Batsadi ba batla baithuti ba Grade 11 kwa Mankuroane Technical School ba ba sa falolang, ba fitisetswe go Grade 12


Ka OBAKENG MAJE

Batsadi ba baithuti ba Grade 11 kwa sekolong se segolo sa Mankuroane ba eme ka tlhako ele nngwe, mme ba kaile fa ba sa amogele dipholo tsa bana ba bone. Go ya ka dipego, bontsi jwa baithuti ba Grade 11 kwa sekolong seo, ga ba falola mme seo sene sa tshakgatsa batsadi.

Mo letsatsing la Labobedi, batsadi ba ne ba kokwana kwa sekolong le go ipelaetsa. Ba kaile fa gona le dikgogakgogano ma gareng ga barutabana le mokgogo, jaanong barutabana ba dirisa baithuti go lwantsha mogokgo.

Mongwe wa batsadi o sa batleng leina la gagwe le itsiwe, o kgwa ka tlhaa.

“Nna, ngwanake o paletswe ke go fetela kwa mophatong wa marematlou, mme matsapa e nnile serutwa sa English. Ke makadiwa ke gore, go tloga ka se seripa (term) sa ntlha go fitlha ka sa boraro, ngwanake kgale a falola. Jaanong, go tla jang gore a tle go palelwa ka seripa sa bone?

“Ene ya re fa go bulwa dikolo ka seripa sa bobedi, go ile ga nna le tsereganyo. Mo tsereganyong eo, re le batsadi re ne ra kopa go nna le kopano le barutabana ba dirutwa tse di nang le mathata. Fela, go ile ga tla barutabana ba le babedi fela go tswa mo go ba le supa,” motsadi wa tlhalosa.

Motsadi o are, baithuti le bone ba ile ba makadiwa ke dipholo tse ba di boneng. Are ga gona gore ngwana e kare a kwadile dipampiri tse tharo tsa serutwa sa English, a be a tla go palelwa ke go falola.

Motsadi o mongwe, Tshepiso Kobetseng are mo ngwageng o fetileng, ba ile ba kopana le mogokgo ka di 13 Sedimonthole. Kobetseng are baithuti ba, go bontsha fa ba paletswe ke go falola ka bontsi. 

“Jaanong, re ne ra dumalana gore re tla nna le kopano ka di 16 Ferikgone 2024, go tla go seka-seka kgang e. Sebakwa segolo ene ele morutabana wa serutwa sa English o kgale a seo. Fela, re makaditswe ke gore gompieno fa re goroga, mogokgo ga tlhole a bua puo e re ne re dumalane ka yone, mme ebile are re ye kwa motsamaising wa kgaolo. 

“Re ile ra kopa ditlankana tsa baithuti go netefatsa fa ele boamaruri ga ba falola. Fela mogokgo o ile a re bolelela fa gona le molao o ba kganelang go ka dira jalo. Jaanong, seo se ne sa re tlogela ka dipotso tse di senang di karabo,” Kobetseng wa tlhalosa. 

Modula-setilo wa lekgotlha-tsamaiso la sekolo, Tshepiso Matsitle are: “Ga ese ke itemogele go sa utlwane ga barutabana le mogokgo. Le kgang ya gore barutabana ba goga maoto fa go tshwanetse ba rute bana, e ntsha mo ditsebeng tsaka.

“Fela fa ele gore kgang eo ena le bo nnete, ke selo se se maswe gore barutabana ba goge maoto, ka ntlheng ya gore ba lwa le mogokgo. Se se ileng sa nna teng mo sekolong ke ka motsi wa tsereganyo e eneng e kopilwe ke sekolo.”

Matsitle are ka maswabi, barutubana ga ba iponatsa ka nako ya tsereganyo. Are ke barutabana ba le babedi fela ba ba iponagaditseng go tswa mo go ba le supa.

