Picture: Learners receiving bursaries from the Dr Ruth Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District Municipality/Facebook 

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

The top 10 best-performing learners from various schools in the Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District received bursaries to further their studies. One of the best-performing learners, Refentse Lekgoane from Setswakgosing Secondary School said, the bursary will come in handy and assist her to pursue her Degree in Medicine at Witwatersrand University in Johannesburg.

The principal of Setswakgosing Secondary School, Olaotse Moreke shared the same sentiments. Moreke said, out of 10 top academic performers in the entire district, his school has produced two learners. 

He attributed all the accolades to the healthy relationship between parents and the school, as well as, the support of his school management team, the School Governing Body (SBG), teachers, and the government.

“Indeed, the National Development Plan (NDP) is correct to assert that, education empowers the people to define their identity. It also ensures that they take control of their lives, raise healthy families and take part confidently in developing a just society.

“The District Development Model (DDM) has declared this year 2023, a year of implementation. This is a year that needs all hands to be on deck to accelerate the provision of services and to people,” said Moreke.

The executive mayor of Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District Municipality, Motseokae Maje together with EST-Sourcing and MaxProf organised these prestigious awards. In his keynote address, Maje said, they doing this within the context of the National Development Plan (NDP).

“The NDP states that, education, training, and innovation are central to South Africa’s long-term development. They are core elements in eliminating poverty and reducing inequalities. This is actually the foundation of an equal society.

“There is a need for a district to produce wide skills revolution for the massive human capital development. So, we encourage Private-Public Partnership (PPP) in a fight against abject poverty, inequality, and unemployment,” he said.

Maje further said, the district is too rural and it is not much industrialised. He added that, as a result, the majority of its citizens rely more on government institutions for employment and other assistance.

“Agricultural sector is the second hope for our people’s employability, but much needs to be done to ensure it benefits all the people including the disenfranchised sections of society.

“So, as the district municipality, we decided to use the mayoral discretionary funds to assist learners to register with institutions of higher learning. The is to ensure that, they plough back into the district upon completing their studies.,” said Maje.

He said they need thinkers and innovators to bring tangible solutions to the challenges that bedevil society. Maje said, for the lives of the people to be ameliorated, a paradigm shift in thinking and how government institutions operate is needed.

Meanwhile, the MaxProf, which is a company that deals with vat and tax, is committed to working with the district municipality, Vuselela TVET College, and other role players to address the skills shortage and human resource development.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

Picture: OK furnishers gutted by fire at Taung Mall

By REGINALD KANYANE

One shop was gutted by fire at Taung Mall on Tuesday during a fire outbreak on Tuesday evening. The residents said they were shocked to see a huge cloud of smoke coming out of the mall at around 7:30pm.

One of the residents, Lesego Van Wyk who stays in Rooiwal village said: “We rushed to the scene after seeing a huge cloud of smoke coming out of the mall. On our arrival, atleast the fire was confined to only one shop.

“We need to applaud the Fire Emergency personnel for their swift reaction to the situation. Imagine, if the whole mall was gutted by fire? This would have had a negative impact on the local economy,” van Wyk said.

Another bystander, Lesego Medupe who stays at Extension 6 shared the same sentiments. Medupe alleged that the fire started at the OK furniture shop and some employees were still inside the shop.

“I suspect that the cause of the fire might be an electrical fault. The shop is selling electric appliances and surely something went wrong there. The most obvious consequence of shopping mall fires is the damage done to the structure.

“We hope the mall management fixes the damages timeously because the centre is our only hope. We cannot afford to go to Vryburg or Hartswater to do shopping. All these shops that are in the mall are equally important to us as consumers,” she said.

The Eris Property Group, which Taung Mall is under, confirmed that, indeed, the fire broke out at the centre. The Eris Property Group Manager, Carina Roux said, due to the swift and professional response of the local Taung Fire Emergency Brigade, police, and other stakeholders, the fire was contained to only one section of the building, which is OK Furnishers and Autozone. 

