By OBAKENG MAJE

The service delivery took a backseat at the Greater Taung Local Municipality (GTLM) on Monday as junior employees downed tools. The municipal employees took to the streets for a protest march over the R2500 danger allowance saga.

The members of the South African Municipal Workers Union (SAMWU), which is the largest union in local government in South Africa, said they want the embattled municipality to pay them an R2500 danger allowance too instead of R1500. 

According to the information, senior managers and directors were all paid R2500 without any municipal council resolution. 

SAMWU secretary in Greater Taung, Mpho Thompson said it is not fair to junior employees to be paid R1500 as danger allowance, while office-bound senior managers and directors received R2500.

“There was a council resolution that was taken on 5 October 2022 regarding danger allowance. The resolution said those senior managers and directors who received R2500 should return R1000s from each R2500 they received.

“Now, our junior employees want to be paid R2500 too as danger allowance. We think that it will be fair if R2500 is paid across the board because a certain individual went to the council and misled it,” Thompson said.

He further said, most senior managers and directors were not exposed to the COVID-19 pandemic because they were office-bound. Thompson added that, these senior managers and directors received airtime and tablets as most were working from home.

“Now, the R2500 that was intended for danger allowance, the municipality has used it for overtime and standby. According to the policy, senior managers and directors are not allowed to get overtime or standby allowance. 

“So, those who were supposed to get danger allowance are junior municipal employees because they were exposed to the COVID-19 pandemic, while on the ground and ensuring that there is service delivery,” said Thompson.

He said, even though they did not lose any members through the COVID-19 pandemic in the municipality, SAMWU has lost many members nationally. Thompson said their members have given the municipality until Monday to respond to their demands.

IMATU secretary from the Greater Taung, Kagiso Mogatusi said: “It was actually not a strike per se, but municipal employees needed clarity on the danger allowance matter. However, IMATU was not part of that, but employees actually wanted to meet with the municipality’s leadership to get clarity on whether the municipality will meet their demands or not.

“No, SAMWU was there, but we have discussed that as IMATU because we wanted to follow proper channels and ensure that the municipal council leads us. So, I do not want us to use the word strike because the employees just wanted clarity from the municipality on whether the municipality will meet their submission or not.”

Meanwhile, the municipal mayor, Tumisang Gaoraelwe failed to respond to our phone calls and WhatsApp messages regarding the matter before going to print.

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By OBAKENGNMAJE

Most of the residents of Manawana and Dibono village near Mahikeng who benefitted from the donkey carts project worth R780 000 from the North West Community Safety and Transport Management department are left dejected. 

This comes after some of the newly-donated donkey carts broke down just two days after receiving them. It is alleged that the 2-seater donkey cart cost R32 500 each, while 4 seater is R45 500 each.

One of the beneficiaries, Mokete Mokoloko (38) said, he nearly died after his donkey cart broke its underslung axle. Mokoloko said he was ferrying pupils to school in Masutlhe village when the accident happened.

“We urge the government to design proper donkey carts of a high standard. I am so disappointed about what happened, but by the grace of God, no one sustained injuries. These donkey carts are defective and of sub-standard quality. They are not even ergonomic and suited for terrains.

“Most of them have fallen apart because they are defective. I ferry pupils from our village to the nearby school, but I have since reverted back to my old donkey cart because it is much stronger than the one donated by the government,” he said.

Another resident, Marriam Mokgobenyane shared the same sentiments. Mokgobenyane who questioned the criteria used to identify the beneficiaries lambasted the government and also accused it of taking people for granted. 

“The North West Provincial Government (NWPG) takes us for granted. Instead of donating vehicles because they are more viable, they donate donkey carts of low quality.

“I also want to understand the criteria used to donate these donkey carts because most of the pensioners here have not received them. I am a pensioner, who stays with my mother and she is 99 of age. We are struggling with transport when we have to take her to the hospital or town,” she said.

Mokgobenyane further said, instead of the government building RDP houses and roads, it will rather waste money on sub-standard donkey carts. She added, they are struggling with inaccessible roads, especially during the rainy season.

