Picture: The North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi/Supplied
By OBAKENG MAJE
The distribution of the National Senior Certificate final examinations question papers was disrupted in North West on Monday. This comes after the aggrieved community members barricaded the roads at Makgori village near Mahikeng.
The North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi said they condemn the blockage of roads. Motsumi said the community is allegedly demanding toilets and decided to close the roads.
“The protest affected the distribution of question papers to four secondary schools such as Ntsidi, Kagiso Barolong, Mothusi Marumula and Mothibinyana Secondary Schools. The police should arrest anyone obstructing the writing of an examination.
“Such acts are intended to frustrate and confuse our Grade 12 learners. We are tired of people who use our learners to achieve their nefarious objectives. Atleast the question papers were finally transported to the affected schools after the intervention of the police,” she said.
Motsumi further said all learners finally wrote the examination on the first day successfully. She added that she was satisfied with the first day of the National Senior Certificate examination, which started with the writing of English Paper 1.
“I started by visiting Moreri Secondary in Tseoge and further proceeded to Pica-Pau Secondary School in Pomfret. The department is working with all stakeholders to ensure a successful examination process. So far, I am satisfied with the first day of the examination.
“I visited two schools in Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati and all learners were present. I am appealing to all our community members to allow learners to write their examinations without any obstacles. We are working with all stakeholders in our different communities to ensure that learners get a chance to write their examination peacefully,” said Motsumi.
She said on Tuesday, the Grade 12 learners are expected to write Economics Paper 1.
Picture: A learner from Pudumong High School/Generic
By OBAKENG MAJE
The North West Department of Education has squashed allegations that learners at Pudumong High School, near Taung were ferried to Taung Hospital for medical attention after eating a tin fish bought from a local tuck shop.
The department spokesperson, Mphata Molokwane said, the learners might have been attacked by exotic pollen, but they are still waiting for blood tests to come out.
“Actually, it started on Monday last week, when a Grade 9A learner complained that her body is itching. This happened during the second period in the morning before break. She was sent to the local clinic for treatment and then came back.
“On Tuesday, the number increased to nine learners from the same class during the first period, where learners complained that they were itching. They were sent to Taung Hospital for treatment and on Wednesday, the health team visited the school to investigate,” he said.
Molokwane further said the blood samples were taken from four learners. He added that the suspicion is that the classroom is next to many flowers, so it might be that these learners were reacting to the pollen from those flowers next to the class.
“Having said that, we are waiting for the blood test results,” said Molokwane.
Meanwhile, the North West University (NWU) Subject Chair and Associate Professor for the School for Geo- and Spatial Sciences, Prof Frank Neumann warns about alien pollen as winter ends. Neumann said that even though spring entered with sunny pleasantness, thousands of “attackers” sprang into action to plague the part of the population that suffers from allergies and hay fever.
He said these assailants have one thing in common.
“They are mostly alien pollen that should not have been in South Africa in the first place. They come from plants that are often under climatic stress because they are unsuited to this climate and constantly release high amounts of pollen at short intervals.
“These culprits are exotic trees and plants found in South African gardens originating from Europe, Asia, and North America in the Northern Hemisphere. They begin to pollinate from August onwards, with fungi joining soon after the first spring rains,” said Neumann.
He said that these pollen producers are in the “who is who” list of popular trees and garden plants. Neumann said this includes the London plane tree, mulberry, birch, cypress, and oak.
“Add grass pollen and spores of fungi to the mix and you have a potent cocktail for allergic discomfort. Ragweed, a North American weed also known as Ambrosia, is adding its highly allergenic pollen to the mix, especially in areas like Potchefstroom, where my students and I are measuring pollen counts for research purposes, as well as contributing data to the Real Pollen Count website.
“The ragweed counts reach moderate levels in Potchefstroom and are much higher than in the rest of South Africa so far. Ragweed pollen is highly allergenic and there seem to be high occurrences of the pollen close to our sampling site,” said Neumann.
He said they have state-of-the-art equipment to trace pollen spores. Neumann, who is a Palynologist and also works in the field of aerobiology, said their work is all about measuring allergy-causing pollen spores in the atmosphere.
