BCCSA rule against SABC News over Magalies Water’s ‘unholy’ water allegations at Mmabatho Water Treatment Plant


Picture: Magalies Water logo/Google  

By OBAKENG MAJE

The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Magalies Water, Sandile Mkhize said the water utility welcomes the Broadcasting Complaints Commission of South Africa (BCCSA) against the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) News.

The matter relates to the news report broadcast and published across SABC News platforms on 21 June 2023 alleging that, water quality non-compliance was recorded at the Mmabatho Water Treatment Plant. Mkhize said the plant, through an agreement with the Ngaka Modiri Molema District Municipality (NMMDM), is managed and operated by Magalies Water on behalf of the district municipality.

“While Magalies Water is on record, admitting that prior to taking over the operations at the water treatment plant, which was previously operated and managed by the erstwhile Sedibeng Water, numerous operational challenges had affected water quality output, as was reported in the Blue Drop Watch Report for the 2021/22 financial year, the situation has improved.

“Within a reasonable time, through collaboration, many of the identified challenges were resolved. The NMMDM as the asset owner and a responsible arm of government, would have not continued to maintain a working relationship with Magalies Water at the detriment of the residents who are the primary recipients of this important service,” he said.

Mkhize further said the progress was consequently reported to the accounting authority – the Department of Water and Sanitation and this information was supplied to SABC News as well, during their own investigations relating to the allegations of continued water quality non-compliance.

He added that, Magalies Water’s Scientific Services, through its SANS 241 accredited scientific laboratory ensures that water treatment processes at the water treatment plant, result in potable water of the highest quality, which is certified as safe for human consumption and does not pose any health risks to the consumers.

“As Magalies Water, we launched a complaint with the BCCSA against SABC News and the judgment has vindicated the water utility’s position and reaffirmed its integrity as a reputable bulk water services provider. The SABC News’ approach, story treatment, and delivery fell short of the BCCSA’s Code of Conduct as Magalies Water’s complaint was based on fairness. So, we are not only relieved but also vindicated.

“It has always been our position that the SABC needed to act responsibly and not be sensationalist in its approach. The misrepresentation that Magalies Water suffered, extended to doubts in the minds of many, as it relates to our capacity, skills, and technical knowledge to improve water quality within the area of operation,” he said.

Mkhize said they appreciate the role of the media as the fourth estate and its watchdog function, however, it is critical that the conduct of journalists and editors alike is beyond reproach given their responsibility to society. He said to date, the water treatment plant is regularly monitored and tested for non-compliance.

“Where non-compliances are observed, Magalies Water immediately activates quality assurance processes in line with the water sector standards, to resolve such. In its judgment, the BCCSA found that the SABC News failed to comply with provisions of Section 12 (3) of the Code of Conduct, which reads “Clause 12(3) of the Code of Conduct determines if a person who has stated that he or she is not available for

comment or such a person could not reasonably be reached to comment on a public issue, it must be stated in the programme.

“If there is no response from a person or party whose issues are to be discussed, or if, as in this instance the response is not received timeously, the Broadcaster is obliged to mention this fact on air. Applied to the facts of this case, the broadcaster should have indicated that the complainant was asked for its comment, but that their response had not reached the broadcaster at the time of the broadcast,” he said.

Mkhize said the commission has assured Magalies Water that, the SABC News has been reprimanded in accordance with the ruling.

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Three employees from Christiana Hospital allegedly fired for lifting a lid on embezzlement of funds   


By OBAKENG MAJE

Three employees at the Christiana Hospital alleged that, they were unfairly dismissed for blowing the whistle on embezzlement of funds and maladministration.

It is alleged that, Tsholofelo Makuapane, Sylvester Moruri and Masabatha Bonakele were victimised after writing a letter to the North West MEC for Health, Madoda Sambatha’s Office demanding a forensic report over an investigation against the Supply Chain Management (SCM) and the then acting CEO at the hospital over embezzlement of funds allegations.

One of the employees who refused to be named for fear of reprisal said: “We are victimised for reporting any wrongdoings at the hospital. The investigations were conducted, but instead of the department tabling the report, we were fired without following proper procedures.

“We appealed the matter, but we are still languishing at home without any proper communication. What is happening now is a clear indication that the employer is retaliating against us instead of taking action and punishing the transgressors.”

