A 17-YEAR-OLD boy has been arrested in connection with murder. North West police spokesperson, Lt Colonel Amanda Funani said the atrocity took place at Matolong village in Taung on Saturday.
“The police in Taung have registered a case of murder after a 19-year-old man was allegedly killed on Saturday at Matolong village outside Taung. According to information available at this stage, the victim and the suspect who is brothers visited a local tavern on Friday during the evening and came back home in the early hours of Saturday morning.
“It is alleged that a fight ensued between the two brothers, because of money that they were supposed to be shared amongst themselves. It is further alleged that the parents tried to stop the fight, but the two brothers left the house and continued with their fight on the streets,” Funani said.
She alleged that a 19-year-old brother was found with a stabbing wound on the stomach and died on the scene. Funani further said the suspect (17) is currently under parental care and was dealt with according to the Child Justice Act 75 of 2008. Funani said an investigation into the matter continues.
Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena condemned the incident and asked community members to solve their differences in a harmonious way and not result in violence.
Picture: North West Public Works and Roads, Oageng Molapisi
By REGINALD KANYANE
North West MEC for Public Works and Roads, Oageng Molapisi said has noted the Presidential Proclamation regarding the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) in accordance with the signed Proclamation 21 of 2021 and the Special Tribunal ACT, 1996 (ACT No. 74 of 1996) to investigate malfeasance allegations at his department.
This comes after President, Cyril Ramaphosa authorized the SIU to investigate serious malpractice, corruption, malfeasance, and maladministration in relation against the administration of the department.
“We wish to welcome the investigation and its scope, commencing as it were, from 1 January 2016 to 12 March 2021. It is my view that such an investigation by the SIU will provide a full picture of the governance state of the department.
“Hopefully this will assist with the recommendation towards corrective steps necessary to ensure that such occurrences never recur. It is our wish that such an investigation assist in substantiating and/or refuting other findings already in our possession, such as the Preliminary Investigation Report by the National Treasury,” he said.
Molapisi said he is committed to offering whatever support the Investigators require to fulfill the directive of the President of the Republic. He added that all employees of the department are also directed to subject themselves to interviews and avail whatever information that will be needed by the SIU.
“The executive leadership of the province has committed to prioritising the investigating of historical unauthorized, irregular, fruitless, and wasteful expenditure and to combat any form of corruption,” said Molapisi.
SIU spokesperson, Kaizer Kganyago said: “Ramaphosa has signed a Proclamation R21 of 2021 authorizing the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) to investigate corruption, malpractice, and maladministration in the department and to recover any financial losses suffered by the department.
“The proclamation authorizes the SIU to look into transactions that took place between 1 January 2016 and 12 March 2021, the date of proclamation. The SIU is also authorized to look into transactions that took place after the date of the proclamation, which is relevant to, connected with, incidental, or involve the same persons, entities or contracts investigated.”
He further said the SIU investigation in the department will focus on the procurement of or contracting for works or services by or on behalf of the department relating to project management for the Transport Infrastructure Directorate of the Department.
Kganyago added that they will further spread their investigations into the rehabilitation of flood-damaged road infrastructure in the North West and the installation of perimeter fencing at the Eagle Waters Wildlife Resort.
“There were alleged payments which were made in respect thereof in a manner that was not fair, equitable, transparent, competitive or cost-effective, or contrary to applicable legislation and instructions issued by the National Treasury or the relevant Provincial Treasury, and any related unauthorised, irregular or fruitless and wasteful expenditure incurred by the department or the State.
“We will also investigate any unlawful or improper conduct by the employees or officials of the department or applicable service providers, or any other person or entity in relation to the allegations,” he said.
Kganyago further said the SIU will exercise all its legislative powers to subpoena, search and seize evidence, and interrogate witnesses under oath during the investigation.
Democratic Alliance (DA) provincial Chief Whip, Freddy Sonakile said: “We welcome the SIU investigation into allegations of malfeasance in the department. The DA has been vocal about the ongoing malfeasance that includes the irregular expenditure of R1.7 billion incurred over the past three financial years and not investigated.
“What is of concern is that in 2018 the former President, Jacob Zuma signed a proclamation authorising the SIU to investigate the department after it was embroiled in a number of corruption allegations which included the multi-million tenders for scholar transport and the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP).”
Sonakile said the report was sent to Zuma to act on its findings, but no further action was taken. He further said they hope that this investigation ordered by Ramaphosa will yield results this time around and not turn out to be another fruitless exercise.
“The DA will monitor the investigations by the SIU to ensure that all irregularities are exposed and that those found guilty, are held accountable,” he said.
In the last few months, we have had to bid a sad farewell to two of our country’s most respected traditional monarchs.
