By OBAKENG MAJE

South Africa continues to find itself in a catastrophic situation as the electrical grid buckles under pressure and Eskom fails dismally to keep the lights on.

Now, President, Cyril Ramaphosa has cut his international trip short and landed at Waterkloof Base this morning to address the quagmire. Ramaphosa said in his new letter that, solving the electricity challenge is vital for investment drive.

“A few days ago, I met with United State of America (USA) president, Joe Biden in Washington to discuss several issues of concern to both our countries, including peace and security, climate change, and food security.

“Most importantly, we discussed ways to deepen trade and investment between our two countries. Behind China and the European Union, the United States is South Africa’s third largest trading partner and is the second largest destination of our country’s exports,” he said.

Ramaphosa said there are around 600 US companies in South Africa and over the years, an increasing number of South African companies in sectors as diverse as mining, energy, chemicals, banking, health and wellness, and luxury goods have expanded their footprint into the US.

“We agreed with Biden that, we must do more to increase business between our two countries and have set up a joint task force on trade and investment to provide focus and direction to our efforts.

“While in Washington, we also spoke to several US business leaders who expressed a keen interest in investing in South Africa. The visits we undertake to various countries, be they working visits, state visits, or trade missions, are crucial for promoting investment and trade, bringing in investment and they create jobs,” said Ramaphosa.

He further said, they also improve their relations with the countries they visit thus creating great opportunities for South Africa. Ramaphosa added that, building strong partnerships with other countries is important, but it is not enough.

“That is why we are working to make our economy more competitive, more efficient, and more attractive to both international and local companies. First and foremost, we have to overcome the electricity crisis.

“Since late last week, Eskom has been forced to implement load shedding due to breakdowns at a number of power stations. The situation has been made worse by the depletion of emergency generation reserves such as pumped storage and diesel turbines and the need for these to be replenished,” he said.

Ramaphosa said the severe load-shedding of the last few days has reminded them of how unstable the aging power stations are. He said it has given greater urgency to the measures they announced two months ago to stabilise the electricity supply.

“On Sunday, I held an urgent virtual meeting with Ministers and officials on the reasons for the current load shedding and the steps being taken to reduce the severity and frequency of load shedding in the coming days and weeks.

“Eskom has already announced some of the measures it is taking and we will remain seized with this issue until the situation is resolved. Solving the electricity crisis is necessary if we are to realise the potential of our economy,” said Ramaphosa.

In 2018, the country launched an ambitious investment drive to raise R1.2 trillion in new investments over five years. To date, it has raised more than 90% of that amount in commitments from both domestic and foreign investors.

Ramaphosa said of these commitments around R330 billion, have already flowed into the economy, opening new factories, expanding product lines, and creating new jobs.

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By OBAKENG MAJE

A bodyguard belonging to the ANC deputy chairperson in North West, Lazzy Mokgosi suffered injuries after a shoot-outs incident at a guesthouse in Vryburg. It is alleged that two bodyguards assigned to protect Mokgosi were returning to a guesthouse, where they were booked in after completing their daily duties.

According to the North West police spokesperson in Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati cluster, Sgt Tryphosa van Rooyen, the incident took place in the early hours of the morning on 9 September 2022.

“Upon the arrival of the bodyguards at the guesthouse, they found two suspicious-looking men standing next to a parked Mercedes Benz. As the two bodyguards alighted their vehicle to find out what the two men were doing at the vehicle, shots were fired toward them.

“Mr Mpho, who was the passenger managed to escape and went to report the incident, whilst Mr Evans who was the driver was injured during the shoot-out. He sustained injuries on his leg and hand,” van Rooyen said.

She further said the suspects managed to flee from the scene before the police could arrive. Van Rooyen added that, the injured bodyguard was ferried to a local hospital in Vryburg for medical attention.

“A case of attempted murder was opened and upon initial investigation, it was confirmed that the owner of the guesthouse suffered a theft, whereby his two vehicle keys were stolen.

“It is suspected that, the suspects tried to steal the vehicle when the bodyguards disrupted them. So, the shooting incident does not have any relation to the ANC provincial deputy chairperson and was not at all aimed at him,” said van Rooyen.

She said an investigation into the matter continues.

Meanwhile, the ANC spokesperson in North West, Tumelo Maruping said: “Indeed, we can confirm that the security personnel who is working with Mr Mokgosi was involved in an unfortunate shooting with some unknown gunmen.

“However, at this stage, there is no evidence that suggests the shooting has anything to do with Mr Mokgosi because he was not there at the time of the incident.”

