By OBAKENG MAJE

Some of the residents at Christiana in North West, call for the resignation of the Lekwa-Teemane Local Municipality mayor, Sebang Motlhabi. This comes after it was reported that Motlhabi’s rented mayoral vehicle has allegedly cost the municipality over R130 000 in two months.

Dan Mongale said the Lekwa-Teemane is one of the impoverished municipalities across the country and action needs to be taken against the mayor.

“It is obvious that the situation cannot be normal in and around our town. Actually, heads must roll and all eyes are on the local council to act decisively. We hold a firm view that the mayor is not fit for a purpose and he must step aside, or be suspended immediately from rendering community services because of a trust deficit.

“The working relationship has irretrievably broken and the prevailing working atmosphere in the council administration office is currently not conducive. The residents hold a firm view that based on serious allegations levelled against the mayor, he cannot continue to lead the council under the dark cloud over him,” Mongale said.

Now, the FF+ deputy leader in the North West De Wet Nel said they have tabled a motion of no confidence against the mayor because he failed to play an oversight role on the finances of the municipality.

“Here is the mayor driving the rented car with an exorbitant amount, which cost the municipality over R130 000 in just two months. So, if the mayor continues to use this vehicle for four years, the municipality would have forked out close to R2 million.

“The handbook from the national treasury clearly states that the mayor should purchase a vehicle in the amount of R700 000. So, regarding the motion of no confidence, we will not specifically lobby ANC councillors’ support, but one cannot rule out that because the ruling party is fractured in North West,” he said.

Nel said even though they will only engage other opposition parties for support, he did not rule out the possibility that ANC councillors might vote in their favour to oust their own. He said the motion is expected to be tabled in the next council meeting next week.

Meanwhile, Motlhabi said this is just a fight-back strategy against his antagonists after he raised startling concerns over lack of service delivery. He said some senior municipal officials refused to be held accountable and now they are conniving to fight him.  

“You will remember that we got into the office in November 2021. So, I found the Toyota Fortuner, which was a mayoral car with a mileage of 490 000 km. This car experienced mechanical problems, while still using it.

“So, we reported this matter to the municipal mechanic, who advised us to take the vehicle to Toyota for repair. The municipality rented the same model, Toyota Fortuner through a travelling agency. I only used that car for two weeks and after realising that it will be too expensive, I took it back,” he said.

Motlhabi said he then raised this matter during a council and a resolution to procure a mayoral car was taken, but the administration is yet to do procurement. He said according to his understanding, to rent an SUV will not cost one less than R3000 a day, so the alleged R130 000 in two months is far-fetched.

“As the mayor, I raised concerns during the EXCO meeting after the municipality returned unused money allocated for Infrastructure Municipal Grant (IMG) to the national treasury. There are many unfinished projects here, and the municipality is spending exorbitant money on legal fees.

“I just wonder where the FF+ gets the audacity to table a motion of no confidence against me, while they have only one seat,” he said.

Meanwhile, the ANC Interim Provincial Committee (IPC) spokesperson, Kenny Morolong warned ANC councillors against voting with the opposition. Morolong said the ruling party will not tolerate that and firm actions will be taken against any councillor, who defy ANC mandate and vote with the opposition.

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By OBAKENG MAJE

The situation at the embattled Ditsobotla Local Municipality in Lichtenburg continues to be dysfunctional despite numerous attempts by the North West Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements, and Traditional Affairs to solicit the situation.

Currently, the municipality has two mayors, two speakers, and two acting municipal managers. This week, the municipal employees were prohibited by a newly appointed security company’s bouncers from entering the municipal buildings.

This irked some municipal employees, who clashed with the security guards, and gunshots were discharged in the process.

The North West MEC for COGHSTA, Lenah Miga said Ditsobotla forms part of five troubled municipalities in the province and they have applied section 154 in terms of support.

“We have seen videos on social media depicting that there is a double-parked leadership and administration in Ditsobotla, which suggests that, there are two acting municipal managers, two mayors, and two speakers.

“But what we can confirm is that there can only be one municipal manager, and that is the acting municipal manager, Josephine Ledwaba. We can also indicate that there is only one speaker, which is Mpho Lekaba,” Miga said.

She further said there has been a council resolution where the former mayor, Mercy Mokgothu was removed through a motion of no confidence.  

She said they are still gathering facts on what had transpired at the municipality on Monday and they will make an informed decision accordingly.

“We will table the report to the exco that will be sitting sometime next week and the decision will emanate from there. Remember, the council there has just been inaugurated last year and it needed to be trained.

