By OBAKENG MAJE

A grim picture of corruption and funds misappropriation continues to show its ugly head in the North West Provincial Government (NWPG). This comes after the Public Service Commission (PSC) highlighted that most employees are either doing business with the state or sit on various bid committees to award tenders to their cronies.

The PSC Commissioner in the North West, Dr Moeletsi Leballo said this during a joint meeting with the North West Provincial Legislature’s Standing Committee on oversight of the North West Provincial Legislature (NWPL) together with the Standing Committee on Provincial Public Accounts (SCOPA), where the PSC appeared to account on progress registered on cases reported for financial misconduct during the 2020/21 financial year at various departments in the province on Wednesday in Mahikeng, North West.           

“We decided to cover the three financial years, which is 2018/19, 2019/20 and 2020/21. Every government employee is expected to fill the financial disclosure form to be scrutinized.

“As the PSC, we have realised that there are many employees, who are doing business with the government or sit in bid committees that award tenders. If they do so, this constitutes conflict of interest,” Leballo said.

He further said this has led many departments to have incurred irregular, unauthorized, wasteful and fruitless expenditure in consecutive years. According to Leballo, more than R76 million (R76 629 940.07) has been frivolously spent during the 2020/21 financial year.

“Also, R1 957 615.20 was squandered during the 2017/2018 financial year and has not been recovered yet. However, only four departments reported financial misconduct cases against their employees.

“The North West Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, reported one employee, while the North West Education also reported one employee. The Office of the Premier reported two employees. These four financial misconduct cases were concluded, but no disciplinary actions were taken against those involved,” he said.  

Leballo added that it is a concerning factor to see departments under-reporting financial misconduct cases in the province. He said he is of the view that the accounting officers responsible should be held accountable for non-compliance.

Meanwhile, chairperson of the North West Provincial Legislature’s Standing Committee on oversight of the North West Provincial Legislature (NWPL), Jacqueline Theologo said: “We will write a letter to the North West Premier, Bushy Maape to submit a report to the committee within seven days replying to all financial misconduct cases.

“This will assist us to get a complete reflection of what is actually happening. There is discrepancy in the process because not everything is forwarded to the PSC and recommendations are not fully implemented.”

The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) Member of the Provincial Legislature (MPL) in the North West, Papiki Babuile said, corruption is dire in the province and all those who are in power are not there to serve the people, but to execute their own interests.

North West Premier, Bushy Maape said during the State of the Province Address (SOPA) that he had set up a forensic unit that will assist his government to fight malfeasance, corruption and fraud.

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By REGINALD KANYANE

The South African National Supporters (SANASU) President, Saddam Maake has warned malcontents who speak on behalf of football fans to stop their mischief or risk facing harsh consequences.

Maake said SANASU is the only legitimate supporters group in the country and has applied to be officially affiliated to the association, a request that will be tabled at the forthcoming SAFA Congress this month.

Together with Secretary-General, Joy Chauke, SANASU has hit the ground running setting up supporters’ structures around the country.

“Supporters had long worked in a disorganised manner, hence we had decided to formalise SANASU as a true representative of all fans in the country. We have formalised the supporters structure and we are going around the country mobilising fans to rally behind our national teams and clubs representing South Africa in CAF and FIFA competitions.

“It is under this background that SANASU has warned fake groups that purport to speak on behalf of South African football fans because only SANASU is obligated to do so. To all football fans around the country and those whom we have not spoken to yet, we will soon reach out to you and incorporate you into SANASU,” said Maake.

He urged supporters not be hoodwinked by anyone who purports to speak on behalf of South African football fans. Maake said only SANASU has the legal standing to do so.

“Next week, we will be attending the SAFA Congress where we will present our formal application for affiliation. SANASU will be working hand-in-hand with vendors whose only livelihood has been badly affected by the advent of the coronavirus pandemic.

‘’We are going to work together with vendors who sell their wares at the stadiums, as well as taxi drivers who transport fans to the matches. We need to bring that form of business back to life.

‘’We have started conversations with fans around the country and are busy forming regional and provincial structures. We believe that as representatives of supporters that we should be in the communities mobilising fans unlike the fake groups who want to work from offices and wear ties and suits,” he said.

Maake further said their job is to sing and cheer players. He added that they have a huge role to play and football fans should watch the space.