Maruping said the incident happened at the place of residence, where Mr Mokgosi’s protectors were booked to sleep. He said the incident could have been a robbery gone wrong, which the protectors could have intercepted during their arrival.

“In our view, Mr Mokgosi’s life is not under threat. The acceptance of the newly-elected ANC leadership is overwhelming across the province, therefore at this stage, there are no indications for a panic,” he concluded.

Mokgosi failed to respond to our WhatsApp messages and telephonic calls.   

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By OBAKENG MAJE

The ANC Provincial Executive Committee (PEC) in Northern Cape has endorsed Cyril Ramaphosa for a second term. The ANC spokesperson in the province, Thabo Mothibi said the resolution was taken during a special PEC meeting on Friday.

According to Mothibi, the aim of the meeting was to reflect on the preparation for the forthcoming 55^th ANC National Elective Conference scheduled to take place in December 2022.

“Consequently, the PEC had to reflect on the ongoing discussion in the ANC and the country about the possible leadership line-up. So, the PEC resolved that, it will not endorse any particular slate but will release a basket of names to the ANC branches to choose from.

“The branches of the ANC must have an open and rigorous discussion during their Branch General Meetings (BGMs) on the suitability of the names. Such discussions will be guided by the urgent strategic task to renew and reposition the ANC,” he said.

Mothibi said, they have nominated a few individuals like Paul Mashatile, Oscar Mabuyane, Ronald Lamola, David “DD” Mabuza, Senzo Mchunu, and Mmamoloko Kubayi for a hotly contested deputy president position.

He further said, in the position of the Secretary-General, the PEC has recommended Gwen Ramokgopa, Fikile Mbalula, and Febe Potgieter-Gqubule to ANC branches for consideration.

“The PEC has also recommended Fefebe Potgieter-Gqubule, Vuyiswa Tolelo and Maropene Ramokgopa for Deputy Secretary-General position to the branches, Ronald Lamola and Stan Mathabatha are considered for Treasurer-General position.

“The PEC recommended Gwede Mantashe for the ANC chairperson position. However, branches are free to nominate any other names. During our 8^th ANC provincial conference, we unanimously resolved to support the current president, Cyril Ramaphosa for a second term,” said Mothibi.

He said they have endorsed Ramaphosa for a second term due to the commitment he made. Mothibi said Ramaphosa is able to renew and reposition the ANC as an agent for change.

“The ANC in Northern Cape wishes its members from the province’s 232 branches well in the convening of BGMs and BBGMs as we move towards the ANC’s 55^th National Conference.

“The PEC members will be deployed to BGMs/BBGMs in all sub-regions, whilst Regional Executive Committee (RECs) must provide the necessary support to branches for the successful convening of the nomination during the branches’ annual meetings,” said Mothibi.

He said the BECs have the responsibility to convene and preside over their own BGMs/BBGMs. Mothibi said they trust that, their members will uphold the robust democratic traditions that have made the ANC unmatched in its task as a leader of society and a defender of the people’s aspirations.

He said, therefore, they shall gather in their multitudes emboldened by the ruling party’s historical mission of creating a united, non-racial, non-sexist, and democratic society.

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By OBAKENG MAJE

The ANCWL in North West has endorsed Cyril Ramaphosa for the second term as ANC president. The ANCWL Provincial Task Team (PTT) convenor, Bitsa Lenkopane said, they have resolved on this matter during a leadership capacity programme for the PTT and four Regional Task Teams (RTTs) in Mahikeng on Saturday.

The ANCWL PTT program was addressed by the ANCWL National Task Team (NTT) co-ordinator, Maropene Ramokgopa and the ANC’s OR Tambo School of Leadership principal, David Masondo.

“We have discussed broadly as the structure, especially within the principle of collectiveness. As the ANCWL, we are still going to push for a policy posture and we want over 50% representation of women in all upcoming conferences including regional structures.

“Over 50% representation of women, that we are referring to, includes officials. We are very clear on that, as we are going to the ANC 55^th National Conference,” Lenkopane said.

She further said, they believe in collectiveness and the ANC vanguard for capacity building, good governance, and fighting corruption. Defiant Lenkopane did not want to dwell too much on the Phalaphala saga.

“We are unable to classify the Phalaphala saga. However, we understand that, this matter is before the law enforcement agencies. So, in an event where Ramaphosa is being charged, and all wrongdoings are being found against him, I think he will do the right thing and also ANC internal processes will kick in including the step-aside policy.

