By OBAKENG MAJE

A learner from Hartbeespoort High School who is a top achiever in the North West, Eloise Elizabeth Shelley (18) said even though 2021 was a tough year, she is happy that she performed remarkably well.

Shelley obtained seven distinctions and scored 1709 marks in all subjects excluding Life Orientation and obtained beyond 90% in all her subjects.

“Through discipline, dedication and determination, nothing is impossible. Achieving great marks requires a good amount of planning. This was a very challenging year and there were many times where I doubted myself.

“However, I told myself to work harder. So, I came up with a strategic plan to schedule everything and I made sure that I stick to the plan. I made a promise to myself not to let any external factors impact my school work,” she said.

Shelley encouraged other learners who did not make it not to be dejected, but rather try again. She further said one should not be afraid of making mistakes, because mistakes are the best opportunities to learn.

“My cordial advice to them is simple. Please, never give up and they should know that failures are a great platform for success. They should not be afraid of making mistakes, but be afraid of making the same mistake twice.

“Planning ahead is always crucial, so to the current cohort, the earlier you prepare, the better. This will bring in improvement in your studies and they should also have a management diary because it will enable them to study smart,” said Shelly.

Shelly who is ‘spoiled for choices’ said she is planning to study medicine either at the University of Stellenbosch, University of Pretoria or University of Cape Town.

Meanwhile, the North West Premier, Bushy Kaobitsa Maape has thanked and applauded the Matric Class 2021 for assisting the province to improve the matric results and achieve 78.2% which represents an increase of 2% from the 76.2% in 2020.

“In 2018, the province improved to 81.1% and occupied position 4. So, in 2019, we obtained a pass rate of 86.8% and occupied the same position 4, then in 2020 we dropped to 76.2% and we were relegated to position 5 on the national ranking. 

“So, in 2021, the province is back to position 4 with 78.2%. This performance is a reflection of the resilience of learners who had to adapt to new ways of learning due to the Covid-19 pandemic which affected their schooling program,” Maape said.

North West MEC for Education, Wendy Matsemela who announced the Matric Final Examinations results at MM Sebitlwane Special School in Taung on Friday (21 January 2022) shared the same sentiments. Matsemela also applauded the learners for helping the province to improve the results after dropping their position in 2020.

“When we said we will bounce back after taking a knock in the 2020 matric result, many thought it was just rhetoric. Our commitment to rise again was inspired by the wisdom drawn from the words of our former President Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela and Maya Angelou’s poem ‘Still I Rise’. We have reclaimed our position and we are counted amongst the stars. We are extremely proud of the Class of 2021” said Matsemela.

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By THEBEETSILE KEAMEDITSE

North West Premier, Bushy Kaobitsa Maape has thanked and applauded the Matric Class 2021 for assisting the province to improve the matric results after achieving 78,2% which represents an increase of 2% from the 76,2% in 2020.

Maape was addressing the North West Provincial Matric Results Announcement ceremony held at MM Sebitloane Special School in Taung.

The ceremony was also attended by top achieving learners and schools in the province, including the officials from the North West Department of Education.  

In 2018, the province improved to 81.1% and occupied position 4, while obtained a pass rate of 86.8% in 2019 and occupied the same position. 

“In 2020, the province dropped to 76.2% and relegated to position 5 on the national ranking. However, in 2021, the province is back to position 4 with 78,2%.

“The performance is a reflection of the resilience of learners who had to adapt to new ways of learning due to the Covid-19 pandemic which affected their schooling program,” he said.

Maape further said the Class of 2021 faced the stark realities of living side-by-side with the Coronavirus pandemic. He added that learners had to adapt and cope with the dictates of a pandemic that dramatically changed their conventional ways of doing things at home and at school. 

“Despite all these, they rose above the challenges they faced and emerged victorious. We are proud of the character displayed by the Class of 2021,” said Maape.

North West MEC for Education, Wendy Matsemela also applauded the learners for helping the province to improve the results after dropping their position in 2020. 

Matsemela announced the best performing candidate for the North West Class of 2021, Eloise Elizabeth Shelley from Hartbeespoort High School. 

Shelley obtained seven distinctions and scored 1709 marks in all subjects excluding Life Orientation and obtained beyond 90% in all her subjects.

