Picture: Former North West Premier and ANC Provincial Chairperson, Supra Mahumapelo
By OBAKENG MAJE
Former North West Premier and ANC Provincial Chairperson, Supra Mahumapelo and the ANC Women’s League acting secretary in North West, Bitsa Lenkopane who is also a Member of Provincial Legislature (MPL) in the North West Provincial Legislature (NWPL), Bitsa Lenkopane were handed a five year suspension from the ANC by the Interim Provincial Committee with immediate effect.
Embattled Mahumapelo and Lenkopane were hauled before the ANC Provincial Disciplinary Committee (PDC) after being charged for various offences. Mahumapelo was charged for ‘sowing divisions’ within the party and organizing parallel ANC campaigns.
He also accused of instructing the beleaguered JB Marks Local Municipality mayor, Kgotso Khumalo to ‘ignore’ the IPC’s instruction after it ordered Khumalo to step aside amid criminal case.
Mahumapelo and Lenkopane were part of ANC members who addressed ANC branches at Delareyville on Sunday. They vowed that they will not appear before the disciplinary committee unless some of its members recuse themselves.
The disciplinary hearing for Mahumapelo and Lenkopane was scheduled on 26 and 27 April 2021.
The ANC PDC Chairperson, Wendy Matsemela said: “We, as the Provincial Disciplinary Committee of the ANC in the North West wish to report that, we at a duly constituted disciplinary hearing of the ANC against the respondents, Supra Mahumapelo and Bitsa Lenkopane.
“The hearing was held on 26 and 27 April 2021 concluded the disciplinary matters against the above-mentioned respondents on 27 April 2021 after considering the charges and evidence led.”
Matsemela further said the PDC, therefore arrived at the verdict that both Mahumapelo and Lenkopane have been found guilty as charged. She added that after considering the aggravating factors as submitted by the presenter of evidence on the behalf of the ANC represented by the IPC in the North West province, the committee therefore concluded that both members are hereby suspended from the ANC for a period of five years with immediate effect.
“Both respondents must be removed from the lists of public representatives of the ANC. Mahumapelo should undergo a mentorship program on political leadership under the former president of the ANC and the Republic of South Africa, Thabo Mbeki for a period of three years.
“Lenkopane be also placed under the mentorship program under veteran Barbara Masekela or any other designated senior leader to assist her for a period of five years. Both respondents are advised of their rights in respect of the appeal review the verdict and or sanctions accordingly with the National Disciplinary Committee of Appeals in terms of the rule 25.36 and rule 25.38 of the ANC constitution respectively,” she said.
Matsemela said the said application for appeal and or review must be launched with the National Disciplinary Committee of Appeal within 21 days from the date of receipt of the ruling.
Meanwhile, Mahumapelo and Lenkopane failed to respond to our media inquiries before going to print.
Picture: Democratic Alliance leader and MP, Joe McGluwa/ewn
By OBAKENG MAJE
Democratic Alliance continues to be marred with qualifications scandal. The latest person to be accused of misleading the public over his qualifications is the DA Member of Parliament (MP) Joe McGluwa, who is also the former leader in the North West province.
It is alleged that on 5 April 2019, McGluwa released a media statement titled: “DA North West proudly introduces its candidates for the 2019 Elections” that he had Postgraduate Diploma in Public Administration obtained from the University of Witswatersrand while contesting for the premiership position in the province.
However, Taung DailyNews understand that McGluwa has a postgraduate Diploma in Management obtained from the same institution which is contrary to what is written in the statement.
The statement says: “This list of candidates represents the diversity of North West. Our lists are diverse in everysense- race, gender, religion, sexual orientation, skills set, geography, class and the blend between youth and experience.
Our DA North West Premier candidate, Joe McGluwa who is also the provincial leader and a Member of Parliament holds the first position on the list.
Get to know your Premier candidate, Joe McGluwa:
I am Joe McGluwa, married to Nadia and father of two. I am a grandfather. I have been engaged in politics since a very young age, mainly through my father’s involvement and passion for always wanting to help people wherever I can.
My childhood stems from humble beginnings in Alabama, Klerksdorp. I am one of two brothers in a family of five children. My brother also share my passion for politics and is a Member of the Provincial Legislature in the Northern Cape.
