Picture: A house belonging to one of alleged drug dealers torched/Generic
By REGINALD KANYANE
Three men aged 22 and 36, who are accused of selling drugs were allegedly burned to death by irate community members in Ga-Mokgopha Section in Morokweng village, near Ganyesa on Tuesday. According to the North West police spokesperson, Brig Sabata Mokgwabone, some community members went to a rented house, where three men were staying and allegedly pelted it with stones.
“In the process of escaping the attack, the victims allegedly stabbed and injured some of the attackers. The group then chased and caught the men who were accused of dealing in drugs. They were then taken back to the house, which was eventually set alight with the trio inside.
“The victims were burnt to death and as a result, a case of kidnapping, murder and arson was registered. The investigation into the matter is still underway and no arrest thus far. The police remain on high alert following this atrocity,” he said.
Mokgwabone further said, the police are maintaining presence in the area to restore order. He added that community members are urged to remain calm and work with the police through Community Police Forum (CPF) to ensure that those who are behind these appalling acts are brought to book.
Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena said: “I am perturbed by the incident. What happened in Morokweng is inhumane and it is totally unacceptable.
“This must be condemned as no human being should be subjected by another to any kind of brutal attack, irrespective of the nature of the accusation. I would like to reiterate that taking the law into one’s hands is unlawful and those who are perpetrating such acts, will be dealt with accordingly.”
Picture: The executive mayor of Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District Municipality, Motseokae ‘Sense’ Maje/Supplied
By REGINALD KANYANE
The newly-appointed executive mayor of Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District Municipality, Motseokae “Sense” Maje aims to change the bad image of the municipality. This comes after councillors and municipal officials at the embattled municipality, embarked on a four-day session of strategic planning in Parys recently.
“The aim of this initiative is to look into the mission and vision of the institution in order to ensure that they are still relevant. It is about time that negative images and practices associated with the municipality are rooted out for its own credibility.
“The municipality has the necessary internal capacity to live up to the point of reference and realise its intended objectives. However, we have become the laughing stock in the province for some time now,” he said.
Maje further said the municipality will improve on its provision of clean and drinkable water including sanitation. He added that the employees play a crucial role in ensuring that the municipality becomes ‘a force to be reckoned with’.
“We need to ensure that the employees bring back the decorum of this administration by ensuring that the work ethic of our personnel is brought back to where it is supposed to be. Working together with both internal and external stakeholders, we are going to root out maladministration and corruption that hindered us from returning to our former glory.
“To this effect, the new administration will continuously engage with all unions represented in this municipality such as SAMWU and IMATU. We need to ensure that their members adhere to the code of conduct as aligned in the Municipal System Act and the Disciplinary Collective Agreement,” said Maje.
He sent a stern warning to employees against being involved in any corruptive activities. Maje said these wayward actions will further derail the municipality on its mission to improve the lives of the masses.
The municipality was considered to be dysfunctional and listed as one of the worst performing municipalities in the country.
“If there is anyone among us, who still thinks or has a wayward illusion that things are going to remain the same, I urge them to reconsider their decision. Please, make a meaningful contribution towards the realisation of the aim and objectives of the new administration or make way for those who are prepared to do so.
“There is a need for the government to create a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) investment and create an environment, which people can live a better life. We have set ourselves a target to create jobs and combat poverty based on the economic and reconstruction programme,” he said.
Maje added: “I must also highlight that the government has put in place measures to unleash the potential of small businesses, micro businesses and informal businesses. I believe that economic recovery from the devastating effects of COVID-19 pandemic should be geared towards supporting SMMEs in this district.
“This will create the much needed income and job opportunities. We must continue to engage with our social partners through the District Development Model (DDM) approach as part of the social compact process to achieve the municipality’s desired objectives,” concluded Maje.
Bribery and corruption has been flagged as the major threats to Small Medium and Macro Enterprises (SMMEs) especially in deep rural areas. This was highlighted during the recent visit of the Small Business Development deputy minister, Sdumo Dlamini in Taung.
Dlamini embarked on a roadshow to engage with small business owners and co-operatives to discuss economic growth and job creation opportunities.
However, some small business owners said, lack of access to finance and markets has severely affected them.
One of the small business owners, Xolani Nkonyana said: “Corruption and bribery are the major impediment to our business growth. I am running the only black-owned annual horse-racing event in the North West. However, I do not receive any support from the department because we are from Taung.
