Picture: A gardener planting/Genric

By OBAKENG MAJE

North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi has today launched a week-long training program for gardeners employed under ECDs across the province at the Kgora Training Centre in Ramatlabama. Motsumi said the trainees are deployed in the 40 pocket centres of excellence in the Early Childhood Development directorate and are the first group of ECD gardeners to receive training. She further said, that upon successful completion, they will be awarded certificates recognizing their newly acquired skills.

“This initiative marks the first step in upskilling and empowering this vital group of young workers. The program is offered under the supervision of the Department of Agriculture but is conducted by the Agricultural Research Council (ARC).

“It aims to equip the gardeners with the necessary skills and knowledge to excel in their roles. The training covers various aspects of horticulture, including plant identification, soil management, pest and disease control, and sustainable gardening practices,” she said.

Motsumi added that, this training program is a significant investment in the youth and the future of agriculture in the province. She said by equipping these young people with the necessary skills, they are not only empowering them to earn a living but also contributing to food security and economic development in the province.

“This initiative is just the beginning. Following the success of the gardeners’ program, similar training opportunities will be offered to other ECD participants, including administrators and storytellers.

“The department is committed to the holistic development of the youth. This comprehensive training program will provide them with the tools and knowledge they need to reach their full potential and contribute meaningfully to our society,” said Motsumi.

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By OBAKENG MAJE

American RnB singer, Karyn White said she will have revellers eating from the ‘palm of her hand’ on Sunday. White arrived in South Africa last week Sunday afternoon for her much-anticipated performance at the Mahika Mahikeng Cultural Festival, which will take place at Mmabatho Stadium in Mahikeng.

A 58-year-old thespian who was popular during the late 1980s and early 1990s is known for several hit singles, including Superwoman, Secret Rendezvous, The Way You Love Me and the US Hot 100 No. 1 single, Romantic.

“It was a long flight to South Africa, but it has been worth it because this place is beautiful. I am looking forward to performing at Mahika Mahikeng.

“I will sing your favourite hits and the other songs you want me to perform. So, it’s gonna go down…hey,” she said.

The Los Angeles-born actress and composer is expected to share the stage with local powerhouses such as Judith Sephuma, Vusi Nova, Jaziel Brothers, Blaq Diamond, Mma Ausi, Freddy Gwala and many more.

The festival is backed by the North West Department of Arts, Culture, Sports and Recreation (ACSR) and will kick off with a comedy show on December 7, followed by Amapiano the following night, with Gospel music on December 9 and the main Jazz and R&B show on Sunday, December 10.

Tickets are available at Computicket and Ticketpro.

Numerous North West artists are part of the four-day extravaganza. The festival was launched at a star-studded event at Johannesburg’s Maboneng.

The department spokesperson, Shuping Sebolecwe said: “The idea of a Gauteng launch is to promote the festival to people beyond the province. We want Mahika Mahikeng to be a key driver of the economy, to model what we say the arts play an important role in the economy.

“The department wanted the benefits from Mahika Mahikeng to be broad not only to for the artists but also for sectors such as catering, accommodation and fuel services.”

Sebolecwe said as things stand, the stage is set for the festival and they are ready to receive revellers from here and afar.

The Amapiano night will feature genre heavyweights such as Kabza De Small, DJ Maphorisa, Tira, Big Zulu and Kwesta.

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By OBAKENG MAJE

A 48-year-old man has been sentenced to 25 years imprisonment by Tlhabane Magistrate’s Court for attempted murder. On the morning of 14 August 2023 at Kanana village, near Tlhabane, Sindisa Matomane (48) went to his ex-girlfriend’s house and found her sleeping.

Matomane then took out a sharp object and stabbed her several times on her face and body.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson, Henry Mamothame said the woman subsequently screamed for help until she lost consciousness. Mamothame further said the accused fled the scene after the incident.

“The complaint was rushed to a hospital to receive medical attention and she was admitted for two months. The accused was arrested on the same day and he was denied bail. He pleaded not guilty to the charge,” he said.

Mamothame added that the court declared Matomane unfit to possess a firearm.

In aggravation of the sentence, the state prosecutor, Zangweni Zimema, urged the court to consider the prevalence of domestic violence, as well as the physical and emotional trauma suffered by the complainant.

Magistrate Segakweng Moeng agreed with the state and remarked on the brutality the accused exerted on the complainant and that he showed no remorse for his action.

Meanwhile, the Director of Public Prosecutions in the North West, Dr Rachel Makhari, lauded the prosecutor, Sergeant Karabo Monyatsi from the South African Police Service (SAPS), and all role players who ensured that the perpetrator was brought to book. She further lauded the neighbours for acting swiftly, saving a life.

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Picture: The Uniting Reformed Church in Taung calls on GBV victims to speak up/Supplied

By OBAKENG MAJE

The Uniting Reformed Church (URC) in Taung said it will intensify the fight against abuse of Women and Children. On Saturday, the church embarked on a Gender-Based Violence (GBV) campaign to create awareness. The chairperson of Uniting Reformed Church’s youth structure in Hopetown, Northern Cape, Michelle Moss said the awareness campaign is essential because it will assist those who experience the abuse to speak up. She further said that GBV is a societal issue that needs everyone’s attention. 