This week, the Zulu people will lay to rest His Majesty King Goodwill Zwelithini ka Bhekuzulu who reigned for half a century. In January, the Bapedi people buried Kgoshikgolo Thulare Thulare III, who passed away less than a year after his inauguration.
With their passing, we have lost champions of the preservation of our heritage, and revered custodians of the histories of their respective peoples.
At the same time, they were vital players in rural development, and were committed to driving programmes to uplift the material conditions of their people.
With the advent of democracy in 1994, it was a priority of the new government to restore the integrity and legitimacy of traditional leadership in line with indigenous law and customs and subject to the Constitution of the Republic.
The institution of traditional leadership continues to play an important role in the lives of millions of people around our country, especially in rural areas. Traditional leaders support and drive development in their communities.
Last week, I had the opportunity to participate in the debate on the opening of the National House of Traditional Leaders, which was concerned with the most pressing issues currently facing the country.
What was particularly refreshing about the robust engagement was that traditional leadership has a keen appreciation of the difficult economic conditions facing our country, and want to be part of addressing the many challenges of underdevelopment and poverty in their areas.
I have consistently said that our economic recovery in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic must be inclusive, and that nobody must be left behind.
The success of the Economic Reconstruction and Recovery Plan rests on forging strong partnerships between not just government, business and labour, but also with traditional leadership and other societal formations.
A constant refrain from participants in the debate last week was that they do not want to be dependent on handouts or for their communities to perpetually look to government for financial assistance.
They want to be provided with the necessary support, training and enabling environment to allow rural communities to be self-sufficient.
They want to bridge the urban-rural divide in access to government services and private sector resources.
What they would like to see is for rural areas to become centres of economic activity, industry and employment opportunity. This mirrors the aspirations of the District Development Model, which was launched in 2019.
Traditional leaders are well positioned to ensure that district plans are informed by and respond to the real needs of communities and that they reflect the lived reality in rural areas.
Just as the District Development Model supports localised programmes that focus on the needs, strengths and opportunities in specific areas, traditional leaders have pioneered their own approach to local economic development.
They have developed the InvestRural Masterplan, which was launched in North West last month. It is greatly encouraging that traditional leaders have rallied behind the plan and want to work with local authorities to ensure it is a success.
During the debate in the National House of Traditional Leaders it was proposed that a major success factor for the InvestRural programme is that traditional structures are trained, strengthened and capacitated.
A number of participants outlined economic plans that are already in advanced stages of development. These range from agricultural projects to bioprospecting to renewable energy.
What was evident is that the institution of traditional leadership understands that professionalisation is necessary for rural businesses in the form of SMMEs and cooperatives to become part of the mainstream economy.
The traditional leaders who spoke presented their vision of ‘developmental monarchs’, who see themselves as not just custodians of heritage but also as drivers of economic prosperity and progress. They have identified several projects and economic opportunities that will create jobs and improve livelihoods in rural areas.
Traditional leaders have also expressed their willingness to play an active part in the land reform process. Since 2018, traditional leaders have made around 1,500,000 hectares of communal land available for development, and it is hoped this will increase in future.
To develop a coordinated and sustainable strategy, we have agreed to hold a Presidential Land Summit in the next year. This will discuss pressing issues around land reform and its impact on communal land, much of which is located in rural areas.
The tone of the debate in the National House was a fitting reflection of a climate in which economic recovery is foremost among our considerations. At the same time it was a promising signal that traditional leaders appreciate their role in being part of the national recovery effort through being proactive and innovative.
The most fitting legacy of great leaders is that the seeds of development they sow during their tenure grow into mighty trees that protect and shelter their communities for posterity.
As we work together as a country to rebuild our economy, we will continue to count on the support of the institution of traditional leadership, which is an inextricable part of our past, our present and our future.
North West Public Works and Roads department continues to be marred with fraud, malpractice, and corruption allegations. This comes after President, Cyril Ramaphosa ordered the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) to investigate the department for any illegal transactions that took place from January 2016 to 12 March 2021.
SIU spokesperson, Kaizer Kganyago said: “Ramaphosa has signed a Proclamation R21 of 2021 authorising the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) to investigate corruption, malpractice and maladministration in the department and to recover any financial losses suffered by the department.
“The proclamation authorizes the SIU to look into transactions that took place between 1 January 2016 and 12 March 2021, the date of proclamation. The SIU is also authorized to look into transactions that took place after the date of the proclamation, which are relevant to, connected with, incidental, or involve the same persons, entities or contracts investigated.”
He further said the SIU investigation in the department will focus on the procurement of or contracting for works or services by or on behalf of the department relating to project management for the Transport Infrastructure Directorate of the Department.
