Monthly Archives: March 2021

No major changes on Motsweding FM’s new line-up

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By OBAKENG MAJE

No major changes on the new line-up at SABC’s North West-based radio station, Motsweding FM. The Setswana medium radio station just boosts only over 2 million listenership, which is a decline.

Motsweding FM management was previously under fire after being accused of hiring presenters who struggle to perfectly speak and read Setswana language such as actress, Refilwe Modiselle and Motsoaledi Setumo.

However, SABC acting spokesperson, Mmoni Seapolelo said the station continues to re-evaluate its brand and put itself in a better spot to be more relevant to the station’s audience and clients.

“Underscoring the need to stay relevant, competitive and to reflect the multifaceted interests of all generations, Motsweding FM will not be making drastic changes to its weekday and weekend line-up from 01 April 2021, but make an addition to the drive time team. The current line –up necessitates stronger emphasis on cultural values, identity, preserving and development of Setswana heritage.

“Amon Mokoena and Tumi Morake will continue to host the much entertaining PBS breakfast show of the year, ‘DiRage’ that boast over 1 million listeners from Mon-Fri. They will be joined by Mosela Mokgosi as the Sports bulletins presenter on the show between 07:00 – 10:00.

She further said the vibrant, energetic, and PBS Presenter of the year Lucas ‘LTK’ Komanisi will be joined by the versatile Nelly Moruri to rock your airwaves between 15:00 to 18:00 ‘Gotetsa’ Monday-Friday. Seapolelo added that the religious programme for Thursday Nights between 20:00 to 00:00 will be presented by Modisane Modise, with ‘Pastor Motsamai’ to do the sermons on the show.

“DJ Big Boy will host the ‘Rap Saga’ on Fridays at 20:00 to 22:00 and ‘Phenyo Phushudi will be flying solo on the “Ke Moteng” show from 22:00-00:00 and on Saturdays between 21:00-00:00. The Saturday breakfast show will be hosted by “Sammy Fever & JD Sol” between 06:00-09:00. Followed by Tlotlo Mooketsi who is popularly known as ‘Vrrrrphhaaa’ will now host the station music chart ‘Diabalola’ from 09:00-12:00.

“The deep house specialized music show ‘Re Mmino’ will see ‘Vrrrrphhaaa’  joining ‘DJ Big Boy’  between 18:00-21:00 to continue delivering quality deep house music to the listeners. Saturday and Sunday mornings will be ushered in by the new “Konka Club Mix” 2 x1 hour set by resident and guest DJs. The young and energetic Ikanyeng Masenamela will host the 02:00-04:00 “Di A Boa” music show,” said Seapolelo.

Taung-born presenter, Tebogo “TJH” Hotane will rock the station’s airwaves with Mekonko from 04:00 – 06:00, while Tomaeza will host the Sunday morning ‘Di A Boa’ between 02:00-04:00 and all other shows will remain unchanged.

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‘So long Ms Elizabeth Thabethe, so long’

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Picture: The late Deputy Minister of Tourism, Elizabeth Thabethe

By LESIBA KGWELE

I have had the honour to serve alongside the former Deputy Minister of Tourism and Presidential Envoy on Tourism, Ms Elizabeth Thabethe as my former colleague in the National Assembly, ANC Whippery (1999-2004) and also served her as Parliamentary/Media Liaison Officer towards the end of her term.

This remarkable servant of our people was a true patriot, revolutionary cadre, peacemaker who mobilised women for reconciliation during the ANC/Inkatha violent conflict in the East Rand, a unifier as well as agent of economic transformation and a champion of women & youth enterprises.

The former trade unionist, gender activist and protégé of the late ANC Stalwart Mama Bertha Gxowa, was a woman of character, consequence as well as strength and action wherever an injustice was being perpetuated.  