My political career started at the age 24 when I became a councilor at Matlosana Municipality in North.
Now I am a Member of Parliament in the National Assembly, Leader of the DA in the North West and the NW Premier Candidate. I now serve a Shadow DA Minister for COGTA.
My tertiary education includes a Post Graduate Diploma in Public Administration from the University of Witswatersrand.
McGluwa poured cold water over these allegations and said ‘there is a smear campaign’ against him.
“Yes I do hold a post-graduate diploma in Management from Witwatersrand since 2015. Yes, Wits offers a post-graduate Diploma in Management, therefore, as per your request, I will WhatsApp you a copy of my post-graduate diploma.
“I also hold an Advanced Certificate in Governance and Public leadership for the year 2013. I have also registered the same year for my Masters in Management in the field of governance and Public Leadership of which I have only done/passed my qualitative research methods,” he said.
McGluwa added that due to his deployment to North West as the leader at a time, he was unable to complete his Masters Degree. He further said he takes the allegations that his qualification is questionable in a very serious light.
“There has been a concerted effort lately to make DA leaders academic credentials questionable and it is quite unfortunate. I am also mindful that 2021 is elections year and I am not surprised by these allegations as the same was raise in April 2019, of which I am under the opinion that it was responded to.
“I am not surprise, but politicking must not be done in such a malicious way. Yes, it could have been a sheer mistake but I take full responsibility for it because as the then provincial leader, I approved all statements and would want to admit that it is possible that I have approved the press statement during a very busy election time,” said McGluwa.
Meanwhile, the DA leader in North West, Leon Basson said: “We understand that McGluwa has postgraduate Diploma in Management and we are happy. What is depicted in a media statement might have been a typing error and we would not take him to task regarding that.”
The University of Witswaterand confirmed that they offer Postgraduate Diploma in Public Administration, but it is not at liberty to divulge the confidential information about individuals unless certain processes were followed.
However, one of the DA leaders who did not want to be named for fear of reprisal said: “Clearly, the qualification that McGluwa stated is false and misleading. He basically misrepresented his qualifications because he cannot claim to have a Postgraduate Diploma in Public Administration which basically he does not have.
“In terms of the Act, a person is guilty of an offense, if such person falsely or fraudulently claims to be holding a qualification or part qualification registered on the NQF or awarded by an education institution, skills development provider, QC or obtained from a lawfully recognised foreign institution.”
The source said the law states that a person, who is found guilty of such an offense will be liable for a fine or to imprisonment for a period not exceeding five years, or to both a fine and such imprisonment.
“In addition, if the wrongdoer is an employee, he/she might likely be charged and dismissed for misrepresentation/dishonesty. The government is cracking down on officials with fake qualifications after Parliament passed a bill that will force the state to root out people with such qualifications.
“The National Assembly agreed in the bill that those found with bogus qualifications will be named and shamed. So, there are two possible charges against McGluwa which are misconduct in terms of the SAQA Act by misrepresenting or lying about his academic qualifications on his Curriculum Vitae submitted to Parliament and knowingly making false statements in an affidavit concerning the said qualifications in contravention of the Justices of Peace and Commissioners of Oath Act.”
Source alleged that it was expected for the party leadership to take no actions against McGluwa because they targeting only black people.
The DA has recently suspended the Western Cape MEC for Transport, Bonginkosi Madikizela after revelations that he’s been misleading the public about the status of his academic qualifications. It is alleged that Madikizela claimed that he had completed his BCom Degree, while he did not.
Picture: Former ANC North West Chairperson, Supra Mahumapelo
By OBAKENG MAJE
A group of disgruntled African National Congress (ANC) members in the North West continue to lash out at the ANC Interim Provincial Committee (IPC). This comes after the temporary suspension of the former North West Premier and ANC Provincial Chairperson, Supra Mahumapelo’s membership.
The group picketed outside the ANC provincial headquarters in Mahikeng on Thursday. They accused the IPC of ‘sowing divisions’ and ‘skewed’ towards its decision on suspending Mahumapelo.
Mahumapelo was suspended last week for allegedly sowing divisions and undermining the ANC IPC. It is alleged that Mahumapelo organised parallel ANC campaigns and instructed the embattled mayor of JB Marks Local Municipality, Kgotso Khumalo not to ‘step aside’ as per instruction by the IPC.
