Picture: World renowned rapper, Khulane “Khuli Chana” Morule amongst learners/Supplied   

By OBAKENG MAJE

The Khuli Chana Foundation in collaboration with the Hollywood Foundation, conducted a transformative Back to School drive by delivering essential school shoes to enthusiastic learners in Ga-Khunwana village, outside Mahikeng and Klerksdorp on 7 and 8 February 2024.

North West-born rapper, Khulane Morule (41) who is affectionately known as Khuli Chana in the music fraternity, made a generous contribution to Khunwana Primary School in Khunwana village and Reahola Primary School in Klerksdorp. He said this was a concocted effort from his foundation and the Hollywood Foundation.

“The donations were well-received and educators, the local royal household and the community showed a heartfelt appreciation. The joint effort between the Khuli Chana Foundation and the Hollywood Foundation is dedicated to providing relief to parents and empowering learners as they commence the new school year.

“With a hundred learners at each school receiving a pair of school shoes, the collaboration demonstrates both organisations’ commitment to education and making a tangible impact on the lives of young learners,” said Morule.

The ceremony at Reahola Primary School, was graced by the presence of musician and hit-maker, Maglera Doe Boy, who is a former learner at the school. He further said the event not only symbolised a momentous occasion of positive impact, but also served as an inspiration for learners to aspire to greater heights through the mentorship of the dynamic duo.

“During the handover, I shared moving words of motivation with the learners, reflecting on my own childhood and emphasizing the pivotal role of education in shaping their futures. As a mentor figure to the youth, I also pledged my unwavering support to ensure they have the necessary resources to pursue their dreams and excel academically.

“I urged learners to embrace respect for their educators, elders, and peers, echoing the powerful sentiment, “One learner, One teacher, One book, One pen, can change the world. These initiatives are part of the Khuli Chana Foundation’s broader commitment to supporting over 400 pupils this academic year,” added Morule.

He said they want to ensure that, the lack of school shoes does not hinder learning in primary schools across Gauteng and the North West. Morule said, in addition, they form a crucial component of the Hollywood Foundation’s R8 million pledge for the Back to School campaign.

“This is an initiative aimed at uplifting communities and providing essential resources to students in need nationwide,” he said.

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Picture: The pregnant learner in school

By OBAKENG MAJE

North West MEC for Health, Madoda Sambatha said his department aims to increase pregnancy education and highlight crucial topics that foster a healthy pregnancy and secure motherhood. This comes after the department observing a Pregnancy Awareness Week, which takes place from 6-10 February 2024.

Sambatha said, early antenatal care is vital, as this allows medical caregivers to monitor and manage existing medical conditions that can be aggravated by pregnancy, such as hypertension, diabetes and anaemia.

He further said mothers can also recognise early danger signs during their pregnancy and prepare for the birth and complications which may arise.

“The benefits of early antenatal care are free HIV testing and counselling is available. Early identification of pregnancy and post-delivery danger indicators, as well as preparation for birth and potential complications. Self-care which includes diet and cleanliness, as well as education about the roles of fathers, partners, and families.

“Additionally, pregnant women should know their rights, which include a woman’s right to choose a birthing partner, who will support her during her pregnancy and childbirth, as well as accompany her to the antenatal care clinic when she goes into labour. Women have the right to be treated with respect, dignity, and confidentiality,” said Sambatha.

He added that, this include the right of the woman to ask questions and receive explanations regarding her condition. Sambatha said while postnatal depression is well known, depression during pregnancy is nearly as frequent and carries concerns of increased difficulties throughout the pregnancy and labour.

“There is effective medication available to lessen the dangers. Psychotherapy, group therapy, and even antenatal support groups are all extremely beneficial. Antidepressants are effective and when used in consultation with the mother’s healthcare provider, are generally safe during pregnancy.

“As we are observing pregnancy awareness week, I encourage all women who suspect that they may be pregnant to visit their nearest clinics to ensure that their babies are safe and healthy and immediately enrol with an ante-natal class provided at their local primary healthcare facility,” he said.

Sambatha said for teenagers who are first-time mothers-to-be, they have mentor mothers, who can assist them throughout their pregnancy journey and ensure a safe delivery.

