Picture: The department announces the exit strategy for Vuk’uphile Contractor Development Programme
OBAKENG MAJE
The Head of Department at North West Public Works and Roads, Moss Kgantsi, has announced the ‘Exit Strategy’ on the Vuk’uphile Contractor Development Programme. Kgantsi said the programme has benefitted 56 participants thus far.
“The strategy follows an extensive consultation process with participants. The department is committed to developing emerging contractors into fully-fledged contractors able to execute labour-intensive projects.
“The exit strategy comprises an NQF (Level 4) training certificate to be provided in partnership with the North West University (NWU). Participants will also be included in the departmental panel of contractors’ database for a period not exceeding 36 months,” he said.
Kgantsi further said, all participants will be profiled through a booklet showcasing the work of each participant throughout the programme. He added that, they appeal to participants to improve their work so that, there is value for money with regard to the work the department allocates and remunerates.
“Exiting participants will give impetus to finalise the new intake of 160 participants as pronounced by the North West MEC for Public Works and Roads, Oageng Molapisi during the 2023/24 Budget Speech.
“The department finds joy in ensuring participants exit with a long-term benefit. Moving forward, all exiting contractors will be in a position to compete for bigger projects,” said Kgantsi.
One of the participants, Lydia Sekano of Tumilid Trading Enterprises CC from Rustenburg, welcomed the exit strategy. Sekano’s company began the programme at Grade 3GB & 1CE and today stands at 5GB & 2CE respectively.
“I welcome the exit strategy with both hands and as a learner or a student at some point, you need to graduate. But, I think what I like the most is the fact that, we will be included in the departmental database, allowing us to compete with other contractors.
“We are still going to receive a qualification, which will assist in terms of tendering as one of the requirements. Even CIDB is amending their systems, they mentioned that starting from the next financial year; they will require qualifications from contractors,” she said.
Picture: Two goats allegedly reported stolen, recovered in Rietfontein/Supplied
By OBAKENG MAJE
Two goats that were reported stolen, were recovered by the Upington Stock Theft and Endangered Species Unit. The goats worth R6000 were allegedly stolen in Loubos, near Rietfontein on 21 September 2023. The ZF Mgcawu District Police spokesperson, Sergeant Omphile Masegela said this was in an effort to curb stock theft in the ZF Mgcawu District.
“An investigation was instituted by Warrant Officer, Jacques Ockhuys from Upington Stock theft and Endangered Species Unit. After a thorough investigation, two suspects were identified, which led to the recovery of the two goats that were already sold in the nearby area by the suspects.
“The complainant identified both goats as his property and they were handed back to him. The two suspects aged 22 and 30 were arrested on 1 November 2023,” said Masegela.
He said in an unrelated case, a suspect (35), was also arrested by Ockhuys on 1 November 2023 for stock theft that occurred in October 2022. Masegela said this comes after a goat of a small-scale farmer, was slaughtered in Rietfontein.
All three suspects are expected to appear in the Rietfontein Magistrate’s Court on 3 November 2023.
Two men were killed during a shooting at Vioolsdrift in Nothern Cape on 30 October 2023. The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Colonel Cherelle Ehlers said the victims have been identified by their next-of-kin as Coenraad de Beer (54) and James Kriel (56).
“The investigations on the death of two men are underway. The accused, Jacob Dawid Malan Claassens (59), remains in custody until his bail application on 7 November 2023,” she said.
A 34-YEA-OLD man has been sentenced to life imprisonment by the Tlhabane Regional Court for killing his girlfriend (27). On 25 March 2021, Atlholang William Mosiane, who was a law enforcement officer at the Rustenburg Traffic Department, went to his girlfriend’s home in Lefaragatlha, near Tlhabane outside Rustenburg, as they agreed to meet at 7pm.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in North West, Henry Mamothame said, at the time, the girlfriend had not arrived. Mamothame further said Mosiane proceeded to look for her at her friend’s house in Tlhabane and to no avail.
He added that Mosiane then went back to his girlfriend’s home and found her in her shack.
“He then demanded to check her phone to which she complied, while also telling him not to interrogate her about the content in the phone. An argument ensued and she subsequently took her phone and called her father.
“Upon answering the call, the father heard a gunshot and quickly rushed to the shack, accompanied by the deceased’s younger sister. When they arrived, they found out that, Mosiane had already shot the deceased five times, killing her on the spot,” said Mamothame.
He said, Mosiane then took their son (10) and left the scene. Mamothame said Mosiane later handed himself over to the police and the court granted him bail.
