Picture: North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi/Facebook  

By OBAKENG MAJE

North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi is accused of appointing her ‘crony’, Advocate Tumisang Moremane, without following the due process. It is alleged that, Motsumi appointed Moremane as Director of Legal Services within the department.

The mole, who refused to be named for fear of reprisal said: “I am of a view that, the North West Provincial Government (NWPG) is bound to collapse. The North West Department of Education has just appointed a lawyer from UNISA to act as Director for Legal Services.

“Mr Tumisang Moremane is not even an employee in the public service and holds no position. He comes from the University of South Africa (UNISA), where the chairperson of the ANC Provincial Disciplinary Committee (PDC) is working. It is surprising how he is able to act as the Director without being employed,” he said.

He further said this is exactly what the North West Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs (COGHSTA) is doing by allegedly hand-picking political office appointees to preside over municipalities. The source added that there is another department that is on the verge of doing the same.

“What went wrong? It’s worse because the doers are most senior party leaders. We shall not give up, anyway, this man does not even have a letter to allow him to act, but he is already signing papers and suspending officials. We are being taken for granted,” he said.

The North West Department of Education spokesperson, Elias Malindi failed to respond to the media inquiry, despite being sent to him almost three weeks ago.  

Meanwhile, according to the www.gov.za website, employment in the public service, vacancies in national and provincial departments are filled by recruiting serving employees or by inviting applications from those who are not employed in the public service. It says, the vacancies in senior positions, i. e. the senior management service, must be advertised nationally for recruitment from within and from outside the public service.

“As a rule, vacancies are advertised in a Public Service Vacancy Circular compiled and issued weekly by the Department of Public Service and Administration (DPSA). The Public Service Vacancy Circular informs public servants about vacancies within the public service.

“Persons who are not public service employees, but interested in the positions advertised should first establish from the advertising department if they can apply. The contact details of the advertising departments are provided in the circular.”

The website says some departments such as Defence (link is external) may ask you to take a medical examination before considering your application. It says the applicants should download and complete Form Z83 (Application for Employment).

“You can also get the form from any national or provincial department.

Attach your curriculum vitae (CV). The department may also ask you to attach certified copies of your educational qualifications, identity document and other personal documents.

“Please read the advertisement carefully to see what you should attach.

Submit your completed Z83 form and all the required documents to the address listed in the advertisement. You may, depending on the approach followed by the relevant department, receive an acknowledgment letter.”

It says the recruitment and selection process varies among departments, but the aim is to complete the process in the shortest time possible.

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Picture: The Geelhoutpark Secondary School learner, Dintle Blessing Tladi facing murder and attempted murder case/Facebook    

By OBAKENG MAJE

A murder and attempted murder case against Geelhoutpark Secondary School in Rustenburg has been postponed by the Rustenburg Magistrate’s Court to 12 June 2023 for a formal bail application. Dintle Blessing Tladi (19) was arrested on Friday for murder and attempted murder.

The North West police spokesperson, Capt Sam Tselanyane said: “Tladi allegedly stabbed and killed a Grade 11 learner from Rustenburg High School. It is alleged that on Friday, at around 3:45pm, the police received a complaint about the stabbing incident at the Rustenburg Taxi Rank.

“Upon arrival at the scene, the police found members of the community gathered around the motionless body of Lethabo Sibanda (18), which was covered with a blanket. The preliminary investigation revealed that the victim was stabbed with a sharp object on his throat.”

Tselanyane further said, according to bystanders, Sibanda allegedly fought with Tladi, who in turn, recruited a group of other learners to attack the victim’s group. He added that, the two groups allegedly gathered at the Taxi Rank leading to a fight and eventually the stabbing of Sibanda.

“Sibanda was later certified dead at the scene and another learner, who was also stabbed was transported to a local hospital by the Emergency Medical Rescue Services (EMRS). Tladi fled the scene after the incident, but he was later traced and arrested.