“Even though the Premier has appointed a troika to monitor the situation, it is worrisome because it seems, we having a collapsing municipality and unfortunately, communities continue to be at the receiving end,” she said.

Miga said they have also ignited their sister department of community safety and whoever is occupying any office illegally will be chucked out.  

However, the former mayor, Mercy Mokgothu said she is still the mayor of the municipality because the motion of no confidence against her was withdrawn. Mokgothu alleged that she has been purged because she refused to recognise the appointment of Ledwaba as the acting municipal manager.

“There is an affidavit that shows that Ledwaba does not have relevant qualifications. So, I wrote a report to Miga requesting guidance and leadership, however, she was non-responsive. 

“So, I was called and reprimanded by the ANC. They instructed me and said I must make sure that Ledwaba becomes the acting municipal manager. I told them that Ledwaba refuses to submit her qualifications and there is nothing I could do,” she said.

The ANC Interim Provincial Committee (IPC) spokesperson in North West, Kenny Morolong said: “As the ANC, during the local government elections (LGE) in 2021, we vowed that municipalities should appoint suitable individuals in the administration and this is the position the party intends to uphold.

“We are unaware of any such directive to appoint individuals who do not qualify for any position for that matter. The ANC will never venture into deploying incompetent and unqualified individuals.”

Morolong said, however, they will afford Mokgothu an opportunity to engage the ANC leadership with respect to these allegations so that the party can test their veracity and make an appropriate public pronouncement.

Meanwhile, the chairperson of North West Provincial Legislature’s Portfolio Committee on Premier, Finance, Cooperative Governance, Human Settlement, and Traditional Affairs, Aaron Mocwana said political interference, maladministration, misappropriation of funds, and corruption has contributed to the demise of the municipality.

“The municipality is in distress and experiencing systemic dysfunctionality. There is also a resistance to intervention due to the hasty political interference in administrative issues. The instability in the municipality can be traced back to 2006.

“There is also lawlessness at the municipality, where Supply Chain Management (SCM) issues are openly being discussed by councillors. The municipal council is also sitting on top of the Public Protector and Forensic report findings that need to be implemented, but that is not happening.” Motswana said.

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By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

North West Premier, Bushy Maape congratulated Banyana Banyana for becoming the new queens of the continent after coach Desiree Ellis’ brave charges beat hosts Morocco to win a maiden Women’s Africa Cup of Nation (WAFCON) title at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium on 23 July 2022.

Maape said he was inspired by the display of relentless commitment to excellence and resilience to overcome adversity. He said that Banyana Banyana players represent a unique cohort of South Africa’s population.

“They represent the best of what we can achieve if we dedicate ourselves to the service of our country’s good name and its people. These players have given our country the best women’s month present we could all have wished for.

“I hope you will all join me in proposing that the remaining days of the month of August be dedicated to the celebration of Banyana Banyana, the true heroes of our nation. We love you and salute you Banyana Banyana,” he said.

The TheNational Assembly speaker, Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula, and the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) chairperson, Amos Masondo shared the same sentiments. Mapisa-Nqakula said Banyana Banyana’s contribution has shone the light on the potential of women in sports.

“Once again, they demonstrated their capability and excellence on the international stage. We salute them for lifting the South African flag high, enhancing our nation-building program, inspiring the nation’s hopes and aspirations as well as improving social cohesion.

“Banyana Banyana’s victory, which catapulted the nation into the dizzy heights of continental football and World Cup qualifications, serves as a necessary upliftment amidst the current economic challenges and social hardships,” she said.

Masondo said: “Banyana Banyana have made the country enormously proud and their win in this tournament is a significant contribution to the need for women’s sports to be given equal status, recognition, and resources to bridge the inequality gap between the males and females taking part in the sport. This was the team’s sixth time at the final hurdle of the WAFCON since the competition’s inception in 1991.

“We have noted with concern that, despite consistently qualifying for all major CAF and FIFA competitions over the last couple of years, Banyana Banyana players were still being paid less than their male counterparts.”

They have called on the South African Football Association (SAFA) and various sponsors involved in the game to do all necessary to ensure that this gap in the remuneration and recognition of women in soccer is closed.

Mapisa-Nqakula and Masondo also called on CAF, under the leadership of Patrice Motsepe, to address the disparities in the prize money between men and women participating in their competitions. They said when the Senegalese men’s team won the AFCON earlier this year, they received R77.6 million from CAF, whereas Banyana Banyana will only get R8.5 million for winning the WAFCON. 