South Africa and the African Continent that has benefitted from rendezvous and crisscrossing of the continent during her stints as Deputy Ministers for the Departments of Trade and Industry, Small Business and Tourism hence we are today celebrating her tireless efforts for having laid a solid foundation for the African  Free Trade Agreement.

We will undoubtedly be poorer as a country without her good stewardship to carry out her new mission of being the Presidential Envoy on Investments.

She was a silent giant that moved economic barriers that hindered opportunities for the historically marginalised and a great asset for the country’s economic recovery plan that is supposed to take us to a higher development trajectory and create the much needed job opportunities.

No task was too small for her or too big for this courageous gender activist that was not intimidated by affluence, masculinity nor patriarch. Economic development was for her an equalizer to bridge the urban rural divide and bring the historically marginalised into the mainstream of the economy.

The success of the Executive Development Programme for Women in Tourism, Hidden Gems and Youth Chefs Training Programme are footprints of the empowerment initiatives that she passionately drove to unlock opportunities and bringing the historically disadvantaged into the mainstream of economy. 

Seeing other succeed through her tireless effort and contribution gave this upright leader with a conscience who proclaimed values greatest pleasure and satisfaction.

Sleep was for her a luxury when there was work to be done. She lived for the people of South Africa and the ANC and did not spare any energy to serve them diligently.

Those who have worked with her will forever treasure the values she espoused because she leaves behind a rich legacy as a nation builder and community development worker of note.  

This phenomenal woman and remarkable servant of our people will be remembered for her principled selfless leadership, compassion, humility, dedication and passion to serve including her genuine love for people.

#HambaKahleMbokodo

#HambaKahleMsebenzi

Note: (The views expressed are those of the author and do not reflect the official policy or position of Taung DailyNews)

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Ramaphosa: ‘No sale of alcohol for off-site consumption during Easter Holidays’

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Picture: South African president, Cyril Ramaphosa

By OBAKENG MAJE

South Africans are happy after the country did not get tighter lockdown restrictions for the Easter holidays. Instead, President Cyril Ramaphosa has relaxed some of the regulations across where he addressed the nation in a ‘family meeting’ last night.

Ramaphosa said over the last few days, they have sought the advice of experts and consulted with representatives of provincial and local government and traditional leaders on what measures should be put in place over the coming long weekend to prevent a new outbreak of infections.

“We have considered several factors, including presentations by the religious community on precautionary measures they have put in place for the anticipated gatherings. Given the relatively low transmission levels, we have decided to keep the country on coronavirus Alert Level 1.

“However, due to the specific circumstances of this period, we need to make a few adjustments. Some of the measures that will remain unchanged are the curfew is maintained from midnight to 4am, public recreational spaces such as beaches, parks and dams will remain open,” he said.

Ramaphosa further said, however, this will continue to be subject to strict health protocols, such as social distancing, mask-wearing. Even though he increased the number of attendees in religious gathering to 250 for indoors and 500 outdoors, Ramaphosa said funerals remain restricted to a maximum of 100 people and with a two-hour limit on services.

“Where the venue is too small to accommodate these numbers with appropriate social distancing, then no more than 50 percent of the capacity of the venue may be used. Congregants should not gather outside their usual places of worship, and people must go home and not sleepover after services.

“Interprovincial travel will still be permitted, however, I urge all South Africans to limit their travel as much as possible and to observe all the necessary health protocols if they cannot avoid travelling,” said Ramaphosa.

On the other side, Ramaphosa might have left some revellers irritated after he announced that the sale of alcohol for off-site consumption will be prohibited this coming Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and Monday. He added that on-site sales at restaurants, shebeens, and bars will be allowed, according to licensing conditions, up until 11pm.

“Given the role of alcohol in fuelling reckless behaviour, we will put in place some restrictions over the Easter weekend. The Easter weekend is a time of spiritual significance, and attending religious services is important to millions of people. In recent weeks, we have held consultations with faith communities to find mutually beneficial solutions to the challenges of managing large crowds at religious services.

