Picture: Pile of books donated to learners/Google

By REGINALD KANYANE

More primary schools across North West will benefit from the AVBOB and Oxford University Press Southern Africa (OUP). Both entities are planning to donate thousands of books to primary schools across South Africa. The AVBOB CEO, Carl van der Riet together with OUP Managing Director, Hanri Pieterse, announced the 260 beneficiaries of the AVBOB Road To Literacy campaign on 15 June 2023.

Riet said access to books and reading for meaning is critical for children to acquire foundational literacy and progress through school. He said AVBOB, Oxford University Press Southern Africa (OUP), and government mark the second year of the AVBOB Road To Literacy trolley library campaign.

“A tripartite partnership aimed at stimulating and promoting a passion for books and reading. Adjudicators had a tough task sifting through the more than 8 000 nominations submitted by South Africans throughout the country to determine the final and deserving beneficiaries of the 2023 campaign.

“The national AVBOB Road To Literacy campaign, aimed at instilling a culture of reading and improving the numeracy skills of primary school children across the country. Each trolley will be delivered with 500 books, which is an increase from the 430 books in 2022. Each AVBOB Road To Literacy trolley library has a value of R50 000 and the total investment value for the 2023 initiative is R13 million,” said Riet.

He further said, a recent global study on children’s reading ability put South Africa in the spotlight when the Progress in International Reading Literacy Study ranked South Africa last out of the 57 countries assessed. Riet added that, in 2021, the study tested the reading ability of 400 000 students globally and showed that 81% of South African children could not read for comprehension in any of the country’s 11 official languages.

“As part of AVBOB’s ongoing commitment to support literacy, van der Riet explained that the AVBOB Road To Literacy campaign with OUP and the government is a critical collaboration in response to a pervasive need in schools and society.

“The need to work together in both the private and public sectors to address universal challenges for the betterment of communities and future generations. AVBOB exists because of our members, and everything we do is for their benefit and for their communities. We do this by creating and sharing value through social investments like the Road To Literacy campaign,” he said.

The Minister of Department of Basic Education (DBE), Angie Motshega who delivered a keynote address said: “This campaign is a crucial step in our journey to instill a culture of reading and enhance the numeracy skills of primary school children across our beloved country. I am particularly delighted to share that this year’s campaign places special emphasis on reading resources in mother tongue languages.

“Extensive research has shown that teaching in a child’s mother tongue language reduces dropout rates and makes education more accessible and engaging. Moreover, we recognise the critical importance of developing numeracy skills during a child’s formative years. Together, let us ignite a love for reading, strengthen numeracy skills, and empower our children to reach new heights of knowledge and achievement.”

Some of the schools that benefited from the initiative are Ganyesa Primary School, Maphoitsile Primary School, Modimokwane Primary School, Mohajane Primary School and Oratile Kujane Charitable Foundation.

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Picture: The Greater Taung Local Municipality mayor, Tumisang Gaoraelwe

By OBAKENG MAJE

The ANC in the Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati region said, it has established a committee to investigate, if the disgraced Greater Taung Local Municipality (GTLM) mayor, Tumisang Gaoraelwe is fit to hold office. This comes after a string of leaked audios depicting Gaoraelwe’s voice, where he confessed that he was allegedly drunk during the accident and also solicited money from two contractors.

On 3 October 2022, Gaoraelwe crashed the municipal luxurious BMX X3 worth R700 000 in an accident between Schweizer Reneke and Wolmaranstad. 

“You do not have phones with you and you are not recording? In the issue of the accident, this is what happened. I was travelling with my ex-wife and two children. Benz, my children are 3 and 2 respectively.

“So, our divorce settlement is that, I’ll see my children every month. So, it is normal, when she is around, I see my children. If she is not around, when I go to my current partner, I leave her and go to see my children in Pretoria and that’s the tradition,” he said.

He further said at the time, his ex-wife, Sindisiwe Nkonyana’s mother had an emergency and he had to rush her back to Pretoria.

“So, after the accident happened, the first person I called was Katlego Gabanakgosi the person I trusted. The police who arrived at the accident scene found me in the car. I was drunk, but the police had no reason to believe that I was drunk.