“No persons were hurt or had to be treated for any injuries. There is no further information as to the cause of the fire, as the matter is currently being investigated. 

“The owners and management of Taung Mall are working hand in hand with a professional team to ensure that the centre is safe to open for trade during the course of Wednesday,” she said.

Roux said the Taung Mall, its shareholders, retailers, and staff would like to thank the local Fire Emergency Brigade and the police for their amazing support and efficiency, in which they managed the scene on site.

She said, should members of the public have any further queries, should direct them to Carina Roux at (051) 406 8220.

Meanwhile, the North West police spokesperson, Brig Sabata Mokgwabone said: “The cause of the fire is yet to be determined. Only one shop has been affected and an inquiry case has been opened.

“The police do not suspect any foul play at this stage and we will allow the investigation to unfold.”

taungdailynews@gmail.com

Picture: The former Bongo Maffin singer, Stoan Seate/Google

By OBAKENG MAJE

A tug of war has ensued between Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) supporters and the former Bongo Maffin group singer, Stoan Seate. This comes after Seate wrote f*ck EFF on his Twitter account on 20 March 2023.

Even though Seate did not elaborate on what tricked him to write that, EFF supporters retaliated and called him unsavoury names. However, Seate responded by posting a video, where he questioned the behaviour of those swearing at him.

“They are now swearing at me as if I’m not supposed to have an opinion. This is a politically intolerant condition, even Sol Pheduka and others say I am getting cooked. Getting cooked by who?

“Others are mentioning characters, God damn broer, try something harder. Now, we do not have to have an opinion in our own country?” he asked.

 Seate further said, it is wrong for people to call others names when they differ with them ideologically. He added that, if that is not addressed, South Africa will be like Cambodia’s genocide.

“Your utterances about my life mean nothing because they do not call me Stoan for f*cked nothing. I am stronger and have a heart of steel. If we allow political intolerance to reign supreme, we will be like the Cambodian genocide.

“We have seen the effects of these people at the local government. The national roads do not have potholes because there is a national government. We have coalitions at local government, where these guys with no principles have some kind of purges,” he said.

Seate added: “I’m not afraid of you and you did not put me here. You are not my mother’s vagina, do you understand me? This is the life that we all have the right to.”

Meanwhile, the EFF secretary in the North West, Papiki Babuile said: “I believe that, Stoan Seate was high. A normal person cannot say the things that he was saying in that clip, where he recorded himself in a video.

“You cannot insult your mother and call yourself a man of honour. You cannot insult women by mentioning their private parts, especially your mother and say you have morals and respect yourself.”   

Babuile said as EFF, they do not have any business whatsoever with people who do not have morals and respect for elderly people. He alleged that, Seate is actually clueless about politics, issues of service delivery and coalitions.

“The deterioration of service delivery in the country did not start during the coalition. In the North West, we have only one hung municipality, which is Rustenburg Local Municipality. However, that municipality is fully run by the ANC.

“The ANC is also running JB Marks and Lekwa-Teemane Local Municipalities. Parties voted for them and there are no coalitions in the North West. As a result, the level of deterioration of service delivery in the North West has collapsed,” said Babuile.

He alleged that Seate is just a fool that was high after getting money from Mahika Mahikeng Cultural Festival. Bbauile said Seate is trying to impress ANC leaders so that they can appoint him for another gig.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

Picture: The EFF members stopped a goods train/Supplied

By OBAKENG MAJE

The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) president, Julius Malema said their organised total shutdown was the most successful protest in history. On 20 March 2023, the EFF embarked on a protest demanding the end of load shedding.

They also called for the resignation of the president, Cyril Ramaphosa. Most businesses were closed for fear of looting. The EFF members in Taung stopped a goods train that was passing by in the Central Business District (CBD).

However, the goods train was eventually allowed to pass after hours of negotiations.

The EFF provincial secretary, Papiki Babuile said the basic service delivery has collapsed under Ramaphosa.

“We are happy that, it was no business as usual because many businesses closed. This clearly shows that, many people support the EFF in its quest for Ramaphosa to step down.

