Picture: The construction site of a reservoir project in Potchefstroom 

By REGINALD KANYANE

Operation Bulela Metsi might be what the residents of the North West need to do away with water scarcity. The residents across the province continue to struggle to access clean and drinkable water.

However, the minister of water and sanitation, Senzo Mchunu said his department has rolled up its sleeves as a means to accelerate the provision of water in the province. Mchunu said this will be done through the implementation of Operation Bulela Metsi, which is an initiative geared towards enhancing access to consistent and reliable water supply in the province.

On Friday, the Republic of South Africa (RSA) President, Cyril Ramaphosa accompanied Mchunu and several other ministers, conducted an oversight inspection at a construction site of a reservoir in Ikageng Township, near Potchefstroom.

“This is evident as all hands are on deck in the construction of the Ikageng 25 mega litres ground reservoir. The construction of the reservoir is funded through the Department’s Regional Bulk Infrastructure Grant (RBIG) with the municipality as the Water Services Authority, appointed as the implementing agent.

“Work commenced in January this year and is expected to be completed by July 2024, with more than 100 job opportunities for locals in the pipeline. The reservoir and the new bulk distribution (gravity) pipeline will supply water to communities in Ikageng Proper, Ikageng Ext. 1,4,5 9, 12, Potchindustria, Mohadin as well as the Northern portion of Ikageng Ext. 7,” he said.

Mchunu further said the project came about as a result of the decommissioning of the Ikageng West Reservoirs, which rendered the Ikageng Proper and Potchindustria networks without any storage capacity. He added that they have made a commitment to fast-track the implementation of bulk water projects in water-strained communities.

“The department has since put wheels in motion to collaboratively work with the provincial government and its entities with an aim of ensuring water security in the province and across the country.

“Close to 22,000 households and a population of 94 201 will benefit from the successful completion of the reservoir. In addition, the reservoir site is suitable to cater for the future developments at Mooibank to the south of the N12, and the platform will be ready to accept additional ground reservoirs,” said Mchunu.

He said the position of the new reservoir site is also suited to accommodate any future developments, once the urban edge is extended to the North West of the reservoir site as proposed in the recent Spatial Development Framework.

Mnchunu said the Operation Bulela Metsi project is a culmination of the hard work carried out by the technical task team established by the national and provincial government in January this year, to conduct an assessment of the state of water and sanitation services provision in the province and come up with measures to address the challenges and ensure sustainable provision of the services.

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Picture: Foreign tuckshop owners allegedly chased out of townships/Generic

By OBAKENG MAJE

Two children in the West Rand, Gauteng have died after allegedly eating poisonous food from a taxi rank last week. The incident comes days after two four-year-old-children in Soweto died allegedly after eating biscuits from a foreign-owned spaza shop.

Now, this has created a panic across North West as some parents fear for their children’s lives.

The chairperson of North West Provincial Legislature’s Portfolio Committee on Economic Development, Environment, Tourism, Agriculture and Rural Development, Bitsa Lenkopane said she has been inundated with calls alleging that, there are children who were also reported dead after consuming poisonous food in the province.

“While no formal and or authenticated information and evidence have been received, the committee has been receiving calls from panicking parents and community members seeking remedies to protect communities from alleged traders who sell them products containing deadly poison.

“The department is urged to join hands and intensify the operation through district development model by thorough involvement with municipalities, and activation of the activists who will create awareness to ensure that communities understand that the state is in charge of such businesses,” she said.

Lenkopane further said the committee is appealing to the communities to remain calm. She added that, they called on the communities to remain vigilant, while further calling on the North West Department of Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism and other relevant stakeholders to investigate these horrifying allegations.

“We are also calling on the department to do the inspections and furnish the committees with a detailed report, which should indicate trader categories and their respective consumable products which are further extended to school learners.

“This must include trader status, whether licensed or not, compliant with the business regulation act or not, which must indicate the compliance with Immigration Act 13 of 2002 regarding foreign-owned business,” said Lenkopane.

She urged the department to regularly communicate with communities through different platforms to ensure that they are accountable and responsible for all the operating businesses across the province, to reduce the amount of panic.

Lenkopane said the committee will rely on the report from the department that should be submitted within seven days and further engage communities on the work done and/or systems in place including communication of the database of all businesses, regulated or not.

“We equally appeal to communities to refrain from causing unnecessary unrest and rather report incidents and provide proof to the nearest police services. They should also provide accurate information to any government officials who might be dealing with the situation,” she said.

Meanwhile, no deaths of children consuming poisonous food in the province have been reported thus far.

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By OBAKENG MAJE

Alleged vigilantes who were arrested by police in Upper Majeakgoro village, near Pampierstad on Monday for allegedly beating a man (26) accused of stock theft to death, are set to appear at Kgomotso Magistrate’s Court today.

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 set to appear in court soon on 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. He will also appear in court soon,” said Kock.

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.

The police are currently monitoring the situation in Pampierstad and the investigations continue.

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Picture: A murder accused, Thabo David Mokoroane/Facebook

By OBAKENG MAJE

A man aged 41 has been arrested for allegedly killing his girlfriend in Ipegeng Township, near Schweizer Reneke. On 15 October 2023, the police were called after a woman, Suzan Serame (41) was found unconscious in the streets with stabbing wounds.  

