Picture: North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi with Grade 7 learner, Hardus Robertson/Supplied

By OBAKENG MAJE  

A Grade 7 learner, Hardus Robertson from Mmamogwa Primary School in Tlakgameng village, near Ganyesa, won a gold medal at the National Cross Country Athletics held at Tom Naudé Secondary School in Limpopo recently.

Robertson (13) was welcomed by amongst others, North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi, and a Member of the Provincial Legislature (MPL) in North West, Bitsa Lenkopane who led the programme. Motsumi said her department is in celebratory mode.

Motsumi used this opportunity to encourage learners at the school to pursue excellence in and out classroom.

“This win by Robertson is an example of pursuing excellence in what you do. We are proud of our hero, who amongst learners of different schools across the country won a gold medal. I wish to encourage all of you that your background should be a stepping stone, not a barrier.

“I believe that, many learners from our province can be motivated by this win. Congratulations to Robertson on his achievement. I also extend my gratitude to my colleague, Lenkopane who led the programme for the day as well as officials from the North West Department of Social Development, who released their hearts and joined the department to help a family in need with a donation of R38 000,” she said.

Motsumi further said this is the partnership they wish to see every day to build a better communal society. She added that, Robertson started his sporting career as a Grade 1 learner in 2016 at the school as a goalkeeper in the school soccer team, until he pursued a cross country team at the school in 2021.

Meanwhile, other attendees were officials from the North West Department of Social Development, who joined hands with the North West Department of Education officials, who upon hearing of Robertson’s disadvantaged background, landed a hand by donating funds to bring a temporary relief of social distress to the family.

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Picture: Various schools received equipment during Thuntsa Lerole campaign/Supplied

By BAKANG MOKOTO

North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi said the Thuntsa Lerole campaign, which is the Acceleration of Service Delivery programme, continues to change the game in the schools across the province. Motsumi said this campaign, is held every week across the province and it was held at Bonolo Early Childhood Development centre in Jouberton Township in Matlosana on 18 October 2023.

“The department handed over educational packages to 10 Early Childhood Development centres of Dr Kenneth Kaunda District, which are part of the 40 ECD Pocket Centres of Excellence.

“The educational resources distributed to the 10 ECD Pockets of Excellence are in support of the implementation of the National Curriculum Framework of facilitating the learning on Early Learning Development Areas,” she said.

According to Motsumi, the Thuntsa Lerole campaign further proceeded to Are-Fenyeng Primary School in Kanana Township near Orkney, where her department handed over a full-service kitchen.

“Bathabile and Kanana Primary schools received National School Nutrition Programme stoves, sanitary towels and sporting kits from the North West Department of Arts, Culture, Recreation and Sports. The game will change in all schools.

“We are continuing to touch different schools in the province through the Thuntsa Lerole programme. Many schools are going to benefit from this campaign. We have handed over cell phones and routers to principals because we want our schools to be compliant with the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR),” she said.

Motsumi further encouraged learners to work hard during this critical period. She added that, the game should change in all areas of the department.

Meanwhile, the North West MEC for Arts, Culture, Recreation and Sports, Keneetswe Mosenogi, who handed over the sporting kits to schools, highlighted that, their role is to complement the education efforts.

“Our role is to ensure that we complement the efforts of the Department of Education. We should ensure that learners participate in extra-curricular activities,” she said.

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Picture: Elderly persons educated about safety measures/Supplied

By OBAKENG MAJE

The Roodepan police in conjunction with the Northern Cape Department of Social Development, Department of Health and Simanye Community Nutritional and Development Centre, hosted an Elderly event in Roodepan, near Kimberley on 19 October 2023. In attendance, were personnel from the SAPS, Department of Social Development, and Department of Health, Community Police Forum District Board, Women Against Crime and elderly community members.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Lieutenant Col Sergio Kock said: “The event commenced with an opening prayer by Pastor Lizzy Soul, followed by the welcoming address and the introduction of speakers by Blom.

“The purpose of the day was outlined by Constable Mapule de Kock and Sergeant Iris Modise, who indicated that this event was set out to make sure that the elderly persons are safe. It also makes them aware of services such as Health and Social Development that are available for them,” said Kock.

He further said, Sergeant Modise indicated the abuse of elderly people happens in their own homes. Kock added that, Modise urged the neighbours to speak up when they suspect that, an elderly person is financially abused, neglected, or harmed.

“She also pleaded with the elderly to make use of the South African Police Service when they are faced with challenges of abuse and other challenges,” he said.

