The family of Kodisang in Rooiwal village near Taung was left dejected after the drowning of their son, Thabang Kodisang. According to information, Kodisang (15) and his peers were swimming at Modisa Lodge on Saturday afternoon when the atrocity happened.
The father of the deceased, Thabiso “The Bull” Keameditse said: “We are crestfallen about what has happened. Thabang was still young and very bright, so as a family we are sad about the whole incident.
“We will be meeting with the lodge management to map the way forward. Thabang had a very bright future ahead of him. Funeral preparations are underway and we highly appreciate unwavering support we have received from friends as the bereaved family,” Keameditse said.
Meanwhile, the North West police spokesperson, Lieutenant Col Amanda Funani urged people to apply cautious measures when swimming. Funani said supervision is the very best way to help prevent kids from getting injured.
“I can confirm that we are investigating a case of inquest after a boy drowned while swimming with other kids on Saturday afternoon,” she said.
According to the www.arrivealive.co.zawebsite, drowning ranked second as the second leading cause of unintentional injury death for children. It says children less than a year old are most likely to drown in bathtubs, buckets, or toilets.
“Children need to be monitored at all times no matter the size of the pool or location where they encounter water. It is up to the parents to do everything possible not only to exercise parental supervision.
“Drowning is the process of experiencing respiratory impairment from submersion/immersion in liquid. Drowning is the 3rd leading cause of unintentional injury death worldwide, and it does not only occur during times of flooding or rough seas but in our swimming pools,” said the website.
It added that anyone can have a water-related accident and be at risk of drowning— even children who know how to swim. It says it is not only small children who are at risk, but males are much more likely to become victims of drowning.
“Risk-taking, overconfidence in swimming ability, and alcohol use may play a significant role in water deaths by drowning. Your health and the risk of drowning and the swimmer should be aware of how his body reacts to the temperature of the water. When the body gets cold blood shunts to the core, weakening arms and legs, which then lose the strength of power.
“A swimmer, who feels tired or bloated should rather rest and stay out of the water. We need to supervise as actively as possible. Parents should avoid distractions when children are near water and give them all of their attention. Even strong swimmers need adult supervision. Insist on life jackets for children who can’t swim.”
Picture: F4SD President, Dr Mbahare Kekana during media briefing in Zeerust
By OBAKENG MAJE
Forum 4 Service Delivery (F4SD) said it is ready to contest the 2021 Local Government Elections (LGE) and will now start to activate and mobilise voters to participate. F4SD president, Dr Mbahare Kekana outlined his party’s manifesto and also unveiled his party’s mayoral candidates for 2021 LGE in Zeerust on Wednesday.
“As F4SD, we are over the moon about the ground-breaking verdict of the ConCourt on the matter of postponement of the LGE. We are excited about the outcomes as it is in the interest of our community. This shows that the justice system of South Africa is at times, objective and fair.
“Through this victory, the F4SD has shown that we are a party that cares about the livelihood of the people in non-privileged communities. We are excited that our people will be able to go to the polls on 1 November 2021 and vote for change so that service delivery can be given to them on time,” Kekana said.
He said his party will contest elections in eight provinces except for Western Cape and urge the people of South Africa to give his party a chance by voting for it. Kekana added that as F4SD, they give assurance that people will get better services in those 61 municipalities and 358 wards they contesting.
“As when other political parties were quiet and willing to see you suffer longer due to non-service delivery, we are the party that stood up and was ready to stand for what we believed was right for the people on the ground.
“As you have seen from our victory against the IEC, F4SD is a party that lives by its pillars which are non-violence, electoral reform and grassroots democracy. We opposed the IEC’s bid to postpone the local government elections without any violence or malice. We stood firm for the electoral reform for the benefit of the grassroots democracy,” said Kekana.
He said F4SD is ready to serve the people through its other four pillars which are housing and sanitation, environment sustainability, progressive educational system, economic and social justice. Kekana said if electorates vote for them, they will endeavour hard to ensure that there are investors in municipalities.
“We are aiming at turning every unused building into a skill development centres to address the high rate of drop-outs, we will ensure that we build proper roads and introduce by-laws which protect our local products.
“F4SD will also give out housing vouchers worth R200 000 to complete unfinished housing projects. We will also open teachers’ colleges, build the university in every region, ensure that libraries operate 24 hours and there is a 24 hour Wi-Fi centres,” he said.
