Picture: The deceased, Masego Mocumi, and her daughter, Remo/Supplied

By OBAKENG MAJE

A mother and her daughter from Mamutla village, near Taung, who died in a horrific car accident on R31 road in Danielskuil, Northern Cape last week Sunday, were laid to rest today.

Masego Mocumi and her daughter, Remo, were among nine people who died in a head-on collision between a white Toyota Quantum minibus taxi and a white Polo TSI. The other four deceased persons will be buried at Madipelesa village, near Taung on 29 July 2023.  

Mocumi was working as an admin clerk at Mamutla Clinic. The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sgt Molefi Shemane said the accident claimed nine lives of whom three were children.

“Eleven people were hospitalised, of which, three injured were the occupants of the white Polo TSI, while eight people were in the minibus taxi. The police are investigating the circumstances that led to these tragic accidents,” said Shemane.  

The Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola conveyed her sincere condolences and expressed her deepest sympathy to the members of the bereaved families and the injured.

 Otola also appealed to road users to obey all rules of the road, exercise caution and show good behaviour, while on the road.

Picture: The deceased, Masego Mocumi/Supplied

Meanwhile, the Democratic Alliance (DA) Member of the Provincial Legislature (MPL) in Northern Cape, Ofentse Mokae, who is also DA Northern Cape Spokesperson of Transport, Safety & Liaison said they have submitted a written request to the chairpersons of the portfolio committees of Roads and Public Works and Transport, Safety and Liaison to convene a joint meeting with the respective departments in conjunction with Sanral.

Mokae further said they will also include relevant municipalities so that a comprehensive approach to road safety along the R31 can be taken.

“Government’s failure to increase road safety along the R31 and branching roads is aggravating the unnecessary and tragic loss of lives on what is notoriously known as the “road of death”. On Sunday, ten people died and eleven were injured in two separate accidents along the R31 route in Danielskuil and Kathu respectively.

“These are not isolated accidents. In February, 13 people were injured when a minibus overturned. In September last year, seven people were killed on the R31 in close vicinity of Kuruman in a head-on collision and the list goes on.”

Mokae said they have addressed their concerns on various platforms, including legislature portfolio committee meetings. He said the DA’s Provincial Leader, Harold McGluwa, even raised the matter in a previous debate on the State of the Province Address (SOPA).

“Last month, the DA again wrote to the Northern Cape MEC of Roads, Fufe Makatong, appealing to her to seriously consider the placement of speedbumps at all intersections along this road after another fatal road accident on the connected N14 Kathu-road, but we received no feedback. The R31 route is largely utilized by heavy manganese trucks from mines in the Northern Cape to harbours. This has aggravated potholes and worsened road safety conditions, given narrow lanes and shoulders.

“We note that, portions of the R31 have recently been taken over by the South African National Roads Agency (Sanral), which has announced an allocation of billions of rands towards road maintenance and construction projects. We also welcome the completion of Transnet’s Mamathwane crossing loop, which should take thousands of heavy manganese trucks off our roads,” said Mokae.

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Picture: The Director of the Research Unit: Tourism Research in Economics, Environs and Society (TREES) at the North West University (NWU), Prof Elmarie Slabbert/Supplied

By BERTIE JACOBS

The Covid-19 pandemic has left an indelible scar on the face of South Africa’s tourism sector, and although cosmetic touch-ups have restored some of its previous splendour, some extensive surgery is still required to get it back to rude health.

According to the Director of the Research Unit: Tourism Research in Economics, Environs and Society (TREES) at the North West University (NWU), Prof Elmarie Slabbert, the importance of the tourism sector should not be underestimated. Slabbert said this is evident from the Covid-19 pandemic when the contribution of the sector to the country’s GDP dropped from 8,7% in 2018 to 3,7% in 2020.

“This effect was compounded by the loss of 1.5 million jobs in the sector at the height of the pandemic. Although a significant recovery has been made, more can still be done. One of the biggest obstacles facing South Africa as a tourist destination is its location.

“From an international point of view, South Africa is a long-haul destination, which has a cost implication for international guests. These tourists are also concerned with their safety and the unpredictability of actions such as looting and political unrest,” she said.

