By OBAKENG MAJE

Forms of corruption and malfeasance are found in local government systems. Other forms of political corruption are nepotism and patronage systems. 

However, the Patriotic Alliance councillor at the Greater Taung Local Municipality (GTLM), Mosadiotsile Morapedi vows to fight them all to the core.

This comes after the ANC councillor, Pinky Mosinkiemang, who serves as a Member of the Mayoral Committee (MMC) for Community Services, was seen in a video that went viral on various social media platforms allegedly directing the recruitment process of young people who were elected to undergo training as traffic officers on Sunday.

According to Morapedi, the municipality advertised the learnership two weeks ago and no recruitment processes have been conducted already. She was seen confronting Mosinkiemang and asking her when these individuals were selected. However, the shocked Mosinkiemang could not provide answers.   

“We have kept quiet for so long, now these individuals are doing corruption with impunity. In February 2022, the council decided in a strategic planning meeting that because the municipality is failing to collect its revenue, we should come up with strategic measures to ensure an increase in our fiscal.  

“So, the council took a resolution that the municipality should have its own traffic officers to implement the by-laws and assist in collecting revenue. Remember, the GTLM is a rural municipality and mostly collects its revenue from Reivilo, Pudimoe and Extension 6 only,” she said.

Morapedi further said the council is still waiting for a report on the traffic officer training learnership, but she was shocked to hear that there were individuals selected already.

“As the council, we just take resolution and the recruitment processes should be implemented by the administration. However, I was surprised to hear that on Sunday, Mosinkiemang was directing the selection processes and there are individuals who have been selected already.

“I rushed to the scene and indeed I found young people in a minibus taxi with their luggage and ready to hit the road to undergo training. What surprised me is that, I saw Mosinkiemang directing that process and holding the list,” said Morapedi.

She further alleged that what Mosinkiemang did was equivalent to misconduct and political interference as no councillor or politician should be involved in any administration processes.

Meanwhile, the GTLM mayor, Tumisang Gaoraelwe confirmed that indeed the municipality has already elected its first cohort to undergo training as traffic officers. Gaoraelwe said there was sinister with Mosinkiemang’s presence as she was only assisting the administration and doing oversight.

“Yes, the municipality has already recruited its first cohort that will be trained as traffic officers. It will be very difficult to allege that those who have been recruited have close proximity with some municipal officials.

“By the way, I was not born alone and that does not mean my siblings or relatives should be reprimanded for applying for any job opportunities at the municipality simply because I am a mayor,” he said.

However, Gaoraelwe said he understands that close proximity can cause corruption. He said he was not aware of any municipal official who used his/her powers to flaw the process. 

“The municipality has set aside over R4m for these learnership and that will be divided accordingly. These young people will undergo training in Welkom, in Free State. 

“All those who are elected have relevant requirements,” said Gaoraelwe.

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By OBAKENG MAJE

A fraud case against the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) Member of Provincial Legislature in North West, Betty Diale (52) was postpone3d by the Rustenburg Regional Court to 4 August 2022 for pre-trial conferencing.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in North West, Henry Mamothame said: “Diale is out on a warning and has been warned not to interfere with the state witnesses. She is facing six charges of theft, amounting to approximately R700 000.00 allegedly stolen from the Road Accident Fund(RAF) claimants.

“The police reports reveal that Fidelity Funds, a body that oversees the conduct of attorneys, received several complaints from the RAF claimants, whose payments were deposited into Diale’s trust account.”

Mamothame further said the claimants alleged that the said money did not reach them after the pay-outs and henceforth, reported to the police for investigation. He added that Diale was practicing as an attorney during the alleged commission of the crimes between 2009 and 2011 and was subsequently charged with six counts of theft in June 2021.

“The investigations into that matter are complete, and the state is ready to proceed with pre-trial conferencing and subsequently, speedy completion of the trial,” said Mamothame.