Kekana added that they will ensure that clinics are opened for 24 hours a day. He said door-to-door delivery of medication to elders from the age of 80 to 120 will be implemented.
“We will ensure that we abolish the age limit during employment and job opportunities. The same way we were able to stand for justice against the IEC, we will stand the same way for you. Our fight with IEC is far from over, as we are also going to challenge Political Party Funding Act (PPFA),” said Kekana.
He said they will also challenge the IEC to give voting opportunities to South Africans either studying or working abroad. Kekana said introduced their mayoral candidates and said all those nominated went through rigorous processes of capacity building and interviews.
“Our mayoral candidates are old and young and possess relevant qualifications and experience gained over the years,” he said.
Meanwhile, COGSTA Minister, Dr Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma announced that LGE will take place on 1 November 2021.
F4SD mayoral candidates are:
· Pontsho Mafethe- (Ratlou Local Municipality)
· Thabo Nkashe- (Ditsobotla Local Municipality)
· Merriam Mosiako- (City of Matlosana)
· Mika Moeti- (Greater Taung Local Municipality)
· Julius Melanzi- (Rustenburg Local Municipality)
· Phumla Kgatsi- (Mahikeng Local Municipality)
· Sechaba Sekhoto- (Madibeng Local Municipality)
· Sonnyboy Calvert- (Maquassi Local Municipality)
· Ntuthuzelo George- (Dr Kenneth Kaunda District Municipality)
· Lenyatso Legabe- (Lekwa-Teemane Local Municipality)
· Masego Kodisang- (Moretele Local Municipality)
· Mbahare Kekana- (Ngaka Modiri Molema District Municipality)
The family at Khudutlou village in Taung is still in disbelief after the untimely death of their daughter. This comes after the lifeless body of Gosego Modise (19) was found in an unused pit latrine with stabbing wounds on Saturday morning.
It is alleged that a Grade 11 learner at Seabo High School embarked on a drinking spree with a man who is known to the community on Friday night. However, things allegedly took a wrong turn after Gosego refused to go with him to his house and had sex.
One source said: “This guy dragged Gosego to his house where a fight allegedly ensued. He assaulted Gosego and allegedly raped her. He allegedly stabbed her and disposed of her body in a toilet next door.
“Gosego’s body was discovered by children on Saturday morning while checking the eggs laid by their hens. The parents in that house were not there and these children called for help. The police were called and Gosego’s body was taken to the mortuary.”
According to information, the suspect in this matter who had biting wounds was taken in for questioning by the police and later released pending investigations. It is alleged that Gosego gnawed him while trying to defend herself.
The North West police spokesperson, Lieutenant Col Amanda Funani could not confirm whether the deceased was raped or not.
“At this stage, we can only confirm that we are investigating a murder case. A woman was found dead inside the toilet next door. We have not made any arrest and investigating into the matter continues,” Funani said.
Meanwhile, the ANC Women’s League in North West said it is shocking over the atrocity.
ANCWL acting provincial secretary, Bitsa Lenkopane said: “Children are required to be at home especially at night, but it gives no one any right to harm them in any way if they are not.
“In fact, it is every adult’s responsibility to protect and bring children home safe every time. The family says Gosego received a call that lured her to go out on Friday night where she never returned and rather found murdered on Saturday morning.”
Lenkopane calls on the justice system to leave no stone unturned to ensure a conviction and maximum punishment for the murderer. She added that they will give the aggrieved family the necessary support during this difficult time and call on the community of Khudutlou and other areas in the region to rise against incidents that seek to harm women and children including all the vulnerable and weak groups in their locale.
“Observing all the Covid-19 protocols, the league will gather in court during the appearance of the suspect and call for no bail to be granted to him,” she said.
Picture: Former ANC North West chairperson, Supra Mahumapelo
By OBAKENG MAJE
The former North West Premier and ANC provincial chairperson, Supra Mahumapelo has been given a salvation to redeem himself after the ANC National Disciplinary Committee (NDC) reversed his 5-year suspension.
Embattled Mahumapelo along with the acting secretary of the ANC Women’s League in North West, Bitsa Lenkopane, were suspended from the ruling party by the ANC Provincial Disciplinary Committee (PDC) for misconduct.