According to this employee, their only mistake was to request the tabling of a forensic report. The employee alleged that, the then-acting CEO harassed them and even opened a protection order against them.

The National Public Servants Union (NAPSU)’s Provincial Organiser, Steven Mfanelo Nonzaba said they have tried in vain to have a consultative engage with the North West Department of Health to resolve the matter amicably. Nonzaba further said they would now resort to anarchy to get the attention of the department because it dismally failed to engage them in a civil manner.

“As per Labour Relation Act, we know that the resolution of 2019 is that, when someone is dismissed, there is an issue of an appeal and that is where it starts. After the appeal, all processes and procedures will be followed.

“So, as things have unfolded, we have arranged a meeting with the Office of Labour Relations from the provincial office and they said they were still busy with the report. I also contacted the legal department unit to check up on the status quo of the case,” he said.

He further said some officials told him that, the matter has been resolved and it has been transferred to the Office of MEC. Nonzaba added that, however, there was no correspondence, even though he wrote two emails requesting to meet with Sambatha.

“We think maybe the matter needs a political approach now with a little bit of anarchy. Some officials are sending us from pillar to post and now alleged that they cannot find the files of this case and they are engaging with Legal and Labour Relations units to trace them.

“So, we will go to any of Sambatha’s activities and engage with him for intervention. We know he is the people’s MEC, so it will not be hard to get his attention. We have been trying to approach this matter in a civil way, but the department does not want to come to the party.

Meanwhile, the North West Department of Health spokesperson, Tebogo Lekgethwane said: “The department is aware of the matter and it has been taken through the disciplinary processes. Their matters are before the MEC for final consideration. Since the MEC is still applying his mind on the matter, the department does not wish to comment any further.”

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Building a better Public Service for a better South Africa


Picture: The president of Republic of South Africa

By CYRIL RAMAPHOSA
 
Every September, South Africa marks Public Service Month to draw attention to the vital role of the people who work in the country’s administration in improving people’s lives. The task of building a better South Africa is enabled by the diligence, care, ethical conduct and innovation of the country’s 1.2 million public servants.
 
As they deliver on government’s mandate, public servants are expected to observe the Batho Pele principles such as courtesy, openness and transparency, maintaining service standards and giving best value. Public servants sign up to codes of conduct when they enter employment, whether they are in national departments or provincial and local government.
 
Public servants must uphold the standards expected of them, especially at points of service. They are expected to advance social and economic development through the services that they provide to citizens.
 
We often think that public servants are lacking in the provision of services to citizens and yet there are areas of distinction in the public service that don’t make the headlines.
 
One speaks here about the committed civil servants behind frontline service counters, in our community clinics, at our border posts, in our foreign missions around the world, in our police stations and in our classrooms and at the forefront of scientific endeavour in our various institutions.
 
These public servants get on with their tasks in relative anonymity, serving the South African people with diligence. One hears about situations when things go wrong, but one doesn’t hear about the thousands of people who every day apply for ID cards and passports in Home Affairs offices around the country, and who receive their documents in less than two weeks. Little is reported about the improvements brought about by the new Branch Appointment Booking system and e-service.
 
While many citizens daily experience the orderliness, professionalism and courtesy of frontline service officials, the headlines and online debates are often reserved for public servants involved in corruption or mismanagement. It is correct that these activities be exposed and action taken against those responsible.
 
We also need to recognise where progress is being made.
 
In Parliament last week, I outlined the commendable work underway in departments to discourage corruption, including the completion of over 11,000 lifestyle audits of public servants in national government. This work must continue, because we cannot build an accountable, professional civil service as long as there are individuals who see public office as a vehicle for self-enrichment.
 
At the same time, we must give credit where it is due to the vast majority of civil servants who rise each day to prepare to go to work serving the South African people with honesty and integrity.
 
Later this year, government will gazette several regulations to guide the implementation of the framework for the professionalisation of the public service that was adopted by Cabinet last year. These regulations will contribute to greater stability in the leadership ranks of the public service, ensure that recruitment processes are more rigorous and that prospective public servants undergo competency testing before taking up positions.
 
The implementation of the framework will improve the conditions of service for public servants and bring stability to departments that have undergone prolonged periods of uncertainty and flux. A better trained civil service that attracts suitably qualified individuals will engender greater public confidence.
 
As we recognise the critical work of the public service and as we commend the many public servants who diligently serve the nation, we know that there is much room for improvement.
 
