By REGINALD KANYANE

North West Premier, Bushy Maape and MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Sello Lehari are expected to visit the family of Ntlatseng at Ipelegeng Township near Schweizer Reneke on Monday.

This follows a horrific accident where a taxi minibus ferrying 19 people involved in a head-on collision with a truck on R34 road between Schweizer Reneke and Bloemhof in the early hours of Sunday morning.

According to information, 19 people, who were from a wedding anniversary in Bloemhof, perished in a horrific accident.

Lehari said: “Seventeen people out of 19 are family members, while the other two belong to another family. Only three people survived the accident and were transported to the local hospital for medical attention with serious injuries, but in stable condition.  

“Both families are from Ipelegeng Township in Schweizer Reneke and were travelling together from Bloemhof,” he said.  

Meanwhile, Maape said he is saddened by the tragedy. He appealed to road users to exercise caution on the roads to ensure their own safety and that of other road users.

“On behalf of the provincial government and the people of our beloved province I would like to take this opportunity and convey our heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of those who died in this tragic accident. Our thoughts are with them during this difficult period of mourning,” he said.

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By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

A 21-YEAR-OLD model from Mokgareng village in Taung is adamant that she will soon find her niche in the dog-eat-dog industry. Sharon Ofentse Twabile said it is not all glamour and prestige, as models put in a lot of long and thankless hours to become successful.

“There are different challenges that a model might come across. So, it will be wiser for anyone who would like to embark into this field to do it with eyes wide open.

“You cannot expect to walk into a modelling agency, do a few coils and expect them to sign you. Discipline, dedication and determination is needed for one to be successful,” she said.

Twabile said, it is always important for a model to sign with a reputable agency that understands and honour one’s values. She said the modelling industry can be laced with drugs, alcohol, rape and greed.

“My mother passed away back in 2013. At that time, I was still young and I was raised by my grandmother. I have learned many valuable lessons from her. I always wanted to be a model, so I did intensive research about the industry.

“So, I was fortunate enough to meet one of the local models at Thapama Agricultural School back in 2018, while doing matric. Getting words of advice and encouragement brought confidence in me,” Twabile said.

The award-winning model, who is studying IT at Central Johannesburg TVET College in Johannesburg, said she has already started as a fashion model.  

“I was happy when I got my first gig as a fashion model. I was advertising a clothing brand at Batlharose in Kuruman and many people loved it. I also have a few trophies under my belt. I was crowned as Miss Photogenic Taung Finest 2020.

“Last year, I also won a gold medal at Miss Teen Red in Tembisa, Gauteng. I would like to attest that it is not easy to be a model because one needs to have tools of trade and skill to be successful,” said Twabile.

She said there were times where she did not have enough attire or money to pay for entry fees to agencies. However, adamant Twabile said she is looking forward to enhancing her career and learning more skills.  

“I would like to advance my career and improve my knowledge about the industry. One of the important rules in this industry is to be aware of what you’ll be subjected to as a model.

“The industry can be very demanding and most girls sacrifice their own morals, integrity and beliefs just to get to the top. I have seen many girls compromising their values for fame and fortune,” Twabile said.

She also encouraged aspiring models to practise and master their craft. Twabile said models should maintain their original looks as possible, yet have confidence.

“I would encourage all those who want to embark into modelling to be ready to work odd hours. I would also urge them to consider their studies too. 

“It is imperative to equip yourself with education, so that you could understand the terms and conditions attached to your contract,” she said.

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By OBAKENG MAJE

A quantitative analysis shows that many Grade 12s learners continue to struggle in preparations towards their national final matric examinations. Some of the challenges might be external, but the most direct might not be having correct learning materials to execute their work.

Now, this has clutched the attention of the well-known entrepreneur and author, Tumisang Nkwe. At 23, Tumisang The Entrepreneur as Nkwe is affectionately known, wrote his first study guide called: Distinction in Business Studies for Grade 12.  

“I passed my Business Studies and Economics with distinctions. So, after finishing my matric, I went to Potchefstroom to study at CTI Education Group.

