Picture: The Whip of North West’s permanent delegates to the NCOP, Eric Landsman/Supplied

By OBAKENG MAJE

The North West Provincial Government (NWPG) is on the ‘brink of collapse’. The grim picture was painted during the oversight visits conducted by the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) delegates to the province.

The acting North West Premier, Nono Maloyi allegedly said the province is encountering endless challenges such as infiltration of construction mafias, and incomplete and unfunded infrastructural projects with no consequence management.

Maloyi further alleged that there are challenges such as Zama Zamas (Illegal miners), high vacancy rate on critical positions, damaging veld fires, unending disputes amongst the traditional leaders, and the challenge of poverty as a result of the 53.6% unemployment rate in the province.

The delegation also heard that tenders are awarded and monies have been paid for certain projects that have not started. 

The delegation heard that there are service providers that have been blacklisted, who are awarded projects to carry out and the province has a backlog of criminal cases that are with the Special Investigative Unit (SIU) and other law-enforcement agencies regarding unlawful and incomplete tenders that are fully paid.

Briefing the delegation, Maloyi said the infrastructure is aging and ailing in the entire province and the province is experiencing financial challenges.

“There is a progress report on the N12 and N14 incomplete housing projects that were implemented by the province as the flagship and catalytic projects. The N12 project was aimed at addressing the housing needs of the community of Jacaranda in the City of Matlosana local municipality.

“The project was funded through the Human Settlements Development Grant by the National Department of Human Settlements through the North West Department of Human Settlements,” he said.

Maloyi added that, the project was a multi-year contract with the objective of addressing approximately 38 500 housing backlogs in Matlosana.

“However, the N12 project for housing in Jacaranda community was stalled due to contractual problems. The department has since taken over the implementation of 1667 top structures from the Matlosana Local Municipality and currently has four sub-contractors on site working on the project.

“The N14 housing development infrastructure project in Touvleg was meant to deliver 360 housing units but is also stalled due to several reasons including the contractor having financial challenges and some of the sites being located on a wetland. The contractor, however, is back on track and continuing with the project,” he said.

Meanwhile, the permanent delegates to the NCOP strongly voiced out their disappointment in what they described as despicable findings on the dismal failure of many municipalities to build socio-economic infrastructure development projects in the province.

The Whip of North West’s permanent delegates to the NCOP, Eric Landsman said: “We are disappointed over the problem of the incompletion of projects within the required timelines and we wanted clarity on when the final handover of the N14 will take place.

“There is also a challenge on non-blacklisting and consequence management by the department over contractors, who do not honour their contractual obligations and deserting projects before completion including the slow progress of law enforcement agencies in initiating criminal prosecution in instances, where corrupt activities within the projects were discovered and reported.”

He said they recommend that the North West Department of Human Settlements should ensure that, it has plans in place to ensure that the appointed contractors complete the projects within the timelines contained in the tender and to ensure the vetting system of contractors is improved to appoint qualified and competent contractors.

Landsman said the department must also provide a report with an updated timeline of when the N14 and N12 projects will be completed and hand over the houses to the affected communities.

He said the report should be sent to them by 30 September 2023 and the N12 and N14 projects must be concluded by the end of January 2024.

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Setshwantsho: Moswi o setopo sa gagwe se bonweng se kgaotswe kgokgotso, Gopolang Kesiilwe/Facebook

Ka OBAKENG MAJE

Baagi ba motse wa Tlakgameng, gaufi le Ganyesa ba re ba kgakgamaditswe ke tiragalo e setlhogo morago ga go bonwa ga setopo sa mosimanyana wa dingwaga dile 11 mo letsatsing la Tshipi.

Setopo sa ga Gopolang Kesiilwe se sene se kgaotswe mometso, se bonwe gaufi le lefelo la go rekiswa bojalwa mo letsatsing la Tshipi fa ura ene le ya sethoboloko.

Sebueledi sa sepodisi mo Bokone Bophirima, Mokolonele Adele Myburgh wa tlhalosa.

