Picture: Former Naledi Local Municipality employee, Clifford Seiso Shoarane/Facebook
By OBAKENG MAJE
The sentencing on the rape case against the former Naledi Local Municipality employee, Clifford Seiso Shoarane was postponed until 20 June 2023. Shoarane was found guilty of rape by the Vryburg Regional Court few months ago and was expected to be sentenced on Tuesday.
However, that could not happen due to unforeseen circumstances. Shoarane, who was working as Assistant Manager in the security department at the municipality, raped a ‘prostitute’ in Vryburg a few years ago.
According to information, the ‘prostitute’ was hitchhiking to go to Huhudi Township when she met Shoarane. Shoarane promised to take her safely to Huhudi, but instead, he headed to a dilapidated building, where he raped her.
After the ordeal, Shoarane dumped the woman in the streets and left. The woman went to the Vryburg Police Station, where she opened a rape case against him.
Three men were sentenced to 17 years imprisonment by the Tlhabane Regional Court in Rustenburg for copper cable theft on 2 May 2023. Ngangile Singatha (35), Phindile Mbokole (41), and Isaac Obisse (25) were subsequently arrested by the Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation on 5 October 2022 at Impala Platinum Mine after they were spotted by mine security on the security cameras.
The Hawks spokesperson in North West, Capt Tlangelani Rikhotso said: “The trio reportedly struggled to walk, and upon searching the accused, the police discovered that they had each wrapped copper cable around their bodies with a combined weight of 180kg. Bail was successfully opposed during their first appearance and they made a series of court appearances until they were convicted.
“Mbokole was sentenced to six years’ direct imprisonment, while Singatha and Obisse were each sentenced to five years direct imprisonment. Obisse was further sentenced to an additional twelve months’ direct imprisonment.”
Picture: The Chairperson of the North West Provincial Legislature’s Portfolio Committee on Public Works and Roads, Community Safety and Transport Management, Mmoloki Cwaile/Facebook
By OBAKENG MAJE
Factionalism, infighting, gate-keeping, and slate politics continue to rattle the ANC’s sinking ship in North West. In the latest shenanigans, the ANC Chief Whip in the North West Provincial Legislature (NWPL), Lazarus Mokgosi, wrote a letter to the ANC deployee and Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Public Works and Roads, Community Safety and Transport Management, Mmoloki Cwaile to clarify his utterances during a public hearing on Division of Revenue Bill (DORB) at Boskuil in the Dr Kenneth Kaunda District.
On 18 April 2023, Cwaile made critical remarks, where he ruffled a few feathers of individuals such as ANC provincial chairperson and North West MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlement and Traditional Affairs (COGHSTA), Nono Maloyi, North West Premier, Bushy Maape and the former North West MEC for Social Development and ANC Youth League president, Collen Maine by accusing them of corruption and incompetence.
This allegedly forced the ANC in North West to write a letter to Cwaile. In the letter that was seen by Taung DailyNews, Mokgosi said they view Cwaile’s remarks as an attack on the ANC and its leaders.
“On 18 April 2023, you were part of a team of members of the Legislature doing the public hearing on the Division of Revenue Bill at Boskuil Community Hall in the Dr Kenneth Kaunda District. In that public hearing, statements were made by your good self, which is viewed to have been an attack on ANC and its leaders.
“The Chief Whip’s Office is requesting a report from yourself on the said observation. We will appreciate it, if the report can be sent on or before 2 May 2023,” Mokgosi.
Meanwhile, the buoyed Cwaile said he is willing to produce the evidentiary proof supporting his utterances. He further said, he had not spoken nor acted against the ANC but spoke in response to the concerns raised by attendees who were part of the public hearing with regard to service delivery.
“I also wish to confirm that, the venue at which the public hearing was held, was declared a site for the work of the Legislature in terms of Section 2 (2) of the Powers, privileges, and Immunities Act no 4 of 2004. I acted as a public representative whose allegiance is first and foremost to the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa.
“Therefore, I represented the Legislature as the ANC deployee to the Legislature and acted for and on behalf of the Legislature. Importantly, for the interest of the public as per constitutional mandate for the Legislature,” he said.
Cwaile added that, assuming that Mokgosi holds intellectual appreciation of the role of ANC deployees in the Legislature, he has not spoken nor acted against ANC, but spoke in response to the concerns raised by the public hearing attendees with regard to service delivery.