“I broadened my studies and went on to study BCom in Business Management, even though I wanted to study BCom in Entrepreneurship because it is something that I am always passionate about,” he said.

Nkwe said being born in the outskirts of Taung in Mokassa village, he fully understands the hardships of learners, especially those in deep rural areas. He said his study guides are designed in a simplified way to be understood by learners.

“Basically, what happened is that, after finishing university in 2015, I was doing an internship at the North West Social Development between 2016 and 2017. After the internship, I wanted to do something, hence I decided to write a book.

“At the moment, we have a study guide called, Distinction in Business Studies for Grade 12, 11 and 10. We also have books called: Distinction in Economics for Grade 12 and 11, Distinction in Accounting for Grade 12 and 11,” said Nkwe.

Nkwe, who also owns a footwear company called Dese, said he had established a publishing company called TANE Education.

“We take a group of authors and they will write books for us. At the moment, we have people who are busy writing books for other subjects like Life Science, Geography, Mathematics, Physical Sciences and all other streams.

“I am not only an author, but run the day-to-day operations of the company. For now, our main focus is on academic books only. We are still waiting for our books to be screened by the Basic Department of Education (BDE), so they can be incorporated into the National Catalogue,” said Nkwe.

He further said his study guides have made inroads into various schools across the country.

“We go to various schools and present our books to be used by learners. So far, learners in different schools such as Pinagare, St Pauls and Bogosing High are using them.  

“This includes schools in Kimberley, Potchefstroom and Mahikeng. We have created these study guides with a sole aim to improve matric results across the country,” he said.

Nkwe said his study guides are easily understandable.  

“Amazingly, we have learners who came forward and said they got distinctions after using our study guides. We have a learner at Jerry Mahura High School in Dryharts village who passed Business Studies with 100% in 2019.

“We also have three learners who passed Business Accounting with distinction after using our study guides. So, we could see enormous improvements,” said Nkwe.

He added that their study guides are cost-effective and affordable. Nkwe said, they are selling each study guide for R200 and they have promotional packages, where learners can get three study guides for R500.

“Learners can also get two study guides for only R300. These packages are very convenient and we also offer free 24-hour lessons if you purchase them. We want to see our study guides being used in every classroom across South Africa,” said Nkwe.

Those who would like to purchase the study guide books can contact Nkwe through his official socials: Facebook: Tane Education, Instagram: Tane Education or alternatively call 0789511050  

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By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

A case of a man arrested by the Directorate for Priority Crime unit, the Hawks, for dealing in uncut diamonds in Mahikeng, has been postponed to 2 March 2022 for formal bail application.

 Piet Vissagie (40) was arrested on Wednesday and briefly appeared at the Mmabatho Magistrate’s Court today.

The Hawks spokesperson in North West, Capt Tlangelani Rikhotso said: “Investigation team followed up on information and the suspect was arrested in a sting operation during an alleged sale transaction of 13 uncut diamonds, which he was selling for R3.5 million.

“The diamonds were found in his possession and they were subsequently seized for further investigation. Meanwhile the suspect will face a charge of dealing in uncut diamonds,” Rikhotso said.

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By LESEDI SETLHODI-PAUL

People embark on various careers for myriad reasons, while others are driven by remuneration. However, mostly, they do it mainly out of passion and to make a positive impact.

Taung DailyNews (TDN) caught up with Newzroom Afrika reporter, the sensational Bafedile Moerane (30) who finds glee that, almost every story that she trails, aid will be brought forth. Moerane’s job as a journalist requires objectivity at all times.

Speaking to TDN, Moerane highlighted, that there’s no other job that she’d rather be doing. However, if it came to a push, she would probably be a school teacher who dresses just as dapper as she does as a field reporter.

“I started my career at Radio Mafisa in Rustenburg and I was fortunate enough to get a spot at SABC right after that. Though I had at some point considered being a news anchor, looking back now I don’t think I would have survived being office bound.

