Picture: The community members attending the public hearing/Generic
By BAKANG MOKOTO
The Chairperson of Portfolio Committee on Small Business Development, Violet Siwela said they have concluded three days of public hearings on Thursday on the National Small Enterprise Amendment (NSEA) Bill in North West’s Bojanala Platinum District at the Rustenburg White Town Hall.
Siwela said two other public hearings in the province were held in Taung, and Mahikeng on Tuesday and Wednesday respectively. She further said, residents of Bojanala Platinum District, who participated in the public hearings overwhelmingly supported the NSEA Bill and proposed that a new clause be inserted to make it mandatory for big businesses to train small local enterprises.
“They submitted that the proposed Small Enterprise Development Finance Agency should relax funding criteria and set aside funds specifically for small enterprises owned by women, youth and people living with disabilities.
“The residents further suggested that the new agency should stop the theft of applicants’ business ideas as is currently the case with Small Enterprise Finance Agency, they claimed. Another participant suggested the use of artificial intelligence as a solution to this challenge,” said Siwela.
She added that, at the same time, others said that the Bill should find mechanisms to end the bullying of small enterprises by big companies. Siwela said the biggest form of bullying, they claimed, is non-adherence to the 30-day payment period by both local government and private companies.
“The Bill is eight years overdue and the committee is determined to move with speed and diligence to ensure that it is passed into law as a matter of urgency. After the last leg of public hearings in Gauteng next week, the committee will deliberate on all written and oral submissions and write a comprehensive report.
“The committee will then deliberate on the Bill and come up with a final version that will be tabled in the National Assembly for adoption,” she said.
ANC ward 20 councillor at the Greater Taung Local Municipality (GTLM), Itumeleng Maribe said those who alleged that there is poor service delivery in his ward, are just disgruntled individuals who are seeking attention. Maribe said those ‘cynics’ actually contested the same ward during previous Local Government Elections (LGE), but failed dismally.
The Democratic Alliance (DA) alleged that it has engaged with leaders of ward 20, People’s Forum in Kameelputs village, who indicated that the North West MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlement and Traditional Affairs (COGHSTA), Nono Maloyi, has ignored requests for intervention in the ongoing service delivery collapse in ward 20 under the representation of the Maribe.
The DA Member of Parliament (MP) and Constituency Head of Greater Taung Local Municipality, Sello Seitlholo said, the forum has accused Maribe of failing to address the terrible condition of roads, the destruction and vandalization of several RDP houses.
“They also highlighted cadre deployment in the recruitment of Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) workers as one of the challenges. They alleged that high-mast lights installed four years ago have not worked a single day since, despite residents reporting the complaint numerous times to Maribe.
“The mayor of Greater Taung Local Municipality (GTLM), Tumisang Gaoraelwe, and the municipal speaker, Grace Moipolai, have also been accused of being bystanders and allowing Maribe to get away with his alleged corruption,” he said.
Seitlholo further said the forum submitted several letters, including a memorandum to the Office of the Premier on 28 June 2023, and to Maloyi requesting his intervention in the alleged corruption, nepotism, and cadre deployment at the hands of Maribe.
He added that, as part of their whole-of-society approach towards rescuing South Africa from the disastrous failed governance of the ANC, they will work closely with the community stakeholders like the forum.
“We will apply pressure on Maloyi to immediately respond to the concerns residents have raised with him and launch an investigation into Maribe’s conduct. The residents who have endured the brunt of poor governance, collapsed service delivery, corruption, and fraud, have an opportunity to register to vote DA this weekend,” said Seitlholo.
However, Maribe described these allegations as incongruous and tenuous.
“People are talking about the electricity connection at the community hall, but we are still waiting for Eskom. They also talk about incomplete RDP houses including the gravel road in Kgomotso. The contractor has been appointed to construct the 2km road.
“Yes, there are challenges, but we have done so much to ensure that, we deliver services to our community. They also raised a challenge over a high mast light alleging that, it has been four years since it was not operational,” he said.
Maribe said those who raised these allegations, they normally do not attend community meetings.
“Maybe it is important to explain that, I managed to facilitate bursaries, driver’s licenses, and artisan programs that benefitted the people in my ward. As we speak, we have 30 individuals who are qualified. I also managed to facilitate a plumbing program for individuals in my ward.
