By OBAKENG MAJE

Heartfelt condolences messages continue to pour in after the untimely death of Naledi Local Municipality mayor, Neo Schalk. Schalk, who was affectionately known as China in the political arena, was involved in a head-on collision car accident on N14 outside Vryburg in the early hours of Sunday.  

Both Schalk and the other driver from a separate car were certified dead on the scene. The ANC North West Interim Provincial Committee (IPC) coordinator, Hlomani Chauke described Schalk as the most disciplined and committed member.

“The ANC has lost an outstanding leader, a loyal and disciplined cadre whose commitment to the unity, rebuilding, and renewal of the ANC was sincere and unquestionable. His unwavering commitment to the noble cause of nation-building and community service earned him the respect of the people of Naledi whom he served as a mayor with the greatest of humility, honour, and dignity.

“At his untimely demise, Schalk was an ANC ward 7 candidate in the Naledi sub-region. His death marks a sad end to an illustrious political journey that spanned almost four decades. He cut his political teeth in 1983 as a student leader at Bopaganang High School, where he was instrumental in leading student protests,” he said.

Chauke further said Schalk was also a leading activist of Huhudi Student Organization, Huhudi Youth Organization, and Huhudi Civic Association, which were UDF affiliates. He added that Schalk was also a member of the Regional Executive of the United Democratic Front (UDF) in the Northern Cape region.

“Schalk was also a preeminent unionist whose organizing skills earned him the admiration of workers. He was consequently appointed as organizer of the South African Commercial Catering and Allied Workers Union (SACCAWU) and served the ANC in many capacities including as a member of the Regional Executive Committee in the Dr. Ruth

Segomotsi Mompati region.

“Following the first Local Government Elections, Cde Neo was elected to the position of councillor and the ANC Chief Whip in the Naledi Local Municipality. He also served as a Speaker of Dr Ruth District Municipality and as a Member of the Mayoral Committee (MMC) responsible for Infrastructure and Maintenance,” said Chauke.

Schalk served in a number of parastatals including in the North West Operating Licensing Board, Botshelo Water Board, and Provincial Geographical Names Board. He also served the government in numerous capacities including as the Deputy Director for the Department of Transport, Roads and Public Safety.

Meanwhile, the South African National Civic Association (SANCO) in the North West described Schalk’s death as an epic loss.

SANCO Provincial Chairperson, Paul Sebegoe said: “His untimely departure has robbed our communities of a dedicated public representative who was among those who had laid a strong foundation for local government having served the Naledi municipality in various capacities.

“A fitting tribute to this revolutionary cadre and humble servant of our people who was an ardent campaigner and a patriot would be to ensure that the decisive victory that the ANC is targeting during Local Government Elections on 1 November 2021 is realised and that the councils to be installed thereafter are committed to people-centered and community-driven development.”

Sebegoe called for zero tolerance road traffic law enforcement in order to reduce crashes and fatalities on public roads.

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By STAFF REPORTER

North West Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD) has urged bidders to be wary of fraudsters. This comes after some bidders were allegedly contacted by fraudsters alleging that they have been sent to collect monies on behalf of chairpersons or directors for bids they have tendered for in order for them to get their appointment letters.

DARD spokesperson, Emelda Setlhako said the scam involves the fraudsters calling bidders and requesting money or using departmental letterheads or disguised as department’s representative to send out fake appointment letters to unsuspecting suppliers and service providers.

“All stakeholders that have received fraudulent letters are urged to report the matter to law enforcement agencies without hesitation and to inform the department of such activities. The North West Department of Agriculture and Rural Development will never send e-mail asking service providers to supply equipment and goods/services without an official purchase order number,” Setlhako said.

Meanwhile, the Southern African Fraud Prevention Service (SAFPS) said: “We’re a Non-Profit Organisation focused on fraud prevention and leading the fight against fraud and financial crime.

“We help to keep you safe from fraudsters by providing fraud prevention services.

Through collaboration between our citizens, the public, private sectors and like-minded organisations across the globe, SAFPS aims to reduce the impact of financial crime on society and the economy.”

The SAFPS said it is passionate about providing fraud prevention awareness relating to identity theft and impersonation, by publishing relevant and current information via multiple channels including social media.

“Since 2001, we have prevented billions of rand worth of fraud losses within the South African economy for both our members and consumers at large. SAFPS envisions increasing the savings value of our footprint across the SADC region in the next five years,” website said.

To report fraud at SAFPS kindly call (011) 867-2234  

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By OBAKENG MAJE

North West Premier, Bushy Maape is set to host a consultative session with leaders of religious and Faith-Based Organisations in Klerksdorp on Wednesday. According to Maape spokesperson, Sell Tatai in a statement, Maape will be accompanied by Members of the Executive Council (MECs) and mayors.

“The primary objective of the session is to find a lasting solution to challenges of service delivery bedeviling many municipalities across the province and to pray for strength in the fight against the Covid-19 pandemic.

“These include praying for families who lost their loved ones as well as those suffering from Covid-19 related illnesses. The session is also aimed at establishing working relationships with leaders of faith-based organisations to promote ethical leadership and good governance in the province,” Tatai said.

He further said since Maape’s election as the Premier, he has been crisscrossing the province meeting with different stakeholders to share his vision. Tatai added that later in the afternoon, Maape will also hand over title deeds at Alabama Extension 4.

“Over four hundred families will benefit from this initiative. Over the years, the provincial government has been on a mission to confer title deeds to residents who were previously disadvantaged by unjust laws in relation to property ownership.

“Meanwhile, the North West Provincial Government (NWPG) is hosting its EXCO Planning Lekgotla to assess the performance of the province in the last six months and prepare for the 2022/23 financial year,” he said.  

Tatai said this also includes accelerating the delivery of services in the next six months of the current financial year. He said the first session will take place at Matlosana Local Municipality Ballroom Hall at 2pm, while the handing over title deeds session will take place at Extension 4 Alabama in Klerksdorp at 4:30pm.

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