“Even though our march was peaceful, the law enforcement agencies have been provoking our members throughout, but we have tried to refrain from engaging in any form of violence with them,” he said.

Babuile further said, what the police did, violated the rights of those who embarked on peaceful protests. He added that the police allegedly shot at some students who are members of the EFF Student Command at the North West University (Mahikeng campus).

The South African Federation of Trade Unions (SAFTU) provincial secretary, Puseletso Molise said they supported EFF’s views. Molise said, currently, the country has more than 60% of unemployed youths and more than 30% of women continue to be subjected to Gender-Based Violence (GBV) across the country.

“Above all, there are people who are retrenched due to load shedding. Many Small Micro Medium Enterprises (SMMEs) are also shutting down and this renders our government useless because it failed to provide basic services to the people,” he said.

The ANC Secretary-General, Fikile Mbalula said: “We express our gratitude to all South Africans who did not join the extremist and regressive so-called shutdown. There is no place or tolerance for vigilantism and the forceful removal of an incumbent government in South Africa.

“The ANC is fully committed to doing what the people of South Africa expect, demand, and deserve. The ANC acknowledges that everyone has the right to protest and in line with the rule of law, all protest actions must be lawful.

Meanwhile, the National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (Natjoints) spokesperson, Brig Athlenda Mathe said they are satisfied with the manner in which the integrated law enforcement deployments have exercised their authority in ensuring law and order in the country thus far.

Mathe said more than 550 protesters were arrested and charged for amongst others, public violence, intimidation, damage to critical infrastructure, theft, and attempted looting.

“In those arrested, Gauteng recorded the highest number of arrests with 149, the Northern Cape recorded the second highest number with 95 arrests, the Eastern Cape also saw 80 protesters arrested, followed by Free State with 64 arrests.

“The number of tyres that were confiscated throughout the country remains at 24 300. These were tyres that were strategically placed for acts of criminality,” she said.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

Picture: A professional chef, Thuso Ntokwe/Supplied     

By OBAKENG MAJE

A top chef, Thuso Ntokwe said one may be a great cook, but professionals in the food service industry make a distinction between cooks and chefs. So, he said years of training and experience to become a highly-skilled culinarian is needed.

“It’s a little more complicated than simply learning a few basic recipes to declare yourself a chef. A chef needs to run a smooth-operating kitchen and have great food preparation skills, and business skills, including knowledge of nutrition.

“In most cases, you must also pay attention to details and be creative. A high level of discipline, strong leadership, and management skills will be the cherry on top,” he said.

Ntokwe further said it will be advisable for aspiring chefs to go to culinary school and complete a certificate or Diploma in order for them to learn the fine technical aspects of the trade. He added that his love for cooking started back then after finishing his matric.

“I was born and bred in Mokgareng village, near Taung, and matriculated at Mokgareng High School. After matric, I furthered my studies at a culinary institution as a professional chef, where I obtained my Diploma. So, that’s where my journey as a professional chef started.

“I worked in various five-star hotels across the country and later on, joined South African Airways (SAA). I went on to join other big companies such as TS Africa and Tsebo, while I continued with my studies,” said Ntokwe.

As a professional chef, Ntokwe was part of the Dj Nation Annual Bash’s latest edition, where he cooked for celebrities and Very Important Persons (VIPs). He was also featured on Vaaltar FM every Tuesday, where we talked about various recipes.

“I continued to be featured on various radio stations such as Motsweding FM, You FM, and Thobela FM to say the least. Actually, I embarked on this journey simply because I had nothing to do after finishing my matric. 

“One of my cousins, Sisi Makgwale who studied Hotel Management proposed the idea to me and I pursued it. So, since then, I started to develop a love for the hospitality industry,” he said.

Ntokwe said, he was grateful after sharing the kitchen with one of the executive chefs who worked for the late world-renowned musician, Michael Jackson. He said that was advantageous and inspired him to work harder.

“Some of the chefs I worked with through my journey had vast experience from cruise ships. So, I grabbed that opportunity with both hands and learn from them. Now, I am planning to publish a cookbook and share the knowledge that I have acquired through my journey.