“I was able to speak properly and it was the same as now. So, he cleared (cleaned up) the scene. Have you seen somebody clearing the scene? He cleared everything and he said, my man….” Gaoraelwe said.

He also confessed that, he allegedly solicited bribery from two contractors and also wanted the beleaguered Director of Cooperative Services at the municipality, Dikagiso Mokoma to become the acting Municipal Manager because he is going to benefit from that.

In an exclusive interview with Taung DailyNews, Gaoraelwe vehemently denied that, it is his voice depicted in those audios.

Now, ANC regional secretary, Walter Mabogola said the constitutional obligation of the committee is to verify the authenticity of those audios and determine if Gaoraelwe acted in an ethical manner.

“It is true that, we have already appointed an investigative team regarding that matter. What is left now, is to give them guidelines and a time frame. That means, we will prioritise this matter starting this week,” he said.

Meanwhile, CONTRALESA regional secretary in Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati region, Thato Mampane said: “What is happening at the municipality regarding the appointment of Municipal Manager is intentional. We cannot go back and forth in putting different people in acting roles without appointing the Municipal Manager.

“You will recall that, there were recordings of Gaoraelwe circulating on social media declaring that, he would want Mokoma to become the Municipal Manager because he will personally benefit. So, we believe that he wants Mokoma to become the Municipal Manager at the ultimate end.”

Mampane said this agenda is driven by a former ANCYL president. He said the acting Municipal Manager does not have any powers and on the other hand, the municipality is wasting taxpayers’ money on court cases.

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Picture: The brave policeman, Sergeant Gaolatlhwe Joel Masilo/Supplied

By BAKANG MOKOTO

Two men are set to appear at Potchefstroom Magistrate’s Court for robbery. This comes after they were arrested for robbery on Saturday. 

According to the North West police spokesperson, Col Adele Myburgh, the off-duty policeman, Gaolatlhwe Joel Masilo, who was driving in his private vehicle on the N12 road between Potchefstroom and Klerksdorp noticed a suspicious incident in which two men, both aged 20, confronting another man.

Myburgh said, the alleged victim was walking home next to the N12 road towards Ikageng township.

“Masilo immediately pulled off the road and engaged the victim, who indicated that the two suspects allegedly threatened and robbed him of his cell phone.

“He courageously confronted the suspects, who were close by, and managed to retrieve the cell phone. Masilo went on to arrest both suspects and they will appear before the Potchefstroom Magistrate’s Court today on a charge of robbery,” she said.

Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena commended Masilo for his bravery and commitment in ensuring that, the victim was protected and his property retrieved shortly after the crime was committed.

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Picture: The firearms confiscated from a murder suspect in Orkney/Supplied  

By BAKANG MOKOTO

More than 200 suspects were arrested across North West during the High-Density Operation Shanela over the long weekend. The suspects were among others, 89 arrested for allegedly being illegally in the country, 36 for assault with intent to do Grievous Bodily Harm (GBH), nine for assault common, 10 for driving under the influence of alcohol, 14 for burglaries at residential and business premises, 12 for malicious damage to property and four for murder.

The North West police spokesperson, Col Adele Myburgh said the police were called to a scene, where a man (52) was allegedly found in possession of a shotgun, which he pointed towards the police. Myburgh further said the incident took place in Orkney at around 12:30.

“He was successfully convinced by the police to put the firearm down. Thereafter, the suspect was immediately arrested for attempted murder. Furthermore, the suspect informed the police that he shot his wife (50). Upon arrival at the nearby house, the body of his wife was found on a sofa with a gunshot wound to her head.

“She was declared dead by Emergency Medical and Rescue Services (EMRS). The suspect will appear before the Orkney Magistrate’s Court on a charge of murder on Tuesday. The police seized a total of 7 firearms from the murder suspect,” she said.

Myburgh added that, Operation Shanela further led to the search of 2765 persons, 1678 vehicles, 56 premises, and the closure of 13 unlicensed liquor premises. She said a variety of drugs, ammunition, counterfeit goods, and a firearm were seized.

Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena said the police will continue to focus and intensify operations on detecting and tracing illegal firearms to remove them off the streets to ensure the safety and security of all communities.

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Picture: SAFA beefs up its 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup Bid Committee/SAFA 

By REGINALD KANYANE

In a quest to make a great impression and eventually win the bid to host the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup, South African Football Association (SAFA), has beefed up its Bid Committee. SAFA CEO, Lydia Monyepao said, they have roped in the services of Tumi Dlamini, who will serve as the Chairperson of the country’s 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup Bid Committee.

This comes after the SAFA National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting held in Nasrec on 17 June 2023.

Monyepao said, Dlamini is a member of the SAFA Governance Committee and has served in several football committees, including the CAF Governance Committee and the 2010 FIFA World Cup Organising Committee. She added that, Dlamini also served on the Board of the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations Organising Committee (AFCON). 

“A lawyer by profession, Dlamini is an admitted Attorney of the High Court of South Africa with a multi-disciplinary background in Corporate Law, African Development, public policy, facilitating strategic African and global partnerships and corporate governance.

“She was the first black woman to be appointed a partner by an international law firm in South Africa. Dlamini is currently an Advisor to the African Peer Review Mechanism, an organ of the African Union (AU) where she leads and promotes corporate governance policies and initiatives on the African continent, and is also the Head of Global Relations and Partnerships,” she said.

Monyepao said, Dlamini has engaged with the private sector and governments at the highest level in several countries, including, Nigeria, Ghana, Senegal, Egypt, Liberia, Uganda, South Africa, Namibia, Morocco, Kenya, Ethiopia and several others. She said Dlamini is a strategic thinker, who has amassed knowledge of the political, economic and regulatory dynamics across key markets in Africa and globally.

“She currently serves on several boards, including JSE-listed companies. Dlamini holds a Masters in Public Administration and Public Policy from the Harvard Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University, a B Social Sciences Degree and a postgraduate degree in LLB from the University of Cape Town.

“We have also appointed a veteran administrator, Russell Paul as the Bid Lead of the Committee. Paul has a long history in football administration and was once a SAFA NEC member from the Western Cape. At SAFA, he worked as a manager for events before he was promoted to the position of general manager football business,” said Monyeopao.

She said Paul took over as SAFA Acting CEO in 2018 before resigning to take up the COO position at the Qatar FIFA World Cup last year. Monyeopao said upon returning home, SAFA identified him as the right person to spearhead the bid for the 2027 FIFA World Cup in South Africa.

“CAF Vice President, Kanizat Ibrahim, FIFA Council member Isha Johansen and SAFA Vice President, Anastasia Tsichlas were announced as Bid Committee members. Former SAFA President, Dr Molefi Oliphant has also been announced as a member of the committee too.

“SAFA is in the process of finalising the addition of more members to the committee,” she said.

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Picture: The President of Republic of South Africa, Cyril Ramphosa/Google  

By Cyril Ramaphosa

I have just returned from Ukraine and the Russian Federation as part of a delegation from seven African countries on a mission to promote a peaceful resolution of the conflict.

The mission comprised the presidents of Senegal, the Comoros, Zambia and South Africa, together with the Prime Minister of Egypt and envoys from the Republic of Congo and Uganda.

Last Friday we met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in the capital Kyiv, and with Russian President Vladimir Putin in St Petersburg on Saturday.

We presented a ten-point proposal that we as African leaders believe can contribute to various efforts that have been made by various parties to bring the conflict to an end.

Included in the proposal being put forward as part of the African Peace Initiative are calls for a de-escalation of fighting and for negotiations to commence with urgency; for the release of prisoners of war and return of children; for greater humanitarian support; and for reconstruction efforts to be prioritised.

We affirmed that the sovereignty of countries should be respected in line with the principles of the United Nations Charter. We highlighted the urgent need that the security of both nations should be guaranteed.

One of the key achievements of the Peace Mission was the positive reception we received from both sides, which we found encouraging and which provides cause for optimism that the proposals will be given consideration.