Kganyago added that they will further, spread their investigations into the rehabilitation of flood-damaged road infrastructure in the North West
Province and the installation of perimeter fencing at the Eagle Waters Wildlife Resort, and payments which were made in respect thereof in a manner that was not fair, equitable, transparent, competitive or cost-effective, or contrary to applicable legislation and instructions issued by the National Treasury or the relevant Provincial Treasury, and any related unauthorised, irregular or fruitless and wasteful expenditure incurred by the department or the State.
“We will also investigate any unlawful or improper conduct by the employees or officials of the department or applicable service providers, or any other person or entity in relation to the allegations.
“The SIU will exercise all its legislative powers to subpoena, search and seize evidence, and interrogate witnesses under oath during the investigation. We are 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 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,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Democratic Alliance (DA) Constituency Head in the Greater Taung Local Municipality and Member of Parliament (MP), Sello Seitlholo once accused the department of re-graveling the D201 road that links Pampierstad and Matlapaneng for a whopping R40 million instead of building a proper road. Seitlholo alleged that the ANC government wasted R40 million on re-graveling a road those residents cannot use when it rains.
“In July 2020, the DA wrote to MEC Oagile Molapisi regarding the tender process followed on the re-graveling of road D201. The tender for the re-graveling of the road was awarded to Lebo Tebo Trading despite the company not appearing on the tender bid document.”
“The DA raised concerns over allegations that the company belonged to a prominent ANC member in Taung. The said company had previously also received an R40 million tender contract for the construction of Sedumedi Primary School,” he said.
Seitlholo added that nearly seven months after writing to Molapisi, the DA is yet to receive a formal response from him regarding the tender and D201 road. He said they will once again write to Molapisi requesting him to call an urgent meeting with the affected communities to address the blatant disregard that his department has shown to them.
The North West Public Works and Roads department spokesperson, Matsube Mfoloe failed to respond to our media questionnaires that were sent to him by TDN almost three weeks prior to publishing the previous article.
Fraud and corruption allegations may be reported via the following platforms:
Picture: Former Executive Mayor of Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District Municipality, Boitumelo Mahlangu
By REGINALD KANYANE
Former Executive mayor of the Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District Municipality, Boitumelo Mahlangu is heading to the North West High Court to challenge the decision to remove her as the executive mayor.
The embattled Mahlangu was ousted from her position through a motion of no confidence two weeks ago where Kgalalelo Sereko was elected as the new executive mayor.
According to court papers filed by Mahlangu, she informed the municipal speaker, Lorato Moagwe about her decision through lawyers. She accused Moagwe of holding a virtual council meetings using Zoom link as the media platform, instead of the Microsoft Teams that have been purchased by the municipality.
The matter is expected to be heard on Thursday.
“By now, you should be aware that I have approached the High Court to challenge my removal from Office as the Executive mayor, amongst others, have also challenged the usage of Zoom as the official link for council meetings.
“Therefore, I object to your unilateral decision to convene council meetings using Zoom platform and also the repetitive special council meetings which I find to be strange and unwarranted because important service delivery items that were to be tabled at the council on 25 February 2021 as emanating from the previous mayoral committee are ignored and not prioritised,” she said.
It is alleged that the virtual council meeting that was convened where Mahlangu was removed, did not reach a quorum. However, Moagwe refuted the allegations and said 18 out of 32 councillors were part of the meeting.
The municipality responded to Mahlangu’s letter through their lawyers too. Attorney Tumelo Sifumba said: “The above subject has reference and we have been instructed by our client, Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District Municipality and others, to cause this correspondence to your good self.
“We advise that we are not in a position to file our client’s answering affidavit today at 4pm as envisaged, the delay is occasioned by our client relocating to new offices and consequently we have not been able to collate all the requisite documents to be annexed to the answering affidavit.”
Sifumba said in pursuant to the above, their client request indulgence to file their answering affidavit on the 10th instant at 10′ clock in the morning. He further said they advise that they were not opposed to the application being heard on 11 March 2021 later during the day to allow Mahlangu’s lawyers to file their replying affidavit if any.
Meanwhile, the Democratic Alliance (DA) councillor at the municipality, Coenrad Herbst wrote a letter to Moagwe stipulating that they were not part of the virtual council meeting where Mahlangu was removed.
Herbst said: “The notice you issued has 3 items that council cannot discuss and take legal binding resolutions if the meeting of 25 February 2021 did not quorate, thus will have financial and other implications, and you will be held personal responsible as Speaker of the municipality.”
Picture: Various NGOs members marched to Pinagare High School
By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
A 36-old teacher from Pinagare High School in Taung has been suspended pending rape allegations. It is alleged that a learner (15) from the same school visited the accused who is a family friend at his residential area in Kgatlheng village near Taung on 22 February 2021.