A representative from the ANC branches in Mamusa Sub Region, Papa Jood said: “We want to make it clear that, the purported suspension of our leader has nothing to do with being ill-discipline, but it is clear that, this matter has everything to do with the planned Regional Conferences, Provincial Conference, National General Council and ultimately the 55th National Conference that is planned to sit as per the constitutional requirements of the ANC.
“Mahumapelo’s active membership in the ANC North West gives these lapsed IPC leaders a headache as it is inevitable that he will lead this province again as the Chairperson of the ANC. As part of the branches in this province, we have noted this unconstitutional suspension as an illicit activity, laughable and a joke to our organisational constitution.”
Jood further said they have always sustained that since the unlawful disbandment of the legitimate ANC Provincial Executive Committee led by Mahumapelo, the CR 17 camp is out to purge those that do not tow the same line with them.
“We are of an understanding that our leader, Mahumapelo, is purged for his participation at the by-elections at Mareetsane, in which his contribution made the ANC come out victorious in those elections.
“Secondly, it is alleged that Mahumapelo has influenced another member of the ANC to not step aside as per the IPC instruction. We are still awaiting the finalisation on the lists and 30 days issue from the ANC National Executive Committee (NEC), but as expected, the champions of purging in a form of an unconstitutional IPC has already jumped the gun on the issue of Khumalo,” said Jood.
He alleged that the ANC IPC enjoys predetermining things to their undue favour and this behaviour expose its weaknesses of being a reactionary structure that always jumps unnecessarily in the interest of eliminating those that are opposed to their leadership interests in the coming conferences.
He said they view all these unlawful efforts as just a concoction to ensure that their antagonist, Mahumapelo does not participate in all organisational activities including being elected in the upcoming conferences.
Jood said actually, the IPC should start by suspending themselves for not adhering to the NEC decision of 2018 that branches should not be disbanded or be converted.
ANCYL regional secretary in Ngaka Modiri Molema, Wessels Morweng shared the same sentiments. Morweng said the IPC has for the longest time seriously abused its position.
“One can say they are constitutional delinquents because even these charges they levelled against Mahumapelo are baseless as far as the ANC constitution is concerned.
“What is concerning is that there is quite a number of comrades that are been charged for inviting Mahumapelo to deliver lectures on various topics. Last time I checked, they were 23 and this is the abuse of the ANC constitution,” he said.
Morweng further said they will be heading to the South Gauteng High Court next week to challenge the NEC to reinstate the ANC PEC in the province as per court ruling. In 2018, the ANC NEC disbanded the PEC, but the court ruled that the disbandment was unlawful and unconstitutional.
However, ANC IPC coordinator, Hlomani Chauke said Mahumapelo has committed a ‘series of transgressions’ that undermined the ANC in the province.
“We can confirm that the ANC IPC last week reflected on the conduct of Mahumapelo. So, the IPWC consequently resolved to place Mahumapelo’s membership on temporary suspension pending the finalisation of the disciplinary process.
“This is subsequent of series of transgressions, Mahumapelo committed against the ANC in the North West province. We can confirm that Mahumapelo was invited to the ANC IPWC with a view of explaining the recent public remarks that he made which sow divisions within the ANC in the province,” he said.
Meanwhile, Mahumapelo and other four ANC members whose memberships were suspended are expected to address the media at Delareyville on Sunday at 1pm. Mahumapelo’s disciplinary hearing will commence on 26 and 27 April 2021 after been adjourned on Thursday.
A 42-YEAR-OLD man was arrested for fraud. It is alleged that Michael Mazwi Mazazo who was working at Stilfontein Police Station as administration clerk, committed 33 counts of fraud between August and November 2020.
According the North West police spokesperson, Brig Sabata Mokgwabone, Mazazo was arrested at his workplace by the Provincial Anti-Corruption Investigation Unit (ACIU) on Wednesday.
“The crimes were allegedly committed between August and November 2020 wherein the accused used fuel cards of 12 different state-owned motor vehicles to refill petrol at one of the local filling stations while the said vehicles were actually parked at the police station.