“Sepodisi kwa Ganyesa, se batlisisa kgetsi ya polao, mme se se tla morago ga go itsisiwe ka kgetsi ya polao mo letsatsing la Tshipi ka ura ya lesho lebobedi mo motshegareng kwa motseng wa Tlakgameng.

“Go begwa fa sepodisi se amogetse mogala go tswa go mongwe wa baagi, a bega fa go bonwe setopo gaufi le lefelo la thekiso ya bojalwa. Sepodisi se ile sa itelekela kwa lefelong la tiragalo, mme ba fitlhela setopo sa mosimanyana wa dingwaga dile 11 se se ne sena le dintho tsa go tlhabiwa mo thamong,” Myburgh wa tlhalosa.

Myburgh are, go begwa fa moswi a ne a kgaotswe kgokgotso ka sengwe se se bogale. Are ba ditirelo tsa phaloso ba ile ba netefatsa fa Kesiilwe a tlhokafaletse kwa lefelong la tiragalo.

“Ga gona ope o o tshwerweng, mme dipatlisiso di tsweletse,” Myburgh wa tlhalosa.

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Setshwantsho: Majoro wa masepala wa selegae wa Mamusa, Mittah Chelechele ga mmogo le majoro khuduthamaga wa masepala wa sedika wa Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati, Motseokae “Sense” Maje  

Ka OBAKENG MAJE

Masepala o faraferweng ke mathata wa selegae wa Mamusa, o kaile fa o amogetse dirori tsa kgelelo-leswe go tswa go masepala wa sedika wa Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati kwa Vryburg mo letsatsing la maabane. Masepala o neelane ka dirori tse, go masepala wa selegae wa Mamusa morago ga selelo sa tlhokego ya ditirelo mabapi le kgelelo-leswe ka motsi wa thebolo ya ditirelo ya Thuntsa Lerole.

Majoro wa masepala wa Mamusa, Mittah Chelechele are, ba itumetse thata go ka amogela dirori tse, gonne seo se tlile go ba nolofaletsa kgwetlho ya thebolo ya ditirelo. Are, ba na le dingwaga-ngwaga ba lela ka tlhokego ya di diriswa mabapi le kgelelo-leswe, mme jaanong ba motlotlo go amogela dirori tseno.

“Re le masepala, re itumetse thata ka kabelano e re e filweng ya dirori tsa kgelelo-leswe ke masepala wa rona wa sedika. Selelo se, kgale re se lela dingwaga-ngwaga, mme mo letsatsing la gompieno re kgonne go tsekegelwa tsebe.

“Baagi ke bone ba ba tlileng go unngwelwa segolo bogolo, gonne ke bone ba kgale ba itemogela dikgwetlho mabapi le kgelelo-leswe. Seno se tlile go re thusa thata jaaka masepala gore re kgone go isa ditirelo ko bathung,” Chelechele wa tlhalosa.

Chelechele are ntwa e, e ba tshotse dingwaga-ngwaga, mme fela ba lebogela go bona se kgale ba se lwelwa se nna le maungo a natetshang.

“Motswana o buile are, sengwe le sengwe sena le nako ya sone. Jaanong, re leboga thata masepala wa rona wa sedika gore tsekegela tsebe,” Chelechele wa tlhalosa.

Kgabagare, majoro-khuduthamaga wa masepala wa sedika wa Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati, Motseokae Maje are, ba bone go le botlhokwa go neela dimasepala tsa bone tsa selegae di diriswa tsa kgelelo-leswe, gonne ba itemogetse mathata a gore, sedika sa bone se a gola.

“Sedika sa rona se gola ka lobelo le le feteletseng, mme seo se itsa masepala go ka tsenya mafaratlhatlha a kgelelo-leswe a lekaneng mo ditulong tsa rona tse di farologaneng. Fela, re solofetse fa kabelano eno, e tla nolofatsa neelano ya ditirelo go baagi.