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By OBAKENG MAJE

The family of Botshelo Moncho (18) in Mokassa 2 village near Taung said they are happy to reunite with her. Botshelo, who is mentally ill allegedly went missing on Wednesday last week and she was last seen walking on N18 road between Dryharts village and Vryburg.

According to a family member, Koketso Molale, Botshelo was allegedly picked up by one of the Samaritans who dropped her at Pudimoe Police Station.

“We are grateful to all those who assisted us to locate Botshelo. She was picked up by a good Samaritan and dropped her off at the Pudimoe Police Station. We received numerous calls from people who confirmed that she was safe and sound at the police station.

“Her mother, Dithoto Moncho went there and found her unharmed. We highly appreciate the unwavering support we received from our people. Indeed, a child is raised by a village,” Molale said.

Meanwhile, the North West police spokesperson, Capt Aafje Botma said: “Morning, as per our telephonically discussed, the Taung Police Station doesn’t have such a missing person case reported. If you can please contact the complainant to open a missing person at the station.”

She said there was no missing person case opened and encouraged family members to open cases timeously with the police if they found any family member missing.

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By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

Four people died in a horrific head-on collision on the R25 road between Schweizer Reneke and Vryburg on Sunday. The North West police spokesperson, Capt Aafje Botma said the police have opened a case of culpable homicide.

“The police in Huhudi are investigating a culpable homicide case after a head-on collision took place on Sunday. The atrocity happened on R25 about 20km from Schweizer Reneke and to Vryburg.

“It is alleged that a truck was on its way from Vryburg to Schweizer Reneke, while a Renault Clio was from Schweizer Reneke to Vryburg when the collision took place,” Botma said. 

She further said the truck had three occupants. Botma added that the driver and a passenger passed away, while another passenger was transported to the hospital for medical attention. 

“The driver of Renault Clio and the passenger also died on the scene. The police investigations into the matter continue,” she said.

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By OBAKENG MAJE

Economic Freedom Fighters’ Member of the Provincial Legislature (MPL) in North West, Betty Diale (52) is set to appear at the Rustenburg Regional Court for fraud on Monday. It is alleged that Diale defrauded her clients the Road Accident Fund (RAF) money to the tune of R700 000 between 2009 and 2021, while she was still practicing as an attorney.

North West police spokesperson, Brig Sabata Mokgwabone said: “According to information available at this stage, reports suggest that Fidelity Funds received several complaints from the Road Accident Fund (RAF) claimants, whose payments were deposited into Diale’s trust account.

“It is alleged that the said money did not reach the claimants. The matter was reported to the police for investigation and the accused, who was practicing as an attorney during the alleged commission of the crimes between 2009 and 2011 was subsequently charged with fraud in June 2021.”

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By REGINALD KANYANE

A learner from Gabonewe High School in Madikwe will represent South Africa at the International Festival of Engineering Science and Technology in Tunisia. This comes after Kutlwano Tshatiwa (17) won a bursary with Eskom after he entered an Eskom Expo for Young Scientists in October 2021.

Tshatiwa, who is a computer enthusiast from his tender age, showed interest in software development. A Grade 11 learner’s passion for software resulted in him winning over 10 contests in the computer science field.

His biggest win was the Eskom bursary and this guaranteed him a bright future. The North West Premier, Bushy Maape congratulated Tshatiwa and said the province is proud of him.

“We are proud of Tshatiswa’s achievements and believe that he can conquer the world. We are delighted to see learners from rural communities, at this tender age, taking interest in the 4IR and making their presence felt in that space.

“He is now competing with the best in the world and we are indeed proud. We want to congratulate and wish him well at the International Festival of Engineering Science and Technology in Tunisia,” Maape said.

Tshatiwa won Eskom Expo for Young Scientists ISF 2019 – Highly Commended Award Certificate, Eskom Expo for Young Scientists Bojanala 2019 (Bronze Medal), Eskom Expo for Young Scientists ISF 2020 (Silver Medal), Geekulcha Top 15 Young Geeks 2020, and Youth ICT Council (North West 4IR Champion).