“However, at the moment, we are unable to comment because this is a personal arrangement. The president has not committed any fraud and corruption, so we cannot call it a dark cloud hanging over him until it is well-classified as a crime,” said Lenkopane.

She said, those who say the Phalaphala saga is a ‘dark cloud’ over Ramaphosa are anti-revolutionary and against the ANC. Lenkopane said they see Ramaphosa as a fit candidate for the purpose of bringing stability.

“If you look at ANC previous presidents, they have all served their second term in the office. So, that is where we draw our agenda as the ANCWL. We have also earmarked the co-ordinator of the ANCWL NTT Maropeng Ramokgopa to ascend to the ANC Deputy Secretary-General (DSG) position, but is not yet final,” she said.

Lenkopane said, they do not have anything against Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma as they have rallied behind her on previous occasions, however, as the ANCWL, they are not going to talk about individuals, who pronounce themselves outside collectiveness.  

“We are not going to talk about those leaders, who do not have a proven track record in compliance in terms of ANC requirements. However, we are going to stick to women leaders of integrity and equal to the task of unity and renewal of the party.

“We have not been clear on the names, but we have agreed as a collective that we will still lobby other provinces. However, at the right time, we are going to pronounce the names. Our main interest is that all five positions on the ANC Top six should be occupied by women.

Meanwhile, the political analyst at North West University, Professor Andre Duvenhage said: “I think the ANCWL in North West has a point because there is no legal decision on Phalaphala saga. What is happening is that the Phalaphala saga is not investigated soon and quickly enough.

“So, I think Ramaphosa is buying time and this might be a political strategy. However, the fact of the matter is that one needs legal prosecution before the step-aside policy can be enforced.”

Duvenhage said the ANCWL is following the same line as ANC North West chairperson, Nono Maloyi. He said this will have a positive impact on Ramaphosa’s campaign.

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By OBAKENG MAJE

The world-renowned author, Mpho Sabata Mokae said he was shocked to see the Northern Cape Department of Sport, Arts and Culture allegedly violated copyright rules by photocopying his book, Moletlo Wa Manong. without consent.

Mokae, who shared his disappointments on his Facebook page said, it is a disgrace to see the Northern Cape Department of Sport, Arts and Culture violating the rights of writers, instead of advancing and promoting writing and literacy development as the custodian.

It is alleged that, the department made copies of the book, Moletlo Wa Manong for a certain book club in Jan Kempdorp that will embark on the Funda Mzanzi National Book Club competition to take place in George from 2 until 7 October 2022.

“Friends, this has been a very difficult week. In my entire blessed life of writing, I have never seen a photocopy of my book anywhere, until the Northern Cape Department of Sport, Arts and Culture photocopied my novel and that of my sister, Mohale Mashigo.

“The National Library of South Africa (NLSA) has issued a public statement (not an apology). After being dead quiet for days, the Northern Cape Department of Sport, Arts and Culture has finally invited sister Mohale and I, as well as our publishers to a meeting.

“The DSAC’s invitation possibly follows a call I received late last night on 15 September 2022 from the Northern Cape Premier, Dr Zamani Saul. In a call, brother Saul understood the hurt and disappointment caused by the violation of our copyright and promised to get on to the matter this morning,” he said.

Disappointed Mokae said their meeting with the DSAC has not taken place yet, but he appreciates a gesture from the NLSA, a call from Saul. He said, he also hopes the meeting with the DSAC will have positive outcomes.

Meanwhile, the Northern Cape MEC for Sport, Arts, and Culture, Desery Finies said: “On behalf of the department, we would like to take this opportunity to first and foremost apologise to both authors for the indiscretion, unbecoming and shameful act of the officials, who made copies of the books.

“It is indeed a setback for the department who are the custodians and guardians of promoting, protecting, and advancing literacy development in our province.”

Finies said the authors are both aspirant and renowned writers. She said Mokae and Mashigo remain their key partners and stakeholders in advancing and promoting social development through reading, writing, and literacy development.

“As the department, we need to emphasise that the copying of the books was not made for financial gain and there was no malicious intent to undermine the authors.

“Unfortunately, the book club has not received the original copies of the books as yet from the National Library Services, hence a copy was made of each book. A copy of the books was thus made in a reaction of over-eagerness to assist the book club, which led to the fact that oversight took preference over compliance,” she said.

Finies said they are also mindful of the fact that ignorance of the law is no excuse. She said, as the department, they do not justify the act of copying any books nor do they condone it.

