Picture: The late former Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Aziz Pahad

By OBAKENG MAJE

The President of Republic of South (RSA), Cyril Ramaphosa said that, the late former Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Aziz Pahad will be honoured with a Special Official Funeral Category 2 on 30 September 2023. Pahad passed away on 27 September 2023, at the age of 82.

Ramaphosa spokesperson, Vincent Magwenya said the president has extended his deepest condolences to the extended Pahad family, who have in short succession lost Aziz Pahad and his brother, former Minister in the Presidency Essop Pahad, who passed away in July 2023.

“The South African Police Service (SAPS) will provide ceremonial elements during the funeral service for the former Deputy Minister, which will commence at West Park Cemetery in Johannesburg at 10am on Saturday.

“Ramaphosa has directed that flags be flown at half-mast around the country until tomorrow evening. Pahad who exercised his anti-apartheid activism in the Transvaal Indian Congress and was in exile between 1964 and 1990, served as Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs from 1994 to 2008,” said Magwenya.

He further said several months after the end of Pahad’s tenure as Deputy Minister, the Department of Foreign Affairs was renamed the Department of International Relations and Cooperation. Magwenya added that, Pahad worked for freedom during his decades in exile in the United Kingdom, Angola, and Zambia.

“This was a period in which he played a diversity of roles including as a member of the ANC’s Revolutionary Council and the Political-Military Committee and being part of the ANC negotiating team that secretly met representatives of the apartheid regime and also with leading members of the Afrikaner community.

Magwenya said: “Pahad was a consummate diplomat not only in the service of our country but in support of causes for freedom and justice elsewhere in the world, notably advocating the plight of the Palestinian people.

“Endearing of disposition and fierce of principle, he represented our nation with passion and clarity and played a significant role in educating the nation of our early democracy about international relations and South Africa’s role, place and vision in a world which itself undergoing change at that time.”

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Picture: An elderly man arrested for being in possession of a rifle/Supplied 

By KEDIBONE MOALETSI

An elderly man (68) has been arrested for being in possession of an unlicensed rifle. The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Captain Nomvuyo Makoloi said the incident took place at Deben.

Makoloi further said during the arrest, 30 rounds of ammunition were also allegedly found in the suspect’s possession.

“The police who were on duty received a tip-off that led to the arrest of the suspect. The police in conjunction with Ger -Cor Security Company in Deben apprehended the suspect. During the arrest, 30 live rounds of ammunition and one magazine were also seized.,” she added.

Meanwhile, the John Taolo Gaetswe District Commissioner, Major General Keagekae Besnaar lauded the police who executed the arrested including the community members and Ger Cor Security Company.

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Picture: The residents of Itireleng village embark on service delivery protest

By OBAKENG MAJE

The residents of Itireleng village, near Taung, said they will continue with their protestation until the embattled Greater Taung Local Municipality (GTLM) mayor, Tumisang Gaoraelwe heed their call. This morning, community members continued with their service delivery protests and barricaded the N18 road that links Hartswater and Taung.

One of the community leaders, Itumeleng Pholo said, they need a 2.5km paved road from their area to the N18 road. Pholo alleged that Gaoraelwe told them that, there was a R10 million budget set aside for the construction of the road, but he continues to send them from pillar to post.

“Even this morning, the community members have continued with the protest and barricaded the N18 road with burning tyres and debris. As the community of Itireleng, we feel disrespected by the manner in which the mayor is handling this matter.

“No communication whatsoever from the municipality. We want to understand what has happened to the R10 million budget for the road. There are also allegations regarding the missing R6 million that was previously part of the budget for the construction of the road. We receive no joy from the municipality, but aluta continua,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Democratic Alliance (DA) Caucus Leader in Greater Taung Local Municipality, Sam Nape said the protests erupted in Matolong and Itereleng villages because Gaoraelwe made empty promises in 2022 to construct an internal road between the two villages connecting them to the N18.

Nape further said, in typical ANC fashion, Gaoraelwe made politically expedient promises to residents knowing full well that, the municipality did not have the funding nor the capacity to build such a road. He added that, neither does the road fall under the jurisdiction of the municipality.

“The road is a competency of the North West Provincial Government (NWPG). The DA would in principle support the construction of a road, but it must follow the correct process and procedures.

“When the matter appeared before council, we raised concerns that this would be an unfunded project, that the municipality has no jurisdiction to construct this road since it is a provincial road, and that the cost of R10 million seemed excessive,” said Nape.

He said ANC in council wanted to apply for funding from the municipality’s investment accounts, but this account was almost depleted after the ANC-led administration utilised R100 million from it over the last year.

Nape said Gaoraelwe was quick to make empty promises, raising expectations of residents, but when they took to the streets he went into hiding.