Meanwhile, it was a glorious night for Banyana Banyana as Andile Dlamini walked away with the Goalkeeper of the Tournament award at a ceremony held on the pitch moments before the official handover of the trophy to the new champions. Banyana  Banyana was also named as the women’s National Team of the Year and SAFA president Dr Danny Jordaan was on hand to receive the title from Confederation of African Football president, Patrice Motsepe.

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By OBAKENG MAJE

Seven suspects facing arson and looting are back in Taung Magistrate’s Court on Thursday. The accused, Odiseng “Teenage” Komane (41), Obakeng “Prosto” Mogabale (46), Mothusi Motimeng, Pretty “Zero” Masibelele (36), Katlego “Makgasa” Tikane (32), Ali Sakiele (50) and Ontiretse Patrick Gosenyegang (38) were arrested last week by the police during an intelligence-driven operation.     

In May 2022, the community members embarked on a violent protest and torched three houses, a vehicle and looted alcohol from Disoufeng tavern. This comes after they accused the tavern owner and the alleged drug lord, Bakang Katong (34) of murder.

It is alleged that Bakang, his brother, Phenyo “The Great” Katong (34), Thabang Lenyai (23), and Katlego “Makita” Mosimege (31) brutally killed Thabiso Mothibedi (35) in cold blood. The police preliminary investigation revealed that on 29 April 2022, Mothibedi was at Lenganeng village near Taung, and Katong and his cronies allegedly fetched and transported him to Manthe village after accusing him of stealing R20 000 and cigarettes worth R600.

Upon arrival, the group of men allegedly chained the deceased to a generator and assaulted him. Subsequently, the accused allegedly transported Mothibedi to Manthe clinic where he was declared dead on his arrival.

North West police spokesperson, Brig Sabata Mokgwabone said: “We can confirm that the police have arrested seven suspects for arson and they were granted R500 bail each. They are expected to appear in court on 21 July 2022 and investigations into the matter continue.”    

Meanwhile, advocate Tebogo Letloleleng, who will represent all seven accused said he proposed that his clients be given a warning, however, that was not the case. Letloleleng confirmed that his clients were charged with three counts of arson including looting.

“When we discuss the matter from a legal point of view, there is what we call a recent possession. For example, you burn the house now and you are arrested immediately. However, the incident took place three months ago, and only now, have the police arrested my clients.

“In actual fact, it took them three months to make arrests. All along, the police went out to look for statements, which might be true or not,” he said.

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By REGINALD KANYANE

It is all systems go for the North West Provincial Legislature’s Portfolio Committee on Public Works and Roads, Community Safety and Transport Management as it continues with its benchmarking expedition at Kouga Local Municipality in Jeffrey’s Bay, Eastern Cape.

The chairperson of the committee, Kim Medupe said the purpose of their oversight visit is to get more knowledge and expertise on the usage of infused plastic roads that will benefit the North West province on the current road infrastructure challenges.

However, Medupe said they not only exploring the usage of infused plastic roads but also gaining knowledge on other infrastructural opportunities that could potentially benefit the people of the province.

“We highly appreciate the initiative of the project, but made note of labour issues that could potentially worsen job unemployment. There are easier and faster methods of constructing buildings through 3D printing.

“However, many of our people who come from impoverished backgrounds are construction labourers, who are not capacitated in the artificial intelligence that comes with 3d printing and still use the conventional route of constructing a house or building,” she said.

The Black Lion 3D printed construction managing director, Attie Retief made a presentation before the committee on 3D printed construction. Retief said this is another form of building houses through a printing process that uses machine equipment with special printing ink.

“This procedure has met the construction standard and has a practical function, according to pre-designed architectural drawing procedures. The method of printing a house can take up to 24 hours to be constructed and that does not require a lot of labour that wastes money on days taken to construct a house or building.

“The 3D printed construction is 80% faster and with 90% less waste than conventional construction and the house can be built within a time frame of 24 hours. This form of printing can also be used to make any object or structure,” he said.

The committee also visited another area in Jeffrey’s Bay, where it met a Leak Detection Engineer, Robert Bargolini, who is a freelancer best known for detecting water leakages around the municipality.

Bargolini said a leak detection system monitors the flow of water through a pipeline and when abnormal behaviour is detected, the system cuts off the water flow to the entirety of the household by closing a valve within the leak detector.

