Picture: Underage children allegedly indulge in alcohol/Google

By OBAKENG MAJE

The Moral Regeneration Movement (MRM) in the North West has condemned underage drinking as well as drug and substance abuse that allegedly occurred over the weekend at the merry-go-round swings, near the Mahikeng Mall in Mahikeng.

Convenor of the MRM Provincial Interim Committee, Pastor Lesiba Kgwele described the binge involving children as young as 12 as not only shocking but also a symptom of a deeper moral crisis facing society.

Kgwele said these deplorable acts, which are conducted in broad daylight whenever the merry-go-round swings are in town, point to a decay in moral values. He further said they are extremely concerned because underage drinking is a Siamese twin to teenage pregnancy.

“We call on law enforcement to clamp down on lawlessness and intensify visibility around the area, while the merry-go-round swings are in town. We urge parents to reclaim the Ubuntu adage that says, every child is my child.

“They should also play their part by accompanying their children to the entertainment because heartless drug dealers and unscrupulous liquor traders are opportunists that are taking advantage of our vulnerable youth to derive maximum benefit,” said Kgwele.

He further said the members of the committee had witnessed first-hand, young girls staggering, drinking publicly, others smoking hubbly-bubbly on their return from the Ministerial Imbizo on Gender-Based Violence, Drug and substance abuse that was hosted by the Deputy Minister of Police, Cassel Mathale and the Deputy Minister of Justice, Constitutional Development and Correctional Services, John Jeffrey.

Kgwele added that, this calls for urgency to ensure that the pledge that they had signed at the Imbizo, is given practical expression with implementing sustainable intervention programmes.  

“As the MRM, we are committed to mobilising churches, men, women and youth organisations including businesses to combat the scourge of crime as well as drug and substance abuse destroying the future of our youth as well as tearing our families and communities apart.

“The MRM is determined to intensify and redouble its effort to establish stronger partnerships for safer communities, establishing youth mentorship programmes as part of championing the charter of positive values is a priority that the civil society-led organization will embark upon as part of implementing its safer schools programme in partnership with the Department of Basic Education and other intervention programmes,” he said.

Kgwele said they hope that, the Provincial MRM Youth colloquium that they will be hosting on the 15 September 2023 to raise awareness about the Charter of Positive Values that they are advocating for inclusion in the school curriculum.

“We express a wish for the model of the Representative Council of Learners (RCL), Moral Regeneration Movement(MRM) and Ubuntu leadership programme that was implemented by Agape Foundation in partnership with Merafe Resources, the Adopt-A-School Programme, an entity of the Cyril Ramaphosa Foundation at Boitekong and Meriting Secondary Schools in Rustenburg replicated at other schools and districts across the province.  

“While collaboration with the South African Community of Faith-Based Fraternal (SACOFF) and the South African Police Service (SAPS) will also assist us tackle the scourge of crime at a broad societal level, municipalities must ensure that young people have recreational facilities,” he concluded.

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Picture: The cattle that were allegedly stolen/Facebook

By OBAKENG MAJE

Three suspects were arrested for stock theft on Reivilo gravel road on 7 August 2023. The North West police spokesperson in Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati cluster, Warrant Officer Tryphosa van Rooyen said the police from Vryburg Stock Theft and Endangered Species(STES) unit, received a tip-off on 7 August 2023 of a suspected vehicle pulling a trailer with stolen stock.

Van Rooyen said the police immediately operationalised the information and conducted patrols on the Reivilo gravel road, where they found the reported vehicle. She further said when the vehicle was stopped, there were allegedly three occupants.

“The driver indicated that, the stock belonged to him. Further enquiries were made and the occupants were unable to provide documentary proof of ownership of the stock. A case of possession of suspected stolen stock was opened.

“Three suspects were immediately arrested. Koos Barnard (34), Ntwaitsile Matebesi (33), and William Shuping (49) briefly appeared in the Vryburg Magistrate’s Court on 8 August 2023. They were remanded in custody and the case was postponed to 15 August 2023 for formal bail application,” said van Rooyen.

She added that, the owners of the stock were traced and positively identified the stock.

Meanwhile. The acting Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District Police Commissioner, Brigadier Tshenolo Tlotleng, applauded the police involved in the apprehension of the suspects. Tlotleng also lauded them on their dedication to ensuring that, the safety of the communities is prioritised.