It is also alleged that these donkey carts have been languishing in storage at Mahikeng Airport since 2014.

However, the North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Sello Lehari said: “All procurement processes were followed and the distribution of these animal-drawn carts is in line with the national Rural Transport Strategy. The carts were manufactured in Lonely Park in Mahikeng and locals were employed in the project.

“As part of the contract with the department, the service provider, LKT Business Enterprises will maintain and fix the carts for the next three years at no cost to the owners. The twenty carts were procured for a total of R 780 000 inclusive of the three-year maintenance plan.”

Meanwhile, the department said it will hold a media briefing, later on, to clarify the allegations that the procurement was non-existence. The owner of the alleged company, LKT Business Enterprises which was used for procurement, told the 24-hour TV News channel, Newzroom Afrika that, she knows nothing about the procurement of this project. 

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By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

The family of a missing elderly woman in Cokonyane village near Taung said they are dejected because of the whole debacle. Patricia Naledi said the hope of finding their mother alive, Kgalalelo Mosadiwamaje Naledi (79) is fading away by the day.

Kgalalelo went missing almost a month ago and no one knows her whereabouts. She allegedly left her house and did not come back. Now, Patricia said they have searched for her everywhere with no luck.

“Two weeks ago, traditional healers including sangomas were brought into our house in a quest to locate her. However, all that was futile and we are still in the dark regarding our beloved mother’s whereabouts. I came home a week ago with the hope that our mother will be home soon.

“We are in a difficult situation and pray for her safe return. We also urge anyone who could assist with any information about her whereabouts to come forward. Those traditional healers who came to our house gave us confusing statements,” she said.

Patricia further said, others alleged that their mother has been killed, while others alleged that she is still alive.

Meanwhile, the North West police said a case of a missing person has been registered and investigations are underway.

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By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

Seven suspects were arrested for stock theft at Zeekoeivallei farm in Ottoshoop near Mahikeng in the early hours of Thursday morning. The owner of the livestock, Pastor Piet Tlhabanyane said, he was called by his herder at around 2am who informed him about a crime that was underway.

“When we arrived, we counted the cattle and realised that 43 were missing. However, we found 27 cattle scattered around the farm, so we are still looking for another 16.

“It appears that the suspects entered the farm by breaking the padlocks of the main gate and our preliminary investigation indicates that, they began loading the cattle in their trucks at around 7pm on Wednesday,” Tlhabanyane said.

Meanwhile, the North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Sello Lehari said: “We alerted the police and seven suspects, including a woman and two African males were apprehended with two trucks loaded with cattle.

“People often accuse the police of lacklustre response and here we are with them having reacted with speed. The problem of stock theft in some parts of the province is rife, hence the visit of the Deputy Minister of Police, Cassel Mathale on 5 November 2022 in Taung.”

Lehari also expressed profound gratitude to the South African Police Service (SAPS) for a swift response when called upon. He said the ministerial crime imbizo that took place in Taung last week Saturday focused on Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and the rising stock theft statistics.

“We appeal to the communities to play a role in fighting crime. Often suspects are known and only through the support of the community members criminality could be fought.

“Crime is not committed by people we do not know. The police promptly apprehended suspects because community members played a significant role,” said Lehari.

He said, the neighbouring game farm has Close Circuit Cameras that assisted in exposing the criminality activities that were taking place. Lehari said the owner is part of the farming neighbourhood watch.

“The suspects were in the process of being arraigned and charges formulated. However, it is not clear when will they appear in court,” said Lehari.

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By OBAKENG MAJE

The EFF in the Greater Taung Local Municipality (GTLM) said it will table a motion of no confidence against the disgraced municipal speaker, Grace Moipolai. The EFF regional chairperson in Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati region, Tebogo Babuile alleged that Moipolai continues to flout the standing rules and orders of the council and that makes her ‘unfit’ for the position.