“I want to express my gratitude to the leadership of the faith community who have engaged positively with us as a government. There is a common appreciation that we must do all we can to support our people to exercise their religious freedom and keep our country safe. With respect to other gatherings, these will also be restricted to a maximum number of 250 people indoors and 500 outdoors,” he said.

Ramphosa said they continue to urge all South Africans to avoid gatherings if they are in a vulnerable group, such as the elderly and those with co-morbidities. He said they also urge that gatherings should take place in outdoor venues, which are significantly safer than gathering indoors.

“In just a few days, the country will begin the annual Easter break. For many, this will be a welcome moment to pause and rest, whether from work or from our studies, and from the pressures of the last months.

“Many of us have made plans for the upcoming long weekend. Some of us will be heading out of town, others will be visiting friends and family. Many of us will be attending gatherings and celebrations and for millions of people, this is also a time of religious observance,” he said.

Ramaphosa further said while the rate of transmission remains stable, they cannot let our guard down. He added that this is a time when caution is needed more than ever.

“The reality is that greater movement of people, interprovincial travel, greater use of public transit and gatherings present a great risk of an increase in infections. We will review these measures on the size of gatherings within the next 15 days based on an assessment on the state of the pandemic and the extent of compliance with health protocols.

“We continue to follow the principle that restrictions should not be more severe than is necessary to contain the spread of the virus. We continue to be guided by data on the epidemiological situation and by expert advice and wide consultations with social partners,” he said.

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Former North West deputy police commissioner and three co-accused found not guilty

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Picture: Former North West Police Commissioner, Gen Mazondase Mpembe and three co-accused/Twitter

By OBAKENG MAJE

Former North West Police Deputy Commissioner, Gen Mazondase Mpembe and his three co-accused, Brig Jacobus van Zyl, Brig Dingaan Madoda, and Lieutenant Col Oupa Pule were found not guilty on all charges by the North West High Court in Mafikeng on Monday.

The four police officers were facing charges of defeating and obstructing the ends of justice by allegedly concealing information on circumstances surrounding the death of Modisaotsile Sagalala who died in a police canter when striking miners participated in a wage strike on 16 August 2012.

It is alleged that miners were shot at by police following a confrontation and Sagalala, who had a gunshot wound on the chest and handcuffs at the back died in a police canter following his arrest with other miners.

Mpembe and three senior police officers allegedly failed to report this matter to the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) and misrepresented facts at the Farlam Commission, which was set to establish the truths surrounding the deaths of miners during strike.

Now, National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in North West, Henry Mamothamme said: “The National Prosecuting Authority has noted the judgment of the High Court of South Africa, North West Division which acquitted the Mpembe and his three co-accused.

“The NPA will study the judgment in order to make informed decisions after the court found the four policemen not guilty of the three charges they were facing relating to the death of a miner in Marikana.”

However, Mpembe is not yet off the hook. He is facing four charges of murder for the deaths of Semi Jokansi, Thembelakhe Mari, Hendrick Monene, and Sello Lepaaku.

Mpembe is also facing five charges of attempted murder, while his co-accused are facing one count of murder.  The trial against Mpembe and his co-accused retired Col Salmon Vermaak, Constable Nkosana Mguye and Warrant Officers Katlego Sekgweleya, Masilo Mogale, and Khazamola Makhubela in expected to continue in April.

In addition, Mpembe, and Vermaak are also each facing a charge of defeating the ends of justice and another of giving false information.

Meanwhile, Simon Mpembe who is Gen Mpembe’s brother said: “In this case, we welcome the verdict and this has never been a murder case. But this was done deliberately as a strategy by the State to destroy the dignity of my brother.

“We are convinced that a State was on a full swing witch hunt against my brother. The clear part of the strategy was to defame him spiritually, torment him and subject him to an ending humiliation of the highest order. This has happened for the past three years and the State has succeeded in purporting him as a dangerous murderer in the world that massacred 34 people. “

He added that the matter has caused his brother financial constraints. Mpembe further said all witnesses failed dismally to present facts to the court, but he believes that his brother’s image and dignity were destroyed for nothing.