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By OBAKENG MAJE

Five suspects have been arrested in connection with the alleged murder and robbery in Ganyesa. The North West police spokesperson in Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati cluster, Warrant Officer Tryphosa van Rooyen said the police allegedly received a call from a community member about a man, who was lying motionless along the old Kudunkgwane gravel road.

Rooyen said the police responded quickly and went to the scene, where they found the victim (38) next to his vehicle.

“After the scene was processed, the detectives immediately started tracing the suspects and early Monday morning, 7 August 2023, five suspects were arrested. All five suspects were positively linked to the crime and they briefly appeared in the Ganyesa Magistrate’s Court on 8 August 2023, where they faced charges of murder and robbery.

“Tsholofelo Montshwane (27), Mukhano Keabetswe (27), Christopher Gaobape (29), Gaonapetso Rancho (29), and Thabang Pudieng (35) were remanded in police custody until 15 August 2023, where they will appear in court for formal bail application,” she said.

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Picture: The N18 road in North West/Generic  

By OBAKENG MAJE

The South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL) said it will be rolling out projects to improve some intersections on the national route N18. The SANRAL CEO, Reginald Demana said the roads agency has set aside about R78.3 million towards Routine Road Maintenance of the N18 from Naledi Municipal Border to the Botswana border post.

Demana further said the budget will also cover the R49 national road from Mahikeng to the Ramotshere-Moiloa Municipal border, and the R505 national road from the Ditsobotla Municipal border to the R49 intersection. He added that the scope of work for the project includes accommodation of traffic, pavement layer repairs, crack sealing and patching of asphalt pavements, and repair of edge breaks and edge drops.

“This includes the gravel shoulder repairs, construction of drainage works to combat erosion, cleaning of all drainage structures, including removal of grass and debris from grids as well as clearing bridge drainage ports and scuppers.

“The budget also includes the repairing damaged fencing, repairing damaged fencing, repairing damaged road signs, cleaning of road signs, installation and replacement of road studs, repairing damaged guardrails and balustrades, road reserve, including the median, and the removal of grass cuttings,” he said.

Demana said SANRAL is committed to creating economic value throughout South Africa. He said, therefore, local sub-contractors within the Ngaka Modiri Molema District and general workers from the targeted areas will be appointed throughout the life cycle of this project.

“This will be sourced from the database captured by the Project Liaison Officers representing both municipalities. The appointment of labourers will be based on the sub-contractor’s requirements, depending on activities.

“All general labourers being employed by the main contractor and sub-contractor, must be sourced from the project’s targeted areas only, with assistance from the project’s targeted areas only, with assistance from the affected sections,” said Demana.

He said for 2024, SANRAL will further roll-out projects for the provision of non-motorised and public transport facilities and improvements of intersections on N18 section 6 from 25.0 to 38.2km. Demana said the project worth R14.3 million, is scheduled to start in February 2024.

“The scope of work will include geometric improvements of four intersections, N18 and Sekonopo school access, N18 and Madibe town, N18 and Lekoko access, N18 and Tabernacle school access provision of pedestrian crossings.

“This will include the public transport facilities and sidewalks along intersections, reduction of speed to 60km per hour from both approaches, provision of traffic calming in the form of rumble strips, the addition of the left-turning tapers, the addition of street lighting and right-and – left-turning lanes, and closure of existing school access at the N18 and Tabernacle school access information,” he said.

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Picture: Women in Law Enforcement Donate Gifts to the Hospice/Supplied

By OBAKENG MAJE

Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Timothy Sam said the build-up activities leading to the Provincial Launch of Operation Shanela in conjunction with the Women in Law Enforcement (WILE) parade continued in two phases, in De Aar on 13 August 2023.

Sam said the first phase of the Women in Law Enforcement supported by their male counterparts converged at the De Aar Army Base joined in prayer and devotion during a powerful church service led by the Women from the South African Police Services (SAPS), the Department of Transport Safety and Liaison (DTSL), the South African National Defence Force (SANDF), the Department of Correctional Service (DCS) and the Department of Home Affairs.

“In outlining the purpose for the divine intervention, the Provincial Head for Pro-active Policing, Brigadier Irene Kopeledi mentioned that the church service is meant to uplift and pray for the safety and security of resilient women in the different spheres of the crime-fighting chain.

“Chaplain Malerato Mhlekwa in delivering the sermon, shared a scripture from the book of Isaiah 52 vs 1-2, appealing to women to shake off the dust in them as God is telling women this day to arise from the dust, women should not feel condemned by the different daily challenges,” he said.

