By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

The families of 20 illegal miners who were killed at Orkney mine last week, will identify their bodies today. On 14 and 15 June 2021, the police made a gruesome discovery after 20 decomposed bodies of 20 illegal miners were found and stashed in grain bags outside abandoned China African Precious Metals (CAPM) mine.  

North West police spokesperson, Brig Sabata Mokgwabone said: “The first five decomposed bodies were found at approximately 7pm on 14 June 2021 outside an old and unused mine shaft ventilation in Lawrence Park, Orkney.

“On 15 June 2021, 14 more decomposed bodies were found along Ariston Road near the railway line in Orkney. While still processing the scene, the police received information that another body was discovered where the initial five bodies were found, thus bringing a total number to 20.”

He said all the deceased were suspected to be illegal miners commonly known as “zama zamas” operating in obsolete shafts in Orkney and Stilfontein. Furthermore, the deceased suffered severe body burns.

It was reported that some of the deceased had pieces of papers depicting contact details of their next-of-kin with them. Most of these illegal miners are from Lesotho.

Now, today, the North West Premier, Prof Job Mokgoro along with Lesotho Consul, Selimo Thabane, will join the Lesotho families in identifying bodies of the deceased. However, the North West Provincial Government (NWPG) spokesperson, Brian Setswambung said Mokgoro will engage Thabane before meeting with the Lesotho families at 10am.

Meanwhile, the South African National Civic Organisation(SANCO) chairperson in North West, Paul Sebegoe said: “We condemn in the strongest terms these ghastly and horrendous criminal acts. The slaughter fields must be shut down for illegal mining operations before more dead bodies are retrieved or are in some cases buried clandestinely underneath the belly of the earth.

“It is a travesty of justice that shocking atrocities of this nature are committed with impunity by the so-called zama-zamas while municipal authorities, the Department of Mineral Resources and law enforcement agencies are seemingly turning a blind eye to the nefarious activities that have shown no regard for the value of human lives.”

He calls for the establishment of an integrated specialised unit to tackle the economic crimes committed by ruthless syndicates that are taking advantage of desperate unemployed people from neighbouring countries.

“Mining houses should be held accountable for their failure to rehabilitate abandoned mines. They are indirectly responsible for illegal activities that are claiming the lives of desperate miners who are lured to death traps by ruthless crime syndicates,” he stressed.

“We urge police to investigate whether human trafficking is not involved in these atrocious activities. No stone should be left unturned and justice for victims must be served without compromise,” said Sebegoe.

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By CYRIL RAMAPHOSA

Dear Fellow South African,

We are now in the midst of a third wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. We may be tired of this persistent enemy, but it is not yet tired of us. The threat to health and lives is evident as people become ill and some die.

So, we must do what we can, as individuals, as families and communities, as unions and employers, and as government, to limit the toll.

When the virus surges to this extent, the economy also faces challenges. Workers have to isolate or quarantine, people stop going out for recreation or shopping, tourism comes to a standstill, and workplaces have to spend more money to prevent infections.

It is incorrect to speak about a trade-off between lives and livelihoods. Rather, we need to invest our time, effort and resources to control the pandemic to see a payoff, in terms of both falling case numbers, reduced deaths and economic recovery.

The climb in new cases has been extraordinarily rapid and steep over the past few weeks. The number of daily new cases jumped from below 800 in early April to over 13,000 in the past week. In other words, it increased more than fifteen-fold from the last low point.

By now, we all know what we have to do to bring the rate of infection down, and we must act with great discipline to protect our people and our livelihoods.

Once again, we have to avoid social gatherings of all kinds, whether for family, friends, business or recreation. We must work from home if we can. We must wear masks when other people are around and stay one and half metre from other people whenever possible. Although we find ourselves in the middle of winter, we need to ensure good ventilation when indoors or in public transport, for instance by opening windows.

As South Africans, we have experienced pandemics before, most notably HIV/AIDS. We have managed to reduce new HIV infections by more than half since 2010. Our people know that we can control contagions, but it requires all of us to act together over time.

It is not a task only for the vulnerable or the healthcare system. It requires every South African to do their part, to accept that we cannot go back to pre-pandemic days but must rather build a new normal that is safe for us all.