This comes after the municipal council meeting that took place at Pudimoe Community Hall, near Taung was turned into a circus. Babuile further said a few items like danger allowance, the motion of no confidence against the beleaguered municipal mayor, Tumisang Gaoraelwe, and the suspension of the Director of Corporate Services, Dikagiso Mokoma were supposed to be discussed amongst others.

Babuile said, however, nothing of those items were discussed.

“Clearly, the municipal council is run by gangsters, who can threaten councillors. They dictate which matters should be raised and debated. There was also a high number of security guards from Diphetogo Security company in the council meeting.

“So, we are off the view that, they were actually brought here for opposition parties. The EFF councillors requested Moipolai to remove them from the chamber, but she blatantly refused,” he said.

Babuile added that the issues that were supposed to be discussed are confidential and no members of the public including municipal officials were supposed to form part of the meeting.

“The meeting was adjourned at 2pm and reconvened at 5pm. However, some unidentified individuals wearing blankets entered the chamber and poured pepper spray into the chamber. 

“There was a stampede there and councillors had to run for safety because they could not breathe. The Public Order Police (POP) were also invited to oversee the council meeting as there were threats, but what was surprised us, when Moipolai adjourned the meeting, she failed to inform the police that, the meeting will re-convene at 5pm,” said Babuile.

He alleged that this clearly shows that, Moipolai knew what will happen when she re-convene the meeting. It alleged that Moipolai altered the investigation report on the suspended Director of Corporate Services, Dikagiso Mokoma who allegedly misled the council on the danger allowance matter.

Mokoma is also accused of tempering with the recordings of the previous council, where the decision was taken that, all employees will receive R1500 for danger allowance. It is alleged that, all senior managers were paid R2500 instead of R1500 and this was done without the council resolution.

“Moipolai intentionally delayed the council meeting because she was supposed to convene the meeting before 8 November 2022. However, she convened the council meeting after the termination of the municipal manager, Katlego Gabanakgosi’s contract on 8 November 2022.

“So, she presented a completely different report from what was compiled by Gabanakgosi. How can the speaker say she has received a complaint from Mokoma, while she reports to the municipal manager? asked Babuile.

He said they will head to court in order to force Moipolai to comply with the municipal structure act. The Democratic Alliance (DA) councillor in the municipality, Sam Nape shared the same sentiments.

It is alleged that Moipolai and Gaoraelwe want to uplift the suspension of Mokoma and bring her back as the acting municipal manager.

Meanwhile, Moipolai failed to respond to our questions. However, she said in a report presented to the council: “I, the speaker of the council, confirm that the resolution was not to suspend the Mokoma, however, to investigate the matter and report it to the council and allow the council to deliberate on it and take the decision. That is not done.

“So, I believe that the decision to suspend Mokoma was entirely the actions of Gabanakgosi solely and not of the council. The local government regulations on the disciplinary procedures for senior managers were not followed and nor allegations against Mokoma have been made.”

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By OBAKENG MAJE

The artists and businesspersons in Taung, call on the North West MEC for Arts, Culture, Sport and Recreation (ACSR), Virginia Tlhapi to have a consultative engagement with them before the Taung Cultural Calabash (TCC) event take place on 18-19 November 2022.

The Mmabana Foundation received a whopping R5.5m to organise the event. It was supposed to take place on 15 October 2022, however, it was postponed due to disruptions. Some artists and local businesspersons alleged that the unique art festival that was set to discover new talent through a series of provincial auditions is marred with corruption and embezzlement.

One of the business persons, Xolani Nkonyana said, they have written numerous letters to various stakeholders including the Office of MEC to have consultative engagements with them, however, that has not happened. Nkonyana said, Tlhapi failed to honour their meeting on 27 October 2022 and that no event will take place until their grievances are addressed.

“As local businesspersons, nothing about us without us. We have written numerous letters to the Mmabana Foundation including Tlhapi. We wanted to have a meeting with the MEC, Head of Department (HOD), Chief Financial Officer (CFO) including the CEO of Mmabana Foundation.