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By BAKANG MOKOTO

A 14-YEAR-OLD girl, who was reported missing, was found dead at the Vryburg cemetery on Sunday. Sedika Lekhobo-Mereekae was last seen alive on Saturday afternoon leaving her home.

North West MEC for Education, Wendy Matsemela said: “On behalf of the department, I would like to convey our sincere condolences to the bereaved families of our learner, who attended school at Vryburg Secondary School.

“The pandemic of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) against women and children is still rife among our communities. We hope the police can find those behind this horrible death of this learner,” Matsemela said.

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By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

More than 40 farmers will benefit from a partnership between the North West Department of Agriculture and Rural Development and the University of Michigan from the United State of America.

The North West Department of Agriculture and Rural Development MEC, Desbo Mohono said the university is working on a project to integrate renewable energy practices into the operations at Kgora Farmer Training Centre in Mahikeng.

Mohono said she is adamant that the partnership will assist the farming community to solve current electricity challenges.

She said the partnership is in line with the mandate and purpose of Kgora Farmer Training Centre, which is derived from the skills development Act 1998 (Act No. 97 of 1998).

“So, I am glad that we have started the work already with our partners from the University of Michigan. Beside the fact that we will not be polluting the environment with this technology, I am glad that the people whom I serve are farmers and will benefit the most once this project is up and running.

“The project will not only save them money, but will help them to become more competitive in South Africa’s very competitive food market. This partnership will see the University of Michigan through its Sustainability without Borders (SWB) program, which is housed within the School of Environment and Sustainability (SEAS) and the College of Engineering, establishing a demonstration and research centre for renewable energy at the centre to empower emerging farmers, particularly black female farmers in the province” she said.

Mohono further said she is optimistic that the project will help solve the current electricity challenges faced by local farming community. She also committed to allocate the needed resources and to provide support to ensure that the project will be successful.

“It is a fact that, like seeds and fertilizers, electricity is a critically important input to successful farming. So, I am glad that we have started the work already with our partners from the university.

“Unemployed agricultural college graduates will also be trained on the technologies to provide energy related extension services and learn how to install, maintain and repair the various technologies that will be deployed on the farm,” said Mohono.

She said identified farmers will learn skills to generate enough green electricity to cover their own use and perhaps sell surplus.  Mohono said those farmers will also be encouraged to develop energy cooperatives, where they can cluster technologies and share the expenses of establishing the renewable energy systems.

“A hybrid gasification-solar PV powered micro grid will be established at the centre for mutual research on the varied uses of renewable energy on farms and it will also be used for demonstration and vocational training.

“Among other things, the university will also develop training curricula, support the building and installation of renewable energy prototypes and ideally work with students and faculty from the North West University (NWU) and other agricultural colleges in the province to deliver the curriculum to our local farmers,” she said.

Farmers who will mostly benefit are those in horticulture, dairy, poultry and livestock, grains, and agro-processing where power is such an important and expensive input cost.

Meanwhile, the University of Michigan alumnus, Michael Sudarkasa who is a long-time resident of South Africa and former project director of the South Africa Solar Energy Technology Road mapping exercise conducted by the Department of Mining and Energy and the Department of Science and Innovation in 2014-2015, will also assist in the local coordination and resource mobilization effort.

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By OBAKENG MAJE 

The community of Manthe village near Taung welcomed the intervention from the Greater Taung Local Municipality (GTLM) on a R1 billion Taung Bulk Water Supply project. 

This comes after the community members embarked on a violent protest and brought the project to a grinding halt this week alleging that there are discrepancies taking place .

One of the residents, Lebogang Bokgwathile, alleged that the Phalaborwa Company that has been appointed to install pipelines for abstraction of water from the iconic Taung Dam to the Taung Water Treatment Plant and reservoir in Morokweng village was not eloquently introduced to the community.

“We have written a letter of grievances to the GTLM after so many things were not properly done. The contractor was not introduced appropriately, the job opportunities within the project were not advertised timeously. 

“Also proper processes were not followed when the Community Liaison Officer (CLO) and the Occupational Health and Safety Officer were appointed,” Bokgwatile said.

He further said they also requested an explanation on why the site project was not standalone, but instead being erected in someone’s yard. Bokgwatile added that they are grateful because now the project has been put on hold until all their grievances are addressed. 

“We call on the contractor to follow the law by appointing local Small Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) as sub-contractors as part of skill development,” he said.