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Former mayor’s rape and abduction case withdrawn

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Picture: Former Lekwa-Temane mayor, Mpho Pilane

By BAKANG MOKOTO

Former Lekwa-Temane Local Municipality mayor, Mpho Pilane has breathed a ‘sigh of relief’ after his rape and abduction case was withdrawn. Pilane (36) was arrested for allegedly raping, abducting, and sexually assaulting two teenage girls from Christiana on 8 December 2020.

It is alleged that Pilane took two girls aged 15 and 16 to a guest house in Delareyville where he plied them with alcohol before sexually assaulting and raping them. It is alleged that these girls went back home the following day and informed their parents about the ordeal.  

A case of abduction and rape was subsequently opened at Christiana Police Station and transferred to the Delareyville Police Station for prosecution. Pilane handed himself over accompanied by his lawyer.

He appeared at Delareyville Magistrate’s Court and was granted a R1000.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson, Henry Mamothamme said: “The rape and abduction case against Pilane was withdrawn by the National Prosecuting Authority at the Delareyville Magistrates’ Court.

“The charges, two of rape and two of abduction in relation to two girls aged 15 and 16, were withdrawn due to insufficient evidence. The docket has since been handed back to the SAPS.”

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‘Former Greater Taung Local Municipality speaker died’

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Picture Supplied: The late former Greater Taung Local Municipality speaker, Deliwe Zethi

By REGINALD KANYANE

Heartfelt condolences continue to pour in after the passing of the Greater Taung Local Municipality speaker, Deliwe Zethi. South African National Civic Organisation (SANCO) in the North West described Zethi as a community builder and a courageous leader.

Zethi (53) who served as SANCO Regional Executive Committee member in the Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District succumbed to cancer sickness earlier last week.

SANCO provincial chairperson, Paul Sebegoe said: “Zethi was a women’s rights activist and a versatile civic movement leader. We are saddened by her death and we will dip our revolutionary banner in her honour.

“She was not just like an ordinary comrade, but a rare breed of a true revolutionary cadre, a fountain of wisdom who served the movement with passion, unwavering loyalty, and dedication.”

Sebegoe said Zethi’s political track record speaks volumes and attests that her death is a colossal loss because she has made an indelible mark with her selfless contribution. He further said Ma-Z as Zethi was affectionately known in the political arena, was an embodiment of the revolutionary alliance.

“She had selflessly served African National Congress and Mass Democratic Movement structures in various capacities including the Dr. Ruth Segomotsi Mompati ANC Regional Executive Committee for four terms, the SACP District and Provincial Executive Committees.

“Her long battle with cancer was never a stumbling block to continue the struggle against the triple oppression of inequality, unemployment and poverty. Even throughout her hospitalization when death stared her in the face, she never gave up and hoped that one day she will be discharged and continue championing the cause for the vulnerable and voiceless in our communities,” said Sebegoe.

F4SD councillor, Mika Moeti shared the same sentiments. Moeti who served as Zethi’s Personal Assitant said she was a struggle icon and a great leader that represented women very well in many structures.

“She has left footprints in the Home Affairs Local Forum including many stakeholders. I was personally happy to have served in her office as her Personal Assistant (PA) from September 2013 to February 2015.

“As her PA, she was focused and had the interest of the people at heart. Many people will attest to that. Zethi has put the Greater Taung Local Municipality on the map in terms of public participation as our council occupied the second place in the North West after Bojanala District,” said Moeti.

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‘A four-day workshop for aspiring filmmakers, script writers’

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  • Studio crew 1

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

The film industry continues to play a pivotal role in the growth of the economy in South Africa. According to research, the industry contributes R2.5 billion a year to the Gauteng economy and 80% of over 150 registered producers in South Africa are based in Gauteng.