“So, there is a lot that I have achieved through a partnership with the private sector and other departments. I’ll advise that you go to my ward and see for yourself. We understand that there is a backlog on completion of RDP houses, but the contractors were recently appointed to address that,” concluded Maribe.
Setshwantsho: Mongwe wa baeteledipele wa baagi, Onalenna Benni Setumisho/Facebook
Ka OBAKENG MAJE
Ditheetso mo kgetsing ya lekwalo-thibelo kgatlhanong le naledi ya maloba ya kgwele ya dinao, Onalerona Benni Setumisho, yo ga jaana eleng mongwe wa baeteledipele wa baagi kwa motseng wa Manthe, gaufi le Taung ga di a tswelela. Seno se tla morago ga gore, magistrata, Thataetsile Matolong, yo one a tshwanetswe ke go reetsa maphata a le mabedi mo kgetsing e, a se nne teng.
Go begwa fa Matolong a na le loso kwa gabo, mme seo se mo itsitse go tla kgotlha-tshekelo. Kgosi ya Baga-Maidi, Nnyoko Charles Motlhabane, o dirile lekwalo-thibelo kgatlhanong Setumisho, mme a mo latofatsa ka go mo tlhapaola.
Go ya ka tshedimosetso e bobega-kgang jwa rona jwa Taung DailyNews bo e fitlheletseng, Setumisho o ile a amogela lekwalo-thibelo ka di 16 Diphalane 2023 go tswa kwa go Motlhabane. Setumisho are, lekwalo-thibelo leo, le ne la mo kaela fa a sa tshwanelwa ke go atimela gaufi le ntlo ya segosi kwa Motlhabane a dulang teng.
“Ke nnete ke ile ka amogela lekwalo-thibelo go tswa kwa go Motlhabane, mme ke ne ke sa tlhaloganye gore lekwalo-thibelo leo ke la eng gonne ga e se ke tsamaye ke kopane le Motlhabane mo sebakeng sa ngwaga le seripa.
“Labofelo fa kene ke kopana le Motlhabane, ene ele ka nako e morafe one o ntsha matshwenyego mabapi le go bulwa ga matekiri mo motseng mo ngwageng o fetileng. Jaanong, ke ile ka makala thata ha ke fitlhela mapodisi ka dikoloi tsa bone tse di itsegeng jaaka di hippo, ba tlile go kgokgontsha ba lelapa laka ba ituletse monate,” Setumisho wa tlhalosa.
Setumisho are, ebile one a nagana fa mapodisi a tlile go mo tshwara go ya ka mokgwa o ba ne ba le bantsi ka teng. Are, mo lekwalo-thibelong leo, Motlhabane o mo laela gore a tsamaele bokgakajana jwa dimitara di le 200 go ntlo ya segosi, ga mmogo le dikantoro tsa morafe.
“Fela, se se makatsang ke gore, dikantoro tsa morafe ke ko re bonang ditirelo teng. Gape, lekwalo-thibelo leo le tlhalosa fa ke sa tshwanela go ka dira dikopano kgotsa go thibela ditirelo mo motseng. Mme ke sa itse gore o raya jang.
“Fela dintlha tsotlhe ke tla di utlwa go tswa mo molomong wa gagwe ka letsatsing la tsheko kwa kgotlha-tshekelo. Motlhabane gape o ntatofatsa ka go mo roga, mme ga ke itse gore leng. O tla tshwanelwa ke go tlhagisa bopaki joo botlhe fa pele ga lekgotlha gore le nna ke kgone go ikarabela,” Setumisho wa tlhalosa.
Bangwe ba baagi ba tlhalositse fa se se dirwang ke Motlhabane ele go kgokgontsha morafe, mme ba tlile go ema Setumisho nokeng.
Kgabagare, Motlhabane are ga nkitla a kgona go tshwaela mo kganyeng e. Kgetsi e buseditswe morago go fitlha 24 Ngwanaitsele 2023.
Picture: Former Sowetan sports editor, Sello Rabothata/Google
By OBAKENG MAJE
The South African Football Association (SAFA) President Dr Danny Jordaan has joined millions of South Africans in mourning of former Sowetan Sports Editor, Sello Rabothatha who passed away at his home on the East Rand on Wednesday. Rabothata was 68 and was one of the three Sowetan Sports journalists, together with the then Sports Editor, Molefi Mika and the late S’Busiso Mseleku, who coined the name Bafana Bafana when South Africa was re-admitted into FIFA in the early 1990s.
