Picture: The owner and founder of Lonaka Produce, Kagiso Dirapelo/Supplied  

By OBAKENG MAJE

North West entrepreneur, Kagiso Dirapelo who is the founder of Lonaka Farm Produce shared his mixed emotions on his journey of becoming an entrepreneur. Dirapelo said even though the journey was challenging, the rewards are worth the obstacles.

“Despite the humble beginnings, Lonaka Farm has experienced remarkable growth. It provides valuable opportunities for the local community, where job creation is of paramount importance. The Lonaka Farm has also played a critical role in addressing unemployment. Through strategic employment initiatives, the farm currently has six permanent staff members.

“We also have one student as part of the government’s learnership programme. In 2009, the Lonaka Farm started operations with a modest livestock count of five cattle and seven sheep. However, driven by an ambitious vision, we refused to succumb to adversity and grow from the small seeds to blooming success,” he said.

Dirapelo, who was born and bred in Serene village, near Moletsamongwe, outside Mahikeng said, he legally established the Lonaka Farm in 2018. He further said, since then, his company has witnessed remarkable expansion. Dirapelo added that, now Lonaka Farm boasts an impressive livestock inventory that includes over 700 broiler chickens, and 1152 layers dedicated to egg production. 

“I had to sell the cattle and sheep I began with in order to start meat production and supplement my new business enterprise. Except for the chickens, currently, the farm does not have its own livestock as we rely on auctions to obtain meat and sell it to the market.

“In addition, the farm operates a mobile butchery, catering to a diverse clientele ranging from local supermarkets and convenience stores to social clubs including individuals who seek quality meat for special occasions such as funerals, weddings, and parties,” said Dirapelo.

He said he had accomplished his childhood dream. Dirapelo said his desire to own a farm was deeply rooted in his upbringing.

“The responsibility of taking care of my family’s livestock also fuelled my passion from a young age. What truly inspired me was the ability to generate wealth for my family, while also creating job opportunities within the local community,” he said.

Meanwhile, the North West Department of Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism spokesperson, Jerry Matebesi said: “The department’s Empowerment Fund programme has identified Lonaka Farm’s potential and provided crucial assistance. As a result, the farm has acquired necessary machinery and equipment such as a display fridge, senior bandsaw, meat mincer, and sausage filler.

“These upgrades will greatly improve the farm’s operating efficiency and allows it to provide superior services to its valued consumers. Although Lonaka Farm has achieved remarkable success, it faces certain challenges that were inherited. Transporting products to clients has become a hurdle due to the breakdown of the farm’s aged bakkie.”

Matebesi said, nonetheless, Dirapelo and his team are actively exploring alternative means of transportation to ensure that they deliver the needed products timeously. He said, furthermore, the farm has been affected by intermittent power outages, but atleast they have a small backup generator.

“This helps because the farm manages to sustain its operations and continue to provide excellent service. Dirapelo expressed gratitude regarding the department’s assistance, noting that with its newfound assistance and resources, Lonaka Farm would be able to rise to greater heights.

“He even sees a brighter future, with greater revenue and a larger client base. Dirapelo said with a well-equipped butchery, he will be able to employ more people. His ultimate goals include becoming one of the top commercial farmers, achieving a national and international reputation and even exporting some of their products to neighbouring countries and beyond,” said Matebesi.

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Picture: The South African Police Service in North West launches Junior Management Core in Rustenburg/Twitter   

By OBAKENG MAJE

The South African Police Service (SAPS) in North West said the launch of the provincial Junior Management Core (JMC) will bridge the gap between the police and junior members. On 17 May 2023, the SAPS provincial JMC structure at Rustenburg Civic Centre in Rustenburg.

The North West police spokesperson, Col Adele Myburgh said the objectives of establishing the structure were to create opportunities for innovative thinking, information sharing, leadership development, and improving employee participation in the realisation of the organisational objectives.

Upon delivering his address, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant Sello Kwena said: “Young people are at the forefront of change and innovation. They may have the spirit to make things happen. So, they just need to be given the space and mentorship to excel, therefore we launch the JMC to provide youth in SAPS with such a platform.

“In order to create a safe and secure, crime-free environment, which is conducive for society and economic stability, we also need human capital investment. The JMC is an extension to management, who will put in place strategies and projects, breed future leaders, and ensure that the organisation realises its objective.”

Kwena further said, that a community that does not take care of its youth, is facing doom.

Meanwhile, the North West Deputy Police Commissioner for Support Service, Major General, Doctor Naidoo shared the same sentiments. Naidoo added that, the structure consists of 16 active members, who are younger than 40.

“It was established to assist the management to run the organisation and address problems that the juniors encounter with the management. The organisation is losing experienced and skilled members every day, so JMC is there to make sure such members are replaced by correct and capable ones,” he said.