“The identification and measurement of airborne pollen and fungal spores (aerospora) is a pioneering aerobiological project in the North West province. It was initiated on 15 November 2022,” he said.
This was supported by a local General Practitioner and Allergologist, Dr Jurgen Staats. He found indications of allergenicity there in the local population during skin prick tests.
Picture: The late Queenspark Rangers FC player, Tumelo Gaobuse/Facebook
By OBAKENG MAJE
Heartfelt messages of condolences continue to pour in after the death of a soccer player, Tumelo “Storma” Gaobuse, who passed away in a horrific car accident. It is alleged that Gaobuse who was affectionately known as the best defender in Taung across the football fraternity, died along with his friend, Bolokang Mphahlele.
According to the North West police spokesperson, Warrant Officer Tryphosa van Rooyen, the accident took place next to Taung Hospital in the early hours of Sunday morning.
“The police are aware of the matter and there were five occupants in the vehicle. The Taung police were called to attend an accident scene at hospital road and upon arrival, it was found that a vehicle had overturned.
“Two persons were declared dead at the accident scene by Emergency Medical Services (EMS). The deceased were aged 23 and 26 years respectively,” she said.
Meanwhile, Queenspark Rangers FC coordinator, Kealeboga Taylor Sekopelo said: “It is hard to accept that you are no more. I have known you for the longest time, especially when it comes to football. I can say a lot about you and I do not remember requesting you to come and assist us and you gave me excuses.
“You always showed up. I am talking about a hard worker and a solid central defender, who was passionate about football. The last time I played with him was last year in Dikhuting village, near Taung. We were playing a final against Bakwena FC and oh boy, you were on fire.”
Sekopelo said even though they lost the game on penalties, Gaobuse encouraged other players and told them not to lose hope. He said he last spoke to Gaobuse in August 2023, however, he promised to regain his fitness and come back.
“This guy loved and still loves Queenspark Rangers FC wherever he is with all his heart. I think I spoke for all Queenspark Rangers FC players as Gaobuse’s death left us shattered,” he said.
Picture: The Springboks team celebrating after winning 2023 Rugby World Cup/Twitter
By OBAKENG MAJE
North West University (NWU) principal and vice-chancellor, Prof Bismark Tyobeka said, he is super proud after the South African national rugby team, the Springboks win the Rugby World Cup for the fourth time.
Tyobeka said the Springboks is only the national rugby team in the world to record such a significant milestone. He further said, since the beginning of the Rugby World Cup in September, more than 60 000 North West University students and staff have embraced and cheered for that, which unite them as South Africans.
“To the world champions, your resilience, hard work, togetherness, and ethos of caring and protecting each, has once again united our country. We are proud of you and hearty congratulations. Your commitment and passion for our country has been exemplary.
“We thank the team captain, Siya Kolisi and the boys, as well as the coaching team under the leadership of coach Jacques Nienaber and the ever-flamboyant leader of the pack, coach Rassie Erasmus for raising South Africa’s flag higher than all other nations during the Rugby World Cup,” said Tyobeka.
He added that, the country saw blood, sweat, tears of joy and celebration, anxiety, and anticipation from South Africans as they stood stronger together to wish them success.
Tyobeka said the founding president of the beautiful country, Tata Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela, once stated that: “sport has the power to change the world. It has the power to inspire. It has the power to unite people in a way that little else does. It speaks to youth in a language they understand.”
“We have indeed witnessed this statement come to life across all our campuses, villages, small dorpies, towns, and cities of our beautiful country. There is so much we can achieve working together and united in pursuit of a shared goal – the success of our country,” he said.
Tyobeka said all of them at the NWU and everyone across the country, must always remind themselves of this and be inspired by this historic win by the Bokke.
He said to the broader NWU community and all South Africans, let them take the Springboks’ hard work, resilience, and winning spirit and use it in all our endeavours.
“That is, in our classrooms, workplaces, sport fields, and in all our daily lives to achieve greatness. Once again, congratulations to the entire Springbok team. You united the nation and made us proud. You definitely made a point loud and clear that South Africa is indeed alive with possibilities,” said Tyobeka.
