Picture: North West Police officer, Sgt Sylvester Tokotshane who died in a car accident in Engcobo, Eastern Cape 

MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management department, Dr Mpho Motlhabane sent his heartfelt condolences to the families and friends of South African Police Services (SAPS) officials who died in a car accident on duty at Engcobo in Eastern Cape in the early hours of Tuesday.

Motlhabane said Sgt Sylvester Tokotshane (33), Const Kgathatso Tawo (34) both from Taung and Const Modisagaarekwe Kodisang (35) from Madibogo village near Mahikeng died in the fatal accident, while one police officer survived the accident. He was ferried to a local hospital for medical attention.

“We would like to express our heartfelt condolences to the families of three Provincial Tracking Team members who died due to a motor vehicle accident in the early hours of Tuesday at Engcobo, in Eastern Cape. We also wish a speedy recovery to the fourth member who was seriously injured.

“Contrary to earlier reports, the members were neither in the Eastern Cape to attend a memorial service nor as part of a team assigned to investigate the incident that occurred in Engcobo last week.  They departed from Potchefstroom to Mthatha in Eastern Cape on Monday afternoon,” he said.

Motlhabane further said the deceased were tracing a suspect on two cases of murder, rape and assault with intent to do Grievous Bodily Harm (GBH) that were reported in the province between 2008 and 2011. He added that according to information available at this stage, reports suggest that the members’ vehicle collided with a stray animal along R61 road near Xholosini village, in Engcobo.

North West Police Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant Gen Baile Motswenyane shared the same sentiments. Motswenyane said three members died instantly while the fourth one was seriously injured and transported to hospital for medical attention.

“This is an unfortunate and tragic incident in which we lost three of our committed members in the line of duty. We pray that the families and members of the South African Police Service in the province have the strength to endure in this moment of grief,” she said.

Tokotshane’s childhood friend, Bakang Mankuroane said: “Crosby, as we affectionately knew Tokotshane was a very sweet soul with a mixture of a quite persona in real life, but very naughty character on social media. Most of us met Crosby through Facebook, yet he treated all of us as his close friends in real life.

“He also treated us with love and respect and he was one of the most proactive and reliable members of the SAPS in the North West. Testimony to that lies in the fact that he lost his life while on duty after being assigned to go to Engocbo. Condolences are extended to the Tokotshane family, SAPS, Taung community and all his friends.”

Makuroane further said the community of Taung lost one of the greatest sons of the soil in Tokotshane. He added that the life of Tokotshane will always be celebrated and cherished.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

Picture: Batlhaping Baga-Phuduhucwana Tribal Authority employee, Mojadibane Monnamorwa removed from his position over alleged tribal land scam 

THE Batlhaping Baga-Phuduhucwana Tribal Authority has been forced to remove one of its employees.

The authority in Taung, North West, removed Mojadibane Monnamorwa after community members accused him of fraud and corruption relating to the allocation of empty stands.

It’s alleged that he asked desperate people for R10 000 each to get land to build homes.

Source: http://www.dailysun.co.za 

North West health boss Thabo Lekalakala is still in his job‚ despite a recommendation by the provincial legislature that he be suspended immediately for his role in a premature R30-million payment to a Gupta-linked company.

Lekalakala is so far the only man who may be taking the fall for the multi-million rand advance payment to Mediosa‚ a company supplying mobile clinics.

The money was paid in 2017 by the department even before the equipment had been inspected by its officials. The department had used a clause in the Public Finance Management Act which allowed it to grant the contract without it going to tender because the Gupta-linked company was already offering a similar service in the Free State. But Lekalakala landed in hot water last week after it emerged that the North West department made the advance payment just a few months after the Free State issued a contract to the company.

Lekalakala also admitted‚ during a joint sitting of the standing committee on public accounts and the health portfolio committee‚ that he went on a trip to India‚ paid for by Mediosa.

-For more on this story‚ visit Times Select.

Bokone Bophirima province is making great strides to ensure that all its communities have got access to electricity so that they can lead decent lives.
During the 2018 State of the Province Address (SOPA) on Friday, Premier Supra Mahumapelo said the province’s electrification had improved to 86% and stood at a backlog of only 14%.
“In the 2013/14 financial year, the electrification backlog in the province was estimated at 127 000 households. Today we are happy to report that this backlog has been reduced to only 35 000, thereby improving Bokone Bophirima’s electrification coverage to 86%. This means the backlog is1 only 14%,” he said.
The living conditions of community members in Ottoshoop near Zeerust are being improved by a project that is going to electrify 568 homes when completed. Some houses already have electricity.
Obusitswe Letsoalo, a resident of Ottoshoop, said life was difficult before the electrification project came into effect.
“In the past we would have to go into neighbouring farms to go and collect firewood, which put our lives in danger as the farmers would try to apprehend us for trespassing on their properties. The farmers own dangerous animals like lions, so going into these farms was a huge risk because we were often accused of destroying their fences.
“Another risk of life without electricity is that we had to use paraffin and candles, which resulted in many deaths related to shack fires due to negligence. Through this project, we are relieved because our children can be raised in a safe environment,” said Letsoalo.