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By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

A 22-YEAR-OLD man was sentenced to eighteen years’ imprisonment by Potchefstroom Regional Court for rape. It is alleged that, the accused raped a girl (14) in Ikageng Township, near Potchefstroom in 2019.

North West police spokesperson, Lieutenant Col Amanda Funani said, the victim was walking from school in the afternoon and waited for her parents at their neighbours’ house. The accused’s mother, who was playing cards at another neighbour’s house, sent the minor to go and fetch her sniff in her room.

“The accused, who was watching television, directed the minor to his mother’s bedroom. He then followed the minor to the bedroom. The minor was about to leave the room when the accused called her back and instructed her to take off her clothes.

The terrified girl refused, the accused assaulted her with a belt and forced her to undress. The accused then raped the child and instructed her not to disclose the incident to any person,” Funani said.

Later in December 2021, the minor was home with her brother and reading about rape in her textbook. She cried uncontrollably when she recalled what happened to her in 2019.

She said the brother ultimately called his parents, with whom the minor disclosed the rape incident. Funani said the matter was reported at Ikageng Police Station and the accused was arrested.

“He was sentenced to 20 years imprisonment, of which two years were suspended for a period of five years on condition that the accused is not convicted of rape or any sexual offence committed during the period of suspension.

“The accused’s name will be included in the National Child Protection Register according to the Children’s Act, 2005 (Act No. 38 of 2005). Moreover, he was declared unfit to possess a firearm in terms of the Firearms Control Act, 2000 (Act No. 60 of 2000),” said Funani.

Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena welcomed the sentence handed down to the accused.

“We want to congratulate Sergeant Jacob Ranoko of the Potchefstroom Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit, who worked hard together with other role players.

“This includes the Criminal Record and Crime Scene Management (CR&CSM) officials as well as prosecution to ensure that the accused was sentenced although the case was reported after a year. The case will serve as an indication that the rule of law has no deadline,” he said.

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By OBAKENG MAJE

Three men were arrested for being in possession of dagga worth R1.2 million near Swartkopfontein Port of Entry. The Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime spokesperson, Capt Tlangelani Rikhotso said, on Wednesday, the police allegedly intercepted the transportation of dagga from Swaziland to Botswana.

Three accused, Mothusi Ramogerisa (33), Siphesihle Magagula (30), and Melvine Gule (23) were arrested, and charged with dealing in dagga and contravention of the Drugs and Drug Trafficking Act.

They briefly appeared in Zeerust Magistrate’s Court on 15 September 2022.

“The investigation team operationalised information regarding dagga that was allegedly being transported from Swaziland to Botswana. The vehicle was spotted and stopped on Zeerust road just before the Swartkopfontein Port of Entry.

“When the vehicle was searched, five bags of dagga weighing over 100 kilograms were found. The vehicle and the dagga were seized for further investigation,” she said.

Rikhotso said the matter was postponed to 20 September 2022 for a formal bail application.

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By OBAKENG MAJE

Financial mismanagement and poor governance at the embattled Kagisano Molopo Local Municipality allegedly forced the North West Premier, Bushy Maape to send a notice of invocation of Section 139 (1) (b) intervention letter to the municipality.

According to the letter seen by TDN, on 7 September 2022, the provincial EXCO has resolved to invoke Section 139 (1) (b) intervention at the municipality with immediate effect for a period of six months.

“The invocation follows a report of systematic failures by the council to carry out its executive and other legislative mandates as articulated in Sections 152 (1), 152 (2) and 153 of the constitution of the Republic of South Africa, including the supporting legislative mandates.

“Since the inauguration of new councils in the province after the November 2021 elections, the council of Kagisano Molopo has never stabilised and not concentrate on developing plans to provide service delivery to the constituents of the municipality,” the letter said.

It also highlighted that, councillors fought amongst themselves as they contested for political power, which now has resulted in parallel council structures being formed each with a mayor and speaker.

Another arising matter was councillors taking their contestation to the court of law and trying to legitimise their differences by obtaining court interdicts etc. The beleaguered municipal manager, Olaotswe Bojosinyana also came under fire as other councillors alleged that, he was the driver of sowing disunity within the council.

“Instead of advising council and trying to mend disagreement of the council in order to benefit service delivery, seems he has influenced the divisions in council.

“The municipal manager has even hired bouncers to control access to municipal premises. The speaker, mayor and other councillors opposed to him are denied access to the municipal offices.”  

It is alleged that, the role of Bojosinyana over the council is clearly compromised. On another hand, the speaker has taken his case of being ousted to court and on 24 June 2022, the case was heard in the North West High Court in Mafikeng.