“I prefer to be out and about in quest of finding the truth. I strive in helping communities that may not have a reach to those in authority with challenges they may be faced with,” she said.

Moerane, who hails from Lesetlheng village in Moruleng near Rustenburg, said she did not find the transition from radio to television challenging. As much as the public is exposed to chaotic scenes, when the story is captured, she denies that being her technique.

“We were given ample opportunities to be in sight of the camera while I was still at SABC, hence I found it easy when I joined Newzroom Afrika. 

I also beg to differ, because for me, content is crucial. You do not necessarily have to show people crying and all that in order to have a good story. You have to show some respect,” said Moerane.

As far as working on a story that may not be up Moerane’s alley, she said she has not come across one.

“In my career as a journalist, come what may be, you have to produce work at the end of the day. Fortunately, I haven’t been in a position whereby I’ve rejected a story,” she concluded.

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By OBAKENG MAJE

The late City Press journalist, Poloko Tau (41) was described as a critical thinker, curious and always had a hunger for news. Tau, who passed away on 21 January 2022, was buried on his birthday at his hometown of Makgobistad near Mahikeng on 29 January 2022.

Even though details surrounding his death are sketchy, many ‘believe’ that Tau might have been strangled to death. It is alleged that the window at Tau’s house was broken and there were dribbles of blood where his body was found.    

The executive mayor of the Ngaka Modiri Molema District Municipality, Khumalo Molefe said they have organised a memorial lecture to remember Tau as he was an “epitome of principled journalism”.    

“We want to say to the sons and daughters of the Ngaka Modiri Molema District that, we see you, we hear you. You are part of us and let us partner. In fact, I encourage all of them to come home and approach us so that together, we craft a partnership on behalf of our people.

“We are humbled by the good citizenry work that they do. So, we have resolved to start with those who are in the media space as they are our mouthpiece and of the community at large.

Molefe said they do not see journalists as enemies, but as part of them. He said journalists help them to disseminate messages to the public.

“The agenda is not corruption as it is a side issue. The agenda is to communicate the message of hope through qualitative service delivery to our people.

“So, we really see the media as part of us. As the new leadership, we want to embrace them and that is how we are going to move forward henceforth,” Molefe said.

The Ratlou Local Municipality mayor, Matlhomola Jafta shared the same sentiments. Jafta said even though they mourn the death of “PK” as Poloko Tau was affectionately known in the media fraternity, they also gathered here to celebrate his life.

“You must take note that there are few corrupt individuals who breathe ‘sigh of relief’ after hearing about Tau’s demise. The intolerant, narrow-minded, scathed and defensive individuals watched us laid to rest the man who never left them alone and exposed the malfeasance affecting service delivery.

“Those are haters of freedom of speech. Tau fearlessly investigated a multi-million contract of the Gupta linked company, Mediosa. He told stories that were most mattered with bravery and in the most inordinate way,” he said.

Jafta said the City Press newspaper is at its strongest because of Tau. He further said, Tau must not only be remembered as an impeccable and brave journalist, but also as a determined Community Development Practitioner.

The City Press news editor, Timothy Molobi said: “Today, I want to talk about Tau the professional. We have worked with him and he was at the forefront during the Marikana Massacre.

“I had mixed feelings when I heard that the Ngaka Modiri Molema District Municipality had organised a memorial lecture for him. I asked myself if it is the same municipality when Tau asked for interviews did they regard him as an enemy?

“Last story he proposed to do was to interview the current speaker of the municipality, who was at the forefront, while people illegally occupied Bop flats in Mahikeng before she became a speaker,” said Molobi.

He said Tau wanted to ‘paint a picture’ of whether she will still be at the forefront and ensure that people are getting accommodation because she has now been elected as the municipal speaker.

“Unfortunately, the interviews never materialised because the speaker kept on dilly-dialling. As the members of the media, we are seen as enemies because we dig deeper and unearth corruption that is happening.

“People should regard us as part of problem-solving. You know, sometimes, I do not blame communication officers because they are told what to say and what not to say,” he said.

