LOCAL Scouts will benefit from the ‘exchange’ programme from their counterparts in the United Kingdom. The International Scouts Expedition Program is currently underway at Polokwane, in Limpopo province. 

North West Scouts Development Officer and Project Coordinator, Tshimane Mogotsi said the initiative commenced on July 28 in Mahikeng.

Mogotsi said they are currently in Polokwane until August 19.  

“Mahikeng resemble the birth home of the scouting idea and concept. We have international scouts who visited our shores. There have always been some particular frequent expeditions by both national and international scouts.

“So, it was imperative to pay homage and some kind of pilgrimage to the historical heritage home of scouting in Mahikeng. Thus, the community of Mahikeng in general should take pride in such rich history. The area tend to be our still actively existing heritage and need to be kept alive, relevant and mobilising patriotism within today’s youth in particular,” Mogotsi said. 

He further said they have hosted a contingent number of 120 United Kingdom Explorer and Network Scouts. Mogotsi said scouts from Suffolk County visited Mahikeng together with their leaders.

“This is part of the MahikengScouts City International Scouts Expedition Camp. This program comes after a long time established friendship between these organisations (Mahikeng and Suffolks). We had previous expeditions back in 2009 in Lesotho and Swaziland in 2011.

“The expedition camp was hosted by North West University Rovers Scouts in 2014. The expedition is informed by the formal partnership of Suffolk and Mahikeng scouts, which is part of the greater plan for Rebranding, Repositioning and Renewal of Mahikeng as “Scouts City,” he said.

Mogotsi added that the expedition program was sectioned according to local scouting experience which consists of camps and socialising with local scouts. He said they also explored local cultural and historical experience by visiting heritage sites, game reserves, art centres.

“We also visited few schools through our outreach programmes. The organisation embarked on community empowerment and skill development projects. The main aim was to bring the spirit of togetherness within communities. Our scouts painted some of Early Childhood Centres.

“We also have most effective ECD programmes that provide direct learning experiences to children and families. Our programmes target toward younger and disadvantaged children. The programmes are of longer duration, high quality, high intensity and are integrated with family support, health, nutrition or educational systems and services,” he said.

Mogotsi added that despite convincing evidence, programme coverage is low. He further said to achieve the Millennium Development Goals of reducing poverty and ensuring primary school completion for both girls and boys, governments and civil society should consider expanding high quality, cost-effective early child development programmes.

Mogotsi said local scouts will visit United Kingdom in exchange programme. Some of scouts said the initiative was educational. Lesego Selone, 26, from Ganyesa said: “The programmes ensure that there is a spirit of selflessness within our society. We are always encouraged to assist others who are less-fortunate. Our communities continue to live in abject poverty.

“The youth is faced with various socio-economic challenges like crime, teenage pregnancy, alcohol and drug abuse, poverty, unemployment and HIV and AIDS pandemic. We also educate them on exercising and live a healthy lifestyle at all times.”

Another scout, Ntsikelelo Ncanci from Klerksdorp shared the same sentiments. Ncanci said the programmes in place contribute in child development, character shaping process and promote teamwork.

“I am currently unemployed, but that does not deter my ambitions. I am a disciplined, dedicated and determined cadre because of the training I received. The programmes educate us to be ready and face trials and tribulations head-on.

“I have also learnt that there is no short-cuts to success. We need to start investing in our future and encourage the current generation to work hard. There are also skill development programmes where entrepreneurship is been promoted,” he said. –Newsnote   

Picture: Gupta brothers

BY KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

FUTURE SA organisation said the campaign against ‘state capture’ must continue irrespective of the result of the motion of no confidence against South African President, Jacob Zuma. The organisation said it lauds MPs who put the country first, particularly ANC MPs who voted against President Jacob Zuma despite massive pressure from within the party.

“We also acknowledge the role of civil society, labour, business and religious organisations, as well as opposition parties who demonstrated in favour of the motion of no confidence leading up to and on 8 August, and who participated in the lunchtime shutdown today.

“To those who continue to support state capture, an increasingly corrupt government, and the narrow interests of a few, we say: history will judge you accordingly. You have betrayed the hopes of South Africans. You have tied the fortunes of the ANC to Zuma’s corrupt moral code,” Future SA said in a statement.

The organisation said while today’s motion against Zuma may not have succeeded, the fact that a number of ANC MPs have either voted in favour of the motion or abstained is an indication that Zuma no longer enjoys the full support of a significant number of members of his own party. It said that this is an indication that while he retains power for now, his base is certainly weakening.

“What was also clear leading up to today’s motion, is that ordinary South Africans have absolutely no confidence in the president. The protest marches, pickets and rallies in various parts of the country, which have increased in scale and geographical spread, are an indication that South Africans are no longer prepared to accept a captured state.

