By OBAKENG MAJE

A 28-year-old woman who was allegedly assaulted by the flamboyant local hip hop artist, Andile “Teddy Cash” Sotshantsha calls for justice. Nomsa Prudence Banda said she had opened a Gender-Based Violence (GBV) case against the thespian after he allegedly assaulted her.

Banda said, the incident happened a week ago at Motimalenyora Bottle Store and Tavern in Pudimoe Township, near Taung. According to Banda, she was standing next to an A3 Audi vehicle with her friends when approached by Sotshantsha, who allegedly ordered her to move away from the vehicle.

“I actually told him that, the owner of the vehicle came earlier to his car and he does not have any problem. However, a commotion ensued between us after he insisted that, we move away regardless.  

“Sotshantsha lost his cool after I told him that, this is not his car. He grabbed my clothes and I poured him alcohol in self-defense. However, he grabbed the can of alcohol that I was holding and started assaulting me with it,” she said.

According to Banda, they know each other very well and they actually went out with her cousin and the muso a week before the incident.

“We know each other very well and he even borrowed me his jacket. So I was surprised to see him behaving like that. He is actually a friend of my cousin because he is the one who went to fetch Sotshantsha.  

“Imagine, the nerve of laying his hands on me, while we are living in times and ages where GBV is condemned. I won’t let this go because I actually do not deserve it,” said Banda.   

The incident opened a ‘can of worms’ as startling allegations of abuse levelled against Sotshantsha came forth. One of the women, Morwadia Selekow Momow Selekow, who was allegedly in a romantic relationship with Shotshantsha wrote on Facebook, where she accused Sotshantsha of abuse.

“I was afraid to speak out that Teddy Cash once abused me, while we were in a romantic relationship because he is capable of threatening a person for a very long time.

“He must go to jail because he has been doing this to many girls in Taung for a while,” she said.

The frustrated Sotshantsha said, he was advised not to comment on the matter as is sub judice. However, he promised to reveal the ‘naked truth’ in a court of law.

Meanwhile, the North West police spokesperson in Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati cluster, Sgt Tryphosa van Rooyen said: “A case of common assault was reported at Pudimoe Police Station and is under investigation. This comes after a woman reported that she was assaulted.

“According to the complainant, she was with her siblings at a local tavern on 15 October 2022, whilst outside the tavern. She was involved in an altercation with the suspect and was subsequently assaulted by the suspect in her face.”

Van Rooyen said no arrest has been made with regard to the incident thus far.

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By OBAKENG MAJE

The widespread corruption and maladministration continue to show its ugly head at the embattled Greater Taung Local Municipality (GTLM). This comes after startling revelations that directors, chief financial officer (CFO) and municipal manager, Katlego Gabanakgosi paid themselves a monthly danger allowance of R2500 during the COVID-19 pandemic even though they were working from home.

It is also alleged that these managers are doing this without any EXCO or council resolution and continue to get it even though the country has since gone back to its normality.

Now, the municipality has allegedly suspended the director of corporate services, Dikagiso Mokoma for misleading the municipal council. Mokoma ‘lied’ to the municipal council that, the decision to pay a monthly rate of R2500 to employees as a danger allowance was taken by the previous council. 

However, she could not back up her allegations with any tangible evidence and that led to her suspension. In the process, the current council was forced to listen to the recordings to get to the root cause of the matter because Gabanakgosi could also not provide any EXCO or council resolution.   

Now, the Forum 4 Service Delivery (F4SD) and other opposition parties like EFF and Democratic Alliance (DA) want these managers to pay back the money. The F4SD councillor, Mika Moeti said, the municipality would have spent R6 million on danger allowance if each employee gets a monthly R2500 as danger allowance.

Moeti further said, he understands that the previous council agreed upon R1500 as a flat rate, not R2500.

“So, as the F4SD, we have taken this with an exception because all these directors and managers who were paid R2500 as danger allowance, were actually working from home during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We have also conducted our own research on the matter and found out that, this was only agreed upon between directors, municipal manager and chief financial officer (CFO) without any EXCO or municipal council resolution,” he said.