Sam further said, during the second phase, the delegation converged at the De Aar Hospice in Malaykamp in De Aar, to deliver must needed hampers and items that would assist the institution in its mission.

He added that, the founder and manager of the centre, Theresa Thompson who was also celebrating her 74^th birthday, welcomed the WILE and gave a brief history of the institution.

“She shared the hardships that the institution had to endure, but managed through all to be resilient in providing care and support to the sick and or terminally ill,” said Sam.

Meanwhile, the Pixley Ka Seme District Commissioner, Major General Nomana Mtukushe thanked all the women from the departments for offering support to Hospice saying a giveth hand is blessed.

Mtukushe said women must never give up and persist in donating in kind to the institution.

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Picture: The newly crowned Miss SA 2023, Natashs Joubert/Twitter

By OBAKENG MAJE

The congratulatory messages continue to pour in for the newly crowned Miss South Africa 2023, Natasha Joubert. Joubert (26) won the spectacular pageant finale held at the Sunbet Arena at Time Square Casino in Tshwane on Sunday.

The South African President, Cyril Ramaphosa was amongst the dignitaries who congratulated Joubert. In a tweet sent out last night, Ramaphosa said Joubert’s resilience is a testament to the nation’s fighting spirit.

“Congratulations to our newly crowned Joubert. Your resilience is a testament to our fighting spirit as a nation. We wish you a fruitful year of reign and we look forward to you making a positive impact as our Miss South Africa,” he said.

Joubert is a BCom Marketing Management graduate and is the owner and fashion designer of Natalia Jefferys, a company she started when she was 19.

An emotional and overwhelmed Joubert who hails from Tshwane said she was truly humbled and grateful to win the title and to be the first to wear the glittering new Mowana (“Tree of Life”) crown from Nungu Diamonds.

In her acceptance speech Joubert, a firm favourite among the crowd watching the pageant, said she is incredibly honoured and humbled to be crowned Miss South Africa 2023.

“As I step into this new role, I am filled with a sense of responsibility to make a positive difference in the world around me. I believe that success is not just about personal accomplishments, but about the opportunities, we have to give back and uplift those around us. I will strive to be a source of inspiration and support for others, just as I have been supported on my journey now and before.

“This moment is the epitome of a full circle moment for me. A dream that started 11 years ago…I pledge to use this platform to advocate for the causes close to my heart and to be a source of inspiration for others. Entrepreneurship lies at the heart of innovation and economic growth. It is the driving force that propels nations forward, creating jobs, nurturing creativity, and fostering a spirit of resilience,” she said.

The new Miss South Africa received R1 million in cash and a sponsorship package that includes the use of a serviced apartment at the lavish Brookfield at Royal in Kensington – developed by Tricolt – for the year of her reign.

She will also get to drive a Mercedes-Benz GLC as well as go on a trip to Paris sponsored by L’Oreal.

(Additional reporting from SAnews.gov.za)

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Picture: ANCYL leaders in North West, Wessel Morweng and Tshiamo Tsotetsi  

By OBAKENG MAJE

The ANC in North West has dragged the ANCYL leaders, who called for the removal of the “sick” North West Premier, Bushy Maape. The buoyed ANCYL leaders in North West last week said, Maape must go on an early retirement.  

It’s been two months since Maape was missing in action due to illness. According to the ANCYL provincial secretary, Tshiame Tsotetsi, the premiership position is strategic and a bedrock of the implementation of key government policy in particular and service delivery in general.

Tsotetsi further said a lack thereof, makes it arduous for government to properly function. He added that the people of North West deserve a full complement of leadership in order for them to realise their desired goals.

“It is worth noting that, Maape has excelled with distinction in stabilisation of government post-administration. We have seen steady improvement in all departments post-administration.

“There is empirical evidence that, a substantial Premier will assist in the implementation of government work. The engagement pertaining to this matter must ensue in the movement and way forward must ensue,” he said.

Tsotetsi said they will have a consultative engagement with the ANC in the province to discuss the matter forward.

Maape spokesperson, Sello Tatai said then: “Maape underwent a surgery. He was admitted to Wilmed Park Hospital in Klerksdorp for a minor orthopedic procedure. So, the North West Provincial Government (NWPG) wishes to inform the public and residents of the province that, the surgery was successful and Maape is recuperating well.

“The doctors are happy with his recovery. The Members of the Executive Council (MECs) and the Office of the Premier have sent their good wishes to Maape, who is due to resume his normal official schedule in the coming week.”