“Jaanong, go fitlha ga jaana ga re itse gore a ngwana ke ene a leng phoso, kgotsa ke morutabana. Ke nnete lekwalo ke le bone, mme re tlile go le neela motsamaisi wa kgaolo go ka tla ka tsiriganyo,” Matsitle wa tlhalosa.

Kgabagare, sebueledi sa Lefapha la Thuto, Mphata Molokwane are Grade 11 ke Grade e e boima go gaisa mo dikolong tse di farologaneng.

“Bontsi jwa baithuti ga ba falola Technical Mathematics, mme ke diprecent di le 44 di le tsa falola. Ka 2019, e nnile di precent dile 85 tsa baithuti ba ba falotseng, mme ka 2020, e nnile diprecent dile 87. Ka 2021, go falotse diprecent dile 85, fa ka 2022 go falotse diprecent dile 94.

“Go ya ka dipalopalo, sekolo se ke se se dirang bontle, mme ga se re utlwe ka dikgoga-kgogano tse di umakilweng magareng ga mogokgo le barutabana,” Molokwane wa tlhalosa.

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Intervention at the embattled Greater Taung Local Municipality after being turned into a “butt of jokes”    


By OBAKENG MAJE

The newly-elected municipal speaker at the embattled Greater Taung Local Municipality (GTLM), Kealeboga Seboko said they hope the intervention that will be brought forward by the North West MEC for Cooperative, Governance, Human Settlement and Traditional Affairs (COGHSTA), Nono Maloyi will be in line with the Local Government: Municipal Systems Act 32 of 2000.

Maloyi had a consultative engagement with the GTLM councillors at Pudimoe Community Hall on 16 January 2024 inquest to bring intervention. This comes after the municipality turned into a “butt of jokes” for having not one, but two mayors, two municipal speakers, and two chief whips, all from the ANC.

“We had a consultative engagement with Maloyi and what we are waiting to hear from him is the recommendation from all challenges we presented to him. We hope that the recommendations will be in line with the Municipal Act.

“At the end of the day, the municipal council is the statutory body that makes its own decisions, although he has the right to give advice and bring intervention if need be. His intervention comes after he received a letter from the former municipal speaker, Grace Moipolai due to some challenges experienced at the municipality,” he said.

Seboko said if what they raised found expression earlier, the municipality would not be in this predicament.

Maloyi said he received information that there is instability in the municipality, hence his visit. He said what is happening in the municipality is shocking because they do not want any political or administrative instability in any municipality across the province.

“So, this one came as a shock, hence I came here. I wanted to understand why people are behaving in the manner in which they are behaving. I allowed councillors to interact with me and I listened to them.

“They have raised about 29 points, which we have noted. So this morning, I’ll be meeting with my legal team for us to discuss what kind of intervention can be implemented at this institution,” he said.

Maloyi further said once they have done so, then he will go to the executive council and recommend the appropriate action that must be taken.  He added that he hopes all this happens before the end of this week.

F4SD councillor, Mika Moeti alleged that what is happening at the municipality are individuals who are serving the interests of warring factions. Moeti said they have reflected on critical challenges within the municipality and their challenges started when they were dealing with the appointment of the municipal manager position.

“We urge Maloyi to go deeper into this matter and do forensic investigations. All other issues that people raised were economical with Maloyi. There are serious challenges related to finance, investment accounts and it is imperative to investigate such.

“So, we believe that Maloyi will make recommendations. Also, those who posed themselves to different positions such as mayoral, chief whip and speaker positions are doing that for personal interests,” he said.

“However, we call them to desist from that and have the interest of the people at heart. The MEC must bring stability to the municipality.”

Gaoraelwe spokesperson, Crespo Menyatso said: “What is important is that we must appreciate the fact that Maloyi availed himself to listen to the challenges the municipality has. Now, the ball is in his court and we must allow that process to be ventilated.

“I was also told that Maloyi will cast his net wider and probe all widespread allegations raised during the meeting. So, we must allow him that particular space. I think the municipal council will also subject itself to that particular decision.”

