By OBAKENG MAJE

It has been almost three months since the embattled Greater Taung Local Municipality (GTLM) mayor, Tumisang Gaoraelwe crashed his mayoral vehicle, BMW X3 in an accident. Now, the luxury SUV worth R700 000 continues to gather dust at the municipality storage. 

According to allegations, the municipality wanted to use R200 000 from taxpayers’ money to fix the vehicle. This comes after Gaoraelwe allegedly failed to submit an Accident Report (AR) to the insurance within the prescribed 48 hours.  

Gaoraelwe, who was on leave at the time, was involved in an accident 10km outside Schweizer Reneke along N12 road towards Klerksdorp. 

Even though Gaoraelwe alleged that he was with his ex-wife, Sindisiwe Nkonyana and their two children at the time of accident, the Accident Report (AR) suggests that only one passenger was registered. 

The municipality spokesperson, Ricky Oliphant said the vehicle is kept in the storage because an assessor has yet to conduct an investigation on it. 

“The claim has been reported to the insurance and Gaoraelwe was offered a courtesy car as evidence of submission. All documents were submitted timeously and an assessor is yet to submit his report to the insurance,” Oliphant said. 

He further said, the insurance has appointed an assessor and his report will inform the municipality of the exact cost of repairs.

Meanwhile, the Democratic Alliance (DA) councillor at the municipality, Sam Nape said at the time that they had tabled a motion of no confidence against Gaoraelwe. Nape said Gaoraelwe is not fit to hold office and he allegedly submitted contrary affidavits on the matter.

“We have submitted a notice of motion of no confidence in terms of Rule 21.1 of the Standing Rules of Order against Gaoraelwe to the municipal speaker, Grace Moipolai. I moved 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 said: “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. As things stand, the municipal council has a huge responsibility in matters of service delivery.”

He further said the Municipal Structures Act 117 of 1998. Chapter 3, Section 29 is very clear about meetings of the council. Gaoraelwe said that, the speaker decides when and where the council meets subject to Section 18 (2) council sittings, not driven by motions or emotions.

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By REGINALD KANYANE

A second-year student doing environmental studies at the University of Technology in Poland, Jakub Dzuirkiewicz said, travelling through the African continent assists him to gain more knowledge on conservation education.

Dzuirkiewicz, who is cycling from Alexandria in Egypt to Cape Town in South Africa, arrived in Mahikeng, North West on Tuesday through the Botswana border. He passed through Taung today and said, he expected to arrive in Cape Town within nine days.

Dzuirkiewicz left Egypt on 9 October 2022.

“Africa is a large and vast continent, where different cultures co-exist. This is one of the reasons that made me embark on this initiative. The continent is also culturally diverse and it has been an amazing journey.

“I have met amazing people through-out my journey even though I had minor challenges, where I came across hostile situations, especially in North African countries. The aim of this initiative is to learn and gather as much knowledge as I could about Africa and its people,” he said.

Dzuirkiewicz further said, the sunsets and sunrises in Africa are known to be some of the most beautiful in the world including its diverse landscapes, which consist of jungles, deserts, tropical beaches and open savannahs. He added that he would spend a few weeks in Cape Town by visiting a few townships such as Gugulethu and others before flying back to Poland.

“I might also visit Robben Island, if there is time to see where former South African president, the late Dr Nelson Mandela and other apartheid struggle icons were incarcerated,” Dzuirkiewicz said.

The local social activist, Thato Molosankwe who once embarked on the same initiative of rounding Africa, but aborted his mission in Zambia due to unforeseen circumstances shared the same sentiments.

“When I received a call from the employees at Total Garage in Mahikeng telling me about Dzuirkiewicz, I was excited. I was very emotional when meeting him due to his state. You know when you are on the road, your funds are limited and you are unable to book into proper accommodation.

“So, as somebody who has first-hand experience on what he is doing, I tried to call some of the government leaders to give financial support. Unfortunately, they could not come through due to other commitments,” Molosankwe said.

However, Molosankwe said, he managed to organised accommodation for Dzuirkiewicz and ensure that he received a great send-off.

Meanwhile, the Moshawane Cycling Club in Mahikeng also came through to give the necessary support to Dzuirkiewicz. The Moshawane Cycling Club head coach, Phumzile Bekwape said: “This is inspiring to see someone from as far as Poland embarking on this initiative. Dzuirkiewicz really encourages us to work harder in ensuring that we develop a well-mannered society.

“We have established the cycling club back in 2019 during COVID-19 pandemic. The aim was to ensure that we address various socio-economic challenges, especially facing our young people. We have teenage pregnancy, HIV and AIDS, a high rate of unemployment among the youths, alcohol and drug abuse which continue to ravage our country.”

Bekwape said, they have 48 young people who are part of the program.

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