Picture: A local entrepreneur, Tshenolo Seboletswe together with her employees at her establishment/Supplied

By OBAKENG MAJE

The owner of a Fast Food eatery, Tshenolo Seboletswe from Zone 3, in Itsoseng Township near Lichtenburg, welcomed the assistance she received from the North West Department of Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism. Seboletswe received catering equipment from the department through Tourism Empowerment Programme.

“I am so grateful because this will significantly boost my business. The assistance came at a crucial time when my business was grappling due to the adverse effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and frequent power outages.

“I applied for funding to rescue my struggling business and I want to express my gratitude to the department. I believe that this assistance will not only revitalize my establishment, but it will also have a positive impact on growing the local economy,” she said.

The equipment received includes a mobile kitchen with a cart, a double barrel slush puppy machine, an ice cream machine, a popcorn machine, five food warmers, a display fridge, a manual donut maker, a double deep fryer, two sweet and chip shelves serving hatch, cutlery, and oven stove.

Seboletswe runs her business directly from her home and caters to a diverse clientele. She added that school learners, teachers, taxi drivers, and community members at large from Itsoseng, Verdwaal, and Bodibe areas frequent her establishment.

“Furthermore, we provide catering services for funerals, weddings, government functions, the unveiling of tombstones, and various parties. My journey as an entrepreneur, began after I was retrenched from The Star Bus Company in the early 90s.

“I was inspired by my late mother’s passion. She was running a successful local tavern known as Ko Ga Ghost. I started by cooking food for my mother’s clients. The positive feedback I received, motivated me to establish my own food outlet,” said Seboletswe.

She said, she does not only support her family through her business but also created employment opportunities for young people in the area. Seboletswe said, interestingly, the load shedding has inadvertently contributed to the growth of her business.

“I noticed that, during power outages, clients flock to my eatery to get a hot meal. My best-selling dish is bunny chow with chips, which garnered immense popularity. The slush puppy mock-tails I prepare for weekend gigs became a hit among the younger crowd.

“I start with preparations at 4am to cater for taxi drivers, commuters, and school children. With the department’s assistance, I plan to increase production, expand the customer base, and create more employment opportunities,” she said.

Seboletswe believes that the newly acquired equipment will add value to her business and bring her closer to realizing her dream of owning a self-sustainable catering enterprise and food outlet. She extended her heartfelt appreciation to the department and said, she is optimistic about the future.

Meanwhile, the North West Department of Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism spokesperson, Jerry Matebesi said: “The DEDECT’s Empowerment Fund was established as part of its intervention of offering support to small businesses and cooperatives operating within the province with equipment worth R100 000 for start-ups and R200 000 for existing business. 

“The fund excludes those in the liquor and gambling industries, costs associated with tendering, cost of acquiring property (including renovations) constructions, fire, and ammunition, primary agriculture, and transport.”

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Picture: The Mi7 security supervisor Joshua Monageng shares a joyous moment with Victor Thambe during Victor’s graduation/Phenyo Mokgothu

By PHENYO MOKGOTHU

Victor Thambe, a security officer employed by the Mi7 Group, has defied all odds and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in education, specialising in the foundation phase, from the North-West University (NWU) on 15 May 2023.

The NWU has contracted the services of Mi7 Group, a renowned security company, to ensure the safety of the institution. Victor initially joined the security company Fidelity, which was contracted by the NWU in 2017. Later, he joined Mi7 when they took over the security responsibilities at the university.

Victor successfully completed Grade 12 in 2013. From 2014 to 2015, he worked as a general worker on the grape farm Eternal Flame in the Northern Cape. He saved up his earnings and used them to pay for his fees at the Security College, where he completed courses in grades C, D, and E.

Starting on September 2015, Victor worked as a security officer at Ram Hand-to-Hand Couriers in Zeerust. During this time, he earned a monthly salary of R2 500, which he used to enhance his qualifications. During this time, he obtained a grade B security certification, his driver’s license, a firearm certificate, and a Cash in Transit certificate.

Victor then moved on and worked as an armed guard for Fidelity Security Company at the Brothers Cash and Carry Supermarket in September 2016. Fidelity later transferred him to work at the NWU as a security officer, where he has been working ever since.

Realising that he could apply to the National Student Financial Scheme and Funza Lushaka bursary programme to finance his studies, he decided to pursue a degree at the NWU. Victor enrolled at the NWU in 2019, and to accommodate his classes during the day, he requested Mi7’s management to assign him to the night shift.

Balancing work and studies was undoubtedly a challenge for Victor, considering that his security shifts extended up to 12 hours a day. However, he persevered, motivated by his desire to prove himself to those who had faith in his abilities.