“During court proceedings, he tendered a guilty plea which the state rejected, as it was an attempt to avoid a longer jail term,” he said.
In aggravation of sentence, the state prosecutor, Mercia Magano, urged the court not to deviate from the prescribed minimum sentence, as the accused was a law enforcement officer who had a responsibility to uphold the law.
Magistrate Segakweng Moeng agreed with the state and remarked on the character displayed by the accused of being regretful, but not remorseful.
A life sentence was subsequently imposed for pre-meditated murder.
Meanwhile, the Director of Public Prosecutions in the North West, Dr Rachel Makhari, lauded the prosecutor, Warrant Officer Richard Mogongwana, and other role players for their collaboration In bringing the perpetrator to book.
Picture: Three patients died, four injured in a car accident/Generic
By OBAKENG MAJE
Three patients died, while other four were left with serious injuries in a fatal car accident near Mahikeng on Friday. The patients were ferried by the Planned Patient Transport (PPT) vehicle when the atrocity occurred. According to the North West MEC for Health, Madoda Sambatha, the PPT vehicle was ferrying seven renal patients from Ditsobotla to Mahikeng Provincial Hospital in the early morning of 3 November 2023.
“We are saddened by the news of an accident that claimed three lives of our patients this morning, leaving four with serious injuries including our officials, who suffered a dislocated shoulder. Injured patients have been transferred to the hospital for medical attention.
“According to the PPT vehicle driver, they encountered two stray donkeys in a moment of trying to avoid a collision. The vehicle veered off the road, onto the perimeter fence, and hit a pole. This caused it to roll several times,” he said.
Sambatha further said the South African Police Service (SAPS) members have attended the scene. He added that, the names of the deceased will be disclosed once their next of kin have been notified.
“Our sincere condolences go to the families and relatives of the deceased. We also wish a speedy recovery to the injured patients and our official. More details will be shared once the SAPS investigation has been concluded.
“As we head for the festive season, we urge our communities to keep their animals away from our roads as they are contributing to these unfortunate fatal accidents,” said Sambatha.
Picture: North West acting Premier, Nono Maloyi as Thuntsa Lerole campaign hit Tlakgameng/Facebook
By OBAKENG MAJE
The Accelerated Service Delivery Programme, Thuntsha Lerole is currently underway in Tlakgameng, near Ganyesa. The North West acting Premier, Nono Maloyi spokesperson, Sello Tati said, the area is a hive of activity as the North West Provincial Government provides a variety of services to local residents.
Tatai said, this is in line with the Accelerated Service Delivery Programme (ASDP) – Thuntsha Lerole approach. He further said, that residents of Austrey, Ga-Manyayi, Ganyesa, Moshwanana, Morokweng and Tlakgameng villages are amongst those that will receive government services, which will be provided in a co-ordinated and integrated approach by various government departments, state-owned entities, as well as the district and local municipalities.
“The day’s service delivery programme, which will be led by Maloyi accompanied by Members of Executive Council (MECs) responsible for different provincial departments as well as the local traditional and Khoi-San leadership, will include amongst others, oversight visits to the construction of Tlakgameng Primary School and the renovation project at Monnaphang Primary School and blading of roads in Austrey, Ganyesa, Tosca and Tlakgameng.
“The Re A Dira Home Based Care in Tlakgameng, which provides support to individuals affected by HIV/Aids, will receive a cheque from the North West Social Development to assist it with its operating expenses,” said Tatai.
He added that, other government services to be provided on the day, include registration and updating of local business details on the Central Supplier Database (CSD), processing of invoices from suppliers, consumer education on RDP houses in Ganyesa and Tlakgameng villages, as well as provision of agricultural support services.
Tatai said phase 2 of the Accelerated Service Delivery Programme – Thuntsha Lerole is currently being rolled out to local municipalities across the province, where intervention on service delivery challenges is prioritised.
“A community feedback session will be held in the afternoon, where Maloyi will be joined by MECs for different departments to address the community on various service delivery projects and programmes. The activity has started at 8am and will run until 4pm.
“On-site government services to communities will be held at Tlakgameng Astro Turf Sports Ground – next to Tlakgameng Community Library. From 9:30am until 1pm, there will be service delivery interventions and visits to project sites. From 1pm until 3pm, there will be a community feedback session at Tlakgameng Astro Turf Sports Ground,” he said.