“The accused briefly appear at the Rustenburg Magistrate’s Court facing murder and attempted murder charges. His case was postponed until 12 June 2023 for formal bail application,” he said.

Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena applauded the police in Rustenburg for their swift reaction that resulted in the arrest of a suspect in connection with the murder.

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Picture: The Banyana Banyana coach, Desiree Ellis announces has announced a preliminary 36-member squad for the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand/SAFA

By OBAKENG MAJE

Banyana Banyana coach, Desiree Ellis has announced a preliminary 36-member squad for the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand. The SASOL-sponsored South African senior women’s national team, will go into camp in Johannesburg on 12 June 2023 and all the players have a chance to impress Ellis before the final list for the global tournament is announced later this month.

Ellis told http://www.safa.net that, selecting the preliminary squad was one of the most difficult tasks she has ever had to do as South African senior women’s national team coach.

“It’s most probably one of the most difficult selections I’ve ever had to make as a coach. We always say players must raise their hands and make it difficult. It has been very difficult- to select the preliminary squad.

“I would also like to congratulate all players who have made it into the preliminary squad. We are going to do a final selection as well as announce the final 23 plus three. That is even going to be more difficult, but this is the group of players that we think will do the job for us,” she said.

Meanwhile, the Banyana Banyana’s highest capped player, Janine van Wyk, was part of Ellis’ plans for the preliminary squad but was eventually withdrawn from the list due to injury. The Alberton-born defender, who has over 180 appearances, thanked Ellis for considering her and confirmed that she sustained an injury. 

“I have sustained an injury that I personally feel would impact my chances of performing at the highest level that is required to make the World Cup squad. I have to turn down the call-up with a heavy heart, but also knowing that, I am doing what is best for the team,” she said.

Sasol Senior Manager: Group Brand and Sponsorship, Nozipho Mbatha said: “Congratulations to the preliminary squad selected to represent South Africa at the upcoming World Cup. The ball is now in the court of these talented players to put their best foot forward to be selected for the final squad.

“We have seen how hard they have fought to remain at the top of their game in the local league matches. Our overseas-based players also continued to work hard to profile themselves and ensure they remained within the radar of Ellis and her technical team.”

Mbatha further said they wish all these players the best of luck with the final preparations knowing that, they all have an equal chance to be a part of the final 23 strong women.

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Picture: The crime scene at Rustenburg Taxi Rank, where a learner was stabbed to death/Screengrab

By OBAKENG MAJE

The North West Provincial Legislature’s Portfolio Committee on Education, Art, Culture, Sport and Recreation said it condemns the stabbing and killing of a learner at Rustenburg Taxi Rank on Friday. The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee, Paul Sebegoe said it is concerning that, the schools around Rustenburg have been infested with gangs and there is rapid violence.

“Our places of learning should not be fields of violence, where our learners are involved in gang activities. We convey our heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of a learner from Rustenburg High School, who was allegedly stabbed and killed by another learner from an opposite school.

“The incident has caused trauma across the affected schools. We would like to send a message of condolences to the affected family, fellow learners, and the community at large. We would also like to thank the South Africa Police Services (SAPS) for quickly arresting the suspect and we call for calm in our schools,” he said.

Sebegoe further said, the committee will engage the North West Department of Education on ways of curbing gangsterism in schools and hope that the situation remains calm.

https://www.facebook.com/luan.snyders/videos/756776766238328

Meanwhile, a learner (19) is expected to appear at the Rustenburg Magistrate’s Court for murder and attempted murder. The suspect allegedly stabbed and killed a Grade 11 learner, Lethabo Sibanda (18).  

It is alleged that on Friday, at around 15:45, police received a complaint about the stabbing incident. Upon arrival at the scene, the police found members of the community gathered around the motionless body of Sibanda covered with a blanket.

