A 45-YEAR-OLD man was sentenced to five years imprisonment with an option of a fine of R30 000 for fraud at the Brits Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday.
The Hawks spokesperson in North West, Capt Tlangelani Rikhotso said: “Calvin Kwinana who was employed by the South African Nuclear Energy Corporation (SANEC) as an accountant reportedly misappropriated the company’s funds to the value of R268 000 which he transferred to his personal account.
“The Hawks’ Serious Commercial Crime Investigation team resulted in the accused being arrested in 2015. He made a series of court appearances until his recent conviction and sentencing.”
(Picture Supplied): The deceased, Lourens J Maralack
By REGINALD KANYANE
Heartfelt condolence messages continue to pour in after the passing of the Mahikeng Ministers Fellowship (MMF) treasurer, Apostle Dr Laurie Maralack’s father. The MMF Chairperson, Senior Pastor Moss Tlalang conveyed condolences to the Maralack family.
“Our deepest condolence to the family that has suffered a double blow with the passing away of Pastor Lourens J Maralack on Friday morning coinciding with the send-off of Apostle Maralack’s mother-in-law and mother to MMF Deputy Secretary, Prophetess Dr. Julia Scholtz-Maralack.
“An 87-year-old Emeritus Pastor Maralack was a General of Faith, a peacemaker, and bridge-builder whose life was dedicated to the Great Commission and the advancement of the Kingdom of God as well as bringing many to the knowledge of Christ as a soul winner throughout his over 50 years of ministry,” Tlalang said.
He said their thoughts and prayers are with the bereaved family, Christian Revival Church (CRC) Mahikeng Branch led by Apostle Dr Laurie Maralack and Prophetess Dr Julia Scholtz-Maralack, the Grabouw faith community, the Apostolic Faith Mission (AFM) Paarl Branch that he had served as well as the AFM Mbokweni that he was a now a member.
Tlalang added that Maralack leaves behind a proud legacy of servant leadership, having modeled true love and Christian parenting together with his wife, Rhoda of 63 years affectionately called Ma-Maralack. He further said the deceased who has gone home to be with the LORD is survived by six children, twenty grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.
Meanwhile, Maralack will be buried on Thursday in Paarl.
Picture: Taung entrepreneur, Moikanyi Kadise aims high
By BAKANG MOKOTO
Taung-born entrepreneur, Moikanyi Kadise said he is ready to compete on the bigger stage and become one of doyens ever produced. Kadise who is an educator, businessman, local promoter, MC, and a philanthropist is behind the Public Figure brand.
“It is not the number of followers that determines one’s popularity, but the influence one has on people. Anyone can become a public figure on social media, but on my side, it started when I used to help in promoting local brands since I am a person of great public interest and fame.
“Then it dawned on me to come up with my own personal brand called Public Figure. I was inspired by the radio and TV personality, Bonang Matheba. She will always be my old-time favourite and inspiration because she took one successful audition and created a lucrative career for herself in the media industry as well as in business,” he said.
Since the turn of the century, the world has been graced with the presence of a variety of entrepreneurs and visionaries that have been able to deliver lasting changes in a wide range of different fields, and a 32-year-old man who is known for his flamboyant self and a larger-than-life personality, says he is ready to be part of the winning team.
“The Public Figure brand is the next big thing that is going to happen in the apparel industry and I would love to expand my horizon and grow it to greater heights. Public Figure merchandisers such as bucket heads, T-shirts, and sweaters are mostly streetwise or kasi lifestyle apparels that aim to target any individual who loves to rock a comfortable day-to-day look.
“We also have cups and even though my brand is only three months old, the support that I’m getting from my clients is amazing. Entrepreneurs play an important and influential role in the economic growth and standard of living in the country. So, as a start-up founder of the Public Figure brand, I am working hard to build up the business and eventually create job opportunities,” said Kadise.
Picture: Bucket heads depicting Public Figure brands
He encouraged those who want to follow in his footsteps to work harder and back themselves up with education. He said, “A journey of thousand miles begins with a single step.”