“Mazazo was released on bail after he appeared at the local magistrate’s court on Wednesday. The accused was granted a R1000 bail and his next court appearance is on 19 May 2021. Meanwhile, the departmental investigation has been instituted against Mazazo in terms of the South African Police Service (SAPS) Discipline Regulations,” he said.
North West Police Commissioner, Lit General Sello Kwena commended the Anti-Corruption Investigation Unit for sending out a clear message that corruption and fraud cannot be tolerated. Kwena added that the SAPS employees, who commit criminal and disgraceful acts such as this one, will not be spared.
ANC Interim Provincial Committee (IPC) in the North West has temporarily suspended the membership of the former North West Premier and ANC provincial chairperson, Supra Mahumapelo on Wednesday.
ANC IPC coordinator, Hlomani Chauke said Mahumapelo has committed a ‘series of transgressions’ that undermined the ANC in the province.
“We can confirm that the ANC IPC last week reflected on the conduct of Mahumapelo. So, the IPWC consequently resolved to place Mahumapelo’s membership on temporary suspension pending the finalisation of the disciplinary process.
“This is subsequent of series of transgressions, Mahumapelo committed against the ANC in the North West province. We can confirm that Mahumapelo was invited to the ANC IPWC with a view of explaining the recent public remarks that he made which sow divisions within the ANC in the province,” he said.
Chauke further said, however, Mahumapelo ‘chose’ not to meet with the IPC. It is alleged that Mahumapelo publicly attacked the IPC and organised parallel ANC campaigns across the province. Mahumapelo was not available for comment before publishing this article.
Meanwhile, some disgruntled ANC members across four regions signed a petition calling for the removal of the ANC IPC amongst others. ANC member in the Dr Kenneth Kaunda region, Lopang Rothman said: “This petition is brought in terms of Rule 5 of the ANC Constitution where it states in Rule 5.1.2 that a member is entitled to receive and impart information on all aspects of ANC policy and activities.
“In Rule 5.1.3, it says that a member is entitled to offer constructive criticism of any member, official, policy programme, or activity of the ANC within its structures.”
Rothman further said in Rule 5.2.2 that a member is entitled to take all necessary steps to understand and carry out the aims, policies and programmes of the ANC. He added that after noting Rules 12.1 and 12.2, they have made consistent communication with the ANC NEC, but they could satisfy themselves that the ANC NEC has failed in its mandate of implementing conference resolutions (54th ANC Nasrec Conference).
“The ANC NEC disregarded the court orders, thus failing to comply with Rule 12.2.4 of the ANC constitution by establishing the IPC. The IPC is now 19 months in office since its establishment in July 2019.
“As members of the ANC in good standing, we have raised a concern on the lapse of IPC’s term of office, where they are currently operating without any mandate. The ANC NEC has now started a trend of undermining constitutional powers of other ANC office bearers and or other ANC NEC members,” said Rothman.
He said this confuses the ANC members, and the society by misrepresenting ANC processes as indicated in Rule 16.6.1 which state that the ANC Secretary-General shall communicate the decisions of all national structures of the ANC on behalf of the NEC.
Rothman said since its election in December 2017, the ANC NEC has contravened Rule 10.6 of the ANC constitution, thus failing to convene an NGC.
“This happened for the first time post the liberation struggle of our history, failing to afford ANC members and its structures to audit the ANC’s performance at a mid-term review,” he said.
South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) said it will delay the payments of the COVID-19 social relief grant for March and April 2021 due to the transition in government financial years.
SASSA spokesperson, Paseka Letsatsi said the end of March, is the end of the financial year for the government and various administrative tasks are required before any payments which relate to the previous financial year can be made.
“SASSA is currently busy with its end of financial year tasks, which has delayed payment. We have received confirmation of the extension of the relief grant on 11 February 2021, after all its administration systems had in fact been closed at the end of January 2021, which was the previously announced closing date for this grant.
“The systems were reactivated immediately on receiving confirmation of the funding for the extension and the application channel was once again operational as from 13 February. A total of 86 363 new applications were received for February alone,” Letsatsi said.
He said they have received more than 10 million applications for this grant. Letsatsi further said they validate these applications on a monthly basis to ensure that payments are made to applicants who do qualify for the grant.
“Payments for February were thus made at the end of February and early March 2021. The applications for March were validated as usual after the payments for February had been completed, but could not be extracted for payment before 31 March 2021.
