By REGINALD KANYANE

The former North West Premier, Supra Mahumapelo’s civil case against three Revolutionary Council leaders, Thato Magogodi, Lucky Kgabi, and Themba Gwabeni has been postponed to 4-5 September 2023 by the North West High Court in Mahikeng, North West on Tuesday (14 February 2023).

This comes after the plaintiff’s lawyer, Gofaona Seleka informed the court that, he could not familiarises himself with the supplementary evidence document on time. Seleka said, he just received the document which consists of more than 250 pages two days ago. 

Mahumapelo is suing Gwabeni, Magogodi, and Kgabi for R10 million for allegedly tarnishing his name. He accused them of calling him corrupt and allegedly orchestrated the infamous #SupraMustFall campaign against him in 2018.

Mahumapelo, who was unceremoniously ousted from his position as the Premier said, has launched the lawsuit to seek justice and clear his name. 

Judge Abigail Mfenyane postponed the matter to give time to the plaintiff’s attorney, Gofaona Seleka to familiarise himself with the supplementary evidence document. 

Mahumapelo said he is not deterred by the postponement. 

“Well, we are ready to continue with the trial and I am doing this to clear my name. As a person, you cannot go around blemishing people, then later on when they take legal steps against you, you say they are bitter. 

“So, we will wait for 4-5 September 2023. You will remember that when this matter was postponed six months ago, everyone thought it was too far. But, here we are and we also believe that date will come too,” he said.

Mahumapelo further said people should stop this thing of mudslinging others in the media without substantiating their arguments.

Meanwhile, one of the Revolutionary Council leaders, Themba Gwabeni said: “Well, the truth of the matter is, there is no character to defame. We, as members of the community and ANC, were not going to allow mismanagement and corruption to unfold and kept quiet.

“We have nothing against Mahumapelo as we are both members of the ANC. But as members of the community, we also have an obligation to stop any corruption activities taking place in this country. The Zondo Commission cleared us and confirmed what we said.”

He said, they have formed the Revolutionary Council with one objective, which is to unite and stand for what they believe is right. Gwabeni said this matter will be fully ventilated in court during trial, so he would not comment further. 

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By REGINALD KANYANE

The North West MEC for Health, Madoda Sambatha said, they will continue to encourage parents to sign consent forms in order for their children to be vaccinated against measles. Sambatha, who launched the measles vaccination campaign at Signal Hill Primary School in Mahikeng, North West on 14 February 2023 said, the province has registered 168 measles cases thus far since the outbreak on 10 December 2022.

“Today, we are doing a campaign on measles vaccination. We visited Lonely Park because it is the epic centre of the measles outbreak in the province.

“You will remember that the National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) had issued a national call on 2 December 2022 that, there is an outbreak of measles in North West, Mpumalanga, Gauteng, and Limpopo provinces,” he said.

Sambatha further said, on 10 December 2022, they launched the campaign in Lichtenburg and had three cases of measles reported in Lonely Park at the time. He added that, out of 168 confirmed measles cases across the province, 148 are from Ngaka Modiri Molema District and predominately in Mahikeng.

“In terms of the number of vaccination from 10 December 2022 till today, we have managed to vaccinate 686 000 children between 5 months and 15 years respectively. So, in two months, we have vaccinated 600 000 children.

“We want to ensure that, all those who are between 5 months and 15 years are vaccinated. This also shows the capacity of the department to respond. So, the outbreak is still under control as we are not getting more than 10 reported cases per day,” said Sambatha.

However, Sabatha said, one of the serious challenges, is an issue of beliefs by families. He said, there are families that do not believe in any vaccination even though their children are in the same category.

“Unfortunately, some of them are the first children to be detected with measles. So, this means if one does not believe in vaccination, yet move around as a member of the community, they become a danger to those they are moving with,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Deputy Director-General of Institution at North West Department of Education, Dr Shadrack Mvula shared the same sentiments. Mvula said they will continue to work in partnership with their sister department of health in this campaign.