“If you’ve got dreams and you want to make them a reality, take that first step today. Any entrepreneur worth their salt has dreamed of becoming a public figure. The majority of entrepreneurs do not wish to toil behind the curtains forever.
“My upbringing was not that easy as I lost my mother when I was only 7. However, I moved in with my aunt who rose and shaped me into the person I am today,” said Kadise.
Kadise is also a member of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex, and Asexual (LGBTQIA) community. He said fortunately, they now live in an era where a lot of people are more knowledgeable and open-minded about a whole lot of things.
Kadise said his love for children was the main reason he became a teacher. He said he wanted to have a positive, inspiring impact on my learners’ lives.
Picture: Moikanyi Kadise wearing Public Figure merchandisers
“I’ve never really encountered any form of discrimination or prejudice from my co-workers or the community I live in. It is important to also have qualifications and take your education very seriously. I have obtained a B.Com in Economics with the North West University and Postgraduate Certificate in Education through the University of South Africa (UNISA),” he said.
Kadise said: “As entrepreneurs, we are facing criticism, self-doubt, and also finding customers could be challenging. Even if one has the best quality product or service available in the market, the chances of failure are high if you do not find loyal customers.
“So, I utilize all my social media platforms in promoting and marketing my business and also to find people who will really be interested in buying my product or service.”
People can access Kadise on Facebook Page: Moikanyi Kadise or Instagram: @monty_sa and place their orders. Alternatively, they can call him at 060 724 6554.
Picture: Greater Taung Local Municipality mayor, Kgosi Nnyoko Motlhabane
By OBAKENG MAJE
The Greater Taung Local Municipality has responded to the demands of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) in Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati region. This comes after the EFF embarked on a peaceful march to the municipality three months ago demanding improved service delivery among other things.
EFF regional secretary, Justice Dabampe said then they marched against collapsed service delivery. Dabampe said they have submitted the memorandum of demand to the municipality demanding that all vacant posts be filled with immediate effect.
“We also demand that preference be given to local people who qualify. As EFF, we also demand that all security guards are sourced-in by the end of October 2020 and all security guards whose contracts are said to be terminated be hired without failure by the end of October 2020.
“All security guards must be paid a minimum of R7 500 effective from 1 November 2020. We further demand that Tsholofelo Moepeng who is employed by the municipality and who is also the Chairperson of the Board of Directors at Vaaltar FM be investigated for non-disclosure of getting 20% commission,” he said.
Dabampe added that they demand that all sports facilities be handed over to the communities by the end of October 2020 too. He said all informal settlements in Taung must be formalised without failure by the end of October 2020.
“As EFF, we demand that all high mast lights in Taung be switched on and maintained by the end of October 2020. We call on the municipality that all internal roads be paved and named by the end of October 2020.
“Every household in Taung must have piped water by the end of October 2020 and all municipal vehicles should be used only for official municipal work. All villages must have high mast lights by the end of November 2020 and all community parks must be secured.
“There must be a satellite offices in all clusters in Taung by the end of November 2020 and all houses be electrified by the end of November 2020. The municipality must ensure that all unoccupied built houses must have beneficiaries with immediate effect and all patrollers are sourced-in by the end of November 2020,” he said.
Dabampe said they also demand that all municipal economic Hubs built to be handed over to their respective communities by the end of October 2020. He added that the Dryharts Community Hall also be demolished because it is not safe for public use.
Now, the municipal mayor, Charles Motlhabane has responded. Motlhabane said vacant positions are filled as and when required, based on whether posts are budgeted for and on any review of the organogram or strategy.
“There is a disclaimer on GTLM adverts that local, disabled, women, and HDI’s will be prioritized. However, positions to be filled are based on qualification required and also ensuring that the Recruitment policy is followed.
“The municipality has contracted a security company and has no influence on the sourcing of security guards. However, has a clear SLA in place that ensures that all facilities are secured,” he said.
Motlhabane added that the municipality’s contracted a security company and has no influence on the sourcing or termination of security guards. He said it is entirely the prerogative of the security company and its own policies.
“The aggrieved should consult the Labour Department. The municipality’s contracted a security company in line with the legislation e.g: the PSIRA which guides with regard to remunerations.