“I am also planning to have a television show to share various recipes with viewers. Having a culinary school will be a better option because this will present a great opportunity, especially to the upcoming chefs,” said Ntokwe.

He said there are many challenges within the hospitality industry than meet the eye. Ntokwe said, as a chef, one is expected to work strenuous shifts and hours and sometimes be forced to work double shifts.

“You will need to be up to the task. For example, there is load shedding and as a chef, you need to be a fast thinker and ensure that everything goes according to plan no matter what. In most cases, one does not have quality time to spend with family because of the demand.

“As a professional chef, you will also have a limited time during holidays. There are a lot of activities taking place during that time of the year. So, it is essential to have an understanding partner,” he said.

Ntokwe who will be having a Soul Music Meets Soul Food event at RNR Amusement Park in Mokgareng village also dismissed the “kitchen belongs to women” myth. He said, amazingly, most successful celebrity chefs are men.

“We should not be sexists as a society and look into talent without attaching gender to it. We have the most successful male chefs across the world such as Gordon Ramsay, The Naked Chef, Jamie Oliver, and Chef Barney,” said Ntokwe.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

Picture: EFF members picketing during #TotalShutdown protests in Mahikeng

By OBAKENG MAJE

The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) in North West said it will continue with their protests until midnight. The EFF embarked on a #TotalShutdown protest demanding the end of load shedding.

The EFF provincial secretary, Papiki Babuile said, his party also call for the resignation of the South African president, Cyril Ramaphosa. Babuile alleged that the basic service delivery collapsed under Ramaphosa.

The EFF has also picketed outside the Eskom provincial offices in Mahikeng, North West.

“There is no business as usual as many businesses closed. This shows that many people actually support the EFF in its quest that Ramaphosa must step aside.

“The law enforcement agencies have been provoking our members throughout, but we have tried to refrain from engaging in any form of violence with them because this is a peaceful protest,” he said.

Babuile further said, they will not be involved in any anarchy and called on the police to stop violating the rights of those who embarked on peaceful protests.

“The police have been shooting at our members including students at the North West University (NWU) at Mafikeng campus throughout the morning.

The South African Federation of Trade Unions (SAFTU) provincial secretary, Puseletso Molise said SAFTU, supports EFF’s views.

“Currently, the country has more than 60% of youth who are unemployed. We also have 33.4% of women who are experiencing Gender-Based Violence (GBV) in their lives across the country.

“But above all, there are people who are retrenched due to load shedding. Many Small Micro Medium Enterprises (SMMEs) are also shutting down and this renders our government useless because it failed to provide basic services to the people,” said Molise.

Meanwhile, the North West police spokesman, Brig Sabata Mokgwabone: “We can confirm that the police have arrested more than 29 people for public violence during the overnight crime combating operations under the North West Provincial Joint Operational and Intermediate Structure.

“Most of the arrests were made in areas such as Zeerust, Wolmaranstad, Mogwase, and Madikwe. The police have also seized 173 tyres that were placed in strategic areas.”

Mokgwabone said these suspects were apprehended for various offenses including the contravention of Section 3J1A of the National Road Traffic Act Regulations. He said others were arrested for damaging the essential infrastructure and obstructing of free flow of traffic.

“While some of the roads were barricaded with some rubbles and other objects in the early hours of the morning, the police responded rapidly to remove the barricades and allow traffic flows for members of the communities to continue with their normal day-to-day activities.

“Currently, the situation is relatively calm and our police will continue to closely monitor the situation to assert the authority of the state,” said Mokgwabone.

Picture: EFF members embark on #Totalshutdown protests  

Picture: The makeshift Dome constructed at Mmabatho Stadium in Mahikeng/Twitter

By OBAKENG MAJE

The North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Sello Lehari appeals to motorists to buckle up as Mahika Mahikeng Cultural Festival gets into full swing. A three-day event kick-started last night at the Mmabatho Stadium parking lot with a gospel show.