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Three suspects arrested for possession of firearms in court


Picture: The firearms confiscated during the raid/Supplied

By OBAKENG MAJE

Three suspects aged (36), (34), and (26), who were arrested after being found to have firearms in Alabama, Klerksdorp on 15 January 2024, are expected to appear in Klerksdorp Magistrate’s Court today. The trio was arrested by a multi-disciplinary team consisting of the Klerksdorp-based Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation, Priority Crime Management Centre, Special Task Force, National Intervention Unit, Local Criminal Record Centre, and the District Illegal Mining Task team during an intelligence-driven operation to track down perpetrators involved in business burglaries in the area.

The Hawks spokesperson in North West, Warrant Officer Amogelang Malwetse said the meticulous investigation by the Hawks Serious Organised Crime, led the team to Alabama Township, where an Audi TT was spotted. She said the vehicle did not stop when the team directed it to do so.

“A shoot-out ensued between the police and suspects. Three suspects were arrested and four firearms were recovered in the vehicle. A follow-up investigation led the team to a farm in Hartebeesfontein and Alabama, where a substantial number of various calibre ammunition, firearms, and explosives were recovered.

“The firearms are linked to a burglary that occurred at business premises at Irene Park, near Klerksdorp during December 2023. The suspects are facing charges of business burglary and possession of illegal firearms and ammunition,” said Malwetse.

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North West schools are ready for the 2024 academic year!


Picture: North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi 

By OBAKENG MAJE

North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi said to support schools and identify any issues that might affect effective teaching and learning at the start of the academic year, the department has been conducting School Readiness Monitoring (SRM).

Motsumi said the department is working tirelessly to address these issues as soon as possible at the right level of the system. She further said a lot of work has gone into making sure that all of the schools in the province are prepared to offer quality teaching and learning on the first day in classes as the academic year resumes.

“Officials and Circuit Managers from the province were part of the monitoring team. Observational domains examined in the evaluation of readiness for school were the South African School Administration Management System (SA-SAMS), school admissions, provision of teachers, and provision of LTSM.

“They were also part of social cohesion and equity and school sports and enrichment curriculum management, ICT, school safety, coding and robotics, national school nutrition programme (NSNP),” said Motsumi.

She added that the provision of quality infrastructure with emphasis on safe water, sanitation and learner transport in all four districts were part of the discussions. Motsumi said while the SRM revealed widespread compliance with provincial application deadlines, they acknowledged the remaining challenges.

“The late applications persist, despite our continuous awareness campaigns. Nevertheless, our schools uphold non-discriminatory admission policies. Every child, regardless of documentation status deserves an equal right to education. Most of our schools are fully equipped for learners’ return.

“We want to guarantee a smooth start to the academic year and our extensive school readiness monitoring efforts demonstrate our commitment to quality education for all. The department remains dedicated to improving education delivery in the province,” she said.

Motsumi said the SRM findings will guide targeted interventions and ensure optimal learning environments for all students. Furthermore, she said the department will host the National Senior Certificate Results announcement at Sun City Resort, near Rustenburg on Friday.

Meanwhile, the North West Premier, Bushy Maape will visit Dingake Primary School in Verdwaal as part of the school re-opening activities for the 2024 academic year. Maape spokesperson, Sello Tatai said during Maape’s 2023 State of the Province Address (SOPA), he indicated that Dingake Primary and 300 other schools will benefit from the introduction of breakfast as part of an intensified programme to serve two meals a day to learners from less privileged communities.

“The initiative, which is being implemented through the National School Nutrition Programme (NSNP), is aimed at mitigating the impact of poverty on learners from communities grappling with various challenges of socio-economic concern. 

“To date, the government continues to feed 744 320 learners in more than 1300 schools across the province. Maape’s visit will commence at 10am,” he said.