“We are very appreciative of this event. We have been working together with our sister department in creating awareness in terms of this campaign. So, the Department of Education will be working in partnership throughout the districts.

“Well, we have not observed a high volume of skepticism, however, we are aware that, there are quite a number of parents, who may not be willing to let their children vaccinated,” he said.  

Mvula said, however, they were surprised to see that because many of the parents were born at the time when vaccination happened at a very early age. He said they encourage parents to change their position.

“Even in this school, we were told about 25 parents who have not signed the consent forms. So, we hope that, these parents will change their position after getting more information and understanding of how the vaccine works. Truly, this is done in the best interest of their children,” said Mvula.

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ReplyForwar

By OBAKENG MAJE

The HIV activist and Community Development Practitioner, Dimakatso Moalusi, who runs the Greater Taung People Living with HIV and Aids organisation (GTPLHAO) said, even though the government has made significant inroads in combating the HIV/AIDS pandemic, more needs to be done to curb the scourge.

Moalusi, who has been living with HIV for more than 23 years said, most men are afraid to go and test for HIV. She said, it is better for people to know their status because that will encourage them to live a healthy life.

“Mostly, men do not want to go and test for HIV. Sometimes they go and test, but refuse to take medication when they are positive. Some of them do not even reveal their status to their partners.

“Unfortunately, they end up infecting other people knowingly. So, we want to discourage that because South Africa and the world does not need new infections anymore,” Moalusi said.

She further encouraged people to work together in quest of having an HIV-free society. Moalusi added that there is a 95-95-95 strategy used as a target since 2022.

“We encourage people to know their status and take their medication when they test positive. Truly, this will boost their immune system and the virus will be suppressed. I also encourage those who go to various universities to go out there and ensure that they do great.

“They should not adopt certain lifestyles, while in tertiary. They should know their reasons to be in various institutions and fly the Taung flag high. I also urge them not to succumb to peer pressure and stop degrading themselves,” said Moalusi.

Meanwhile, the former deputy president, David Mabuza told www.sanews.gov.za said: “We must intensify our programme on prevention by employing every method possible to end this epidemic. For our part as a country, our journey and contribution to the vision of zero new infections, zero discrimination and zero AIDS-related deaths, has been long and difficult.

“The pain of losing someone to AIDS-related illnesses every week in our communities was a common phenomenon. However, we are today acknowledged by UNAIDS and others as a global and continental leader in HIV response.”

Mabuza said, this is precisely because they have adopted and implemented the right and comprehensive policies to respond to this epidemic. He also expressed gratitude for the partnerships and support received, saying the contributions galvanised political leadership, civil society and the private sector into coherent action.

“In particular the United Nations family, the United States Government through its PEPFAR programme and the Global Fund. We wish to thank you for your continued support and emphasise that your support is not in vain.

“Through the South African National AIDS Council, the country has seen the impact of collaborative efforts in moving the response forward. We take pride in the fact that in South Africa, the government remains the main funder of the country’s comprehensive response by contributing close to 80% of the resources,” he said.

Mabuza said, the council counts among its victories the fact that South Africa has the biggest HIV treatment programme in the world, with more than 4.5 million people on life-saving antiretrovirals.

“Our anti-retroviral treatment programme has resulted in an increase in life expectancy of our people and low levels of mother-to-child HIV transmission rates. This means that millions of South Africans who previously had no hope of sustained quality of life, now live longer and are able to contribute to building a South Africa of our dreams,” he said.

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By OBAKENG MAJE

Two suspects aged 26 and 16 were arrested in Shaleng village, near Taung for a business robbery. According to the North West police spokesperson in Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati cluster, Warrant Officer Tryphosa van Rooyen, the police in Kgomotso responded to a complaint of an alleged business robbery in Shaleng village.

“Upon arrival at the scene, the police found the owner of the shop badly assaulted and he was taken to a local clinic for medical attention. Two suspects were identified and the Station Commander immediately assembled a team comprising Visible Police and Detectives.