“The department was financially supporting the Bray annual horse-racing event, but stopped after they realised that the event is white-owned. I am running the same event, but I cannot be supported because it’s me.”
Nkonyana further said corruption and bribery shut them out of opportunities or forced them to part with their hard-earned money. He added that it hampers them to become self-sufficient and sustainable too.
Goitseone Matubako from Dryharts village, who runs an organic farm, shared the same sentiments. Matubako said the government has put some clauses that make it difficult for small business owners to get funding. He said their applications for funding continue to gather dust in the offices of some officials without any responsive measures.
“The bad services we receive from some officials demoralise entrepreneurs and delay the process. How possible that we continue to apply for funding, but with no positive outcomes. It is heart-breaking because even some officials never have any decency to inform us why our applications were turned down,” he said.
North West MEC for Department of Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism, Kenetswe Mosenogi said: “This is not the first time meeting here, last time we were in Tlakgameng with the department and it is important that we bring services like this to our local area.
“We opened funding last year for SMMEs between R100 000 and R200 000, however, we only received 2000 applications across the province and 18 of them came from Dr Ruth Segomotsi Monpati. This is one of the poorest regions in the province, so I requested the department to re-open applications only for the region.”
Mosenogi encouraged those who are interested to apply again. She said food security is needed here and the government cannot combat unemployment alone.
“The SMMEs play a crucial role and contribute 22% of the turnover. The SMMEs generate 10 million jobs, so we are encouraging everybody to start with the little that they have, so that they can create more jobs.
“Opportunities are available, but the difficulty is the access to information. Now, the national government has established a portal and many of us do not make use of it. So, we encourage you to register your companies, so that you can receive assistance as the government supports only those companies that are registered,” said Mosenogi.
Meanwhile, the Deputy Minister for Small Business Development, Sdumo Dlamini said there is a high rate of unemployment, particularly among the youth and women. Dlamini said they have engaged into a consultative meeting with other stakeholders, where SMMEs and cooperatives raised their challenges that they are facing.
“They have raised the difficulties they are facing and sharply raised the matter of corruption. They alleged that the corruption is at the centre of delaying them to get opportunities to run their services,” he said.
North West Premier, Bushy Maape has labelled the forthcoming investment of R9.4 billion by Sedibelo Platinum Mine in its operations at Pilanesberg Platinum Mine near Moruleng as a vote of confidence in the province.
Maape said this investment is a ‘step in the right direction’ in resuscitating the economy. The province has experienced enormous economic shocks as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic resulting in a decline of 7.6% in the provincial GDP in 2020.
“The unemployment rate stands at 33% in the province. As a government, we need to do everything in our power to take these numbers down. We are engaging different stakeholders and in particular, the private sector to work hand in glove with us to address the challenges of unemployment and poverty confronting our province.
“These engagements are yielding the desired results. The management of the mine indicated that over the next five years, up to three thousand jobs will be created by the development of an underground mine and of a Kell plant at Pilanesberg Platinum Mine,” he said.
Maape further said the province is on the right trajectory towards economic recovery as this will assist them to address treble challenges, which is unemployment, inequality and poverty.
The Sedibelo Platinum Mine CEO, Erich Clarke indicated that, in addition, the investment will create various economic opportunities for local business people. He said their plans also entail various projects such as housing and investing in Social and Labour Plans.
“We will also be investing in a new Kell plant, which uses new technology to extract the metals from the ore without the use of a smelter. This technology will reduce carbon emissions by eighty percent. 65% of our workforce is from this area and we are looking at increasing it while creating opportunities for the youth and entrepreneurs,” said Clarke.
Picture: Residents of Molelema fixing their own roads/Supplied
By OBAKENG MAJE
The residents of Molelema village near Taung have taken upon themselves to fix the 15km road in their village, which links them to a tarred road leading to the Taung CBD. This comes after the D207 road construction project worth over R65 million was brought to a grinding halt after the department terminated the contract of the contractor, Botong Nkolele JV Construction over the obligation dispute.
However, the director of Botong Nkolele JV Construction, Daddy Tong took the matter for an arbitration in December 2021 and won the case. The department was allegedly instructed to reinstate the Botong Nkolele JV Construction, but that has not happened five months later.
One of the residents, Pogisho Afrika said, they have decided to fix the road because the deterioration of the road hits home on a personal level. He said they have requested each household to donate R5, while motorists donate R10.
“As locals, we fixed this road by grading the road using wheelbarrows. We are grateful because we have received unwavering support from our people. We have lost hope of getting any tarred road in our area. Recently, we have experienced torrential rains and our roads are inaccessible.