Picture: One of the suspects arrested during Operation Shanela/Supplied
By OBAKENG MAJE
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Molefi Shemane said multi-disciplinary high density operation, Operation Shanela, remains steadfast in its quest to squeeze crime in all hot spot areas throughout the province. Shemane said the disruptive actions commenced on 26 until 29 October 2023.
“The police and other law enforcement agencies executed various actions that included random stop and searches of persons and vehicles, high visibility patrols, vehicle check points, roadblocks, tracing of wanted suspects, compliance inspections at liquor outlets, second hand goods dealers and scrapyards, compliance inspections at firearm dealers and visits to spaza shops.
“During the operations, 212 suspects were arrested for an assortment of crimes such as dealing in drugs, possession of illegal cigarettes, illegal dealing in liquor, possession of counterfeit goods, possession of drugs, robbery, assaults, housebreaking and theft, malicious damage to property, assault GBH driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs and the detention of illegal immigrants,” he said.
Shemane further said, the detectives traced and arrested 208 daily wanted suspects, who have been on the run from the police for various crimes including, house robbery, murder, rape, assault GBH and illegal possession of a firearm.
He added that alcoholic beverages, dangerous weapons, drugs including crystal meth, tik, dagga, mandrax, cash and vehicles were confiscated.
“Efforts were intensified at tuck shops, where compliance inspections were conducted to remove and destroy expired items. The police were deployed throughout the province to police fan parks hosting the screening of the Rugby World Cup final during which no serious incidents were reported,” said Shemane.
Meanwhile, the Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola, applauded the joint efforts of the law enforcement agencies that led to the arrest of suspects ensuring that communities are safe. Otola also appreciated the efforts of the police, external role players and the community for their relentless efforts in ensuring a safe and peaceful festive season.
More than 46 395 Grade 12 learners in the North West, will be sitting for their National Senior Certificate (NSC) examinations across 448 centres today. However, it seems it will be a bumpy start for some Grade 12 learners from Batlhaping High School in Taung.
This comes after they were taken to a camping centre in Louwna on Saturday night, but they were forced to return home in the wee hours of Sunday morning after there was accommodation for them. Some of the learners alleged that there was no electricity and the centre too.
However, the North West Department of Education spokesperson, Mphata Molokwane said indeed there was a shortage of accommodation for 57 learners due to overlap. Molokwane said the plan was that learners from Batlhaping High School were scheduled to be accommodated at the Louwna Hostels.
“Due to the 57-person overlap, it was decided to return the learners to their centre/school. The circuit coordinator visited the facility in person to confirm its legitimacy, however, when rooms were assigned upon arrival, there was a shortage.
“The department was able to pick it up yesterday upon arrival. There is a plan for Batlhaping High School learners and parents and the School Governing Body (SGB) were fully informed. This arrangement won’t affect learners, as the department is making sure that the learners will be in good care throughout the examinations,” he said.
The North West acting Premier, Nono Maloyi said, he is confident that the Class of 23 will do well in their final examinations. Maloyi further said the North West Department of Education has done enough spade work to prepare learners for this year’s National Senior Certificate examinations.
“I am confident that these learners will do well in these examinations given the enormous work that the department has carried out in preparation of these examinations. I am also confident with the readiness on the technical side.
“The printing of question papers is up to prescribed standards and safety measures have been put in place. To our Class of 23, the provincial government is fully behind you. I would also like to express our gratitude to the parents, SGBs, as well as community members for their unwavering support to the learners throughout the 2023 academic year,” he added.
Maloyi also thanked the parents and all stakeholders for their continued support and further pleaded for more parental support during this critical time of the year.
Meanwhile, the convenor of Moral Regeneration Movement (MRM) Interim Provincial Committee, Pastor Lesiba Kgwele said, they appeal for support and no disruption. He said they urge Grade 12 learners to stay focused and not to be distracted from the task at hand.
“We urge the communities to allow learners the opportunity to write their final exams in a peaceful and conducive environment. The sacrifices and extra effort they have had to put as part of preparing for the exams throughout the year, must be safeguarded so that they achieve their objective to pursue their dreams.
“The investment that the country has made in the education of young people as future leaders is key to sustainable development. We therefore appeal to public transport operators for hassle free transportation of learners to their various examination centres,” he said.
