By LESEDI SETLHODI-PAUL

Aviation is one of the industries that are difficult to break into. A glimpse of Leshole’s character on SABC educational soapie, Skeem Saam, showed most viewers the challenges of being a licensed pilot.

Taung DailyNews caught up with the multi-award winner in Aviation, Boitumelo Katisi (29) who hails from Dinokana, Zeerust, but later relocated to Pimville, Soweto. Katisi is a qualified Commercial Pilot and she is currently studying towards her Instructor’s rating.

“As a commercial pilot, one can work for the South African Airways (SAA) or anywhere in the world given the fact that you meet the requirements. This will need two more years after obtaining your Private Pilot License, which is a one year course and is likely to be equivalent to two years of university fees.

“The hours we put in training speak volumes. My passion for flying was ignited when I was in high school. I was dejected when I did not get a response for my request to shadow a professional in the medical or engineering field for a day,” she said.

However, Katisi said she was fortunate enough because her  aunt was working at SAA. She said the administration side was not fascinating for her and she was happy when her aunt acquainted her with someone from the air site.

“I was happy because I had an opportunity to engage with pilots. Yes, the aircrafts and pilots in uniform will have you to reconsider. However, from that day, I knew that aeronautics was what I wanted to pursue.

“Given that, at some point I had thoughts of considering being a medical doctor or an engineer. But I did not because I had all requirements and remember, aviation schools are private institutions and getting a bursary is a mammoth task,” said Katisi.

She said being an aviator can be quite a reach for the deprived and not to mention that it is also one of the male-dominated industries. Katisi further said coming from a deprived background compared to others who were exposed to this before was also a challenge.

“Truly, the hurdles do not end with the money one spent for the course. The colour of your skin and gender also become an issue. I was grateful because my mother was so supportive throughout this journey.

“I was struggling financially, even though my academic records were too good. If anyone is keen on aeronautics, I’ll advise them to attend exhibitions so that they can be exposed to that before venturing into it,” said Katisi.

She added that aviation schools are too expensive and use ‘pay-as-you-go’ procedures. Katisi said an hour flight can cost R2000.

“This affected progress as my funds hastily depleted. Sometimes I will be forced to wait for a few months to get necessary fees before I get those lessons. I am ardent about aviation and willing to impart my knowledge and skills onto others who are interested in aeronautics.

“We are running a Non-Profit Organisation (NPO) called Aviation Development in Africa with Joseph Lebitsa. The aim is to bring aviation awareness to children who are from disadvantageous backgrounds. We also have a guideline booklet (Basic Introduction to Aviation Careers), which addresses questions that one may have pertaining to aviation,” she said.

Katisi said there are so many career opportunities in aviation as one can become a meteorologist, flight engineer, an aviation lawyer or even a flight attendant among others.

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By REGINALD KANYANE

TWELVE learners from disadvantaged backgrounds at Seabo High School in Kokomeng village near Taung said they were thrilled to receive a new pair of school shoes. This comes after a philanthropist, Keseokile “The Beast” Phakedi from Tlapeng 1 in Taung donated shoes to them.

One of the learners said she comes from a poor background and no one is working at home. She said receiving a new pair of shoes will enhance her to work hard and gain confidence among other learners.

“I am grateful because no one is working at home. So, receiving a pair of shoes will boost my confidence in class. You know some learners tease us for wearing worn-out shoes and that indirectly affects my school work because of lack of concentration.

“We need people like Mr Phakedi in our society who have the interests of our learners at heart. I’ll pray to God that he must give him strength and protection to continue with his initiative,” she said.     

Phakedi, who celebrated his birthday in style, said education continues to be a universal right to every child across the globe. He said, however, many children especially in deep rural areas continue to experience many challenges that hinder their full participation at school.

“It is heart-breaking to see some learners going to school with worn-out school uniforms, while others attend barefoot. I believe that learners need to be empowered through education, but that cannot be achievable if there are some obstacles along the way that will hinder the process,” he said.

Phakedi further said, in most cases, learners from rural areas are deeply affected by socio-economic challenges because of their backgrounds.

“I grew up from a poor background, so I know how that affects a pupil’s confidence. So, it has been five years since I embarked on this initiative. I have previously donated sanitary pads to female learners at various schools such as Walter Letsie High School, Keretetse Middle School and others.