Moeti added that they have now taken a resolution that, the directors, CFO and Gabanakgosi must pay back R1000s from the R2500s they received. He further said, there is a lack of service delivery within the communities and the municipality’s budget is only R363 million.

Meanwhile, the Democratic Alliance (DA) councillor, Sam Nape said: “Clearly, there is malfeasance in this case. We are calling for a proper investigation and we will also call on the law enforcement agencies such as the Hawks and Special Investigating Unit (SIU) to probe the matter. There are also many issues in the municipality, where one could detect maladministration and corruption.

“To be honest, the management has not been fair because they insisted that they should be paid R2500 monthly because, at times, they are subjected to overtime.”  

Nape said, even though the overtime period ended up around March 2022, these managers are still getting those R2500 monthly. He said they have not taken any decision on whether the money needs to be paid back or not pending investigations.

*Meanwhile, the municipal manager, Katlego Gabanakgosi and the municipality spokesperson, Ricky Oliphant failed to respond to our media enquiry, despite being sent to them three weeks ago.   

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By OBAKENG MAJE

The cash-strapped ANC will construct state-of-the-art offices in Mahikeng, North West. This announcement was made by the ANC provincial chairperson, Nono Maloyi during a sod-turning on Friday.

Maloyi said, the ANC in North West is the only province without decent offices, so they have decided to build proper offices here in Mahikeng. He said they will utilise the land that was bought 10 years ago by the ruling party.

“This is the piece of land that was bought by the organisation many years ago. However, we have not been able to utilise it until now. So, we thought it must be put to good use by building new offices.

“This is going to be a revolutionary house, where all ANC structures will be housed including alliance partners if they have that appetite. The aim is to complete the project before the 2024 General Elections if things go accordingly,” he said.

The ANC provincial treasurer, Sello Lehari shared the same sentiments. Lehari said the ruling party does not have money, but they will rely on good Samaritans for funding.

“We were impressed by the ANC offices in Limpopo on January 8 this year. So, we are benchmarking with them, but this one will be the best of the best in Africa. The construction project will commence anytime soon.

“As you know, the party does not have money, but we are relying on donations, not in the form of cash. If we need any material, someone will go and buy it for us,” Lehari said.

He further said, these will be state-of-the-art offices and they will invite the media during the opening. Lehari added that, they have not identified a contractor yet, but talks are at an advanced stage.  

“It is up to the people who are assisting us and the talks are at 80% in identifying the potential contractor. Also, the designers are still finalising the construction plan.

“We will soon let you know how much the construction project will cost us. Remember, this land was bought 10 years ago before we could even become leaders, so, we do not have figures with us now on how much it was purchased for,” said Lehari.

However, the cagey Lehari promised to share the amount when at a later stage. 

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By OBAKENG MAJE

Top teachers were rewarded for their excellence at the 2022 annual National Teaching Awards (NTAs) ceremony held at held CSIR Convention Centre, in Pretoria on Thursday.

The North West province stole the show during the prestigious event and scooped six awards. The North West MEC for Education, Wendy Matsemela said, they have sent six candidates out of thirteen who won during the provincial awards to represent them.

“All six candidates brought home various awards from the national level. Mmabatho High School teacher, Tebogo Mokwene obtained position one in the Excellence in Teaching Mathematics FET category. Mokwene, who is also a Mathematics tutor for “Dial a Tutor” programme, taught learners Mathematics through social media platforms, YouTube.

“The “Dial a Tutor” programme, which is a telephone system, aims at helping secondary school learners in the province. Mokwenen also uses songs to entice learners to different concepts in the subject,” Matsemela said.

She further said, Dikeledi Sekopamotse from Platinum village in Rustenburg, obtained the first position in Excellence in Primary School Leadership category. Matsemela added that, Sekopamotse is the founding principal of the school.

“Another winner, Tsholofelo Lechuti from Tswelelopele Secondary School in Itsoseng Township, near Lichtenburg scooped the second prize in Excellence in Secondary School Teaching category. Lechuti is offering English First Additional Language on YouTube and her lessons are used by other teachers in their schools,” she said.

