By OBAKENG MAJE

Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) in the Greater Taung said it will deploy the action-orientated and principled ward councillors who are committed to its mandate. The EFF regional secretary in the Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati region, Justice Dabampe said all 24 ward councillor candidates are honourable leaders who will ensure that ordinary people receive basic service delivery.

“We urge our people to go out in numbers on 1 November 2021 and vote for EFF during Local Government Elections. We know there was a lack of service delivery and many people had a lot of adversity to deal with for the past 27 years.

“Now, we call for them to vote for change. If we are voted in power, the EFF-led municipality will build a bridge in Moseja Section in Manthe in Ward 14 by June 2024. We will also build a water bridge in Diplankeng village in Ward 18 by June 2022,” he said.

“The EFF-led municipality will build a bridge on the road between Taung and Mokgareng village in Ward 7 by July 2023. We will ensure that our voters get a bridge between Itireleng and Rooiwal villages in Ward 8 by July 2024,” Dabampe said.

He further said in most cases, rural people have limited access to road infrastructure and this not only impedes their mobility, but also limits their access to development benefits.  

“Improved rural infrastructure, most specifically roads, is key to rural development. So, we want accessible roads in this area to ensure that we grow the economy. The people in Ward 9 at Tamasikwa and Buxton have been subjected to inaccessible road for years, but that road will be paved by July 2023 if we are voted into power.

“The EFF-led municipality will also build a road from Reivilo to Lykso in Ward 1 by July 2024. We promise to build an accessible road between Ntswanahatshe and Maganeng villages in Ward 2 by June 2024, and construct a road that links Myra and Mogopela by June 2022,” said Dabampe.

He said there is also a need for a Drug Recreational Centre in Taung CBD. Dabampe said EFF will ensure that it builds one in Ward 8 by July 2023, if they take over the municipality.  

Dabampe added: “The EFF-led municipality will also build community halls in Molelema village in Ward 15 and Cokonyane village in Ward 10 by July 2023 and 2024 respectively. We will construct another community hall in Moretele village in Ward 2 by 2 September 2022. The EFF-led municipality will build a community hall in Dryharts in Ward 4 by June 2024.

“We will also build quality and spacious houses with flushing toilets in new stands in Ward 3. Our people in Reivilo in Ward 1 deserve quality houses and we will ensure that we build them by June 2024,” he said.

Dabampe highlighted that the EFF will complete all unfinished RDP houses in Extension 6 in Ward 8 by June 2023. He said the EFF will electrify Reivilo Informal Settlement in Ward 1 by June 2022.

“The EFF-led municipality will install high mast lights in Modimong and Cokonyane in Ward 10 by June 2022. Our aim is also to employ additional nurses for Morokweng clinic in Ward 16, Molelema clinic in Ward 15, Buxton clinic in Ward 9, Leshobo clinic in Ward 7 and Majeakgoro clinic in Ward 19 by June 2023.

“As the EFF-led municipality, we will also build a clinic in Manokwane in Ward 12 by November 2022. We will ensure that there is a mobile clinic at Dikereseng village in Ward 4 by April 2023,” he said.

Dabampe said they will ensure that there is a Youth Centre in Magogong village in Ward 18 July 2023. He said EFF will also build silos in Mokassa in Ward 24 by December 2023.

“Our communities in Ga-Mothibi in Ward 19 and Baga-Maidi will get libraries with internet connection by August 2024. The EFF-led municipality will build an abattoir at Pudumoe in Ward 5 by September 2023, while we ensure that people in Magogong and Diplankeng in Ward 18 have access to clean water in their yards by July 2023.”

He said that the EFF will build quality houses for people of Magogong in Ward 18 by June 2022 and ensure that they scrap all historical debts of the people in Extension 6, Reivilo and Pudumoe by December 2021.

“The EFF-led municipality will ensure that the people of Magogong in Ward 18 have flushing toilets and we will replace all asbestos houses in that area with proper and quality houses,” concluded Dabampe.

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By OBAKENG MAJE

Aspiring coaches have completed a 15-day CAF- accredited coaching course held in Ditsobotla recently. Ditsobotla Local Football Association (DILFA) chairperson, Thebe Sekoto said the aim of this course was to educate local coaches on how to develop football principles such as the theory training, match analysis and the laws of the game.           