“This is all happening because of the perceived ineptitude of the department. It is difficult to run our errands without an accessible road. We also experience difficulties to access healthcare centres, in terms of emergency,” Afrika said.
The Community Liaison Officer (CLO) for the project, Mothibi Makoro shared the same sentiments. Makoro alleged that they have not received their salaries for three months in (June, July and August) 2020 due to the department’s failure to pay the contractor.
“It is so unfortunate that the contractor tried numerous times to engage with the department, but his attempts fell in deaf ears. The department owes us an explanation as to what is happening just like they gave an explanation when they terminated the agreement between them and the contractor.
“Rumours are doing rounds that the contractor has won a case, but we as the community do not understand what that entails,” he said.
The contractor, Daddy Tong said: “At this stage, the department has not adjudicated our claims to the value of about R25 million. They have been mute and never responded to our plea for adjudication and processing of payments. This matter is part of the issues we have included in our court proceedings.
“Prior to this, the department had defaulted in the payment of two invoices. We submitted invoice of R15 million on 12 July 2020, and it was only paid on 28 December 2020. We also submitted another invoice on 24 August 2020, and it was only paid on 30 April 2021,” he said.
Tong further said all invoices were paid after a struggle, even though there was no valid reason issued by the department to explain the delay. He added that the dispute started on 2 June 2020 after the department realised that they had made a gross error.
“They did not follow correct procedure when awarding a contract. In terms
of procurement and contract requirements, the department was supposed to identify errors in the pricing of the contractor prior awarding of contract.
“This is called arithmetic error correction and they failed to follow the procedure prior awarding of the contract on 27 September 2019. The contract is a re-measurable contract and that means the price of R65 918 991.18 awarded does not necessarily entail final price once the work is completed,” he said.
The chairperson of the North West Provincial Legislature’s Portfolio Committee on Roads, Kim Medupe said: “As the committee, we are concerned about the condition and the status of the roads in the province. In some areas visited, the communities could not even go to work which is obviously having a negative impact on the lives of the people.
“The current issue of the road in Molelema village in Taung has come to the attention of the committee and we are awaiting a detailed report on the developments around this road from the department and there will be committee meetings with the department to resolve this issue.”
Meanwhile, the North West Public Works and Roads spokesperson, Matshube Mfoloe said: “I can confirm that I have forwarded your set of questions to our Directorate Legal Services and Chief Directorate: Transport Infrastructure for confirmation and clarity. However, I had neither received a legal response to your questions nor input from the Chief Directorate: Transport Infrastructure.”
Recently, the department returned unused R86 million to the national treasury that was allocated to fix the roads.
The police in Taung are investigating an inquest case after a sangoma trainee (32) drowned in a dam at Leshobo village near Taung on 4 May 2022. North West police spokesperson in Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati cluster, Sgt Tryphosa van Rooyen said, it is alleged that the deceased, Boitshepo Sapelo and other trainees were busy with their rituals under the leadership of his “Gobela” when the atrocity took place.
“It is alleged that they were dipping themselves in the water and all of a sudden, Sapelo who is originally from Vryburg, disappeared in the water. According to information provided, a search for him commenced and his lifeless body re-surfaced after a few minutes. The police were immediately summoned to the scene and a case of inquest was registered,” van Rooyen said.
She further said investigation into the matter continues.
Picture: The deceased, Thabiso Mothibedi (35)/Supplied
By OBAKENG MAJE
A family of Thabiso Mothibedi (35) from Manthe village in Taung, who was killed said, they want justice to prevail. Four suspects who were arrested in connection with his death briefly appeared in Taung Magistrate’s Court on 9 May 2022.
Thabiso’s sister, Boingotlo Mothibedi (37) said, it is difficult to see her brother’s life being cut short by alleged drug lords. She said Thabiso was a peaceful person, who loved to engage positively with people.
“What has happened to Thabiso is inhumane and we call on the justice system to deal harshly with the perpetrators. It is not only Thabiso’s life that has been lost because of drugs, but so many lives of young people are being destroyed. They have used my brother and killed him afterwards, so we call for no bail for them,” she said.
One of the community leaders, Ali Sakiele shared the same sentiments. Sakiele said they came out in numbers to attend court proceedings because they want to send out a stern warning to all drug lords in their area.