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

The Bokone Bophirima Provincial Government has pushed back the backlog in the eradication of the bucket toilet system.
Premier Supra Mahumapelo announced this in his 2018 State of the Province Address (SOPA), held at Marikana Community Hall on Friday 23 February 2018.
The Premier said during the current financial year, a significant number of waterborne toilets and sewerage systems have been installed in the province.

“A total of 636 waterborne toilets and installation of water reticulation and sewerage system have been constructed. The following municipalities have benefited from the project: Matlosana Local Municipality (Kanana and Jourberton) and Lekwa-Teemane Local Municipality (Boitumelong Township in Bloemhof),” he said.

Mahumapelo explained that in 2014, bucket toilet eradication projects had a backlog of 403 but was reduced to 233 in the 2015/16 financial year.

“We are happy to report that currently the province has cleared the bucket eradication backlog in all formal settlements,” he said.
 Source: http://www.semphetenews.co.za

Bokone Bophirima’s economy is experiencing steady growth despite the tough global economic climate.
During his 2018 State of the Province Address (SOPA) at Marikana Community Hall, Premier Supra Mahumapelo, said he is happy with the rate at which the province’s economy is growing.
“I am pleased to report that our economy grew by 3.4% during the first quarter of 2017 followed by another 4.9% for the second quarter and another 4.3% for the third quarter. During the same period, the national economy grew by -0.6% for the 1st quarter, 2.8% for and second quarter and 2% for the third quarter,” he said.

“During the same period, the national economy grew by -0.6% for the first quarter, 2.8% for the second quarter and 2% for the third quarter. We are cautiously awaiting the fourth quarter results in a few weeks from now. I am optimistic that they will not disappoint us,” said Mahumapelo.
Mahumapelo said the steady economic growth rate was as a result of mechanisms the fifth administration had developed to combat unemployment, poverty and inequality. He said these factors have a negative effect on the provincial economic growth rate.
The Premier said the provincial government has developed strategic measures to address unemployment, inequality and poverty.

“One of the trademarks of the fifth administration is the focus on improving the lives of all those who call Bokone Bophirima their home. As a result, the fifth administration has developed various measures to combat unemployment, poverty and inequality, which had negative effect on the provincial economic growth rate. Our provincial economic growth rate is now moving in the right direction.

He added that he is optimistic because the provincial government has adopted an economic growth strategy anchored on Agriculture, Culture and Tourism (ACT), the three industries with an unlimited lifespan.

“We have placed mining as a strategic tributary sector to grow the provincial government economy. We are pleased to report that our economy grew above the national average in the last quarter. We are also excited that our choice of agriculture as the lead sector in our economic growth strategy has been vindicated.

“Agriculture made the largest contribution by a significant margin to the improved growth of our economy in the second and third quarters of 2017. This was also announced by South African president, Cyril Ramaphosa, during his State of the Nation Address (SONA) on 16th February 2018,” he said.

Mahumapelo added that as part of the Special Economic Zone (SEZ) initiative, the province intends to bolster manufacturing capacity, particularly in the platinum sector to strengthen the role of mining as a strategic economic tributary. He said the demand for platinum globally would shoot up as China has decided to explore its use in to clean its environment.

He said R110m has been secured for the establishment of the Special Economic Development Zone (SEDZ). Mahumapelo further said the project is estimated to attract investment to the value of R 4bn.

“These will potentially create 6045 jobs over a five-year period. I am happy to report that since the pronouncement last year, the Bokone Bophirima owned security company has been established and to date, seven departments and two state-owned entities are now using the services from this establishment. Going forward, this service will also take the form of cooperatives in order to accommodate more people and fight poverty, inequality and unemployment.

“The introduction of People’ Security Services will create job opportunities for the youth across all the VTSD [Villages, Townships and Small Dorpies] areas. There is an annual budget of R400 million or R1.2 billion over the Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF),” he said.