“Even though I am doing this from my own pocket, soon I will register the Non-Profit Organisation (NGO), Kesokile Phakedi Foundation. The aim is to find a way to give back, not only to an underserved and important cause, but to a cause that resonated with the society,” said Phakedi.

He said the foundation will serve as a vehicle for change. Phakedi also encourages others to either come on board or do the same in their respective areas.

“To me, education has always felt personal. Remember, it always looks impossible until it is done as the late Dr Nelson Mandela said. So, we need to forge forward and promote education. In fact, we need to make it fashionable and create a prodigious society,” he said.

Meanwhile, Seabo High School’s Departmental Head, Kaelo Tlholagae said: “We are so grateful to have individuals like Mr Phakedi who have the interest of the pupils at heart. Many learners experience hardships and getting donations like this is heart-warming.

“Most of them come from poor backgrounds and they need to be empowered. We worked together with Mr Phakedi and his wife to identify 12 learners who deserve the donations. So, as the school we are thrilled.”

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By OBAKENG MAJE

George Moresetlhare (68) from Cokonyane village near Taung said he had lost hope in the Greater Taung Local Municipality (GTLM). Galeboe who stays in a mud four roomed house had since applied for a RDP house back in 2012 without any success.

Even though Section 26 of the Constitution stipulates that ‘everyone has the right to adequate housing, this is not any case regarding Galeboe’s matter. He said the disparity he continues to receive from the municipality resulted in frustration and dismay.

“I applied for a RDP house back in 2012, but the municipality continues to be incompetent. The officials there cannot explain what happened to my application. Instead, they continue to send me from pillar to post.

“I am living in dire conditions especially when it is rainy. The walls are collapsing and I had to use wires to hold them together. I really need shelter and anyone who can assist, please come forward,” he said.

The dejected Galeboe said he is a pensioner and even though he has children, they are also unemployed.

The Greater Taung Local Municipality (GTLM) mayor, Daddy Gaoraelwe said he is aware of Galeboe’s challenges. Gaoraelwe confirmed that indeed Galeboe had applied for a RDP and he had personally checked it.  

“I have personally logged into the housing subsidy portal and indeed, the system shows that the application is validated, but on hold. However, the system cannot show when the application was received.

“In addition, there are a number of reasons why the application could be validated, but on hold. Some reasons might be that the applicant qualifies, but the attachments of beneficiaries are not in order,” he said.

Gaoraelwe further said another reason might be that the applicant may have applied for a RDP house elsewhere. However, he highlighted that the municipality will launch further investigations on the matter.

“When the application appears on the HHSS online, the applicant must be on the municipal database because the first step of application is the municipality’s Housing Demand Database of RDPs.

“But, appearing on the municipality database does not warrant a RDP provision because the municipality only deals with creating a database of needs. The municipality created the RDP House Demand Database (HDD) and submitted it to the North West Cooperative Governance, Human Settlement and Traditional Affairs (COGHSTA) department,” said Gaoraelwe.

He added that the provision of the RDP houses is a competency of GOGHSTA. Gaoraelwe said will also engage with the department and check the status quo of Galeboe’s application.

“It is so unfortunate that we are having a very disconcerting backlog on the provision of RDP houses. However, if the need arises, we will have no choice but to prioritise the applicant.

“As the caring municipality, we have what we call the municipality’s temporary shack list for those who are waiting for a RDP or disaster house. I will go and evaluate the house and if it is in a disastrous condition, we will convert his application into a RDP house disaster application,” said Gaoraelwe.

He added that the municipality is waiting for accreditation and that will enable it to have powers in providing RDP houses without any challenges. Gaoraelwe said even though the process takes time, he is adamant that the municipality will be accredited.

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By OBAKENG MAJE

ANC councillor in the Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District Municipality, Judy Lebogang Mothibi (32) alongside three accused, briefly appeared at Taung Magistrate’s Court for GBH assault.

It is alleged that Mothibi, Thebe Templeton Khubyane (36), Khotso Ebenezer Mogapi (38) and Sherren Boitshoko Van Wyk (42) assaulted a reveller, Aobakwe Tau to the pulp at Mothibi’s tavern in Lokaleng village near Taung in 2021.