“We are sick and tired of those who sell drugs to our young people. So, we have attended this murder case because the suspects have allegedly killed a young boy because of drugs. As the community of Manthe, we have taken a decision that we do not want to see anyone selling drugs anymore in our area.
“We urge the magistrate to deny the alleged perpetrators bail. We came to court to show support and to address our grievances in a coordinated manner. Drugs destroy many lives and livelihoods including dividing families, so as the community, we say #EnoughIsEnough.”
A prominent businessman, Bakang “Mahomed” Katong (31), Thabang Lenyai (23), Phenyo “The Great” Katong (34) and Katlego “Makita” Mosimege (31) who were arrested and charged with Thabiso’s murder abandoned their bail application.
It is alleged that Thabiso stole R20 000 cash and cigarettes worth R600 from Katong’s house two days before his ‘untimely’ death. Thabiso was buried on Saturday.
The North West police spokesperson, Capt Sam Tselanyane said: “The preliminary investigation revealed that on 29 April 2022, the deceased was at Lenganeng village near Taung, when the suspects fetched and transported him to Manthe village. Upon arrival, the deceased was allegedly chained to a generator and assaulted.
“After the assault, the victim was reportedly transported to Manthe clinic by a group of men and requested nurses to check if he was still alive. However, Mothibedi was certified dead upon arrival.”
NPA regional spokesperson in North West, Henry Mamothame said the suspects abandoned their bail application and the case was postponed until 7 June 2022.
Meanwhile, three houses and a bakkie belonging to Katong’s family were torched by irate community members on 1 May 2022. Another community member, Mothusi Motimeng said: “I blame Baga-Maidi Tribal Authority including incompetent police for all these shenanigans happening in our area.
“Everybody can see what is happening and as community members, we have been complaining about these drug lords, who sell nyaope to our youths. Now, these nyaope addicts broke into our houses, stole properties and sold them, so that they can get money to feed their cravings.”
Motimeng further accused the alleged drug lords of using the deceased for their own benefits and killed him afterwards. He said as a community, they say #EnoughIsEnough because many communities are suffering from the effects of drug addiction and its wide-ranging impact.
Still on the murder case, Katong may be acquitted from the case after his accomplice, Lenyai allegedly cleared him of any wrongdoings. According to a highly-placed source within the police force, Lenyai allegedly wrote on his official statement that Katong, who has other pending cases, never participated in the crime and he was also not at the crime scene during the commission of the crime.
FIVE awaiting trial detainees escaped from the Zeerust Police Station on Sunday at around 10:30am, says the North West police spokesperson, Brig Sabata Mokgwabone. Mokgwabone said the escapees, Joshua Sibanda (39), Amogelang Motsiane (36), Tshepiso Kwenampe (22), Bengu Hlanganane (31) and Enoch Lebeloane (46) allegedly overpowered a police officer at Zeerust Police Station holding cells, then took cells key and ultimately escaped.
“At the time of escape, the detainees were among others, facing charges of house robbery, rape, attempted murder, business robbery and aggravated robbery. None of the escapees has been re-arrested and members of the community are urged not to attempt to re-arrest them, but rather call the nearest police station as the escapees are presumed to be dangerous.
“Alternatively, the Investigating Officer, Captain Basimane Molefe can be contacted on 076 510 8285. Anonymous tip-offs can also be communicated via MySAPS App or by calling Crime Stop number: 08600 10111,” Mokgwabone said.
The award-winning gospel artist, Teboho Moloi came out in the open to defend himself for a ‘no show’ at the most anticipated Taung Annual Gospel Festival held at PH Mooketsi High School in Taung on 1 May 2022.
Moloi was one of the heavyweights who were scheduled to perform at the event duped the ‘National Convention of Worshippers’ organised by a local businessman, Tshidiso Moreane.
However, some of revellers vented their dissatisfaction on various social media platforms after Moloi’s ‘non-appearance.’ They also complained about the sub-standard set-up at the event.
One of the revellers who refused to be named for fear of reprisal said, the gospel concert that was supposed to bring people from various religious beliefs together, turned into chaos.
“The event was supposed to commence at 10am, but only started nine hours later with poor sound quality. The VIP set-up was also a mess and I just wonder what had happened. Actually, we should be refunded because even some artists who were booked to perform, where nowhere to be seen. I regret going there, but no more……” he said.
Another reveller said, there was ‘no value for money’ at the event as everything was sub-standard. However, she encouraged the organiser/s to reschedule the event for Easter holidays instead of 1 May.