‘’We have lost yet another dedicated servant of the game, an intelligent and efficient journalist. I travelled with Sello during the 2006 FIFA World Cup bid as well as the 2010 bid.
‘’He was a smart journalist and a patriotic individual, who was quick to tell naysayers who thought South Africa was not capable of hosting the 2010 FIFA World Cup the true story about this country. He was frank and spoke his mind too,’’ said Jordaan.
He further said during his years as a senior Sports journalist, Rabothatha mentored a good number of the current crop of journalists. Jordaan added that, Rabothata left behind a rich legacy and would love to see the current crop of journalists carrying his mantle going forward.
“To his family, friends, and associates we join you in mourning this giant of South African journalism. May his soul RIP,’’ he said.
Picture: The vehicle stopped and searched during multi-party operation/Supplied
By OBAKENG MAJE
The Northern Cape police said they will intensify a multi-disciplinary operation ahead of the festive season. The police conducted a multi-party operation in the Greater Kimberley area such as Kagisho, Galeshewe, and Roodepan on Thursday.
Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Dikeledi Gopane said the Tactical Response Team, Mounted Unit, Visible Police from Frances Baard District office, VCIU, Stock Theft, Department of Home Affairs, and Provincial Traffic were part of the execution.
“The operation commenced with a formal parade conducted by Brigadier Charlotte Makgari as the operational commander. During phase one, 405 persons were searched, 205 vehicles were stopped, and seven traffic fines amounting to R4900 were issued.
“Visible patrols and blue light were conducted in the Central Business District (CBD), where 30 persons were stopped and searched. Twelve knives were confiscated in the process and compliance inspections were also conducted at a number of liquor outlets in the Greater Kimberley,” she said.
Gopane further said fines amounting to R4000 were also issued for non-compliance. She added that, during the roadblock on the N12 route, a vehicle was stopped and searched and cash amounting to R679 200 was found and confiscated.
Picture: The suspect accused of killing her relatives to cash in from insurance claims/Supplied
By OBAKENGMAJE
A 49-YEAR-OLD woman who is suspected of killing her relatives to cash-in from insurance claims, has been arrested. It is alleged that, suspect has been under police surveillance for the past two months. The national police spokesperson, Brigadier Athlenda Mathe said even though the alleged incidents took place in Mmabatho, North West, the suspect was traced and arrested in Centurion, near Pretoria this morning.
“The suspect was traced to and arrested in Centurion this morning during a takedown operation led by the police in collaboration and full cooperation with an insurance company. For the past two months, Sergeant Keshi Mabunda and a team of detectives have been working on this case following a tip-off from relatives of this suspect.
“Mabunda was roped in to kick-start investigations due to his expertise in solving similar cases. Through analysis and collection of evidence, including the exhumation of a body, the team was able to link its latest suspect to the team’s first focus of the case,” said Mathe.
She further said, the suspect will now appear on a charge of murder before the Mmabatho Magistrate’s Court on Friday. Mathe added that, the murder that was initially ruled a ‘natural death’ happened in Mmabatho, where a female relative died under mysterious circumstances in March 2023.
“The investigations have revealed that, the suspect fraudulently took out insurance on behalf of her relative, prior to her murder. The police are also investigating the deaths of the suspect’s son, who died in July 2023, her husband who died in 2016 and her two daughters who died in 2015 and 2005.
“The suspect has according to investigations, pocketed large amounts of money throughout her activities. The South African Police Services (SAPS) takes this opportunity to urge insurance companies and families to be extra vigilant and alert to such criminal activities,” she said.
Mathe said they encourage insurance companies and families to report such criminality to the Crime Stop number on 08600 10111 or their nearest police station, where they will be assigned to a detective. She said the My SAPS App can also be downloaded to submit tip-offs.
“Callers and whistle-blowers are reminded that all information will be treated with confidentiality,” she said.
Kgotlha-tshekelo ya Taung e solofetswe gore e tla be e tletse ebile e penologa mo letsatsing la kamoso fa Kgosi ya Baga-Maidi, Nnyoko Charles Motlhabane, o tla be a tlhagelela kwa kgotlha-tshekelo. Seno se tla morago ga gore, Motlhabane a dire lekwalo-thibelo kgatlhanong le mongwe wa baeteledipele wa baagi kwa motseng wa Manthe.