Kock said the representatives from the Northern Cape Department of Health, Sara Matroos also delivered a message of support including others from the Department of Social Development, Roodepan CPF, and Women Against Crime, Olive Miller.

“The different stakeholders addressed the attendees on how abuse affects the elderly. Abuse of older people is an important public health problem. For older people, the consequences of abuse can be serious, and recovery may take longer.

“Abuse of older people can have serious consequences such as physical and mental health, financial, and social consequences, including, physical injuries, premature mortality, depression, financial devastation and placement in nursing homes,” he said.

Meanwhile, the chairperson of Simanye Community Nutritional and Development Centre (soup kitchen), Ruth Goolamhossen said: “We would like to thank all role players and attendees. The soup kitchen also provided all attendees with a warm plate of food and juice, while the SAPS band performed beautiful musical entertainment for the old folk.

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By OBAKENG MAJE

A man who was arrested for fraud, forgery and uttering, was sentenced to 15 years imprisonment by the Klerksdorp Magistrate’s Court on Thursday. Justice Moyo (47) was arrested on 28 February 2023 after he had allegedly used fraudulent documents to purchase a Ford Ranger at a car dealership in Klerksdorp.

The Hawks spokesperson in North West, Lieutenant Col, Tinyiko Mathebula said, the dealership alerted the police and Moyo was apprehended.

“After making a series of court appearances, Moyo was found guilty and sentenced to 15 years imprisonment. He was sentenced to 15 years imprisonment for fraud, six months for forgery and 12 months for uttering.

“The sentence will run concurrently. The Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation Provincial Head, Major General Patrick Mbotho and the Director of Public Prosecutions in the North West, Dr Rachel Makhari, lauded the investigation and prosecution team for securing a successful conviction,” he said.

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Picture: Grade 12 learners during a provincial prayer/Supplied

By OBAKENG MAJE

North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi said with only 10 days to the final sitting of the Grade 12 National Senior Certificate Examinations, her department calls for divine guidance by organising an inter-denominational intercessory provincial examination prayer from different faith-based organizations.

Motsumi said they held a provincial examination prayer at Botoka Secondary School in Ikageng, Potchefstroom on Thursday. She further said the prayer was paired with the signing of the pledge by the Grade 12 candidates from schools throughout the province.

“They willingly and solemnly signed a promise on, promising to safeguard the integrity of the exams by abstaining from any malfeasance.

“By signing the pledge, learners demonstrated their adherence to the NSC Examination’s Code of Conduct, which stipulates that they would be truthful, refrain from cheating or using illegal materials in the examination rooms and protect the integrity of the examination process,” added Motsumi.

She also emphasized that the intention of the pledge signing is to curb and control examination irregularities. According to Motsumi, the rationale for the pledge is to commit every learner to comply with the examination code of conduct, so that it assists in curbing and controlling examination irregularities.

“Maintain your composure and keep your sights set on your objective. Know that you have all the support of the department, your family, friends, educators, and the rest of the community.

“For the last 12 years, you have been preparing for this moment. Allow nothing to get in your way. I wish you good luck in your examination. Furthermore, the department will maintain strict control over the various locations, where exam papers are kept,” she said.

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Picture: The murder accused, Wernich Botha/Screengrab 

By OBAKENG MAJE

A man who allegedly assaulted two people at the shopping centre parking lot in Klerksdorp briefly appeared at Klerksdorp Magistrate’s Court on Thursday. Wernich Botha (33) was arrested after he allegedly assaulted Hilton Pretorius (32) and PW Roos (44) during a fistfight.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in North West, Henry Mamothame said both victims were taken to a local hospital, where Roos was discharged with a shoulder injury and a concussion. He said, however, Pretorius succumbed to the injuries a few days after he was admitted to hospital.

“Botha was initially charged with attempted murder, however, the state has altered the charge to murder, following the death of Pretorius. The charge of assault with intention to do Grievous Bodily Harm (GBH) was also altered to attempted murder after the state reviewed the injuries sustained by Roos, who was also allegedly assaulted by the accused.

“His charges have now been changed to a schedule 5 and the court has retained his bail status of R2000. Botha was ordered not to interfere with the state’s witnesses. The case was postponed to 15 January 2024 for further investigations,” said Mamothame. 

Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, together with Director of Public Prosecutions, Dr Rachel Makhari, has called for calm and they further request for the state to be afforded time and space to conduct its investigations in an endeavour to bring the alleged perpetrator to book.

