Picture: The Chairperson of North West Provincial Legislature’s Portfolio Committee on Public Works and Roads, Community Safety and Transport Management, Mmoloki Cwaile

By OBAKENG MAJE

The North West Provincial Government (NWPG) seeks to raise R500 million and inject it into the North West Transport Investment (NTI). According to the Office of the Premier, this money will assist in paying both the salaries of employees and creditors.

This was said during a joint meeting that both North West Provincial Legislature’s Portfolio Committees held with the Office of the Premier, Provincial Treasury, and the Department of Community Safety and Transport Management on Tuesday to register progress on the status of the NTI.

The Chairperson of North West Provincial Legislature’s Portfolio Committee on Public Works and Roads, Community Safety and Transport Management, Mmoloki Cwaile together with the Chairperson of Portfolio Committee on Premier and Finance, Aron Motswana, vehemently rejects the view of the Office of the Premier, North West Community Safety and Transport Management together with Provincial Treasury that the appointment of the Business Rescue Practitioner (BRP), Thomas Samson was approved by government.

Cwaile said the committee’s posture on NTI remains unchanged and will continue to rally support behind the North West Community Safety and Transport Management to litigate against BRP and ensure his swift removal. He said they also noted the appointment of the new legal team, which is working on a review of the litigation work already done and actively intended to challenge the appointment of the BRP and seek to interdict and restrain him.

“We have resolved that, the Provincial Treasury should conduct an internal audit on NTI Group and investigate and validate amounts claimed to be owed to creditors. We also support the decision of the provincial government to seek to make budget adjustments to find a reasonable amount of funds to inject into NTI Group for salaries of workers and payments of the creditors.

“The BRP has deteriorated the financial health of the entity and we would like to express our disappointment in the provincial government’s delayed actions to redress and care about the plight of the workers with one of the workers committing suicide due to the frustrations of non-payment,” he said.

However, Cwaile said they appreciate the fact that the provincial government has resolved to rescue the NTI Group. He further said, they also noted and appreciated the active intention to remove the BRP who was irregularly appointed and not able to add any positive impetus to the desire to rescue the entity.

“We noted that no due processes were followed in the appointment of the BRP which was not done as per the resolve of the Executive Council (EXCO) nor through the board resolution. We sought to open a criminal case with the Department of Police for Criminal Investigations (DPCI) known as the Hawks.

“We do this for this reason and amongst others, on the criminal conduct of the BRP, which include flawing processes of supply chain and allegedly awarding tenders to his family members and erroneously disposing of assets of the entity,” said Cwaile.

He added that, they rejected a submission that the EXCO, who is the shareholder of NTI, that it had no role in the processes of business rescue given provisions stated in the Companies Act, 2008.

“The Companies Act, 2008, provides for shareholders as affected persons to enjoy consultative rights which cannot be treated perfunctorily or as just mere formality and that the shareholder has the right to participate in business rescue.

“They may reject the business rescue plan especially if it affects or alters rights associated with class of securities and may propose the development of an alternative plan to acquire interests of any or all creditors. The fulcrum of these rights remains that, shareholders are permitted to vote on the business rescue plan that seeks to change the rights associated with class of securities,” said Cwaile.

Meanwhile, Motswana requested the North West Community Safety and Transport Management and the NTI Group to avail all required records, reports, and documentation to the committee within 14 days to initiate investigations by the Special Investigative Unit (SIU) that would look into the mismanagement, and corruption and all acts of malfeasance at the NTI.

 “We demand records of all processes followed on the appointment of the BRP and reject the view of abandoned lawyers who sought to help in retaining the BRP,” he said.

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Picture: The North West acting Premier, Nono Maloyi and acting Kgosi of Bahurutshe Baga Moiloa, Mosiameemang Moiloa/Supplied

By OBAKENG MAJE

North West acting Premier, Nono Maloyi said he had issued a recognition certificate to Mosiameemang Moiloa as the acting Kgosi of Bahurutshe Baga Moiloa, who will assume his duties with immediate effect. Maloyi said issuance of the certificate, follows lengthy consultations with the Royal Family.

“This is aimed at bringing about stability in the community and allowing Bahurutshe Baga Moiloa to participate in the establishment of a Traditional Council in line with the Traditional and Khoi-San Leadership Act 3 of 2019. As part of his responsibilities, Moiloa will participate in the activities of Ngaka Modiri Molema Local House of Traditional and Khoisan Leaders.