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Three suspects nabbed for being in possession of unwrought gold bearing


By OBAKENG MAJE

Three men were arrested for being in possession of unwrought gold bearing material. Gideon Gaotingwe Mangope (57) , Mahlatse Manyaka,( 32) and Monnaotsile Christop Lebuowane (38) briefly appeared in the Tlhabane Magistrate’s Court on 15 January 2024.

The Hawks spokesperson in North West, Warrant Officer Amogelang Malwetse said, on 11 January 2024, the Rustenburg-based Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation Unit in collaboration with Bidvest Security received a tip-off regarding the suspects, who were alleged to be busy washing platinum bearing material at the Impala Minpro Processing Plant.

Malwetse further said when the police arrived at the scene, they found three suspects busy washing the platinum bearing material inside the batching stations at the floaters, where spillage overflowed. She added that, the suspects fled the scene when they spotted the police.

“However, the police gave chase and arrested them. Eleven bags containing unwrought gold bearing material were found and seized. The trio was subsequently charged with possession of unwrought gold bearing material. They have been remanded in custody and the case was postponed to 19 January 2024,” she said.

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A man arrested for business robbery remanded in custody


By OBAKENG MAJE

A man (25) who was arrested for business robbery, has been remanded in custody until 17 January 2024 for legal advice. Asley Morake briefly appeared in the Swartruggens Magistrate’s Court on Monday.

The North West police spokesperson, Col Adele Myburgh said Morake was arrested in connection with a business robbery at Borolelo Market Tuck Shop. Myburgh further said a victim (36) was closing his business on Saturday night (13 January 2024), when three unknown suspects, one armed with a knife, allegedly confronted him.

“Two of the suspects allegedly closed the shop’s door and the other one guarded the door of the shop. They ordered him to hand over his cell phone and the victim started to scream when one of the suspects stabbed him twice in the back with the knife. One of the suspects jumped over the counter and took the money.

“Meanwhile, the community members heard the noise, came to the rescue of the victim, and one suspect was arrested. The police are still looking for the other two suspects. A victim was taken to hospital for medical treatment,” she said.

Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, thanked all members and the community for their collaborative efforts and quick response that resulted in the arrest.

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A woman nabbed for allegedly committing a R24m fraud


By OBAKENG MAJE

A woman (24) briefly appeared in the Mmabatho Magistrate’s Court for fraud and money laundering. In October 2022, Phindile Zamahlubi Hadebe and other suspects allegedly intercepted an email communication between South African and Zimbabwean companies.

The Hawks spokesperson in North West, Warrant Officer Amogelang Malwetse said Hadebe allegedly amended the South African company’s banking details and the money was paid into another unknown account to be paid into various accounts. 

“Following an investigation by the Hawks Serious Crime Investigation, eight warrants of arrest were issued. On 15 January 2024, information was received regarding the whereabouts of one of the suspects.

“A sting operation was planned between the Hawks’ Serious Commercial Crime Investigation teams from Klerksdorp and Mahikeng, as well as the Hawks Head Office’s Tactical Operational Management Sections (TOMS), the warrant of arrest was executed and the suspect was arrested in Johannesburg,” she said.

Hadebe appeared before Mmabatho Magistrate’s Court on fraud and money laundering charges worth R24 million. Malwetse said the case was postponed to 18 January 2024.

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Baagi ba Itireleng ba amogela go agiwa ga tsela


Ka OBAKENG MAJE

Baagi ba motse was Itireleng, gaufi le Taung, ba kaile fa ba amogela kago ya tsela ya dikilomitara di le 10 e golaganyang motse wa bone le tsela-kgolo ya N18. Seno se tla morago ga kopano ya baagi, masepala o mogolwane wa Taung, Lefapha la Ditsela mo Bokone Bophirima, ga mmogo le Kantoro ya Mo premiere (Office of the Premier) mo letsatsing la gompieno.

