The award recipients at the NWU Media and Organisational Citizenship Behavioural Awards.

Living the North-West University (NWU) way means being value-driven and proud. During a prestige event on 25 May, the university rewarded dedicated staff and students for promoting and enhancing its culture and strategy.

The NWU’s first Media and Organisational Citizenship Behaviour (OCB) Recognition Awards ceremony took place at the Roots function venue in Potchefstroom. Eighteen key influencers received recognition for their valued contributions as brand ambassadors, both internally and externally. Each of the recipients received a trophy, accompanied by a cash prize.

Staff and full-time students across the university’s three campuses had nominated their peers who had been quoted in the traditional and digital/social media, as well as those who had consistently promoted and demonstrated the NWU’s values during 2022. A panel of seven members consisting of staff and students adjudicated the nominations.

The university acknowledged nominees in eight categories.

The award recipients were:

Social Media Personality (for exceptional contributions towards the NWU’s public reputation on social media platforms) – Prof Nico Smit (staff) and Kagiso Somngesi (student).

Traditional Media Personality (for exceptional contributions in traditional media, including newspapers, television and radio) – Prof Raymond Parsons (staff) and Ian Thomson (student).

Exceptional Media Coverage (for an upsurge in media exposure during a limited time of seven to 14 days) – Prof Raymond Parsons (staff).

Social Responsibility and Awareness Advocate (for contributions relating to social rights responsibility and awareness, including gender-based violence, social engagement, disability rights, substance abuse, mental health and awareness, and social welfare projects) – shared by staff members Michelle Bownes and Mario Chaque. Obriel Takunda Maposa was the student recipient.

Diversity and Transformation Advocate (for exceptional contributions relating to transformation, and diversity concepts and initiatives relating to race, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, cultural perspectives and multilingualism, among other things) – shared by staff members Dr Keaobaka Seshoka and Prof Sanette Brits. Thuso Molefi was the student recipient.

NWU Silver Wings Award (a discretionary recognition award to staff and students who have embodied the spirit and character of the university, its culture and identity). Staff and students voted for the recipients of this category.

Mahikeng Campus:

Student: Kgopotso Hope Sekgobela

Staff member: Prof Martin Chanza

Potchefstroom Campus:

Student: Sibongiseni Buthelezi

Staff member: Kelebogile Oompie

Vanderbijlpark Campus:

Student: Sicelo Sibeko

Staff member: Michelle Groenewald

NWU Ambassador of the Year (considered as the overall award, given in addition to one of the recipients of an NWU Media and OCB Recognition Award, excluding the Silver Wings Award) – Prof Sanette Brits (staff) and Kagiso Somngesi (student).

Vice-Chancellor’s Award (awarded by the vice-chancellor to a member of management who, through their work and involvement in the university, has made an exceptional contribution towards achieving the NWU’s strategy and values). From the names put forward, the panel made a decision to award this to Nkosinathi Tom.

Yusuf Abramjee, social cohesion and anti-crime advocate and media personality was the guest speaker during the event. He said universities play a vital role in shaping not only the minds of their students but also the character of their communities.

“They (universities) serve as microcosms of society, reflecting the diversity that defines our nation. Building a shared institutional culture with this diverse context is both a challenge and an opportunity – a challenge because it requires understanding and embracing our differences, and an opportunity because it allows us to create a truly inclusive and enriching environment for all.”

According to Yusuf there has never been a time in history when so many voices are being heard. “The most important thing is that they are listened to. But, while the right to freedom of expression is enshrined in our Constitution and is an inherent freedom in most countries around the world, it also comes with great responsibility. To express ourselves freely and responsibly, we must embrace diversity.”

He singled out leadership as a key driver for success. “As a vital part of shaping a shared vision, culture and identity, personal leadership development is fundamental to the NWU achieving its goals.”

Explaining five leadership principles (modelling the way; inspiring a shared vision; challenging the process; enabling others to act; and encouraging the heart), he said he hoped it will inspire everyone to unlock their inner leader and together to shape a formidable NWU community that is a force for positive change in South Africa.

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Picture: Orlando Pirates FC player, Monnapule Saleng/Supplied 

By KABELO SELEBOGO

Orlando Pirates virtuoso, Monnapule Saleng scooped two awards during the DSTV Premier Soccer League (Awards) on Sunday evening. The Bloemhof-born player walked away with MTN8 Last Man Standing and DSTV PSL’s Players’ Players of the Season.

Saleng, who was also nominated for the Footballer of the Season and Midfielder of the Season awards, assisted his side to win the Nedbank Cup at Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria on Saturday after beating Sekhukhune FC in the final. He had made an impressive contribution throughout the season.

One of the memorial moments is when he scored two goals against Mamelodi Sundowns FC in the MTN8 semi-final, where the Buccaneers won by three nil. His performance escalated when he scored a crucial winning goal against Amazulu in the MTN8 final, ending by 1-0.