“In short, Gaoraelwe is the cause of these protests and he should at least have the backbone to engage the communities in the two villages. The DA will also raise the possible construction of this road with the North West MEC for Public Works and Roads, Oageng Molapisi, to see whether there is any intention and funding available for this project.

“Instead of resorting to disruptive protests, residents of Matolong and Itereleng Villages should register to vote DA in next year’s elections. The DA in government does not make promises that we cannot keep, and we ensure quality basic service delivery to all residents,” he said.

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Picture: Cape Town is ruling the tourism roost/Google

By OBAKENG MAJE

Even though South Africa has experienced a drastic drop in tourist arrivals during the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been a drastic improvement thus far. According to the Tourism 2022 report released by Statistic South Africa,  shows that the volume of tourists dropped by 72.6% from 10 228 593 in 2019 to 2 802 320 in 2020. 

StatsSA said there was also a decline of 19.5% between 2020 and 2021. However, it said the volume of tourist arrivals has increased by 152.6% from 2 255 699 tourists in 2021 to 5 698 062 tourists in 2022.

“A gradual improvement was observed in the number of tourist arrivals from January to December 2022. However, it is still 44,3% below the pre-pandemic year of 2019.”

The Director of Tourism Research in Economics, Environs and Society (TREES) at the North West University (NWU), Prof Elmarie Slabbert said other tourism destinations in South Africa can take a leaf out of Cape Town’s book. Slabbert further said Cape Town is ruling the tourism roost because it ensures that tourists feel safe.

“Safety of tourists plays an integral role in ensuring Cape Town is a successful tourism destination. Other cities and regions would be wise to follow Cape Town and the Western Cape’s tourism blueprint. Also, local government and tourism authorities should work with the private sector as a thriving tourism sector not only creates jobs but has numerous nature conservation advantages.

“Safety brings a proactive cooperation between various role players. According to the research unit, TREES at the NWU, these are some of the foremost reasons why travellers flock to tourist destinations and this is why Cape Town and the Western Cape are currently ruling the country’s tourism roost,” she said.

Slabbert further said Cape Town is proactive in how it manages tourism in the city and province. She added that, Cape Town tourism utilises different platforms to reach potential tourists, focuses on building the brand of the city, and promotes the destination as a whole.

“The success of this approach showcases how the private and public sectors are working together to take the tourism sector to the next level. There is also an in-depth focus on creating jobs in the tourism sector. Like any other major city, the region has its challenges, but it generally offers a safe environment for tourists.

“The diverse product offered by Cape Town and the region provides for the needs of both local and international tourists. This includes natural aesthetics, such as the mountains, the seashore, and forests, adventure tourism opportunities, as well as the rich cultural heritage with a diverse population and a history that has led to a unique blend of traditions, art, music, and cuisine,” said Slabbert.

Meanwhile, the Sustainable Expert at TREE, Prof Peet van der Merwe said: “The NWU is committed to helping to achieve the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals. There is research being done by TREES to promote the country’s tourism sector, which contributes massively to job creation and various nature conservation initiatives – plays an indispensable role in this regard.

“But, if the country’s tourism sector hopes to further achieve these goals, the relevant role players and authority figures need to get their respective houses in order: The ability of local governments and tourism authorities is crucial. They must be functional and effective in running their offices.”

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By BAKANG MOKOTO

A 27-YEAR-OLD man has been sentenced to 15 years by Kuruman Regional Court for murder. Moeketsi Nkoane stabbed Onewang Edwin Booysen (32) with a knife at Loopeng village, outside Kuruman in 2022.                  

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Captain Mosimaneotsile Letsapa said: “Nkoane stabbed Booysen over the money he owed him. Letsapa further said Nkoane was remanded in custody until the completion of the case.”

Meanwhile, the John Taolo Gaetsewe District Commissioner, Major General Johnny Besnaar lauded the investigating officer, Sgt Khumoetsile Setlhauno for the meticulous investigation. 

Besnaar further commended the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), the Department of Justice, and Home Affairs for their respective contributions made during the investigation and prosecution of the case.

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Picture: The pangolin skin confiscated by police/Generic

By OBAKENG MAJE

A man was sentenced to five years by the Upington Regional Court for being possession of pangolin skin. Zandray Dawids (40) was arrested in January 2021 at a truck stop on N14 road in Upington.

The Hawks spokesperson, Lieutenant Col Tebogo Thebe said Dawids was charged with possession of endangered species, transportation and trading in endangered species as well as money laundering.

“On 27 September 2023, the Upington Regional Court imposed a fine of R50 000 for possession of pangolin skin. He was sentenced to five years imprisonment for transportation and trading in endangered species, which was suspended for five years.

“On money laundering charge, Dawids was sentenced to five years imprisonment, also suspended for five years. All this comes after the state and Dawids successfully negotiated a Section 105A plea,” he said.