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Picture: Advocate Kholeka Gcaleka, who was recommended to become the new Public Protector/Google

By OBAKENG MAJE

The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) said it vehemently rejects the appointment of Advocate Kholeka Gcaleka as the Public Protector. This comes after Gcaleka was officially recommended by the National Assembly earlier today through votes.

The parliament spokesperson, Moloto Mothapo said, in May 2023, the NA noted that the now former Public Protector, Adv Busisiwe Mkhwebane’s term of office was coming to an end. He said the House established an Ad Hoc Committee to nominate a person for appointment as the next Public Protector – in accordance with section 193(5) of the constitution.

“The Public Protector is appointed by the President, on the recommendation of the NA, for a non-renewable term of seven years. The Ad Hoc Committee to nominate a person for appointment as Public Protector, met for the first time on 6 June 2023 and elected Cyril Xaba as its chairperson.

“Section 59(1) of the constitution provides for public access to and involvement in the processes of the NA. Broadly, the provision states that the NA must facilitate public involvement in its legislative and other processes and conduct its business in an open manner and hold its sittings, and those of its committees, in public,” said Mothapo.

He further said the committee accordingly conducted its business in an open and transparent manner. Mothapo added that, following the rigorous interview process, the committee met on 29 August 2023 to deliberate and agreed to recommend to the NA that, it nominate Gcaleka for appointment as Public Protector.

“Gcaleka has served as Deputy Public Protector since 1 February 2020 and has acted as Public Protector since the suspension of Mkhwebane by Ramaphosa in June 2022,” he said

However, EFF national spokesperson, Sinawo Thambo said Gcaleka’s appointment hardly catches them off guard, for they have emphatically underscored that, this appointment bears the hallmarks of a quid pro quo arrangement-a reward for absolving Ramaphosa of any wrongdoing and conflicts of interest in the Phala Phala investigation by the Public Protectors office.

“This is despite the findings of a Section 89 Independent Panel, which unequivocally confirmed that the President had transgressed our constitution and the Executive Members Ethics Act (EMEA).

“Furthermore, Gcaleka’s findings also came to light during her tenure as the acting Public Protector, which followed Mkhwebane’s abrupt suspension, a mere day after the latter initiated an investigation into the substantial foreign currency concealed within furniture at Ramaphosa’s farm,” he said.

Thambo said this appointment is, therefore, undeniably tainted, raising valid concerns about the independence and impartiality of our Chapter 9 institutions. He said as South Africans, they must acknowledge that everything the ANC comes into contact with descends into corruption and scandal, failing to serve the public’s best interests.

Meanwhile, the Democratic Alliance Shadow Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development and Member of Parliament (MP), Glynnis Breytenbach shared the same sentiments.

Breytenbach said: “Gcaleka is unfit for the Office and she will now be tasked with defending our constitutional democracy for the next seven years. Her previous public positions and actions have raised red flags that should not be ignored.

“The Democratic Alliance has been unequivocal in its view that the process to appoint a new Public Protector must be reopened, as all shortlisted candidates were unsuitable,” she said.

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By OBAKENG MAJE

The Lichtenburg Magistrate’s Court sentenced a man to life imprisonment for raping a girl (16). On 28 May 2017, Orapeleng Matlape (28) and his accomplices accosted the victim, while she was walking home.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in North West, Henry Mamothame said the incident took place at Tlhabologong Location, outside Coligny. Mamothame said they subsequently dragged her to a shack and took turns to rape her.

“The following morning, the victim reported the matter to her mother. The matter was reported to the police and three men were arrested in July 2017, but later released as the matter was provisionally withdrawn from the court roll for further investigations.

“In June 2021, the matter was re-enrolled and Matlape together with Kamogelo Mokgothu, were re-arrested, while the third suspect was still on the run. Matlape opted to plead guilty to the charge and the state accepted his plea,” he said.

Mamothame further said Mokgothu pleaded not guilty and his case was postponed to 13 December 2023 for the appointment of a presiding officer.   

In aggravation of sentence, the state prosecutor, Itumeleng Boikanyo, urged the court not to deviate from the minimum prescribed sentence, as there were no compelling circumstances to do so.

Magistrate Stefan Du Toit agreed with the state and remarked on the prevalence of rape and that it should no longer be tolerated. The court declared Matlape unfit to possess a firearm and ordered that, his name be listed in the sexual offenders’ register. 

Meanwhile, the Director of Public Prosecutions in North West, Dr Rachel Makhari, lauded the prosecutor, Warrant Officer Mmane Mokoena from the SAPS, and other role players, who ensured justice was served.

She called on communities to unite in the fight against such violent offenses.

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