“Seno se tlile go re thusa thata mo thebolong ya ditirelo jaaka kgelelo-leswe le go neelana ka metsi go baagi ba rona go metse e farologaneng. Gape, se tlile go thusa thata segolo-bogolo go mafelo a a iseng a tsenyediwe dipeipi tsa go tsamaisa metsi,” Maje wa tlhaolsa.

Go ya ka Maje, dirori tse di tlile go thusa thata mo go neeleng baagi metsi, gonne jaaka masepala ba tsweletse go duela madi a le mantsi go bo rakonteraka ba ikemetseng, mme ba thapilwe go neelana ka metsi go baagi.

Maje are, seno se tlile go nolofatsa mokgweleo o wa tlhokego ya metsi go masepala wa sedika.

“Re itemogetse gore, go tlhokega madi a le matsi thata, jaanong ga re kitla re kgona go tswelela re thapa bo rakonteraka ba ba ikemetseng go ka neelana ka metsi go baagi,” Maje wa tlhalosa.

Go begwa fa masepala wa sedika o tsweletse go duela borakonteraka ba ba ikemetseng dimilione di balwa ka kgwedi go ka neelana ka metsi go baagi, mme seo se ame thebolo ya ditirelo.

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Picture: The missing Hei-Monique van der Westhuizen/Supplied

By OBAKENG MAJE

The Kimberley police are appealing to the public to assist in locating Hei-Monique van der Westhuizen (29), who resides at Garner Street, Beaconsfield in Kimberley.

Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Timothy Sam said Hei-Monique was last seen by a friend in Beaconsfield wearing a black hoody written: “number one girl” on the front, black trousers, and white takkies.

He said Hei-Monique also has a tattoo on her left hand depicting “CDK”.

“Anyone who might have information about the whereabouts of Hei-Monique can contact Detective Constable John Ross Webb at 069 703 9826 or 08600 10111 or either SMS anonymously to 32211 or use the MySAPS app.

“All information received will be treated confidentially. The public is also reminded that there is no waiting period to report a person missing,” he said.

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Picture: North West for Arts, Culture, Sports and Recreation, Keneetswe Mosenogi  

By OBAKENG MAJE

North West MEC for Arts, Culture, Sports and Recreation (ACSR), Keneetswe Mosenogi said as part of their mandate to promote the culture of reading, writing, and learning, her department will be handing over two new libraries on 13 September 2023.

Mosenogi said those who will benefit from this initiative are Raditshane Secondary School in Tlapeng and Southey villages, near Ganyesa. She further said the two libraries are equipped with books, toy library equipment for visually impaired readers, including WIFI for swift access to the internet to assist users and students doing research as well as necessary electronic security systems.

“The libraries are designed to meet the various information needs of the community from toddlers to adults who require sitting and studying. The library service is made possible by the partnership between our department together with the national office and municipalities.

“Raditshane Secondary School was once visited by Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati who was gracious enough to allocate a site for the department to erect a modular library for the community to use. The department encourages a culture of reading and writing in our communities as a lasting legacy in the formally disadvantaged communities,” said Mosenogi.

She added that, her department in partnership with the Ruth Segomotsi Mompati Foundation, will also host the annual pilgrimage in remembrance of the late stalwart icon, Mama Ruth Segomotsi Mompati on 14 September 2023 by visiting her gravesite and laying wreaths as it is her birth date.

Meanwhile, last week, the North West Provincial Legislature’s Portfolio Committee on Education, Arts, Culture, Sports and Recreation urged the department to ensure that, there is an embryonic role in various libraries across the province.

According to the chairperson of the Portfolio Committee, Priscilla Williams, the department has underspent on its capital projects such as construction and maintenance of libraries. Williams further said this is worrisome as only R5.8 million was spent due to delays in implementation by the North West Department of Public Works as an implementing agent.