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By OBAKENG MAJE

By OBAKENG MAJEThe Greater Taung Local Municipality (GTLM) has put aside R450 000 for a free basic service programme. The programme that is intended for the provision of free basic services to poorer households was launched in Reivilo on Monday.

The GTLM mayor, Tumisang Gaoraelwe said under this policy, the municipality was tasked to identify indigent households that would receive services – such as water and electricity – for free or at substantially subsidised rates.

“Our municipality is providing insight into those households that struggle to afford access to basic services. Those who are eligible will get R50 electricity and 50kl of water. A free basic service is a national programme, that was established back in 2001 and the aim of the launch was to create awareness.

“We encourage those who are regarded as indigents to come forward and register in order for them to benefit. We will need a certified ID copy, marriage certificate, payslip and affidavit. The beneficiary should also be the owner of the household and have an income of lesser than R4930 per month,” he said.

Meanwhile, Forum 4 Service Delivery (F4SD) councillor, Mika Moeti who is also the chairperson for Finance at the municipality, shared the same sentiments. Moeti said, this programme will assist many households, who are subjected to poverty, inequality and unemployment.

“All our councillors in various wards have token machines and can assist those in needy. The free basic service policy encapsulates that the registration is renewed annually. This is to ensure that relevant individuals benefit from this programme.

“The programme has made a positive impact and we are happy with the turn-out. We have 18 771 individuals already registered on our database. We had a successful launch in Reivilo and afterwards, we donated food parcels to 10 elderly people,” he said.

Moeti said they also proceeded to Modimong village, near Taung where they handed over food parcels to elderly people.

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By OBAKENG MAJE

The Minister of Health, Dr Joe Phaahla has tested positive for COVID-19 after experiencing minor symptoms. Phaahla is in self-isolation after his tests came back positive earlier today.

The Department of Health spokesperson, Foster Mohale said: “Phaahla immediately self-isolated, but he will perform his official duties from home for a period of 7 days. All his planned contact meetings have been rescheduled, while others converted into virtual.

“This is a reminder that the pandemic still remains amongst us and infectious, hence the department continues to report COVID-19 daily positive cases and deaths. Phaahla has received two doses of J&J COVID-19 vaccine, which he believes has boosted his immunity against the severity of the virus.”

Mohale said the department would like to remind the public that lifting the COVID-19 restrictions does not mean the pandemic is over, hence vaccination services remain accessible at all times at selected sites.

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By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

More than 30 children at Reatlegile Children and Youth Centre in Dibate village near Mahikeng received food parcels during Mandela International Day on Monday. North West MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs (COGHSTA), Lenah Miga said they kick-started the day by assisting with cleaning the place and handed over food parcels.

The centre was established in 2007 by a Mahikeng philanthropist, Boitumelo Selepe (59).

“The centre is currently taking care of over 30 children, who are all of school-going age. The centre survives through donations from faith-based organisations. We are grateful to the kind-hearted people, who are helping the centre to make sure that the children do not go to bed hungry.

“The youngest among the children in the centre is two months old. We have also executed the theme by handing over sports kits at the old age home in Boitumelong Township, near Bloemhof,” she said.

Miga also encouraged elderly women at old age to be physically fit to lessen the risk of developing other diseases associated with ageing. She said she is inspired and touched because women remain pillars of society, and caregivers and are much needed by those close to them no matter the age. She said she hopes the spirit and courage women have will continue for generations to come.

“We have to leave a legacy for our young people. Remember, Nelson Mandela International Day is celebrated worldwide to commemorate the former statesman’s achievements and to carry forward his legacy for a better future.

“In recognition of the former President Mandela’s contribution to the culture of peace and freedom, the day highlights the dedication to the service of humanity and promotion of a culture of peace,” she said.  

Miga further said the idea is for everyone to make a 67 minutes difference in the day through volunteering, donations and community service.

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By REGINALD KANYANE

An elderly woman from Magogong village in Taung said she is happy to finally receive a house. Lele Seitshokelo (78) stays in a mud two-roomed house alone and said she had lost hope after the donor, who was supposed to build her a house five years ago, disappeared in the thin air.  

However, Seitshokelo said she is grateful that the executive mayor of Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District Municipality, Motseokae Maje came to her rescue. She said it is heart-warming to see people like Maje still in their midst.

“I am happy to see the newly-elected executive mayor coming to my rescue and spending his 67 minutes of humanity here. I stay with one of my children, but in most cases, I stay alone because she is seldom home.

“I had no hope that one day I’ll receive a decent house after the donor, who was supposed to build me a house disappeared. I am not sure what happened, but I had incomplete structure outside for almost five years,” she said.