However, the ANC National Disciplinary Committee acting chairperson, Nocawe Mafu said in a statement that the interest of justice was not taken into consideration when they were suspended.
On 27 April 2021, the North West Provincial Disciplinary Committee found Mahumapelo and Lenkopane guilty of misconduct, suspended them for five years and directed them to submit themselves for remedial guidance.
However, both Mahumapelo and Lenkopane were not present when the PDC took its decision and subsequently applied to the National Disciplinary Committee to review the decision of the PDC.
“On 25 June 2021, the NDC gave both the ANC and the charged members and their representatives an opportunity to present their respective cases and sent it’s written finding to both parties on the same day.
“The NDC findings was that, both review applications of Mahumapelo and Lenkopane were upheld to afford them an opportunity to state their case and conduct their defence. The interest of justice for both charged members and the ANC would best be served if the matter was referred back to the PDC for re-hearing in terms of Rule 25.23.4 of the ANC constitution,” Mafu said.
She further said the PDC was directed to finalise the matter within 15 days and both Mahumapelo and Lenkopane were required to give their full cooperation. However, Mafu added that the PDC did not finalise the matter within 15-day time limit prescribed by the NDC.
“In light of the development, the charged members approached the NDC for a directive. The NDC convened on 16 August 2021 and decided that the PDC should be afforded an opportunity to explain why the 15-day time limit was not complied with.
“On 19 August 2021, the PDC told the to the NDC that it interpreted “re-hearing” to mean restarting the process. It activated the process de novo (from the beginning) and re-served the charge sheet on the charged members and gave the required period of 14-day notice before it commenced disciplinary proceedings on the 15th day,” she said.
According to information, the PDC also alleged that the NDC had no powers to refer the matter back to the PDC for re-hearing and consequently adopted the review that the NDC had acted unconstitutionally.
The PDC also said only part of the constitution it could find which dealt with re-hearing was in Rule 25.30 which gave the NEC the power to refer a matter back to the appropriate disciplinary committee for re-hearing.
In a letter sent to the NDC, the PDC states: “The period of 15 days stipulated by the NDC was both impractical and unconstitutional because the ANC constitution does not confer such power on the NDC.
“By prescribing 15 days, the NDC acted unconstitutionally because Rule 25.50 provides that disciplinary proceedings shall be finalised by the disciplinary committee concerned within 6 months from the date that a notice of the charge was delivered to the charged members or his or her representative.”
However, Mafu refuted the PDC claims and said to avoid any misunderstanding, the NDC had set out the various steps to be followed by the PDC.
“The charge sheet reserved on both Mahumapelo and Lenkopane on 26 June 2021 will stand and there is no need to re-serve the charge sheet. The record of proceedings of 11 July 2021, where the charged members raised points in limine will stand as part of the record and the charged members will not be permitted to raise the same points in limine going forward.
“The PDC has six months to finalise the new disciplinary proceedings which it commenced on 26 June 2021 and that period will end on 25 December 2021. The same members of the PDC will be eligible to re-hear the matter because it will be the first time they will be hearing evidence on the substantive issues from both the ANC and the charged members,” she said.
Mafu further said no prejudice will be suffered by the charged members. She said the rules of natural justice must be afforded to the charged members to cross examine ANC witnesses and lead evidence of their own.
“Similarly, the ANC would have the right to cross examine the charged members (if they elect to testify) and witnesses. The PDC bearing finalised on 27 April 2021 is tendered a nullity. Consequently, the guilty and 5-year suspension imposed on both Mahumapelo and Lenkopane fall away and they are required to resume their responsibilities as public representatives in their respective government institutions in which they serve as ANC deployees (if their suspension precluded them from doing so)
“If the PDC finds the charged members guilty, they may appeal or receive the PDC findings to the NDC as provided for in Rule 25.35 and 25.36 of the ANC constitution. Where a charged member has appealed against or applied to review the decision of the PDC, the ANC, as the complaint has the right to cross appeal or oppose the review application (Rule 25.37 to 25.40),” said Mafu.
She said in terms of Rule 25.37, the ANC has the right to appeal against the decision and sanction imposed by the PDC. Mafu said any decision made of the PDC and/or the NDC will be subject to review by the NEC in terms of Rules 25.29 to 25.31 of the ANC constitution to satisfy itself that procedural fairness was afforded to the charged members.