It is alleged that there was a misunderstanding between Tau and Mothibi at around 8pm and that led to a confrontation. Tau was assaulted to the pulp and sustained multiple injuries.

He was taken to a local clinic and transferred to Taung District Hospital.

According to information, Tau was later transferred to Klerksdorp/Tshepong Complex Hospital due to injuries sustained. Those who were at the scene when the incident unfolded, alleged that Mothibi who is also a member of the ANCYL Regional Conference Preparatory Committee in the Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati region, also urinated on Tau while lying down after the beatings.

Meanwhile, ANC Interim Regional Committee (IRC) co-ordinator in the region, Walter Mabogola said: “We were not aware of this incident until it was brought to our attention by the media. So, we will liaise with the ANC Interim Provincial Committee (IPC) to see if we could take any steps against Mothibi.”

At the 2017 Nasrec policy conference, ANC implemented a ‘Step-Aside-policy”.  The stepping aside rule would force any ANC member who is a office bearer or occupies any political position and dealing with allegations of corruption or serious crime to step aside.

The case was transferred to Taung Regional Court and postponed until 10 February 2022. The accused are out on a warning.

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By OBAKENG MAJE

A judgement on an attempted murder case against an ex-convict, Realeboga Raymond Motlhasi (31) was postponed by Taung Regional Court to February 16 2022. 

This comes after Motlhasi allegedly attacked the investigating officer, Masegoatsile Israel Tshipo unprovoked during recess.

Motlhasi who is on parole for killing his previous girlfriend, was arrested for attempted murder, kidnapping, GBH assault and car hijacking in 2020. He allegedly stabbed his then girlfriend, Mamosa Senwedi (29) and her mother, Agatha Senwedi (52) during a commotion on 26 January 2020.

Mamosa’s brother, Letlhogonolo Senwedi (37) told Daily Sun at the time that Mamosa started dating the guy in September 2020 and wanted to end things between them after she found out that Motlhasi was on parole.

“After she realized that she was dating a parolee, she wanted to end the relationship. During that fateful day, Motlhasi, who was allegedly hiding in the garage, attacked my sister while she was getting out of her car.

“He stabbed her several times and my mum tried to intervene, and she was stabbed in her hands. The accused escaped with our bakkie that had my sister’s cellphone and handbag inside,” he said.

The bakkie was later found about 15km away after the tracker was activated. Letlhogonolo said his mother was scared to be in her own house while Motlhasi was on the run. 

It is alleged that Agatha spent nights at her friends and relatives’ houses. 

A man-hunt was launched and Motlhasi was only arrested hiding in Lehurutshe near Zeerust a few months after the incident. He also allegedly posted their sex videos with Mamosa on various social media platforms.

North West police spokesperson in the Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District, Sgt Tryphosa van Rooyen said: “After his appearance in court, it is alleged that he attacked the investigating officer in his case from behind. The victim sustained injuries during the attack and was taken to hospital to receive medical treatment.

“A case of assault with the purpose to inflict grievous bodily harm was opened against Motlhasi and the cause of the attack is unknown,” van Rooyen said.

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By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

A 35-YEAR-OLD man, who was arrested for malicious damage to property, was granted a R500 bail by the Vryburg Magistrate’s Court. Sibongile Dube was arrested on 9 January 2022 for allegedly smashing the windows of the Vryburg Magistrate’s Court.

According to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson, Henry Mamothame, a security officer on duty 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 and officially charged. The Vryburg Magistrate’s Court postponed a case against Dube to 25 January 2022 for Legal Aid representation.

“He was charged with malicious damage to property, in a turn of events, Dube told the court that he will no longer plead guilty to his alleged offence and he further requested a Legal Aid attorney,” he said.

Mamothame further said in Dube’s last appearance in court on 17 January 2022, he opted to represent himself then told the court that he intends not to plead guilty for his offence. He added that Dube claimed his actions were driven by anger following a three-month jail sentence he served for failing to appear in court on a separate offence in June 2020.

“He also attributed his anger to a two-year sentence he received in 2009 on an assault case. Dube alleges that he had a valid reason for not attending court but was nonetheless sentenced,” said Mamothame.

Dube’s next court appearance will be on 18 February 2022.

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By REGINALD KANYANE

North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Sello Lehari urged motorists to buckle-up on the roads across the province. This comes after four people died when two vehicles, a VW Polo Vivo and Toyota Tazz collided on the N18 road in Taung recently.