We can win this battle, but it will take persistence and discipline.

As always with COVID-19, there are huge differences between different parts of the country. Right now, Gauteng is by far the hardest hit. This week the number of new cases exceeded the peak in both previous waves, and it has not started to decline yet.  As a result, hospitals are reaching capacity, and healthcare workers are exhausted.

Gauteng looks small on the map. But it is home to one in five South Africans and two-fifths of our economy. As an economic hub many people travel to and from this province. We need to turn this around urgently, or lives and livelihoods will be seriously under threat.

We plan to provide vaccinations for the vast majority of adults in South Africa by the end of the year. It is crucial that, when you become eligible, you get the jab as soon as possible. Our priority in this phase is to vaccinate all five million people over the age of 60. This week, we also plan to start vaccinating half a million educators and others in the sector since their work requires social contact and is vital for our children, our economy and our future.

All of us need to work to ensure a fast and smooth rollout of the vaccine campaign. If our family members, friends, neighbours or employees need help, we should support them in registering and getting to vaccine sites. We will only be able to effectively contain this disease when we succeed in rolling out vaccinations on a large scale.

Our country has experienced many hardships in the past. However, we overcame them by understanding the challenges we faced, developing appropriate strategies, and implementing them together. As we have done before, we need to work as one to prevent infections and reduce the effects of this virus on us.

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By REGINALD KANYANE

Rebaone Seele (22) will be back in Taung Magistrate’s Court on Monday. Seele was arrested a few months ago after being accused of raping a woman (35) at a popular joint, Longstreet Lifestyle Pub in Ext 7 in Taung.

It is alleged that the victim was with her boyfriend at the pub when she decided to go to the bathroom. North West police spokesperson, Col Adele Myburgh said, while the woman was in the bathroom, Seele allegedly accosted and raped her.

“Indeed, the police are investigating a rape case that was reported. The incident allegedly took place in the early hours of Sunday morning, where a woman was raped.  It is alleged that the complainant was with her boyfriend at the pub when she decided to go to the bathroom and she was allegedly raped,” Myburgh said.

She further said Seele was subsequently arrested and appeared at Taung Magistrate’s Court on Monday.

Meanwhile, the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson, Henry Mamothame said: “The suspect was granted a R2000 bail, but he has not paid it yet. The case was postponed to 21 June 2021 for further investigations.”

Taung Men against Gender-Based Violence and Femicide Forum chairperson, Tebogo Mokgejane said they are concerned about GBV cases taking place in Taung.  He said despite the efforts by various formations in Taung, including Taung Men against Gender-Based Violence and Femicide Forum to condemn and call to an abrupt halt of all barbaric acts of sexual violence, such cases continue unabated.

“Women will not be pushed to live in fear because some men have turned themselves into sex pests, preying on young and older women. The forum will not get tired of condemning these acts, assist victims and make the necessary follow-ups on all cases until justice are serviced to all victims.

“May it be known that the forum will treat all cases equally without fear or favor, no matter who is involved. The forum will continue to give the victim the necessary support like we normally do to all other victims known to us,” said Mokgejane.

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By OBAKENG MAJE

The details surrounding the missing North West University’s Digital Media Marketer and socialite, Sam Junior Mbatha continue to be sketchy. This comes after the police discovered a burnt car belonging to Mbatha in the field at Ikageng Section in Klipgat on Thursday.

North West police spokesperson, Col Adele Myburgh said the police also found a body of a man burnt beyond recognition in the boot of the car. Myburgh said the police were allegedly called to the scene of the crime at approximately 7am on Thursday and upon arrival, they found a sedan burnt to ashes. 

“Currently, the police cannot precisely confirm what transpired and investigation into the matter continues. It is suspected that it could possibly be the owner of the vehicle, but the identity of the man cannot be confirmed as the body is burnt beyond recognition.

“The police have opened a case of murder and will conduct the DNA testing to assist in positively identifying the man. Anyone with information that can assist the police, are requested to contact the investigating officer, Warrant Officer Thabo Sekgororoana on 082 ‪520 1588,” she said.