“We would lie to refer the issue regarding Mr Tsholofelo Moepeng be investigated for non-disclosure of getting 20% commission at Vaaltar FM to the station,” said Motlhabane.
He further said the council has resolved to demolish and re-build the Dryharts Community Hall in 2020/2021financial year. Motlhabane said they envisage that to happen in the third quarter of the year.
(Picture Supplied): The deceased, Olebogeng Mokwa (36)
By REGINALD KANYANE
North West police have urged community members to be on a high alert as the province experiences continuous torrential rains. This comes after a lifeless body of Olebogeng Mokwa was found in a furrow at Lokaleng village near Taung on Wednesday.
Pudimoe cluster police spokesperson, Warrant Officer, Tebogo Thebe said: “The person has been declared missing around December 2020. Yes, it is true that he was found dead and Taung police are investigating an inquest case.
“The deceased was identified by the family, but the post-mortem results are expected to aid the investigations to determine the identification and the cause of his death,” Thebe said.
According to information, Mokwa (36) who was residing at Manokwane village, in Taung, allegedly left his home in the early hours of the morning wearing only boxer shorts.
Thebe also urged individuals to be vigilant after the increase in levels of dams, streams, lakes, and rivers. He further said people should practice patience and be careful when crossing bridges.
“We urge parents to also be monitoring their kids as some of them will use this opportunity to go swimming. They must continue to observe Level 3 lockdown regulations by keeping their children indoors.
Picture: North West MEC for COGHSTA, Mmoloki Cwaile
“Together, we can avoid unnecessary deaths which unfortunately occur yearly around this time. Do not cross rivers and swollen streams and if your car gets stuck in a flood, get out and climb to higher ground. Also, move valuables to safe buildings which are above flood level,” he said.
Meanwhile, the North West MEC for Cooperative, Governance and Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs COGHSTA, Mmoloki Cwaile visited various areas to assess the extent of the damage caused by recent heavy rains.
Cwaile visited the municipalities that were worst affected, with most of the roads closed due to flooding. He said the province continues to experience heavy rains which have caused flooding in most parts of the province especially in areas such as Matlosana, Lekwa-Teemane, Mahikeng, Tswaing, Greater Taung, KagisanoMolopo and Ratlou.
“Officials from the Disaster Management units in the affected municipalities have been on the ground, since the start of the rainy season to conduct impact assessments to determine the extent of the damages in these areas as well as to coordinate intervention from various stakeholders such as South African Red Cross Society, SASSA, and other government departments.
“The worst affected areas are in Greater Taung Local Municipality. A total of 13 houses were flooded in Mokgareng village, three mud houses collapsed, one in Tlapeng village and two in Lower Majeakgoro. Most internal roads were inaccessible and flooding in Majeakgoro is mainly as a result of the blocked culvert and lack of maintenance thereof,” he said.
Cwaile added that there is no water drainage system to channel water away from the residential area. He said the Disaster Management team from the municipality is working around the clock to provide disaster relief material and temporary emergency shelters to the affected families, including in Sekhing and Losasane.
“In Tlakgameng and Khudunkgwane in the Kagisano Molopo, seven houses were destroyed by the floods and efforts are underway to assist the affected families with temporary structures and food parcels. In Bloemhof, 47 houses were also affected by floods mainly as a result of a poor water drainage system which gave rise to the water level.
“Ten houses in Letsopa and the road infrastructure were damaged and the affected families provided with food parcels, salvage sheets by Ngaka Modiri Molema District Municipality, Tswaing Local Municipality, SASSA and the Department of Social Development, respectively,” said Cwaile.
He said ten houses collapsed in Thutloane in Ratlou Local Municipality and one fatality reported. Cwaile said the municipality will provide the affected families with temporary structures.
“In Matlosana, 254 hostel units in Khuma Location near Stilfontein were flooded and SASSA provided the affected families with food parcels, blankets, and vanity packs. A total of 15 houses were affected in Mahikeng and the families will be provided with social relief of distress and temporary structures where necessary.
“As more rains are expected throughout the province, we call on communities especially in low lying areas to take extra care and to seek refuge in much safer places during this season,” he said.