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Picture: Six foreign nationals nabbed for illegal mining/Supplied

By OBAKEG MAJE

Six undocumented foreign nationals were arrested during an operation to combat illegal mining in the Namaqua District on 8 February 2024. The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Molefi Shemane said the police received a tip-off regarding the possible undocumented persons on the Koinnas road enroute to Kleinzee.

“A waylay operation was conducted along the road and the police arrested four Lesotho men, one Mozambican and one Zimbabwean man respectively for Contravention of the Immigration act.

“Four mineral jig mining machines valued at R550 000 each were confiscated. The operation to combat illegal mining in the Namaqua District continues to intensify,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola, applauded the efforts of the team for their ongoing actions in an attempt to eradicate the area of illegal mining activities and reclaiming the area from illegal miners.

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Picture: North West MEC for Health, Madoda sambatha 

By OBAKENG MAJE

North West MEC for Health, Madoda Sambatha said his department is commemorating a Healthy Lifestyle Awareness Month by rolling out the first round of the Human Papiloma Virua (HPV) vaccination. Sambatha said the roll-out has commenced on 6 until 20 February 2024 in all primary schools across the province.

He further said the HPV is a viral infection that is transmitted between people through skin-to-skin contact. Sambatha added that, the infection occurs when the virus enters the body, usually through a cut or sexual contact, including vaginal, anal, and oral sex.

“The HPV vaccination is most effective if given before having sex for the first time and is therefore recommended for children aged between 9 and 14 years and is available in all our primary health care facilities. The vaccine prevents certain types of HPV that cause most cases of genital warts and cervical cancer.

“Children aged between 11 and 12 years, should get two doses of HPV vaccine, given 6 to 12 months apart. Parents and guardians of unvaccinated teenagers are advised to consult their nearest healthcare facility as soon as possible. Teenagers who start the HPV vaccine series on or after their 15^th birthday, require three doses, administered over six months,” he said.

Sambatha said the HPV infections often have no symptoms, so people may not know if they have it. He said where symptoms do appear, will vary depending on the strain of HPV.

“One of the most common strains of HPV is genital warts. Many people with this strain of HPV will not develop any symptoms or know that they have it. Symptoms of genital warts include one or more small, flesh-coloured or grey painless growths or lumps around the vagina, penis, anus, or upper thighs. Itching or bleeding from the genitals or anus and a change to the normal flow of pee (for example, sideways), that doesn’t go away.

“The warts may be difficult to notice if they are internal (inside the vagina or anus). So, we urge parents and caregivers to sign consent forms for vaccination to be administered to their children at schools through the school health outreach programme,” said Sambatha.

He said the vaccine is available through all clinics and at school-based clinics. Sambatha said children must be immunized at an early age to avoid the future burden of diseases that could have been prevented through vaccines.

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Picture: A foreign national nabbed for dealing in drugs/Supplied

By OBAKENG MAJE

A 38-YEAR-OLD man who is a foreign national, has been arrested for dealing drugs in Kimberley on 8 February 2024. The suspect was arrested during illicit mining operation, Vala Umgodi executed by the joint team comprising of South African Police Service (SAPS), South African National Defence Force (SANDF) and Department of Home Affairs (DHA).

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Timothy Sam said the police received a tip-off regarding a non-compliance at a business premises. Sam said the police conducted a compliance inspection at the said business premises and confirmed the illegal business activities.

“The police in searching the premises, found suspected drugs with an estimated value of R88 500, including tik, cat, dagga, tik lollies and cash suspected to be the proceeds of crime.

“The suspect was apprehended and charged for dealing in drugs. He will appear in the Kimberley Magistrate’s Court soon,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola, indicated that this success is as a result of collaboration between the law enforcement agencies and the public, which resulted in the removal of the drugs from society.

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Picture: The missing Salman Johannes Mentoor/Supplied

By OBAKENG MAJE

The police in Keimoes are requesting the assistance of the public in locating Salman Johannes Mentoor (66). The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Lieutenant Col Sergio Kock said, Mentoor left his home in Extension 3, Keimoes on 3 February 2024.

Kock said he was last seen on the N14 road to Kenhardt and was apparently heading to Lennertsville.