Picture: The suspect arrested for allegedly dealing in drugs/Supplied
By OBAKENG MAJE
A man aged 47 has been arrested for being in possession of Tik to the value of R12 000. The suspect allegedly failed to stop during a roadblock on N10 road in Upington on Thursday. The Northern Cape police spokesperson in ZF Mgcawu District, Sergeant Omphile Masegela said, the police were conducting a Vehicle Checkpoint when one vehicle approaching the VCP, failed to stop.
Masegela said the driver allegedly sped off from the scene when the police attempted to stop him. He further said, the vehicle was chased by the ZFM Highway Patrollers, assisted by the Upington Border Police and Upington K9 unit.
“The police managed to stop the vehicle, whereby the suspect tried to flee on foot. The police pursued and caught up with him. He was subdued after which he was searched and Tik was found in his possession.
“An undisclosed amount of money and the vehicle used in the commission of crime were seized. The suspect was detained for dealing in drugs and other charges emanating from the incident. The suspect will appear at Upington Magistrate’s Court soon,” he said.
Meanwhile, the ZF Mgwacu District Commissioner, Major General Thabo Mphuthi, applauds the teamwork and commitment of the police in changing the picture of crime in the district.
Setshwantsho: Dilwana tse di silweng ke nako dintshiwa mo mabentleng kwa motseng wa Kgomotso
Ka OBAKENG MAJE
Molekgotlha wa kgorwana ya 20 kwa metseng e tshwana le Kgomotso, Losasaneng, Kameelpuit le metse e mabapi, Itumeleng Maribe are, ba tlile go tswelela ka go netefatsa fa mafelo a rekisang dilwana (tuck shops) a rekisa dilo tse di sa siwang ke nako.
Maribe are ka Labobedi, ba ne ba tswile letsholo le go netefatsa fa mafelo ao a ikamagana le melao le melawana ya go rekisa dijo tse di itekanetseng.
“Rene re tswile letsholo le go netefatsa fa mafelo ao a ikamagana le melao le melawana ya thekiso. Re ile ra tsena mo mafelong ao (tuck shops) ale 14, mme re ile ra tlosa dilwana tse di fetilweng ke letlha tsa boleng jwa R500 000.
“Kwa motseng wa Kgomotso, re tsene mo mafelong a go rekisa (tuck shops) dile supa, fa kwa Losasaneng re ile ra etela mafelo ao a le tharo. Kwa Ikageng gone, re etetse mafelo ao ale nne. Rene re tsamaya le ba Lefapha la Merero ya Selegae go ka netefatsa fa batswa-kwa ba ba dirang kgwebo mono ba na le ditlankana tse di maleba,” Maribe wa tlalosa.
Gape Maribe o kaile fa ba tlile go dira seno morago ga dikgwedi di le tharo. Are ba tlositse dilwana tse di silweng ke nako jaaka dinama, ditlhapi ga mmogo le dikuku.
Baagi ba kwa Tamasikwe le bone ba ikuetse go puso go ka netefatsa fa mafelo a rekisang dijo le dilwana tse dingwe a ikamagana le melao le melwana. Mongwe wa baagi, Gaolatlhwe Raito are, baagi ba ne ba ipelaetsa ka Labobedi morago ga gore mongwe wa bone a reke boroto jo bo silweng ke nako.
“Baagi ba Tamasikwa ba tlhotse ba ipelaetsa kgatlhanong le thekiso ya dilwana tse di fetilweng ke nako kwa mabentleleng a farologaneng,” Raito wa tlhalosa.
Kgabagare, Lefapha la Tlhabololo ya Ikonomi, Botsweletse le Tlhago, le kaile fa le tlile go samagana le mabentlele a rekisang dilwana tse di fetilweng ke letlha. Sebueledi sa lefapha, Jerry Matebesi are ba tlile go tlhoma semmuso letsema la Latela Molao.
“Re ikuela go botlhe ba ba rekisang dilwana tse di fetilweng ke letlha go ka emisa go dira jalo. Botlhe ba ba tswelelang go dira jalo, ba tlile go lebagana le dipela di huduga, mme batla digamma ba sa ditlhapelwa. Ga nkitla re tshaba go ka tsenya molalwana wa Consumer Affairs Act mo tirisong.
“Molawana o, o netefatsa fa kgwebisano magareng ga modirisi le morekisi e nna le maikarabelo. Gape, o lebagane le go netefatsa fa badirisi ba sa gatelelwe. Jaaka lefapha, re ikuela go bareki botlhe go netefatsa fa ba ela tlhoko dilwana tse ba di rekang gore ga dia fetiwa ke nako,” Matebesi wa tlhaosa.