He said he is convinced beyond the shadow of a doubt that, he was most correct and truthful and had no mandate to lie, but to speak about those either affected given their role in public service space band or implicated.
“It is also not true that it was a complaint against ANC, but individuals who happen to be in the positions of leadership of ANC and importantly occupying public positions.
“Simply because they are in positions of the ANC leadership, they are not necessarily enjoying any immunity from being the subject of discussions or engagements in the public discourse as they are occupying public positions.
I am able to make available evidentiary proof and work in progress as being executed by the Legislature Committees and its individual members as public representatives with regard to my submissions to the public hearing,” said Cwaile.
He said, nevertheless, he wishes to request any specifications on what could be concerns of the Chief Whip on his engagements with the public on the occasion of the public hearing dated 18 April 2023.
Picture: Three accused, Bakang Katong, Katlego Mosimege and Phenyo Katong facing a murder case/Facebook
By OBAKENG MAJE
A murder case against an alleged drug lord and his co-accused has been postponed to 10 May 2023 by Taung Regional Court for a pre-trial conference. Bakang Katong (32), Thabang Lenyai (23) and Katlego Mosimege (31), and Phenyo Katong (34) were arrested a year ago for allegedly killing Thabiso Mothibedi (35) after accusing him of stealing R20 000 cash and cigarettes worth R600 from Katong’s house in Manthe village, near Taung.
The North West police spokesperson, Capt Sam Tselanyane said the preliminary investigation revealed that on 29 April 2022, the deceased was at Longaneng village in Taung, when the accused fetched and ferried him back to Manthe village.
“Upon arrival, the deceased was allegedly chained to a generator and assaulted. After the assault, the victim was reportedly transported to a local clinic by the accused for medical attention, however, he was declared dead upon arrival. The accused were arrested and charged with murder,” Tselanyane said.
On 1 May 2022, the community members were up in arms and torched three houses and a bakkie belonging to Katong’s family. Seven people have been arrested regarding the incident and charged with arson and looting.
Picture: Banyana Banyana players during training session/SAFA
By SAFA
Banyana Banyana has assembled in a camp for local-based players in Johannesburg this week as coach Desiree Ellis continues with her preparations for the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup in July.
Ellis said the camp will give all the players an opportunity to put their hands up and show what they can do in the coming days.
“The last camp we had, when we had that extra week, it really, really helped us. It helped us in terms of getting our defensive structure better. Obviously, this is another opportunity now to work on maybe our set pieces as well because this is sometimes a challenge for us, you know. A week might not seem a lot but it’s a lot in terms of what we can achieve, considering how we grew in the last camp a week before the FIFA date,” she told www.safa.net.
Ellis said the camp is a huge opportunity for the players in camp to impress and stake their claim to places in the World Cup-bound final team.
“It is a big opportunity for players that are in camp because obviously, they have a foot in, but the door is never closed to anyone and it can only be closed once the final squad has been announced. It has been proven over the last couple of years when players came in just before the WAFCON squad was selected and made the final team. So everybody needs to put in their best performances and best effort because that is what we’re looking for.
Sasol Senior Manager: Group Brand and Sponsorship Nozipho Mbatha expressed her excitement about the Banyana Banyana selection camp and wished the team well.
“We would like to wish all the players who have been chosen to be a part of the Banyana Banyana selection camp the best of luck. We believe that every player is excited to bring their A-Game as this may open a world of opportunities, and they could potentially be selected to represent South Africa at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
“As Sasol we would like to encourage all the players to put their best foot forward during this period and gain much intelligence from the coaching staff as they pursue to live the impossible.”
Picture: The former Vice-Chancellor and Principal of Vaal University of Technology, late Pro Dan Kgwadi/Supplied
By OBAKENG MAJE
The heartfelt condolence messages continue to pour in after the death of the former Vice-Chancellor of North West University (NWU), Professor Dan Kgwadi who died on Sunday night after a long illness. At the time of his passing, Kgwadi was the principal and Vice-Chancellor of the Vaal University of Technology (VUT).
The Chairperson of VUT Council, Prof Mandia Radebe said: “It is with sadness to announce the news of the passing of our Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Prof Dan Kgwadi. According to the family, Kgwadi passed away last night due to illness.
