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By OBAKENG MAJE  

Residents of Mokgareng village, near Taung are divided in who should lead them as the new ward councillor in the next Local Government elections on 27 October 2021. This comes after the ANC in ward 7, elected Mmoloki Mojaki as its candidate.  

However, this sparked the debate after some residents accused Mojaki of being ill-disciplined and alleged that he lacks the veracity and empathy to lead. They also accused him of assaulting the village chief, Kgosi Victor Ntokwe back in 2019.

According to Ntokwe, Mojaki and some of community members were ‘rebellious’ and against developments in the area.

“I was shocked to hear that Mojaki is at the forefront of becoming our councillor. I call on ANC to elect leaders who have the ability to lead. All leaders of the party should be elected through the eye of a needle.

“Unfortunately, Mojaki does not have all these capabilities. He once assaulted me after they were against a multi-million project at Mokgareng High School. I was so dejected to be assaulted by one of our own. He is also self-centred and we do not need people like him,” said Ntokwe.

ANC spokesperson in ward 7, Vela Ntuli was reluctant to comment on the matter. Meanwhile, Mojaki answered our call, but said: ‘Ok, realeboga’ before hanging up…..after realising that he was speaking to a journalist.

He also failed to respond to our text messages and his phone constantly rang unanswered.    

ANC Deputy Secretary-General, Jessie Duarte said in a statement: “The preferred candidates still have to be vetted and screened by the Provincial List Committee and approved by the extended PEC and extended NEC.

So, the final decisions will be made by a community vote, after community meetings in all VDs where the majority of voters voted for the ANC. We need to respect people’s voice, so that we can honestly say that our candidates are the people’s choice.”

Duarte said the deadline for nomination of candidates by BGMs has been communicated by Electoral Committee, to be followed by community meetings and then the community vote.

The writer at www.blogs.myleader.in, Peter Drucker said a political leader should be a public servant who works for the betterment of society. Drucker further said leader is elected by the members of the society by casting votes.

“A political leader requires ‘statesmanship’ as opposed to just being a ‘politician’ – this means having the integrity and willingness to stand up for what is right, even if it means resigning a position in government or losing an election.” he said.

Higher Education Transformation Network Deputy Executive Director, Orapeleng Matshediso shared the same sentiments. Matshediso said, as the ANC starts with the elections of branch, regional and provincial leadership at conferences, members must elect selfless and rooted leaders who adhere to the ANC membership declaration and understand the aspirations and the plights of the masses.

“History bestows upon us members and leaders of the ANC to learn and use the leadership traits of the late Walter Sisulu, the ANC constitution, which is through the eye of a needle method.

“To nominate candidates for local government elections and other leadership positions at various level of the organisation, remember, the renewal, rebuilding and unity of the ANC cannot be postponed any longer,” said Matshediso.

He further said the society is becoming impatient with the ANC, therefore, they need to heed to its clarion call of being led by the renewed and united ANC.  

Matshediso added that it is quite evident people like Sisulu has never acted in the manner that tarnished the image and integrity of the ANC, he was a disciplined leader and a member in good standing until his last breath.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

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By OBAKENG MAJE

Heartfelt condolences messages continue to pour in after the death of the founding president of Zambia, Dr Kenneth Kaunda. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa described Kaunda (97) as an unwavering champion of South Africa’s own liberation.

Ramaphosa said in remembrance of Kaunda who succumbed to pneumonia in hospital in Lusaka, Zambia, on Thursday, South Africa has declared a period of mourning for 10 days with immediate effect.

“Flags will be flown at half-mast at all flag stations. We bow our heads in grief at the passing of a beloved and rightfully revered father of African independence and unity. We are united in our sadness with the Kaunda family and the government and people of the Republic of Zambia.

“We are united in our sadness with the people of our region and continent, to whom Kenneth Kaunda’s leadership was a source of inspiration and resilience. Kaunda dedicated his 97 long years to the liberation and service of the people of Zambia,” he said.

He said Kaunda devoted himself and the Zambian people to supporting liberation movements around the region in their quest for independence and freedom. Ramaphosa further said Kaunda steadfast against the intimidation of the apartheid state and offered Lusaka as the headquarters of the African National Congress (ANC) in exile.

“Under his leadership, Zambia provided refuge, care and support to liberation fighters who had been forced to flee the countries of their birth. He stood alongside the people of South Africa at the time of our greatest need and was unwavering in his desire for the achievement of our freedom.

“It was in honour of this remarkable contribution that the South African government bestowed on Kaunda the Order of the Companions of OR Tambo in 2002. He was a pioneering champion of a decolonised, united and prosperous Africa. He represented his country and continent with distinction on global platforms,” said Ramaphosa.

He further said today, they recommit themselves to building the Africa of KK’s vision – an Africa of peace, justice, prosperity and innovation. Ramaphosa added that Kaunda was at their side to comfort them when they lost their leaders.

“We remember his moving tribute as we laid Madiba to rest in Qunu. Today, we place ourselves alongside Kenneth Kaunda’s family and the Zambian nation as they mourn this deep loss.

“As the South African nation, we will never be able to repay the debt of gratitude that we owe to President Kaunda. Nor will we ever forget that it was with the help of this extraordinary leader’s care and solidarity that our freedom and our democracy was won,” he said.