The committee had an oversight meeting with the North West Department of Arts, Culture and Sports Recreation and Mmabana Arts, Culture and Sports Foundation over the first Quarter Performance Reports for the 2023/24 financial year and the first and second draft Annual Performance Plans for the 2024/25.

“Both departments should urgently ensure that infrastructure projects are implemented. There have been serious challenges to Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in libraries for many years. Our people cannot access Wi-Fi that can assist them with relevant educational information.

“There has been a consistent concern about the type of reading material in libraries. The department must also prioritise modern reading material in our libraries as our children cannot learn from old material. Furthermore, there should be partnerships between Non-Government Organisations (NGOs, institutions of Higher Learning, and communities on the enhancement of learning through usage of our community libraries,” she added.

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Picture: The acting North West Premier, Nono Maloyi to engage with investors/Supplied

By OBAKENG MAJE

The acting North West Premier, Nono Maloyi is set to host the dinner with investors to expedite the coordination of investments into the province. Maloyi said this is aimed at addressing high levels of unemployment, poverty, and inequalities.

“This initiative follows concerns raised by the North West Executive Council about the unemployment rate in the province, which is currently hovering around 53%.

“It will also follow up on the commitments made by several business people and private firms to invest in the province during the North West Investment Forum held recently on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit at Sandton,” he said.

According to Maloyi, the dinner with investors is one of the options considered to lure investors to bring much-needed infrastructure development in the province to grow the economy and assist in mitigating the scourge of unemployment in the North West.

The dinner with Investors will be held in Sun City Superbowl, near Rustenburg on 15 September 2023 at 5:30pm.

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Picture: The late IFP leader and Apartheid collaborator, Mangosuthu Buthelezi/Twitter

By OBAKENG MAJE

President Cyril Ramaphosa has declared a state funeral for apartheid collaborator, Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi. Ramaphosa’s spokesperson, Vincent Magwenya said that, the late Buthelezi will be honoured with a Special Official Funeral, Category 1, at Ulundi in KwaZulu-Natal.

Mangosuthu passed away in the early hours of Saturday aged 95. Magwenya said Buthelezi, who was popularly known as “The Prince of KwaPhindangene”, served as Traditional Prime Minister to the Zulu Monarch and Nation and was the Founder and President Emeritus of the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP).

“He also served as the first Minister of Home Affairs of the democratic South Africa. As preparations unfold for memorial events, Ramaphosa reiterates his deep condolences to the Royal Household as well as the friends, colleagues – including Members of Parliament – and associates nationally and internationally of the late leader.

“The State, Official and Provincial Official Funeral Policy of government accords Special Official Funerals, Category 1, to persons of extraordinary credentials specifically designated by the President of the Republic of South Africa,” he said.

Mangwenya further said Buthelezi’s funeral will entail elements of military honours. He added that, Ramaphosa has directed that, flags be flown at half-mast at flag stations around the country from Tuesday until the evening of the day on which the funeral will take place.

Meanwhile, the Democratic Alliance (DA) leader, John Steenhuisen said they pay homage to Buthelezi’s family today.

“Today, I will lead a DA delegation to pay respects to the Buthelezi family following the passing of IFP Founder and President Emeritus and Traditional Prime Minister to the Zulu Monarch, Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi,” he said.

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By BAKANG MOKOTO

A corruption and contravention of the Immigration Act case against two men has been postponed by the Grankuwa Magistrate’s Court to 19 September 2023. Two Zimbabwean nationals, Dalubuhle Ncube (42) and Bonginkosi Moyo (40) were arrested by the Hawks’ Serious Corruption Investigation in a sting operation in Garankuwa on 8 September 2023.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson, Henry Mamothame said: “They were arrested for allegedly enticing a Hawks investigator with R10 000 to secure the bail release of Ncube’s brother.

“According to the Hawks, Ncube’s brother has been in custody since 2022, following his arrest by the Rustenburg Serious Organised Crime Investigation for allegedly manufacturing drugs.

The report further revealed that the two were arrested moments after handing over R10 000 to the investigating officer assigned to the drugs case.”