“They started to trace the suspects and during the search for the suspects in their residential area, a relative granted access to the premises. The search was conducted under the supervision of the relative,” van Rooyen said.

She further said the police managed to recover property on the premises that were stolen in two separate business burglary cases. Van Rooyen added that those items that were recovered, were allegedly stolen from two local schools in Shaleng.

“Amongst the property retrieved, were two overhead projectors, five Education Solution Tablets, and groceries. The suspect (26) will appear in the Kgomotso Magistrate’s Court on 13 February 2023 on charges of an alleged business burglary.

“The suspect aged 16 was released into the custody of his parents. The Acting District Commissioner, Brigadier Tshenolo Tlotleng applauded the Kgomotso Station Commander and her team for their swift response to the robbery that led to the arrest and confiscation of the stolen items,” she said.

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By OBAKENG MAJE

Two suspects aged 28 are expected to appear before the Atamelang Magistrate’s Court on Monday for allegedly bombing two ATMs. The two suspects are facing charges of alleged damage to essential infrastructure, and possession of explosives, ammunition, and firearm. 

The North West police spokesperson, Lieutenant Col Amanda Funani said the suspects were at Madibogo village, outside Mahikeng on 8 February 2023.

“This comes after the police of Setlagole and Madibogo Police Stations, as well as Mahikeng Crime Intelligence, followed up on information regarding wanted suspects in Automated Teller Machines (ATM) bombing case.

“The suspects allegedly bombed two ATMs on 6 February 2023 in a complex and fled with an undisclosed amount of cash. Subsequent to the incident, the police spotted a suspicious vehicle at Madibogo village leading to a car chase,” Funani said.

She further said, the suspects’ vehicle ultimately stopped and two men were arrested. Funani added that further investigations led the police to a house in Dikgatlhong village, where explosives, a firearm, ammunition, and other items were recovered. 

“With the arrival of Mahikeng Tactical Response Team (TRT) members, the hunt for more suspects led the team to an RDP house in Madibogo, where ink-stained notes were recovered. Investigations into the matter, including tracing and arresting other suspects continue,” she said.

Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena applauded the units involved in making sure that the suspects were arrested and pointed out that, criminals will not be allowed to walk free.

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By OBAKENG MAJE

A Lesotho national is set to appear at Ganyesa Magistrate’s Court on Monday for being in possession of endangered species. The North West police spokesperson, Lieutenant Col, Amanda Funani said the suspect was arrested during a crime intelligence-driven operation by the Vryburg K9 Unit in Tlakgameng village, near Ganyesa on Friday.

“This comes after intelligence gathered information about a man who was in a possession of endangered species. During the operation, a search was conducted in a house leading to the discovery of two pangolins, two dead rock pythons, and two dead monkeys. 

“As a result, the suspect was arrested after failing to give a reasonable explanation for the possession. He is expected to appear in the Ganyesa Magistrates’ Court on 13 February 2023 for contravention of Section 57(1) of the National Environmental Management Bio-Diversity Act, 2004 (Act No. 10 of 2004),” Funani said.

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By OBAKENG MAJE

The Greater Taung Local Municipality (GTLM) mayor, Tumisang Gaoraelwe said, they will embark on a short-listing process for the municipal manager position today. According to Gaoraelwe, the proceedings will take place at the South African Local Government Association (SALGA) offices in Klerkdorp.

The position was left vacant after the former municipal manager, Katlego Gabanakgosi’s contract was terminated unceremoniously. This comes after Gabanakgosi suspended Director of Corporate Services, Dikagisho Mokoma for allegedly misleading the municipality over the R2500 danger allowance.

He also appointed the independent law firm, Magagane Attorneys to investigate Mokoma’s misconduct. The Magagane Attorney presented a damning report that implicated Mokoma and said the municipality has lost over R500 000 due to her action. 