Lehari also urges communities, in general, to be cautious and cooperate with law enforcement agencies over the weekend, including Monday and Tuesday holidays.

MEC Lehari says the Department and law enforcement agencies led by the South African Police Service are on high alert to ensure the safety of residents over the weekend and the first two days of the week.

“On weekends like these, criminals continue to victimise our people in their residing places including motorists. However, our law enforcement agencies will be highly visible and do their best to protect our communities, and we also need them to come on board to work with us.

“So, we alert communities to be extra cautious during load shedding schedules. Criminals check the schedule and target households during load shedding, especially at night,” he said.

Lehari further appeal to the community members to ensure they have locked their doors and closed windows. He added that the Mahika Mahikeng Cultural Festival is taking place in the capital city of North West this weekend and it comes with an increase in traffic as well as a hive of activity in and around town.

“There will be an increase in the deployment of law enforcement officials in strategic areas within Mahikeng. This is to ensure that, discipline and compliance of the highest order are maintained.

“We are expecting an influx of people to Mahikeng this weekend for the various events which are taking place. So, in order for people to have fun and still be safe, we have ensured there is an increase in police visibility,” said Lehari.

The highly-anticipated Mahika Mahikeng Cultural Music Festival has returned after a three-year hiatus, owing to COVID-19 restrictions and a

postponement.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

Picture: The police in Christiana attending a crime scene, where a customer was allegedly assaulted by a Bangladeshi business owner/Supplied 

By OBAKENG MAJE

A commotion ensued between a Bangladeshi business owner and a customer at Marikana Section in Geluksoord, near Christiana on Thursday. This comes after a customer allegedly went to the local tuckshop owned by a Bangladeshi businessman to buy bread.

However, it is alleged that, there was price confusion on the bread and that led to the commotion. According to an eyewitness, the customer left the shop, only to be attacked by the same Bangladeshi tuckshop owner with a knobkerrie a few metres away from the shop.

The eyewitness said: “Apparently, this guy went to the tuck shop to buy either Albany bread or biscuit. However, he found out that the pricing was abnormal and inquired from the shop owner.

“The shop owner allegedly hauled at him and told him that he does not know anything about business. So, he had no right to ask him about his pricing. The Bangladeshi business owner allegedly swear at him and there was an exchange of words.” 

It is alleged that, the customer then left the shop, but the Bangladeshi businessman called his brothers. The Bangladeshi businessmen allegedly attacked the man and community members intervene by rescuing the alleged victim.    

Meanwhile, the North West police spokesperson, Capt Aafje Botma said: “The assault incident was reported to the police by a member of the community. The Community Service Centre (CSC) vehicle attended to the crime scene and found that the business owner has assaulted the victim.

“However, the victim indicated to the police that, he does not want to open a case, but only wanted medical attention. The respondent came to the Christiana Police Station and the Vispol Commander personally warned him not to take the law into his own hands and rather report the incident to the police.”

Botma said, the community also wanted to take action against the shop owner but did not. She said the situation was back to normality.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

Picture: The bodies of two police officers were found at the back of a burnt police vehicle/Supplied  

By OBAKENG MAJE

A trial in a double murder case against four men who allegedly killed two policemen in Ganyesa village, near Vryburg has been postponed to 24 July 2023 by the North West High Court in Mahikeng. 

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson in North West, Henry Mamothame said the trial was set to start from 13 to 17 March 2023, however, the matter had to be rolled over on the first day to allow some defense attorneys to make final consultations with their clients.

Mamothame said, on 15 March 2023, the defense attorneys submitted a guilty plea proposal to the state, which was ultimately rejected as it was deemed not to be in the interest of justice.

“This resulted in a new date being agreed upon by the court and all parties involved. The court sitting was declared a juvenile court, owing to the age of the 16-year-old accused, who is also standing trial in this matter.

“Benjamin Jacobs (42), Jeremiah Mongale (26), Rapulana Keikantse (25), Matthews Modukane (20), and a 16-year-old boy, are charged with the murder of Constable Simon Ngakaemang Ntsekeletsa (50) and Sergeant Mojalefa Horatius Molete (42),” he said.