“He will also represent the community at Ramotshere Moiloa Local Municipality to deal with various challenges of service delivery and in particular provision of water at Dinokana and surrounding villages. This also includes participation and engagements between the provincial government and traditional leaders in finding lasting solutions to challenges of socio-economic concern confronting rural and traditional communities,” he said. 

Maloyi further said subsequent to the issuance of the certificate, he has invoked Section 59 of the Traditional and Khoisan Leadership to establish an investigative team to look into challenges of succession into the Bogosi Ba Bahurutshe Baga Moiloa.

He added that, this process will give the Royal Family an opportunity to identify the substantive Kgosi to lead Bahurutshe Baga Moiloa.

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By OBAKENG MAJE

The North West police said the attempted murder case against Wernich Botha (33), who was arrested on 7 September 2023, has now been changed to murder. This comes after one of the victims, Hilton Pretorius (32) who was allegedly attacked by Botha died this morning in hospital.

North West police spokesperson, Col Adele Myburgh said, Botha was arrested after an incident that was reported on 3 September 2023 at about 13:30pm. Myburgh further said, Botha allegedly assaulted Pretorius and another man (44) in a parking area at a shopping centre in Doornkruin, near Klerksdorp.

“Both victims were taken to a local hospital and a man (44) was discharged with a shoulder injury and concussion. Pretorius sustained a brain injury and was admitted to the hospital. 

“Consequent to the incident, video clips were circulated on various social media platforms. The police would like to request the public to not further share the clips as that can hamper investigations,” she said.

Myburgh added that, Botha briefly appeared before the Klerksdorp Magistrate’s Court at the time facing attempted murder and assault with the intent to do Grievous Bodily Harm (GBH). She said Botha was granted R2000 bail and the case was postponed to 19 October 2023.

Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, condemned the incident and said conflict should rather be resolved in a peaceful manner, instead of resorting to violence as that constitutes a criminal offence. Kwena said the police will continue to work hard to ensure that criminals are put behind bars.

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By OBAKENG MAJE

A 26-year-old man has been sentenced to life imprisonment for raping his aunt. On 17 December 2020, the accused accosted his aunt who was asleep, and hit her on the head. According to the Northern Cape police spokesperson, Lieutenant Col Sergio Kock, the accused also choked his aunt until she lost consciousness.

Kock said the incident took place at around 1am in Fraserburg. He said the victim woke up naked and realized that, she was raped and robbed of her cell phone, money, and other valuables.

At the time of the incident, the accused and his mother (the victim’s sister) were living at the victim’s house.

“She contacted the police and the accused was arrested hours later. At the time of the incident, the accused was still out on parole on a previous rape case and police opposed bail successfully.

“On 13 September 2023, the accused was sentenced to life imprisonment by the Fraserburg Regional Court. He was also sentenced to a further 15 years for robbery,” said Kock.

The Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant Gen Koliswa Otola lauded Detective Constable Jacques Nielsen from the Calvinia Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences unit for his meticulous investigation that led to the life-long incarceration of the accused. Otola said the police will continue to say no to Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBV&F).

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Ka OBAKENG MAJE

Motlhami wa mokgatlho o e seng wa puso wa Ruth K Foundation, Mabu Modisadikwena Molefi, are ba rulagantse metseletsele go ka lwa kgatlhanong le tshotlakako ya bong (Gender-Based Violence and Femicide) le go thopiwa ga batho.

Molefi are metseletsele e, e tla be e tshwerwe kwa Mmabana Taung ka 28 Diphalane 2023.

“Re tlile go bua ka dintlha tse di farologaneng mo metseletseleng e, jaaka kgodiso ya ngwana wa mosimane le mosetsanyana mo matsatsing a se gompieno. Re tla bua gape ka mokgwa o tshotlakako ya bong e amang matshelo a batho ka teng.

“Ke nako jaanong ya gore re ipotse dipotso re le baagi le go tla ja toga-maano ya go lwa kgatlhanong le sera se. Borre le bomme ga mmogo le bana ba rona ba tsweletse go shotlakakiwa mo meweng, mme ebile ba tshelela mo letshogo ka ntlheng ya go kgobiwa ka mafoko le go ntewa,” Molefi wa tlhalosa.

Molefi gape o tsweletse ka gore, fa baagi ba sa eme ka dinao, sera seno se tlile go tswelela go repitla matshelo a bone. Molefi are se se botlhokwa ke tirisano-mmogo mo ntweng kgatlhaong le sera se.