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Picture: The ANC MP, Sibusiso Kula in court/Facebook

By OBAKENG MAJE

The ANC Member of Parliament (MP), Sibusiso Kula’s application to have his murder case struck off the roll was rejected by the Orkney Magistrate’s Court on Monday. Kula’s defense indicated to the court that, they will register a review application following the judgment.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson in North West, Henry Mamothame said, Kula’s defense has also requested to be furnished with a list of witnesses, as ordered by the high court when it granted him bail.

“In their application, they argued that his rights were not explained to him, and thus can be used against him in a subsequent trial. They further questioned the charges levelled against their client,” he said.

The state prosecutor, Adv Phuti Sekoadi opposed the application and argued that, the matter is still under investigation and that the current charges are properly drafted, as they are in line with the evidence in the docket. Sekoadi further explained that, when investigations are completed, the state will decide whether the charges should be amended.

“We urged the court to dismiss the application as it had no bearing on the charges levelled against the accused and the court ruled in favour of the state,” he said.

Kula is currently out on R50 000 bail, granted by the North West High Court following his appeal on the Orkney Magistrate’s Court decision to deny him bail. He was ordered to surrender his passports, report twice a day at the nearest police station, provided the investigating officer with his work itinerary, and report to investigating officer, if he must move outside his residential jurisdiction and have no direct or indirect contact with his children.

Meanwhile, an application submitted to the office of the Director of Public Prosecutions in North West, Dr Rachel Makhari for the matter to be transferred to a higher court, owing to its serious nature, is awaiting the finalisation of investigations. Mamothame added that, investigations are nearing completion as the state prepares for trial.

He said Kula was arrested after his wife, Jennifer Mohlomi, was found murdered on 27 November 2022 in what seemed like a robbery. Mamothame said Mohlomi was found with a stab wound on her back, but the object that was used for her alleged murder has not been recovered.

“The matter was reported by the medical facility, where she was allegedly transported by the accused to receive medical attention. The accused told the police that he was not present at his home when the incident occurred.

“Following thorough investigations by the police, he was linked to the alleged murder and was arrested on 20 January 2023 and charged with murder. Kula is expected back in court on 30 June 2023, when the matter sits,” he said.

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By OBAKENG MAJE

A man has been sentenced to 12 months imprisonment for stock theft by the Zeerust Magistrate’s Court on Thursday. Itumeleng Daniel Sethepo (34), who pleaded guilty to the charge, was arrested for stealing a Brahman cow at a farm in Vergenoeg, near Zeerust on 26 October 2022 along with his friend.

The North West police spokesperson, Col Adele Myburgh said: “The farm worker contacted the farm owner and informed him about cows being restless. The farmer used a drone and eventually spotted tracks on his farm.

“He followed the tracks with the drone, leading to two accused persons, who were found sitting next to the river on a neighbouring farm and meat hanging from nearby trees.

“The police were immediately contacted and both accused were arrested. One of the accused, unfortunately, died in hospital and only Sethepo stood trial,” she said.

In a separate matter, Myburgh said a Lesotho national, Mohato Francis Lichaba, was also sentenced to 12 months imprisonment for stealing a goat. She further said, on 29 December 2022, a goat was reported missing by a farmer in Ikageleng Location, near Lehurutshe.

“Subsequent to the police operation, a large quantity of meat was recovered in a shack, occupied by Lichaba. A traditional mark on the goat’s ear helped the police to identify its rightful owner. Lichaba was charged with stock theft as well as contravention of the Immigration Act, of 2002 (Act No. 13 of 2002).

“He pleaded guilty to both counts and was sentenced to 12 months’ imprisonment, wholly suspended for five years,” said Myburgh.

Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena lauded Sgt William Masiza of the Lehurutshe Stock Theft and Endangered Species (STES) Unit and prosecution for their collaborations that resulted in the convictions.

Kwena also reiterated that, the police will continue to work hard to ensure that criminals are put behind bars.

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Picture: The community members embark on a peaceful march against the ward councillor, Itumeleng Maribe/Supplied

By OBAKENG MAJE

Some community members in Losasaneng village, near Taung said they do not want the sitting ward 20 councillor, Itumeleng Maribe anymore. This comes after they accused him of dishing out Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) jobs to pro-ANC members only.

Last week, the disgruntled community members embarked on a peaceful protest and signed a petition. One of the community leaders, Gift Mokitima alleged that, Maribe is using the EPWP program to buy political favour and those who do not support him were left out.

“There is a high level of unemployment in our area. However, we have an EPWP program of de-bushing trees that is underway. In most cases, job opportunities are reserved for pro-ANC members here.

“As voters, we are all supposed to benefit from that program. This shows that, service delivery is designed for only a few. As community members, we were not aware of this program even on how people were appointed,” Mokitima said.

He further said, they had a consultative engagement with their local tribal authority to seek clarity, but all was in vain. Mokitima added that, one of the representatives from the tribal authority alleged that, he received a list depicting names of those who were supposed to be employed to sign it off.