“They promised to meet with us on 27 October, unfortunately, they did not pitch as they promised. To our surprise, the department sent through their junior staff. So, we agreed that we will no longer continue with the event until Tlhapi comes down to the community of Taung and address our grievances,” he said.

A cultural activist, Keaoboka Molomo shared the same sentiments. Molomo further said, as artists, they do not benefit from the Mmabana Foundation programs. 

“The proper transformation is needed at Mmabana Foundation. We urge the department to appoint relevant individuals, who have creative backgrounds. Even though art is called the golden economy, as artists, we continue to suffer at the hands of politicians.

“When we raise our grievances, they label us as hooligans. The Batlhaping Baga-Phuduhucwana Tribal Authority also does not represent us well because the Chief, Kgosi Tshepo Mankuroane is never there. He is actually missing in action and why should we entertain this family that is holding the entire community hostage? He asked.

Molomo added that in other provinces, chiefs are the ones who fight for the preservation of indigenous and cultural events.

Meanwhile, the acting CEO of Mmabana Foundation, Paul Malatsi said: “We understand that the Taung Cultural Calabash was previously sponsored, but most of the sponsors later withdraw due to the audit outcome that was not up to standard. Hopefully, going forward, we will be able to attract sponsors.

“In 2021 financial year, the budget received from the department was re-directed to the COVID-19 pandemic and we did not have the event. In 2021/2022 financial year, we were planning to have the event in November 2021, but it was postponed to March 2022.”

Malatsi said in the current financial year, they have received eight bidders for the tender and they all went through the evaluation and administrative processes. He said they awarded a tender to a service provider to the tune of R3.9 million.

“The reason why we postponed the calabash was because of some disruptions. Initially, the event was earmarked to take place in September, which is a heritage month.

“However, through the challenges that we have experienced, we had to postpone the event. The management took a decision to engage with all stakeholders, but there were many issues raised,” he said.

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By BAKANG MOKOTO

A murder case against Lazarus Chaka Hambone (38) from Extension 4 in Kgakala Township, near Leeudoringstad, was postponed until 16 November 2022 for a formal bail application. Hambone who was on parole for murder was arrested on 6 November 2022 for allegedly killing his niece’s infant with a spade.

According to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in North West, Henry Mamothame, on 5 November 2022, a commotion ensued between Hambone and his niece (16) who was carrying her baby on her back.

“The accused then went outside, came back with a spade, and tried to assault his niece. Unfortunately, he ended up hitting the five-month-old baby boy. 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. 

“This led to the arrest of Hambone and he will remain in custody until the next court appearance. Hambone has appointed a Legal Aid attorney to represent him. The state will oppose bail as the accused is a parolee on a murder case that occurred in 2011,” Mamothame said.

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By REGINALD KANYANE

A man was sentenced to life imprisonment by Taung Regional Court for raping an elderly woman, Naomi Motlhwareng (73). Daniel Kediemetse Sehemo (53) from Sekhing village near Taung, was apprehended on 3 February 2022 after he broke into the home of Motlhwareng, who was his neighbour with the intent to commit rape.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in North West, Henry Mamothame said, Sehemo subsequently strangled and raped Motlhwareng before fleeing the scene.

“He knew the victim very well and also had privileged information that she stayed alone. Sehemo was also aware that the victim had previously suffered from a stroke. The victim reported the matter to the police and Sehemo was subsequently arrested.

“He was denied bail and in the mitigation of the sentence, his defense read a statement wherein he pleaded guilty as an illustration to express remorse for his action. The victim also took a stand and referred to her ordeal as a painful one, as it was committed by a person she trusted, referring to him as “my son” while giving her evidence,” he said.

The state prosecutor, Tecia Khula urged the court not to deviate from the prescribed minimum sentence of life imprisonment, arguing that elderly people are vulnerable and must be protected from the likes of Sehemo.

In a passing sentence, Magistrate Buti Zulu agreed with the state and lamented that society is outraged by rape as it makes them feel unsafe. Zulu further alluded to the responsibility the court has in imposing sentences that will restore the faith of the public in the criminal justice system.