It is for this reason that we have embarked on far-reaching public service reforms that will help build a state that is both capable and developmental; a state that both provides citizens with efficient frontline services and improves the quality of their lives.
 
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NCOP delegates to embark on oversight visits to various projects in North West


Picture: Water infrastructure in North West/Google

By OBAKENG MAJE

The permanent delegates to the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) embark on oversight visits in their respective provinces this week to assess infrastructure projects as part of the Provincial Week programme, under the theme: “Building Viable Provincial and Municipal Infrastructure for Effective Delivery of Services to Communities.”

The National Assembly (NA) spokesperson, Moloto Mothapo said the 2023 Provincial Week is a week-long high-impact oversight programme aimed at assessing progress in the building of sustainable human settlements to improve the quality of life for the poor and building viable water and sanitation infrastructure for the effective delivery of services to the communities.

“The programme grants Permanent Delegates to the NCOP an opportunity to return to their respective provinces to assess progress made in the delivery of services to citizens and also provides them with an opportunity to contribute to addressing challenges facing the communities.

“The NCOP delegates, together with their provincial legislature counterparts, will spend the week conducting oversight visits to infrastructure projects including bulk water supply plants, roads upgrades, and water treatment plants,” he said.

NORTH WEST PROVINCE NCOP PROVINCIAL WEEK PROGRAMME 11 – 15 SEPTEMBER 2023

  DATE              TIME  ACTIVITY / MEETING    STAKEHOLDERS  VENUE
DAY 1: MONDAY, 11 SEPTEMBER 2023                    10h00 – 13h00          BRIEFING ON STATE OF PROVINCIAL & MUNCIPAL INFRASTRUCTURE – Progress in Building Viable Provincial & Municipal Infrastructure Address for Effective Delivery of Services to Communities      ·      Premier ·      MECs for COGTA ·      MECs for Transport ·      Permanent delegates ·      MPLs ·      Director-Generals ·      Officials from the Department of COGTA ·      Officials from the Department of Water  ·      Identified stakeholders    Ngaka Modiri Molema Council Chamber          
  14h00 – 15h00         15h00 -17h00  SITE VISITS:   ·         Upgrade of the Nelson Mandela Drive in Mahikeng Water Projects in Motlabeng, Mokgogwe and Sweding Water problem Unit 15    ·      Premier ·      MECs for COGTA ·      MECs for Transport ·      Permanent delegates ·      MPLs ·      Director-Generals ·      Officials from the Department of COGTA ·      Officials from the Department of Water  ·      Identified stakeholders         
  TUESDAY, 12 SEPTEMBER 2023

 
  10h00 – 13h00              Briefings by Ditsobotla Local Municipal Executive and Management on the following issues:  ·         Eletricity, Water and infrastructure ·         Financial System and Management  ·         Premier ·         MECs for COGTA ·         MECs for Transport ·         Permanent delegates ·         MPLs ·         Director-Generals ·         Officials from the Department of COGTA ·         Officials from the Department of Water  ·         Identified stakeholders  Distobotla Local Municipal Chamber
  14h00 – 17h00        Briefings by stakeholders on the following Projects:   ·         Groot Marico Water Waste Treatment Plant ·         Zeerust Water Waste Treatments Plant ·         Kraaipan Bridge – Ratlo Local Municipality    ·         Premier ·         MECs for COGTA ·         MECs for Transport ·         Permanent delegates ·         MPLs ·         Director-Generals ·         Officials from the Department of COGTA ·         Officials from the Department of Water  ·         Identified stakeholders  Distobotla Local Municipal Chamber
  WEDNESDAY 13 SEPTEMBER 2023