Picture (Facebook): Greater Taung Local Municipality PR councillor, Moreotsile Olifant
By STAFF REPORTER
The Greater Taung Local Municipality (GTLM) official, Moreotsile Olifant who serves as a Proportional Representation councillor (PR), is ‘facing’ allegations of fraud and corruption. This comes after some of the community members from Matsheng, Tlapeng and Manthe villages accused him of nepotism.
It is alleged that Olifant illegally appointed some individuals for Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) jobs. The North West Public Works and Roads (NWPWR) needed 800 people for de-bushing and cutting of trees for three months.
A member of the ward committee in Matsheng village, John Sebico told Vaaltar FM that, he received numerous complaints from the members of the community regarding the matter.
“We can confirm that we have received numerous complaints from our community members who wanted to know the criteria used to hire people for these posts. However, as the members of ward committee, we were not aware of any appointments done by Mr Olifant until the matter was brought to our attention.
“What Mr Olifant did was wrong because he sows some divisions amongst our community. The country is faced with a high rate of unemployment and any job opportunity that arise needs to be given to the community equally. It is wrong to appoint people in dark corners without following proper procedures,” Sebico said.
Another community member in Tlapeng village, Abel Serasengwe shared the same sentiments. Serasengwe said there were individuals who were appointed from his area for those posts too.
“We are also aware that, there were people who were appointed in Tlapeng. Those people were called by a certain councillor to go to Manthe and sign contracts. We would like to condemn this behaviour and urge the GTLM to take critical steps against the councillor,” he said.
A resident from Manthestad, Kamogelo Chakane said: “I received a call from one of the community members asking me if I am aware that there are people who have been appointed for EPWP posts. However, I was not aware and I called the Baga-Maidi Tribal Authority office to check if they are aware of the matter.
“Unfortunately, the acting chief, Mr Mahumapelo was not aware too. I informed him that it is alleged that officials from the North West Public Works and Roads are making people sign contracts next to the Manthe Primary School. Indeed, Mr Mahumapelo rushed to the scene and found one of the officials from the department, Kabelo Chabaesele and tried to stop him, but he refused and drove away.”
Chakane called on the municipality to take steps against that certain councillor who orchestrated all this because this was not the correct procedure to appoint people. He said normally, if there is any job opportunity, the relevant authorities should go to the tribal authority offices and urge leaders to convene a meeting, then appointments can take place.”
Meanwhile, the GTLM speaker, Ebusang Tladi told Taung DailyNews that he had received two letters of complaints regarding the matter. Tladi said he will then table the matter before the municipal council to make a decision.
“As the municipality, we will make sure that we get to the bottom of this. I also received few calls from our community members alleging that there is a certain PR councillor at Taung Mall who is hiring people for EPWP jobs.
“However, I requested one person to send me prove regarding this, unfortunately, he said the councillor saw him while he was trying to take pictures of them, then they despaired. So, the council will make a decision whether to assemble an investigation team in the matter or not,” he said.
The North West Public Works and Roads District Director, Ntlogelang Tumelo told Vaaltar FM that they have already started with investigations regarding the allegations. Tumelo said he received the information from the GTLM speaker, Ebusang Tladi and the mayor, Nnyoko Motlhabane.
“The investigations are underway, but we have not found anything tangible thus far. We can confirm that it is the sole responsibility of the department to appoint people as far as EPWP job opportunities are concerned.
“In Taung, Mr Chabaesele is the one who is responsible for appointing people. Previously, as the department, we will go to the municipality and the tribal authorities if we wanted to appoint people. However, we experienced the delays regarding the names of the people who were supposed to be appointed, hence we created a database,” he said.
Tumelo further said they also informed the municipality and tribal authorities about that database. He said they requested them to submit all names of young people who are between the age of 18 and 35 and looking for job opportunities in the EPWP.
“In December 2020, we needed 800 people in the region. Those who need job opportunities in the EPWP can still come forward and be included in our database. As the department, our appointment processes take place at our offices, not in the streets,” said Tumelo.
He said the EPWP is one of the many programmes offered by the National Department of Public Works and aims to provide poverty and income relief through temporary work for the unemployed to carry out socially useful activities at the EPWP.