“Service delivery is severely affected in the municipality and the community has complained that the bouncers be removed. Persistent infightings with the council as there are some allegations of councillors being threatened to attend illegal council meetings.

“The council has embarked on an unlawful process of tabling the draft budget as the presiding officer was found by the courts to be unlawfully appointed by the municipality,” the letter said.

It is also alleged that, the accounting officer, perpetually misled the council and this affect the entire decorum. The council is allegedly always divided in decision-making, which leads to council resolutions not being implemented as the council cannot unanimously agree on matters of compliance.

The letter also highlighted that, there is a weakened oversight over administration and non-compliance with the MFMA.

“There are challenges with financial management as there is unfunded budget, tabling of an unlawful draft budget and IDP as found by the courts. Failure to establish a disciplinary board in line with the municipal regulation on financial misconduct procedure and criminal proceedings.

“The allegations of irregular appointments of bouncers, non-compliance with the MFMA, possibility of fraud and corruption also weakened oversight on administration. There is non-implementation of consequence management in line with Chapter 15 of the MFMA.”

It is alleged that, service delivery issues are not prominently discussed, planned and executed by the municipal council and this led to the community’s unarrest.

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By STAFF REPORTER

Three suspects were granted bail of R500 each by Potchefstroom Magistrate’s Court for extortion, trespassing, and intimidation. Aron Mphosela (29), Daniel Malinga (36), and Mojalefa Pule (42) were arrested on 12 September 2022 for entering a construction site without authorisation.

It is alleged that, they also threatened employees with violence and forced them to down tools.

North West police spokesperson, Brig Sabata Mokgwabone said the trio also allegedly threatened and forced the contractor to leave the construction site, Potchefstroom Magistrate’s Court, where he was appointed to do renovations in March 2020.

“Although the construction work was delayed, it resumed in July 2022. The Provincial Organised Crime Unit, allegedly received information on 7 September 2022, that a group of unknown men forcefully entered the construction site and threatened the employees with violence.

“An inquiry was opened for investigation. On 12 September 2022, a tip-off was received that the same group went back to the construction site to intimidate employees,” he said.

Subsequently, Mokgwabone said, a prompt response by the Provincial Organised Crime Unit apprehended the accused. He said, they are expected to re-appear at the Potchefstroom Magistrate’s Court on 28 September 2022.

Mokgwabone said, the police would like to encourage contractors, who are intimidated by gangs in various parts of the province to report such occurrences.

Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena said: “We would like to laud the Provincial Organised Crime Unit members for their swift response and the subsequent arrest of the accused. We want to reiterate that, those who intimidate employees and interrupt operations at construction sites will be shown no mercy.”

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By OBAKENG MAJE

One of the most wanted criminals has been arrested by police, the North West police spokesperson, Brig Sabata Mokgwabone. According to information, the suspect, who is known as Chris Sithole, but sometimes calls himself Leon Nkomo, is facing seven separate cases of rape, three robberies, housebreaking, and theft.

“The long arm of the law caught up with Chris Sithole, who is one of the Top 50 Most Wanted Suspects in the province. Sithole, who also calls himself Leon Nkomo, was arrested by the police in Musina, Limpopo.

“He was then handed over to the North West Provincial Tracking Team on 13 September 2022 and taken to Brits to face seven separate cases of rape, three of robbery, and one of housebreaking and theft,” Mokgwabone said.

He said these crimes were committed between January 2012 and February 2021 in the policing area of Brits. Mokgwabone said in one of the cases, the accused allegedly raped a woman in May 2012.

“A couple was travelling in their vehicle when they saw stones placed on the N4 road in the vicinity of Bokfontein, near Brits. The husband then reduced the speed in order to stop, but the vehicle overturned just after the couple heard the sound of car tyres bursting.

“They were rescued out of the vehicle by three men, who then took turns to rape the woman. Following investigations conducted on this case and others, Sithole was also linked with a house-breaking committed in February 2021 in Brits,” said Mokgwabone.

He said the occupant of the house was woken up by an activated alarm. Mokgwabone said on the investigation, he realised that the intruder gained entrance into the house and stole clothes and various electrical appliances worth R20 500.       

“Upon appearance before the Brits Magistrate’s Court on 14 September 2022, the accused was remanded in custody. He will make his second court appearance on 7 October 2022,” he said.

Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena pointed out that the arrest will definitely send a clear message that no place is difficult to get to in the country for the police to bring offenders to book. Kwena also lauded the police in both provinces for their collaboration, which resulted in the arrest.

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