“The education of coaches remains key to the success in the development structure of football in the country. To this end, the DILFA and its partners, AfriSam, have ramped up efforts to get more and more coaches qualified.

“The coaching course will indeed improve the standard of coaching and football in our region. We remain resolute and we are impressed by the commitment shown by our coaches who were capacitated,” said Sekoto.

He further lauded AfriSam’s contribution to this initiative. Sekoto added that coach education has a significant impact on their Vision 2025 as key performance indicators.

“The course has credit-bearing to qualify coaches to be admitted for a B-License course that will be held next year by the LFA. Guided by the South African Football Association (SAFA) Vision 2022 and its national technical master plan, the LFA completed the CAF C-license coaching diploma,” he said.

AfriSam General Manager, Vishal Aniruth shared the same sentiments. Aniruth also reiterated their commitment to improving the aptitude of coaches and the growth of football in the communities from which they operate.

“This is an ongoing partnership with DILFA through our Ima Nathi programme. The coaching course is part of a two-year plan to up-skill the level of coaching in these areas. Remember, the education of coaches ensures the future quality of football, which lies largely in the hands of qualified coaches who play a key role in the development of players and football,” Aniruth said.

One of the beneficiaries, Tekoetsile Korae said: “I’d like to applaud all stakeholders involved because this initiative will assist us in ensuring that our vital roles as football coaches enable us to run and supervise all training and football matches for the players.

“My love for football and seeing kids in the village play football drives me. No matter how many matches you have played at the highest level, coach education adds to your experience and gives you the finer details in coaching.”

Meanwhile, the CAF instructor Steve Coetzee said the course started in May 2021 and they have now completed the Diploma course. Coetzee said the objective was to try developing coaches because better coaches make better players.

“I’ve been an instructor for over 20 years, having been involved with a lot of coaches, from the late Thomas Madigage to Allan Freese, Owen Da Gama and Thabo September, who is the SuperSport United MDC side coach,” he said.

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By OBAKENG MAJE

A 21-YEAR-OLD gang member was sentenced to two life imprisonment by the Schweizer Reneke Regional Court for four counts. Fando Joel Galeboe who was a member of the notorious gang known as SVK in Ipelegeng Location, in Schweizer Reneke raped two girls aged 11 and 13 respectively.   

According to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson, Henry Mammothame: “Police reports reveal that on 2 June 2021, Galeboe met two girls aged 11 and 13 in Ipelegeng, and threatened them with a knife and a gun before taking them to a shack at a nearby informal settlement.

“He then proceeded to rape them one after the other. Galeboe was sentenced to life imprisonment on each count of rape. In a separate incident that took place on 7 January 2021 in Ipelegeng, Galeboe raped a girl (19).”

He was accompanied by his gang members when they met the girl (19) walking with her male friends. Galeboe’s gang members then chased away the male friends, while he was trying to speak to the lady who at the time was refusing to converse with him.

“He then forcefully dragged her to a nearby yard and raped her. The court sentenced him to 10 years for this crime. On the fourth count of assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm, Galeboe met a woman in her mid-forties in the street in Ipelegeng and insisted on walking with her, but she refused.

“He then tried to take her by force threatening her with a knife and the victim fought back. Galeboe eventually stabbed her several times before fleeing the scene. He was sentenced to 4 years imprisonment for this offence,” said Mamothame.

He said all four victims laid charges against him and he was eventually arrested in 2018. His bail application was also denied. In aggravation of sentence, the state prosecutor, Mpho Sephapo argued that all the victims were vulnerable members of society and that Galeboe used his masculinity to violate them.

He urged the court not to deviate from the minimum sentence as the crimes committed were of a serious nature. He said the sentences will run concurrently.

Meanwhile, the acting Director of Public Prosecutions in the North West, Dr Rachel Makhari-Sekhaolelo welcomed the conviction and sentence. She expressed how this conviction will strengthen the advocacy in the fight against the abuse of women and children.

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By OBAKENG MAJE

A 25-YEAR-OLD man is set to appear in Coligny Magistrate’s Court on Monday for rape and murder. It is alleged that Petrus Moswea was arrested after the lifeless body of his mother (70) was found at Nicolaas farm, outside Coligny on 11 October 2021.