“On behalf of the Vaal University of Technology (VUT), I wish to take this opportunity to express our heartfelt condolences to his family, relatives, friends, and colleagues.
“Liaising with the family, we will share further details on the memorial and funeral services when available.”
Meanwhile, the North West Premier, Bushy Maape described Kgwadi as a warrior who spear-headed the NWU through the challenges of transformation.
“Prior to this appointment, he served as the Principal and Vice-Chancellor of the NWU from April 2014 to 31 January 2022. Kgwadi also served as the first Rector of the NWU (Mafikeng Campus). He started his term as a Campus Rector on 1 January 2005 to 31 March 2014.
“Kgwadi grew up in a very poor community, where there were no resources. But, he was one of the few black academics who defied the odds. He was passionate about physical science and mathematics from an early age. Kgwadi obtained various scholarships to pursue his postgraduate studies in the United States of America (USA),” Maape said.
He further said, Kgwadi led the university through a tumultuous period of transformation at institutions of higher learning in the country. Maape added that Kgwadi contributed to the sterling working relationship with the provincial executive, particularly in assisting the government to respond to various challenges through research in various fields, while he was at the helm of the NWU.
“We have a sound working relationship with the university and this is largely through his efforts. We will continue to work with the university to address the plight of students from poor and disadvantaged backgrounds.
“The provincial bursary scheme whose name change was recently held at Mahikeng Campus, continues to benefit students at this university. We will continue to work with the university to preserve and honour Kgwadi’s legacy,” he said.
Picture: COSATU’s 2nd deputy president, Duncan Lovuno delivering his keynote address at Colridge stadium in Vryburg
By OBAKENG MAJE
The Congress of South African Trade Union (COSATU) said it will forge ahead in bringing unity amongst the working class. COSATU in North West, commemorated May Day at Colridge Stadium in Vryburg on Monday.
COSATU’s 2nd deputy president, Duncan Lovuno who was the keynote speaker said, workers cannot afford to be divided when they are under siege. Lovuno further said the message during this year’s May Day is that they must cherish, defend and constantly invest in unity.
“It is our key weapon as we wage the working class struggles. This May Day presents us with an opportunity to reflect and commit ourselves again to the ongoing fight against slave wages, retrenchments, and poor working conditions.
“This May Day is important for workers to celebrate the gains we have made since the dawn of democracy but at the same time reflect on the current challenges facing the workers and the working class of this country and the world.
We are dedicated to fostering a spirit of solidarity and cooperation amongst all unions, inside and outside of COSATU. We are pleased with the work being done by our affiliates to build unity on the ground across unions and across federations,” he said.
Lovuno further said, workers need to unite against rising extreme poverty, unprecedented levels of unemployment, deteriorating public services, and elite corruption. He added that, workers need to work together to deal with the rising cost of living and levels of indebtedness among them.
“We are calling on all unions to cooperate and work together during this year’s round of wage negotiations to fight for decent wages for the workers.
Workers deserve decent wages that will keep up with inflation so that, they can afford to put food on the table and feed and clothe their families.
“Our priority should be a pushback against the electricity and petrol price increases. We need to unite to fight against the government’s formulaic persistence with neo-liberal macroeconomic fiscal and monetary policies that have left many living lives of brute survival,” said Lovuno.
He said this important worker’s day originates over 137 years ago in 1886 when workers stood up and demanded eight hours of work, eight hours for recreation, and eight hours for rest.
The ANC provincial chairperson, Nono Maloyi said, they are celebrating Workers’ Day across the country because workers have fought for this right and deserve this. Maloyi said, there are a few challenges workers are confronted with at their respective workplaces, especially in terms of wages.
“So, we are not only celebrating but saluting them. You will remember the situation has improved since 1994. Now, workers are able to negotiate by sitting at a round table with employers. Another challenge is economic growth, COVID-19 pandemic-related challenges, and so on.
“However at times, we are able to meet demands made by workers. Sometimes the economy does not allow, but we have to work together all of us to ensure there is economic growth. We have a great relationship with our alliance partners and there will always be challenges,” he said.
Meanwhile, the South African Communist Party (SACP) provincial secretary, Madoda Sambatha shared the same sentiments. Sambatha said, the workers’ day is an International Day.
“Workers need to be united in the sector that they are working in irrespective of race and gender. At the centre of any success, there are workers and communities as beneficiaries. However, there is only 23% of workers who are organised and belong to unions.