Additionally, he firmly believed that success was only attainable through hard work, and he wanted to ensure that he completed what he had started.

“It was not easy, but it was worth it. As security officers, we are not allowed to sleep at night, so I told myself that to stay awake I have to keep up with my studies,” says Victor.

Representatives from Mi7 congratulated Victor on his remarkable achievement and said they are immensely proud of him for obtaining his education degree.

Victor’s success serves as a shining example that through passion and hard work, you can realise your dream.

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Setshwantsho: Mongwe wa baithuti, Tshwarelo Mosinkiemang/Facebook  

Ka OBAKENG MAJE

Bangwe ba baithuti ba maloba ba sekolo se segolwane sa Thusoetsile kwa motseng wa Sekhing, ba kaile fa mogokgo a ba ganela ka ditifikeiti tsa bone tsa marematlou, gonne ba kolota. Baithuti ba, ba kaile fa go se bonolo mo go bone go ka batlana le tiro, gonne ba sena ditifikeiti tsa marematlou.

Mongwe wa baithuti bano go tswa kwa Majeakgoro, Tshwarelo Mosinkiemang wa tlhalosa.

“Ke ne ke dira dithuto tsa marematlou kwa sekolong se se golwane sa Thusoetsile ka ngwaga wa 2021. Ene ya re ka ngwaga o fetileleng wa 2022, ke ile ka ya kwa sekolong, go kopa setifikeiti saka sa marematlou. Fela, seo ga senke se direge, gonne mogokgo o ile a nlaela fa ke koloto sekolo madi.

“Mogokgo o ile a tlhalosa fa ke kolota sekolo madi a kanang ka R700. O kaile fa R500 ele ya dikampa (school camps) tsa marematlou, mme R200 ele tefo ya sekolo (school fees). O ile a gana le go ntirela dikhopi (copies), mme are ke duele madi ao pele,” Mosinkiemang wa tlhalosa.

Are go fitlha ga jaana, ga a kgone le go batla ditiro, gonne a sena setifikeiti sa marematlou. Mosinkiemang are, o ikuela go mongwe le mongwe o ka mo thusang gore a ke a bone thuso le go bona setifikeite sa gagwe sa marematlou.

Kgabagare, sebuleledi sa Lefapha La Thuto mo Bokone Bophirima, Elias Malindi are: “Jaaka rele lefapha, ga re itse sepe ka tiragalo eo. Ga go mo molaong gore mogokgo a ganele baithuti ka ditifikeiti tsa bone. Fa gona le madi a kolotiwang sekolo, mogokgo o tshwanetse go buaisina le batsadi ba baithuti bao, mme ba bone gore ba rarabolola bothata jo jang.

“Lefapha le buile mo nakong e e fetileng gore, ditifikeiti, kgotsa direpoto tsa baithuiti ga di a tshwanelwa go tshwarwa fela ka ntlheng ya gore baithuiti ba kolota sekolo. Batsadi ke bone ba ba tshwanetseng go ka rweswa maikarabelo ao. Jaaka lefapha, re tlile go bolotsa dibatlisiso mo morerong o.”

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Picture: The Greater Taung Local Municipality mayor, Tumisang Gaoraelwe

By OBAKENG MAJE

The African Christian Democratic Party (ACDP) said it is concerned about the ‘wasteful’ expenses the Greater Taung Local Municipality (GTLM) continues to accumulate in its quest to appoint a new municipal manager. In February 2023, the municipality commenced its shortlisting process that took place at Protea Hotel in Klerksdorp.

However, the process was futile and it was rescheduled. According to the information, the shortlisting process was supposed to take place at Taung Depot Hall some time ago, however, that process also hit a snag. 

Now, the municipality has allegedly appointed the Director of Infrastructure, Ofentse Mogapi as the acting municipal manager after Andrew Makuapane, who was acting in that position completed six months.  

The position was left vacant after the former municipal manager, Katlego Gabanakgosi’s contract was terminated unceremoniously. 

Now, an ACDP councillor in the Greater Taung Local Municipality, Gaolatlhwe Tshipo said: “As the ACDP, we feel that the whole flawed process amount to wasteful expenditure. Remember, the overall advert cost roughly R300 000. Then, there are still claims for those who will come and form part of the panel for interviews.

“This will be the third time the municipality advertising the position. So, that means, the municipality will spend almost R1 million just on adverts. This also creates anxiety because there is no stability. Remember, the municipal manager is the signatory of some other things as the accounting officer.”