According to information, a teacher who is of Ghanaian origin allegedly made sexual advances to the alleged victim before raping her. Later on, the parents of the alleged victim called the suspect and enquire about the whereabouts of the girl.
One of our sources said: “The suspect allegedly confirmed the presence of the girl and her parents came to fetch her. It is alleged that the parents found the girl who was on her period in the bedroom of the suspect.
“The victim alleged that the suspect raped and threatened her not to tell anyone. The victim told her parents about the ordeal and cried hysterically in the car. The parents went to the police station to open a rape case.”
Meanwhile, the North West police spokesperson, Colonel Adele Myburgh said: “We can confirm that a rape case is under investigation and the suspect was arrested. His first court appearance was on 24 February 2021.
“The suspect was granted a R500 bail on 9 March 2021 by the Taung Magistrate’s Court during his formal bail application.”
North West Department of Education spokesperson, Elias Malindi said the teacher concerned has been put under a precautionary suspension pending the investigation. Malindi said the department has received only two rape cases against teachers in the province thus far.
“Our message to learners is that they should not keep quiet whenever they experience any violation. They should report to their parents about the matter or inform the school principal or a teacher that they trust most. They are free to call the Office of the MEC (018)388 5600,” he said.
Minister of Department of Basic Education, Angie Motshekga received strong criticism from the section of the society, after she made remarks at the Prospectus High School in Pretoria earlier this year that ‘educated men do not rape.’
However, Motshekgwa poured cold water on the matter and said told said her comments were made in relation to Gender-Based Violence (GBV). Motshekgwa said in a statement that: “Rape is indeed about power, hence the department has programmes to educate the boy child to appreciate the importance of how to deal with power relations between men and women from a young age.
“Therefore, my remarks must not be taken out of the context of educating children to develop them to become better people. Men need to be educated about how to deal with power, patriarchy, and negative or toxic masculinity. Educating men about power relations is also important also in the fight against rape,” she said.
Motshekgwa said regarding the reaction of the learners, she was not going to debate because the purpose of her remarks was to encourage them to be educated on GBV including educating them about women’s abuse.
Various organizations embarked on a peaceful march to the school and demand that the suspect be suspended pending the investigations.
President Cyril Ramaphosa said building an efficient, capable, and ethical state free from corruption was among his foremost priorities. Ramaphosa in his weekly letter said only a capable, efficient, ethical and development-oriented state can deliver on the commitment to improve the lives of the people of this country.
“This means that the public service must be staffed by men and women who are professional, skilled, selfless, and honest. They must be committed to upholding the values of the constitution, and must, as I said in my inaugural speech, “faithfully serve no other cause than that of the public”.
“Over the past two weeks, public consultations have been underway on an important policy document that will give greater impetus to our efforts to bolster, strengthen and capacitate the civil service,” he said.
However, the ANC-led government has been accused of malpractice of parachuting of poorly qualified individuals into positions of authority through political patronage.
Ramaphosa shared the same sentiments and said even though 27 years into democracy, it can be said of the public service that while several pockets of excellence exist, they have serious challenges in many government departments with regards to skills, competence, and professionalism.
“All too often, people have been hired into and promoted to key positions for which they are neither suitable nor qualified. This affects government performance, but also contributes to nepotism, political interference in the work of departments, lack of accountability, mismanagement, and corruption.
“There is also the related problem of political and executive interference in the administration of the public service. One need only to look at the instability in government departments when senior managers are swopped or replaced each time a new Minister is appointed,” said Ramaphosa.
He said Directors-General and provincial heads of departments are particularly affected. Ramaphosa added that in some departments, DGs, HoDs, and executive managers have had the stability of tenure, enabling the departments to function with little disruption.
“In most of these departments where there is leadership stability, audit outcomes tend to be positive and public funds can be accounted for. Where there is a high turnover of heads of department, there is often administrative turmoil.
“One of the key recommendations made in the draft, framework is that the public service must be depoliticised and that government departments must be insulated from politics,” he said.
Meanwhile, Democratic Alliance Shadow Minister for Public Service and Administration, Dr Leon Schreiber said: “Ramaphosa recycles the same empty words he has used countless times before to declare his supposed commitment to building a professional public service.
“On 21 January 2020, Ramaphosa declared himself committed to ending the practice of poorly qualified individuals being parachuted into positions of authority through political patronage. Over a year later, he again complains that all too often, people have been hired into and promoted to key positions for which they are neither suitable nor qualified.”
Schreiber said this begs several questions that why has Ramaphosa done absolutely nothing about this problem since he complained about it last year. He asked why does the Ramphosa only ever moan and whinge, instead of taking concrete action.
The Guardian 