However, that report was pushed aside by the municipal council. This resulted in Mokoma’s suspension lapsing and she returned to work without facing any disciplinary hearing. 

Gaoraelwe said Mokoma’s suspension was illegal and irregular because there was no council resolution on the decision to suspend her.   

“It is true that we will be embarking on a short-listing process for the municipal manager position today. The short-listing process does not have a specific venue, besides, we had a challenge with the availability of Cooperative Governance, Human Settlement and Traditional Affairs (COGHSTA) and SALGA officials, who should be part of the process.

“So, we decided to go to Klerksdorp, because we do not have any problem of travelling. During the process, the Human Resource Manager (HR manager) and five other officials will form part of the panel,” he said.

Gaoraelwe further said SALGA and COGHSTA officials are normally being used as observers and advisors. It is alleged that Gaoraelwe snubbed unions. 

He said, the embattled Director of Corporate Services, Dikagisho Mokoma will also be part of the proceedings.

“Remember, the HR Manager reports to the Director of Corporate Services until her issues are settled, but she is back at work. The role of the HR Manager is to do secretariat services during the proceedings such as taking minutes.

“Even though Mokoma will be there, she will not form part of the panel. We have received 37 applicants, so I cannot tell how many people will be short-listed until we sit down and go through the process,” said Gaoraelwe said.

He added that, the number does not really matter because, if all applicants meet the requirements, they should be short-listed.

Meanwhile, in a leaked audio that is been circulated on various social media platforms depicting Gaoraelwe’s voice, he was heard vouching for Mokoma for the municipal manager position on an acting basis.  

“I promised Mokoma that, I will fight her battles and she must fight my battles inside because I also have some. For now, I want to talk about the issue of acting municipal manager. I have just received a call from Collen, while I was on my way to Mokassa. When I return, I was called by Sense and when I come to you, Mabogola also called.

“They wanted Makuapane as the acting municipal manager by any means necessary. However, to tell the truth, I wanted Mokoma to be acting municipal manager for my own personal reasons,” said Gaoraelwe.

He allegedly said, the reason he wanted Mokoma for the position was because of some new contracts coming and the next financial year that was approved in December. According to Gaoraelwe, there will allegedly be an increase in the number of consultants at the municipality too.

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By OBAKENG MAJE

The Democratic Alliance (DA) said, it will challenge president, Cyril Ramaphosa’s decision after declaring the ‘state of disaster’ over the energy crisis.

Ramaphosa said this during the State of the National Address (SONA) on Thursday evening at City Hall in Cape Town. However, the DA leader, John Steenhuisen said the decision is ‘dangerous and desperate’.

“We have already briefed our lawyers to challenge the announcement in court. South Africa has been down this road before and during the COVID-19 disaster, we saw the fatal flaws in the National State of Disaster legislation.

“That allowed the ANC unfettered power to loot without any parliamentary oversight. The DA is already in court to declare the Disaster Management Act unconstitutional and we will now do the same to prevent the ANC looting frenzy that will follow Ramaphosa’s dangerous and desperate announcement like night follows day,” he said.

Steenhuisen further said, the country simply cannot survive another round of the looting and irrationality they saw during the COVID-19 pandemic.

He added that, last time around, the lack of accountability under the National State of Disaster enabled Minister Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma – who is again in charge of managing the ANC-made load-shedding disaster – to issue nonsensical and economically destructive regulations that were entirely disconnected from COVID-19, including banning everything from cooked chicken to open-toed shoes and alcohol.

“The National State of Disaster under the guise of dealing with the load shedding crisis will similarly empower the ANC to abuse procurement processes and issue nonsensical regulations that have nothing to do with the electricity crisis.

“The DA will not sit back and allow the ANC to abuse the electricity disaster it created to loot and further abuse the people of South Africa. Instead of punishing the people with a sweeping disaster declaration for the damage wrought by decades of ANC corruption and cadre deployment at Eskom, the DA has consistently called for urgent and focused interventions in the energy sector,” said Steehuisen.