“When we said we will bounce back after taking a knock in the 2020 matric result, many thought it was just rhetoric. Our commitment to rise again was inspired by the wisdom drawn from the words of our former President Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela and Maya Angelou’s poem ‘Still I Rise’. 

“We have reclaimed our position and we are counted amongst the stars. We are extremely proud of the Class of 2021”  she said.

Top Performing Schools based on the highest number of subject distinctions (Excluding Life Orientation), in ascending order. 

In Position 3 is Potchefstroom Girls High with 186 subject distinctions, Position 2 – Wesvalia High School with 207 subject distinctions and Position 1 goes to Gimnasium High School with 214 subject distinctions.

Bojanala District is the top performing district with 81,6%, followed by Dr Kenneth Kaunda with 79,3%, Ngaka Modiri Molema 75,2 and Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati with 72,9%.

Maape took the opportunity to announce that the province will be increasing the number of bursaries for the 2022 academic year.

“The Provincial Bursary Scheme is now known as Victor Thebe Sifora who is a struggle icon in the province, who education was very close to his heart. 

“We will also increase the roll-out of learnerships and internships for those who will not succeed in securing the bursary. This will give them an opportunity to acquire the needed skills, lessen the high unemployment rate in the province and contribute to the economy” said Maape.

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By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

The family of Mathe from Maganeng village near Taung is looking for Tebogo Mathe who is missing. It is alleged that Mathe left his homestead on 2 January 2022 and never came back.

According to Mathe’s nephew, Rebaone Phoko, the missing man who is mentally-ill, was wearing a blue t-shirt, black trousers and Nike sneakers.

“Anyone who could know his whereabouts, please call me on 0710680805/ 0725506352. We will highly-appreciate your assistance,” he said.

Meanwhile, the North West police spokesperson, Col Adele Myburgh confirmed that a missing person case was opened at Pudimoe Police Station.

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By BAKANG MOKOTO

A 35-YEAR-OLD man who was arrested for allegedly smashing the windows of the Vryburg Magistrate’s Court on 9 January 2022 changed his mind. Sibongile Dube was charged with malicious damage to property and told the court that he will represent himself with intentions of pleading guilty.

However, in a turn of events, Dube who appeared in court recently, is now seeking the assistance of Legal Aid and told the court that he will no longer plead guilty to the charges.

National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in the North West, Henry Mamothame said: “The Vryburg Magistrate’s Court postponed Dube’s case to 25 January 2022 for Legal Aid representation.

“Dube told the court that he will no longer plead guilty to his alleged offense and he further requested a Legal Aid attorney. In his last appearance in court on 17 January 2022, he opted to represent himself then told the court that he intends to plead guilty for his offense.”

Mamothame said Dube alleged that his actions were driven by anger following a three months jail sentence he served for failing to appear in court on a separate offense in June 2020. He further said Dube also attributed his anger to a two year sentence he received in 2009 on an assault case.

“He alleged that he had a valid reason for not attending court, but was nonetheless sentenced. A security officer on duty on 9 January 2022 heard windows being smashed and upon investigation, saw the suspect running away from the scene.

“The security officer gave chase and caught Dube. The police were called and he was arrested. Dube was officially charged and will remain in custody until his next court appearance,” said Mamothame.

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By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

North West MEC for Health, Madoda Sambatha lauded nurses and doctors at Joe Morolong Memorial Hospital in Vryburg for successfully delivering quadruplets recently. Sambatha said during the wee hours of January 15, 2022, three boys and one girl were born.

“The mother of the quadruplets is from the Sewedi family in Monoto-Mosweu near Vryburg. Quadruplets are a set of four offspring born at one birth. An individual that is part of such a set is called a quadruplet and sometimes referred to as a quad.

“I want to congratulate both nurses and doctors who delivered the babies as well as the mother. The family is blessed with bundles of joy. Well done to our doctors and nurses for a successful operation that delivered the babies,” he said.

Sambatha further said most importantly, he wanted to congratulate the mother who gave birth to these quadruplets.

“We know that Ms Lettie Sewedi had been booked to attend the Antenatal care at Coleridge clinic and was later referred to JMM Hospital where a successful operation was undertaken by our well-experienced medical team.

“According to the experts, quadruplets are formed when a single fertilized egg splits into four different embryos (these are known as monozygotic quadruplets) and they are genetically identical quadruplets. Four eggs are then released and are each fertilized by a different sperm,” said Samabatha.