Mamothame further said the money and the vehicle they used, were seized for further investigations. He added that Moyo and Ncube will remain in police custody until their next court appearance.

“The case was postponed for them to be appointed a Legal Aid SA attorney. The two are said to be Zimbabwean nationals and the state is yet to confirm their status in the country with the Department of Home Affairs,” he added.

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Picture: Mamusa Local Municipality logo/Google 

By OBAKENG MAJE

The embattled Mamusa Local Municipality is amongst those that failed to submit their Annual Financial Statement. According to the North West MEC for Finance, Motlalepula Rosho, two municipalities in the province requested an extension, which was granted.

Rosho said with the exception of Ditsobotla and Mamusa Local Municipalities, whose request for an extension, 22 municipalities submitted their AFS to the Auditor General (AG) on 31 August 2023 for auditing as legislated by Section of the Municipal Finance Management Act (MFMA).

“The submission of the AFS aligns with Section 126 (1) of the MFMA, which mandates the accounting officer of a municipality to prepare the AFS and submit them to the AG for auditing within two months after the end of the financial year, which ended on 30 June 2023.

“The AFS submission was attended by all in the accountability ecosystem, including Chief Financial Officers (CFOs), Municipal Managers, Mayors and Executive Mayors,” she said.  

Rosho said both the Provincial Treasury and Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs have played a key supporting role in line with Section 154 of the Constitution to ensure municipalities are strengthened and adequately capacitated to execute their mandate. 

She further said they also ensure that, municipalities submit quality and credible AFS. Rosho added that, in conjunction with other initiatives by the National Treasury, the North West Provincial Treasury, has developed an innovative 40-day Audit Action Acceleration Plan (AAAP).

“We want to applaud the programme as one of its kind, unprecedented, and designed to address issues highlighted by the AG in previous audit reports. 

“The AAP offers clear directives to municipalities on their roles and responsibilities, which involves developing and executing comprehensive action plans,” she said.

Rosho said this includes specific activities to assist municipalities in addressing the findings identified by the AG. She said this approach empowers municipalities to continuously improve by monitoring and revising their action plans, thereby laying the foundation for improved audit outcomes. 

“The hands-on support programme is poised to yield sustainable results and thereby positively impact the operational efficiency of municipalities. 

“We are optimistic that the progress achieved through the APP will lead to improved audit outcomes and will assist in establishing a more robust and accountable municipal governance landscape. 

“The provincial Treasury also assisted municipalities with revenue enhancement strategy and appointment of Provincial Executive Representatives (PERs) for implementation of the Financial Recovery Plans (FRP),” said Rosho.

Meanwhile, reflecting on previous municipal audit outcomes, the acting North West Premier, Nono Maloyi said: “We provide valuable insights into the performance of municipalities. The received reports over the past few years highlight the financial and operational challenges confronting our municipalities.

“The AG’s report on the North West municipalities provides valuable insights into the financial and operational performance of our municipalities. It also sheds light on the areas requiring improvement in order for government to bring effective service delivery and financial transparency.”

Maloyi said key among the issues noted is the challenge of irregular, wasteful, and unauthorized expenditure, which hampers accountability and has an adverse impact on service delivery. 

He said as they respond to the identified findings, they need to embrace not only the challenges but also the opportunities as part of finding lasting solutions to challenges confronting the municipalities.

“Through collaborative efforts involving government, civil society, and the private sector, we can drive the change required to improve the state of our municipalities. 

“As we adopt the recommendations, let us all continuously reaffirm the roles of our institutions and ensure that they are fit for purpose,” he said.

Maloyi said they need to continuously be mindful of the expectations of our people by ensuring that, they deliver quality services. He said AG’s recommendations have consistently reminded them that, they need to enhance financial stewardship in our institutions. 

“We need to ensure that we strive to close these identified gaps to move our province towards one that is more responsive to the needs of our communities whilst simultaneously ensuring that we manage to run a cleaner administration,” he said. 

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