Facebook: (Kagisano-Molopo Local Municipality mayor, Bitsa Lenkopane)

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

South African Communist Party (SACP) in Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati district calls for the removal of embattled Kagisano-Molopo local municipality mayor, Bitsa Lenkopane. The attempt to recall Lenkopane comes after she was found guilty of assault by Ganyesa Magistrate’s Court on Monday.

Lenkopane assaulted Economic Freedom Fighter (EFF) ward councillor, Boipelo Bareng on the 14 November 2017. Bareng said Lenkopane found her in the Municipal Manager’s office and chased her out alleging that she has a meeting with the Municipal Manager.

Lenkopane was fined R5000 or six months imprisonment and the sentence was suspended for three years in condition that she will not be found guilty of the same offence.

“Lenkopane barged into the Municipal Manager and found us in the middle of the meeting. She instructed me to go out as she has a meeting with the Municipal Manager. However, I politely requested her to wait for few minutes as I was also in the middle of the meeting. Lenkopane became raucous and hauled insults towards me.

“I was shocked when she manhandled and assaulted me. I suffered few bruises on my neck and elbow as she stifled me. I am grateful after she was found guilty and this will be a stern warning to all those who occupy leadership positions. No one is above the law and I believe that the judgment has restored public’s confidence in the judiciary system,” she said.

SACP regional secretary, Maria Seimelo said: “We want the ANC to depose Lenkopane from her position as a mayor. She is not a good leader and we have raised this in previous occasions, however, the ruling party ignored our call. There are also allegations of maladministration at the municipality and we urge the ruling party to remove her before is too late.

“We cannot have a leader who take the law into her own hands. She must an exemplary and abide by the law. Lenkopane’s time to go has arrived and we need another leader who has the interest of our people at heart. We cannot continue to deploy incompetent leaders who will serve only their interests at the expenses of the communities.”

North West Premier, Supra Mahumapelo said he is still waiting for a formal report from MEC for Local Government and Human Settlements department, Fenny Gaolaolwe before he could comment on the matter.

Taung DailyNews understand that Lenkopane was summoned to appear before ANC Provincial Executive Committee (PEC) on Monday to explain what transpired. She will also appeal the judgment in quest to overturn it.

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By BAKANG MOKOTO

The community of Taung welcomed the Wednesday School Sport launch at Sebitloane Special School in Taung on Wednesday. North West MEC of Education and Sport Development department, Sello Lehari said the initiative will assist the department to go ‘Back2Basics’ and ensure that sport is active at schools.

Lehari further said children as young as six will be part of the implementation. He added that the aim is to prepare children from the tender age to ensure that they become complete players.

“Not all of us can excel academically and some people can use their natural talents to survive. It is our responsibility to ensure that those who want to embark on various sporting codes are given necessary support. Most of professionals started at school to nurture their talents. Our department will invite various coaches to come and scout talents during our school games.

“Former Bafana Bafana captain and Kaizer Chief defender, Lucas Radebe will be heading this programme. He will be working along with Motsweding FM news anchor, Boitumelo Korogo in this programme. We have also acquired services of twelve former soccer players who will assist in talent identification at schools,” he said.

Lehari added that those who will be assisting the department to identify talent will get stipends from the department. He said all these games will go according to stages.

“Our games will commence in villages, wards, municipalities and districts. When we reach the district stage, we will now invite those experts who specialise in soccer to assist us to identify talents. We will now form the North West Provincial School squad and invite other provinces to play against,” Lehari said.

One of the community members, Pako Khonkhobe said: “I have personally taken part in several structures of sport in the Dr Ruth Mompati District. So, I welcome the initiative by the North West Provincial government. The department needs to be applauded in attempt to bring back Sport Wednesday at schools. However, I still believe that there is a serious need in terms of infrastructure.

“There is a mindset that the district has monumentally under-performed in athletics to in terms of building the provincial team that is going to Paarl in Western Cape to represent the province sometimes this month. Out of all those learners who participated, the district managed to produce only two who formed the provincial team.”

One of teachers, Samuel Sekgota from Hikane Primary School in Morokweng village, near Ganyesa shared the same sentiments. Sekgota said they welcome the Wednesday League.

“The initiative will enable our learners to be more proactive in sport, particularly in soccer. We only have soccer in Morokweng because it is deep rural area. However, we would like to see our children being exposed to other sporting codes,” he said.

Former Bafana Bafana and Sundowns PSL player, Lovers Mohlala said: “This will ensure that our children are focused and stop indulging in alcohol, drugs and other socio-economic challenges. I am grateful that our services will be used to ensure that we empower our youngsters. We need to guide them as they are emerging talents that need to be nurtured. North West has the potential and it is where legends are born.”

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