He added that all the quads came out weighing reasonably as anticipated by the team. Sambatha said of the four new-borns, three are boys (Quad 1, 2 and 4) and one is a girl

(Quad 3).

“Currently all the boys are being fed whilst the girl is receiving close monitoring on ventilation in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). This is after the doctors discovered that she has apnoeic attacks and was given blood transfusion.

The newly appointed Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Hospital, Portia Tlou applauded the nurses and doctors too. Tlou emphasised the long standing assignment of the department of impeccably delivering health services to all, at all times.

“Ours is only to serve our patients with distinctive love,” she said.

Meanwhile, Sewedi (39) who is a mother of nine children was ecstatic to have received the generous and professional service from JMMH. She further indicated that she cannot wait to go home and enjoy life with her new bundles of joy.

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By REGINALD KANYANE

Many residents across the North West province were affected by torrential rains recently. Now, the North West Premier, Bushy Maape has assembled a committee to deal with disaster inflicted by torrential rains.g

Residents in Kraaipan, Mareetsane and Madibogo villages near Mahikeng including Christiana and Bloemhof in the Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati region were severely affected. Two bridges in Kraaipan were washed away, while one bridge was destroyed in Mareetsane and the other one was damaged due to rainfalls.

North West MEC for Cooperative, Governance, Human Settlement and Traditional Affairs (COGHSTA), Lenah Miga visited the residents staying along the Bloemhof Dam on Wednesday.

Residents were forced to be evacuated from their business premises and private homes due to recent floods.

“We visited the area to assess the situation at the Bloemhof Dam after the residents had been warned early this week to evacuate the area in the wake of heavy rains.  The dam is now filled to capacity and the sluice gates have been opened to release the water pressure which has now reached 2000 cubic meter per second.

“The disaster management team in the Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District Municipality is on high alert for any eventuality, and is working with sector departments in the district to assist where necessary,” she said.

Miga said the committee assembled by Maape comprises of MECs of Public Works and Roads, Education, Social Development, Health, Community Transport and Safety Management and Finance, including Mayors from Bojanala Platinum, Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati and Ngaka Modiri Molema District Municipalities.

The Lekwa-Teemane Local Municipality mayor, Sebang Motlhabi, told Newsnote that the municipality was working overtime to ensure everyone who is affected gets help.

Motlhabi said because the majority of farms around this municipality were sitting on the Vaal Dam, the Water and Sanitation department decided to open the sluice of up to 150% water average.

“As a result of that, those who are living next to the dam have been affected because their houses have been flooded. But as the municipality we have arranged transport to evacuate them so that they can get alternative accommodation.

“We are going to put systems in place to make sure that we assist our people,” Motlhabi said.

Meanwhile, the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) spokesperson, Sputnik Ratau said: “The department will continue to monitor all registered dam levels during this rainy season. As dam levels continue to rise, the department sternly warns the public to stay  off the rivers and dams, even near the banks as most incidents occur during the wet and slippery season.

“As of 14 January 2022, the North West Provincial weekly levels have slightly decreased from 75.0% to 74.6%. Last year at this point, the provincial water storage recorded 64.5% water storage. Those that have improved are Buffelspoort from 100.7% to 100.8%; Lindsleypoort Dam from 38.6 % to 39.2% and Taung Dam from 98.6% to 99.2%,” Ratau said.

He added that Hartbeespoort has slightly decreased from 96.5% to 96.2%. Ratau said other dams remain unchanged and urged communities to continue to apply water conservation even amidst this rainy season.

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By THEEBEETSILE KEAMEDITSE

North West Premier, Bushy Maape said his government has re-committed itself to work with traditional leaders to address challenges of socio-economic concern confronting the province.

As part of solidifying and strengthening relations with traditional councils across the province, Maape who was accompanied by Members of the Executive Council (MECs) paid homage to the Barolong Boora Tshidi Royal Family on Wednesday.

The visit was preceded by laying the wreath at the burial site of struggle veteran and the first recording secretary of the African National Congress (ANC), George Dick Montshioa, where the government committed to give the site a facelift by erecting a statue in his memory.

Maape said the government has also committed to prioritise the socio-economic development of the provincial capital through provision of services and creation of jobs. He further said this will include upgrading the drainage system as well as resurfacing the roads in Mahikeng and surrounding areas.