Go ya ka Onalerona Benni Setumisho, o ile a amogela lekwalo-thibelo ka di 16 Diphalane 2023 go tswa kwa go Motlhabane. Setumisho are, lekwalo-thibelo leo, le ne la mo kaela fa a sa tshwanela go atimela gaufi le ntlo ya segosi kwa Motlhabane a dulang teng.
“Ke nnete ke ile ka amogela lekwalo-thibelo go tswa kwa go Motlhabane, mme ke ne ke sa tlhaloganye gore lekwalo-thibelo leo ke la eng, gonne ga e se ke tsamaye ke kopane le Motlhabane mo sebakeng sa ngwaga le seripa.
“Labofelo fa kene ke kopana le Motlhabane, ene ele ka nako e morafe one ntsha matshwenyego mabapi le go bulwa ga matekiri mo motseng mo ngwageng o fetileng. Jaanong, ke ile ka makala thata ha ke fitlhela mapodisi ka dikoloi tsa bone tse di itsegeng jaaka di hippo, ba tlile go kgokgontsha ba lelapa laka ba ituletse monate,” Setumisho wa tlhalosa.
Setumisho are, ebile one a nagana fa mapodisi a tlile go mo tshwara go ya ka mokgwa o ba ne ba le bantsi ka teng. Are, mo lekwalo-thibelo leo, Motlhabane o mo laela gore a tsamaele bokgakajana jwa dimitara di le 200 go ntlo ya segosi, ga mmogo le dikantoro tsa morafe.
“Fela, se se makatsang ke gore, dikantoro tsa morafe ke ko re bonang ditirelo teng. Gape, lekwalo-thibelo leo le tlhalosa fa ke sa tshwanela go ka dira dikopano kgotsa go thibela ditirelo mo motseng. Mme ke sa itse gore o raya jang.
“Fela dintlha tsotlhe ke tla di utlwa go tswa mo molomong wa gagwe mo letsatsing la kamoso kwa kgotlha-tshekelo. Motlhabane gape o ntatofatsa ka go mo rogaka, mme ke ga itse gore leng. O tla tshwanelwa ke go tlhagisa bopaki joo botlhe fa pele ga lekgotlha gore le nna ke kgone go ikarabela,” Setumisho wa tlhalosa.
Bangwe ba baagi ba tlhalositse fa se se dirwang ke Motlhabane ele go kgokgontsha morafe, mme ba tlile go ema Setumisho nokeng mo letsatsing la kamoso.
Kgabagare, Motlhabane are ga nkitla a kgona go tshwaela mo kganyeng e, mme o tla bua le bobega-kgang mo letsatsing la kamoso.
Setopo sa monna se bonwe kwa ntlung nngwe kwa motseng wa Manokwane, gaufi le Taung mo letsatsing la Laboraro mo thapameng. Go ya ka dipego, Kgosiemang Mothibi wa dingwaga di le 50, o fitlhetse a ikaleditse kwa ntlung ya gagwe, mme setopo sa gagwe sene se setse se senyegile.
Go begwa fa ba lelapa la ga Mothibi, ba feleleditse go bona Kgosiemang la bofelo ka letsatsi la Tshipi.
Sebueledi sa sepodisi mo sedikeng sa Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati, Warrant Officer Tryphosa van Rooyen are: “Ke nnete sepodisi sene sa bilediwa kwa lifelong la tiragalo kwa ba fitlhetseng monna wa dingwaga dile 50 a ikaleditse. Setopo seo, sene se setse se senyegile, mme ga go belaelwe fa go nnile le letsogo la tshwene mo losong leo.
“Sepodisi se butse kgetsi a dipatlisiso tsa morago ga loso. Go fitlha ga jaana, ga go itsiwe sebakwa se se tlhodileng gore monna o, a ikgwagetse,” van Rooyene wa tlhalosa.
Monna wa dingwaga dile 39 o solofetse go ka tlhagelela kwa kgotlha-tshekelong ya Taung ka Labotlhano, morago ga go tshwarwa. Seno se tla morago ga ma gatwe a gore, banna bangwe ba le bararo ba ba itsiweng, ba ne ba kgorogele basadi bangwe ba ba ne ba bala madi a bone a stokvel kwa motseng wa Lokaleng, gaufi le Taung ka Lamatlhatso.
