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By OBAKENG MAJE

Embattled North West Premier, Prof Job Mokgoro announced that he has placed the MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs (COGHSTA), Mmoloki Cwaile on a special leave. In a short statement, Mokgoro did not mention the reasons for his decision, but said he has temporarily appointed the MEC for Agriculture and Rural Development, Desbo Mohono to run Cwaile’s portfolio.  

“In accordance with powers bestowed upon me by the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa 1996, I have placed Cwaile on special leave with effect from 5 August 2021. During the period of Cwaile’s special leave, Mohono has temporarily been assigned with the functions and powers for the portfolio of COGHSTA,” he said.

It is alleged that there is a ‘fallout’ between Mokgoro and Cwaile because of political difference. According to allegations, Cwaile was informed through sms about this decision.

Cwaile was appointed as the new MEC for COGHSTA nine months ago to replace the late Gordon Kegakilwe who succumbed to COVID-19 complications in July 2020. However, Cwaile’s appointment was not a smooth ride as his appointment was received with mixed reactions especially by the ANC Interim Provincial Committee in the province.

Before his appointment, he served as Chair of Chairs in the North West Provincial Legislature (NWPL) and the Chair of Standing Committee for Legislative Review and Implementations of House Resolutions since after the 2019 General Elections.

Cwaile was recently accused of tender irregularities worth R1, 476,321.74. This came after his department allegedly appointed a private company, Kone Solutions (PTY) LTD to conduct recruitment process on its behalf.

The whistle-blower within the department who did not want to be named for fear of reprisal alleged that the contract was irregular and he was ignored even though he tried to warn Cwaile about the imminent danger of approving it.

“There are upheavals and misappropriations taking place at this department. However, when we highlight that, we are regarded as disruptive and receive hostile treatment. The department appointed Kone Solutions (PTY) LTD to conduct recruitment process for 35 vacant and funded positions with the department.

“This was approved by Cwaile after raising concern regarding the snail pace at which the department is performing regarding the filling of those positions. The appointed company was expected to advertise vacant and funded positions, which include full-service handling, advertise vacant positions, response handling from screening to placement,” he said.

However, Cwaile refuted these allegations as absurd and said even though Kone Solutions (PTY) LTD was not appointed by him, he decided to bring the contract to a grinding halt. 

“This is just a lame attempt from my detractors who want to discredit me because I have uncovered malfeasance at the department. I can tell you now, most employees at the department were hired on nepotism basis.

“In most cases, you will find that all employees at the department are related. The senior managers call their friends, colleagues, and relatives to fill the vacancies regardless of their knowledge, skill, and experience,” Cwaile said.

He further said Kone Solutions (PTY) LTD contract was not irregular because there was an allocation of budget and all the time, the company has been doing business with the department including the North West Provincial Government (NWPG) and national government.

Cwaile added that the company had engaged in a transversal contract and it has been appointed by the National Treasury.

“All government departments in the province advertise their tenders through this company. All tenders advertised by departments in the province are written Kone Solutions (PTY) LTD at the bottom. So, there is no single department that advertises posts on its own because that job is done by this company.

“Kone Solutions (PTY) LTD was appointed to advertise, but in terms of their contract, they can shortlist. However, after performing these duties, they will hand over that work to government departments to conduct interviews,” said Cwaile.

He said the reason why they wanted to delegate the recruitment process to Kone Solutions (PTY) LTD is because there is a scenario where some of employees who process vacant posts from the Human Resources Management, only serve themselves.

“Sometimes these employees withhold other requirements when advertising to the public to ensure that these posts favour them. But the important part about appointing Kone Solutions (PTY) LTD was that Directors and Head of Department (HOD) cannot go and sit in a panel of level 5, while there are assistant directors.

“Firstly, when you look at the Human Settlements Department has a shortage of staff. However, we will see all senior managers fighting to be in the panel of level 5, while they were supposed to be doing something fruitful with their time,” he said.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

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By OBAKENG MAJE

There are many multifaceted situations that could contribute to unforeseen events especially when you planning to maneuverer around. Imagine getting lost or missing a very important meeting because of not well-planned transportation?  

However, the most reliable solution is using an acknowledged shuttle service. Now, Future Shuttle and Tours is here to ease your anxieties. North West popular Dj, Thato Koolatotse, better known as Notorious_DJ in the entertainment industry said, he came up with this idea to assist commuters to reach their destinations without any difficulties.

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“Future Shuttle and Tours makes things easier for our clients to get somewhere when only have to worry about themselves. We are based in Vryburg and provide services to individuals, groups, or goods.

“I have realised that transportation is a vital factor to every city and town. There is always something or someone that needs to be ferried. So, Future Shuttle and Tours caters for family shuttles, private gateways and is available for 24 hours and seven days a week,” Koolatotse said.

He further said their services are most affordable and reliable. Koolatotse added that travelling using their shuttle service also provides various advantages like safety, professionalism, worry-free, and getting kind of services that is not granted anywhere.

“Transportation plays a huge role in the local economy especially in Small Dorpies and Urban areas. If you look at Vryburg, it is not that big but there is a need for a shuttle here. I mean, there is no transport to both public and private hospitals to just name a few. We have people going there on a daily basis.

“We also have elderly people who cannot easily reach for public transport such as taxis. Vryburg is a growing town and we also have revellers going to nightclubs and pubs at night. So, Future Shuttle and Tours is here to make sure that everybody reaches their destination safely,” he said.  

Another advantage of the shuttle is privacy, unlike public transport, says Koolatotse. He said they ensure that they take care of some obstacles that can be annoying to their clients.

“I came up with this idea also to create job opportunities and leave a legacy. It is very important to have multiple sources of income as a person as you know I am also a Dj. I consider myself very innovative and the most hard-working person I know,” he said.

Taung-born Dj (33) said, there are clear advantages and disadvantages to start a business while employed. However, he said the most important thing in life is to have financial security.  

“I do not have challenges in juggling all these together. I also create time to be a businessman, a father, a partner and Dj. There are so many challenges that we are faced with, especially during this time of COVID-19.

“However, we need to soldier on and win the battle. The transport industry is faced with challenges. Roads are associated with being the arteries of a city because they serve as the primary avenues through, which people can move from point A and point B,” said Koolatotse.

He added: “The state of local roads in areas that we operate on have a negative impact and affect our target including the growth of the business. We also operate in areas where people are living beyond the poverty line.

“As much as we want to expand and better our services, we want to create our own platform that will enable our clients to connect with our drivers conveniently without any hassle. It is very important to mention that we have established EFT to better our services.”

Koolatotse said he is planning to expand his business to areas like Taung in the future. He said they have adjusted their operating hours from 4am until 9:30pm from Monday to Sunday due to COVID-19 regulations.

NB: Kindly call 0844035130 for bookings.

taungdailynews@gmail.com