“Following today’s vote, we believe that efforts against state capture on all fronts must be intensified, as must be our campaigns to reclaim South Africa. Eradicating corruption is long term work. This will involve work in the legal sphere and in parliament, supporting public servants who want to expose corruption, mass mobilisation, awareness drives, the continued promotion of free speech and other Constitutional ideals, and rebuilding a vibrant civil society.”

Future SA said it will also require consistent pressure by society on government, demanding accountability and leadership in the interest of the people. The organisation said it will require pressure on political parties to elect representatives who are honest, and who are capable of the duties entrusted to them to take South Africa forward.

“FutureSA will keep the public informed of its ongoing public programmes and actions aimed at ending state capture and reclaiming South Africa.”

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Picture: President, Jacob Zuma 

BY REGINALD KANYANE

SOUTH African President, Jacob Zuma stays in power after motion of #NoConfidence against him was defeated for the 8^th time in parliament. The African National Congress (ANC) provincial secretary, Dakota Legoete said they salute the steadfastness and principled stance of ANC Members of Parliament (MPs) who stood
by their movement and defended the people’s revolution by defeating the
motion of no confidence brought forward by opposition parties.

“The ANC has been down this road before and we will continue defending the right of South African voters to elect their preferred leader as they did with President Jacob Zuma. As the ANC in Bokone Bophirima, we are acutely aware of what the opposition parties will say after they’re once again defeated.

“Because they will not want to admit defeat, we know that they will either say one or more of the following. They will say they made a mark, showed courage, the ANC is panicking, and the ANC MPs are cowards. They will further say ANC puts corruption first and South Africa second,” Legoete said.

He further said opposition parties will again say they will punish the ANC in 2019 or
ANC MPs were intimidated. Legoete added that it is clear that the anti-Zuma coalition campaign has failed dramatically and will never rise again.

“The task of the ANC is to continue intensifying its radical socio-economic transformation and a non-racial order in this country. We urge opposition parties to unite behind the programme of building non-racialism, unity and deepen democracy.

“The ANC will continue to humble itself and intensify its historical, unbreakable bond with the people of South Africa,” Legoete concludes.

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Picture:Newly-appointed MEC for Social Development, Hoffman Galeng

By BAKANG MOKOTO

NORTH West Premier, Supra Mahumapelo appointed new MECs for Social Development and Public Works and Roads departments on Monday. North West Provincial Legislature Chief Whip, Hoffman Galeng was appointed as MEC for Social Development while Mmule Maluleke filled the vacant that was left by deposed MEC, Madoda Sambata at Public Works department.

ANC provincial secretary, Dakota Legoete said they welcome the appointment of new Members of the Executive Council (MECs) to the Provincial Government. Legoete said Raymond Elisha was appointed as a new Chief Whip of the ANC in the North West Provincial Legislature.

“We would like to take this opportunity to congratulate new MEC for Public
Works & Roads, Mmule Johanna Maluleke and Hoffman Galeng who is the new MEC for Social Development department. The ANC also welcomes and congratulates new Chief Whip of the majority party in the Bokone Bophirima Provincial Legislature, Raymond Elisha,” he said.

The new MECs were sworn in by a Judge on Monday. Legoete said they believe that these
comrades are ready to hit the road running in order to lead their respective departments to deliver the required services to our communities.

Picture: Newly-appointed MEC for Public Works and Roads, Mmule Maluleke

“We would like to thank Galaletsang Fenny Gaolaolwe who has been acting as Social Development MEC and Ontlametse Mochware who acted in the Public Works portfolio. Golaolwe and Mochware did an excellent job of leading two departments each while the process of filling these vacancies was underway.

“We wish our three fellow comrades well in their new deployments and trust
that they will assist us in changing the lives of our people for the
better and taking Bokone Bophirima forward,” Legoete said.

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By Phenyo Mokgothu

National First Division (NFD), Jomo Cosmos FC now boast a new addition to their squad – Thapelo Tlabakwe, an alumnus of the Soccer Institute on the North-West University’s (NWU) Mafikeng Campus.

The 23-year old striker hails from Rustenburg, Phokeng Village, Dithabaneng section. The two-time Varsity Football player during the 2014 and 2016 seasons kept the commentators on the edge of their seats with his excellent performances and his historic three goals in one match against Wits University in the 2016 edition .

This performance advanced the NWU Mafikeng team to the semi-finals during the 2016 Varsity Football season. Thapelo was also crowned the FNB Man of the Match for that particular game.