It is alleged that, the service provider who was supposed to provide the organiser/s with the sound snubbed them at the 11th hour after misunderstandings.
Moloi said in a statement: “It has been brought to my team’s attention that there are posts circulating about me not pitching for an event in Taung and I would like to set the record straight.
“I had been scheduled to perform at 16:40 before heading to another show in Rustenburg and we were informed that, the sound and stage were not ready in time for my performance. Attempts to get hold of the promoters failed and I fully understand the frustrations they were going through, but unfortunately, I had to leave for next show.”
Moloi sincerely apologised to all his supporters in Taung and said they are already in talks with the promoter planning the next show, where he would make it up to them by delivering a beautiful and quality show.
Meanwhile, the event organiser, Tshidiso Moreane in a statement, admitted that they dismally failed and apologised.
“We would like to apologise for poor quality service and we recognise that we failed to deliver up to our people’s expectations. We understand how frustrated and upset you were, but unfortunately, the event was delayed due to circumstances beyond our control.
“Everything was arranged and paid on time. According to our agreement, the service provider was supposed to deliver the sound, stage, and generator on Friday, but they failed us on the 11th hour,” he said.
Moreane said as the organisers, they understand the impact that this crisis has had on the event and assured his supporters that this will not happen again. He said they shall improve and ensure that they never commit these mistakes again.
“We want to thank you for the love and support. It is very much appreciated. We hope you will continue to support the TAGF event. Modimo alo boloke, alo etsetse ka mosa le mohau!
“We would also like to thank Mr Joshua for helping us with the stage, sound and generator at the latest possible moment. Modimo ago etse hantle ntate wa rona,” he said.
Picture: NWU acting vice chancellor, Prof Linda du Plessis/Facebook
By BAKANG MOKOTO
The North West University’s acting Vice-Chancellor, Prof Linda du Plessis received international awards for her outstanding research from the Emerald partners with the Higher Education Teaching and Learning Association (HETL).
Du Plessis, who awarded her second doctorate in 2020, received recognition from two international academic institutions and associations for the quality of her study. After completing her Doctorate in Business Administration (DBA) at the University of Bath in England, Emerald Publishing Limited – a scholarly publisher of academic journals and books in the fields of management, business, education, library studies, healthcare and engineering – awarded her the Emerald Award for Outstanding Doctoral Research in 2020.
Emerald Publishing Limited considers candidates who completed their studies in the past three years for this award.
Du Plessis said: “The exploration focuses on institutionalised practices that triggered radical change at South African public universities, the influence of legitimacy demands on universities’ ability to deal with radical change, the identification and reconsideration of rational myths during radical change.
“Because of the complexity of the higher-education environment and the involvement of multiple resources and relationships with internal and external stakeholders, a single theory cannot cover all the aspects affected by the radical change.”
She further said the informed analysis of the sense-making of legitimacy during radical institutional change, provides insight for future leaders on steering change in a complex environment coupled with the multifaceted dynamics of highly institutionalised organisations.
Du Plessis added that education is globally perceived as a key enabler in providing a better future for the youth and reducing inequality.
“Sustainable development goal four of the United Nations (UN), calls for inclusive, equitable and quality education for all. The topic I covered, which is leadership during a crisis, is important yet largely overlooked in higher-education studies.
“It is such an honour receiving these awards. One often doubts their own abilities, but this topic was something close to my heart and was such an enriching experience. I would like to thank my study leader, Prof Hong Bui for tremendous support and contributions towards this,” she said.
Du Plessis said the value of this DBA is multifaceted and she has new appreciation for the important role as study leaders and promoters must fulfil in providing guidance and constructive academic advice. She said furthermore, the networks established because of this study are invaluable.
According to Emerald Publishing Limited, their goal is to help find solutions to the disparities across the world by supporting researchers working in this area.
“We are proud to support the global research community through an award programme that recognises exceptional doctoral research that addresses the sustainable development goals of the UN.
“These goals are an urgent call for action by all countries to achieve a better and more sustainable future for all. They address the global challenges we face, including poverty, inequality, climate change, peace and justice.”
On 28 April 2022, Du Plessis was also awarded the Richard and Shirley Mawditt Prize for outstanding performance on the DBA. The Director of the Higher Education Management Programmes of the University of Bath, Prof Dan Davies said: “It is my pleasure to let you know that – in addition to your Doctorate in Business Administration qualification – you have been awarded this prize, which was conferred by a panel of the DBA academic team and approved by our Board of Studies.”
The Guardian 