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Picture: The vehicle that GTLM mayor, Tumisang Gaoraelwe was allegedly driving/Supplied  

By OBAKENG MAJE

The embattled Greater Taung Local Municipality (GTLM), Tumisang Gaoraelwe allegedly involved in a car accident again. It is alleged that, on 26 September 2023, Gaoraelwe borrowed a Polo vehicle belonging to his official personal driver and went to Mahikeng for personal reasons.

Gaoraelwe who was allegedly drunk, bumped a driver (39) of a Toyota Hilux bakkie from behind. The North West police spokesperson, Captain Sam Tselanyane said the accident was reported to them.  

“Yes, the case was reported to the police and there is an accident report. There were no blood samples taken because no criminal case was opened,” he said.

It is also alleged that Gaoraelwe ordered his official personal driver to go and pick him up in Mahikeng, using the official municipal vehicle. On 25 September 2023, Gaoraelwe allegedly damaged the engine of the municipal bakkie, while in Bloemfontein.

He was allegedly picked up by a municipal employee also using an official municipal vehicle.

There are allegations that Gaoraelwe continues to misuse the municipal vehicles and does as he pleases without any accountability. Last year, Gaoraelwe has involved in an accident just 10km outside Schweizer Reneke, where he damaged the municipality’s luxury BMW X3 worth R750 000.

Gaoraelwe then allegedly took the municipal vehicle, Isuzu Double Cab belonging to the Community Safety unit and used it. However, later on, it was allegedly found out that, the bakkie was actually being used by his wife who resides in Carletonville, Gauteng Province.

The BMW X3 was eventually repaired almost eight months after the accident to the tune of R280 000. It was handed back to Gaoraelwe on 7 July 2023, however, it was damaged again a few months later. It is alleged that Gaoraelwe’s wife was constantly using the BMW X3 and she was behind the wheel when it was damaged.

Meanwhile, Gaoraelwe was expected to meet with protesting Itireleng residents over the construction of the 2.5km paved road to the tune of R10 million but failed. The residents of Itireleng are currently up in arms and demanding the construction of the road.

The municipal spokesperson, Ricky Oliphant failed to respond to our questions at the time of publishing the article. The response will be incorporated in the article once received.  

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Picture: The alleged illegal miners arrested in Stilfontein/Generic

By OBAKENG MAJE

Eighteen alleged illegal miners aged between 18 and 43 were arrested by the Hawks at the Margaret shaft in Stilfontein on 27 September 2023. The Hawks spokesperson in North West, Lieutenant Colonel Tinyiko Mathebula said their efforts to clamp down on illegal mining continue to bear fruit.

Mathebula further said the arrests were effected during a disruptive operation, which comprised the Klerksdorp Serious Organised Crime Investigation Unit, Klerksdorp District Illicit Mining Task Team, National Intervention Unit (NIU), Provincial Explosives Unit and Harmony Gold.

He added that, items seized during the operation include a 9mm pistol, 14 AK47 live ammunition, explosives, and other mining paraphernalia.

“All suspects facing charges of illegal mining, will appear in the Stilfontein Magistrate’s Court on 28 September 2023,” said Mathebula.

Meanwhile, the Provincial Head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, Major General Patrick Mbotho, welcomed the arrests and lauded the team’s relentless efforts in fighting the scourge of illegal mining in the province.

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Picture: Some of the learners who participated in the Expo International Science Fair/Generic

By OBAKENG MAJE

More than 40 learners from North West will attend the Expo International Science Fair, which will be held at Birchwood Hotel in Boksburg from 3 – 6 October 2023. The North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi said the Eskom Expo, is the national initiative in South Africa and the biggest in the continent.

Motsumi said through this initiative, learners are encouraged to do research projects and then enter them into the competition.  She further said then the best projects are selected for entry into the International Science Fair, where some winning projects are selected to represent the country on an international stage abroad.

“Winning projects at Expo stand to receive medals, laptop computers, bursaries, and other many exciting prizes. The province is sending 43 learners from the four districts across the province. These learners in their preparations for these competitions, took part in the Science Olympiads conducted by the South African Mathematics Foundation, Science Week, and many other activities which took part in different districts.

“Participating in this competition will inspire and motivate other learners. The entire country is faced with a shortage of skilled personnel in science and technology in order to improve the livelihood of the community at large. I believe that participating in this Expo has the potential to harness the scientific skills needed by every learner in this rapidly changing world,” added Motsumi.

She said this is a platform where learners can gain valuable experience in the field of science. According to Motsumi, their learners will be equipped with research and experimentation skills that bridge the gaps between theory and practice.

“I do not have any doubts that this exercise will improve our academic performance. I would like to further congratulate all learners for reaching the National Finals of the International Expo Science Fair,” she said.

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