Two men were arrested for dealing drugs in Hartswater. The North West police spokesperson, Lieutenant Col Sergio Kock said on 26 July 2023, the police raided the identified premises and confiscated dagga worth approximately R80 000.
“A collective group of police units comprising of members of Hartswater Crime Prevention, Highway Patrol, and Crime Intelligence followed up on information regarding dagga believed to be at a guesthouse on the N18 road near Hartswater.
“Two adult males were arrested and charged with dealing in dagga and will appear in court soon,” said Kock.
Meanwhile, the acting District Police Commissioner for Frances Baard, Brig Charlotte Makgari indicated that drug-related offenses will be vigorously policed in an effort to eradicate drug trafficking and dealing in the community. Makgari also thanked the community for their assistance and contribution in making our communities safe by being the eyes and ears.
Picture: The former SABC and Mafikeng FM reporter, Mompati Sylvester Bobby Serame laid to rest
By OBAKENG MAJE
The former SABC and Mafikeng FM reporter, Mompati Bobby Sylvester Serame was laid to rest yesterday at Magogoe Tlhabologo village, near Mahikeng. Serame (53), who passed away last week Wednesday after a short illness, was applauded for his enormous and fearless approach to journalism.
Former SABC Current Affairs editor, France Nong (75), who discovered Serame’s talent said, he showed a fierce determination at a tender age. Nong further said, he had to drag the reluctant Serame to SABC studios in Mahikeng.
“Serame was driven by a conviction that journalism must be in service of justice. I always monitored him while visiting his family. Even though he was afraid of people, I could see that Serame’s talent could be nurtured.
“When I started Tsele-letsele current affairs, I wanted us to have cutting-edge current affairs that speak to people. So, we started by using regional stringers and Serame worked with them. He joined the SABC in 1995 and he was exceptional.” Said Nong.
He further said they have produced so many talents, but what he liked about Serame, he always wanted to deliver news to his people in his own language. Nong added that, the death of a journalist, is a compromise to freedom.
One of Serame’s neighbours, Odirile Dikola described him as a bubbly person. Dikola said Serame complained about headaches and they rushed him to Mahikeng Provincial Hospital, where he died the following day.
“He grew up in front of me and he was selfless. One day, Bobby slaughtered a goat and brought the goat’s head and trotters to my house. He said, you see now that my parents have died, I want you to become my uncle. That is where I realised that, indeed as a person, you create your own family,” he said.
Former SABC reporter, Dial Gaetsewe lambasted the SABC for allegedly ill-treating Serame. Gaetsewe labelled Serame’s life at SABC as an oxymoron.
“We grew up together at Magogoe Tlhabologo and he was an archetypal human being. Serame was a jolly person, who was dedicated to his work. It is sad that, Bobby was a stringer at SABC for 29 years.
“His presence was felt, yet not pompous. Bobby never forgot where he comes from and I can compare him to the late iconic Cebo Manyaapelo because he mastered his job. In many instances, we have earthly treasures and that’s what Bobby was,” he said.
Former SABC Current Affairs Executive Producer in North West, Charles Matlou said: “I knew Bobby back in 1996, while I was still working for Radio Setswana and he was working for Radio Mmabatho. When I moved to Mahikeng, we became friends. Three weeks ago, I called him because he was my entry point.
“Bobby was a celebrity yet, humble. He respected everyone and I think we should take a leaf out of his book. We are here to celebrate his life and he was not having a delusion of gradation. He created his own path and I have also learnt a lot from him.”
Meanwhile, the executive mayor of Ngaka Modiri Molema District Municipality, Khumalo Molefe congratulated the Serame’s family for giving birth to a giant. Molefe also questioned SABC’s decision to kick Serame out.
“If a man has served his people and served them well, he will receive this kind of send-off. You cannot divorce Serame from SABC because he was the ambassador. So, this is a befitting funeral for a martyr, a constant individual who was upright.
“This man did not deserve to die, as he was a true compatriot. His death is a heavy blow, but his teachings will remain with us. Bobby may not have occupied the highest position, but he served SABC well. As Batswana, we are afraid to preserve what is ours,” he said.
Molefe said Serame was ethical and it is so sad to see that SABC could not even contribute a bottle of water.
A learner from Pinagare High School in Taung scooped R40 000 after winning Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) High School Essay competition. Maitshwarelo Dintwa (17) was among the 10 winners announced by the third largest party in South Africa.
EFF national spokesperson, Sinawo Tambo said in a statement, the party is proud to announce the winners of its 10th Anniversary High School Essay and Poetry competitions. Sinawo further said, the competitions were launched earlier this year as one of the many extraordinary programs to celebrate EFF’s 10 years of unbroken struggle.
“For the essay competition, participants explored the topic “A 10-year history of the EFF”” in all official languages, with each winner receiving a grand prize of R40,000 per language. On the other hand, the poetry competition invited contestants to chronicle the EFF’s journey since 2013 in any of our official languages, offering a prestigious prize of R50 000 to one winner in any language.
“The EFF’s commitment to free, quality and decolonised education has been steadfast since our inception on the 26 July 2013. The recent Progress in International Reading and Literacy Study (PIRLS) unveiled a stark reality – among more than 50 countries surveyed, there was a sharp decline in reading comprehension among South African learners,” he said.
Sinawo added that, the decline is especially prevalent in African language instruction schools. He said they, therefore, initiated the competition to promote both writing and reading engagement.
“The EFF recognises the importance of preserving and revitalising our native tongues as an important part of instilling African pride that will elevate our languages to their rightful place globally,” he said.
The winners of the High School Essay Competition are:
1. Dintwa, Maitshwarelo (Setswana), Pingare High School, Taung, North West
Picture: The missing Tsholofelo Frans Pudi/Supplied
By OBAKENG MAJE
The police in Bedwang request the community’s assistance in locating Tsholofelo Frans Pudi (34), who is residing at Moretele in Bedwang. According to the North West police spokesperson, Capt Aaftje Botma, Pudi was last seen by his mother on 6 June 2023.
“A search was conducted around the township and surrounding areas of Bedwang without any success. At the time of his disappearance, he was wearing a blue jean, blue jacket, and navy blue trousers. He is dark in complexion, has brown eyes, a slender body, and is 1.6m in height with afro hair.
“Anyone with information regarding his whereabouts can contact the Investigating Officer, Sgt Thabo Mputla, on 082 373 9548. Anonymous tip-offs can be communicated via MySAPS App or Crime Stop on 08600 10111,” Botma said.
TaungDailyNews 