“These are the on-going efforts by the government in cementing relations with traditional leaders by expediting the delivery of services and creating jobs. Our priorities are centred on infrastructure development, service delivery as well as promoting and preserving the history of Barolong with the sole purpose of re-igniting tourism in the provincial capital.

“This will go a long way in creating jobs for our people. Moreover, this will attract investment and our people will be able to participate actively in the economy” he said.  

Maape added that further engagements between the government and Barolong Boora Tshidi will continue to ensure the implementation of commitments made.

Kgosi Jeff Montshioa of Barolong Boora Tshidi believes the commitments by the government are a step in the right direction.

“Mahikeng is the ancestral land of the Barolong people. They played an important role in the liberation and democratisation of this country. We are grateful that the government is now recognising this important role by honouring our forebears.

“We are also elated that they are forging a relationship in finding solutions to many challenges affecting our communities,” said Montshioa.

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(Edited by: Obakeng Maje)

By OBAKENG MAJE

Farmers across the North West province said the decision to suspend the Presidential Employment Stimulus (PES) vouchers will affect them in the long run. In a statement released today (13 January 2022), the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD) confirmed that it has suspended all the Presidential Employment Stimulus(PES) implementation with immediate effect until further notice.   

According to the department, they have received endless complaints after the initiative was marred with mismanagement. It is alleged that farmers who redeemed their vouchers were ‘illegally’ charged 25-27% by retailers.

One of the beneficiaries, Kelebogile Mokgatle (33) from Rustenburg said inflated prices by suppliers have severely affected them.

“The supplier’s mark up on prices varied depending on how they charged us. We had to pay over 25% and this affected me as an emerging farmer. We produced Grey Brahman and large white pigs crossbreed with Duroc breed.

“I am passionate about farming, but this kind of delinquency is going to demoralise us. Farmers contribute to the growth of the economy and food security. So, we call on the department to address this transgression,” he said.

Another subsistence farmer, Violet Moitlobo from Rustenburg also shared the same sentiments. Moitlobo said she started to embark on farming in 2019 and things weren’t looking good.

“I specialise in layer chicken and have a 14 hectare farm. I think there was confusion between the department and retailers. I did my own research and I realised that we were not supposed to be charged a commission. Somebody must take responsibility and explain what had really transpired,” she said.

One of the suppliers who are also a producer of animal feed, Tshepiso Jantjie said: “I heard some farmers complaining about that and alleged that some suppliers charged them 27% excluding VAT when redeeming their vouchers.

“It is unfair to do so because this has eventually affected both commercial and subsistence farmers. I personally saw farmers as far as Ganyesa and Morokweng villages near Vryburg flocking to my store because they were charged exorbitant amounts elsewhere,” Jantjie said.

Meanwhile, the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD) spokesperson, Reggie Ngcobo said: “The department is reviewing, re-engineering and re-designing PES implementation to address all challenges experienced. It is unfortunate that we have received endless complaints from the PES beneficiaries and the South African community at large, regarding various challenges on the PES implementation.

“These implementation challenges cannot be left unattended, hence the decision by the department to temporarily halt the current implementation. Beneficiaries are further urged to check their cell phones’ messages as sent by the department from time to time.”

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By STAFF REPORTER

A Tong family in Modimong village near Taung was happy to be reunited with their daughter, Olerato (11) after she went missing for almost two week. Olerato left home on Christmas Day after being lured by her alleged Zimbabwean boyfriend (42) on Facebook.

According to Olerato’s father, Patrick Tong (55), his daughter met the suspect on Facebook and they allegedly engaged in a romantic relationship.

“We have not seen Olerato since Christmas Day and her phone was off. We thought maybe she slept at her cousins’ place, but we were gobsmacked when no one knew her whereabouts.

“Her cousins said she said she was going to town and meet with someone. On 26 December 2021, we went to Taung Police Station and opened a missing person case. Unfortunately, the police requested us to go back and get the missing person’s photo,” Tong said.

He said they went back to the police station the following day, but he was crestfallen when he arrived home and saw that the police did not open a case, but made him write an affidavit instead.

“I went back again to the same police station and I was not happy with the service I received. Atleast police started to act after I called the North West Police Deputy Provincial Commissioner, Major General Patrick Asaneng for assistance.