Tshipo further said, the fact that the Greater Taung Local Municipality mayor, Tumisang Gaoraelwe failed again to bring forward the names that the municipal council could choose from, is bad. He added that this is for the second time Gaoraelwe failed to bring forward those names.

“That means, the ruling party does not care about the interest of the masses and bringing development to their lives. So, we are concerned that there is no direction at the municipality. The municipality could have done something with that almost R1 million regarding service delivery rather than spending it only on advertising the municipal manager post,” he said.

Meanwhile, the municipal spokesperson, Ricky Oliphant failed to respond to our media inquiry, despite being given a week to do so. The response will be incorporated into the article when received.

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Picture: North West MEC for Social Development, Boitumelo Moiloa/Facebook

By OBAKENG MAJE

The North West MEC for Social Development, Boitumelo Moiloa said, they have suspended three employees amid the ‘irregular’ awarding of an R133 million security tender allegations. Moiloa said her department has established prima-face information that led to the suspension of these employees.

“Due to numerous complaints received by the department regarding irregularities in awarding the security tender to the projected amount of R133 million, the department has established prima-face information that led to the suspension of one senior manager and three other officials.

“These officials have been placed on a 30-day immediate precautionary suspension due to the seriousness of the allegations levelled against them. The decision to place these officials under precautionary suspension is to allow due processes to unfold as well as to respond to consequence management as required by the law,” she said.

Moiloa further said, in dealing with this matter expeditiously and efficiently, the department intends to adhere strictly to the prescribed time frames to bring the investigations to finality.

“These precautionary suspensions should serve as a deterrent to other officials in the department, who may be involved in any corrupt activities. We are serious about zero tolerance for corruption in the department. We want clean governance,” she said.

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Setshwantsho: Ntlwana e lakailwa ke molelo kwa Lokgabeng

Ka OBAKENG MAJE

Beng ba ntlo nngwe kwa motseng wa Lokgabeng, gaufi le Taung, ba kaile fa ba setse ba gamaregile morago ga gore go runye molelo kwa ntlwaneg ya bone. Go ya ka sebueledi sa lelapa, Oneilwe Seleho, molelo o, o runtse kwa ntlwaneng e e dirisiwang go baya dilwana (spare room).

Seleho are, mo teng ga ntlwana eo, gone go na le di audrop tse tharo tse dintsha, malao (bedroom suits) a le mararo a mantsha, ga mmogo le disamente dile 20. Go ya ka Seleho, ene ele ka ura ya bone fa molelo o, o runya.

“Tota ga re itse gore sebakwa sa molelo ke eng, gonne re ne re ntse re dutse kwa ntle, mme rene ra tsena mo ntlung e tonna. Ene ya re morago ga metsotso ele tlhano re fetsa go tsena mo ntlung, rene ra utlwa batho ba gowa kwa ntle ba re gwa sha.  

“Re ne ra itelekela kwa ntle, mme rene ra fitlhela ntlwana eo re beileng dilwana mo go yone e lakailwa ke molelo. Re ne ra bula ntlwana eo, mme ra fitlhela fa kgabo ya molelo e setse e lakaitse dingwe tsa dilwana tse di neng di beilwa foo,” Seleho wa tlhalosa.

Sehelo are, fela se se ba makaditseng ke gore, ekare molelo o, kgale o ntse o tshimolotse, mme one tukela kwa tlase. Are ga go gotsetswe mo ntlwaneng eo, mme sebakwa sa molelo e ka tswa ele eng.  

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Picture: Seven accused facing arson case/Facebook

By OBAKENG MAJE

The arson case against seven accused from Manthe village, near Taung was postponed by the Taung Regional Court to 25 May 2023. This comes after the state highlighted that, it still has to submit the outstanding documents with crucial evidence against the accused persons, before it could continue with the case.

The former soccer star, Odiseng “Teenage” Komane (41), Obakeng “Prosto” Mogabale (46), Mothusi Motimeng, Pretty “Zero” Masibelele (36), Ali Sakiele (50), Ontiretse Patrick Gosenyegang (38) and the former Mega Stars FC goalie, Katlego “Makgasa” Tikane (32) were arrested and charged for arson.

The seven accused were arrested by the police in July 2022 during an intelligence-driven operation.

In May 2022, the community members embarked on a violent protest, torched three houses and looted the Disoufeng tavern belonging to Katong’s family. They accused the alleged drug lord, Bakang Katong (32) of killing the late Thabiso Mothibedi (35).  

The North West police spokesperson, Brig Sabata Mokgwabone said: “We can confirm that the police have arrested seven suspects for arson and they were granted R500 bail each.”

