By REGINALD KANYANE

The North West police said a total number of 2523 people were arrested for various offenses during the festive season. The North West police spokesperson, Col Adele Myburgh said, this includes 309 suspects who were arrested for drug-related crime.

“We have arrested 618 for contact crime (including murder, attempted murder, assault, rape and other sexual offences), nine suspects for truck hijacking, 13 suspects were arrested for robbery with aggravating circumstances, while 64 suspects were arrested for house burglaries.

“We have also arrested 111 suspects for malicious damage to property, 30 for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, 32 for illegal possession of firearms and ammunition, 1041 for liquor related cases (drinking in public, drunk in a public place, illegal dealing and distribution of liquor),” she said.

Myburgh further said, 74 suspects were nabbed for contravention of the domestic violence act, while 143 undocumented persons were taken in for processing by Immigration Officials. She added that, during the operations, 26 stolen or hijacked vehicles were also recovered.

“Twenty-two dangerous weapons were amongst the items seized. With more boots on the ground to heighten visibility, police in the province in conjunction with other security forces have been working hard to ensure that members of the community are safe,” said Myburgh.

Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena lauded the law enforcement for the successes and pointed out that the operations will continue to ensure the well-being and safety of all citizens through enhancement of police visibility.

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By OBAKENG MAJE

The Taung Agricultural College will be declared as a Higher Education College in terms of Section 21 (3)(a) of the Higher Education Act, no 101 of 1997 as amended starting from 1 April 2023, says the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) representative, Athenkosi Siziba.

“The notice is hereby given that on 1 April 2022, the Minister of a Higher Education and Training, Science and Innovation intends to declare Taung College of Agriculture situated in Taung as a Higher Education College.

“The reasons for the declaration of this college as a Higher Education College is because, schedule 4 of the South African Constitution affirms that, tertiary education is a national competence,” Siziba said.

He further said, the DHET was established to enable a coherent and well-articulated offering of higher education, vocational education and skills development through a variety of post-school institutions.

Siziba added that, the DHET and Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development have entered into a protocol agreement to collaborate in addressing educational shared responsibilities and working towards declaring public Colleges of Agriculture as a Higher Education College, which is one of the constitutional types contemplated in the higher Education Act.

“A Higher Education College is an autonomous institution functioning within a legislated governance structure under a national department, with policies that regulate the way in which decisions can be made, and accountability required to the public and the national department.

“These colleges will be permitted to offer certificates, diplomas and degrees subject to meeting the accreditation requirements of the council on Higher Education. These qualifications are registered on the National Qualifications Framework by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA),” he said.

Siziba said this notice is issued in terms of Section 21(3)(b)(i) of the Higher Education Act and calls upon all interested persons to make written representations regarding the contemplated declaration.

All representations must be directed to the Office of the Director-General for the attention of Mr Athenkosi Siziba via email on Siziba.A@dhet.gov.za or any other legally recognized means of communication and must reach this office by no later than 16 January 2023.

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By OBAKENG MAJE

The Greater Taung Local Municipality (GTLM) truck driver survived an accident at Taung Dam. This comes after the municipal employee plunged the municipality truck into a ditch after brake failure.

According to information, the accident took place on 26 December 2022, while the driver was on duty.

The Greater Taung Local Municipality (GTLM) spokesperson, Ricky Oliphant said: “The municipality is aware of the accident. The municipal employee was driving the vehicle, which unfortunately developed mechanical problems (brake failure) and lost control.

“The employee was on official duty, which is part of the municipality’s practice of putting employees on overtime during recess in order to ensure that essential services are provided.”

Oliphant further said, the driver did not suffer any injuries. He added, the case has been opened with the police and the insurance was also notified.

“The damages to the truck have not been determined as the insurance will advise on that,” said Oliphant.

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By OBAKENG MAJE

Many revellers said they cannot wait for the much-anticipated Taung Annual Gospel Festival (TAGF) that will take place at PH Mooketsi High School in Taung on 1 April 2023.

Most revellers said they have taken advantage of the early bird tickets special, where one can get a General ticket for R150 instead of R250. 

The special will end on 15 January 2023. TAGF organiser, Tshidi Moreane said, taken at face value, the event is growing in leaps and bounds.

“When we take a quick glance at our ticket packages, we have the General Early Birds tickets at R150 and the special end on 15 January 2023.  So, I would like to encourage our people to go to the nearest Compu-tickets, Shoprite or Checkers to purchase their tickets to avoid disappointment.

“So, our General tickets will be available at R250 after 15 January 2023. Our VIP ticket cost R450, while our VVIP ticket is available at R1000,” Moreane said.

He further said, the gates will open at 2pm until late. Moreane added that he has pulled all stops to ensure that the event becomes a success.

“It is all systems go for us and this edition will be mouth-watering. Our main objective of this event is to deal with spiritual revival. As a Christian, I believe that spiritual revival in human life is essential, so this is exactly what this event aims for.

“We also have moral degeneration within our society that needs to be addressed. But, through this event, we can deal with that, if we all pull in the same direction,” he said.