Olifant denied these allegations and said he would not comment further on the matter.
North West Community Safety and Transport Management MEC, Sello Lehari said they will continue to ensure that people adhere to the COVID-19 regulations. Few people were fined for not wearing masks in Taung during a planned joint multipurpose law enforcement operation on Friday.
“We visited Taung taxi rank to do COVID-19 compliance enforcement and we also implemented a roadside station to check compliance as well as non-documented persons. The taxi rank visitation seeks to ensure compliance with COVID regulations as the country experience strain variant.
“Several public transport users were fined for not wearing masks in a multi-purpose joint law enforcement operation. Also taxi operators without operating permits and those with expired licenses found themselves at the receiving end of the unsmiling, but friendly law enforcement officers,” he said.
Lehari further said the operation focused on Road Traffic Management Act compliance, taxi operators and permit compliance as well as COVID-19 regulations.
The Director for Permit and Operator Licenses, Dr Ntlhopeng Dikobe said: “Ultimately, our aim is to ensure that there is absolute adherence. The department thereafter led interactive engagements with shoppers and commuters at the local taxi rank to encourage compliance with COVID-19 regulations.
“We encouraged for COVID-19 compliance. Impressively, over 90% of the taxis stopped, complied with their operating guidelines, and were also in their routes.”
Meanwhile, the North West Police Provincial Commander, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena urged members of the community to comply with the Disaster Management Act Regulations as part of minimising the spread of the Coronavirus. Kwena said 1458 suspects were arrested in all districts through the Safer Festive Season/Operation “Tlotla Molao” since 28 December 2020 to date for various contraventions relating to the Adjusted Level 3 Lockdown regulations.
“The police have arrested 625 suspects for failure to confine to residences, while 661 suspects were being in a public place without wearing masks. Moreover, 115 suspects were also arrested for the sale, dispensing, and distribution of liquor.
“Police also arrested 52 suspects for failure to close cinemas, restaurants, and faith-based institutions on regulated time. Two suspects were arrested for carrying of more than 70% of the licensed capacity for long-distance travel by a bus or taxi service, while three people were arrested for exceeding the maximum number of customers and employees by a business,” Kwena said.
He also applauded the law enforcement officials for their hard work in ensuring compliance with the regulations. Kwena urged members of the community to be disciplined and on their own, comply with the regulations as part of minimising infections as the law enforcement will continue to intensely tighten the grip on those who disrespect the rule of law.
The total number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in the North West province is 46451 with 35741 recoveries which translates into a 76.9% recovery rate and 703 deaths. The province now has 10007 active cases, of which 596 cases were identified in the last 24 hours.
Picture: Endangered species plants confiscated by the Northern Cape police
By OBAKENG MAJE
Ten suspects were arrested by the Northern Cape police from Springbok Stock Theft and Endangered Species Unit on Sunday. Northern Cape police spokesperson, Brig Mohale Ramatseba said the suspects were arrested in connection with a contravention of the Nature Conservation Act.
“The suspects aged between 24 and 37 years, were found to be in possession of protected plants in Upington. The police confiscated 4230 conophytum calculus plants, 3040 conophytum pageae plants, 480 conophytum globosum plants, 755 Conophytum roodeae plants and 280 conophytum uniforme plants.
“The plants are estimated at R400 000 value and two vehicles, a Chevrolet bakkie and Toyota Corolla that were used during the commission of the crime were also confiscated by the police. The suspects are expected to appear at the Upington Magistrates Court today,” he said.
The Namakwa Stock Theft and Endangered Species Unit commander, Captain Karel du Toit commended members of Upington Public Order Police, Kimberley Crime Intelligence and Upington Technical Support Unit for their assistance during the operation.
The newly-promoted football side, Mega Stars FC is a ‘beacon of hope’ for the community of Taung. Mega Stars FC coach, Keaobaka Makoloi could not hide his excitement after his side was promoted to the ABC Motsepe League recently.
“As Taung Mega Stars FC, we feel great and thankful to God for this achievement. Our players are in a jovial mood and excited at the same time. Plying our trade in the 2nd division will be a great opportunity for our players to take their football careers forward.