Meanwhile, Bakang, and his brother, Phenyo “The Great” Katong (34), Thabang Lenyai (23), and Katlego “Makita” Mosimege (31) were arrested for Mothibedi’s murder.  

The police preliminary investigation revealed that, on 29 April 2022, Mothibedi was at Lenganeng village near Taung. Katong and his cronies allegedly fetched and transported him back to Manthe village after accusing him of stealing R20 000 and cigarettes worth R600.

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Picture: The North West MEC for Health, Madoda Sambatha/Google

By OBAKENG MAJE

The North West MEC for Health, Madoda Sambatha cautioned the members of the public and communities in the province about the outbreak of mumps diseases. According to Sambatha, the province has experienced an increase in the outbreak and the Dr Kenneth Kaunda District has the highest

Prevalence.

“The cases have risen to a total of 342 in no time and further spread to other districts. The Dr Kenneth Kaunda District alone has reported 276 cases thus far, out of the 342 which are prevalent at JB Marks, Maquassi Hills, and Matlosana.

“The Ngaka Modiri Molema District has reported 30 cases, Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District has 27 cases, while Bojanala has recorded 9 cases. The outbreak follows confirmation of laboratory results by the National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD),” he said.

Sambatha further said the NICD has described mumps as an acute viral infection caused by the rubulavirus, also known as mumps virus. He added that it is sometimes called ‘infectious parotitis’, as it causes painful swelling of the parotid and or salivary glands.

“Mumps is generally a mild childhood disease, mostly affecting children between 5 to 9 years of age. However, younger and older children as well as adults, can become infected with mumps.

“People who have had mumps are usually protected for life against another mumps infection. However, second occurrences of mumps do rarely occur. So, we call on the members of the public, parents, and caregivers to heed the call for immunisation of children against mumps,” said Sambatha.

He said, parents and caregivers should bring along the “Road to Health”

immunisation cards to the nearby health facility to ensure that their children are immunised against mumps. Sambatha said their outbreak response teams are also working hard to contain the spread.

“We will also work with the North West Department of Education to take

the campaign to learners through the School Health Programme and parents

and caregivers are urged to give consent for immunisation of their children,” he said.

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Picture: The residents in Vryburg queuing for water/Facebook

By OBAKENG MAJE

The Democratic Alliance in Naledi Local Municipality calls for an investigation into the water tanker contracts awarded the by the Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District Municipality to supply water to residents in Vryburg. The DA’s caucus leader at Naledi Local Municipality, Hendriëtte van Huyssteen said the residents in Vryburg are faced with a humanitarian crisis, because both the local and district municipalities fail to supply dependable and sustainable piped water to their homes and businesses.

Van Huyssteen further said, in a bid to alleviate the water crisis, the Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District Municipality contracted the services of water tanker operators.

“However, the allegations have been made that the same water tanker contractors meant to supply emergency water are stealing piped water from either the water reticulation infrastructure and/or municipal fire hydrants or deliberately sabotaging the municipal infrastructure to benefit from this crisis.

“To add insult to injury, Vryburg residents are required to pay R300 per refill of their JoJo tanks. The ANC in Naledi and Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati have created a water crisis due to their incompetence and neglect, then contracted water tankers to alleviate the crisis, and then force residents to pay for the emergency relief,” she said.

Van Huyssteen added that the alleged theft contributes to various problematic factors that prevent the supply of piped water. She said they request an investigation into the water tanker contracts.

“This will include tabling a report identifying each water tanker contractor, the duration and cost of the contract, the details of the owner(s) and/or board of directors for each company and whether any local or district municipal officials of political office bearers hold any interest in any of the water tanker companies.

“Each contractor must also be investigated for the possible theft of water. In addition, the DA requested the establishment of a central access-controlled point for all water tanker contractors for the monitored refill of water to prevent further theft,” said van Huyssteen.

She said they have made several requests to the Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District and Naledi Local Municipal administrations to address the constant water supply interruptions residents continue to endure. Huyssteen said, however, instead of fixing the problem, both municipalities only offer excuses, blaming either the Magalies Water Board, which is unable to supply water for a number of reasons, ranging from a lack of chemicals to pipe bursts along the main water supply line, or claiming that repairs on municipal infrastructure are to blame.

Meanwhile, the executive mayor of Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District Municipality, Motseokae Sense Maje who met with the North West Premier, Bushy Maape a few weeks ago to address water challenges in the district then said, there are strategic measures in place in quest of addressing water challenges across the district. Maje said, they are the first to admit that, there is water scarcity in the district.

“However, there are strategic measures in place to address the matter. You will remember that, some time ago, there was some unrest here in Vryburg due to water challenges.