Now, the National Film and Foundation (NFVF) have cast it’s net wider and partnered with integrated marketing and communications company, Gateway Media, and a creative film hub, Leaders in Motion Academy (LIMA) to conduct a four-day workshop in the North West province.

A seasoned actress, Nolo Phiri who is the Project Manager said: “The film and television space is one that increasingly grows with time. It carries legendary creative and produces state-of-the-art filmmakers who are dedicated to conceptualizing the filmmaking process.

“The fast-paced and innovative industry also calls for an opportunity to bring in new talent and perspective. Integrated marketing and communications company, Gateway Media; creative film hub, Leaders in Motion Academy (LIMA) and the National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF) have partnered to host a 4-day production master class, in both Rustenburg and Mahikeng respectively.”

Phiri said the exclusive workshops will be led by actors Thato Molamu, Neo Ntlatleng, and Ayanda Sithebe among other industry leaders. She added that they will introduce a theoretical and practical curriculum for those that have an interest in creative storytelling.

“Scriptwriting, directing and film production will be some of the modules that are explored ahead of completing the end-to-end process of the filmmaking class. There exist a great number of untold stories that deserve to be told.

“Filmmaking is one of the most powerful forms in which rich content can be created and molded to entertain, inform and have your story heard. The upcoming master classes are designed to educate, empower and challenge those who want to grow in the field of Film and Television,” said Phiri.

She further said the master classes aim to connect and give access to creativity by up-skilling and providing relevant and comprehensive training.  Phiri said entries are now open from the 23 to the 26 March for aspiring TV and film producers in Rustenburg and from the 5 to the 9 April for those in Mahikeng.

Meanwhile, the North West Tourism Board launched Film Festival in Taung late last year. North West Tourism Board CEO, Advocate Mothusi Tsineng said there are beautiful destinations across Taung that filmmakers can make use of.

“Our package won’t discriminate against anybody, whether you are a domestic or international filmmaker. Anybody who has an interest will be accommodated because to us, this is more than anything than economic development.

“There are areas here in Taung that you will go to and be amazed at. There are beautiful landscapes at Taung Dam. You can also go to Dinkgwaneng and take an aerial shot, they are very beautiful too. So, anybody who could see that would want to come and do their movies here,” Tsineng said.

The Tourism Board said it is in the process of building a film school so that would assist in upskilling locals to benefit from these tourism attractions.

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Northern Cape to get new SIU offices

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By BAKANG MOKOTO

Northern Cape will finally have Special Investigating Unit (SIU). This comes after the announcement by the Minister of Justice and Correctional Services, Ronald Lamola.

Lamola said Northern Cape was the only province without the SIU provincial office and it was serviced by Free State, North West and Western Cape.

“The Northern Cape Provincial Office forms part of the new SIU strategy, which focuses on implementing business process improvements that are result driven. The strategy places emphasis on the positive impact of the SIU work.

“This will also improve our turnaround time of investigations, reach the expected legal outcomes and ensure the implementation of SIU outcomes and recommendations,” he said.

The SIU spokesperson, Kaizer Kganyago said: “The SIU is an independent forensic and litigation agency established by the President in terms of the Special Investigating Unit and Special Tribunal Act, Act 74 of 1996, to investigate serious malpractice, corruption, malfeasance and maladministration.

“This is in relation to the administration of State institutions, State assets and public money as well as any conduct which may seriously harm the interest of the State and the public.”

The opening will take place at Mittah Seperepere International Convention Centre in Kimberly at 10am on Thursday.”

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‘Police confiscate illegal gold-bearing material worth R1.2 million’

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Picture: R300 000 confiscated by police

By KEDIBONE MOLATESI

TWO suspects aged 33 and 35 arrested for being in possession of illegal gold-bearing material and ammunition. North West police spokesperson, Brig Sabata Mokgwabone said the police received a tip-off and went to a certain house in Kanana Township, near Orkney on Wednesday where they conducted a search.