“We all take great pride in seeing young people from our community achieving success in sport. It is our wish to see our players progressing from amateur football to the semi-professional phase. We believe that they will draw inspiration from other teams that have made it through in the past and became one of the best teams in the elite league,” Makoloi said.
He further said even though they came across some challenges, he is thankful for all the unwavering support they received from their fans, the people of Taung and North West at large.
“For the club to stay abreast, we have been trying to invite business people and our municipality to assist where possible with the financial muscle. Our main concern will be transportation, as we will be traveling across the province to honour our games.
“So far, we are yet to conclude the matter with our local and district municipalities, but the response is promising. We hope to get something concrete soon. We contribute from our own pockets thus far to ensure that the team is operational,” he said.
Makoloi calls on business people to invest in the team and assist them to fight their financial woes. He said the club has potential and they have disciplined, dedicated, and determined players and staff.
“Taung Mega Stars FC was established in March 2011 and its achievement says a lot. Together, we managed to face-off those challenges and we are finally promoted. The current crop of coaches and management started working together in 2017.
“We went to the provincial playoffs in 2017 season, unfortunately, we lost through penalties. We did not lose hope and we regrouped to try once more. In 2018, we only managed to finish in position two. However, we are now happy that in our third season, we finally made it despite our financial difficulties,” said Makoloi.
He also applauded the Greater Taung Local Municipality mayor, Kgosi Nnyoko Motlhabane who assisted them with transportation during their regional and provincial play-offs.
Makoloi warned his players to remain level-headed and to remember that, this is only the beginning. He said they have made sure that the players and the staff respectively understand the mammoth task ahead of them.
“We always encourage our players including our staff to understand our ultimate goal, which is to reach the professional status as a club. We still have to work harder and there is no time to let our guts down.
“As a team, we have a vision and we need to continue where we left off. We need to show hunger and determination if we want to ensure our dream becomes true,” he said.
Meanwhile, the GTLM mayor, Kgosi Nnyoko Motlhabane shared the same sentiments. Motlhabane said that Mega Stars FC has potential and its achievement is a positive start in the right direction.
“We have taken a decision as the municipality to support them because they have shown pedigree and hunger. You will remember that sport is one of the components that are used to address socio-economic challenges and to keep our youth out of the streets.
“What Mega Stars FC has done will also encourage other young people to take part in sport and stay away from the abuse of drugs and alcohol. This will help in identifying the local talents because there is an abundance of them here. There is a proven record that there is a remarkable success in sport and can change many lives especially those who are from poverty-stricken backgrounds,” he said.
Currently, the ABC Motsepe League features 144 teams in total but divided into nine divisions. Borderly, they are decided by the nine geo-political provinces of South Africa.
This means, that each provincial division contains 16 teams as standard. The winner of each provincial division qualifies for the annual promotional play-offs, where the winners of two streams, will get promoted to the National First Division.
Four suspects between the age of 32 and 44 are expected to appear at the Koster Magistrates’ Court on Monday. This comes after they were nabbed for burglary at Phatsima village near Sun City, Kroondal, Sunrise Park, and Johannesburg respectively on Thursday.
North West police spokesperson, Brig Sabata Mokgwabone said: “These suspects were apprehended through crime intelligence-driven operation. They allegedly committed the crime between 28 December 2020 and 29 December 2020 at one of the farms in the vicinity of Koster.
“Subsequent to the investigation conducted after the apprehension of the suspects, a middle-aged man was arrested on 9 January 2021 in Gauteng Province for unlawful possession of firearms after seven rifles were found at two different locations in Soweto,” Mokgwabone said.
According to reports, the farmer was away on holidays when the suspects allegedly broke the window and gained entry into the house, which they allegedly ransacked. He further said the suspects then managed to open the safe and took several firearms.
“After becoming aware of the incident, the farm caretaker together with the farmer’s brother reported the matter to the police for investigation. The North West Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena commended the team for their tireless efforts that resulted in the arrest and recovery of the stolen firearms,” said Mokgwabone.
The Guardian 