Meanwhile, the North West Director of Public Prosecutions, Dr Rachel Makhari Sekhaolelo lauded Khula and the investigating officer from the SAPS for a collaboration that yielded a positive outcome.

“Our fight against protecting the most vulnerable members of society will be demonstrated through such convictions”, she added.

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By OBAKENG MAJE

The ANC in the North West said cabinet reshuffling is imminent and that will take place within seven days. This comes after the swearing-in of its provincial chairperson, Nono Maloyi as the new Member of the Provincial Legislature (MPL) in North West on Tuesday afternoon after the resignation of MPL, Kim Medupe.

The ANC provincial secretary, Louis Diremelo said they are also in talks with other ANC MPLs to vacate their seats in order to make way for other provincial leaders such as Jostinah Mothibe, Wendy Nelson, and Lazarus Mokgosi amongst others.

“The ANC in the province took a decision to replenish the list. So, we wanted the legislature to actually reflect the ANC provincial leadership that has just been elected. Also, we want to make sure that we strengthen the legislature and have stability.

“Those who will resign will not be thrown out in the cold, but they will be redeployed somewhere strategic to sustain what they are doing. We have not encountered any formal resistance from them and we hope to reach an agreement before the end of this week,” he said.

On reshuffling, Diremelo further said, either the legislature or cabinet in the province should reflect the newly-elected provincial leadership. He added that, they will not use a yardstick to measure performance and evaluate their cabinet members when removing them.

“I will not point out which portfolios are going to be affected. So, reshuffling will be done after our consultative engagements with ANC officials. Just to clear the air, Medupe was not forced to resign and she did that voluntarily.

“She is going to be re-deployed somewhere strategic either in the government or private. Our alliance partners were highly briefed about these developments during our Alliance Council Meeting (ACM). Fortunately, we have found each other and again, there will be a series of meetings afterward,” he said.

Maloyi said he is more than ready to ascend to any position ANC deploys him to.

Meanwhile, NWPL speaker, Sussana Dantjie said: “I have received the resignation letter from ANC MPL, Kim Medupe who was serving as a full-time member of the North West Provincial Legislature (NWPL). 

“I have also received a letter from the ANC in terms of the Electoral Act 73 of 1990 A Schedule 1 Section 93 (1), which states that in the event of a vacancy in the legislature to which this schedule applies, the party which the vacating member represented must fill the vacancy by nominating a person who is the next qualified and available person on the list.”

She added: “I’ve also checked with the revised list of the ANC as gazetted by the party on gazette number 8425. I am satisfied that, Dumile Patrick Nono Maloyi is the next in line of the party list as submitted by the ANC Provincial Secretary, Louis Diremelo.”

Dantjie further said, the swearing-in is needed in terms of Section 107 of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, which states that before a Member of a Provincial Legislature (MPL) begins to perform their functions in the Legislature, they must be sworn in or be affirmed to be faithful to the Republic and be obedient to the Constitution in accordance with Schedule 2.”

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By OBAKENG MAJE

ANC chairperson in North West, Nono Maloyi is allegedly expected to be sworn in as the new Member of the Provincial Legislature (MPL) today at 5pm. 

The North West Provincial Legislature (NWPL) speaker, Sussana Dantjie will preside over the swearing-in. Dantjie declared a vacancy after the resignation of ANC MPL, Kim Medupe.

Dantjie said: “The member will be sworn in, in accordance with Section 107 of the constitution of the Republic of South Africa, which states that before a Member of the Provincial Legislature (MPL) begins to perform their functions in the legislature, they must be sworn in or be affirmed to be faithful to the Republic and be obedient to the constitution in accordance with Schedule 2.”

The swearing-in will be conducted at the NWPL Speaker’s Boardroom at 5pm.

Meanwhile, ANC provincial spokesperson, Tumelo Maruping said: “We cannot confirm that the ANC provincial chairperson will be sworn-in, but we will communicate should such developments ensue.”

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