Picture: Underage children indulge in alcohol/Generic

By REGINALD KANYANE

To ensure there are safer celebrations, the North West Liquor Board said it will continue with its operation to crack down on underage drinking during the end-of-year parties.

The North West MEC for Department of Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism, Virginia Tlhapi said as the academic year calendar is being completed, learners in the province are eagerly anticipating their end-of-year exams.

Tlhapi said, however, there are concerns over a growing trend on social media platforms – the hosting of “Pens Down Parties” by matric learners and students in general.

“The department is taking a decisive stance to address this issue and is sending a stern warning to all liquor establishments in the province. Licensed liquor traders are reminded of the explicit prohibition outlined in the Liquor Act 27 of 1989 Section 45, which prohibits the presence of juveniles on their premises.

“As department, we have mandated the Liquor Act to actively oversee the liquor industry in the province and is stressing the importance of responsible liquor regulation, especially during celebratory events,” she said.

Tlhapi further said in South Africa, the sale of liquor is strictly regulated through licensing, and it is expressly forbidden by law to sell alcohol to underage individuals or permit their access to licensed premises. She added that, despite the legal provisions surrounding end-of-year celebrations, the department has observed with concern that some liquor outlets knowingly permit underage drinking, which is a clear violation of the law.

“To address this, the department asserts that ignorance of the law will not serve as an excuse and any establishment found hosting such activities will face severe sanctions recommended by the office to the board. The department emphasizes that profiting should not take precedence over the well-being, safety, and future of the youth.

“Liquor traders are implored to comply with regulations and are encouraged to report any form of noncompliance from licensed facilities to the department,” said Tlhapi.

She said underage drinking has been associated with various negative consequences, including fights, sexual assault and physical violence. Tlhapi said as a department, they underscore the importance of avoiding such incidents and hold those who advertise such events on social media accountable if they occur in their licensed establishments.

“In a collective effort, the department calls on the community, other sector departments and liquor traders to collaborate in ensuring the safety of young people. While action would be taken against those who sell liquor to children, parents are urged to abstain from sending underage individuals to purchase alcoholic substances.

“These actions encapsulate the shared responsibility to create a safe, secure, and conducive environment for the youth. By working together, the department and the relevant stakeholders aim to prevent the potential harms associated with underage drinking and make a positive impact on the community,” she said.

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Ka OBAKENG MAJE

Mosadi wa dingwaga dile 42 o tlhokafaletse kwa lefelong la maitiso la selegae la kwa ga Bux kwa Extension 6, gaufi le Taung ka Labone bosigo. Go begwa fa mosadi o, a ne a leba kwa lefelong leo go ya go ntsha letsapa, fela batho ba le bantsi ba belaelwa fa a tsheletswe bolthole mo bojalweng.

Go ya ka sebueledi sa sepodisi mo sedikeng sa Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati, Warrant Officer Tryphosa van Rooyen, mosadi o one a dutse mo setilong a sa tsikinyege, mme one a rwalelwa kwa bookelong jwa selegae go ya go bona thuso ya kalafi. Van Rooyen are fela go ne ga begwa fa a tlhokafetse.

“Dipatlisiso tsa morago ga loso di tsweletse go ka netefatsa se se ka tswang se tlhodile loso la gagwe. Go fitlha ga jaana, ga re itse gore a o bolailwe ka go tshelelwa botlhole mo bojalweng, kgotsa leso la gagwe e ka tswa ele la tlholego.

“Fela seo se tla tlhotlhomisiwa ke diteko tsa morago ga loso,” van Rooyen wa tlhalosa.

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By OBAKENG MAJE

A man (45) has been sentenced to 15 years imprisonment by Victoria West Magistrate’s Court for raping his own daughter (8). On 6 July 2019, the victim reported that her father sexually assaulted her and the police were immediately contacted.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Lieutenant Col, Sergio Kock said the accused was arrested on the same day and bail was denied.