Slabbert further said, from a domestic point of view, less than 50% of South Africans travel –mainly due to economic circumstances. She added that, with this in mind, the tourism sector needs to review its products in terms of accessibility and affordability if we want to grow the domestic market.

“One of the biggest challenges for the tourism sector is its dependence on other departments to function well so that the sector can operate smoothly, for example, Home Affairs dealing with passports and visas.

“If this department delays processes relating to visas and passports, it discourages people from travelling and enjoying the tourism experiences. I also believe that it is critical for the tourism sector to employ more people who are trained for this sector, as they understand the importance of looking after a tourist in every way possible,” said Slabbert.

She said South Africa’s deteriorating infrastructure, coupled with a high crime rate, is also proving to be counterproductive to the good promotional work being done.

“The promotion of tourism in South Africa is done well, but external factors such as crime, safety, visas, poor roads, access, etc. are hampering growth. South Africa is on the bucket list of many international tourists, but after Covid-19 they are concerned about these factors and will rather choose a destination, where they are less concerned about the effect of unpredictable external factors.

“However, South Africa has a jewel, namely our natural scenery and attractions, which should be promoted as the major drawcard of this country,” said Slabbert.

She is also of the opinion that, research such as that being done by TREES can aid policymakers in uplifting the tourism sector.

“The research done by TREES can inform and guide policy development to build a more sustainable tourism sector. Research should not remain in academic articles and libraries – it should be available to the sector to implement.

“Currently, the tourism resilience model that we developed for South Africa as a destination through a project for the national Department of Tourism is promoted through workshops in different provinces for implementation. This is an excellent example of how research can inform policy, empower different stakeholders and determine action to move the sector forward,” said Slabbert.

She said policymakers should rely on scientific research when crafting policies, and a research unit such as TREES that understands the sector is an ideal partner in that regard. Slabbert also believes that the best way to change perceptions about South Africa is to first pay heed to domestic issues, as these pay the most long-term dividends.

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Picture: The missing Conny Nonhlupheko Tsima/Supplied

By OBAKENG MAJE

The police in Mmabatho request the community’s assistance in locating Conny Nonhlupheko Tsima (69), who is residing at Motlhabeng village in Mmabatho. According to The North West police spokesperson, Lieutenant Col Amanda Funani, Tsima was last seen by her family on 19 July 2023, when she left her relative’s home at Extension 39, Phase 2 in Mmabatho.

“A search was conducted around the neighborhood and surrounding areas of Motlhabeng village and Extension 39, Phase 2 without any success. During the time of her disappearance, Tsima was wearing a white dotted skirt, mustard polo neck, black shoes, and brown and white dotted doek on her head.

“She is dark in complexion, has brown eyes with a well-built body, and a black mole next to her nose. Anyone with information regarding her whereabouts can contact the Investigating Officer, Detective, Warrant Officer Ndlovu of Mmabatho Detectives on Cell phone number 079 897 1844,” said Funani said.

She further said anonymous tip-offs can be communicated via MySAPS App or Crime Stop on ‪08600 10111.

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Picture: The delegates during the public hearing of Agricultural Bill at Mmabana Taung/Supplied

By OBAKENG MAJE

Some of the residents in Taung raised various concerns about the Preservation and Development of Agricultural Land (PDAL) Bill. The Parliament conducted a public hearing at Mmabana Taung on Friday.

One of the residents, Aobakwe Gaobuse from Bosele Primary Cooperative said, even though they are in support of the Bill, they have concerns regarding what he referred to as a ‘silence’ in Chapter 4. Gaobuse also calls on the North West Department of Agriculture and Rural Development to give them the necessary support as small-scale farmers.

“We support the Bill, but there are concerns. Firstly, the North West Department of Agriculture and Rural Development has neglected this sector and failed us dismally. If you can go around Taung, you will see that, the majority of the land is not cultivated.

“In the end, people will evade that land and this will severely affect the economy of Taung. Remember, the economy of Taung relies heavily on agriculture. So, we need to be cautious of that and we do not get any assistance from the government as small-scale farmers,” he said.

Gaobuse further said the sector is marred with many challenges and instead of the government resolving the, government officials contribute to aggravating them.