   
  10h00 – 13h00        SITE VISITS:   ·         Potchefstroom Bulk Water Supply: Construction of the new 25Ml reservoir in Ikageng, Progress on civil work is 20% (JB Mark Local Municipality)              ·         Premier ·         MECs for COGTA ·         MECs for Transport ·         Permanent delegates ·         MPLs ·         Director-Generals ·         Officials from the Department of COGTA ·         Officials from the Department of Water  ·         Identified stakeholders   
  14h00 – 17h00      SITE VISITS:   ·         N14 West Incomplete Housing Projects in Ventersdorp JB Marks Municipality ·         Jakaranda N12 Incomplete Houses Projects  ·         Premier ·         MECs for COGTA ·         MECs for Transport ·         Permanent delegates ·         MPLs ·         Director-Generals ·         Officials from the Department of COGTA ·         Officials from the Department of Water  ·         Identified stakeholders   
  THURSDAY, 14 SEPTEMBER 2023  10h00 – 13h00  SITE VISIT:   Accelerated Projects in Madibeng Local Municipal:   ·         Briefing on Brits Water WasteTreatment Works – the upgrade is 94% complete for overall civil works at the Water        ·         Premier ·         Deputy Minister of Human Settlements  ·         MECs for COGTA ·         MECs for Transport ·         Permanent delegates ·         MPLs ·         Director-Generals ·         Officials from the Department of COGTA ·         Officials from the Department of Water  ·         Identified stakeholders  Madibeng Local Municipal Chamber
14h00 – 17h00   Site Visit: ·         Moretele South Bulk Water Supply Project – Construction of a new reservoir and 32 Km Pipeline in Moretele Far North Klipdriff Water Waste Treatment and pipeline. Contractor handed site in March 2023, 10% progress registered.      
FRIDAY, 15 SEPTEMBER 2023   08h30 – 10h30DEBRIEFINGS MEETING WITH PROVINCIAL LEADERSHIP:                                                                                              Madibeng Local Municipal Chamber       Report back on issues emanating from the Provincial Week and consideration of the provincial draft report to the NCOP on the outcomes of the 2023 Provincial Week    

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78 suspects nabbed for various crimes!


Picture: Some of the items confiscated during Operation Shanela/Supplied

By OBAKENG MAJE

More than 70 suspects were arrested for various crimes during Operation Shanela. The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Timothy Sam said Operation Shanela, which is a multi-disciplinary density operation remains intentional in stabilizing crime. 

Sam said this was evident in the operational successes achieved during intensified operations across the province from 7 until 10 September 2023 with a sharp focus on the reduction of contact and violent crimes in hotspots, which netted a multitude of successes.

“Actions and police activities executed during the operations included, Vehicle Check Points (VCPs), stop and searches, foot and vehicle patrols, compliance inspections, drugs and other commodities smuggling and tracing operations by detectives.

“The 28 VCPs and 7 roadblocks were held across the province during which 2855 vehicles and 4141 persons were stopped and searched. 374 compliance inspections were conducted at second-hand dealers, firearm dealers, liquor premises, formal and informal businesses as well as mines,” he said.

Sam further said numerous operational successes were achieved and 78 suspects were arrested for crimes ranging from murder, attempted murder, robbery, assault, burglary, theft out of motor vehicle dealing and possession of drugs, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, and illegal possession of firearms.

He added that, the police actions also resulted in the confiscation of alcoholic beverages and numerous dangerous weapons that could have had dire consequences if not policed.

“In the Namakwa District, police dug out drugs and discovered some stashed in vehicle tyres, which led to the arrest of the suspects,” said Sam.

Meanwhile, the Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola indicated that crime and violence place a heavy burden on the criminal justice system, health care system, and state expenditure.

“These operational successes limit the negative effects and the destructive impact of crime and therefore encourage the women and men in blue, communities as well as all stakeholders to keep on holding each other’s hand in ensuring a safe and secure Northern Cape,” she said.

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North West Department of Education sharpens its communication strategies  


Picture: The North West Department of Education communication team/Supplied    

By OBAKENG MAJE

The North West Department of Education Communication Directorate unit had a two-day consultative engagement at Sparkling Water Hotel in Rustenburg to sharpen their communication strategies.

The North West Department of Education spokesperson, Mphata Molokwane said communication function is the heartbeat of every organisation and effective communication may contribute to organisational success if it is well-coordinated and organised.

“Communication builds employee morale, and the satisfaction of stakeholders and promotes two-way communication with the public. Now that the year is over in a few months, the Grade 12 learners are currently writing their Preliminary Examinations.

“The Communication Directorate decided to review its communication strategy and adjust it to the current developments. Our new communication strategy will assist us in communicating the Last Push campaign, World Teachers Day, Grade 12 Final Examination, Launch of the Early Childhood Development programme, School Governing Bodies Elections, School Infrastructure programmes, etc,” he said.

Meanwhile, the acting Superintendent General, Dr Shadrack Mvula in his address, insisted that the communicator’s role should be to popularize the activities of the department.