“At that moment, I was confused and I want to laud the community of Modimong for their swift response as they embarked on a searching spree tirelessly. Fortunately, on 3 January 2022, atleast Olerato’s phone was on and I managed to communicate with her. But, our conversation was short-lived as her phone went off again,” said Tong.

He said on 4 January 2022, his neighbour’ child fortunately saw Olerato in Johannesburg Taxi Rank next to Park Station in a company of two males. Tong said that woman asked Olerato what she is doing in Gauteng and she allegedly said the men that she was in company with were her uncles.

“Those men gave her the contact numbers and we managed to speak to them. The police traced that cellphone and Olerato was found at a certain house in Olifantsfontein in Gauteng staying with her alleged boyfriend.

“I was happy to see her alive on the 9^th of January 2022. I want to warn other parents to make sure that they monitor their children’s cell phones because it seems there is a syndicate operating in Taung targeting young girls,” he said.

The North West police spokesperson, Col Adele Myburgh said the suspect was arrested and the case was transferred from Olifantsfontein Police Station to Ivory Park.

“The victim was found staying with her alleged boyfriend whom she met and started dating via Facebook. She was taken for medical treatment and reunited with her family. The suspect was arrested and charged with statutory rape,” she said.

Meanwhile, a social media specialist, Sthembiso Sithole even tough social media continues to be ubiquitous part of everyday life, there are challenges that come with it as some people continue to be scammed, raped, kidnapped while other are being turned into prostitution or killed.

“One can use social media either for job opportunities or to connect. However, we have seen over the past years how some people have taken advantage of the platform and prey on others.

“So, it is imperative for the social media users to be cautious and verify the accounts of the individuals they engaged with. There has been a surge of people being kidnapped and killed after being lured through social media platforms,” he said.

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By REGINALD KANYANE

A serial rapist, Johannes Nokeri was sentenced to 191 years imprisonment by the North West High Court sitting in Temba for 18 counts of rape, 23 counts of robbery with aggravating circumstances, theft of a motor vehicle and unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition on 14 January 2022.

National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson, Henry Mamothame said Nokeri embarked on a series of rapes, robberies and theft in the areas around Hammanskraal and Temba in the North West Province between 2012 and 2017. 

Mamothame said the accused mostly targeted unsuspecting women who would be travelling from taverns at night in the early hours of the morning and rob off their money, cellphone and clothing items before raping some of them.

“One of the victims was five months pregnant when she was repeatedly raped by Nokeri. He was eventually arrested five years later in possession of a stolen vehicle. The owner of the vehicle reported it as stolen to the police and the tracking company a day before Nokeri’s arrest.

“He was also found in possession of six live rounds of ammunition. During court proceedings, it emerged that in some of his offences, he was accompanied by an individual unknown to the state,” he said.

Mamothame further said Nokeri was previously afforded three Legal Aid attorneys and one private attorney sourced by Legal Aid, but he fired them and opted to represent himself throughout the trial.

“In committing these crimes, it was established that he applied the same modus operandi by threatening his victims with violence if they failed to abide by his orders. In some of the rape charges, the state relied on DNA results that linked him to the commissioning of these offences.

“Two of the victims testified in court and alluded to Nokeri’s aggressive behaviour when he raped and robbed them. Nokeri has two previous convictions on two charges of rape and robbery. He was sentenced to ten years imprisonment to which he has now served three years,” said Mamothame.

In aggravation of sentence, State prosecutor advocate Mashudu Muliwa urged the court not to deviate from the prescribed minimum sentence and to further consider the victim impact statements, which depicts the suffering and the eroded dignity of the victims in the hands of Nokeri.

Muliwa also raised concerns about Nokeri’s remorseless behaviour.

North West High Court Judge, Shane Kgoele shared the same sentiments. Kgoele described Nokeri as an individual who has no respect for women and further alluded to the responsibility that the court has in protecting communities against the likes of Nokeri.

“I refer to the conviction as a way of sending a strong message to perpetrators of such crimes,” she said.

Meanwhile, the accused applied for leave to appeal the conviction and sentencing and the court granted him a hearing. However, he later withdrew it and indicated that he will submit a written application after receiving court transcripts.

The acting Director of Public Prosecutions in the North West, Dr Rachel Makhari-Sekhaolelo also welcomed the conviction and lauded Muliwa and Sergeant Moloantoa Rapakgadi for a collaborative effort that resulted in a successful conviction.

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