Picture: The newly-appointed Northern Cape Youth Crime Prevention Desk members/Supplied
By OBAKENG MAJE
Upington- The Youth Crime Prevention Desk has been launched in Northern Cape. The two-day event which was held at Tol Speelman Community Hall in Upington, aims to empower the youth to become self-sufficient and actively involved in crime-fighting initiatives.
The Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola was accompanied by the Deputy Commissioner for Policing, Major General Luntu Ngubelanga, and the Deputy Provincial Commissioner for Crime Detection, Major General Mmantsheke Lekhele, the Head of Ministry for Transport, Safety and Liaison, Vincent Diratsele, District Commissioners, Provincial Heads and senior officers.
Otola said the Provincial Community Police Board, District Community Police Forums and the youth were also part of the initiative.
“The five integrated youth strategy pillars including the Community Policing, Moral Fibre Investment, Youth Empowerment and Development, Disabled and Vulnerable Youth Empowerment and International Relations were discussed.
“We deliberated on what the youth should do in regard to fighting crime in our communities. Not only in certain places in the province, but they must include rural areas as well. Remember, Maya Angelou once said, you may not control all the events that happen to you, but you can decide not to be reduced by them,” she said.
Manwilhe Qwetywa was appointed as the chairperson, Thabang Mocwagole as deputy chairperson, Vusumzi Mocwagole as secretary, Jasinta Sal as deputy secretary, while Obakeng Nikwe was appointed as public relations officer. The additional members included Dimakatso Gaotlhope, Charmone van Schalkwyk, Lihle Gweyi, and Hernrich Jacobs.
The second suspect linked to the alleged theft of 51 rhino horns at the North West Parks Board two weeks ago has been arrested. Lindani Mthombeni (32) briefly appeared in the Mahikeng Magistrate’s Court today, facing a business burglary charge.
The Hawks spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Mathebula said Mthombeni was arrested by the Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation unit assisted by the Rustenburg Public Order Policing, Tactical Operations Management Section, Tracker Connect and Insurance Crime Bureau in Brits on Wednesday.
“The team followed up on information after the suspect was allegedly spotted in Brits driving in a Range Rover Evoque, which is suspected to have been used in the commission of the crime. He was traced to Brits, where he was arrested and charged with business burglary.
“Mthombeni, along with Elias Manganda, who was arrested last week for alleged theft of rhino horns, appeared in court today and their matter was postponed to 13 July 2023 for bail application. The duo was remanded in custody,” Mathebula said.
Picture: The ANC ward councillor, Tebogo Sepale/Facebook
By OBAKENG MAJE
The disgraced ANC councillor, Tebogo Sepale has abandoned his bail. Sepale (43), who is facing 11 provisional charges, two for statutory rape, three for the violation of a child with consent, one for manufacturing pornographic material, four for rape and one for sexual intimidation, briefly appeared at the Orkney Magistrate’s Court today.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in North West, Henry Mamothame said: “In one of the cases, Sepale allegedly shared nude pictures with the complainant, in the second and separate case, but involving the same suspect, two counts of statutory rape were laid against him on 6 May 2023 by the parents of two boys aged 15 and 17.
“He will remain in police custody until his next court appearance. A report by the police indicating that, the Klerksdorp Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit, was investigating a case of crimen injuria and two separate counts of statutory rape after they were reported at Kanana Police Station respectively.”
Mamothame further said the Orkney Magistrate’s Court postponed the case to 24 August 2023 for further investigations. He added that, the state is now awaiting the conclusion of investigations to possibly add more charges against the accused in preparation for trial.
For two days last week, several world leaders gathered in Paris, France for a global summit on financing development and climate action in developing economies. While such international summits may seem like a world apart from the daily challenges that South Africans face – such as poverty, unemployment and crime – they are actually closely connected.