Picture: The disgraced mayor of Greater Taung Local Municipality, Tumisang Gaoralewe/Facebook
By OBAKENG MAJE
Dear Tumisang Gaoraelwe
I hope this letter finds you not drunk or high. Let me take this opportunity to re-introduce myself. My name is Obakeng Maje (editor) of Taung DailyNews, which is a community newspaper.
I received a call on 25 October 2023 at around 7:40pm from one of your close associates, who requested me to check my WhatsApp and see what a scumbag has written about Taung DailyNews and I on Facebook. Indeed, I checked my WhatsApp even though I was reluctant. I was disappointed to see what you have written about Taung DailyNews and I.
You wrote this on your Facebook page: “The news that you will never find in Taung DailyNews. If you want to know that you have credibility, it is when someone uses your profile to project themselves. We have worked hard to be where we are at the pick (peak) of the mount (mountain), that is why when Taung DailyNews or Ice-T Maje writes about me, I do not respond.
“I will never dignify that hogwash with a response. I have worked for more than a decade to be where I am. I am at the pick (peak) of the mountain, academically, personally, socially and otherwise.
“I do not come down, climb the f**k up.”
However, let me correct you. We have already written about that cancelled petition under this headline way before you could even post about it. Here is the link to full article: https://twitter.com/IceT_/status/1717173403008786576?s=19
As Taung DailyNews, we strive on factual reporting. Again, we do not target any individuals, but we follow the story. So, if the story takes us to you, then hard luck.
We also do not get any personal in our reporting, but as the watchdog, we have the responsibility to ensure that there is accountability and consequence management.
If we have a personal vendetta against you, we could have reported about the allegations that you are on drugs. We could have reported allegations that, there is a video of you engaged in a sexual activity with a 14-year-old girl, who is now allegedly blackmailing you. If we were personal, we could have reported about allegations that you do not take care of your children from your failed marriage.
How true are allegations that, a few months ago, you went to Klerksdorp and collected a whopping R1 million from a security company awarded a multi-million rands tender at the Greater Taung Local Municipality as bribery?
Now, let’s get down to business and deal with real issues. If you say you are credible and some people will use your profile to project themselves, kindly give us one thing that is credible about you. I would imagine us (media) reporting about a corrupt individual like your fellow ANC cadre, John Block and he says journalists use his profile to project themselves.
You say you are at the peak of the mountain academically, but indeed, your qualifications are like a golden ring on the snout of a pig, they mean nothing. Rather say you are certificated because you do not qualify to run the municipality as a political head.
While we are still there:
· Kindly take the people of Taung into confidence and tell them what happened to the R101 million equitable share that was allegedly depleted in weeks.
· Kindly tell the people of Taung, what happened to the R3 million budgeted for disaster? Why does the municipality continue to use consultants even though they are too expensive.
· Mayor, please enlighten us on what happened to the luxury BMW X3 that is now being fixed with taxpayers’ money. Last year, you crashed the same BMW X3, while you were drunk and you confessed in an audio that the police officers who attended the scene assisted you to clean it. This alone shows that you are a corrupt individual who disregards the law. It cost the taxpayers over R250 000 to fix the damaged BMW X3 without accountability on your side.
· Again, tell the community of Taung why the tracking report of the same BMW X3 shows that it was constantly driving between Kuruman, Kimberley and Carletonville. It eventually stuck in Kimberly, where it was towed to Potchefstroom to be fixed and cost the taxpayers around R230 000. Kindly tell the people of Taung why your precious wife allegedly drives the mayoral vehicle?
· Mayor, please tell the people of Taung how much is left in the Investment Accounts of the municipality.
· Tell the people of Itireleng village what happened to the R10 million budgeted for their internal road?
· Tell the people of Taung why those learners who were awarded by the municipality for being top achievers have not received their R10 000 each and laptops you promised them?
· This year, you organised a mayoral cup, where the winning teams were awarded accordingly, however, they are still waiting for their incentives.
Mayor, you say you are at the peak of the mountain and we must climb the f***k up because you are not coming down. Let me tell you this, you are actually sitting at the top of the mountain of fools. So, we are not climbing the f***k up.
