By OBAKENG MAJE

The Greater Taung Local Municipality (GTLM) mayoral luxury BMW X3 will allegedly cost taxpayers R200 000 to fix. This comes after the mayor, Tumisang Gaoraelwe who crashed the official SUV worth over R700 000 allegedly failed to submit an Accident Report (AR) to the insurance within the prescribed 48 hours.   

According to reports, now the municipality allegedly wants to use R200 000 budget allocated for service delivery to fix the vehicle, however, this has caused an outcry within the council. Gaoraelwe, who was on leave and allegedly driving under the influence of alcohol, was involved in an accident 10km outside Schweizer Reneke along N12 road in October 2022.

Even though he alleged that he was with his ex-wife and two children, the Accident Report (AR) suggests that, he was with the ‘unknown’ passenger aged 31 in the luxury SUV during the accident.

Now, the Democratic Alliance (DA) has tabled a motion of no confidence against him. The DA councillor, Sam Nape said, Gaoraelwe is not fit to hold office. Nape further said, Gaoraelwe allegedly submitted a contrary affidavit.

“We have submitted a notice of motion of no confidence in terms of Rule 21.1 of the Standing Rules of Order against the GTLM mayor to the municipal speaker, Grace Moipolai. I move on behalf of the DA on a motion of no confidence in terms of Rule 21.1 of the Standing Rules of Order.

“On 3 October 2022, Gaoraelwe took possession of the mayoral vehicle, travelled outside of the municipal boundaries with one passenger, and was involved in a motor vehicle accident outside the town of Schweizer Reneke,” he said.

Nape added that a police investigation is underway against Gaoraelwe for negligent driving, which might suspiciously have been caused by driving under the influence of alcohol. He said in the process, the mayoral vehicle suffered extensive damages.

“In terms of Section 2 of Local Municipal Structures Act 117 of 1998, a councillor must perform the functions of the office in good faith, honestly, and in a transparent manner.

“This must be done at all times in the best interest of the municipality and in such a way that the credibility and integrity of the

municipality are not compromised. So, Gaoraelwe is not fit to hold the office because he breached his oath,” said Nape.

However, Gaoraelwe squashed these allegations and said this begins to raise a serious concern about the journalist conducting the inquiry, which is a matter which ought to be looked into and exposed if found to be fiddling to sponsor a certain negative narrative about him.  

“I submitted only one statement, which I can account for. If there’s any other statement whose contents do not reflect the original statement, then this question should be directed to the relevant authorities.

“If there is any frivolous, spineless and baseless motion of no confidence against me, the municipal speaker, Grace Moipolai will convene a council sitting,” he said.

He said as things stand, the municipal council has a huge responsibility in matters of service delivery. Gaoraelwe said the Municipal Structures Act 117 of 1998. Chapter 3, Section 29 is very clear about meetings of the council.

“The speaker decides when and where the council meets subject to Section 18 (2) council sittings are not driven by motions or emotions. The issue of the municipality having submitted the accident report or not may be verified with the administrative arm of the municipality,” he said.

Moipolai failed to respond to our calls and WhatsApp messages before printing this article.

Meanwhile, the North West police spokesperson, Brig Sabata Mokgwabone said, the information at their disposal confirmed that Gaoraelwe was with his ex-wife and children during the accident, however, he failed to explain why the AR suggests that he was only with one passenger.

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By BAKANG MOKOTO

Four suspects aged between 37 and 61 who are suspected members of a syndicate are set to appear in the Wolmaransstad Magistrates’ Court on Monday for theft and fraud. The suspects were arrested on Saturday after they tried to defraud a local man.

The North West police spokesperson, Lieutenant Col Amanda Funani said, the suspects allegedly approached unsuspecting contractors and promised them tenders. 

“The victims would then be asked to deposit a certain amount of cash into an account in exchange for a tender. Reports suggest that on 2 November 2022, the suspects who pretended to be North West Provincial Government (NWPG) employees, approached a victim (53) and promised to award him an R58 million tender on condition that he gives them R40 000.

“Consequently, the victim deposited R20 000 00 and committed to paying the remaining money later. He then informed the police and the suspects were ultimately apprehended by the National Organised Crime Unit, Tactical Response Team (TRT) and the Dr Kenneth Kaunda District Detectives after trying to meet up with the suspect,” she said. 

Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena lauded all the units involved for their collaboration that resulted in the arrest. Kwena also urged members of the community to be vigilant of scams such as this one. 

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By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

A 38 YEAR-OLD MAN arrested for allegedly killing a five months-old boy with a spade. According to the North West police, a commotion ensued between the mother (16) of the baby and her uncle at Extension 4, Kgakala Township in Leeudoringstad on Saturday.

The North West police spokesperson, Lieutenant Col, Amanda Funani said, the uncle then went outside, came back with a spade and tried to assault the niece. Funani said, however, the uncle ended up hitting the baby boy whom her mother was carrying on her back.

“The baby was taken to a local clinic, where he was transported to Wolmaransstad Hospital and ultimately transferred to Tshepong Hospital, where he died due to head injuries.

“The suspect is expected to appear in the Leeudoringstad Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday for murder,” she said.

Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena condemned the incident and applauded the police for their swift reaction that led to the arrest.

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By OBAKENG MAJE

The Democratic Alliance (DA) has lambasted the North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Sello Lehari for donating 20 animal-drawn carts worth R780 000 to Dibono and Manawa villages outside Mahikeng just in the face of poverty.

Last week, Lehari donated donkey carts to some residents and said these villagers use this mode of transport to clinics, shops, and learners who are traveling about 20km to school in Masutlhe village.

“Our government remains committed to touching the lives of citizens and focus on the rural areas of the province. This mode of transport has been used for years back.

“It is a very reliable mode of transport when you take good care of these donkeys. Please, feed them and maintain the carts too. These 20 animal-drawn carts were locally manufactured and created a number of jobs for the local communities,” he said.

Lehari further said, the appointed service provider, LKT Business Enterprises has transferred skills to two local residents, who will maintain and repair the carts for three years with the expense of being paid by the department, through the service provider.

The 2 seaters cost the department R32 500 each, while the 4 seater is R45 500 each.

The DA’s spokesperson on Community Safety and Transport Management in North West, Freddy Sonakile said they are appalled by this decision.

“Instead of developing roads and transport infrastructure, building clinics and schools within reach of the community, the provincial government donates donkey carts.

“Lehari unashamedly arrived at the villages with his convoy of blue light German luxury vehicles to donate donkey carts to beneficiaries within the community to use as a mode of transport to clinics, shops, and a school, which is 20 kilometres away in a neighbouring village,” Sonakile said.

He added that this is an indictment on the government. Sonakile said learners of Dibono and Manawana are expected to travel in donkey carts over a gruelling distance of 20 kilometres twice a day, sometimes in adverse weather conditions, yet this department is also responsible for managing the scholar transport system in the province.

“Lehari has demonstrated yet again that the provincial government does not have a plan to address socio-economic injustices rural communities continue to endure, but would much rather keep rural villages primitive.

“We will submit questions to Lehari to explain the total number of carts to be procured over three years, the total financial cost of the contract, whether a feasibility study was conducted, and how the beneficiaries were identified and selected,” said Sonakile.

He said they will also ask the department what it will do to ensure adequate scholar transport for the learners of both Dibono and Manawana villages.

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By OBAKENG MAJE

The Ntokwe Primary School in Mokgareng village, near Taung, allegedly refuses to honour the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA)’s verdict.

This comes after the school ‘unduly’ terminated the contracts of four individuals, who were working as Education Assistants (EA). According to one of the Presidential Youth Employment Initiative (PYEI) beneficiaries, Karabo Morwe (23), her contract was terminated because she was pregnant.

“I applied for the programme hoping to get meaningful experience. However, I was so devastated my contract was terminated disruptively simply because I was pregnant.

“I was working as Educator Assistant and the principal said I was not fit to work. She also said she was more concerned about the health of the pupils and my safety. Even though I explained to her that being pregnant does not necessarily mean I am disabled,” Morwe said.

She said they took their matter to CCMA to seek recourse because they feel that the decision to terminate their contracts was unfair. Morwe said, now the CCMA has ruled the matter in their favour and the school must refuse to pay.   

“The school owes me R20 200 and I would be happy if the principal pays up. I really need that money because I have a baby to take care of now. So, that money will come in handy,” she said.

Another Teacher Assistant whose contract was terminated because of sharing a surname with an SGB member, Ontlametse Makgwe (26) shared the same sentiments.

“My contract was terminated in April 2022 because I shared the surname with one of the SGB members. The principal said there was a circular that is out and it said those who are related to any staff member, SGB or teachers should recuse themselves from the programmes.

“Unfortunately, I was sharing a surname with one of the SGB members even though we do not know each other. According to my understanding, the woman in question is married to the Makgwe family,” Makgwe said.

The North West Education spokesperson, Elias Malindi said the department has received the outcome of the CCMA and they have referred the matter to their labour unit for advice.

“So, if we challenge the ruling, it will depend on the assessment from the labour unit. However, for now, we can just indicate that the matter has been referred to our labour unit. The decision will be taken after that process has taken place,” Malindi said.

Meanwhile, the CCMA Director, Advocate Cameron Morojane said: “The award in this matter was issued on 25 September 2022 ordering the payment by the respondent by no later than 30 September 2022. The applicants may approach the CCMA’s Vryburg office for further assistance in this regard.

“The enforcement of the arbitration in accordance with Section 143 of the Labour Relations Act 66 of 1995 (LRA), provides an effective and accessible way to enforce an arbitration award, where the award has not been complied with.”

Morojane further said, the award can be enforced as if, it was an order of the Magistrate’s Court scale. He added that, Section 143 (1) of the LRA says, an arbitration award issued by the commissioner is final and binding.

“It may be enforced as if, it was an order of the Labour Court in respect of which a writ has been issued. There is no longer a need for employees, who have had awards issued in their favour to approach the Labour Court for a writ of execution in the event of the employer’s non-compliance with the award.

“An arbitration award that orders the payment of a sum of money, (e.g: compensation, must be enforced or executed as if it is an order of the Magistrate’s Court,” he said.

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