Global development financing, if properly directed and provided on a significant scale, can make a huge difference in the lives of people living in countries like our own. While much has been achieved since the advent of democracy in our country to address the needs of the poor, this work has been undermined by slow economic growth, state capture and corruption, the electricity crisis and the COVID-19 pandemic.
These problems are made worse by the damaging effects of climate change, which include catastrophic flooding and drought. Poor communities and countries are most vulnerable to the effects of global warming, and yet they carry the least responsibility for causing climate damage.
That is why South Africa and many other countries have maintained that the industrialised countries that have contributed most to greenhouse gas emissions have a responsibility to fund the actions that less industrialised countries need to take to protect their people from climate change.
And since these countries have been able to develop their societies through economic activities that have caused the current climate crisis, they should also contribute to meeting global development goals such as eradicating poverty, improving health outcomes, expanding access to quality education, promoting gender equality and ensuring everyone has clean water and sanitation.
As we said at the summit, we do not want to be treated like beggars, as if we are asking for charity. The industrialisation and economic development of the Global North were achieved at the expense of the Global South. Wealthier countries, therefore, have both an obligation and an interest in supporting development and climate action in poorer countries.
As South Africa, we argued for a fundamental overhaul of the international financial institutions that are responsible for supporting development across the world.
These bodies, which include the World Bank and International Monetary Fund, should be restructured to be more inclusive and responsive. They should provide funding in a way that does not increase the debt burden of countries already struggling to service their debt.
We said that the international community must appreciate the scale of the challenge and make sure that sufficient funds are available.
As a start, industrialised countries must meet their existing commitments, such as mobilising $100 billion annually for climate action in developing economies. Yet, even as this goal is achieved, much more money will be needed to ensure an effective response to climate change. South Africa’s own Just Energy Transition Investment Plan, which was released a year, estimates that our country alone would need around $98 billion over the next five years to enable a just transition towards a low-carbon economy.
While the Paris Summit is not a formal structure through which international agreements are reached, it is significant that there was broad consensus among most of the countries that much more funding is needed and that international development banks needed to be significantly reformed to direct that funding to where it will have the greatest impact. There was general agreement that additional private sector funding should be mobilised and that funding should be provided on better terms.
But what does this mean, practically, for the people of South Africa?
With improved funding for our just energy transition, we will be able to invest substantially in strengthening our electricity grid and new renewable energy generation. This will make a significant contribution to ending load shedding and securing a reliable and affordable supply of electricity. This will, in turn, promote economic growth, make our exports more competitive and create employment.
This funding will also enable us to develop new industries, such as electric vehicles and green hydrogen, which will increase our industrial output and create jobs for the economy of the future.
Through such funding, we can increase our investment in infrastructure, expanding the capacity of our economy and reducing the costs for emerging businesses.
There are immediate challenges that we are addressing as a country. We are working to accelerate the implementation of our Energy Action Plan and Economic Reconstruction and Recovery Plan to end load shedding, grow the economy and create jobs.
At the same, we need to continue to assert the needs and interests of developing economies in these international forums, so that we can raise the funds that are required to achieve a just transition and advance our developmental objectives. This is important not only for people in South Africa, but for people throughout the Global South.
In summarising the outcomes of the Summit, French President Emmanuel Macron said: “More than ever, international solidarity and transfers from the richest countries to the most vulnerable ones are essential to shape a fairer world.”
This is a view that we share. We will continue to work with other countries across the world to ensure that it becomes a reality.
Picture: The Director of Media Engineering and Office Solution, Lerata Raphael Mokoteli/Google
By OBAKENG MAJE
A 40-YEAR-OLD man was sentenced to 10 years imprisonment for fraud and money laundering by the Kimberley Specialised Commercial Crimes Court on Thursday. The Hawks spokesperson in Northern Cape, Lieutenant Col Tebogo Thebe said the Director of Media Engineering and Office Solution, Lerata Raphael Mokoteli pleaded guilty to the charges against him.