The MTN8 Last Man Standing or Player of the Tournament award was presented to him for his entire effort in the competition. The 25-year-old midfielder finished the season with 11 goals in the league and 8 assists with 22 appearances. Early this year, he walked away with the main accolade at the North West Sports Awards after winning Sports Star of the Year hosted by the North West Department of Arts Culture Sports and Recreation (ACSR) in partnership with North West Sports Confederation.

Saleng scored 15 goals in all competitions and his contribution played a big role as Pirates completed the season as the runner-up to qualify for CAF Champions League.

Meanwhile, the North West MEC for Arts, Culture, Sport and Recreation, Kenetswe Mosenogi congratulated Saleng for his accomplishment.

“We take pride in our very own and Saleng displayed determination and hard work. He is an inspiration not only to footballers but to the sports fraternity as a whole and he respects his work and takes a God-given talent seriously,” she said.

In his appreciation speech, Saleng acknowledged the support from Bucs teammates, the technical team, players, family, and football fanatics.

“I would like to thank The Almighty God for the strength and talent, teammates for the support, senior players who contributed to my performance and players from other teams who voted for me, and also myself for being dedicated to the game,” said Saleng.

Full list of other winners:

1.         Teboho Mokoena (Mamelodi Sundowns) – Footballer of the season

2.         Rhulani Mokwena (Mamelodi Sundowns) – Coach of the season

3.         Khanyisa Mayo (Cape Town City and Peter Shalulile (Mamelodi Sundowns  – Top goal scorers of the season (12 goals each)

4.         Yusuf Maart (Kaizer Chiefs) – Goal of the season

5.         Cassius Mailula (Mamelodi Sundowns) –Young Player of the Season

6.         Teboho Mokoena (Mamelodi Sundowns) – Midfielder of the season

7.         Khuliso Mudau (Mamelodi Sundowns) – Defender of the Season

8.         Ronwen Williams (Mamelodi Sundowns) – Goalkeeper of the season

9.         Masixole Bambiso – Referee of the Season

10.       Kamohelo Ramutsindela – Assistant Referee

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Picture: The horrible accident/Generic

By STAFF REPORTER

The North West police said they are investigating reckless driving underway after a government official bumped a pedestrian in Vryburg on Sunday. The accident allegedly took place next to the graveyard.

The North West police spokesperson, Brig Sabata Mokgwabone said: “We are aware of the accident and it was reported and attended to accordingly. According to information at our disposal, the driver of the state motor vehicle stopped after being alerted that he bumped a pedestrian. Investigations into the matter are underway.”

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Picture: RSA president, Cyril Ramaphosa/Google

By CYRIL RAMAPHOSA

Recent outbreaks of cholera in Hammanskraal in Gauteng and in the Free State have shown the vital importance of safe and effective water and waste water management.

The deaths of 24 people in Gauteng and the Free State are deeply tragic. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families who have lost their loved ones. Hundreds more people have been hospitalised following the outbreak.

Earlier this year, the World Health Organisation and international relief organisations warned that after years of steady decline, cholera has made ‘a devastating comeback’, putting over a billion people in 43 countries at risk.

According to the WHO, 24 countries have had reported cases since the beginning of the year, including in parts of Malawi, Mozambique and Zimbabwe.

Authorities are to be commended for their efforts to speedily assist all those affected, including setting up a field hospital in Kanana in Hammanskraal, providing additional water tanking services to residents and going into communities to raise awareness about proper hygiene.

An investigation is underway into the source of the outbreak. Technical teams from the City of Tshwane, the Department of Water and Sanitation, and the provincial and national departments of Health are carrying out water quality tests at distribution points and at water treatment works in the area.

They are also tracking and tracing infections. To date, the original source of the cholera infection has not been located. However, this waterborne disease is highly transmissible in conditions where there is inadequate access to clean water and sanitation facilities.

Unreliable and poor-quality drinking water has been a problem in Hammanskraal for many years. The Rooiwal waste water treatment works, which is upstream of Hammanskraal, has not been well-maintained and has insufficient capacity to deal with the volume of waste water entering the works. 

Over the years, in its role as the regulator of the water sector, the Department of Water and Sanitation has issued many directives to the City of Tshwane to address pollution from the Rooiwal Wastewater Treatment works. Regrettably, these directives were not acted upon. Consequently, the Department initiated legal action to force the City to use its grant from national government to refurbish and upgrade the waste water treatment works.

While there must be full accountability for the failings that have resulted in the outbreak in Hammanskraal, at this time we must focus on the problem at hand. We must stop the spread of cholera and take remedial measures to safeguard human health.

Generally, water quality in South Africa is of a high standard, which, according to our Water Research Commission, “compares well with the best in the world”. It is important to note that the dual water systems supplied by Magalies and Rand Water to the Tshwane area meet national standards.

After it was abandoned nearly a decade ago, government reinstituted the Blue and Green Drop programmes to help improve national water quality and to assist municipalities with compliance. This formed part of Operation Vulindlela, a collaboration between the Presidency, National Treasury and government departments to fast-track economic reforms.