Baagi ba Itireleng, ba lobaka ba ikuela gore puso e ba agele tsela dingwaga-ngwaga tse di fitileng. Jaanong, meyara wa masepala o mogolwane wa Taung, Tumisang Gaoraelwe, o kaetsr baagi fa masepala o tlile go ba agela tsela ya paving, mme ele ka tshwaragano le Lefapha la Ditsela mo Bokone Bophirima.

“Re dumalane le Lefapha la Ditsela ka tsiregayo go tswa go District Development Model (DDM) ga mmogo le Office of the Premier, go ka nna le kgokagano. Mme maitlhomo le maikaelelo a rona ele go agela baagi ba rona tsela e kgale ba lela ka yone.

“Mo kgokaganong e, badiri ba tlile go duelwa go ya ka seelo sa EPWP. Ga go tle go thapiwa rakontera, mme go tla thapiwa fela baagi ga mmogo le mogokaganyi magareng ga badiri le botsamaisi. Re tlile go thapa badiri ba le 80, mme molekgotha wa kgorwana e, o setse a thapile batho ba le 40,” Gaoraelwe was tlhalosa.

Gaoraelwe are go fitlha ga jaana, go setse go dirilwe tsela e tla dirisiwang ke baagi fa e sentse e baakangwa. Gaoraelwe o kaile fa porojeke e, ele e e kgethegileng.

“Dilo tsotlhe tse di tla tlhokagalang go aga tsela, di tla bo di tswa kwa Lefapheng la Ditsela. Mme ditirelo tse dingwe di tla tswa kwa masepala. Se batho ba sa se tlhaloganyeng ke gore, ke rona jaaka masepala re ile ra tsaya tshwetso ya gore re tlile go aga tsela. Morago ga dipalopalo tse re di dirileng, , re ne ra beela thoko tekanyetso-kabo ya R10 million.

“Fela, se ene ele tsitsinyo fela, mme go ne go sena madi a re a beetseng thoko. Fela, morago ga moo, re ne ra itemogela gore tsela e, ga e wele mo masepaleng. Rona jaaka masepala, re ikarabela mo ditseleng tse di mo gare ga motse. Jaanong, tsela e, e golaganya tsela ya N18 le motse wa Itireleng,” Gaoraelwe wa tlhalosa.

Fela mongwe wa baagi are ga ba kgotsofadiwa ka mokgwa o tsela ya bone e tlileng go agiwang ka teng. Boitshepo Seoloseng are, jaanong ba tlile go e koma e galaka gonne se ba se tlhokang ke tsela.

“Re lela thata ka ledi le badiri ba tlileng go le amogela. Di ura tse di berekiwang kwa EPWP ga di tshwane. Gona le mo go berekiwang di ura dile robedi, fa tse dingwe go diriwa di ura dile nne. Jaanong, re bolelelwa ka madi a lekanang. Fa go agiwa tsela, re tlile go dira ka setene, mme re tla bo re inama re inamologa.

“Ka jalo, re tlile go tsenwa ke manokonoko, mme fela re itumelela gore Office of the Premier, ba ile ba kgona go utlwa selelo sa rona morago ga dingwaga-ngwaga re ikuela mabapi le tsela,” Seoloseng wa tlhalosa.

Moagi o mongwe, Tlhalefo Sekgetho are jaaka baagi, ga ba amogele se masepala o tlileng go se ba bolelela. Sekgetho are tsela e, e tlile go tsenngwa ka sebopego se eleng gore ga ba se tlhaloganye.

“Ba re e tlile go berekwa ka mokgwa wa EPWP mo sebakeng sa dikgwedi dile lesome, kgotsa go feta. Jaanong, re ipotsa gore a tsela e ka berekiwa sebaka se se telele jalo.

“Nagana fela go tsholetsa ditene, mme o be o tla go duelwa ka selekanyo sa EPWP. Fela, re tla reng gonne ga re kgone le go ya toropong, jaanong ke gone fela gore re amogele,” Sekgetho wa tlhalosa.

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Police: “Crime has a negative impact on businesses and individuals”


By OBAKENG MAJE

The South African Police Service (SAPS) said it has noticed with concern the number of business robberies reported and urged the community, especially business owners to become more vigilant and alert.

