By OBAKENG MAJE

Most small business owners and entrepreneurs who were selling various products at the adored Dj Nation Annual Bash on 28 December 2022 at Taung Cover-ground said they wish the event could be organised every six months. One of those informal traders, Mabuse Mailwane who was selling food said, he had a fruitful return.

“Generally, most Small Medium Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) are faced with a different set of struggles compared to their larger counterparts. This has created a sense of isolation as we work towards driving our business forward. However, having events of this magnitude assists us a lot.

“The North West province is faced with a high rate of unemployment. Also, that has a negative impact in growing our businesses due to affordability. However, I am grateful because I managed to sell all the food and this money will assist me a lot as you know, we are faced with January, which is the toughest month of the year,” Mailwane said.

Another informal trader who was selling food at the event, Keitumetse Pedi from Ditompong village near Mokgareng shared the same sentiments. Pedi said such events like the Dj Nation Annual Bash promote interaction and are a boost to the local economy.

“Local events contribute positively to small businesses. Now, I am so grateful because I will manage to buy school uniforms and stationery for my children this year.

“Truly speaking, these kind of events have proven to be more beneficial for small businesses as they help us to cultivate a strong brand image, generate publicity, and foster meaningful relationships with our customers. So, we just wish we could have this kind of events atleast every after six months,” she said.

Meanwhile, the event organiser, Monnapula “Dj Nation” Mokgwabone said: “I am happy that the event was a success and all accommodation was fully-booked. We had over 80 food stalls at the event and I was also told that there was no fuel at some of the garages around.

“This shows that the event is loved by people. I even received calls from service providers as far as Gauteng and Eastern Cape. So, you can just imagine the magnitude this event has across the country.”

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By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

A suspect (27) is expected to appear at the Itsoseng Magistrate’s Court on 3 January 2023 for robbery. It is alleged that the suspect was arrested after he and two others robbed a Mini Market owner of an undisclosed amount of money and cellular phones.

The North West police spokesperson, Col Adele Myburgh said the incident took place at Zone 1 in Itsoseng Township near Lichtenburg.

“After the robbery, the suspects allegedly fled in a vehicle that was later traced by police, leading to the arrest of the suspect. Subsequently, the police seized a firearm, the vehicle and robbed cash. Investigations are continuing and more arrests are imminent,” Myburgh said.

Meanwhile, the District Police Commissioner in Ngaka Modiri Molema, Major General Mmatlhapi Mmolawa lauded the police for their swift response and apprehension of the suspect. Mmolawa said, the police will continue to work hard to ensure a safe environment during festive season and beyond.

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By OBAKENG MAJE

More than 125 new babies were born on New Year’s Day in various healthcare facilities across the North West. The North West MEC for Health, Madoda Sambatha said, his department intends to strengthen its mother and child services towards the total eradication of maternal and infant mortality.

According to Sambatha, the first report in the early hours of the New Year’s Day revealed that the new-born babies were a total of 36, but almost quadrupled by the end of the day.

“We visited the Klerksdorp Hospital where we interacted with mothers and welcomed some of the new-born babies. We also donated a total of 50 gifts to the mothers and their babies at the same hospital.

“Welcoming new-born babies, signals a blessing and that is why I wish to send congratulations messages to all mothers, our nurses and doctors who delivered them. I am more pleased that we did not record any incidents of maternal and infant mortality. All the mothers and their babies are in good health,” he said.

Sambatha encouraged all pregnant women to report early for antenatal clinics, which prepare women for safe pregnancy and delivery on the day of giving birth. He further alerted the mothers to utilise the Home Affairs facilities inside the hospitals to register their babies for birth certificates.

“All four districts contributed to the 127 total with Bojanala leading. A total number of 45 children were born in Bojanala (28 males and 17 females) followed by Dr Kenneth Kaunda with 31 new-born babies (14 males and 17 females).

“The Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati welcomed 27 new-born babies (19 males and 8 females) and Ngaka Modiri Molema with 24 (15 males and 9 females). The total in terms of gender ended at 66 Males and 61 females,” said Sambatha.

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