“Our department is doing so many good things and the public needs to know about our performance. Therefore, it becomes the responsibility of the communicators to popularize those activities. Communicators need to be sharp and should be aggressive when they perform their duties.

“You need to know your operational environment and understand protocol. In your stories, learners should be the primary beneficiaries and remember that teamwork is of paramount importance,” he said.

The strategic session received presentations from Refiloe Mokoto on Risk Management, Dr Peter Kgatitsoe on Strategic Planning, Kagiso Merementsi on Priorities of Strategic Planning with regards to Government Communication and Information Services and Brian Setwambung on Priorities of the 6th administration.

According to Mvula, the directorate will implement the new communication strategy after an intensive consultation process within the highest authorities of the department.

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North West acting Premier vows to eradicate more than 30,000 mud houses in the province


Picture: Mud houses in North West a challenge/Google

By OBAKENG MAJE

The acting North West Premier, Nono Maloyi said coordination of services among departments and other spheres of government is critical. Maloyi said most services require more integration from the beginning until the end.

He said this during his meeting with both Human Settlements and Corporative Governance senior officials in Potchefstroom on Sunday. Maloyi further referred to the provision of services such as water, sewer, houses, and many others, which remain a serious challenge to communities.

“Issues such as the recent challenges of sewer spillages in Mahikeng. Through my intervention, the matter was attended to with the urgency it received and it is almost resolved. The Presidential District Development Model (DDM) program remains key in delivering services to the North West community.

“We need to work as one and remain united as ever. We are one government and we need to be seen working as such. This is a relay we need to keep the momentum and be seen to be working towards the same goal, which is to deliver as according to government mandate and the promises made to the North West communities,” he said.

He added that, they cannot fail the people because they working in silos. Maloyi urged North West Department of Human Settlements officials to work around the clock by prioritising the eradication of mud houses across the province.

“Currently, the department has already counted more than 30,000 mud houses and still awaiting other numbers from local municipalities. The department has therefore committed to eradicating about 1356 during the current financial year at a budget of over R198 million.

“Most milestones were recorded in Mahikeng and Moretele Local Municipalities. The meeting further focused on other key departmental service delivery programs such as the progress recorded in Deelpan village, which was hit by two devastating floods in the past few months. I was pleased to see a number of government departments sending emergency services to Deelpan, while lasting solutions were still being sorted,” said Maloyi.

He was also pleased that they have moved with speed in appointing a contractor in Deelpan, who will soon start to construct over 100 houses in phase one of the project.

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Maitshwarelo Dintwa from Pinagare High School is amongst Top 6 learners to represent North West in Aqua Enduro National Competition


 

Picture: Grade 11 learner, Maitshwarelo Dintwa from Pinagare High School amongst the Top 6 learners/Supplied  

By OBAKENG MAJE

The brain of a Grade 11 learner, Maitshwarelo Dintwa from Pinagare High School in Taung continues to produce more dopamine. This comes after she was selected amongst the Top 6 learners from various schools across the province to represent North West at the Aqua Enduro National Competitions.

A month ago, Manokwane village-born learner (16), scooped R40 000 after winning Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) High School Essay competition.

Dintwa said the Aqua Enduro competition is an innovative initiative aligned with the Key Strategic Objectives of the Department of Water and Sanitation to address the skills shortage in the scientific and engineering disciplines within the water sector.

“We were given different tasks and to come up with solutions. One of the tasks was to evaluate the importance of water quality. We visited various water treatments and assessed how water purification takes place.

“The competition was targeting secondary school learners in Grades 10-11, who study Physical Science and Mathematics. So, I am so grateful that I reached the top 6 position after scooping position 2. Now, we will be representing the province at the national level,” she said.

The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) spokesperson, Wisane Mavasa said: “The Water and Sanitation hosted competitions in the category of Aqua Enduro as part of the department’s Water and Sanitation Education Programme. The competitions were held between 30 August to 1 September 2023 in Rustenburg.

“As part of the competition, is to raise awareness about the importance of water quality. Twelve high schools participated in this year’s competitions and were given first-hand experience on how, where, and why water is purified.”

Mavasa further said the two-day competition was categorised into technical, posters, and Aqualibrium assessments including the learners’ mid-term school results. He added that, learners also went on an excursion to Rustenburg Waste Water Treatment Works and Bospoort Water Treatment Works to understand and witness the water purification processes.