Molobi said even though they do not know what happened to Tau, they will leave no stone unturned.  

“The Tau family, we promise that we will dig deeper and leave no stone unturned. This is an honour for what the municipality has done. However, we honour people, while they pass away.

“Poloko was one of the best journalists the province has ever produced. Also, people need to understand that the media is the watchdog, so they should not see us as enemies,” said Molobi.

Tau’s former colleague and a friend, Tiro Ramatlhatse said he was honoured to have worked with Tau. Ramatlhatse left people in stitches as he reminisced his working experiences with Tau especially, while covering the news during the Marikana Massacre in Rustenburg in 2012.         

North West Media Awards founder and the North West Press Club coordinator, Ananius Ndlovu, said they will declare 17 February as Poloko Tau Day.

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By REGINALD KANYANE  

A 35-YEAR-OLD man from Molelema village in Taung, Matlhomola Mokwatsi was sentenced to 18 years imprisonment by Taung Regional Court for rape.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in the North West, Henry Mamothame said, on 4 March 2018, Mokwatsi met a woman (18) who was on her way to print a Curriculum Vitae (CV) at a friend’s house.

Mamothame said he then convinced a victim and offered to assist her at his place.

“Upon arrival, he then took her to his bedroom, threatened her with a spade, and strangled her before raping her twice. After this heinous act, the complaint requested water from Mokwatsi and managed to escape while he was attending to her request.

“The accused was arrested on 5 March 2018, but the trial was delayed by the withdrawal of the first attorney that represented the accused. A Legal Aid attorney was subsequently appointed to represent him,” he said.

Mamothame further said, part of the evidence the state produced in court, was the medical report that confirmed the injuries sustained by the complainant during her ordeal.

He added that the court dismissed his submission that he and the complainant were lovers and that the sex was consensual. Mamothame said the victim in her evidence, indicated that she grew up around the perpetrator and considered him to be her elder.

In aggravation of sentence, Adv Sandile Mbokazi urged the court to consider the scourge of Gender-Based Violence and Femicide that is on a rise, and not deviate from the prescribed minimum sentence.

However, Magistrate Buti Zulu sentenced Mokwatsi to 18 years imprisonment, but agreed with the state on the need to strengthen the advocacy on Gender-Based Violence and Femicide.

The Acting Director of Public Prosecutions in the North West, Dr Rachel Makhari-Sekhaolelo lauded the state prosecutor and the police to put the perpetrator behind bars.

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By OBAKENG MAJE

Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) in the North West said it is concerned over allegations that Peermont, which owns the iconic Mmabatho Palms in Mahikeng, intends to relocate the casino licence to Rustenburg.

Mmabatho Palms Hotel and Casino was reduced to ashes last year during the North West Premier, Bushy Maape’s inauguration celebration. It is alleged that the fire that engulfed the hotel started in one of Maape’s rooms, where he hosted a party.    

COSATU provincial secretary, Kopano Konopi said the removal of the casino license will kill the economy of Mahikeng.

“We view this as an intention to kill the economy of Mahikeng and render it a ghost town. Mahikeng economy relies mostly on government service and other service-related sectors. There are no industries in that area, so the closure and the removal of the casino will leave many workers without jobs. 

“The hotel has a rich history and it has been a tourist attraction for many before it burnt down. It is a known fact that tourism on its own is a creator of jobs and if this licence is moved, there will be little if no tourist activities in Mahikeng,” he said.

Konopi further said as COSATU, they also view the move of the casino to Rustenburg as duplication as there is a Mega casino situated about 40km from the town.

He calls on the North West Provincial Government (NWPG) to convene the provincial economic summit urgently.

“The summit must include all stakeholders in the province. The summit must develop an inclusive approach towards the transformation of the economy of the province, whereby the economic development will be spread across all four districts of the province and not to be centred in one area.

“COSATU calls on the government to reject the request by Peermont to move the license to Rustenburg but rather come up with a mechanism to rebuild the hotel as it was burnt down last year,” said Konopi.