Go begwa fa basadi ba, ba ne ba bala madi a lekanyediwang go R11 000, fa ba ka kgorogelwa ke babelaelwa ba go begwang fa ba ne ba tshwere dithunya le dithipa. Go ya ka sebueledi sa sepodisi kwa sedikeng sa Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati mo Bokone Bophirima, Warrant Officer Tryphosa van Rooyen, mapodisi ba tshwere mongwe wa ba belaelwa mo letsatsing la gompieno.
“Re le sepodisi, re ka netefatsa fa mongwe wa ba belaelwa mo kgetsing ya go kgothosa o tlhometse e e diragetseng kwa motseng wa Lokaleng ka Lamatlhatso, a tshwerwe. Mmelaelwa o, o tla tlhagelela ka boripana kwa kgotlha-tshekelong ya Taung mo letsatsing la kamoso.
“Mmelaelwa o lebagane le kgetsi ya go kgothosa a tlhometse, mme sepodisi se mo motlhaleng wa babelaelwa ba bangwe,” van Rooyen wa tlhalosa.
A man was sentenced to 10 years imprisonment by the Kuruman Regional Court. This comes after Stanford Hatidani (42) was convicted on three counts of Restricted Activities Involving Specially Protected Species, Protected Species, and Indigenous Species in terms of the Northern Cape Nature Conservation Act 9 of 2009. On 14 June 2022.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in Northern Cape, Mojalefa Senokoatsane said, the state’s first witness, an ambulance driver, out of concern, stopped at a bakkie and a truck standing next to the N14 Highway between Kuruman and Kathu.
“On enquiring whether everything was okay, he became suspicious when he saw plants being loaded from the bakkie onto the truck and alerted the Kuruman- neighbourhood watch and the South African Police Service.
“On entering Kuruman, both the bakkie and truck were pulled over by the neighbourhood watch and the SAPS. On further investigation, a total amount of 2850 endangered and protected plants were found, which included five different species with a combined international value of over R9 million,” said Senokoatsane.
He further said, that the accused, being the driver of the truck, tried to downplay the situation by indicating that he was only assisting the people of a broken-down bakkie to transport these plants to Johannesburg.
Senokoatsane added that, Hatidani was arrested and pleaded not guilty to all the charges conferred against him. He said the accused disputed that, the truck he was driving was carrying illegal plants.
“During the trial, the Regional Court Prosecutor, Advocate Sherlaine Smith, emphasized the impact of these offences on nature conservation and the communities, where these plants are poached from.
“Smith further argued that, these offenses are of such a serious nature that the legislature deemed it necessary to have a specific Act relating to such offenses – The Northern Cape Nature Conservation Act 9 of 2009,” said Senokoatsane.
In strengthening the state’s case, the prosecutor provided the court with expert and compelling statements from Botanist and Zoologist, Adam Harrower, as evidence, that indicated that the accused were very specific about the species he was targeting. Harrower told the court that, from the large size and great age of these plants, the accused was to sell them for immediate commercial gain.
Smith said the astounding quantity of large trophy plants collected indicated no restraint or ecological sensitivity, which shows a complete disregard for nature and the law.
“The prosecution also argued that, when looking at the evidence before the court, the people and vehicles involved and the planning, show the sophisticated manner in which the poachers operate and the only inference that can be drawn, is that syndicates are involved in the commission of these offenses.
“These plants were to be taken out of the country once they have reached Johannesburg. The main objective of poachers of these protected plants is for them to reach the international market, where it is seen as a status symbol,” she said.
Smith continued by emphasizing the fact that, there is a high prevalence of poaching of these plants in the Northern Cape, and are increasing in numbers at a shockingly high rate.
After a lengthy trial and the state calling four witnesses, the court believed that the evidence adduced by the state was overwhelming and that the state had proven its case beyond reasonable doubt. The accused was consequentially found guilty of all 3 charges and sentenced to 10 years of direct imprisonment (all 3 charges were taken together for sentencing).
“NPA lauded the work of the prosecution as well as the vigilant conduct of the ambulance driver, whose observant nature, and prompt actions led to the arrest of the accused.
“The Prosecuting Authority also commends the rapid response by members of the South African Police Service in ensuring that the suspect is apprehended. The NPA remains committed to the fight against the poaching and plundering of our country’s natural resources and the protection of our flora and fauna,” said Senokoatsane.
The Guardian 