“Goya ka wena jaaka ngwana wa mmala wa sebilo, a o ka ikitaya sefuba wa buwa o sa kgale mathe ganong ore, wena ga ona seabe mo dipalopalong tsa tshotlakako ya bong le go thopiwa ga batho mo Afrika Borwa? Ke kopa o ipotse dipotso, mme o tla re bolela ka di 28 Diphalane 2023.

“Mono ngwaga, re bone go le matshwanedi gore re boeletse dipuisano tse re ne re ditshwere malobanyana fale ka ngwaga wa 2021 kwa motseng wa Disaneng gaufi le Mahikeng. Mme mo ngwageng o, ditsela tsotlhe di lebile kwa Taung. Jaanong, re laletsa mafapha otlhe ga mmogo le baagi ka kakaretso go tla go nna karolo ya ditiragalo,” Molefi wa tlhalosa.

Molefi o kaile fa go tla nna le lenaneo la dipontsho kwa Taung Hotel School kwa bataki batla newang tshono ya go bontsha bokgoni jwa bone. Molefi gape are, seo se tla tshimolola mo mosong, mme go tsweng foo, ba lebe kwa Mmabana Taung kwa moletlo-mogolo o tla be o tshwaretswe teng.

“Ga tla be go nna le borre le bomme ba ditobetobe (Cycling) ba ba tla beng ba kgwetsa ditobetobe tsa bone sekgala sa dikilometara dile 60 go ralala Taung. Seno e tlabe e le karolo ya maiteko a rona a go lemotsha baagi ka ntwa kgatlhanong le tshotlakako ya bong le go thopiwa ga batho.

“Mme ka ura ya bo supa mo mosong, go tla be gona le ikatiso kwa Taung Mall. Ikatiso e, e tlabe e eteletswe pele ke mongwe wa bo mmakgonte wa tsa ikatiso go tswa kwa Mmabana Taung. Bagolo, tlayang ka makatla a namane gotla go ikatisa le go utlwa gore ba lo tshwaretse eng se se maleba go ka re thusa jaaka morafe go lwa kgatlhanong le GBVF and Human Trafficking. Setswana sere, pilediwa ya lwelwa,” Molefi wa tlhalosa.

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Picture: Trolleys outside Shoprite/Generic

By OBAKENG MAJE

A man has been sentenced to 10 years imprisonment by the Kimberley Regional Court for murder. On 11 December 2021, Emmanuel Ali (19) stabbed Itumeleng Godfrey Marekwa (20) to death.

According to the Northern Cape police spokesperson, Lieutenant Col Sergio Kock, the Marekwa was working outside Shoprite in Barkley West as a shopping trolley assistant when he was stabbed in the neck by Ali after a brief altercation.

“Marekwa died on the scene and Ali was arrested by the police. On 19 September 2023, Ali pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 10 years imprisonment for murder,” said Kock.

Meanwhile, the Frances Baard District’s acting Police Commissioner, Brig Charlotte Makgari commended the Investigating Officer D/Sgt Kgositsile Taolo of the Barkly West SAPS Detectives for his meticulous investigation that led to this outstanding sentence.

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Picture: The RDP housing project/Generic

By OBAKENG MAJE

The Minister of Human Settlements, Mmamoloko Kubayi said they will soon have a revised framework to guide municipalities’ administration of national housing programmes. Kubayi said the Revised Accreditation Framework for Municipalities to Administer National Housing Programmes (2023), will ensure municipalities’ progressive capacitation to perform the delegated functions without compromising delivery capacity in the short term.

The framework received resounding support and was approved on 15 September 2023 following a presentation tabled at the meeting between the Human Settlements Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi, Deputy Minister Pam Tshwete and provincial MECs of Human Settlements (MINMEC).

“MINMEC is a quarterly meeting between the Ministry and MECs of all nine provinces. The meeting is also attended by mayors, MMCs and representatives from the South African Local Government Association (SALGA). This is a big step towards the creation of objective criteria for accrediting municipalities with a clear accreditation process timetable.

“Allowing municipalities to progressively build implementation capacity bolsters our long-term objective of creating a fully enabling environment for our municipalities to be self-sufficient in Human Settlements delivery. This way, we are capacitating them while ensuring that we reach our targets,” she said.