Lehari said it is alleged that a Toyota Tazz with five occupants was travelling from the direction of Maphoitsile to Mokassa 1 in Taung, while a VW Polo with two male occupants, was traveling from Taung to Hartswater.

“It is alleged that the Toyota Tazz driver did not stop before crossing over the N18 and the VW Polo Vivo, which had the right of way at the time, hit the Toyota Tazz on the driver’s side.

“Four of the five occupants in the Toyota Tazz were certified dead on the scene and the other one was ferried to hospital with serious injuries. Two occupants from the VW Polo Vivo only sustained minor injuries and were treated at the scene,” he said.

Lehari said he is saddened by the tragic news.

“I am at a loss for words. The deceased met their untimely death at a very young age and in such a tragic manner. It is really unfortunate and I would like to send my sincere condolences to the bereaved families.

“I would like to plead to all road users to be extra careful while on the road. It takes a split second for a person to lose his/her life. A culpable homicide case is currently under investigation,” said Lehari.

Victims will be laid to rest on Saturday in Maphoitsile village.

In another separate accident, three people were killed when a light motor vehicle and a truck collided head-on on the R509 20km outside Derby. ER24 spokesperson, Russel Meiring said: “The paramedics arrived on the scene at around 3pm and found the truck and the car smashed together.

“After the Provincial Fire Services extinguished the blaze, medics found the bodies of a man, woman and young girl inside the car. Unfortunately, all three patients had already succumbed to their injuries,” said Meiring.

He added that nothing could be done for them, and they were declared dead. Meiring further said the driver of the truck, fortunately, escaped uninjured.

Local authorities were on the scene for further investigations.

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By OBAKENG MAJE

North West MEC for Social Development, Boitumelo Moiloa said they will continue to work together with all stakeholders to ensure that Oratile Mothibi (18) returns home safe. According to the North West police, Oratile was allegedly kidnapped by an unknown man two weeks ago while walking in the bushes with her younger brother and a cousin aged 11 and 14 respectively.

Moiloa visited Oratile’s family on 1 February 2022.

“The mood was a sombre moment and the experience was extremely painful. This really pierced through my heart as I listened to Kgosi Ponatshego Mothibi and the family of Oratile narrating on how she was abducted.

“Our society is sick and needs deliverance from the Highest Power. We will however, as the department, join hands together with the police, Bogosi and the community to fight this battle. We will ensure that we bring Oratile back to her family. Truly, the war against Gender-Based Violence (GBV) continues,” she said.  

Moiloa said a team of social workers were assigned to assist a traumatised family. She said their hearts are with the Mothibi’s family.

“I have asked that a team of social workers should continue to visit the family to provide them with the necessary psycho-social support in the form of debriefing and trauma counselling. We are with the family during this difficult time,” said Moiloa.

North West police spokesperson, Col Adele Myburgh said: “The police request community assistance in locating Oratile. According to information received, Oratile went with her brother and cousin to fetch food from a farm in Modutung village, near Taung on January 23 2022.

“Whilst walking back home in Magogong village, the trio was allegedly chased by an unknown man, who was armed with a knife. Furthermore, the man grabbed Oratile and threatened the children, who wanted to rescue her.”

Myburgh further said the boys then ran home and informed their parents about what had transpired. She said the police and community members searched the area without any success.

“Oratile was wearing a pair of blue denim jeans, a khaki long sleeved blouse as well as black school shoes. Anyone with information that can assist the police in finding Oratile can contact the investigating officer, Captain Joseph Montwedi on Cell: 082 ‪496 0332.

“Alternatively, Crime Stop can be contacted on ‪08600 10111 and anonymous tip-offs can also be communicated via My SAPS Application from your smartphone,” she said.

However, some community members believe that Oratile was kidnapped for ritual purposes. 

Meanwhile, one of the traditional healers who are assisting the family alleged that there are plans to turn Oratile into a zombie. 

The traditional healer who visited the cave along with some community members, alleged that Oratile spirit is kept in a cave at Taung Dam by witchdoctors, while her physical body is languishing elsewhere.  

Community members embarked on a violent protest last week and allegedly burnt down huts and houses belonging to two elderly women they accuse of witchcraft.

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