The North West police spokesperson in Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati cluster, Warrant Officer, Tryphosa van Rooyen told Morongwa News that, Serame was rushed to the hospital for medical attention, however, succumbed to her injuries later on.

Van Rooyen said the deceased’s boyfriend, Thabo David Mokoroane was arrested and charged with murder.

“The accused briefly appeared at Schweizer Reneke Magistrate’s Court on 17 October 2023. he case was postponed to 24 October 2023 for formal bail application,” she said.

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Setshwantsho: Batsadi ga mmogo le baithuti kwa kliniking ya selegae

Ka OBAKENG MAJE

Baithuti ba feta 20 kwa sekolong se se potlana sa Mamusa gaufi le Schweizer Reneke, ba ne ba tlhaselwa ke motshitshi wa dinotshi mo letsatsing la Labone. Go kaiwa fa baithuti ba, ba ne ba tshameka kwa sekolong mo mosong fa tiragalo e, ene e direga.

Go ya ka sebueledi sa Lefapha la Thuto mo Bokone Bophirima, Mphata Molokwane, lefelo le baithuti ba tlhasetsweng ke dinotshi kwa go lone, ga se le ba tshamekelang kwa go lone ka gale.

“Barutabana ba ne ba utlwa segajaja sa baithuti ba baneng ba goeletsa le go lopa thuso. Baithuti ba, ba ne ba rwalelwa kwa bookelong go bona thuso ya potlako. Le ba thuso ya potlako, Emergency Medical Services, le bone ba ne ba bidiwa go ka tla go thusa.

“Lekgotlha-tsamaiso la sekolo le ne la laela gore, go bidiwe baitsanape ba ba dirang ka dinotshi le go dintsha kwa sekolong. Seno, ke masetla-pelo, fela ke tiragalo e eneng e sa lebelelwa,” Molokwane wa tlhalosa.

Kgabagare, bangwe ba batsadi ba ikuela go sekolo gore se netefatse fa bana ba bone ba dula ba sireletsegile ka dinako tsotlhe kwa sekolong. Mongwe wa batsadi yo o sa batlang leina la gagwe le itsiwe are: “Ke batla go itse gore dinotshi tse di na le nako e kae di le kwa sekolong ntle le gore batsamaisi ba sekolo ba di bone.

“Re utlwa ka mabare-bare gore, baithuti ba, ba ne ba kgotlha-kgotlhana le dinotshi tse kwa morago ga sekolo, mme tiragalo e, ke ya mo mosong. Seemo se ne se tswile taolong, mme re ile ra tabogela kwa sekolong go ya go iponela ka matlho.”

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Picture: North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Sello Lehari/Supplied

By REGINALD KANYANE

The non-compliant motorists feel the pinch of the law during Thuntsha Lerole’s law enforcement operation in Kanana Township, near Orkney. The law enforcement agencies sealed all entry points of Kanana Township, to stamp authority and ensure total compliance on the road.

North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Sello Lehari said during a joint law enforcement operation between Provincial, Municipal Traffic, South African Police Service (SAPS) and the Department of Home Affairs (Customs) and road users, were engaged in safety awareness.

“Those found not complying with regulations were punished according to prescripts. Following the hard work of dedicated law enforcement officers, 114 vehicles were stopped and checked, and 9 unlicensed drivers were fined.

“Thirteen expired and failure to display licence disc as well as five warrant of arrests were issued. Five foreign nationals mostly from Lesotho, were also arrested for failing to produce documentation,” he said.

Lehari further said, that as part of the operation, road users received road safety education through awareness campaigns. He added that, this was part of the Thuntsha Lerole Accelerated Service Delivery Programme (ASDP) that took place in the Dr Kenneth Kaunda District Municipality.

“This is ahead of the scheduled Presidential Imbizo in Potchefstroom today. Thuntsha Lerole is currently being rolled out to local municipalities across the province, where various departments and state-owned entities, working together with the local and district municipalities, are responding to service delivery challenges in a coordinated and integrated approach. 

“The ASDP also forms part of the government’s District Development Model (DDM), which is an integration of development plans and programmes by all spheres of government to deliver services to communities,” said Lehari.

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Picture: Illicit cigarettes and tobacco products confiscated/Supplied  

By OBAKENG MAJE

The police confiscated 764 boxes of illicit cigarettes and 53 boxes of hookah flavour on Memorial Road in Kimberley. The illicit cigarettes and tobacco products are approximately to the street value of R10 million.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Colonel Cherelle Ehlers said the Northern Cape Organised Investigation Unit together with the National Crime Intelligence Unit and Kimberley K9 Unit, conducted a search at a storage container facility.

“The action was executed after the police received a tip-off regarding the storage of illicit goods at the facility. Additional members from the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigations, Kimberley Crime Prevention Unit and Crime Intelligence joined the search and seizure operation to secure the scene and safekeeping of the exhibits.

“The members from Bloemfontein Customs are expected in Kimberley on 20 October 2023 to verify the goods. No persons were arrested and the investigation continues,” she.

Meanwhile, the Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola, welcomes the swift action of several specialised SAPS units.

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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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