Kubayi further said the implementation of the 2012 Accreditation Framework, was faced with several implementation challenges encountered in some of the provinces. She added that the 2023 Revised Accreditation Framework is introducing among others, the programme-based incremental approach, wherein municipalities are to be accredited for implementing a programme or mixture of programmes that are relevant to their capacity and priority needs.

“Another major intervention in the Revised Framework is the role of intermediate city municipalities or secondary cities, which are considered crucial catalysts for more balanced and dispersed growth across the country.

“MINMEC also agreed that the title deeds programme must be prioritised through several interventions, including embarking on weekly roadshows to issue the 234,757 available title deeds nationally,” said Kubayi.

She said the discussion focused on the turnaround time by municipalities to declare townships, with an agreement to collaborate on cross-border demarcation, particularly as it impacts the title deeds rollout programme. Kuyai said the issuing of title deeds across provinces is an apex priority for the department.

“As part of efforts to clear the backlog, the municipalities were urged to refrain from storing them in their offices but to continuously make deliberate efforts to give back dignity and ensure that people become rightful owners of their homes.

“The department has been incorporating the issuing of title deeds with housing handovers given the urgency by the government to significantly unlock economic benefits. MINMEC received a report on the current fiscal environment and reflected on the response by the Human Settlements sector,” she said.

Kubayi said while the sector understands and supports the effort by the Minister of Finance to stabilise the fiscus, MINMEC emphasised the need to find a balance between service delivery priorities and fiscal consolidation. She said the sector has so far had a mix-bag of performance during the Medium-Term Strategic Framework period (2019-2024).

“The meeting learnt that so far from a target of 300,000, the sector is at 69,5% delivery with 208 358 fully subsidized houses on the ground. This is no mean feat in the face of budget cuts the department has faced. About 172 066 serviced sites have been delivered from a projected number of 190 437.

“First Home Finance has surpassed the 20,000 units mark as targeted in 2019. To date, there are 22,035 units that have been delivered. The current delivery is against the budget cuts the Department of Human Settlements has faced over the years,” said Kubayi.

She said they are making inroads in ensuring that they bring more people into the housing market thereby assisting the so-called “missing middle” with home ownership.  Kubayi said, however, that for the current financial year, concerns were raised about provincial spending, wherein provinces are urged to deliver in accordance with their business plans or face redirection of funds to performing provinces. 

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Picture: The residents in Marikana Informal Settlements live in dire situation/Generic

By OBAKENG MAJE

The Chairperson of Portfolio Committee on Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Mr Fikile Xasa, said they met with the representatives of the community of Marikana Informal Settlement in Ikageng Township, near Potchefstroom on 19 September 2023 to discuss a petition sent by the community to the Speaker of the National Assembly (NA), Nosiviwe Noluthando Mapisa-Nqakula.

Xasa said in the petition, which the Mapisa-Nqakula referred to the committee, the community of Marikana asked the NA to investigate the failure of the JB Marks Local Municipality and North West Provincial Government (NWPG) to provide services to the residents.

“The municipality told the committee that, the matter of the Marikana petition was considered by the municipal council and plans to upgrade the settlement and provide all necessary services have been approved. A study by the Council for Geoscience has revealed that, some parts of the settlement are dolomitic, and only the non-dolomitic part will be developed.

The Municipal Manager of the JB Marks Municipality, Kgomotso Kumbe, told the committee that the tender has been advertised for town planning services. He took responsibility for the municipality’s failure to provide basic services such as communal taps, basic sanitation and refuse removal,” he said.

Xasa further said the North West Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs (COGHSTA) representative, Energy Manaka said, the department concurred with the municipality’s plans and will provide all the necessary support for the establishment of a formal township in Marikana.

He added that, the committee was not convinced, however, with the responses and questioned why it has taken such a long time even when the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) reported that, the community’s human rights were being violated by government’s failure to provide basic services.

“There was no effort on the part of the municipality and provincial government to prepare responses for the committee meeting. One strong message that must be sent to both the municipal council and the provincial department is that, a letter called a petition is usually a very serious letter to the highest authority.

“In this case, it was Mapisa-Nqakula referred who referred it to us. This should have demanded a serious response to the contents of the petition – one couldn’t notice that there was any effort. The committee suggested that, there needs to be a meeting to talk about the Marikana petition by all executives – the municipal council, provincial government, and national government and that the matter must be taken seriously,” said Xasa.

He also announced that, the committee has resolved to give the municipality and the provincial government 14 days within which to provide an action plan to respond to the Marikana petition.

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