North West police spokesperson, Capt Aafje Botma said: “The accused reported the incident to the police who accompanied him to the scene. The preliminary investigation revealed that the deceased, who was staying with her husband and Moswea, was raped and fatally assaulted with a knobkerrie.

“However, the husband was not at the farm at the time of the incident. Subsequently, the police cross-questioned Moswea, who admitted to raping and killing his mother. He was then arrested,” Botma said.

She further said Moswea, who initially made his first court appearance on 13 October 2021, was remanded in custody.

Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena condemned the atrocity and lauded the police for the swift arrest of the suspect.

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By THEBEETSILE KEAMEDITSE

Plans are afoot to resuscitate the creative industry with a specific focus on various artistic projects to help mitigate the impact of Covid-19 in the North West. This was a commitment made by the North West Premier, Bushy Maape during a stakeholder engagement with the creative industry and the youth held at Mmabana Arts, Culture and Sports Foundation in Mahikeng.

Maape, who was amongst others accompanied to the stakeholder engagement by the North West MEC for Arts, Culture, Sports and Recreation, Virginia Tlhapi, also urged the youth to be solution driven on challenges of socio-economic concern plaguing the province.

“The industry is one of the economic sectors which have suffered serious financial losses as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic. The youth unemployment rate has also risen exponentially in the last few months. The negative perception that the province has endured over the last few years needs to change.

“We need to change the wrong perception about the province and we can only do that through investing in the creative industry and the youth. The history of the North West remains largely untold but through proper planning and coordination, we can change a lot of negative perceptions about the province and attract investment,” he said.

Maape further said they will ‘be working’ together with the youth and the creative industry on various entrepreneurship projects to help resuscitate the economy. He also urged the youth to go out in numbers and get vaccinated.

According to statistics, the province has just passed the one million mark of people who have been vaccinated. North West plans to reach population immunity by December 2021.

(Edited by: Obakeng Maje)

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By OBAKENG MAJE

Two suspects are expected to appear in Taung Magistrate’s Court today for dealing in drugs. Thapelo Frederick Johny (29) and Atlegang Mayven Puoeng (25) were arrested on 6 October 2021 in Pudimoe at around 11am.

North West police spokesperson, Capt Sam Tselanyane said: “Police received information about an alleged drug dealing activity in Pudimoe and applied for a search warrant.

“A search was duly conducted at the identified house, where the accused were found. During the search, police found 26 bags of dagga and 900 packets of nyaope. All with a combined estimated street value of R79 000.”

Tselanyane said both accused are expected to re-appear in court on Thursday for a formal bail application. He said investigation into the matter continues.

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By OBAKENG MAJE

In the past, cricket was not a popular sport among black people, however, that has gradually changed since the dawn of democracy. Nowadays, many young people continue to take part in the sport.

The founder and owner of Dafita Rovers Cricket Club, Dafita Mainaakae said, the future of cricket in Taung is brighter. He said his newly-formed cricket club consists of two teams, which are affiliated to the provincial cricket body, North West Cricket.  

“The club consists of the male and female squads. Our male squad will be participating in a second division league, while our female counterparts will be contesting in the Premier League. Even though we do not have resources such as a cricket field/oval, we are still disciplined, dedicated and determined to achieve our goal.

“We are happy to see our club making strides and finding its niche in the cricket landscape. We are fortunate to have dedicated players who are always willing to learn. At the club, we have been hard at work and played season preparatory matches with other cricket clubs such as Bloemhof Cricket Club, Taung Cricket Club and others,” he said.

Mainaakae also lauded his club management for showing unambiguous commitment in developing the club into a ‘force to be reckoned’ with. He further said through hard work, the club has roped in the unmatched experience of Tlokwe Cricket Academy coach as a mentor.

“The gentleman braced the cold winter weather in July to come and conduct clinics for our players. This was in a bid to familiarize them with the basics and adhesively inculcate psychological grounding of the club.

“This has yielded great results and we also want to applaud local businesses which came on board in the form of sponsorship. To the owners of Boema Purified Water and Druzaray Aluminium, we highly appreciate you,” said Maainakae.