Seitshokelo further said, when Maje visited her house and promised to finish her house, she was skeptical. She said she regained her confidence when indeed he came to do an assessment.

“Finally, he is here with local people to finish the house. Truly, I feel honoured, and may Almighty bless him,” said Seitshokelo.

According to Seitshokelo, she originally comes from Dithakwaneng village, near Kuruman and she relocated to Magogong village during her time while working on the farms. A mother of four said she does not feel safe because there were few break-in attempts at her house previously.

Meanwhile, Maje said: “I started my 67 minutes of Mandela Day at Thusanong Disability Centre in Huhudi Township, near Vryburg, where we donated garden tools and JoJo tank. Now, we came to complete a house here in Magogong village.

“This incomplete house was abandoned by a donor five years ago and I decided to come and complete it using my own salary from the municipality. Remember, the late Dr Nelson Mandela devoted his life to the service of humanity — as a human rights lawyer, a prisoner of conscience, an international peacemaker, and the first democratically elected president of a free South Africa.”

He further said on 18 July every year, everyone is invited to mark Nelson Mandela International Day by making a difference in their communities. Maje added that each and every person has the responsibility to change the world for the better.

“The Mandela Day is an occasion for all to take action and inspire change. As an activist, I live among the people and the condition here is very inhuman. One would not expect an elderly person for that matter or even anybody to be subjected to these conditions today in this democratic dispensation.

“So, I saw it befitting to come and make a positive contribution as the deployee of the ANC. This will bring back the elderly woman’s dignity. I am using my own resources with support from my family,” said Maje.

He also encouraged the youth not to lose hope, but to use various avenues to improve their lives.

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By BAKANG MOKOTO

Heartfelt condolences messages continue to pour in after the passing of ANC Deputy Secretary-general, Yasmin Jessie Duarte, who died yesterday morning. Duarte, who succumbed to cancer, was buried at the Westpark Cemetery in Johannesburg in accordance with Muslim rites of passage.

The ANC Interim Provincial Committee (IPC) spokesperson in North West, Kenny Morolong said Duarte (68), was one of the movement’s most accomplished activists, matriarchs and disciplinarians.

“Duarte exemplified the kind of cadre of the ANC required in this phase of our struggle for a democratic, non-racial, non-sexist and prosperous society. Her attributes as a cadre of our movement included her unshaken discipline, humility, modesty, commitment to serve the people, criticism and self-criticism.

“She understood that national and gender consciousness are the ingredients to societal and organisational growth. We celebrate her unwavering commitment to the cause of the people, sacrifice and selflessness which became her hallmarks of revolutionary discipline,” Morolong said.

In her last visit to the North West Province, Duarte issued a stern warning to all members of the ANC and urged them to reconnect with the people, rebuild the party and renew their commitment to a radical socio-economic transformation of the lives of the people.

So, Morolong said in her honour, they recommit to the values of the ANC, the resuscitation of their relationship with the people, aim to serve them and renew the party. He further said the ANC dipped its revolutionary black, green and gold flag in honour of Duarte, whom he described as the distinguished daughter of the peoples’.

The ANC Chief Whip in the North West Provincial Legislature (NWPL), Paul Sebegoe said: “Duarte was a revolutionary giant, human rights activist and a champion of non-racialism. She fought a courageous fight against cancer and left a legacy of selflessness that characterised her revolutionary life as well as her contribution to the struggle for liberation.

“Even in the face of what was undoubtedly the most difficult challenge to her health, she showed the character that defined her leadership and unwavering commitment to the renewal and unity programme.”

Meanwhile, the Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities in Parliament, Nonhlanhla Ncube-Ndaba shared the same sentiments. Ncube-Ndaba said Duarte was a special gift with many elements to South Africa. She said among the elements of the gift she was, Duarte was a fearless activist, who devoted her life to fighting for constitutional democracy, non-racialism, non-sexism and peace in South Africa.

“She was a fearless leader of the people who assumed leadership positions in different organisations that fought the vicious tyranny of apartheid at a time when it was high risk and cause for death or long time imprisonment under apartheid to do so.

“As a leader and a representative of the people, Ms Duarte was among a team of leaders who represented the oppressed during negotiations at CODESA and at other platforms where negotiations for the establishment of a democratic South Africa took place. Also, she was among the first women who were appointed as Members of Cabinet in the Gauteng Provincial Government where she was appointed as MEC for Safety and Security,” she said.

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