The Reabona Secondary School teacher, Bongumusa Mabuza in Dr Kenneth Kaunda District, obtained the second position in the Excellence in Teaching Physical Science category. According to Matsemela, Mabuza strives to change the ‘famous belief’ that, science is difficult.

“He is using all the available resources to impart knowledge to his learners.

Lezeth Van Der Walt from Hoerskool Skoonspruit in Klerksdorp won the second position in the Excellence in Technology – Enhanced Teaching and Learning category.

“She serves as an ICT manager, senior Hostel Official, sports coach, a member in numerous committees and organises Olympiads at her school. Marakane Mokhele from Areitshokeng Primary School in Jouberton Township, Klerksdorp, won the third position in the Excellence in Grade R Teaching category,” said Matsemela.

She said, Mokhele is not only contributing positively in class but also engages with learners in different sporting codes.

“North West is now a force to be reckoned with in all competitions within the sector. I would like to congratulate all those teachers who have made our province proud. I regard them as heroes to our children in different schools.

“Recently in the music competitions, we brought home many trophies and we were crowned as the best province. I am very excited that our province has also retained the first position in the Excellence in Teaching Mathematics FET category,” she said.

Matsemela calls on all teachers in the province to continue to sacrifice their family time and spend it with the learners. She said, next year they aiming high and would love to see many teachers taking part in this competition next year.

The position one winners walked away with Tablet and laptop fully loaded with data for 12 months, R10 000 cash for the school, training courses, Fundza Lushaka bursary to a learner and a computer lab for the school.

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By BAKANG MOKOTO

A 26-YEAR-OLD man was sentenced to triple life imprisonment by the North West High Court sitting in Vryburg. Bafana Johannes Mans was convicted of kidnapping, double rape, and murder of Tshimologo Lotshabeng (4).

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson, Henry Mamothame said, Mans was a colleague and one of the people who accompanied Tshimologo’s mother from a tavern to her friend’s house in Kgomotso village, near Taung.

“He waited until the mother fell asleep, then kidnapped Tshimologo. Mans took her to the nearby bushes, where he raped and killed her. Mans was apprehended at his residential place in Jan Kempdorp in the Northern Cape.

“This comes after the lifeless and naked body of Tshimologo was found in the bushes at Kgomotso village, near Taung on 16 May 2021. Mans was denied bail upon his first court appearance on 24 May 2021 and he has been in custody since his arrest,” Mamothame said.

In aggravation of sentence, Adv Xolisile Philisane urged the court not to deviate from the minimum prescribed sentence as the offense was committed on a helpless minor. Philisane further argued that the accused showed no remorse for his actions as he failed to take a stand and apologise to the family of the deceased.

The North West Director of Public Prosecutions, Dr Makhari-Sekhaolaleo lauded the collaboration between the SAPS and the NPA in bringing the perpetrator to book. She said, this will illustrate the advocacy of the criminal justice system in dealing with those who act against the protection of women, children, and the elderly.

Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena shared the same sentiments. Kwena also lauded the Investigating Officer, Col Kgosi Dihemo, and advocate Xolisile Philisane as well as other role players for their tireless and joint efforts that led to the conviction, which he said will certainly serve as a deterrence to those who violate and take innocent lives of women and children.                   

Mans was sentenced to life imprisonment for murder, two life imprisonment for double rape, and five years imprisonment for kidnapping. The sentence for double rape and kidnapping will run concurrently.

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By OBAKENG MAJE

The ANC in the North West has endorsed the ANC sitting president, Cyril Ramaphosa for the second term. According to the ANC provincial secretary, Louis Diremelo, it is all systems go in terms of preparations for the ANC National Elective Conference that is scheduled to take place on 16 December 2022.

Diremelo said, only 340 branches from the North West have qualified and will form part of the elective conference.

“The process is a bit slow and only 340 branches have qualified to go to the ANC National Elective Conference in December 2022. We are almost at 100%, but we are still waiting for the verification report. 