Myburgh said alternatively, they can contact their local police station, or anonymously contact Crime Stop on ‪08600 10111 or use the MySAPS app on your smart phone.

Meanwhile, the Mbatha’s family spokesperson, Kgomotso Sepeng said: “On behalf of the Mbatha family, relatives, and close friends, we would like the public to note that Sam’s car was found burnt on Thursday morning.

“The police, family, and close friends have not declared the identity of the victim who was burnt in the car. The family has not issued any statement to the public prior to this one as they respect the laws and procedures of the investigation.”

Sepeng added that the family humbly requests everyone who is publishing speculations on any publishing platforms including social media, to take down such posts with immediate effect and refrain from publishing further speculations in order to allow the police to conduct its investigations.

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By ORAPELENG MATSHEDISO

Reading from what comrade President Oliver Tambo had to say about the late Zambia President, Ntate Kenneth Kaunda, I am convinced that indeed, he was a true Pan Africanist, a committed patriot and a selfless leader of our continent.

On 16 December 1990, at the ANC rally that was held at Soccer City in Johannesburg, Ntate President Oliver Tambo said: “I came on Thursday, having spent a whole week with the world’s greatest man, Kenneth David Kaunda in Zambia. I ought to let you know that hidden somewhere in the chest of that man, lies a great lover of humanity.

“He also sent a team of six of his top men to accompany the flight he offered to bring us home. Three of them are present in this gathering. We are more than grateful to him.”

The former President, Thabo Mbeki in his tribute to Ntate Kenneth Kaunda, has eloquently posited that this astute leader of the mother continent housed and supported the ANC headquarters for 20 years in his country, Zambia under his presidency.

Indeed, ingrained in his heart was a love for the people of Africa as a whole, Ntate Kaunda was a leader whose brilliant mind was never on recess. It is vividly clear that this fallen hero and a patriot of note had unflinching love for the ANC and the liberation of our continent from the yoke of colonialism.

Let I befittingly borrow the words of the former President and astute Vietnamese communist leader, comrade Ho Chi Minh to describe Ntate Kenneth Kaunda.

“I have had only one aim in life; to struggle for the good of the country and the well-being of my people. It is for this reason that I have had to hide in the mountains and crouch in prison. Whatever the moment, whatever the place, I have had a single aim, the interest of the nation, the good of the people.

“About personal matters-all my life, I have served the fatherland, the revolution, and the people with all my heart and strength. If I should now depart from this world, I would have nothing to regret, except not being able to serve longer and more.”

Accordingly, his departure serves as an end of an era of the generation of African leaders who were prepared to die in defense of the mother continent and their natural resources. Indeed, Dr Kaunda dedicated his entire life to the service of humanity.

Therefore, in his honor, let us preserve the rich history of the ANC. Let us defend and advance its unity, renewal, and rebuilding program.Let us resuscitate Pan-Africanism and advance Africa’s agenda 2063, as well as strengthening African Union and its structures in pursuance of transformation and development of the continent.

This fallen Pan Africanist would definitely be welcomed by his generation, which formed Organization of African Unity OAU.

He will have to present a comprehensive report to comrade Julius Nyerere, Kwame Nkrumah, SekuToure, General Gamal Abdul Nasser, and many other departed heroes and heroines on the state of the continent and its Pan-Africanist agenda.

As an honest leader, he would give a true account of the state of African Union, which is the successor organization of OAU and how the current generation of African leaders have allowed Africa’s resources to be used to develop Western countries, while many of our fellow brothers and sisters in the continent are living in abject poverty, harrowing unemployment and inequality as well as underdevelopment.

I am quite certain that in his report, he would include the recent developments and anarchy that occurred at the Pan-Africanist Parliament.

Rest in peace Ntate Kenneth Kaunda, a leader par excellence and a Pan-Africanist of note.

Note: Orapeleng Vanilla Matshediso is a former Secretary-General and the President of the Students Representative Council (SRC) at North West University. He is also the former President of Golden Key International Honour Society at NWU and a member of the ANC at Dr Ruth Mompati Region in North West. He writes in his personal capacity as a social activist and his views do not necessarily represent Taung DailyNews or its associates.

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.

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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.

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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.

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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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