“All private and public institutions whose processes constitute dependencies have been roped in and are working tirelessly with SASSA to stabilise the situation. We would like to apologise for this break in the payments and would like to reassure all deserving applicants for the relief grant who have been affected those payments will be made as soon as the administrative processes have been completed,” he said.
Picture: Bophelong Provincial Hospital in Mahikeng
By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
The Ad Hoc Committee on Section 100 Intervention in the North West said even though there is steady progress at the Bophelong Provincial Hospital in Mahikeng, it has raised persistent challenges.
Ad Hoc Committee chairperson, China Dodovu said while they are cognisant that the eradication of entrenched and systematic challenges within the health department will take time, it is nonetheless alarmed that some of the low-hanging fruits have not been addressed.
“We welcome steady headway in resolving some challenges within the health portfolio, but remain concerned that some challenges that led to the intervention remains a reality. At the Mahikeng Provincial Hospital, the committee welcomes the information that 633 positions have been filled, including the appointment of 23 specialists.
“Despite the marginal gains, the committee is concerned about reports of eight fridges that are not functioning at the mortuary at the hospital, which serves almost a million people in the district,” Dodovu said.
He further said, while they welcomed the appointment of three mortuary attendants and the extension of operating hours, the committee is concerned by the limited capacity and old infrastructure at the hospital’s mortuary and the reported continuous breakdown of fridges.
Meanwhile, the hospital hackled headlines after a decomposed body of a 60-year-old patient was discovered in a malfunctioning drawer in the hospital’s mortuary a few months ago.
Dodovu added that they also welcome that the hospital board at Mahikeng is functional and the relationship between the employer and labour has improved. He said the committee considers the relationship important to engendering a conducive working relationship.
“The committee is also concerned by the inability to fill critical positions, including that of the chief executive officer, a position that has been vacant since 2015, as well as the finance and maintenance manager. All these positions are critical in the effective operation of the hospital to ensure effectively service delivery to the people.
“Also of concern is the non-functionality of the laundry services at the Mahikeng Provincial Hospital, a problem that was highlighted by the previous Ad Hoc Committee. The infrastructure challenges that continue to besiege the department give an impression that they are insurmountable,” said Dodovu.
Furthermore, he said the committee is concerned that the hospital continues to struggle to spend its budget and grants, with only 72% spent for the current financial year. Dodovu said the inability of the hospital to spend its budget has a direct impact on small businesses contracted to the hospital, as payments continue to be late.
“Of a major concern is that, while the bid adjudication committees have been appointed, no training has taken place to date. This is concerning in the context of the critical role these committees play in ensuring judicious appointment of service providers, which will ensure quality service and value for money.
“The committee is content with the full picture painted by all the stakeholders within the health sector and will, following the conclusion of its visit, consider the reports and submissions it received from role-players,” he said.
North West health department spokesperson, Tebogo Lekgethwane said: “The above-mentioned fridges were fixed and there is a contractor on-site daily to ensure that broken fridges are attended to as soon they are reported to be dysfunctional.
“Also, the hospital laundry is functional with few domestic machines used to wash linen for specific units. Indeed, bigger machines are currently not functional and we are alternatively washing our laundry at Klerksdorp/Tshepong Hospital Complex and Joe Morolong, while plans to fix our laundry machines are unfolding through the help of the provincial office.”
Lekgethwane said the CEO has been appointed and the successful candidate resumed duties on 1 April 2021. He refuted allegations that the hospital has spent only 70% of its budget too.
“The hospital has spent its equity budget up to 101% while its grants at 100% of its budget and not 70% as purported. There will always be strategies that are put in place in order to ensure that the budget is spent accordingly.
“Those strategies include monthly cash flow meetings for the purpose of detecting over and under expenditure. There is also a detailed business plan on how the budget will be spent. Service providers are appointed in accordance with Supply Chain Management processes,” said Dodovu.
The newly-elected mayor of the Greater Taung Local Municipality, Oageng Seleke said he is adamant that he will not recuse himself from the mayoral position as the ANC caucus at the municipality continues to be marred with internal factional battles and infighting.
This comes after ANC Interim Regional Working Committee (IRWC) sent a letter to Seleke requesting him to recuse himself. Seleke was elected unopposed as the new mayor of the municipality following the removal of Kgosi Nnyoko Charles Motlhabane as a mayor.