“We have experienced challenges such as quorums including unavailability of individuals during the weekend. People are attending this and that over the weekends,” he said. 

Diremelo said, they are hopeful that they will consolidate everything this coming weekend after their interaction with the IRC coordinators. He further said, all branches have been given dates, so they intend to complete the task by 25 October 2022. 

“We have motivated and advised branches to also convene their meetings during the week. One of the challenges that have hindered the process is a QR code.

“We have experienced some challenges of network and load-shedding. The ANC provincial leadership has also guided the branches in terms of preferences,” said Diremelo.

He added: “You must remember that our basic unit of the organisation is the branches. They are the most powerful unit, so we will know exactly what will happen during the consolidation.” 

Diremelo said the branches are not far away from the ANC provincial leadership’s guidance. He said, the ANC provincial leadership has endorsed Ramaphosa for the second term.

“We will support Paul Mashatile for the Deputy President position, Fanuel Masuella for the Secretary-General position, Zweli Mkhize as the Treasurer-General, Stan Mathabathe for the National Chairperson position, while Nomvula Mokonyane will be supported as the Deputy Secretary-General,” he said.

Meanwhile, the political analyst from North West University (NWU) in Potchefstroom campus, Professor Andre Duvenhage said: “If we look at the ANC national conference, it will be attended by around 4000 to 5000 people and 90% will come from the branches, whereas 10% will be from ANC structures.

“So, what is important is that, the branches will decide. At the pointing time, only 20% of the branches have finalised their list. Now, the problem is what will happen here in the North West when it comes to the ANC national conference.”  

Duvenhage said, there is a long history of conflicts in the province. He said, he understands that there was a ‘gentleman’ agreement between the former ANC provincial chairperson, Supra Mahumapelo and ANC provincial chairperson, Nono Maloyi that the province will support him during a contestation of the ANC Secretary-General position.

“To be honest with you, I do not believe in the integrity of politics, in many cases, politicians. I have no doubt that, Maloyi will go the way of Mashatile and Ramaphosa on the condition that, Ramaphosa accommodates Mashatile.

“There is a huge conflict for the position of the deputy president and we have seen four to five candidates named already. However, I’m not 100% sure if that is an alignment, but is not unqualified alignment,” he said.

Duvenhage said, there are certain prerequisites for this and there was a power balance in favour of Maloyi. He said, however, he has been taking over the provincial government and there might be a reaction from aggrieved ANC members in the branches.

“I think he has now going to take out five MPLs to make room for himself and four others. So, I think there is going to be a reaction because there is already dissatisfaction in the branches.

“There is a number of issues playing themselves out and I do think the branches will be in full support of the provincial leadership’s decision. Maybe the majority might be in support, but there is still support for RET brigades,” said Duvenhage.

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By OBAKENG MAJE

The alleged widespread corruption and fraud within the school transport system continue to plague the North West Community Safety and Transport Management department.

It is alleged that, some bus operators defraud the system by inflating the kilometres travelled when rendering the service in terms of the contract and as a result, claimed excess payment prices from the department.

The SIU spokesperson, Kaizer Kganyago said, their investigations revealed that one of the service providers, Maczola Tours inflated the kilometres travelled when rendering the service in terms of the contract. Kganyago said the service provider claimed excess payment from the department when they provided scholar transport services to the Kopanelo Primary School in Delerayville between October 2010 and June 2017.

“The SIU’s evidence suggests that Maczola Tours benefitted unlawfully from the department by an excess amount of R180 793.20. However, there is still a process to be followed before the ill-gotten money is paid back. The

Special Tribunal ordered the SIU to file an affidavit explaining how it determined the figure in question by 28 October 2022.

“The Maczola Tours also needs to submit an affidavit responding to the costs in line with the SIU’s calculations by 4 November 2022. The Special Tribunal will make a final decision on the payable amount after the submission of the affidavits,” he said.

According to Kganyago, the Special Tribunal order is a continuation of the implementation of the SIU investigations outcomes and consequence management to recover monies lost by the department. He further said, there are other cases enrolled in the Special Tribunal awaiting adjudication and will result in recoveries for the department.