He said if Peermont wants to move out of Mahikeng, they should do so, but leave the gambling license in Mahikeng so that it can be allocated to another operator.

The executive mayor of Mahikeng Local Municipality, Tshepiso Mphehlo shared the same sentiments. Mphehlo said they are against the closure of Mmabatho Palms Hotel and Casino.

“The planned move by Peermont to close the casino is not properly considered. Mmabatho Palms forms an integral part of the economy of Mahikeng.

“Guests from far and locally, use facilities of the hotel when visiting the city. We are currently engaged in extensive work to turnaround the poor state of service delivery in the city. This includes the engagement of stakeholders to forge relations that will deliver quality basic services to residents,” Mphehlo said.

He also calls on residents and all stakeholders to lodge objections to the closing of the casino with the North West Gambling Board.

Meanwhile, the Peermont Group, Marketing Operations Manager, Nikki Evans said: “Yes, Peermont has officially submitted an application to the North West Gambling Board for the relocation of the Mmabatho Palms Hotel Casino and Convention Resort gambling licence to the Waterfall Mall, in Rustenburg.

“There are a set of documents lodged with the board which are available for public view. Regarding the staffing, the document states that the staff employed at Mmabatho Palms, will have the first right of refusal to positions available at the Waterfall Hotel & Casino. 

“The staff members employed at Mmabatho Palms who do not wish to relocate to Rustenburg will be accommodated at the remaining operations at Mmabatho Palms as much as possible.”

Evans further said the majority of the additional vacant positions will first be recruited from within Peermont, Rustenburg and surrounding areas and will be aligned with transformation targets.  

She added that Peermont has committed to continue the conference, food and beverage operations at Mmabatho Palms should the relocation be approved.

Peermont also owns and operates Rio Casino in Klerksdorp, which its licence was relocated from Taung Sun Hotel and Casino in Taung to Klerksdorp a few years ago.

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By BAKANG MOKOTO

The issue of water shortages continues to be a challenge to many villages across Taung. The residents from Tamasikwa, Manokwane, Manthe, Maphoitsile and other surrounding villages in Taung said they have over six months without receiving proper drinkable water.

A social activist, Eddie Mogorwe from Manokwane village said, residents had to resort to alternative sources such as wells and furrows to get water. He said it is heart-breaking to find people still being subjected to this kind of abuse even after 27 years of democracy.

“Our taps run dry and not even a single drop of water comes out. Now, our reliability of water is from wells and furrows which are of poor quality. We urge our government to do away with the decentralization of water management as monitoring of both water supply and water use are essential measures.

“As we speak, we have Taung Dam but we still continue struggling with provision of water. I believe that there must be a tailor-made approach to each municipality for provision of safe and drinkable water in each village,” he said.

Another resident from Tamasikwa village who refused to be named for fear of reprisal said: “We will highly-appreciate it, if we have access to basic drinkable water. We are now forced to share water with animals from the nearby river.

“Why is it so difficult for the government to do monitoring and evaluation of the water? Now, we are not sure who to talk to because our plea just falls in deaf ears. It seems our government officials forgot that water has now become a key element since we have COVID-19 in our midst.” 

Meanwhile, the North West Premier Bushy Maape who addressed the Exco Planning Lekgotla held at Taung Hotel School and Convention Centre in Taung on Tuesday said the Accelerated Service Delivery Plan is in full swing.

“Well, on Friday, we will be speaking about our plans for this year. What it is that we are going to do. Generally, we will take the cue from the Cabinet Lekgotlha and State of the National Address (SONA).  

“I think the State of the Province Address (SOPA) will address and indicate what we are going to deal with. The address will cover many service delivery issues and remember, the North West is a water scarce province,” he said.

Maape further said an inter-departmental committee on water challenges has been set up and continues to meet regularly. He added that the provincial government recently held a three-day session with the Department of Water and Sanitation and this is aimed at finding solutions to challenges of water provision in the province.

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