Motlhabane was ousted through a motion of no confidence sponsored by the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) last week.
“No my chief, a true leader cannot just instruct you. A selfless leader will listen to the cause then addresses the matter. So, it means the IRWC is not interested in addressing the cause, but they are interested in pleasing some bitter comrades.
“We need to shelve the spirit of arrogance first. To them, they are not interested in solving municipal issues but in pleasing their own interest. This is a revolution, so let them decide but the revolution continues. One day people will be reminded of their deeds,” Seleke said.
However, the ANC IRWC coordinator in the Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati region, Walter Mabogola said in a letter: “The IRWC has noted with great concern that Nnyoko Motlhabane who is the ANC mayor of Greater Taung Local Municipality (GTLM) was removed without proper consultation with the party that deployed your good self.
“It was further noted that the council meeting, which was held in GTLM on 13 April 2021, has elected you as the new municipal mayor after you have accepted the nomination.”
Mabogola further said in their view, Seleke’s election was done without proper consultation with the ANC. So, he said they have instructed Seleke to tender his resignation as a mayor of the GTLM in writing within 48 hours.
Meanwhile, the ANC IPC coordinator, Kenny Morolong said they have noted with concern the decisions of both Madibeng and Taung Local Municipal Councils to remove both their mayors through motions of no confidence.
“We have also learned with utter shock that ANC deployees collaborated with the oppositions to remove both mayors of the ANC and did so without the organisation’s directive. These developments represent a continuation of a new and worrying tendency in our caucuses across the province.”
“This tendency seeks to erode the centrality of the ANC as the only centre of power. He said they would like to remind their deployees that the deployment and re-deployment of the mayors remain the exclusive domain of the IPC,” he said.
Morolong further said the IPC in due course will reflect in these developments. Following which it will explicitly expresses itself with respect to its decisions and the next course of action.
Seventeen suspects arrested in connection with gang-related crimes committed in February 20121 in Jouberton Township near Klerksdorp are set to appear at Klerksdorp Magistrate’s Court.
North West police spokesperson, Col Adele Myburgh said the accused between the age of 28 and 53 were arrested during a crime intelligence-driven operation by a multi-disciplinary team comprising of Detectives, Tactical Response Team (TRT), and the Anti-Gang Unit.
“They were arrested in connection with gang-related crimes committed in Jouberton Location outside Klerksdorp. The suspects allegedly torched and damaged property belonging to apparent rival gang members.
“Furthermore, several cases of attempted murder were opened during the same period for investigation. These arrests brought the number of suspects arrested thus far to seventeen,” Myburgh.
Meanwhile, all seventeen suspects will appear at the Klerksdorp Magistrate’s Court on 16 April 2021.
North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena congratulated the team for working around the clock to ensure that alleged perpetrators are put behind bars. Kwena once more warned that acts of lawlessness and undermining the authority of the State will not be tolerated.
Picture: JB Marks mayor, Kgotso Khumalo and other two accused back in court
By OBAKENG MAJE
Beleaguered JB Marks mayor, Kgotso Khumalo along with other two accused, are expected to appear at the Potchefstroom Magistrate’s Court on Friday.
The Director for Municipal Services and Local Economic Development, Cyril Hendry and The Caretaker for Sports Facilities in the municipality, Mohau Shuping are linked to multimillion-rand theft and fraud at the municipality.
It is alleged that the North West University and the Programme for Community Development paid about R5 million into a trust account of an attorney for the use of specific projects by the municipality.
The attorney was then allegedly given instructions to effect various payments, which includes a R208 000 mayoral committee contribution towards the funeral of the late North West MEC for Agriculture, Duma Ndleleni who passed away on 23 November 2018.
According to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson, Henry Mamothame, it was later discovered that R200 000 was allegedly paid directly into the account of one of the accused.
“From this amount, R64 218 was allegedly paid to an institution where Khumalo’s relative was a student. It is alleged that false invoices were generated to effect more fictitious payments. Further to this act of criminality, Khumalo allegedly instructed the attorney to make payment to an NGO which did not exist,” Mamothame said.
The trio is facing eight charges of theft and fraud.
The Guardian 