“The police found seven 9mm live ammunition and gold-bearing material worth R1.2 million. They further seized more than R300 000 which was found in possession of the suspects. Meanwhile, both suspects are expected to appear in the Orkney Magistrate’s Court soon. 

“The Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI) has taken over the investigation of the case. North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena lauded the police for the success and reiterated that they will continue to act strongly against those who commit illicit economic activities,” Mokgwabone said.

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ANC North West ready for provincial conference

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By REGINALD KANYANE

It’s all systems go for the ANC North West to elect its new leadership. This comes after the ANC Interim Provincial Committee (IPC) co-coordinator, Hlomani Chauke announced during a media briefing in Rustenburg on Sunday that they have adopted a revised roadmap towards the ANC North West Provincial Conference.

The ANC in the province experienced political turmoil three years ago and that led to the disbandment of the Provincial Executive Committee (PEC) under the stewardship of Supra Mahumumapelo who was the provincial chairperson and also served as the North West Premier at the time amid malfeasance allegations.  

The ANC National Executive Committee (NEC) took a decision to disband the structure, however, Mahumapelo challenged that decision at The South Gauteng High Court. The High Court subsequently ruled in Mahumapelo’s favour saying the decision to disband the PEC was unlawful.

Now, Chauke said the roadmap outlines key tasks and activities to be executed as part of the preparations for the provincial conference.

“These tasks include the appointment of Interim Branch Committees (IBC’s), political support to Interim Regional Committees (IRC’s), full implementation of the New Online Membership System, training of branches on new systems, and guidelines for conferences.

“It also includes the appointment of Scanning Agents for purposes of implementing the

Electronic Evidence of Attendance System (EAS) at all branch meetings, convening of preparatory Branch General Meetings (BGM’s), arranging for elective Biennial Branch

General Meetings (BBGM)/ Branch Conferences, Induction of Branches and implementation of Branch Program of Actions,” he said.

Chauke further said in the last four days, they have conducted the regional briefing sessions with all their IRC’s on conference preparations and their regions are now finalizing roadmaps towards regional conferences. He said these regional roadmaps will give an indication of the possible dates for respective regional conferences.

“Over this long weekend, we are convening meetings with representatives from all our Interim Branch Committee (IBC’s). From 20 March until 21 March 2021, we are meeting our IBC’s in Dr Kenneth Kaunda and Dr Ruth Mompati Regions whilst Bojanala is planned for 21 March until 22 March 2021.

“The session with IBC’s in Ngaka Modiri Molema is planned for 22 March

2021. The aim of these sessions is to, amongst others, to inform IBC/BEC Members about the adopted road map to the provincial conference, present the branch membership statistics and start to work on reconciliation of membership statistics,” he said.

Chauke added that sessions include familiarizing IBC/BEC members with guidelines on branch/regional/provincial conferences, receive an update on the status of the IBC/BEC and where necessary propose improvements,” said Chauke.

He said they will also provide training for branch co-ordinators and Scanning Agents to ensure that branch coordinators can access New Online Membership system and be able to print membership lists and develop plans to encourage members to check their membership status in the membership list.

Chauke said they will also ensure that they start a process of resolving membership challenges such as members in good standing but not on the list that are captured, develop branch (IBC/BGM/BBGM) programme with the IBC and dates for branch members meetings.

“Based on the reports received yesterday from the two regions (Dr Kenneth Kaunda and Dr Ruth Mompati Regions), we are satisfied that ANC members in the North West are determined to work towards a successful and historically significant provincial conference.

“We will be publicizing the dates and venues of all Branch General Meetings scheduled to take place in the next two weeks and we urge all ANC Members to fully participate at these sessions. All these activities and key tasks once they are successfully implemented and with lockdown restrictions slightly relaxed, we plan to convene the ANC North West Provincial Conference on the 25th – 27th June 2021,” said Chauke.

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