Thebe said, between March and June 2016, Mokoteli submitted a fraudulent funding proposal to AgriSETA for funding the gardening project, giving a misrepresentation that he had partnered with Dipalemo Company which is accredited by AgriSETA for the purpose of funding.
“Mokoteli acted as if he had the mandate from Dipalemo Company to enter into a partnership with Business against Crime company for the use of its accreditation certificate with AgriSETA, whereas he was not a member of Dipalemo. AgriSETA granted funding of approximately R1.9 million to the Business Against Crime company as a consequence of misrepresentation.
“The Kimberley-based Hawks’ Serious Commercial Crime Investigation team successfully investigated the matter resulting in a conviction and sentencing of the accused. Mokoteli was found guilty on 50 counts of fraud and two counts of money laundering,” he said.
Thebe further said Mokoteli was sentenced to 10 years imprisonment, which is wholly suspended for five years on condition that he is not convicted of money laundering during the period of suspension. He added that, Mokoteli was further instructed to repay R1.9 million to the benefit of the Agriculture Sector Education and Training Authority.
Meanwhile, the Provincial Head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, Major General Steve Mabuela expressed his satisfaction with the conviction of Mokoteli.
“Mokoteli’s guilty plea was influenced by overwhelming evidence placed before the court, as a result of a meticulous investigation by our investigating team,” he said.
A Somalian tuckshop owner (30) was shot dead during a foiled business robbery in Robaletheka Section in Magogong village, near Taung on Wednesday. According to the North West police spokesperson in Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati cluster, Warrant Officer Tryphosa van Rooyen, unknown armed men accosted the deceased in an attempt to rob him.
“The shop owner was attacked during load shedding by unknown suspects who tried to rob him but ultimately ended up shooting him. The suspects fled the scene and the deceased was ferried to Connie Voster Hospital in Hartswater for medical attention, where he succumbed to his injuries.
“No one has been arrested thus far as the suspects are unknown. The police request anyone with information that could lead to the arrest of the suspects to contact them. They can call 0800 10111 or go to the nearest police station,” she said.
Picture: North West MEC for DEDECT, Virginia Tlhapi/Supplied
By OBAKENG MAJE
North West MEC for the Department of Economic Development, Environment, Conservation, and Tourism (DEDECT), Virginia Tlhapi said youth development is an integral part of national transformation and a catalyst for sustainable growth. Tlhapi said as a government, they recognise the challenges faced by Small Micro-Medium Enterprises (SMMEs) in the province and they will provide much-needed support.
“Our intention is to foster a plan in collaboration with key stakeholders that caters to the needs of young entrepreneurs and ensures economic transformation for small enterprises. We also want to encourage young people to absorb and apply the shared information to seize the opportunities presented before them.
“We want them to ultimately contribute to a better future. Our department is committed and has allocated R15 million to procure equipment for both start-ups and existing small business enterprises. Under this fund, small businesses and cooperatives operating within the province can access equipment worth R100 000 for start-ups and R200,000 for existing businesses,” she said.
Tlhapi further said the fund excludes certain industries such as liquor, gambling, tendering costs, property acquisition expenses, primary agriculture, and transportation. She added that, as part of the program, ten Empowerment Fund Program beneficiaries in the fields of laundry services, spa and beauty, steel projects, construction, printing, confectionery, catering, and architectural services received equipment.
“We would like to commend their efforts and we urge them to strive for sustainability as their success will generate employment opportunities for others. This impactful event followed a series of informative sessions held in Lichtenburg, Potchefstroom, and Bloemhof, which showcased a range of opportunities provided by the government.
“These sessions aimed to enhance the competitiveness of rural and township enterprises, start-up businesses, and high-growth potential businesses owned by youth, thereby retaining existing jobs and fostering new employment prospects.
The event received extensive support from the Bojanala District and its local municipalities, and various development finance institutions, including SEFA, SEDA, NYDA, NWDC, NDA, NEF, and SARS,” said Tlhapi.