He said, they reiterate their call to urgently loosen the regulatory noose around the electricity system’s neck by incentivising massive private sector investment in generation and removing impediments like localisation requirements and BEE to enable Eskom to recruit the skilled people it so desperately needs to speed up maintenance and unbundling.

Steenhuisen said the rest of Ramaphosa’s address was characterised by the same delusion that led to the disaster declaration.

“He talked of electric cars in a country that does not have electricity. He talked of hope in a country that has lost all hope. He also created yet another minister to add to the other two already getting in the way of a solution to the energy crisis.

“Instead of decentralising control and trusting in the market mechanism, Ramaphosa has opted to centralise even more power in his own Super Presidency – which lacks democratic oversight mechanisms, with Parliament lying in ruins and the Presidency having no portfolio committee to oversee it,” he said.

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By OBAKENG MAJE

The president of Republic of South Africa, Cyril Ramaphosa has declared a national state of disaster in order to respond to the electricity crisis the country is facing. Most South Africans, continue to be plunged in the darkness due to load-shedding and this has affected their livelihoods.

Also, most business owners said they have been hard-hitting by load-shedding and that forced them to close doors.

“National Disaster Management Centre has consequently classified the energy crisis and its impact as a disaster. We are therefore declaring a national state of disaster to respond to the electricity crisis and

its effects.

“The Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs has just gazetted the declaration of the State of Disaster, which will begin with immediate effect,” he said.

Ramaphosa further said, the state of disaster will enable them to provide practical measures that they need to take to support businesses in the food production, storage, and retail supply chain, including for the

the rollout of generators, solar panels, and uninterrupted power supply.

He added that, where technically possible, it will enable them to exempt critical infrastructure such as hospitals and water treatment plants from load shedding.

“And it will enable us to accelerate energy projects and limit regulatory requirements while maintaining rigorous environmental protections, procurement principles, and technical standards.

“The Auditor General (AG) will be brought in to ensure continuous monitoring of expenditure, in order to guard against any abuses of the funds needed to attend to this disaster.

“To deal more effectively and urgently with the challenges that confront us, I will appoint the Minister of Electricity in the Presidency to assume full responsibility for overseeing all aspects of the electricity crisis response, including the work of the National Energy Crisis Committee,” he said.

According to Ramaphosa, the appointed minister will focus full-time and work with the Eskom board and management on ending load shedding. He said, the minister will also ensure that the Energy Action Plan is implemented without delay.

“So as to remove any confusion, the Minister of Public Enterprises will remain the shareholder representative of Eskom and steer the restructuring of Eskom, ensure the establishment of the transmission company, oversee the implementation of the just energy transition programme, and oversee the establishment of the SOE Holding Company.

“The process of restructuring government will give us an opportunity to determine the positioning of various areas of responsibilities and how best the various ministries and departments can best serve our national objectives,” said Ramaphosa.

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By REGINALD KANYANE

Six people are expected to appear before Bafokeng Magistrate’s Court on Friday for murder. It is alleged that, these suspects who are between the ages of 21 to 47, were arrested in Lethabong Township, near Rustenburg in connection with the murder of a man (35).

The North West police spokesperson, Lieutenant Col Amanda Funani said, d man. Funani further said the suspects were arrested for allegedly assaulting a neighbour on Tuesday night.

“The suspects allegedly accused the man of housebreaking and theft of a cell phone. According to the allegations, one of the suspects collected his friends with his minibus taxi and went to look for the man.

“They apparently found the man and took him to an unknown place, where they assaulted him with unknown objects. The suspects allegedly dumped the victim at his mother’s place, where he was found lying dead outside a house,” she said.

Funani added that, subsequent to the investigation, police arrested the suspects on Wednesday morning.

Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena condemned the incident and asked the members of the community to refrain from taking the law into their own hands. Kwena also encouraged them to rather work with the police for assistance with crime related-problems.

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