Another resident, Butiki Ntwayagae shared the same sentiments. Ntwayagae said the challenge of creating job opportunities for locals has been a long-standing debate within society in general and the business community in particular.

Ntwayagae said, this has caused tension within the community because there were individuals who wanted self-maximisation and profit growth not to have a commensurate impact on society – but for them alone.

The GTLM mayor, Tumisang Gaoraelwe said: “We have reached an agreement that the project will be put on hold until we meet with all stakeholders involved. We can also attest that the project was not introduced to us as it comes from the Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District Municipality.

“However, we will be meeting all stakeholders on Tuesday to find a lasting solution. The community members alleged that there was no advertisement for employment, but instead mouth-to-mouth advertising was used.”

Gaoraelwe said when the project comes from either national, provincial or regional, it should go through the local municipality, because they have the constituency. He added that there is no proper steering committee for the project either.

“The proper steering committee must have terms of reference and the roadmap for the project. Remember, the steering committee consists of the ward councillor, ward committee member responsible for infrastructure, project manager, CLO and two ordinary members of the community, who are elected during a community meeting.

“There should also be a tribal authority and municipality representatives. Normally, the Human Resource, the PMU from the local municipality and contractor should form part of the panel that will run interviews and appoint suitable candidates for the positions,” he said.  

Gaoraelwe said on the issue of SMMEs, they explained to them that the contractor should outline all job descriptions s/he will need from local expertise.

In the statement, the Water and Sanitation department said the Taung Water Bulk Supply project was expected to be completed by the end of April 2021.

The Water and Sanitation department spokesperson, Sputnik Ratau said in a statement: “The project is funded by the Department of Water and Sanitation Regional Bulk Infrastructure Grant (RBIG), with approximately R1 billion allocated to the project.

“The project is one of the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) major infrastructure projects in the North West, aimed at developing water infrastructure that will meet the needs of the community and ensure water security.

“The construction of an adequate infrastructure such as the Taung Bulk Water Supply that can support and supply efficient safe water to communities in Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District Municipality, therefore is a critical input to sustainable growth and development,” Ratau said.

He said the scheme, which is implemented in phases, has created 304 jobs thus far and 189 139 households in more than 55 villages have been targeted to benefit from this water project.

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By OBAKENG MAJE

The newly-appointed Director of Public Prosecutions (DDP) at the North West High Court in Mahikeng, Advocate Rachel Makhari-Sekhaolelo is a ‘breath of fresh’ and brings immeasurable experience.

Makhari-Sekhaolelo, who has been acting in the same position since 8 March 2021, was appointed on permanent basis by President Cyril Ramaphosa on 4 March 2022. 

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson in the North West, Henry Mamothame said Makhari-Sekhaolelo took over the reign following the resignation of advocate Moipone Noko.

“Makhari-Sekhaolelo, who served as a senior prosecutor, has over 30 years of inestimable experience of relevant prosecutorial and management at the highest levels within the NPA.

“Prior to her acting appointment as DPP by Ramaphosa in March 2021, she occupied a position of Chief Prosecutor at Mmabatho cluster back in 1999. She was bestowed with the responsibility to manage 64 personnel, and oversee 12 magisterial offices within a huge radius of 150Km apart,” Mamothame said.

He further said, at the time Makhari-Sekhaolelo took over the position, the entire division was deemed the worst performer in the country. Mamothame said the cluster and the entire division improved immensely under Makhari-Sekhaolelo tutelage.

“Her leadership qualities and prosecutorial experience brought more improvements. She introduced management levels, set targets and responsibilities within the cluster to maximise efficiency.

“Makhari-Sekhaolelo also introduced tools to recognise excellence within the cluster. Her appointment comes at a time when the performance of the NPA is under serious public scrutiny and requires leaders with a vision and mission to turn things around,” he said.

Makhari-Sekhaolelo obtained her B-Iuris degree from the then University of the North, which is now known as the University of Limpopo back in 1986, Diploma in Human Rights from Lund University, Sweden in 1996, LLB degree in 2013, Masters of Laws (LLM) in 2015 and Doctor of Laws (LLD) in 2021 from the North West University.

She has also been part of various delegations appointed on important fact-finding missions around the world. Makhari-Sekhaolelo was part of a delegation that went to the United States of America (USA) in 1998 to observe how their court systems function.