Northern Cape police spokesperson, Lieutenant Col Sergio Kock said, they understand the impact that these crimes have on individuals and businesses. Kock further said they have committed to work with the public to prevent the occurrence thereof.

He added that, the police are urging the public to adhere to and implement the safety hints to ensure their safety.

“The businesses are requested to be extra vigilant around closing times and never lock their business premises alone. kindly install extra security gates and appoint security guards. Install security cameras and alarm systems and ensure that all doors and windows are secured.

“Always remember to keep minimal cash on the premises and bank regularly. Train staff on how to handle robberies and emergency situations. Keep a record of serial numbers of valuable items. Tuck shops and other small business must adhere to the operating and closing times and not be open until late,” he said.

Kock said business owners should refrain from sleeping in tuckshops as this makes them a bigger target for business robberies. He also advised business owners to get a guard dog and install security gates, including burglar bars.

“Always lock doors and windows when leaving the house. Consider installing an alarm system and CCTV cameras and not open the door for strangers. Be aware of your surroundings when entering or leaving the house. Immediately contact police when you notice suspicious persons loitering around and sitting on street corners.

“Do not leave spare keys in an obvious place like post boxes. Avoid walking alone at night in dimly lit areas. Keep your valuables out of sight in public places and be aware of your surroundings and report any suspicious behaviour,” said Kock.

He urged them not to carry large amounts of cash or valuable items with them. Kock said they should keep their cellphone and other electronic devices hidden when walking in public.

“Do not resist during a robbery as this may escalate the situation and increase your risk of harm. Do not speak to strangers, while busy at ATM. Use ATM that is well lit and not hidden away. Do not give your pin to anyone and cover your pin when doing ATM transaction.

“Do not withdraw large amount of cash, rather use debit or credit cards for purchases. Always be away of your surroundings and if possible, withdraw money at the tellers in supermarkets. Be aware of card scammers and tricksters that say they can make your money more when drawing cash from ATMs or banks,” he said.

Kock said people should not use ATMs that they suspect were tampered with. He said the police care about their safety and by adhering to the safety hints, can reduce their risk of falling victim to a robbery.

“Remember, prevention is key. If you witness or experience a robbery, report it immediately to the police. Working together, we can help create safer crime free communities for everyone.

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A murder and fraud case against an insurance claimant postponed!


Picture: The accused, Agnes Setshwantsho

By OBAKENG MAJE

A murder and fraud case against Agnes Setshwantsho (43) has been deferred to 19 January 2024 by Molopo Magistrate’s Court for judgment on her bail application. Setshwantsho is facing a murder case, two counts of fraud, and defeating the ends of justice.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson, Henry Mamothame said the state and the defense attorney have completed their closing arguments, following testimony by the investigating officer and the correctional nurse from the facility, where Setshwantsho is detained.

Mamothame further said the South African Police (SAPS) reported that on 16 November 2023, an intelligence operation led to the arrest of the accused on suspicion that she murdered her relatives to benefit from insurance claims.

He added that, Setshwantsho was traced and arrested in Centurion during a takedown operation, led by the SAPS in collaboration and full cooperation with an insurance company.

“The police further reported that in the past two months, Sergeant Keshi Mabunda, and a team of detectives have been working on the case following a tip-off from relatives of this suspect.

“Through analysis and collection of evidence, including the exhumation of two bodies, the team was able to link its latest suspect to the team’s first focus of the case. According to the police report, the murder that was initially ruled a “natural death” happened in Mmabatho, in the North West, where a female relative died under mysterious circumstances in March 2023,” said Mamothame.

He said the investigations have revealed that, Setshwantsho fraudulently took out insurance on behalf of her relative before her murder. Mamothame said the police are conducting further investigations, with the possibility of adding more charges against the accused.

Meanwhile, the accused will remain in police custody pending the outcome of the bail application.

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