As African leaders, our primary concern is for the lives of the people directly affected by the conflict. We believe that everything should be done to end the fighting to prevent further loss of life, injury, displacement and destruction. As the international community we need to work together to prevent any further suffering.

There is a misconception that this conflict is far-removed from the realities of our own country. The conflict between Russia and Ukraine is having a very real effect on African countries and economies.

We made the point to the Ukrainian and Russian Presidents that while we undertook this mission as members of the international community committed to peacebuilding, we as the African continent also have a material interest in seeing a resolution to the conflict.

Both Russia and Ukraine are major suppliers of grains and producers of fertiliser destined for African markets. According to the African Development Bank, the conflict has “triggered a shortage of about 30 million tonnes of grains on the African continent, along with a sharp increase in cost.” As a result of this conflict African countries are negatively affected by the rising costs of food and energy.

Supply chain disruptions have caused a shortage of farming inputs such as fertilisers threatening the food security of a number of African countries.

Another point of the peace proposal being put forward by African leaders is for the opening up of the movement of grains across the Black Sea for grains from Russia or Ukraine to reach world markets.

This initiative has been historic in that it is the first time African leaders have embarked on a peace mission beyond the shores of the continent. Although the delegation comprised countries that have taken diverse positions on the various UN resolutions on the conflict, the countries represented have all taken a non-aligned stance on this issue. This has lent credibility to the mission and engendered trust from both sides.

As South Africa we continue to maintain our position that this conflict should be settled through negotiation and by diplomatic means, in line with founding principles of the Non-Aligned Movement, and that it is in the collective interest of everyone that it come to an end soon.

The toll on human life, the extensive destruction and the ripple effect it has had on the global economy mean that no country has been shielded. The conflict has caused instability, precipitated a humanitarian crisis and sent shockwaves through vulnerable economies.

Just as we as African leaders visited Ukraine and Russia to explain the impact the conflict is having on our citizens, we also believe we can contribute to international efforts to bring about the conditions for a lasting peace.

Both Presidents Zelensky and Putin agreed to further engagements following this initial visit.

As engagements with both parties and African leaders continue, it is our hope that as the process moves forward, a foundation can be set for a de-escalation of the conflict and negotiation, the two crucial preconditions for a lasting peace.

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Picture: A man is been hijacked by a criminal/Generic

By OBAKENG MAJE

A man who was sitting with his girlfriend in a bakkie in Veertien village, near Taung was shot and hijacked. Thapelo Mokgosi (39) was allegedly accosted by two unknown men.  

The North West police spokesperson in Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati cluster, Warrant Officer Tryphosa van Rooyen said the incident took place at around 8pm.

“The police are aware of the incident. The victim was with his girlfriend in the vehicle when two unknown men accosted him. The vehicle was hijacked after the owner was forced out at gunpoint.

“A case of attempted murder and hijacking is under investigation. The hijacked vehicle has not been recovered thus far and investigations continue,” she said.

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Picture: A Clear View fence stolen at Vryburg cemetery/Facebook  

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

No rest for the dead at Vryburg cemetery. This comes after the criminals stole a Clear View fence on Saturday night. Now, the Naledi Local Municipality has put forward a reward of R20 000 to anyone who could provide any information that could lead to the arrest of perpetrators.

The municipality representative, Babitsane Thebe said anyone found to be responsible for this act of vandalism of public infrastructure, will be liable for a minimum sentence of 20 years in terms of the relevant laws. Thebe said, the same applies to anyone found in possession of this stolen property.

“The reward of R20 000 is hereby given for information that will lead to the arrest and conviction of vandals, who destroyed and stole the Clear View fence at the cemetery. Anyone with information can please contact me on 083 333 4031,” he said.

Almost a year ago, the municipality allegedly spent millions of rands on cemeteries refurbishment projects.  

Meanwhile, the North West police spokesperson in Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati cluster, Warrant Officer Tryphosa van Rooyen said: “The police are aware of the matter and a criminal case has been opened.

“Yes, a case of theft was opened at Vryburg Police Station and is under investigation. No one has been arrested thus so.”

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