“She has also been to London on a fact-finding mission aimed at observing their court functionality and their investigation systems in 2013. Makhari-Sekhaolelo was delegated to Germany to share experiences with prosecutors and police in 2021.

“She prides herself with the knowledge she gathered at an International Prosecutor’s Conference in Singapore in 2008. All these accolades have added valuable knowledge to her ability as a leader to contribute immensely in enhancing the work of the NPA,” said Mamothame.

Meanwhile, Makhari-Sekhaole, who was one of candidates shortlisted for the position of National Director of Public Prosecutions (NDPP) said, through her interaction with stakeholders at all levels throughout her career path within the employment of the NPA, has earned herself immense respect from all quarters within the criminal justice system.

“It has exposed me to vigorous public interviews, which afforded me a space to introduce myself and my capabilities to South Africans. So, I am fully committed to ensure that our constitution is upheld and justice is served.

“I will also ensure that there is accountability within the establishment. This is intended to couple with initiatives that would improve staff morale, which in turn will inculcate a winning culture and a desire to do more,” she said.

Makhari-Sekhaolelo further said she intends to continue strengthening community participation through continuous engagements that would educate people on how the criminal justice system functions, with focus being on community prosecutions and also expose them to all the services these institutions are mandated to render.

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By BAKANG MOKOTO

North West University Council has appointed Dr Bismark Tyobeka as its new Vice-Chancellor. The NWUC acting chairperson, Bert Sorgdrager said, the university is proud to appoint its alumnus.  

“Dr Tyobeka, who is recognised as one of the leading nuclear power experts in the world, will steer the NWU for the next five years, commencing on 1 June 2022. He follows in the footsteps of Prof Dan Kgwadi, who left the employment of the NWU at the end of January 2022.

“The appointment was confirmed on 17 March 2022 after the council considered an excellent group of applicants. We believe that Dr Tyobeka, a seasoned governance champion, is the ideal candidate to lead the NWU to new successes,” he said.

Sorgdrager further said Tyobeka has had a long and fruitful association with his alma mater, since starting with his studies at the former University of North West in the 90’s. He said Tyobeka was elected fifth chairperson of the NWU Council in 2017 and re-appointed for a second term in November 2020.

“Dr Tyobeka has been a member of the NWU Council since November 2014. As a member of the NWUC, he successfully oversaw the major restructuring of the NWU to a unitary model to accelerate institutional transformation.

“He was also honoured with an NWU Alumni Award of Excellence in 2013, for his personal and career achievements, in particular for his significant contribution to nuclear science across the world,” said Sordrager.

Illustrious career in science

Tyobeka has held the position of CEO of the National Nuclear Regulator of South Africa (NNRSA) since 2013, and plays a major role in various initiatives of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

Sordrager said despite Tyobeka’s international prominence among others, serving in the IAEA’s International Advisory Committees on Nuclear Safety (INSAG) and being the vice-chairman of the International Nuclear Regulatory Cooperation Forum (RCF), as well as serving as the vice-chairman of the Forum for Nuclear Regulatory Bodies in Africa (FNRBA), he has not forgotten his roots and retained strong contact with the university and with many of its former students, who now work in various fields including the nuclear power industry in South Africa.

“An avid student and scientist, he obtained the degrees BSc (Ed) (1999) and MSc (2001) at the former University of North West, and in 2004, another master’s degree in Nuclear Engineering at Penn State University in the USA,” he said.

In 2005, Tyobeka obtained a master’s degree in project management at the Colorado Technical University in the USA, and in 2007, his PhD in Nuclear Engineering at Penn State University.

Prior to his appointment as CEO of the National Nuclear Regulator of South Africa in 2013, Dr Tyobeka was working as a nuclear engineer at the International Atomic Energy Agency in Austria.

From 2002 to 2007, he worked at Penn State University as senior reactor physicist, and from 2000 to 2002 he held the same position at Eskom.

Dr Tyobeka has been author and co-author of several academic articles and has travelled all over the world to present papers at international conferences.

Sorgdrager concluded by congratulating Dr Tyobeka on behalf of Council on his appointment and indicated that, council is looking forward to this new chapter of the NWU’s history being ushered in with him at the helm.

Details regarding Dr Tyobeka’s inauguration as principal and vice-chancellor will be announced soon.