She said these institutions encouraged SMMEs to leverage opportunities made available by the government and the private sector to fuel the growth and development of their businesses. Tlhapi said her dedication to empowering young SMMEs sets a precedent for economic transformation in the region by bridging the gap between the first and second economies.
“These efforts promise to cultivate a thriving entrepreneurial landscape, promoting job creation and sustainable development,” she said.
Picture: One of the murder accused persons, Tlotliso Segwabe/Facebook
By OBAKENG MAJE
A mother and her disabled son accused of murder were granted R500 bail each by Taung Magistrate’s Court on Thursday. Kelebogile Segwabe (41) and Tlotliso Segwabe (21) from Extension 7 in Taung, were arrested last week Thursday for allegedly killing a Zimbabwean man (26) during a mob justice.
The duo is facing murder, kidnapping, and malicious damage to property. It is alleged that, on the night of 28 June 2023, Tlotliso arrived at his house from a local tavern. He was allegedly attacked by the deceased person with a spade while trying to open the door. According to allegations, Tlotliso ran and screamed for help.
Some community members allegedly woke up and came to his rescue. It is alleged that, the deceased person was chased and knocked at one of the houses, but the occupants refused to open for him. The community members allegedly did not catch him, but woke up early morning and embarked on a witch-hunt.
They allegedly found the deceased person and severely assaulted him with a sjambok. He was ferried to the Taung District Hospital for medical attention but allegedly succumbed to his injuries.
North West police spokesperson in Dr Ruth Segomotsi cluster, Warrant Officer Tryphosa van Rooyen said: “It is alleged that the deceased victim was at the suspect’s home, where he was in an altercation with the son of the accused. He was overpowered and chased by a group of people and assaulted. The two accused persons were charged with kidnapping, murder, and malicious damage to property.”
The murder case was postponed until 2 August 2023 for further investigations.
Picture: Schweizer Reneke-born politician, the late Essop Pahad/Google
By OBAKENG MAJE
Heartfelt condolence messages continue to pour in after the death of ANC struggle icon, Dr Essop Pahad. The former minister passed away in the early hours of 6 July 2023 in his sleep at the age 84. The Pahad family spokesperson, Dr Faizel Randera said the Schweizer Reneke-born politician served the people of South Africa throughout his life.
“It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Dr Essop Goolam Pahad. He was a dedicated member of the ANC and SACP. Pahad was appointed as a Member of Parliament (MP) and Minister in the Presidency after 1994.
“He was a dedicated and loving family man and leaves behind his wife, brothers, children, grandchildren, and extended family members. He is also mourned by countless friends, comrades, and colleagues,” said Randera.
The North West acting Premier, Nono Maloyi described Pahad as an activist and a politician, who had an illustrious career as an academic. Maloyi further said Pahad served as the Parliamentary Counsellor and Minister in the Presidency during the tenure of former President Thabo Mbeki.
“Pahad belonged to a cohort of selfless leaders, who dedicated their lives to the struggle for liberation. He was unflinching in his pursuit of a united, non-racial, non-sexist, democratic, and prosperous South Africa. A committed activist and patriot, who championed the socio-economic rights of the poor and economically marginalised.
“Pahad served the country with pride and he was relentless in his advocacy for a free and equal nation, but critically he shall be remembered as someone who was ethical and lived truthfully to the ideals of what encapsulates a people’s centered democracy. May his soul rest in peace and as the province, will take guidance from the Presidency and the Pahad family on arrangements for the send-off of this gallant hero,” he said.
Meanwhile, the ANC national spokesperson, Mahlengi Bhengu-Motsiri said: “Pahad hailed from a family of political activists. His father, Goolam Hoosain Ismael Pahad, was a prominent figure in the Transvaal Indian Congress and the South African Indian Congress. Following in his father’s footsteps, Essop joined the Transvaal Indian Youth Congress in 1958, where he became a vocal advocate for the cause, fighting for the rights of all South Africans, regardless of race.