Taung DailyNews understands that, the ANC in the province has dragged the ANCYL to the disciplinary hearing that is underway as we speak to come and explain their utterances and they are allegedly facing suspension.

The ANC provincial spokesperson, Tumelo Maruping who did not deny nor confirm whether the ANCYL leaders appeared before the Provincial Disciplinary Committee said, he will shed more light on the matter later on.

Meanwhile, the Democratic Alliance (DA) in North West said it demands an update on Maape’s extended sick leave. 

The DA Caucus Leader in the North West Provincial Legislature (NWPL), Freddy Sonakile said: “The DA requests that the North West Provincial Government disclose information surrounding Maape’s extended sick leave. Two months after the start of his sick leave, there has been no update from his office besides the fact that he is recuperating at home.

“The DA sympathises with Maape and wishes him good health, however, North West residents need to know the extent of his sick leave. The recent calls for his removal are rather opportunistic since we have long said that he is not fit for the job and should have been removed when he saw nothing wrong with the province’s killer potholes.”

Sonakile said, if he is critically ill, the North West Provincial Legislature should consider replacing him. He said the North West Cooperative Governance and Human Settlements MEC, Nono Maloyi is moonlighting as Premier, reporting to himself.

“He holds a key position in a service delivery department that is currently presiding over failed North West municipalities and must address the housing crisis in the province.

“The DA will closely monitor how this situation unfolds and will not hesitate to table a motion of no confidence in Maape on the grounds that he is unable to perform the functions of the office, citing both his incompetence and continued absence,” said Sonakile.

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Picture: A pair of binoculars and a pipe, wrench, and spanners allegedly found in possession of the suspect /Supplied 

By OBAKENG MAJEA 42-YEAR-OLD man was arrested by the police in Deben with the assistance of the Community Police Forum (CPF), Deben and Kuruman Neighbourhood watch members, while executing a Vehicle Check Point (VCP) on 12 August 2023 at about 9:30pm.   The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Captain Mosimaneotsile Letsapa said the suspect was allegedly found in possession of suspected stolen goods and possession of equipment suspected to be used to commit crime. Letsapa said the minibus taxi without number plates, was stopped and searched by the police. “Upon further investigation, the police found four solar panels, a pair of binoculars, and a pipe, wrench, and spanners inside the taxi. The suspect was arrested after failing to provide a reason for having the items,” he said. Meanwhile, the John Taolo Gaetsewe District Commissioner, Major General Johnny Besnaar applauded the Deben police and also thanked the CPF, Deben and Kuruman Neighbourhood watch members for their support in assisting the police to fight crime. Besnaar said the suspect will appear before the Kathu Magistrate’s Court soon on a charge of suspected stolen goods.taungdailynews@gmail.com

Picture: Major Gen Thabo Elizabeth Mphuthi/Supplied

By OBAKENG MAJE

Major Gen Thabo Elizabeth Mphuthi has been appointed as the new ZF Mgcawu District Commissioner. Mphuthi who hails from Middleburg in Mpumalanga Province, commenced her duties on 1 August 2023.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson in ZF Mgcawu District, Sgt Omphile Masegela said Mphuthi started her career as a constable in Middleburg in 1987 and went through the ranks. Masegela further said Mphuthi is an experienced member, who has occupied different positions in her police career.

“Some of the positions she occupied are Corporate Communication and Social Crime at the junior management level, Vispol Head at the middle management level, and Station and District Commander at the senior management level, which includes the Secunda Cluster, Ekurhuleni Central Cluster and was later appointed as the Station Commander of Benoni SAPS, where she served until the current promotion to ZFM.

“She holds qualifications in Public Administration, Policing Practice, and Management, which she is currently studying towards her Doctor of Management (PhD). This is the first woman ever to take over in ZFM District,” he said.

Meanwhile, Mphuthi added that: “I believe in empowering others, especially women to achieve greater heights. I have every intention of making positive change, where there are shortfalls in the ZF Mgcawu District.

“I will only achieve that in solidarity with the members, community, and other stakeholders in the district. I have noted that the ZFM District is a vast area and the police manage with the limited resources they have at their disposal.”

Mphuthi said the police stations are not expected to work in isolation, thus the involvement of the communities in fighting crime is encouraged. She said, as the police, they condemn the action of taking the law into individual’s hands but plead with the communities and structures to work and support the police through CPF in ensuring that perpetrators of crime are brought to justice.

