform and infrastructure for ground transportation deep into sub-Saharan Africa,” Mahumapelo said.

“It is important for them the difference between an economic target and economic projection. When experts project that the economy might contract due to behaviour of various variables in the equation, it does not necessarily mean that the target has to be abandoned.

“Changing conditions in the economy impose a huge responsibility on implementers to strive for the same under the new conditions. We mean fundamental change in the structure, systems, institutions and patterns of ownership, management and control of the economy in favour of all South Africans, especially the poor, the majority of whom are African and female, as defined by the governing party which makes policy for the democratic government,” he said.

Mahumapelo said apartheid demography are deep levels of economic inequalities and marginalisation of the vast majority of our people, majority of whom are in villages, townships and small dorpies. He said they will do everything in their power to preserve the democratic state as an instrument of change, to practically implement radical changes to the structure of our economy for the benefit of all our people, united in our diversity.

“We have deliberated on Economic Rebranding, Repositioning and Renewal of the NWDC. We have made a determination to attend to some of the necessary imperatives of the provincial economy to ensure proper planning and coordination. In this regard, NWDC will create an enabling environment for foreign direct investment into the province by establishing Industrial Parks within the VSTD Areas.

“This will also serve as a strategic vehicle to expedite the delivery of key provincial projects to facilitate access of Bokone-Bophirima citizens into the mainstream economy. To lead the implementation of VTSD Industrialisation Plan by ensuring that identified initiatives in VTSD areas are developed. Projects through Premier’s VTSD Economic Outreach Programme and the NWDC will monitor implementation of provincial mining agenda, accelerate VTSD agro-processing businesses, establish special economic zones, intensify implementation of the Mahikeng airport logistics hub strategy, implement the VTSD industrial hubs and implement the provincial industrialisation action plan,” Mahumapelo said.

Mahumapelo said a preliminary list of just over 400 possible VTSD Industrialisation Projects has been identified for implementation in the province across Provincial Departments, SOEs and municipalities. Some of the Industrialisation projects identified include: – Motlopi Coffee Pilot Project – Sun-farming Food and Energy Project – Taung Mining Project – Manufacturing of Learner Teacher Support Material and Tablets – Automotive Manufacturing Company – SEZ – Special Economic Zone – Transport Logistics – Manufacturing of School Uniforms – Lighting & Fitting – Agro-processing – Meat Processing – Light Industrial Park – Taung Irrigation Scheme 10 | P a g e T o g e t h e r w e m o v e B o k o n e B o p h i r i m a f o r w a r d – Bakeries – Matlosana Industrial Park – Commercialisation of Villages – Expansion of EDC Centres.

“Country Bird Holdings has highlighted during SOPA 2017, due diligence and feasibility studies have been finalised. Public Industrial Corporation (PIC) and the Land Bank have been approached for possible funding. We will put in place plans to utilise funds currently spent on security tenders to create employment for the youth and empower them with portal skills to enable them to obtain gainful employment or create own enterprises,” he said.

Source: http://www.newsnote.co.za 

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MEC for Finance, Enterprise and Economy Development (FEED) department, Wendy Nelson presented her department budget speech at North West Provincial Legislature on Thursday. Nelson said the budget allocation of R486 299m will implore upon citizens of Bokone Bophirima province.

“This will support radical economic transformation In recognition of the daunting “unending” task of developing a non-racial democratic South Africa, which task is the responsibility of the current and future generations, the province is calling upon all citizens, business community, private sector and organized labour to work together in the context of Saamtrek-Saamwerk to dismantle the socio-economic features of apartheid like poverty, unemployment and inequality.

“The current economic climate of our country in particular our downgrading to below investment grade which is commonly referred to as “junk status” is a temporary setback. Notwithstanding the downgrade to “junk status” and the projected negative economic outlook, the “junk status” has created opportunities for the country and the province.

“It compels us to build our economic resilience based on our provincial economic opportunities by deliberately directing investment to villages, township and small dorpies (VTSD) for economic growth and development. While recognizing the importance of participating in the global economy, the economic growth in the VTSD should serve to protect us from the global external factors and materially limit our exposure to the world economic uncertainties,” Nelson said.

 She said that the province is unapologetic about its determination to change the socio-economic conditions of the previously marginalised communities mainly located in the VTSD areas. Nelson further said they will not deviate from their plans in implementing the National Development Plan (NDP).

“The current economic conditions have re-ignited our desire to double our efforts in the implementation of the Five Concretes. The 2017/18 budget will serve to re-affirm the position of the province in the implementation of the programmes that seek to alleviate poverty. Economic outlook proposed that the South African economy should grow by 5.4% per annum in order to create additional jobs for many unemployed South Africans, reduce unemployment by 6% by 2030 and reduce income inequalities.

“As a response to the slow economic growth, the province has targeted a 6% economic growth by 2019. We will drive economic growth through key provincial strategic economic pillars of Agriculture, Culture and Tourism (ACT) supported by tributaries and VTSD industrialization. Bokone Bophirima Government will continue to provide a conducive environment for the private sector and community participation in the development of our economy in the context of Saamtrek-Saamwerk,” Nelson. 

She added that FEED department has successfully maintained clean audit status for the past three years. Nelson said the audit report for 2016/17 will inspire the province to increase the number of “clean audit” reports.

“Our department also paid invoiceswithin 30 days effectively for the past twelve months. We have spent R184.4 million towards VTSD suppliers and this translated to 81% of its identified items. The executive council is keen in the implementation of Post Audit Action Plans by tracking progress regarding the implementation of corrective measures on a monthly basis. The Provincial Supply Chain Management has also conducted 448 Community Outreach Programmes through Setsokotsane. These services included 50 Tendering Workshops, 20 Pricing and Invoicing Workshops, 29 Rural Development Projects, 33 Consultations and 270 VTSD Supplier Registrations;

“The department is working together with Ikatisong School of Governance, the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) and National Skills Fund (NSF). We have linked 150 unemployed graduates and learners to experiential opportunities in departments, entities and municipalities. By the end of the programme which varies from 1 – 2 years effective from October 2016, the graduates would have gained a minimum of 1 year experience to enter the job market,” she said.

Nelson added that they have exceeded the revenue target of R1.1 billion by R55 million which represents 5% of our own revenue budget. –Newsnote

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Kaizer Chiefs are desperate to keep their top-three hopes alive as they travel to New Peter Mokaba Stadium to face Polokwane City in the Absa Premiership.

Amakhosi have seen their title bid ended over the past few weeks and enter tonight’s clash 10 points adrift of league-leading Bidvest Wits, and with eight points separating Chiefs and second with three games to go, third place is a more realistic target.

That spot is currently occupied by Cape Town City, who are five points ahead of the Glamour Boys, although Steve Komphela’s men have a game in hand, coming this evening.

For Polokwane, a top-eight finish seems in the bag as they find themselves in sixth, five points clear in the MTN8 qualifying positions and with a game in hand over seventh-placed Maritzburg.

TEAMS:

Polokwane: TBA

Chiefs: Khune, Mphahlele, Mathoho, Gordinho, Masilela, Maluleka, Ekstein, Buchanan, Molangoane, Lebese, Parker

Source: http://www.kickoff.com