You better come down and listen to the plea of ordinary people on the ground. Let your qualifications do the talking and stop being unscrupulous.
I told you that I have nothing personal against you and I will continue to report about what is happening around Taung with no contraction of fear or favour. You do good, we report and you do bad, we will also report.
So, mayor you are given responsibility to run the municipality, but it seems everything is crumbling under your watch. Now, your own cadres have turned their backs against you because they are sick and tired of your shenanigans. They say they want you gone because they cannot be associated with a person of your calibre. So, you still maintain that you are credible?
When the ANC introduced you as the mayor, the people of Taung had high hopes and said finally, a young person will be at the helm and steer this ship to the right direction. However, you disappointed them because of greed.
Enjoy your day mayor and just know that there is nothing honourable about you.
(Note: Mr Obakeng Maje is an award-winning journalist and holds a three-year Diploma in Media Studies and Journalism. In his blossomed career, he worked for various media houses such as Daily Sun, The New Age and Sunday World, including You FM (formerly known as North West FM). Some of Mr Obakeng Maje’s articles were incorporated in a book called Civil Strife against Local Governance, written by political analyst at the University of Free State, Professor Sethulego Matebesi.)
Four men were sentenced to 15 years imprisonment by the Schweizer Reneke Regional Court for two counts of robbery. In the early hours of the morning on 14 May 2017, a man (21) was walking in the street, accompanied by his friend (17) in Extension 5 in Ipelegeng Location, outside Schweizer Reneke.
They were greeted by a man known to them, while walking past a local tuck shop. North West police spokesperson, Col Adele Myburgh said the two were suddenly surrounded by four suspects, Kagiso Godfrey Molapo (34), Goitsemodimo Jacob Malape (28), Monnapula Alfred Seotimeng (28) and Kgosietsile Philadelphia Motsage (26).
Myburgh further said one of the suspects was armed with a knife.
“The two friends were robbed of two pairs of tekkies, a belt, jersey, cellular phone, school bag, a wallet and a brown leather jacket. Furthermore, the victim (21), was assaulted with an empty beer bottle on the hip, while his friend (17) was stabbed with a knife on his right hand.
“After the torment, the victims went straight to the police station to report the robbery. Whilst at the police station, the four suspects who were arrested by police for another crime, were brought into the police station and the duo positively identified them. All the robbed items were found in their possession,” she said.
Myburgh added that four accused were found guilty on two charges of aggravating robbery on 21 September 2023. She said they were sentenced to 15 years imprisonment each on 20 October 2023.
“In terms of Section 103 of the Firearm Control Act, 2000 (Act No. 60 of 2000), all accused persons were also declared unfit to possess firearms,” she said.
North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Kwena applauded the Investigating Officer, Sergeant Ditlhokwe of the North West Anti-Gang Unit as well as all other role players including prosecution for their excellent collaboration, which he said will send a stern warning that those who perpetrate crime, will be dealt with effectively.
Picture: The Greater Taung Local Municipality speaker, Grace Moipolai
By OBAKENG MAJE
The Greater Taung Local Municipality (GTLM) speaker, Grace Moipolai said the scheduled special council meeting that was proposed by the majority of ANC councillors and other political parties at the municipality, is invalid and redundant.
This comes after two councillors from opposition parties, PR councillor, April Sephula and F4SD ward 6 councillor, Seakgamoriri Mmokwa, who were signatories to the petition withdrew their support.
Aggrieved councillors from the municipality, who are mostly ANC members, wrote a letter requesting Moipolai to convene a special council meeting at Depot Hall in Taung at 10am today. In the letter that was seen by Taung DailyNews, they raised burning issues that they wanted to form part of the agenda.
They alleged that Gaoraelwe has gone rogue and the status quo of the municipality has deteriorated under his tutelage.
“We, the undersigned majority of duly elected councillors of the GTLM, herewith request our municipal council’s speaker, Grace Moipolai to convene a special council meeting in terms of Section 29(1) of the Local Government Municipal Structure Act No. 117 of 1998.
“The speaker of a municipal council decides when and where the council meets subject to Section 18(2), but if a majority of the councillors request the speaker in writing to convene a council meeting, the speaker must convene a meeting at a time set out in the request.”