He encouraged other local businesses to come on board. Maainakae said local businesses play a vital role in grooming future players.

“Our aim was to ignite the love of cricket in youngsters and encourage local schools to start having cricket as one of their sporting activities. We want to give as many children an opportunity to access cricket.

“We have realised that there is a potential to start a cricket club that can have an impact on youngsters within this area of Taung and I am happy to see our players’ thoroughly enjoying taking part in all our programmes and matches,” said Maainakae.

He added that there was great excitement around the batting and bowling too. Maainakae concluded by saying, “There is nothing stopping the young players from becoming the country’s next cricket legends. If we continue to join hands and bring the best programmes to them, that will add value to their lives and they will eventually conquer the world.”

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By OBAKENG MAJE

North West MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs (COGHSTA), Lenah Miga said they will build 61 houses for military veterans across the province. Miga said her department is committed to prioritise the housing project as mandated by the National Department of Human Settlements.

“The department has planned to build about 61 military veterans houses across the province for this financial year. In the Moses Kotane Local Municipality, only six military veterans will receive their houses during this financial year.

“The housing project is administered jointly between the Department of the Military Veterans (DMV) and the National Department of Human Settlements (DHS) in terms of a memorandum of Understanding,” she said.

Miga further said the DMV provided the departments with a list of beneficiaries who are eligible for housing allowance. She added that the purpose of this exercise was to educate military veterans on the specification of their houses and how to take care of them going forward.

She said her department together with the Moses Kotane Local Municipality and South African National Military Veterans Association (SANMVA), extended the Housing Consumer Education to Military Veterans (HCEMV) in the area.  

Meanwhile, the Housing Development representative, Ezekiel Thathane said: “There was a qualifying criterion for beneficiaries who were provided by the military veterans. It stipulates that, military veterans deserve housing if they are on the DMV database and if they fall under the act that was formulated for the provision of housing to military veterans.

“In addition, the veteran must be unemployed or receiving pension, or if they are working their income must be below R125 000 per annum.”

One of the beneficiaries, Ramoabi Monageng who is unemployed said it is long overdue.

“We have long been waiting for these houses and finally I see the light at the end of the tunnel. COVID-19 was also a stumbling block because if it was not for it, I think we could be occupying the houses at the moment.

“I was a soldier for the former Bophuthatswana regime for eight years (1986-1994) and I further joined the South Africa National Defence Force (SANDF) between 1994 and 1997. I am currently unemployed and married with six children,” he said.

According to information, these houses measuring 50 square metres come standard with two bedrooms, kitchen, fitted kitchen cupboards, stove, sink, hot and cold water taps, plastered and painted interior including ceiling throughout the house.

The house will also consist of tiling, single carport and fencing around the yard. taungdailynews@gmail.com

By STAFF REPORTER

A murder case against a Zimbabwean woman, Nancy Majonhi (42) was postponed by the Mogwase Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday. The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson, Henry Mamothame said the case was postponed due to the accused’s deteriorating health.

Majonhi was arrested after she allegedly killed her husband, Prosper Chipungare (44) during a fight back in 2015. According to Mamothame, the pair was sharing a rented room in Ledig village near Sun City when the atrocity occurred.

“Majonhi allegedly assaulted her husband with a hammer until he fainted. She then allegedly hacked him with a spade and threw the body parts into three different pit latrines before cleaning the crime scene out.

“Subsequent to the alleged killing, Majonhi went to Sun City Police Station, where she reported her husband as missing. She then allegedly departed to Zimbabwe where she later confessed to her family and in-laws that she killed her husband,” he said.

Mamothame further said the families arranged to come to South Africa, where the accused handed herself over to the police. He said Majonhi later pointed the police to the different pit latrines where she threw the body parts.  

“The police managed to retrieve a skull and bones which will be subjected to DNA tests. The postponement of the case was effected due to Majonhi’s ill-health, which also prevented her from appearing again in court on Tuesday.

“Her bail application is due to be heard following two postponements owing to her ill-health. The court ordered that she be subjected to a health and mental examination before the bail hearing can commence. The case was postponed until 19 October 2021,” said Mamothame.

Meanwhile, Majonhi will remain in police custody while undergoing the health and mental examination before her next court appearance. The case was postponed until 19 October 2021.

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