The most recent Green Drop Report shows there has been a steady decline in the quality of water and sanitation services in municipalities. Poor governance, ineffective management, increasing debt and underspending on public infrastructure like wastewater treatment plans have all contributed to poor water quality.

Under these circumstances, the fact that many councils underspend critical infrastructure grants is unacceptable.

Across the country, the Department of Water and Sanitation is working with municipal managers and technical teams to ensure local councils use their water infrastructure grants effectively. Support is being provided, among others, to water infrastructure projects like the Nooitgedacht water transfer treatment scheme in Nelson Mandela Bay, the Greater Mbizana Regional Bulk Water Scheme in the Alfred Nzo District Municipality, and a number of projects in Maluti-a-Phofung in the Free State and Emfuleni and Midvaal Local Municipalities.

National government and Umgeni Water are helping eThekwini metro to improve the management of its waste water treatment systems. Similarly, the Drakenstein municipality in the Western Cape and the Lekwa municipality in Mpumalanga are being helped to address waste water treatment system challenges.

As announced in the State of the Nation Address in February, government is proceeding with a number of significant projects to improve our national bulk water resource infrastructure. Last week, I was in Lesotho to mark the start of construction of the second phase of the Lesotho Highlands Water Project, which will supply water to Gauteng and its surrounding areas.

As we wait for the results of the investigation into the cholera outbreak in Hammanskraal, it is critical that local government authorities continue to work closely with national government to address and overcome the immediate challenges with water quality in Hammanskraal.

It is encouraging that the City of Tshwane and the Department of Water and Sanitation are working together to ensure the various water supply systems meet drinking quality standards.

Quality water and sanitation is fundamental to the dignity of every South African.

I have therefore asked the Minister of Water and Sanitation to make recommendations to strengthen the governance, management and regulatory framework for municipal water and sanitation services. This includes ensuring that national minimum norms and standards are comprehensive, adequately monitored and adhered to by all water service providers.

Disease outbreaks such as the cholera outbreak in Hammanskraal are made far worse in situations of poor governance, weak management and poor maintenance of infrastructure. We have responsibility – and are determined – to remedy those shortcomings in a sustainable way and as a matter of urgency.

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Picture: The nurses and doctors down tools at the embattled Bophelong Provincial Hospital

By OBAKENG MAJE

The smooth running operation at Bophelo Provincial Hospital in Mahikeng, North West was affected today. This comes after nurses and doctors embarked on a peaceful march. The march was in solidarity with two officials, who were allegedly been placed on precautionary suspension by the North West MEC for Health, Madoda Sambatha. 

Sambatha said, the nurse in charge of the unit and nursing manager will be placed on precautionary suspension pending investigation. The suspension emanated from a video that went viral on various social media platforms, where newborn babies were seen placed in card boxes at the hospital. 

Sambatha said the incident took place at the neo-natal unit on Saturday.

“Firstly, we must congratulate the nurses and doctors who are responsible for ensuring the safe deliveries of all 56 new-born babies. The issue that I’m confining myself to is only four newborn babies, who were put in card boxes. So, the preliminary report comes out tomorrow and that report must say to us, what had failed and if there is any person that the blame must be placed on.

“For now, I am clear and not interested to go to any doctor or nurse who delivered these babies. However, the hospital CEO and everyone who is in managerial positions, may not expect an escape from their responsibilities. Let’s wait for that preliminary report to come out,” he said.

Sambatha further said, the suspension of two officials was precautionary, not because they were charged.  He added that they will have a follow-up meeting on Wednesday to address other issues.

National Education, Health, Allied Workers Union (NEHAWU) regional chairperson in Ngaka Modiri Molema, Zanele Lawu said, their consultative meeting with Sambatha was fruitful. Lawu said they had agreed upon a process to get to the bottom of what has happened with regard to the situation at hand.

“Also, we are happy that the perception of the hospital management is going to change with regard to the initial suspension of our members. We said that there should be a process that deals holistically with the issues that we have raised. We are now going on a walkabout to identify those issues that Sambatha might not be aware of.

“We know there are challenges at the hospital and we believe that the hospital management and workers should work together to address them. The aim is to ensure that the hospital function optimally and ensure that there is service delivery. Look, as NEHAWU, we are not of a view that historical, systemic, and structural issues should be punitive,” he said.  

Lawu said the challenges at the hospital are historical. He said it cannot be right that, every time when there is an issue, the management resorted to penalising those who were delivering service.

Meanwhile, DENOSA regional chairperson in Ngaka Modiri Molema, Tshepo Monoketsi shared the same sentiment.

Monoketsi said: “We deliberated upon issues and we had an agreement including the set of approaches. Sambatha also agreed that they might have overlooked some structural and systematic issues in terms of how the hospital should be operating.

“There is a plan and intention to make sure that those issues are addressed in no time. Some issues might not be resolved tomorrow, but there will be a follow-up meeting to ensure that we deal with them. I’m not going to enter the terrain on who should be suspended, but as long all necessary procedures were followed. As a union, we will go and defend our members.”

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