Meanwhile, North West MEC for Education, Wendy Matsemela shared the same sentiments. Matsemela said her department is excited that one of their learners managed to get such a unique opportunity.

“This learner comes from a rural school and he will be competing with learners from other countries. Our department provides quality education equally across the board, irrespective of whether the learners are in an urban or a rural area.

“We remain confident that Tshatiwa is going to successfully make us proud when he comes back. The festival that will be held at Monastir, Tunisia from 24 to 30 June is organised by the Tunisian Association for the future of Science and Technology,” she said.

Matsemela said the extended nine-day program aims to be unique, educational, and fun-packed with excursions to discover rich Tunisia culture.

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By THEBEETSILE KEAMEDITSE

The Country Bird Holdings’ Supreme plant in Tigane, Hartbeesfontein has expanded its chicken production to around 35% and created over 100 direct jobs as part of its contribution to the poultry industry master plan.

This investment has further entrenched the company as the majority employer in the area, ramping up economic activity that involves over 2000 employees. The company’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Brendon de Boer maintains that the investment forms part of a broader plan by Supreme to align its strategy with new market opportunities and demands.

“We are shifting down from about fifty percent of the output being individually quick-frozen portions to fifteen percent, using the freed capacity to deliver the fresh product, which is in great demand from clients including the quick-service restaurant sector.

“The increased capacity also brings down the production cost per unit, allowing us to produce more affordable chicken, and servicing a wider market. The new facility will be able to process a million chickens a week,” de Boer said.

Meanwhile, the North West Premier, Kaobitsa Bushy Maape said the provincial government is on the right track in luring investments to the province. Maape further said his government will do everything in its power to create a conducive environment for businesses to thrive.

“I believe that this has the potential to unlock various opportunities that the province can offer. This will go a long way in creating jobs and fighting the scourge of unemployment and poverty afflicting the province.

“The opening of the plant represents progress in the province, particularly as we try to resuscitate the provincial economy. The province has suffered enormous shocks due to the pandemic and we are excited that companies like Country Bird see the North West as a viable destination for investments,” he said.

He further said they are working hard to address a number of service delivery challenges confronting the province. Maape added that they are also doing this to assure the private sector that they can work hand-in-hand with them to bring business to the province and create more jobs.

In addition to directly servicing clients with fresh chicken, the Tigane plant will also deliver the raw material for the company’s new processing plant in Germiston. The Tigane expansion along with the increased production of the company’s Germiston plant represents a significant contribution to the poultry sector’s commitment to increasing capacity and job opportunities in line with the poultry sector master plan.

(Edited by: Obakeng Maje)

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By REGINALD KANYANE

More than 29 000 Grade 12 learners will be going into camps across the North West starting from 24 June 2022 as the schools’ recess for winter break. The North West MEC for Education, Wendy Matsemela said the department has convened the winter camps for its Grade 12 learners to look at problematic areas of learning.

“A sum of 29 802 Grade 12s will be housed in 102 camping centres across the province from 24 June until 17 July 2022. The camps will operate in a hybrid model, wherein other camps will be residential and others walk-ins.

“Throughout the camps, learners will be taught by our dedicated teachers in areas such as Mathematics, Science, Humanities, Commercial subjects, and Languages. Learners will be catered for by our food handlers and transportation will also be available,” Matsemela said.

She said residential camps shall run under strict compliance with COVID-19 protocols, which include wearing masks, washing hands, and sanitizing hands and desks. Matsemela further assured the parents that, learners’ safety shall be prioritised.

“Our winter camps are open for the next four weeks. We encourage parents to release learners to attend- either do daily walk-ins or book for residential. Learners can enquire with their teachers on which camp will accommodate a hybrid model or residential.

“Indeed, teachers’ and learners’ lives are a primary concern to us as the department. We remain committed to ensuring that their lives matter and are treated with utmost security and hygiene,” Matsemela said.

She is expected to conduct unannounced visits to the centres to monitor teaching and learning proceed. According to Matsemela, the winter camps have proven to assist learners to understand the content better as they also rehearse previous question papers so to improve their year-end performance.