Meanwhile, the South African National Civic Organisation (SANCO) in the North West also shared the same sentiments. SANCO provincial chairperson, Paul Sebegoe said: “Kaunda was a revolutionary intellectual, a friend of the South African struggle for liberation and a freedom fighter who sacrificed the economic prosperity of his country when he gave refuge and supported the ANC in exile.

“He belonged to a cohort of visionary founding fathers of the Organisation of African Unity (OAU) that had valued the freedoms of all Africans and strove for the unity of its people. The people of South Africa will forever be indebted to Kaunda for the role he had played and for the invaluable lessons in servant leadership, humility and selfless service he had taught throughout his life.”

Sebegoe said Kaunda was a father, a role model and a friend. He said Kaunda was also a teacher and a repository of great wisdom and insight.

The Democratic Alliance (DA) leader, John Steenhuisen said Zambia and Africa has lost one its most influential and respected leaders. Steenhuisen said Kaunda spent his long life in the dedicated service of his country, first as liberator and then as leader.

“He was the last of a generation that spearheaded the fight for a post-colonial Africa in the mid to late 20^th century, showing principled solidarity with his Southern African neighbours in their own struggles.

“Later in life, his campaigning for HIV testing and treatment did much to counter the stigma of the virus and encourage people to know their status and seek treatment. Kaunda leaves behind a significant legacy and an important contribution to the freedom of Zambians. May he rest in peace, and may the people of Zambia find comfort in their time of grieving,” he said.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

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By STAFF REPORTER  

TEN young farmers set to receive ten bulls from the North West Agriculture and Rural Development department as part of June Month commemoration. North West MEC for Agriculture and Rural Development, Desbo Mohono said they will donate ten bulls to ten young farmers across the province as part of the 2021 Youth Month Commemoration.

“Ten young farmers who have proven commitment and perseverance to their livestock business will receive these bulls in order to further improve their livestock. The department has placed livestock improvement as part of its priority programmes.

“We have also taken note that amongst others, beef cattle production is a vehicle that has the potential to contribute to the development of the province’s populace by enhancing food security, job creation, reducing poverty and ultimately improving the quality of life of the communities in a sustainable manner,” she said.

Mohono said according to national livestock statistics, the province has 1 588 147 cattle including both beef and dairy (13% of national herd). She also made a plea to young people in the province to embrace and love agriculture.

“The department will identify young people who are passionate to give these bulls to because we need results. We need to see livestock improve in the province and open opportunities for better markets.

“The sector had opportunities and young people needed to tap on them. It was imperative for the department to commemorate June Month in order to remember the unwavering commitment of the 1976 Youth,” said Mohono.

She further said the black youth of decades ago fought against inequality. Mohono added that today’s young people face more than just inequality and they are overwhelmed by feelings of inadequacy, self-hate, and depression that do not discriminate against race, gender, sexuality, or religion.

“Where our predecessors once fought for the security of the future, we battle for relevance. We find ourselves caught up in a cycle of constantly having to prove something, while trying to figure out who we really are in a fast-changing world,” she said.

Meanwhile, one of the beneficiaries, Botlhale Tshabalala who is a young farmer based in Driehoek farm in Ngaka Modiri Molema district shared the same sentiments. Tshabalala said he has over the years moved from strength to strength in his crop production farming.

“I have grown abundantly in my eight-year stint in business and I am adamant that greater things are on the way. From only planting 15 hectares in 2013, now I am leasing land currently harvesting on the planted 165 hectares.

“So, I am grateful for the crop inputs I received from the department which made it possible for me to reach my targets of planting 30 hectares of white beans, 30 hectares of maize and 105 hectares of sunflower,” he said

Tshabalala said he is also confident about his progress and is committed to taking in young people to mentor. He also organized the annual Harvest Day celebration, which the department was part of.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

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By OBAKENG MAJE

A fraud and theft case against the controversial former JB Marks Local Municipality mayor, Kgotso Khumalo and the other two employees have been postponed to 7 July 2021 by the North West High Court sitting in Venterdorp on Thursday.

National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson, Henry Mamothame said the case was postponed to give both parties more time to prepare for a pre-trial conference.

“The state is expected to put on record its readiness to proceed with the trial and also highlight issues that are in dispute with the defence representatives. Khumalo together with Cecil Henry and Mohau Shuping, are facing eight charges of theft and fraud from the municipality funds.

“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,” Mamothame said.

He further said the attorney was given instructions to effect various payments, which includes a R208 000 mayoral committee contribution towards the funeral of the former North West MEC for Agriculture, Duma Ndleleni, who passed away on 23 November 2018.

According to Mamothame, however, it was discovered that R200 000 was paid directly into the account of one of the accused.

“From this amount, R64 218 was paid to an institution where Khumalo’s relative was a student. It is alleged that false invoices were generated to effect more fictitious payments too.

“Furthermore, Khumalo allegedly instructed the attorney to make payment to an NGO which did not exist. The three are still out on warning and are prohibited from contacting state witnesses,” he said.

Khumalo resigned as a mayor as per the ANC National Executive Committee instruction that all its members who are accused of criminal activities or serious crimes to step aside.

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