“Playing for a professional team is every young boy`s dream. It’s such a privilege to be joining the Jomo Cosmos family, and most importantly to be given this great platform to show the whole country and the world my God-given talent,” said Tlabakwe.

“Words fail to express my sincerity and gratitude towards the NWU Soccer Institute for giving me this opportunity and making my dreams come true. Without them this wouldn’t have been possible. I am also proud to be a Bachelor of Arts in Public Administration and Human Resources graduate and alumnus of the NWU. In essence this shows that you can excel in academics and sport simultaneously,” he adds.

Jomo Cosmos is a leading South African soccer team founded by the legendary former New York Cosmos star, Jomo Sono.

His policy for development has always been to recognise and develop raw talent, and has produced acclaimed soccer stars such as SuperSport FC`s Reneilwe Letsholonyane. Sono’s team, Jomo Cosmos FC, has developed a strong youth policy throughout the years. The Cosmos brand has gained a reputation for discovering and developing some of the finest talent to have played in the domestic league, for the South Africa national team and abroad. 

Source: http://www.nwu.ac.za 

BY KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

DR Ruth Segomotsi Mompati district mayor, Boitumelo Mahlangu will host engagement session with all women councillors, managers and officials at Banquet Hall in Vryburg on Tuesday.

The municipality spokesperson, Joel Motlhasedi said: “The event will be part of Women’s Day Celebration. The aim of the session will be to pay tribute and respect to the 1956 generation of women. They gallantly shaped the course of history and this generation has immensely contributed to the liberation struggle against the then apartheid regime of terror in Pretoria.”

Mahlangu said the event will commence at 10am. Motlhasedi said Mahlangu will further address women and subsequently give them tokens of appreciation for their indelible contribution in the society and families.

The district municipality was named after one of ANC stalwarts, Ruth Segomotsi Mompati.  Mompati was born was born in Tlapeng Village, few kilometres from Ganyesa in Kagisano-Molopo area within the district of Bophirima, now called Dr Ruth Mompati District Municipality after it (the district) being named after her.

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MAHIKENG man, Thato Molosankwe embarked on a life-changing journey to raise awareness against woman and child abuse. Molosankwe who also run Thato Molosankwe Foundation is currently walking from Cape Town to Mahikeng which is 1317.5km to raise awareness against the scourge.

“Woman and child abuse is a societal issue that need attention of each and every citizen. I decided to embark on this walk to raise awareness. The journey was not easy from the beginning because of lack of support and funding. However, I have received amazing support from people and well-wishers in various social platforms like Twitter, WhatsApp and Facebook.

“They started to heed the call and showed their support. Woman and child abuse is a societal factor that needs to be condemned. Many people are affected because of that debauched behaviour. I duped this walk #FatherSonMentorshipWalkAgainstWomenAndChildrenAbuse. The main aim is to motivate fathers to take full responsibility in raising their sons,” Molosankwe said.

He further said fathers need to educate their sons to respect women and adore them. A 39 year-old man said he engaged with men while on his journey.

Molosankwe is expected to arrive in Mahikeng on Wednesday to celebrate Woman’s Day.

“Some of those I engaged with, they said women sometimes push them to the edge. However, they agreed with me that resorting to violence is not a solution,” Molosankwe said.

Greater Taung Local Municipality representative, Crespo Menyatso said the municipality is in solidarity with Molosankwe’s meritorious act. Menyatso said the municipality also encourages men to take a stand against women and children abuse.

“We have few programmes in place to address the scourge. Women tend to keep quite simply because their abusers are soul providers. We also need to educate men about the importance of treating women and children equally. Let us have various Men’s Forums across and talk about this.

“The move will create a sense of understanding between women, men and children. The municipality also encourages victims to talk about abuse. Conversation about the incidence, prevalence and danger abuse is not a fun conversation, because that kind of talk riles the nerves and puts fear in bellies.

“However, we need to understand that knowledge is power. Talking about the abuse will assist us to win a battle. The reality is, when it comes to sexual abuse, our children are not automatically as safe as we’d like them to be. We may build around them a fortress of protection, but I want to argue that we have to build a defense within them,” he said.

Jesse Leroy LeRoux, 37 from Worcester decided to join Molosankwe. LeRoux said he was impressed by Molosankwe’s courage.

“I decided to take a walk with Molosankwe because we have many women and children being abuse in the country. So, it is imperative to take a stand and fight the scourge. I have been living in the street for three months now and I am unemployed.

“I experienced physical abuse after my father abused me. Now, I decided to run away from home because I could not take it anymore. I would like to encourage all those who experience abuse in any forms to speak out” he said.