Mamothame further said, the accused are facing charges of malicious damage to property, robbery with aggravating circumstances, possession of ammunition, possession of a semi-automatic firearm, kidnapping, possession of ammunition with intent to commit an offense, and defeating the ends of justice.

He added that, a 16-year-old minor was granted R1000 bail in October 2021 and was left under the supervision of a guardian.

Meanwhile, the other four accused were denied bail and will remain in police custody until the matter is completed. According to the police report, the two deceased officers attended a stock theft incident in Mareetsane, however, the pair failed to return to the station and were declared missing.

A search operation was subsequently conducted and their remains were later discovered at the back of their burnt state vehicle on 27 July 2021 in Ganyesa. Upon arrest, police discovered the deceased’s firearm, two cell phones as well as SIM cards that were destroyed and thrown in a pit toilet at the home of one of the accused.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

Picture: Gospel singer, Bucy Radebe during Mahika Mahikeng Gospel show in Mahikeng/Rapula Mancai

By OBAKENG MAJE

Most revellers were happy to see the return of the prestigious Mahika Mahikeng Cultural Festival after a three-year hiatus, owing to the COVID-19 pandemic. The three-day flagship event kicked-started on Friday evening with a gospel show featuring the gospel heavyweights like Bucy Radebe, iconic Joyous Celebration, David The King and others.

The event was held at Mmabatho stadium in Mahikeng, North West.

One of the revellers, Rebaone Masibi from Tshidilamolomo village, outside Mahikeng said, the event boosts tourism and hospitality sectors accordingly.

“We are more than happy to see this event taking place as it boosts the economy of the province. I was also happy to see my idol, Bucy Radebe performing live on our shores. Gospel music is an important aspect of every person and in most cases, it is the language that speaks to the inner being. So, I want to applaud the organiser including the North West Department of Arts, Culture, Sport and Recreation,” Masibi said.

The world-renowned gospel artist, Busy Radebe who gave a prodigious performance said, she was happy to see the crowd eating from the palm of her hand.  

“It feels good to be here and it was epic on the stage. I feel like the people in the North West were really thirsty for gospel shows. They were very thirsty for the presence of God. Many revellers gave me a warm welcome. I said, oh my God, I’m in heaven right now. I always tell God that, it is not about me, but is about you and your children,” she said.

Radebe further said, she always calls for God’s guidance. She added that, even if she rehearses a song when she gets on stage, God will instruct her which song to sing.

Another gospel singer, David Sejake who is affectionately known as David The King shared the same sentiments. Sejake said it was good to be back on stage after the COVID-19 restrictions.

“This is an international event that is loved by many. An event like this keeps people together. People are going through a lot, so once you speak the word of God to them in a form of melody, people get revived.

When I went on stage, I was happy to see that, the crowd was ready to accept what I was about to unleash. I have shared the stage with many gospel heavyweights such as the late Vuyo Mokoena, Rebecca Malope and Bishop Benjamin Dube, so I have learnt a lot,” he said.

Meanwhile, the North West Department of Arts, Culture, Sport and Recreation spokesperson, Shuping Sebolecwe said: “As the department, we are satisfied with the turnout. Indeed, people of the North West and neighbouring countries were so looking forward to this event.

“We experienced so many challenges prior to the event. However, we want to assure our people that, this kind of event is important because it contributes immensely to the economy of the province.

“So, let’s work together and if there are any criticisms, we are willing to learn from them going forward. As part of ensuring that the local artists are given a platform, the festival features many artists from the province.”

According to Sebolecwe, on Saturday, the Jazz enthusiasts are set to enjoy the melody of Zonke, Ringo Madlingozi, as well as Setswana Traditional music artists, MmaAusi and Mosekaphofu. He said the festival will close with a popular genre, Amapiano with Kabza De Small, Maphorisa Foculist, Toss and Kelvin Momo among others.

taungdailynews@gmail.com