These councillors further said, if the speaker or acting speaker refuses to call a meeting of the council in terms of subsection (1), the municipal manager, or in the absence or refusal by the municipal manager, a person designated by the MEC for Local Government in the province, may call and chair the meeting.
They added that Moipolai’s attention is further and kindly drawn to the fact that, under no circumstances may the requested meeting be conducted via zoom or any other hybrid platforms.
“Outlined below in our order of importance, are the items we deem as of utmost importance for inclusion in the requested meeting’s agenda. We would like to discuss the danger allowance progress report, progress report on municipal manager’s appointment, the state of the investment account, performance report on executive committee and a motion on the adoption of council resolutions by secret ballot.
“Speaker, it remains our firm view that, any further procrastination or failure by council to address and deal with the aforesaid items, can only plunge our municipality further into operational inefficiencies and costly functional paralysis.”
They said the biggest casualties are the municipality’s biggest stakeholder – the people of the Greater Taung. The councillors said, they kindly hope that their request shall merit her sense of urgency and priority.
These councillors also called for reshuffling and allegedly suggested that Nga Tong becomes a mayor, Kealeboga Tong ascends to the municipal speaker position, while Lerato Babuseng becomes the new Chief Whip.
The municipality has been plunged into disarray as widespread allegations of corruption and maladministration were said to be entrenched into it. It is alleged that the municipality has depleted R101 million equitable share in weeks, finished R3 million budgeted for disaster with nothing to show for and also continues to spend millions of rands from investment accounts with no accountability.
Also, the Auditor General of South Africa (AGSA), highlighted that the municipality continues to make use of consultants, which are too expensive.
Meanwhile, Moipolai said: “Kindly note that your petition has been received by my office on 23 October 2023 at around 9:45am. At the time and date, I was not in the office attending to other business outside town. You have accordingly requested that a special council meeting be convened at a time set out in your request.
“I wish to advise you that, even if the act accords you convenience on time, the decision on the venue of the meeting remains the prerogative of the speaker of the council. I regret to inform you that, the meeting cannot be convened as per your wishes, because two of the councillors that are signatories to the petition, April Sphula (PR Councillor) and Seakgamoriri Mmokwa (Ward 6 councillor) have since withdrawn from the spirit of your letter, thus rendering the petition invalid and redundant.”
However, one councillor who refused to be named for fear of reprisal said, they have lobbied for the support of more councillors and they will submit another petition.
Picture: Community members at Kgomotso Police Station
By OBAKENG MAJE
Eighteen alleged vigilantes who were arrested by the police in Upper Majeakgoro village, near Pampierstad on 16 October 2023, will be back in court. They were arrested for allegedly beating a man (26), whom they accused of stock theft to death.
According to the Northern Cape police spokesperson, Lieutenant Col Sergio Kock, the police arrested 18 suspects (14 men and 4 women) who were allegedly involved in the mob justice.
Kock said a group of community members allegedly went to the house of a person suspected to be involved in stock theft, beat his family members, and forcefully took him and his friend (20) to Upper Majaekgoro village.
“The community allegedly tied the two up and beat them with a pick handle and chains. The friends of the victims allegedly drove into the crowd of community members with a Toyota Bakkie and one person was also hospitalised, while other community members were left injured.
“Two men who were allegedly abducted and assaulted by the community members were both hospitalised. However, one of the victims (26), later succumbed to his injuries,” he said.
Kock further said 18 persons who were allegedly involved in the mob justice are facing charges of murder, attempted murder, and assault GBH. He added that, the police confirmed that, five of them (4 men and 1 woman) are part of the Community in Blue Patrollers in Pampierstad.
“A driver (50) of a bakkie was also arrested and charged with attempted murder,” said Kock.
The recent reports suggest that, one person who was hospitalised, Thato Maleke allegedly passed away on 21 October 2023, while only two accused out of 18 were granted bail by Kgomotso Magistrate’s Court. The case will resume today for formal bail applications.
Meanwhile, the Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant Gen Koliswa Otola, condemned the attack and warned that mob justice is a violation of the law. Otola warned that, the community members who are implicated in this act will be arrested and face the full might of the law.
TaungDailyNews 