ANC coordinator in Dr Ruth Mompati region, Pontsho Kgosieng said: “We support the initiative that Thato Molosankwe embarked on. We want to commend his bravery as the ANC and encourage other men to take a stand. The initiative will also restore hope on many women across the country.

“Working together will also ensure that we raising a proper society that will condemn the women and child abuse across all spectrums. Men need not only stop abusing women and children, but also stand up and be counted in the fight against these violent acts. We believe that real men do not abuse women and do not mistreat their children,” Kgosieng said.

Taung Youth Batallion (TYB) board member, Vela Ntuli said they use sport to disseminate a message against women and children abuse. Ntuli said Molosankwe’s initiative also encourage people to exercise and live a healthy lifestyle.

“We are working with various stakeholders to fight women and children abuse. We cannot win the fight alone. However, it will take every citizen to have abuse-free society. We have also programmes where we support those abused victims and encourage them to come forward. Our organisation also supports those who survived domestic violence and assist them to follow legal processes. We want to see all those abusers behind bars and justice taking its course,”

One of residents who attended the event, Goitseone Gill said: “I wanted to show my support as a man and say #NotInMyName. Creating awareness is imperative because the message will be delivered and eventually we will win a fight against this scourge.”- Newsnote

BY REGINALD KANYANE

The African National Congress (ANC) in Bokone Bophirima is pleased at the
party’s splendid performance at the Naledi Local Municipality’s Ward 1
by-elections in Stella on Wednesday.

The by-elections were necessitated by the passing of councillor, Fannie
Matlabe. ANC provincial secretary, Dakota Legoete said the ANC won by a very wide margin with 1111 votes to the Democratic Alliance’s 643.

“The Economic Freedom Fighters came in a distant third at only 213 votes while the Forum for Service Delivery managed only 13 votes. This victory of 56.11% of all the votes cast on the day. The voter turnout of 53.81% shows that our people still love ANC.

“We engaged in a partnership with our people and they recognise who is in the political space works for them. The people of Stella have once again put their faith in the ANC. It is evidence that the movement is the only one that understands our people’s needs,” Legoete said.

He further said they are prepared to walk with them on the road to the betterment of their lives. Legoete added that the leadership of the ANC in Bokone Bophirima sent gratitude to the people of Ward 1 in Stella, the local ANC leadership, the regional leadership and all volunteers who worked hard to ensure that the party once again comes out victorious.

Ward 1 newly-elected councillor, Grace Gamma said: “I am grateful and honoured to be the councillor in the area. The people’ support shows they still believe in the ruling party. Our people live in abject poverty and faced with challenges like unemployment, inequality and poverty.

“We have also experienced racism against our black community as the area is surrounded by farms. We need to give our people hope and ensure that service delivery reaches them out. We have won triumphantly and we will not disappoint them. ANC is a movement which operates on with open door policy.”

Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) Provincial Chairperson, Dr Tumelontle Thiba said: “The elections went well without any hassle. We have not received any complaints from political parties and ANC won with 56.11%. The voters turn-out was 53.81%.

One of the voters, Percy Dibateng said: “I voted for the ruling party because they have a track record unlike other opposition parties. The ANC policies speak direct to the people on the ground and they have our interests at heart.

“We recognise that there are few challenges that the party is faced with, however, ANC has faced various challenges in the past. So, we believe that tranquility will prevail after elective conference in December 2017.”

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​By BAKANG MOKOTO
A 13 YEAR-Old boy’s body was found floating in a quarry in Molelema Village, Taung on Saturday.

Phemelo Modirwa went missing two weeks ago. It is alleged that Modirwa visited his friend but failed to return home. 
A case of a missing person was opened at Taung Police Station after he went missing. Police investigations are underway and an inquest case has been opened. 
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BY KEDIBONE MOLAETSI 
TAUNG- A 42 YEAR-Old man was arrested in Khaukhwe village, near Taung for being in possession of suspected stolen livestock on Wednesday.

Pudimoe Police Station cluster spokesperson, Sgt Tebogo Thebe said the police opened a case of possession of suspected stolen property.
“The intelligence led arrest came after information was received via crime intelligence that a certain vehicle was expected to come and load stolen meat at Khaukwe village, near Pudimoe.
“Police had been looking for the said vehicle after information was received that, stolen livestock was usually loaded in the said vehicle,” Thebe said.
He further said the police waited for the opportunity and pounced on the said vehicle with load of animal carcasses inside.
“Police caught the vehicle with a load of stolen meat which is believed to be a cow. The vehicle was also confiscated and stored at Pudimoe SAP 13 store,” he said.

Thebe said that the suspect is expected to appear in Taung Magistrate court on Thursday. He said that investigation continues as police believe that more arrests are imminent.

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