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

Bokone Bophirima province has made significant progress in empowering its young people through entrepreneurship.
Premier Supra Muhamapelo gave this positive update during his 2018 State of the Province Address (SOPA delivered at Marikana Community Hall outside Rustenburg on Friday (23 February 2018).
In his 2017 SOPA, Mahumapelo had announced that the province would introduce the Villages, Townships and Small Dorpies (VTSD) Retail Economy that would result in the establishment of warehouses across all the four districts of the province to support South African owned retail stores.
“I am pleased to announce that the first VTSD Retail Warehouse was opened in Potchefstroom and is currently supporting 100 retail stores in the form of tuckshops, hardware stores, hair salons and butcheries, mainly in the JB Marks Local Municipality and will be extended to areas of Mahikeng, and Ramotshere Moiloa,” said the Premier.
Mahumapelo said three more warehouses would be opened in the remaining three districts over the next two years. The total cost associated with this initiative is R90million over three years.
In his maiden State of the Nation Address (SONA) last week, President Cyril Ramaphosa, said it is important to empower the youth.
“Working in partnership with business, organised labour and community representatives, we are creating opportunities for young people to be exposed to the world of work through internships, apprenticeship, mentorship and entrepreneurship,” Ramaphosa said.
On Friday Mahumapelo said Bokone Bophirima province will “actively and fully participate in the Youth Employment Service (YES) initiative as pronounced by President Ramaphosa and in this regard the rollout of the Youth Enterprise Combo and the subsequent launch of the sustainable service delivery based @Worx Enterprise Combo last year allowed government to broaden access to enterprise development opportunities to over 1600 young people across the four districts of the province. These dynamic and innovative enterprise development platforms continue to facilitate the development of sustainable enterprises, business incubation, job creation and market access,” he said.

The Premier said his office would hold quarterly sessions with the youth, focusing on entrepreneurship, science, technology, innovation and sport.
He extended an open invite to private sector companies to participate in these sessions as part of the Saamwerk-Saamtrek philosophy of the province.

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

The management of the public purse has improved in Bokone Bophirima province. This was said by Premier Supra Mahumapelo in his State of the Nation Address (SOPA) delivered in Marikana outside Rustenburg on this morning (Friday 23 February 2018).

Mahumapelo said the provincial government has seen an improvement in minimizing accruals in the past three to four years.

“When the fifth administration took over office back in 2014/15 financial year, accruals amounted to R1billion. We successfully reduced this to R750m in the last financial year and we have taken a decision to further reduce this to R600m when we close our books at the end of 2017/18 financial year in March 2018.

“The fifth administration took a good step as early as 2015 and ensured that the 2009/10 to 2013/14 financial year unauthorised expenditure amount of R829million is cleared from the books through the North West Provincial Legislature process. The Legislative process is at an advanced stage to clear the amount of R285m incurred in the 2014/15 financial year,” he said.

Bokone Bophirima’s provincial government is working hard to ensure that public funds are spent wisely and Mahumapelo said there has been a drastic reduction in the amount of government funds that have been spent without being accounted for.
The Premier told thousands that had gathered at Marikana Community Hall that fruitless and wasteful expenditure stood at R10.78 billion in 2014, but that it now stands at around R2 billion. He said he is grateful to announce that the Provincial Advisory Committee (PACO) for irregular and fruitless expenditure has engaged all provincial government departments with regard to irregular expenditure.

“To date, an estimated amount of R2billion has been submitted to National Treasury for consideration and condonement. These efforts would be sustained in the 2018/19 financial year. In a collaborative approach, the province has engaged the Auditor General (AG) to reduce all incidents of disagreement during the audit process.

“The provincial departments’ average adherence to payment of suppliers within the regulated 30 days stood at 80%. In the last three months of the 2017/18 financial year, provincial departments recorded 90% with five departments achieving over 95% performance by paying suppliers within 21 days,” Mahumapelo said.

He said in 2014, the majority of departments had acting Heads of Departments (HoDs) with most departments hugely unequal in gender representation. HOD positions were then filled 100% until a resignation in the last two months.

“We are also proud to report that 50% of Heads of Departments are women. We are also pleased to report that as promised in the last SOPA, we managed to publish qualifications of all senior managers across departments. The fifth administration’s Agriculture, Culture and Tourism (ACT) pillar has also borne fruit for the province.

“We have seen a steady and sustained increase in the number of people coming into our province. For example, our international arrivals have since 2014 grown steadily by no less than 50 000 tourists coming into the province. Bed/nights have increased by over 1million and it is estimated that the industry has created some additional 20 000 jobs,” he said.

All these are linked to the various initiatives of repositioning Bokone Bophirima as a business, leisure, recreational and tourism destination of choice, the Premier said. He added that the beginning of the 2018/19 financial year marks the penultimate year for the term of office of the fifth administration.

“As we enter this important phase of our service delivery tenure, it is important that we take a moment to make an appraisal of the journey we have travelled in the implementation of the Medium Term Strategic Framework (MTSF) as adopted by government for the period 2014-2019. We would like to anchor the reflection on the work of the fifth administration to date in the context of the inspirational observation made by President Nelson Mandela,” he said.

Mahumapelo quoted the late Dr Nelson Mandela when he said: “I have walked that long road to freedom. I have tried not to falter; I have made missteps along the way. But I have discovered the secret that after climbing a great hill, one only finds that there are many more hills to climb.”

He further said there are many matters that still need to be navigated in the context of the Rebranding, Repositioning and Renewal (RRR) of Bokone Bophirima by implementing the National Development Plan (NDP) through the five concretes adopted by the province.
Source: http://www.semphetenews.co.za