The North West police spokesperson, Capt Sam Tselanyane said: “The preliminary investigation revealed that the victim was stabbed with a sharp object on his throat. According to bystanders, the victim was a learner from a High School in Rustenburg and he allegedly fought with another pupil from the other school, who in turn, recruited a group of other learners to attack the victim’s group.

“The two groups allegedly gathered at the Bus Rank leading to a fight and eventually the stabbing of the victim. He was later certified dead at the scene and another learner, who was also stabbed was transported to a local hospital by the Emergency Medical Rescue Services (EMRS).”

Tselanyane further said, the suspect fled the scene after the incident but was later traced and arrested. He added that the suspect is expected to appear before the Rustenburg Magistrate’s Court on 5 June 2023 facing charges of murder and attempted murder.

Tselanyane also disputed allegations that, the second learner who was ferried to the hospital died this morning. He said, in fact, the learner is alive and he was discharged on Sunday.

“However, this morning, he did not feel well and he was rushed to the doctor for medical attention,” said Tselanyane.   

Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena applauded the police in Rustenburg for their swift reaction that resulted in the arrest of a suspect in connection with the murder.

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Picture: Young people gathered at Thusong Centre in Setlagole village, near Mahikeng for job opportunities/Facebook  

By OBAKENG MAJE

Young people who attended the SA Youth Opportunities Roadshow at Thusong Centre in Setlagole village, near Mahikeng, urged the government to provide them with training and skill development programs. The North West Provincial Government (NWPG) called on job seekers and entrepreneurs to be part of the initiative, where government departments came together and share job opportunities in their sectors respectively.

One of the young people who attended the event, Oratile Kgomoengwe from Lower Majeakgoro village in Taung said, they run the Lower Majeakgoro Youth Cooperative that deals with agriculture and cleaning services. Kgomoengwe further said, young people should visit various government offices to seek help, instead of ‘sitting in the corner’ and ‘whining’.

“As we celebrate Youth Month, my advice to young people is that, please visit your various government offices. There are plenty of opportunities out there. I’ve realised that, many young people are stagnant to visit various government offices to seek opportunities.

“We have started a cooperative back home and visited National Youth Development Agency (NYDA) offices to request funding. We are glad that, everything is promising as we have just met with NYDA officials, and told us that, our funding might come through in the next two weeks,” he said.

An entrepreneur, Otsile Legobate from Wolmaranstad said, he specialises in poultry farming. Legobate, who shared the same sentiments added that, he started his business with only 30 chickens.

“I received assistance from the North West MEC for Agriculture and Rural Development, Desbo Mohono. She launched a program a few years ago and I was part of that. So far, I managed to sell eggs and be self-sufficient.

“I am self-employed and my advice to young people is, let’s make sure that, we use our hands to create job opportunities. Many young people do not like to work using their own hands, but they would rather opt for office work. 

“I was impressed to hear the North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi saying that, the government has created 2000 opportunities. One of the key challenges facing our young people is that, we do not read,” he said.

The North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi said: “The objective of this initiative was to expose young people to opportunities. The North West Premier, Bushy Maape brought this initiative here because Setlagole village is one of the deep rural areas. Most of young people here, do not get exposure to opportunities because there are issues of connectivity and so on.

“We have Netcare here that is working in partnership with the North West Department of Health. It has declared that, it has job opportunities. So, all young people who qualify to be nurses can apply. We understand that young people are confronted with so many challenges and we hope this initiative achieves its objective.”

Meanwhile, the Director of Employment and Labour in North West, Slindile Nkiwane said they have ten labour centres across the province, where young people could visit and register on their database.

Nkiwane said, furthermore, they have an online service, where unemployed job seekers can register on www.labour.gov.za.

“Some of our labour centres have kiosks, where job seekers can go there and utilise that service. They will be able to see job opportunities that are available on the database,” she said.