“However, he faced persecution for his efforts, compelling him to flee the country in 1964. Despite being in exile, he remained steadfast in his mission, working tirelessly with members of the international community to raise awareness about the struggles of South Africa.”
Bhengu-Motsiri added: “This experience gave him a profound appreciation for diverse perspectives and an unwavering commitment to fighting for justice. Upon his return to South Africa in 1990, Essop played a pivotal role in shaping the new South Africa. He played an instrumental role in the Convention for a Democratic South Africa (CODESA) negotiations.
“He held several notable political positions, including serving as a member of the National Assembly from 1994-2008, as Parliamentary Counsellor to the Deputy
President from 1994 to 1996, and later as Deputy Minister from 1996 to 1999. In 1999, he served as a minister, focusing on key issues such as the Rights of the Child and the Status of Women.”
Dr Essop Pahad will be laid to rest this afternoon with Muslim Rites at West Park Cemetery, in Johannesburg at 2pm.
Picture: Some of the incomplete RDP houses in Kgomotso village, near Taung
By OBAKENG MAJE
More than 2000 RDP houses were left incomplete across the Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District. Some residents said they have now lost hope in the government as nothing has been done since the contractors abandoned these projects without any accountability.
One of the victims, Themba Ngoma from Kgomotso village, near Taung, said there was no communication at all after the contractor abandoned the project in their area. He said, they hope that the North West MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlement and Traditional Affairs (COGHSTA), Nono Maloyi will ‘walk the talk’ and restore their dignity.
“You will remember that, the aim of RDP houses was to provide housing to the poor. However, it seems that was not as clear-cut as it looked because there is a backlog now. We are left with incomplete RDP houses, while there was no communication at all from those who are in power. I think this project was halted back in 2016 and we were left in the dark for the longest time.
“We call on the government to ensure that, the RDP houses projects are viable and sustainable. It cannot be correct that, in the face of poverty, we continue to be ill-treated by contractors who do as they please. We call for accountability and the government should take a stern warning against those who deliver shoddy work,” he said.
Meanwhile, the North West MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlement and Traditional Affairs (COGHSTA), Nono Maloyi who visited the Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District on Wednesday, has committed that his department will leave no stone unturned in ensuring that communities receive proper houses.
Maloyi had a consultative engagement with mayors, speakers, and ward councillors from various municipalities that constitutes the Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District Municipality.
“The purpose of the meeting was to present all blocked, incomplete, and abandoned projects within the Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District Municipality and further introduce 12 contractors, who have been appointed to fast-track the completion of these blocked projects.
“There are over 8700 blocked projects in the province, some of which date back to as far as 2002. So, it is the responsibility of the government to oversee their completion as this prompts a lack of trust and confidence from community members. We have a contract with the people of the province, where we committed to providing sustainable human settlements for them, which will bring and restore their dignity,” he said.
Maloyi further said, they are selfless in this approach and committed to ensuring that the people have proper houses above their heads. He added that, ward councillors will monitor the progress on a daily basis, citing that it is their duty to ensure that government funds are being used for their rightful purposes and effectively.
“We also warn contractors who delays the completion of projects or abandons project intentionally that the department will not hesitate to downscale, or even terminate their contracts for non-performance.
“Our government takes the issue of monitoring and providing quality work very seriously, therefore, if a contractor is found not to be performing well, the department must look for one who is capable and can complete the project within the stipulated timeframe. Preference will be on those who are already on-site and performing well, then increase their scope,” said Maloyi.
In addition, Maloyi acknowledged that, some of the delays are due to the department not processing payments of service providers on time. He said, they will engage as the department and try to resolve the matter as he would like to see payments for all the blocked projects being made within 15 to 30 days period.
The Guardian 