“As with the quote “Seeing is believing”, most learners were able to piece together most of the questions they had regarding the treatment works process and finally understood how water flushed from the toilet can become potable again or fit for human consumption.

“The adjudication team from the scientific and engineering fields judiciously picked six learners who received high scores during the two days, and they are Tlhalefang Kwakwa- Trirsano High School, Malebogo Motsamai- Seleje High School, Orefilwe Thupayatlase and Maitshwarelo Dintwa– Pinagare High School, Kenosi Keorapetse- Ramotshere High School and Zanele Plaatjie- Obusitse Secondary School,” said Mavasa.

He said this Provincial Aqua Enduro team will represent the North West Province at the national competitions in October, where they will compete for tertiary studying water-related courses in their desired Universities in South Africa.

Mavasa said since its inception in 2008, the Aqua Enduro competition has awarded 129 learners from the North West with tertiary bursaries.

“This has in turn produced certified scientists, geohydrologists, environmentalists, and among others, engineers. A decade ago, Vuyo Ndaleni, who is currently a Candidate Science Technician at the Department of Water and Sanitation in North West, was also a participant in the Aqua Enduro competitions.

“She is one of many testimonies of this initiative. She has encouraged those who did not make it to the top six to never give up, but instead grab other opportunities available by the department,” he said.

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Opinion: ‘The death of Prince Buthelezi is a reminder of the determination, heroic sacrifices, and efforts of our people to be free’


Picture: Dr Ndiviwe Mphothulo/Facebook

By NDIVIWE MPHOTHULO

There are mixed reactions to the legacy of Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi and a challenge is that as Africans, we were taught from childhood not to speak ill of the dead. However, it is extremely challenging to speak of the Prince in a positive light for some of us who were victims of the 90s violence.

Fearing to depart from the teachings I got as a child, I will not speak ill of the dead. We are a magnanimous people. I would rather use this opportunity to reflect on the heroic efforts and struggles of my forebears and struggle heroes, reflect on whether their sacrifices and struggles were worth it or were in vain?

In the 90s, I was a teenager and surrounded by despair, poverty, and violence. My mother was an activist and a community leader, so I got to understand the concepts and workings of the political struggle and the revolution. In the 80s as a child, I had witnessed the brutality of the police in the community of Jabavu and how my mother would be dragged in her night dress by the police and she would say “Ndiyekeni ndinxibe” (at least let me get dressed) as they dragged her to a police van or minibus roaring outside our yard.

I remember how my sister-in-law was kicked in the abdomen, whilst pregnant by a young Afrikaner man because they were looking for a certain Rapu and Moss as someone had told them that, my mother was seen with Rapu and Moss early on the day. They unleashed terror in our small house, kicking us and spraying teargas at a 12-year-old me.

There are many such traumatic memories I have as a child of activist parent and I promised revenge when I grow old. In the early 90s, I remember my mother being distraught about a bright young lawyer from Jabulani, who was blown by a parcel bomb, and how the young lawyer had assisted many activists.

He had a young wife and kids. My mother was in tears and I knew this was deep as she had seen so much trauma in her life, so this death and murder should have been very traumatic for her to break her like this. She cried openly in front of us, children. The young lawyer was a certain Bheki Mlangeni, which I learned from comrades in COSAS and the Youth League.

In the 90s, there was violence between hostel dwellers and township residents, and my township, White City Jabavu in Soweto, was not spared. By the age of 15, one had to be a member of Self Defence Units (SDUs) or stand aside and watch as his community was butchered. In 1991 or 1992, our bus from Orlando Stadium which was from an MK rally was attacked near Dube Hostel.

I came close to death before my 16th birthday, but we ran side-by-side to houses in Dube, next to Maponya Shops with comrade Felix Phetolo Malapane. I escaped through a generous and brave woman directing me to a “Coal Box”. I heard the footsteps of angry men saying “uphelele kuphi lomfana” from the dark coal box with tears flowing down my face.

I wondered if comrade Malapane survived (He was frail and slower than me shame) as I ran back home to White City Jabavu, with my ANC YL t-shirt in my hand to hide it, lest I met the men from hostels on my way home. We buried our young schoolmates and we had regular funerals as people we killed. They killed infants, the disabled, the old, dogs, and chickens, they did not spare any breathing species.