“In the Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District, winter camps will resume on 27 June 2022 due to some administrative delays experienced by the district. A total of 1 585 teachers will be facilitating the study camps,” said Matsemela.

Meanwhile, on Wednesday, the Minister of Health, Joe Phaahla signed a document repealing Section 16A, 16B, and 16C of the Regulation to the Surveillance and the Control of Notifiable Medical Conditions made under the National Health Act and scrapped the use of masks.

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By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

Six suspects between the age of 20 and 30 are expected to appear before the Orkney Magistrate’s Court on a charge of possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition. North West police spokesperson, Capt Aafje Botman said the suspects are also facing an additional charge of contravention of Section 49(1)(a) of the Immigration Act, 2002 (Act No. 13 of 2002).

“The illicit mining task team members were conducting a crime operation on the R30 Orkney road near a bridge on Tuesday night and a Toyota Quantum with six persons inside was stopped and searched.

“During the search, an unlicensed 9mm semi-automatic pistol with one magazine, 25 live rounds, and 25 blank rounds were found in the vehicle and confiscated. The suspects were arrested as no one could account for the possession,” Botma said.

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By OBAKENG MAJE

The delay on an R130 million community health centre (CHC) project in Sekhing village near Taung has affected the livelihoods of many people in the area. The project was marred with challenges after the previous contractor declared insolvency.

Now, this has left the residents with no choice, but to seek medical attention at the nearest healthcare facilities, which are over 15km away.

One of the residents, Tshetse Lontshitse (65) said it is costly to reach a primary healthcare facility. She said they have to travel more than 15km to access healthcare facilities in neighbouring areas such as Kgomotso village or Pampierstad township, which is in the Northern Cape.    

“It is very difficult for us because to reach the nearby healthcare facilities is costly and burdensome. Sekhing is a remote rural area where many people are living beyond the poverty line, but we have to pay R30 in return for a taxi fare because the healthcare facilities are too far,” she said.

A representative from the Batlhaping Baga-Mothibi Tribal Authority, Gabriel Gaanakgomo shared the same sentiments. Gaanakgomo said it is so unfortunate to see residents going too far in order for them to access primary healthcare facilities.

“We have not received a word from the department since the MEC’s visit in August 2021. The lack of healthcare centres is challenging because people pay an excessive amount of money when hiring transport to ferry patients, who need an emergency to the nearest healthcare facility, especially during the night,” he said.

Meanwhile, the North West Department of Health spokesperson, Tebogo Lekgethwane, who initially highlighted that the facility will open its doors at the end of May 2022, said they could not open the centre due to water challenges.

“The centre is ready to operate, but there is a water challenge. The reservoir that was supposed to supply the centre with water is malfunctioning, hence the delay. However, we are working tirelessly to ensure that the centre is operational. 

“The project has experienced several challenges including the extension of the scope. The fact that the initial contractor declared insolvency, while others had no capacity and had to be terminated was another challenge,” Lekgethwane said.

He further said one or two wards needed attention and they estimated that by the end of May 2022, the centre should be operational. Lekgethwane added that there have been engagements that seek to ensure that health service delivery is not affected by cross-border challenges.

However, the Member of the North West Provincial Legislature, Gavin Edwards, who is the Democratic Alliance provincial spokesperson on Health said, it is depraved that the R130 million healthcare centre consists of an outpatient department, emergency medical rescue services, a pharmacy and staff accommodation has not provided a single patient with any medical care.

“This multi-million project is another clear indication that the ANC-run North West Provincial Government (NWPG) is not serious about quality healthcare to residents. In March 2019, Sambatha publicly announced that the facility was 90% complete and it would be handed over to the department at the end of March 2019. 

“The fact that not a single construction worker is on-site again points to the fact that this centre will not be ready to provide much-needed medical services to the residents in the area any time soon,” Edwards said.

He called on Sambatha to institute an in-depth investigation to find the culprits that held up the project and heads must roll accordingly.

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