“We have hosted Gender-Based Violence (GBV) campaign to create awareness for future generations. This is a quest to ensure that, GBV is eradicated and we go back to the time where we can walk freely without any fear of being attacked.

“So, it is imperative to shape our children as they are the leaders of tomorrow. They should know that, there is a safer future waiting for them,” she said.

A social worker from Pudimoe Crisis Centre, Karabo Gaselebelwe shared the same sentiments. Gaselebelwe said, that as the centre, they ensure that the victims of GBV receive the necessary support. 

“We are indeed in support of this campaign. The aim is to create awareness against abuse of Women and Children. So, as the centre, we provide accommodation to the victims of GBV and we are grateful that, we receive full support from the government.

“We receive a stipend from the North West Department of Social Development. We are also working together with other stakeholders such as SAPS, North West Department of Health and others,” she said.

One of the co-founders of the GBV campaign at Uniting Reformed Church (URC), Mathwai Gaanabo said: “It was important to form a GBV campaign in our church because people tend to forget that, things like these can also affect churchgoers.

“Unfortunately, one of our youth in Maquassi Hills was raped by five men. That alone encouraged us to come up with this initiative and create awareness. We cannot fold our hands while heinous crimes are happening within the church.”

Gaanabo further said churches at large need to discuss this and not only focus on the bible. He added that working with other stakeholders will be fruitful and change the mindsets of many people.

“If we create the platform, those who have experienced that can be able to come forward and share their stories. This will also encourage those perpetrators to realise what they are doing is inhumane too,” said Gaanabo.

Meanwhile, the Deputy President, Paul Mashatile said the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence against Women and Children Campaign is a United Nations campaign, which is held annually from 25 November (International Day for No Violence Against Women) to 10 December (International Human Rights Day).

Mashatile said other key commemorative days observed annually during these 16 days, include World Aids Day on 1 December and the International Day for Persons with Disabilities on 3 December.

“This year marks the 25^th anniversary since South Africa initiated the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence against Women and Children campaign. The 16 Days campaign focuses on raising awareness of the devastating impact that GBVF has on women and children, and the social fabric of our society.

“The campaign Was launched on 25 November 2023 in Mpumalanga Province and the theme for the 16 Days of Activism Campaign for 2023 was: “Accelerating actions to end Gender-Based Violence & Femicide: leaving no one behind”. The sub-theme for this year is: “Safe access for women to clean water: a basic human right”,” he said.

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By OBAKEG MAJE

A former employee at Omnia Group, Baart van Vuuren (52) is expected to appear in the Bloemhof Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday for fraud and theft. Van Vuuren was employed by Omnia Group to sell fertiliser on behalf of the company to farmers in the Bloemhof area.

The North West police spokesperson, Col Adele Myburgh said, the reports suggest that, between 2021 and 2022, van Vuuren stole fertiliser from the company and sold it to his friends and customers, who were not in the company’s database. Myburgh further said the accused then pocketed the money to the tune of R20 million.

“It was only discovered after an audit that the company suffered a loss of R20 million due to the conduct of the accused. As a result, he was arrested and charged with 108 counts of fraud and theft.

“However, van Vuuren became a fugitive after he missed his court date and allegedly fled to the United States of America (USA). The Bloemhof Magistrate’s Court issued a warrant of arrest arrested against him,” she said.

Myburgh added that the long arm of the law caught up with van Vuuren on 29 November 2023 at the Namibian border post, where he was arrested. She said the accused was taken to Bloemhof and briefly appeared before the Bloemhof Magistrate’s Court on 1 December 2023, where he was remanded in custody.

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Picture: Banyana Banyana players celebrating a win/Facebook 

By OBAKENG MAJE

Banyana Banyana qualified for the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations after a 2-0 (3-1 aggregate) victory over Burkina Faso in a second-leg qualifier at the Lucas Moripe Stadium on Monday afternoon. The game also served as veteran defender Janine Van Wyk’s farewell match after she officially bowed out of the sport as the most capped African player (men or women).

Van Wyk was substituted in the 8th minute and walked out to a standing ovation at the Atteridgeville venue, with the player’s parents and members of her club JVW in attendance in the stands.

The Sasol-sponsored South African senior women’s team had a slow start to the game as coach, Desiree Ellis’ charges tried to find a way past the visitors. Burkina Faso stood their ground in the opening minutes and the two sides were deadlocked at 0-0 at the break.

The second half was a different ball game with the crowd serving as the 12^th man and the pressure finally told after the Banyana Banyana attack won a penalty in the 53^rd minute. Linda Motlhalo converted from the spot to give her side the lead.

The goal was a motivation for the home side as they pushed to end the year on a high note. Second-half substitute, Nicole Michael finally scored her first-ever Banyana Banyana goal in the 86^th minute to ensure that, the African Champions will return to Morocco to defend their continental title.

Faith Nokuthula also made her debut for Banyana Banyana as she was introduced in the 90^th minute. Banyana Banyana will return to action in February 2024 to continue with 2024 Olympic qualifications.

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