Moreane further said, TAGF also seeks to give a platform to local gospel artists to showcase their God given talents. He added that he has roped in gospel heavyweight artists in the line-up such as Dumi Mkokstad, Dr Winnie Mashaba, Busy Radebe, Keke Sechaba, Teboho Moloi, Manana Ramongae and the list is endless.

“I think this is more than an event, but a revival meeting. The event aims to inspire or re-awaken the spiritual vigor within ourselves. Historically, revival events like this have only been held for Christian communities and churches, but this one is open for non-believers too.

“The main purpose is to revitalise the spiritual life of our people and boost the economy. We will be bringing our people under one roof to rejoice and seek a renewed spiritual exuberance. So, through this event people will sense the power of God,” said Moreane.

Meanwhile, Moreane said the stalls are available for informal traders, who would like to sell their product at the event. He encourages those who are interested to call him on 079 4924576 for necessary arrangements.

“The event also aims to boost the economy as most Small Micro Medium Enterprises (SMMEs) owners will benefit from it,” he concluded.

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By BAKANG MOKOTO

The South African National Civic Organisation (SANCO) in the North West has described its Provincial Organising Secretary, Pasture Maremo (61), who perished in a horrible car accident last week as an incorrigible, principled and visionary leader.  

Maremo, who died in a tragic accident involving a truck last week near Brits, will be buried on Saturday.

The SANCO provincial chairperson, Paul Sebegoe said: “Maremo was a beacon of hope for communities he served. He was an unflinching revolutionary cadre as well as organic ethical leader.

“Maremo was one leader who never lost his moral compass nor betrayed the National Democratic Revolution (NDR) for personal gain nor at the expense of factional interests.”

In conveying condolences to the bereaved Maremo family, Sebegoe thanked them for sharing him with all of them. He further said, Maremo was a revolutionary giant who served humanity as well as the communities in the best way that he could with selflessness, humility, integrity and passion.

He added that, the untimely death of Maremo who was a revolutionary cadre, civic activist, trade unionist and principled community leader must raise a unique monument.

“The kind that the foremost Pan African revolutionary intellectual from Guinea-Bissau, Amilcar Cabral, termed constructive emulation. Cabral meant competition, “but for well-being, not for our stomach, for us to serve our Party, our people.”

“The province and revolutionary alliance undoubtedly need new cadres with this constructive emulation, who will seek to outdo one another in the service of our people,” said Sebegoe.

He said, they need to outdo one another in compassion, love and support for one another, as epitomised by Maremo who was always willing to learn and accepted to be led.

“Though he spoke his mind, he was a disciplined cadre who never harboured ambitions to overthrow others from leadership positions. He understood what collective leadership is.

“I urge young people to always live-in hope and emulate Maremo’s unshakeable conviction as a colossal that detested lies and corruption with passion,” he said.

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By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

Learners from disadvantaged communities are urged to be resilient in their pursuit for education. This was said by the North West Premier, Bushy Maape, who visited various schools as part of the Back To School campaign.

Maape visited Ikhutse Combined School, which is situated at a farm outside Potchefstroom. He also visited Resolofetse Secondary School in Ikageng Township, as well as Ferdinand Secondary School and Vyfhoek Primary School in Potchefstroom.

“This initiative is aimed at assessing the readiness of schools in this academic year. Remember, education has the ability to change the socio-economic conditions of learners in poor and marginalised communities.

“It is only through education that you can change your life and that of those around you even if you are in a farm school. While the government is intervening through various means to ensure you are taught in a conducive environment, you are also obligated to work hard,” said Maape.

He further appealed to learners to build a strong character, which will enable them to overcome a number of social ills afflicting the youth. Maape added that, character will always help the learners to overcome a number of challenges confronting them

“It will give you the ability to say no to drug and alcohol abuse. Therefore, it remains your responsibility to build a strong character. You can achieve this by listening to your teachers and parents,” he said.

Maape maintained that, since the advent of democracy, the government has initiated and passed various pieces of legislation aimed at addressing inequalities in the education sector.

Meanwhile, South African National Civic Organisation (SANCO) chairperson in North West, Paul Sebegoe who visited various schools in Rustenburg said, there was a delay on delivery of stationery at some schools. Debegoe 0urged the North West Department of Education to act with speed to resolve the supplier challenge, which has impacted negatively on the state of readiness for the reopening of schools.

“There were admission challenges experienced at two schools we visited on Wednesday around Rustenburg. However, we are satisfied with measures put in place by the department to attend to queries as well as resolve disputes and ensure that all learners seeking admission are placed.   

“Both schools will understandably always be under pressure due to their reputable performance and high standards hence twinning with other neighbouring schools should be explored to share best practice, pristine facilities, innovation and the passion that defines the institutions,” he said.

Sebegoe said the external pressure groups targeting the two schools in order to gain admission, should approach the district hub for resolutions of their cases instead of opting for intimidation and other unlawful tactics.  

He underscored that, leadership is critical for schools to perform hence the principal of Kloof View Primary, Serokolo Mphahlele was the winner of the 2021 National Teachers Award and the school team scooped the 2022 National Chess Championship.

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