“Remember, the unity of the workers is the basis of the unity of the community. Unity among the working class was able to fight capitalism. The majority of unemployed are still black and mostly women and youth,” he said.
Picture: The chairperson of North West Provincial Legislature’s Portfolio Committee on Education, Arts, Culture and Sports Development, Paul Sebegoe
By OBAKENG MAJE
The North West Provincial Legislature (NWPL) is set to conduct public hearings on Copyright Amendment Bill 2017 and the Performers’ Protection Amendment Bill 2016.
On Tuesday, the North West Provincial Legislature’s Portfolio Committee on Education, Arts, Culture and Sports Development chairperson, Paul Sebegoe said, they will be conducting public hearings on Copyright Amendment Bill [B13 D-2017] and Performers’ Protection Amendment Bill [B 24D-2016] at Mmabana Lehurutshe near Zeerust, Jouberton Hall in Jouberton, Klerksdorp, Mmabana Taung in Taung and Rustenburg Recreation Centre in Cashan near Rustenburg at 10h00.
“The Copyright Amendment Bill [B13 D-2017] seeks to amend the Copyright Act, 1978, so as to define certain words and expressions to allow for further limitations and exceptions regarding the reproduction of copyright works to provide for the sharing of royalties in-copyright works.
“It also set to provide for the payment of royalties in respect of literary, musical, artistic and audiovisual works to provide for resale royalty rights, to provide for recording and reporting of certain acts, to provide for the accreditation of collecting societies and to provide for matters connected therewith,” Sebegoe said.
He further said, the Performers’ Protection Amendment Bill [B 24D-2016] aims to amend the Performers’ Protection Act, 1967, so as to insert, delete or substitute certain definitions to provide for performers’ economic rights. Sebegoe added that, it also aims to extend moral rights to performers in audio-visual fixations and to provide for the transfer of rights, where a performer consents to the fixation of a performance.
“It aims to provide for the protection of rights of producers of sound recordings, to broaden the restrictions on the use of performances, to extend the application of restrictions on the use of performances to audio-visual fixations, to provide for royalties or equitable remuneration to be payable when a performance is sold or rented out and to provide for matters connected therewith.
“The relevant stakeholders have been invited to attend the public hearing. The public hearings will be streamed live in the North West Provincial Legislature Facebook and other social media platforms such as YouTube Channel,” he said.
Picture: Former Naledi Local Municipality employee, Clifford Seiso Shoarane/Facebook
By OBAKENG MAJE
The former Naledi Local Municipality employee, Clifford Seiso Shoarane, who was found guilty of rape by the Vryburg Regional Court, is expected to be sentenced today. Shoarane, who was working as Assistant Manager in the security department at the municipality, raped a woman in Vryburg a few years ago.
It is alleged that the woman in question was a well-known prostitute in Vryburg. According to information, the woman was hitchhiking to go to Huhudi Township when she met Shoarane. Shoarane promised the woman to take her safely to Huhudi, but instead, he headed to a dilapidated building, where he raped her.
After the ordeal, Shoarane dumped the woman in the streets and left. The woman went to the Vryburg Police Station where she opened a rape case against him.
Picture: Some of the murder accused, Bakang Katong, Katlego Mosimegi, and Phenyo Katong/Facebook
By OBAKENG MAJE
A murder case against an alleged drug lord and his co-accused is set to resume at Taung Regional Court today. Bakang Katong (32), Thabang Lenyai (23) and Katlego Mosimege (31), and Phenyo Katong (34) were arrested a year ago for allegedly killing Thabiso Mothibedi (35) after accusing him of stealing R20 000 cash and cigarettes worth R600 from Katong’s house in Manthe village, near Taung.
The North West police spokesperson, Capt Sam Tselanyane said the preliminary investigation revealed that on 29 April 2022, the deceased was at Longaneng village in Taung, when the accused fetched and ferried him back to Manthe village.
“Upon arrival, the deceased was allegedly chained to a generator and assaulted. After the assault, the victim was reportedly transported to a local clinic by the accused, however, he was declared dead upon arrival. The accused were arrested and charged with murder,” Tselanyane said.
On 1 May 2022, the community members were up in arms and torched three houses and a bakkie belonging to Katong’s family.
The Guardian 