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Picture: A local philanthropist, Onthatile Jason celebrates her birthday with disadvantaged individuals/Facebook

By OBAKENG MAJE

A local philanthropist, Onthatile Jason said she will continue to focus on making a strong impact in the community of Manthe village, near Taung. Through Onthatile Foundation, Jason (29) celebrated her birthday with the needy by donating groceries, clothes, and sanitary pads to eighteen families on 26 May 2023.

“I am happy that some families managed to benefit from this initiative. So, I will continue to assist as many people as possible through my strategic philanthropic actions. My team and I, have identified families that are underprivileged and extended our helping hand.

“The reason why I am doing this is because, one day, I took a walk through our village and noticed that, there are many people who need help either food parcels, clothes and etc. Mostly, people from Lebonkeng and Moseja sections do not benefit from donations that are brought into our village due to the distance,” she said.

Jason further said, most of these donations were taken to the Baga-Maidi Tribal Authority office as a central destination, which is a little bit far from those sections. A qualified nail technician added that she aims to see growth within her village, especially among the youth.

“Most young people continue to indulge in alcohol and drug abuse, which destroys their lives. I urge everyone to be involved and not leave anyone behind. So, it will be imperative for us to support the cause in the best way we can.

“It may be a matter of donation or doing anything that might have a positive impact in changing the lives of those around you. We need to work together as a society and I am grateful that, the VW crew came through,” said Jason.

She said sometimes it helps to establish a culture of giving and this will not only benefit the current generation but the future ones too. Jason said she will be grateful to see a local library being built in her village as education plays a pivotal role in creating a better society.

Meanwhile, South Africa is celebrating Youth Month and in a statement, the South African president, Cyril Ramaphosa said, 2023 marks the 47^th anniversary of the June 16 Soweto and other related uprisings. Ramaphosa said the Soweto uprising ended tragically with hundreds of young people brutally killed.

“This tragedy became a rallying point that inspired a nation and a people to rise up against the brutal apartheid system. Following the advent of democracy in 1994, the new democratic government declared 16 June as National Youth Day and June as Youth Month.

“This year, the National Youth Day and Youth Month will be celebrated under the theme: “Accelerating youth economic emancipation for a sustainable future”. In helping draw more young people into the economy, the government has under the Presidential Youth Employment Intervention initiated various youth development and empowerment initiatives to support young people,” he said.

Ramaphosa said it ranges from formal education and training, learnerships and internships as well as support for youth entrepreneurship. He said, their initiatives provide the necessary support for young people to take on their challenges and win.

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Picture: The Learner, Lethabo Sibinda who was allegedly stabbed to death/Facebook

By OBAKENG MAJE

A 19-YEAR-OLD learner is expected to appear at the Rustenburg Magistrate’s Court for murder and attempted murder. This comes after the suspect allegedly stabbed and killed a Grade 11 learner from Hoër Tegniese Skool in Rustenburg. 

It is alleged that on Friday, at around 15:45, police received a complaint about the stabbing incident. Upon arrival at the scene, the police found members of the community gathered around the motionless body of Lethabo Sibanda (18), covered with a blanket.

The North West police spokesperson, Capt Sam Tselanyane said: “The preliminary investigation revealed that the victim was stabbed with a sharp object on his throat. According to bystanders, the victim was a learner from a High School in Rustenburg and he allegedly fought with another pupil from the other school, who in turn, recruited a group of other learners to attack the victim’s group.

“The two groups allegedly gathered at the Bus Rank leading to a fight and eventually the stabbing of the victim. He was later certified dead at the scene and another learner, who was also stabbed was transported to a local hospital by the Emergency Medical Rescue Services (EMRS).” 

Tselanyane further said, the suspect fled the scene after the incident but was later traced and arrested. He added that the suspect is expected to appear before the Rustenburg Magistrate’s Court on 5 June 2023 facing charges of murder and attempted murder.

Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena applauded the police in Rustenburg for their swift reaction that resulted in the arrest of a suspect in connection with the murder.

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