“The father was found guilty on a rape charge and sentenced to 15 years direct imprisonment on 7 December 2023. The South African Police Services management in the Pixley ka Seme District welcomed the sentence,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Provincial Head for the Family Violence, Child Protection, and Sexual Offenses(FCS) unit, Brig Sipho Kheswa, commended Sgt Ilze Fan from the De Aar FCS unit for her meticulous investigation.

Kheswa further said this will ensure that no impunity is granted to the perpetrator of this heinous crime, especially as the world is observing the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children Campaign.

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Picture: North West MEC for Department of Economic Development Environment Conservation and Tourism (DEDECT), Virginia Tlhapi  

By BAKANG MOKOTO

North West MEC for Department of Economic Development Environment Conservation and Tourism (DEDECT), Virginia Tlhapi said they condemn in the strongest possible terms the attacks on tourists who were traveling on the R556 road from Gauteng to Sun City on 4 December 2023.

Tlhapi said it is alleged that tourists were attacked on the R556 road, which is affectionately known for its notorious attacks on tourists in the province.

“There have been many criminal incidents which took place in the past. This unfortunate incident took place at a time when the department has just unveiled its festive season tourism campaign that aims at promoting tourism safety in the province.

“We have since requested an urgent meeting with the North West MEC responsible for Community Safety and Transport, Sello Lehari, and the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, to discuss safety measures for all tourists who are visiting the province,” she said.

Tlhapi further said the aim of the meeting is also to impress upon law enforcement agencies the need to ensure the successful arrest and prosecution of those who committed this heinous crime. She added that the department will further be initiating an engagement with all tourist guides in the province to enhance knowledge of safety measures when guiding and welcoming tourists in the province.

“The importance of tourism as an economic sector in the North West cannot be over-emphasized. Tourism in the province contributes towards job creation and it’s a critical input factor in the Growth of Domestic Product (GDP).

“So, no stone will be left unturned in a quest to ensure the arrest of those who attacked innocent tourists in our province,” said Tlhapi.

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By REGINALD KANYANE  

Taung-based community newspaper, Taung DailyNews continues to make inroads and claim its niche within the media space. This comes after TDN newspaper won the Best Online Media House of the Year Award at the glittering North West Media Awards held at Bogosi Lifestyle Farm in Rustenburg on Friday night.

Taung DailyNews editor, Obakeng Maje said the win shows how important the community media is. Maje said Taung DailyNews will continue to bring cutting-edge stories and report independently as always.

“Overall, community media is a powerful source as it empowers people to drive change, creating an inclusive and diverse community. Not only that, but it also allows local businesses to grow and inspire people around them.

“So, we are grateful as Taung DailyNews for receiving this award. It shows that TDN newspaper continues to be an alternative medium of choice for the public. Therefore, it is imperative to take this moment and send our gratitude to our readers, management, advertisers, and all associates for their unwavering support,” he said.

Maje further said as the newspaper continues to bring a pluralistic media ecology within the industry, it is equally important to allow people to exercise their right to freedom of expression. He added that, however, a clear definition and recognition of the law are necessary.  

“We would also like to thank the North West Media Awards organizers, including all those who voted for us. So, we call on advertisers to use Taung DailyNews as their medium of advertising.

“Taung DailyNews will continue to form the backbone of local and regional media, so your support will be highly appreciated. We will continue to strive for independent reporting and bring that innovation journalism as it is vital,” concluded Maje.

Meanwhile, the North West Media Awards organiser, Ananius Ndlovu said: “We are celebrating the outstanding achievements in the media industry. So, we are gathered here to commend the media professionals for their hard work and emphasize the crucial role they play in society.

“As the organizer, we would like to extend our heartfelt congratulations to all the winners and pledge to enhance the event, making it a standout affair on the national stage.”

OVERALL WINNERS OF THE NORTH WEST MEDIA AWARDS 2023

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