“My commitment to the district is to lead and ensure that our members uphold their pledge to serve and protect. Together as a nation we can change the picture of crime and make a difference,” said Mphuthi.

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Picture: The RSA president, Cyril Ramaphosa

By CYRIL RAMAPHOSA

Corruption is one of the greatest challenges our country confronts as we strive to improve the lives of all our people. State capture is one of the worst forms of corruption our country has experienced in recent times. State capture was the orchestrated theft of billions of rand through the capture of state institutions.

Our country is grateful to the actions of many South Africans who, acting as individuals and through various organisations across society, exposed state capture and in many ways ensured that decisive steps are taken to end it.

This week, it is exactly two years since the State Capture Commission held its final public hearing. Over the course of its work, the Commission heard evidence from over 300 witnesses and collected more than 1.7 million pages of documentary evidence.

In October last year, I submitted the government’s plan to Parliament in relation to the implementation of the Commission’s recommendations. Since then, significant progress has been made to implement various parts of the plan.

The State Capture Commission made 205 recommendations on the criminal investigation and possible prosecution of people and companies implicated in evidence before the commission.

To undertake this huge amount of work, the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) and the Hawks set up an Integrated Task Force to coordinate investigations and prosecutions. There are currently nine cases in court, involving 41 accused people and 12 companies.

Significant progress has also been made in recovering the proceeds of crime. Freezing orders to the value of R13 billion have been granted to the NPA. A total of R5.4 billion has been traced and returned to the State. The South African Revenue Service has collected unpaid taxes as a result of evidence before the State Capture Commission.

While a necessary part of our response to state capture is to hold those responsible accountable for their actions and to recover stolen money, we are also making far-reaching legislative and institutional changes to reduce the potential for corruption.

Eight of the 14 new laws or legislative amendments identified in our implementation plan have been approved by Cabinet and tabled in Parliament. These address areas such as public procurement, the involvement of politicians in administrative matters, the conduct of public servants, the intelligence services, money laundering and electoral reforms. A further six draft laws are in the process of public consultation with stakeholders. Further research is being done on some of the recommendations of the Commission, such as making the abuse of political power a criminal offence.

The State Capture Commission also made recommendations about the establishment of additional anti-corruption bodies. These proposals are being considered as part of a broader review of the country’s anti-corruption architecture. Part of this work is being led by the National Anti-Corruption Advisory Council, which is working across society to build ethical values and mobilise the nation against corruption.

The Commission found that the public procurement system was the main site for the theft and abuse of state resources. The Commission found that a lot of corruption takes place in state-owned enterprises (SOEs), which have large budgets.

In response to the Commission’s recommendation on the issue of dealing with corruption in the procurement system, government submitted the Public Procurement Bill to Parliament in May 2023. This draft law will increase transparency in procurement processes, will introduce binding codes of conduct for people involved in procurement and will improved processes to disallow suppliers who contravene procurement laws. The Bill establishes the Public Procurement Office within the National Treasury, with powers to issue legally binding instructions and powers of search and seizure.

In furthering the government’s implementation of the State Capture Commission’s recommendations in relation to SOEs, the State-Owned Enterprises Bill will align the process for the appointment of SOE boards and executive management with the recommendations of the Commission. This law will improve oversight, transparency and accountability of SOEs.

The Commission found that state capture was further enabled by weak law enforcement capacity. It said that that there was “a deliberate effort to subvert and weaken law enforcement, intelligence and revenue collection agencies at the commanding levels of those institutions so as to shield and sustain illicit activities, avoid accountability and to disempower opponents.”

Over the last five years, we have done much work to restore the integrity and effectiveness of these institutions, including the appointment of capable and credible people to lead them.

While many people contributed to exposing and ending state capture, the role of whistle-blowers was particularly important. Many of the people who revealed wrongdoing suffered victimisation and hardship due to their courageous actions.

We have put forward clear and effective recommendations on whistle-blower protection and incentives. These recommendations propose a range of measures, such as criminalising threats against whistle-blowers, creating a fund for whistle-blowers dismissed because of their disclosures, and providing state protection for whistle-blowers and their families where necessary.

These are just some of the actions that have been taken to give effect to the government’s comprehensive and far-reaching response to the findings of the State Capture Commission. In the coming months, many of the processes underway will be completed and much more progress will be recorded.

While tangible progress is being made, it is clear to me that we will only be able to put state capture firmly behind us if all South Africans work together to rid our society of corruption in all its forms.

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