The embattled Greater Taung Local Municipality (GTLM) will today hold a special municipal council meeting at Seoding Community Hall at 10am to discuss various issues pertaining municipal manager position, progress report on the Director of Social Services, Director of Infrastructure and Technical Services, vacancy for the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and Human Settlement and Spatial Planning.
However, some councillors alleged that this kind of meeting is just a smokescreen and nothing positive will come out of it. One of the ANC councillors who refused to be known for fear of reprisal said, the municipality failed for almost a year to appoint the new municipal manager, despite numerous interviews and short-listing being conducted.
“The position became vacant on 9 November 2022 and the first advert to fill the post was closed on 23 September 2022. However, for reasons known by the mayor, Tumisang Gaoraelwe, nothing was done until the expiry of the advert in terms of the due dates for the process as captured in the regulations of the Municipal Systems Act (MSA).
“When asked the reasons for contravention, the mayor said, he had made a mistake by wrongfully counting the days since the advert closed. So, he was pardoned by the council and given a second chance to advertise, which cost the municipality thousands of rand and is equivalent to fruitless and wasteful expenditure,” he said.
Our source further said, the second advert went out and was closed on 27 January 2023. He added that the same thing happened, where the due dates for the process expired due to yet another delay by Gaoraelwe.
“This time around, the mayor even tried to hold a failed shortlisting of candidates in Klerksdorp, using Director of Cooperate Services, Dikagiso Mokoma, whom the council had clearly resolved that she should not be part of the process because of her pending investigation on issues of danger allowance.
“Again, the council lost thousands of rands for advertising and the mayor was never held accountable, but given a third chance to advertise yet again. On 14 June 2023 at a council meeting held at Depot Hall, the mayor was reprimanded by the council, especially the opposition parties and some of ANC councillors for failing to fill the post,” said a source.
He said in that meeting, Gaoraelwe was once again and for the third time granted to advertise the position with the conditions resolved that, he must report to the council on a monthly basis on the progress. He said Gaoraelwe was also instructed to use the Human Resource Manager as the scriber of the panel, which was to include a municipal manager from another municipality, a SALGA official, a COGTA Official, an MMC for HR and the mayor as chairperson.
“The advert was made to newspapers and closed on 11 July 2023. It is shocking to find out that, the mayor will only be presenting his first progress report to the council on 3 November 2023 at a council meeting. This makes it almost four months since the resolution was made on 14 June 2023 and the mayor has never reported to the council.
“This also makes it three months and three weeks since the advert closed and no progress report tabled to the council. This is in contravention of a council resolution by the mayor. The other contravention of the council resolution is that, at a council meeting on 4 September 2023, the former CFO who acted as municipal manager at that council meeting, was asked where Mokoma was, and confirmed that she was taking part in the interviews of the municipal manager position at the library,” he said.
He alleged that, the council made it clear that Mokoma was not supposed to form part, but she vehemently refused to excuse herself from those interviews, saying that the mayor had instructed her to be part.
“It is still questionable as to why the mayor replaced the HR Manager with Mokoma against the council resolution, and also what was her role in the process.
“This was not the only time the mayor contravened the law. On another turn of events, the three months of acting of Andrew Makuapane as municipal manager had expired by the time he chaired the interviews for filling posts of Director of Technical Services and Director of Community Services. The mayor illegally extended the acting of Makuapane without council resolution and allowed him to sign off payments and make appointments from 18 September 2023 to 5 October 2023, which is the date that council,” he said.
He alleged that, surprisingly, instead of holding the mayor accountable, the ANC caucus was instructed that, their mandate is to condone all irregular actions by the mayor, and that the North West MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlement and Traditional Affairs, Nono Maloyi will be approached to give concurrence on the matter.
“To this date, no concurrence has been tabled to the council and the resolution to condone irregularities remains illegal. As we speak, we are being threatened by the ANC Provincial Executive Committee (PEC) to write apology letters because we tried to oust the mayor or we will be reprimanded.
“The Code of Conduct for councillors and the MFMA clearly prevent councillors from making wrong decisions as taken above by the GTLM council. Clearly, the process of filling posts of municipal manager and Directors are irregular and in contravention of the regulations and council resolutions, but the determination to disrespect that by some influential ANC office bearers is strong and will happen on 3 November 2023,” he said.
Meanwhile, ANC provincial spokesperson, Tumelo Maruping did not respond to our questions sent to him before publishing this article. However, the response will be incorporated when received.
TaungDailyNews 