Meanwhile, Lenkopane said the decision by the NDC does not call for celebration but rather for unity. She said as a disciplined member of the party, she will abide to any decision.
Picture: Police digging up one of the pit latrines
By BAKANG MOKOTO
A MURDER case against a Zimbabwean woman was postponed by the Mogwase Magistrate’s Court until 9 September 2021 for a formal bail application. National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson, Henry Mamothame said Nancy Majonhi (42) was arrested for allegedly killing her husband, Prosper Chipungare (44) back in 2015.
“The investigations revealed that Majonhi was staying with her husband, Chipungare at a rented room in Ledig near Sun City, when they had a fight on 28 July 2015. She allegedly assaulted her husband with a hammer until he fainted.
“Majonhi then allegedly hacked him with a spade and threw the body parts into three different pit latrines before cleaning the place where the incident happened. Subsequent to the alleged killing, she went to Sun City Police Station where she reported her husband missing,” Mamothame said.
He further said Majonhi allegedly departed to Zimbabwe, where she later confessed to her family and in-laws that she killed her husband. Mamothame added that the families arranged to come to South Africa, Sun City where the accused handed herself over to the police.
“Majonhi later pointed the police to the different pit latrines where she threw the body parts, six years ago. The police managed to retrieve a skull and bones which will be subjected to DNA tests.
“In her last appearance in court in August 2021, the matter had to be postponed to source the services of a Shona interpreter. Today, she applied for Legal Aid and registered her intentions to apply for bail. The state intends opposing this bail,” he said.
Picture: Acting North West Premier, Motlalepula Rosho
By OBAKENG MAJE
Acting North West Premier, Motlalepula Rosho will brief the media on the Provincial COVID-19 Vaccination Roll-out campaign in Mahikeng on Friday. According to the North West health department, spokesperson, Tebogo Lekgethwane, MEC Madoda Sambatha will also be part of the briefing.
“North West has shown improvements in its recovery rate as it reported 143 704 total number of confirmed COVID-19 cases with 131 400 people recovered. The recovery rate amounts to 91,4% and has reported 3 813 deaths thus far.
“The province now has a total of 8 491 active cases. According to the statement, the International Pageant title holder Dr Thato Mosehle who is doing her medicine internship in the province will be at the forefront of the CoVID-19 battle in the province,” Lekgethwane said.
He said Mosehle will also share her role in the vaccination rollout.
Meanwhile, South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (Sahpra) CEO, Dr Tumi Semete said the regulator is able to make informed decisions on the safety of vaccines. Semete was briefing the Portfolio Committee on Health on COVID-19 vaccine licensing, vaccine efficacy rates, and on the latest vaccine research.
“The key aspects of vaccine evaluation are an assessment of the data, which necessitates an adequate number of vaccine recipients and monitoring for a sufficiently long time. The assessment of the efficacy of the data requires robust evidence of the vaccine’s ability to prevent COVID-19 infection in well-conducted phase-three clinical trials in humans and the assessment of the risk management plan the applicant requires, that is the ability to record and report side effects,” she said.
Responding to the question posed by the committee on the safety and monitoring of the vaccines after learning of 30 coincidental fatalities, Sahpra Board Chairperson, Prof Helen Reese said: “I have not seen reported cases of people being infected with Covid-19 and resulting in deaths after they have received a vaccine.
“You might get side-effects, as the immune system might be enhanced if you get a Covid-19 vaccine if infected. It is not about dying; not at all. There is no report of that and it has not been reported to my knowledge. Our concern is side-effects.”
Reese added that they are monitoring vaccines worldwide and in South Africa, they are working closely with the National Institute of Communicable Diseases, the Medical Research Council, and academics.
She said vaccines that are 100% effective are quite rare.
“Similarly, the Covid-19 vaccines are not 100% effective. As such, the different vaccines that we are looking at will have various levels of efficacy. Regarding the new Covid-19 variant C.1.2, it was first detected in May and represents 2% of the current testing, but it has been detected in eight of the nine provinces.
“It has also been detected in eight countries around the world. Mutations of the virus are a concern. We have seen that this might be more transmissible or could be better in evading our immune systems in resisting our immune response. We are watching it closely,” said Reese.
Sahpra agreed with the committee that its communication should improve and must engage more and share its messages in indigenous languages.
The Guardian 