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By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

A 35-YEAR-OLD man is a free man after the Vryburg Magistrates’ Court withdrew a malicious damage to property against him. Sibongile Dude was arrested on suspicion of smashing windows at the Vryburg Magistrate’s Court on 9 January 2022.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson in North West, Henry Mamothame said the matter was withdrawn after the state’s key witness deviated from his original statements during trial.

“The security guard who the state relied on to lead its evidence-in-chief, told the court that he did not see the accused committing the crime. This weakened the state’s case as there wasn’t sufficient evidence linking Dube to the alleged offence.

“The initial statement from this security officer, who was on duty on 9 January 2022, alleged that he heard windows being smashed and upon investigation, he saw the suspect running away from the scene,” Mamothame said.

He further said the security guard claimed that he gave chase and caught Dube, then called the police, who apprehended and formally charged him. Mamothame added that, during Dube’s court appearance on 17 January 2022, he opted to represent himself and told the court that he intended to plead guilty to his offence.

“However, he later changed his mind and requested Legal Aid representation. Dube claimed that 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 alleged he had a valid reason for not attending court, but was nonetheless sentenced. However, the state was unable to use his confession as evidence as it was not a formal admission and the charges had not been presented to him before sourcing the services of a legal representative,” said Mamothame.

He said the reasons for the key witness to deviate from the original statement are unknown and regrettably, the matter had to be withdrawn.

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By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

A murder case against a woman who was arrested for allegedly killing her daughter (1) was postponed by the Taung Magistrate’s Court until 22 March 2022. Rebaone Cordelia Badise (27) from Dryharts village near Taung, was arrested on 12 March 2022 after the lifeless body of her baby was found in an open veld.  

North West police spokesperson, Col Adele Myburgh said: “The grandparents alleged that they saw Rebaone leaving the house with her daughter, but returned alone later.

“Upon arrival, her grandparents allegedly questioned her about the whereabouts of her daughter, but she could not give any explanation. The police were contacted and subsequent investigations led the police to the bush in the area, where the body of the baby was found.

“The preliminary investigation revealed that the deceased had what appeared to be a stab wound in her neck. The baby was declared dead on the scene by Emergency Medical Rescue Services (EMRS) paramedics,” she said.  

Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant Gen Sello Kwena lauded the grandparents for quickly reporting the incident and working with the police to ensure that the baby’s mother faces the full might of the law.

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By REGINALD KANYANE

Former Bafana Bafana players will face Team MetroWired’s corporate group in the Ryder Cup-style competition. This follows after Donald “Ace” Khuse, Marks Maponyane, Pollen Ndlanya, Jimmy Tau and the members of the Sydney 2000 Olympics Team, Stanton Fredericks, Brian Baloyi, Matthew Booth and Aaron “Mbazo” Mokoena signed up for the Class of 96 Legends Golf Day.

SAFA spokesperson, Matlhomola Morake said the event will take place at Bryanston Country Club on 29 March 2022.

“The Bafana Legends consist of a strong line-up and hail from different eras. They have over 2 000 international caps combined. Even though they will not play in the golf match and conduct coaching clinics, they will join the viewing of Bafana Bafana’s international friendly against France after the golf day awards,” Morake said.

Former Kaizer Chiefs goalie, Brian Baloyi said: “We get invited to a few golf days in a year, but this is a very special day for us because as the football family, we never get together like this — to celebrate our own heroes who inspired us when we started.

“More importantly, being there to honour the late Shoes Moshoeu by shining the spotlight on his Shoes of Wisdom Foundation and helping to raise funds for shoes to be handed to needy children in the community, is a great privilege that we do not take for granted,” Baloyi said.

He said he hope to get the HOLE-IN-ONE and win R100 000 prize to share with the foundation.

While the golf battle is raging on at the Bryanston Country Club, non-golfers like Doctor Khumalo and David Nyathi will be at the nearby St. Stithians College to conduct football coaching clinics.

The two former South African internationals will take young enthusiasts through their paces with football skills, while sharing their experiences of playing for Bafana Bafana in France ‘98 FIFA World Cup, which is South Africa’s first-ever World Cup tournament.

Morake further said businesses and corporates interested to be part of the day can secure their golf 3-ball packages to play with a Bafana Bafana legend at R20 000.

Enquiries can be sent to info@morethangolf.co.za.

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