Another farmer, Freddy Letlhogela urged the government to establish an advisory committee to advise on the achievement of the objectives of the Act, among other things. Letlhogela added that Chapter 4 stipulates that “The Minister may, by notice in the Gazette, establish an advisory committee to advise the Minister, on request or of its own accord, on—achieving the objects of this Act; and any other matter concerning the preservation and sustainable development of agricultural land. 

He added that the Bill is silent on what would prompt the Minister to establish such a committee or under what circumstances may a request be made.

“We need expert advice regarding agricultural land, its use, and activities are very critical. Therefore, establishing an advisory committee ought to be mandatory and cannot be left as something that may happen at an uncertain occasion in the future.

“The advisory committee should also be given a clear scope which will, among other things, promote the use of land for its intended purposes even at the provincial level. We are burdened as farmers in Taung and afraid, of how are we going to protect the land because people might invade them. We support this bill and hope it will bring intervention in our challenges,” he said.

Letlhogela said, for example, the government built them a stall, and people took it before it could be completed. He said, when one comes from Vryburg to Pudimoe, there are farms that need to be ventilated.

Meanwhile, the acting Chairperson of the committee, Busisiwe Tshwete said: “The meeting was fruitful, informative, and very critical on certain issues. We would like to thank the people of Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District for their input.

“The committee has noted that, most of them supported the Bill and some raised concerns. However, we assure the residents and all the participants that, the committee will take into consideration all their submissions.

Tshwete said after they have reached all the provinces and captured all the views that will be expressed by South Africans on the Bill, the committee will consider them and write a report that will be submitted to the National Assembly for its consideration.

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Picture: Police during Vuthu Hawe operation/Supplied 

By OBAKENG MAJE

More than 100 vehicles and 200 people were searched during the Vhutu Hawe operation on Friday. The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Lieutenant Col Sergio Kock said the operation comprised of stop and searches, vehicle checkpoints, cordon and searches, high visibility patrols, and compliance inspections at liquor outlets, businesses, and second hands goods dealers.

“A high-density operation in Kimberley was led by the acting District Police Commissioner in the Frances Baard cluster, Brigadier Charlotte Makgari, and supported by members of the SAPS Provincial Office, Public Order Policing, TRT, Airwing, Flying Squad, K9, Home Affairs, Traffic, Northern Cape Liquor Board, Sol Plaatjie Municipal Security, Safety Volunteers and Kimberley, Roodepan, Kagisho, and Galeshewe Police Stations.

“The team conducted 6 VCPs during which more than 100 vehicles and 200 persons were searched and several were fined for being in contravention of the law. Numerous disruptive actions included police stop and search actions, blue light high visibility patrols, and 64 compliance inspections were conducted at second-hand dealers, scrapyards, shebeens, taverns, liquor outlets, and businesses,” Kock said.

He said the team also executed cordons and searches at taxi ranks. Sergio further said the traffic department assisted with compliance inspection of taxi drivers and their vehicles.

Sergio added that, during stop and searches, one person was arrested with copper worth R1000, and one undocumented citizen was detained with the assistance of Immigration officials.

“Numerous visits were made to ATMs, business premises, national key points, post offices, and tuckshops in residential areas in Kimberley, Galeshewe, Roodepan, and Kagisho.

“The SAPS management thanked all the SAPS members and external stakeholders for participating in the weekly high-density crime prevention and disruptive actions, which will continue to stamp down the authority of the state and restore to community’s trust in the police,” he said.

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Picture: The identikit of the suspect, who allegedly raped a girl/Supplied

By OBAKENG MAJE

A 15-YEAR-OLD girl was allegedly raped by an unknown man. It is alleged that, the girl was walking home with her friend at Lesego Street in Ipopeng Township, near Kagisho in Kimberly at around 10:30pm when the incident took place.

The Northern Cape spokesperson, Lieutenant Col, Sergio Kock said: “They were allegedly accosted by three unknown men, who chased after them with knives. The victim was caught by two of the three suspects. One held her down, while the other suspect raped her.

“Anyone with information about the incident or the person of interest in the identikit can contact the investigating officer, Cst Mamapula of the Galeshewe Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offenses unit on 083 369 3589.”

Kock further said, alternatively, you can sms anonymously to 32211 or use the MySAPS app. He added that, all information will be treated as confidential and the investigation continues.

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