“But, we can confirm as the district that, we have ensured there is provision of water to our people in Huhudi Township and other areas. We have also embarked on a campaign of appointing various service providers across our district to ensure there is a provision of water in those areas,” he said.

Maje said, the Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District is one of the municipalities that were put under administration. He said there were many challenges they inherited when they took over back in 2021.

“Actually, the decision to put the municipality under review took place in 2018. But, as the new municipal council, we have noted that and we will work together with EXCO representatives in quest of improving our finances.

“The aim is to ensure that, we provide services to our people accordingly. What triggered the situation in our municipality, is a debt from Sedibeng Water. There is a debt of R650 million that Sedibeng Water alleges that the municipality owes them,” said Maje.

He said there is a disparity on how much exactly the municipality owes Sedibeng Water. Maje said they will work together with Sedibeng Water and ensure that the debt is removed and the municipality pays what is due.

Meanwhile, Maape said then, the Taung Dam project is almost completed. Maape said he had an oversight visit at the water augmentation plant in Taung.

“The project is at 98% to be completed and this will assist in ensuring areas like Cokonyane village receive water. However, at the moment, the majority of areas receive water. We are also looking at the pipeline from Bloemhof to Schweizer Reneke.

“Again, the Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District Municipality has just signed a contract with service providers for Bona Bona Water Project. The project will provide water to Ganyesa and Morokweng villages,” he said.

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Picture: The ANC flag/Google

By OBAKENG MAJE

The ANC has disputed allegations made by the Democratic Alliance (DA) that, it has put in place race quotas, banning coloured population group from being employed in certain provinces. Last week, the DA leader, John Steenhuisen said they were appalled by the draft Employment Equity Amendment Act (EEA) regulations published for comment over the weekend.

Steenhuisen further said, the regulations set out racial employment quotas across eighteen economic sectors and across all nine provinces. He added that this will affect every part of the South African economy.

“The regulations apply to all companies with more than 50 employees. They signal a new low for the ANC government, constituting a naked attempt to expand state control over the economy, deepen social divisions and ban certain communities from employment in particular sectors and parts of the country.

“The social perversion created by these targets constitutes a clear and urgent threat to the social fabric of South Africa. The implication is that, companies operating in certain parts of the country are banned from employing even a single coloured or Indian person in a particular position,” said Steenhuisen.

He said if companies defy these regulations, they will be severely punished by being disqualified from government contracts or doing business with the state. According to Steenhuisen, the quotas seem especially targeted at the groups defined by the regulations as “coloured males,” “coloured females,” “Indian males” and “Indian females.”

“People from these communities suffered discrimination under the previous regime, and now they are being re-victimised by a democratic government that has learnt all the wrong lessons from the past. In sectors like agriculture, forestry and fisheries, mining and quarrying, manufacturing, finance, arts, and science, the “targets” set for coloured employees in provinces like Limpopo, Mpumalanga and North West is 0.0%, effectively banning these groups from employment.

“Even in Gauteng, the country’s economic heartland, employment by people classified by the state as coloured is sometimes limited to below 1%. In the case of employees classified by the state as Indian, the targets are often as low as 0.1% across economic sectors,” he said.

Steenhuisen said, for the ANC, Limpopo, Mpumalanga, North West and even certain sectors in Gauteng are now “no-go zones” for coloured and Indian South Africans seeking employment. He said the DA maintains that the EEA is the most dangerous piece of racial engineering the country has seen since the dawn of democracy.

Meanwhile, the ANC national spokesperson, Mahlengi Bhengu-Motsiri said: “The ANC has noted propaganda by the DA that the ruling party is advancing crude race politics. The propaganda suggests that the ANC is promoting new race laws that suggest, which prohibit the employment of specific racial groups in certain provinces and sectors. The ANC rejects this notion with contempt.

“Such a policy would be inconsistent with the entire ethos of the ANC, particularly the pursuit of the National Democratic Revolution (NDR), which seeks to democratise our society and all spheres of the economy including the labour market.”

Bhengu-Motsiri said the ANC-led liberation movement has always been consistent in its pursuit of a non-racial and just society. She said, building a non-racial labour market is a fundamental aspect of the NDR.

“It is high time political parties across the right-wing spectrum desist from using race politics as a means of fear-mongering, instead they must reverse cultures of racial denialism.

“Our constitution and the Freedom Charter are emphatic that South Africa can only succeed if it dismantles systemic racism and accelerates the pace of action towards a National Democratic Society. We are confident that the employment equity act as amended is consistent with our constitution and will help us transform the labour market and ultimately society,” said Bhengu-Motsiri.

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