“On 19 October 2022, the Special Tribunal order ruled that Maczola Tour should pay back the money it unlawfully gained from the department and pay for the SIU’s legal costs.

“The judgment comes after the SIU was authorised to investigate the awarding of scholar transport contracts by the President of the Republic under Proclamation R.2 of 2018, following widespread allegations of irregularities concerning the appointment and overpayment of service providers contracted in terms of the tender,” Kganyago said.

He said the SIU investigated to establish whether there were any irregularities and unlawfulness in the procurement process, that led to the appointment of service providers in terms of the tender, and lack of departmental oversight in respect of services rendered.

The SIU investigations revealed that Maczola Tours inflated the kilometres travelled when rendering the service in terms of the contract and as a result, claimed excess payment from the department.

Meanwhile, the North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Sello Lehari said: “We note the judgment of the Special Tribunal, which was brought by the Special Investigating Unit (SIU). I believe that this will serve to encourage all businesses to be sincere. 

“We also wish to encourage all those who have contracts with the department to conduct their business honestly and claim what is due to them.”

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By OBAKENG MAJE

A tuck-of-war is looming between the ANC and its tripartite alliances in the North West. This comes after the newly-elected ANC provincial leadership submitted the gazetted replenishment list to the North West Provincial Legislature (NWPL) yesterday without consulting them.

According to the SACP, COSATU, and SANCO, they were shocked to see the list in the media and various social media platforms. The ANC provincial leadership under the tutelage of flamboyant, Nono Maloyi, allegedly instructed its five members, who are Members of the Provincial Legislature (MPLs) in the North West to resign.

Those who are expected to receive a wielding axe are the embattled North West MEC for Arts, Sport, Culture and Recreation, Virginia Tlhapi, MEC for Finance, Motlalepula Rosho, MEC for Social Development, Boitumelo Moiloa, MEC for Agriculture and Rural Development, Desbo Mohono and the MPL, Mmoloki Cwaile.

These are officials, who are believed to be staunched supporters of the North West Premier, Bushy Maape. Those who are on the gazetted replenishment list are ANC provincial chairperson, Nono Maloyi, his deputy, Lazarus Mokgosi, Wendy Nelson, Jostinah Mothibe, and Elizabeth Mokua.

It is also alleged that, the ANC provincial leadership is doing this as a preparation to reshuffle the current cabinet.

However, the SANCO provincial secretary, Packett Seaketso came out guns blazing and said, what is currently happening within the ANC in the province is foreign. Seaketso further said, this will create unnecessary conflicts and divisions.

“You must look at the gazetted list because it is extraordinary. The list shows that people are in a hurry to do it. We were never consulted as the alliance.

“Remember, the list is a product of branches and provincial list conference. So, the people on the reserve list must all resign before they can replace them, then you can bring in the new list,” he said.

Seaketso said, it is surprising because the newly-elected ANC leadership is hardly three months in office, but they want to remove people without any performance assessment report.

SACP provincial secretary, Madoda Sambatha shared the same sentiments. Sambatha said, they just saw the list like any other members of the public when it was publicised at the legislature.

“That means, we have not been served with the list by the ANC. We were never in any fashion, given the information of the intention and names. The alliance we have with the ANC is not an alliance for convenience and personal happiness.

“It is an alliance based on the programs. However, there is a weakness that we need to indicate, failure to consult pushes alliance partners to be responding to the public because we have not been consulted,” he said.

Sambatha added that, they will not comment on the reshuffling issue for now, but they will do so after they were consulted. Cosatu provincial secretary, Kopano Konopi said, they were also not consulted as the alliance partner.

The ANC provincial spokesperson, Tumelo Maruping said: “We can confirm that, indeed, the names that appear on the gazetted replenishment list were submitted and is part of strengthening the legislature.

“Look, the ANC provincial elective conference just concluded last month, and ordinarily, the issue of reshuffling is inevitable. However, the ANC provincial leadership has not reached that point.”