“So, he also highlighted that, he was threatened. He said he was told that, if he does not sign that list, he will be harshly dealt with and removed as a ward committee member. Unfortunately, he is not the only one who was threatened, but this includes other members as well.

“There is a lot of shenanigans happening in our ward. Unfortunately, this leaves us with no choice, but to call for the removal of the ward councillor through a petition. So, we are still busy circulating that petition and we will submit it to the relevant authorities,” said Mokitima.

He said they embarked on a peaceful march and requested Maribe to declare the appointment of those individuals non and void, but their attempt was futile. Mokitima said they want the appointment process to return to the community and start afresh.

However, Maribe deemed the allegations as absurd and unfounded. He said he was not part of the appointment process as that was done at various local tribal authorities.

“There were some complaints that the is a forest on the road where learners use to reach to various schools. So, we had a meeting with the tribal authority, where we agreed that, the tribal offices will submit the names of those individuals who will be appointed for this program.

“This was done last month in Kameelpuit. The agreement was that, four people will be appointed from Losasaneng, four from Kameelpuit, four from Ikageng, one from Thotayatau, and two from Madithamaga,” he said.

Maribe said they were only focusing on affected areas. He alleged that, there is a smear campaign against him because there are certain individuals who are not happy to see him as a councillor.

“This has happened before and I am unfazed. There is a hidden agenda, where some individuals said they are not happy with the whole process hence the petition. However, these were prompted by internal challenges within the chieftaincy in various areas.

“I can tell you that all those individuals who were appointed are locals. So, this is a smear campaign because this is not the first time I became a ward councillor. Previously, I have awarded a skill development program to over 100 individuals,” said Maribe.

He said those who are complaining are attention seekers who continue to slander his name.

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Picture: The Lesedi 7 Group donates R5000 to Sebitloane Special School in Taung/Facebook  

By OBAKENG MAJE

The principal at Sebitloane Special School in Taung, Boipelo Gloria Mmokwa said, they will continue to bring changes to the children living with disabilities by teaching them different basic life skills. Mmokwa said this will assist them in the future to endure the upheavals of life.

She also urged members of the public to support their cause. This comes after the school received R5000 donation from the Lesedi 7 Group.

“This donation will come in handy because we have twelve learners who will be going to Germany to represent the country in soccer and table tennis. So, the support we received will bring sustainability to the school because the school will be able to buy training kits and shoes for these kids.

“We are deeply grateful to the donors and this shows that, there are individuals who can make a difference to children who are struggling with severe disabilities in our area. We are working directly with various schools and community members to create awareness,” she said.

Mmokwa further said, most people perceived Sebitloane Special School as nothing, but a ‘drop-off’ area. She also urged other learners from various schools to treat their learners well, especially those who use the same transportation as them.

“In most cases, some learners from other schools who use the same transportation as our learners, continue to mock them and that is unacceptable. What people should know is that, Sebitloane offers various skill development programs to these learners and they excel in that.

Mmokwa added that, some of their learners might be intellectually challenged, but they master their crafts in welding, nail techniques, and carpentry. She added that, these learners have managed to open their own small businesses like salons and others.

“So, parents need to understand that most of our learners might be an intellectual challenge, but they can do vocational work. We also have an annual exhibition at the end of the year, where these learners will display their crafts. People come and buy these products. We also have a campaign called Her Nail Beauty Tag, where most people come and do mini and pedicures.

“Yes, we also have learners with autism, those who cannot do what other learners do, but we teach them basic life skills too.  This is not the first time our learners going abroad. Eight years ago, two learners went to Los Angeles in the United States of America through cross country,” said Mmokwa.

On 1 June 2023, the school will be having a big send-off celebration and Mmokwa invites community members to display their unwavering support and love to departing learners to Germany.

Meanwhile, the Lesedi 7 Group representative, Tshidi Moreane said: “Our visit to Sebitloane Special School was the same as our other visits to various schools across Taung. The only difference to this one is that, we visited the school that caters to learners with cognitive disabilities. special needs.

“This has been made possible by the Lesedi 7 Group through Tshidi Moreane Foundation. Remember, Lesedi 7 Group is the sponsor of the Taung Annual Gospel Festival and we have also donated R5000 to the school to assist those learners who will be going to Germany.”

Moreane said their main purpose was to speak to these learners and give them moral support. He said they encouraged these learners that, even though they were born with some disabilities, that should not hamper their progress in life.

“We told them that their cognitive disabilities should not hinder their achievements and determine their future. Even though they are attending a special school, they should understand that they are equal to other learners.

“We also want to encourage parents, learners, and the community at large to do away with the stigma. To those parents who have children with disabilities, they should not shy away, instead, come forward.

“In most cases, parents will keep these children with disabilities at home and lock them away. So, we urge them to take them to special schools and unlock their potential. We know that most people will take advantage of people with disabilities, but we should be their voices because they also have human rights like anyone else,” he said.

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