Having grown up in a household of activists, I was taught the history of resistance and I thought I had a responsibility to contribute to resistance. We had Khoi, San, and Xhosa warriors repelling Bartholomew Dias in as early 1400s, and laying their lives in defence of their land and livestock in the 1650s.

We had Frontier wars lasting 100 years between the AmaXhosa fighters and the British. We had Kings Moshoeshoe, Dingane, Cetshwayo, Sekhukhune, Sobhuza, Chiefs Mankuroane, Galeshewe, and many others who led the struggle against colonialism. So, it was our turn to contribute and face death.

My great great grandfather Mpotulo KaMlondleni, whose surname I carry, was shot multiple times at Cofimvaba in the 1890s by Germans and the English we are told, through oral history. He was in a battle to defend the land and stop the colonialists from going to Queenstown. He mounted a fight alongside his brother, Bolowana KaMlondleni, to the extent that people in that village, Zigudu village, named the local forest after him “Mpotulo forest”.

So, as we reflect on whatever legacy is contested of Prince Buthelezi, my reflection is not only how we fought battles with his people from IFP and the deaths of thousands of innocent people. I dare to say, that the struggle was not in vain, but it is a dream deferred as evidenced by us not having our land, people living in poverty, and our minerals in the hands of private citizens not benefiting the majority and the political elite failing to reverse the legacy with all the recourses and time in their disposal.

I see daily the poverty of the people and my patients in the clinics I work in Johannesburg South, I see the despair of young people when I go home to White City Jabavu and I avoid visiting Kasi as it seems I’m thriving in the sea of hopelessness. The death of the Prince for me, is a reminder of the determination, heroic sacrifices, and efforts of our people to be free and makes me wonder how people with a responsibility to right the wrongs of the past, people who have an opportunity to turn tears of our people to tears of joy, to fruits of freedom and prosperity, people with political power! how do you fail to carry this mandate with pride and love?

How dare you are not diligent? Franz Fanon, in his book “The Wretched of the Earth”, says post-colonial governments have a tendency not to deliver to their people. Post-colonial governments have not proven him wrong. So, when my TB patient says “Dr how do I take these tablets on an empty stomach? The sense of shame overwhelms me that in the land of plenty, my patients don’t have a meal.

As a perpetual optimist, I believe the efforts of my forebears were not in vain. The revenge against the harassment of my mother and murder of my community is through serving the community and wiping their tears and being part of efforts to make policy changes and advocate for the marginalised.

(Dr Mphothulo holds an MB CHB degree, a Diploma in HIV management from the Colleges of Medicine, a Master of Public Health Degree, and a Master of Business Leadership (MBL). Currently a Board member of the Southern African HIV Clinicians Society, a Representative of Rural Doctors Association of Southern Africa (RuDASA) in North West Province, and was South African 2017 Rural Health Conference organizing committee chairperson and conference chairperson)

Note: (Taung DailyNews’s opinion section examines high-level issues that matter to readers, mixing evergreen debates with newsy topics related to politics and policy, health, education, the economy, and more. All content is edited, fact-checked and subject to TDN’s editorial guidelines. So, the opinion raised here does not represent TDN or its Associates but remains of the author.

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North West MEC lambasts The Mafikeng Mail publication over the “Theresa House” article


Picture: North West MEC for Public Works and Roads, Oageng Molapisi

By OBAKENG MAJE

North West MEC for Public Works and Roads, Gaoage Oageng Molapisi has lambasted The Mafikeng Mail newspaper over the article about the alleged dilapidating Thersa House. Molapisi alleged that, to their dismay, the article came a day after a visit to Theresa House.

“During the Nelson Mandela Drive oversight visit that took place on 6 September 2023, we took a walkabout at Theresa House, which was widely publicised across our social media platforms. Thus astonishing that the publication chooses to ignore the oversight visit.

“The department’s plans are well underway for the reconstruction and refurbishment of Theresa House. We also wish to add that, the publication did not request the latest information before going into print, thereby working against the principle of fair reporting and ensuring that the public is given accurate information,” he said.

Molapisi further said to this end, it is misleading to say that: “There are no signs that the department intends to restructure the dilapidated building” as suggested by the publication. He added that, the designs for the new Theresa House will be completed during the 3rd quarter of the 2023/2024 financial year.

“The procurement process for re-construction and refurbishment will be done in the 4th Quarter respectively” added Molapisi.

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