Maruping said, they had two meetings with the North West Provincial Government (NWPG) EXCO including the ANC Member of the Provincial Legislature (MPLs). He said, this was part of monitoring, evaluation, and accountability.  

“So, we are still in the process, but we have not yet reached the point where we are saying, there will be a reshuffling anytime soon. Indeed, there is a new leadership of the ANC in the province and it is inevitable that such leadership must be reflected in the legislature.

“We have noted the concerns of the COSATU and SACP. There is an internal engagement that we are having and we do not want to divulge that to the media, for now,” Maruping said.      

On the issue of SANCO, he said there are issues that they are still resolving because there were two SANCO leaderships emanating from their national conferences. Maruping said they have also received a mandate on how they should resolve that issue concerning SANCO.

Meanwhile, the ANCYL provincial secretary, Tshiamo Tsotetsi said, the list indicates a clear intention on the part of the ANC to reconfigure the current setup of its caucus and change some MPLs.

“We affirm that the ANC in consultation with its partners is well within its right to change its deployees to government. Especially if such is done with a view of strengthening the government to deliver quality services to the people of this province.

“However, we remain concerned about the exclusion of the youth in the legislature. The failure by the ANC to include capable youth in the legislature has by now evolved into being a norm,” Tsotetsi said.

He said, the ANCYL in the province has been consistent in calling for the inclusion of young people in all strategic centres of power and influence. Tsotetsi said, they have capable young people in abundance such as Stella Mondlane, Wessels Morweng, and Tumelo Maruping, who are well-educated, skillful and highly creative.

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By BAKANG MOKOTO

The case against 21 suspected illegal miners who were arrested during a well-executed operation by the Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation team at a mining shaft in Stilfontein near Klerksdorp on 10 October 2022 was postponed.

According to the Hawks, the operation followed weeks of surveillance into the alleged illegal mining activities of the accused. Fifteen AK47s, six hunting rifles, two shotguns, and one R5, boxes full of ammunition, explosives, and an undisclosed amount of money were confiscated during the raid.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson in North West, Henry Mamothame said, one of the accused who was arrested at his home, is suspected of transporting food and goods to the illegal miners, while on site. He further said the accused vehicle was also seized.

“The state is studying the docket’s preliminary charges of conspiracy to commit robbery, possession of prohibited firearms, possession of ammunition, and contravention of the immigration act, and not ruling out a possibility of adding more charges.

“The accused appeared briefly at Stilfontein Magistrate’s Court and the case was postponed to 31 October 2022 for a formal bail application. Five of the accused have been confirmed to be South African citizens, while 16 are verified to be illegal in the country,” he said.

Mamothame added that, all twenty suspects have sourced the services of one private attorney while the remaining accused will source his own attorney.

He said the state intends to oppose bail.

“The Hawks were assisted by members of the Hawks’ Tactical Management Section, Special Task Force, National Intervention Unit, District Illegal Mining Task Team, Tactical Response Team, Bidvest Protea Coin, and Harmony Gold mine during a raid.

“All the suspects will remain in police custody until the next court appearance,” said Mamothame.

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By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

A murder case against Thabiso Moswane was postponed to 13 December 2022 by the Koster Magistrate’s Court. Moswane, who was arrested after he allegedly stabbed his mother numerous times and suck her blood will remain in custody. 

The National Prosecuting Agency (NPA) spokesperson in North West, Henry Mamothame said a horrific incident took place in Mathopestad on 9 May 2022. According to Mamothame, a fight ensued between Moswane and the deceased, Kedisaletse Elizbeth Moswane (53).

“On arrival at the scene, police found Kedisaletse’s body inside a shack with numerous stab wounds. The police were informed that Thabang was allegedly seen drinking his mother’s blood after stabbing her.

“He was immediately arrested and appeared before the Koster Magistrate’s Court. The was postponed for a new legal aid attorney to be appointed and consulted,” he said.

He further said, Thabang’s previous attorney has relocated and withdrawn his services. Mamothame added that, in the next court sitting, the state is expected to share all necessary documents with the defense team in preparation for the trial.

Moswane has abandoned his bail and he will remain in police custody until the next court appearance.

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