“Mentoor has a hearing impairment in both ears and is mentally challenged. He has grey hair and half of his right ear is missing. He was wearing a cream trouser, white tekkies and red/brown t-shirt at the time he went missing.

“The public is reminded that there is no waiting period to report a person missing. Anyone with information can call D/Sgt Marius Fortuin on 084 253 7184. The investigation continues,” he said.

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Picture: The learners urged to stay away from substance abuse/Supplied 

By OBAKENG MAJE

Northern Cape Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola and her management, accompanied by the Northern Cape MEC for Safety and Liaison, Sylvia Nomandla Bloem, embarked on a safer schools’ campaign in the John Taolo Gaetsewe District on 8 February 2024.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Timothy Sam said the programme was supported by the Community Policing Forum (CPF), the Northern Cape Department of Education, the Joe Morolong Local Municipality, the School Governing Body (SGB) in Mecwetsaneng Primary School and the local Traditional Council under Kgosi Selao.

“In outlining the purpose of the day, Brigadier Irene Kopeledi, stated that the SAPS management took a conscious decision of providing more support to rural schools, to address activities relating to specific crimes and/or challenges, focusing on bullying, sexual offences, substance abuse, vandalism, burglary, dangerous weapons and gangsterism, amongst other threats.

“Otola and Bloem spoke in unison in pleading with parents to take responsibility for their kids in ensuring that they arrive at school safely and unharmed. They also urged the communities to involve the CPF in school safety programs and report any criminality to the police,” he said.

Sam further said the learners were urged to focus on their education and refrain from using substances such as dagga, cigarettes, okka pipe, and carrying dangerous weapons to school.

He added that, the SAPS management, Bloem and Selao handed over 80 goodie bags that included school shoes to the school principal and SGB.

Meanwhile, Selao thanked all stakeholders for making the day possible and special to the learners.

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By OBAKENG MAJE

The ANC in the North West will host the 2024 PEC Lekgotla from 10-11 February 2024 at Rustenburg Civic Centre, in Rustenburg. The ANC provincial spokesperson, Tumelo Maruping said ANC Lekgotla is expected to assess the state of the organisation and the performance of government in implementing the Manifesto of the ANC, resolutions taken in the 2023 Lekgotla, as well as directives taken in between.

“In a quest to accelerate much needed services in the province, the PEC Lekgotla will amongst other things, highlight a clear implementation plan on priorities, which ANC President, Cyril Ramaphosa outlined during the ANC January 8 Statement.

“This includes accelerating infrastructure development, boosting the local economy through massive industrialization. The Lekgotla will also discuss how the province can contribute in finding a lasting solution to the country’s energy challenges,” he said.

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By OBAKENG MAJE

Three men who were arrested for armed robbery, two counts of attempted murder, possession of suspected stolen property, unlawful possession of firearm/s and unlawful possession of ammunition, appeared in the Rustenburg Magistrate’s Court on 8 February 2024.

Molefi Tshele (37), Joseph Sithole (37) and Vusi Nkambule (41) were remanded in custody until 19 February 2024 for formal bail application.

The North West police spokesperson, Lieutenant Col Amanda Funani said the accused were arrested during a crime intelligence driven operation by Rustenburg Tactical Response Team (TRT), Flying Squad, District Detectives Task Team, National Illicit Mining Task Team, Marikana Visible Policing, Local Criminal Record Centre (LCRC), Bidvest Security, Protea Security, Car tracker, Ram Risk & Intelligence, HenCor Tactical and Solutions K9 Magnus on 6 February 2024.

“They were arrested after they allegedly robbed three courier bakkies on the Kroondal Road in Rustenburg. According to information, the accused who were driving in Toyota Quantum and Nissan NP200 vehicles, blocked three courier bakkies, then shot the escort driver, who was later taken to a local hospital. 

“At the time of the incident, the courier vehicles were on the way to Rustenburg to deliver goods. Thus, the accused took cell phones, tablets and other items and fled the scene. Police were called and subsequent to receiving a tip-off, the team went to a house at Mfidikwe village, outside Rustenburg where the two vehicles were seen entering,” she said. 

Funani further said the shoot-out between the police and the suspects ensued. She added that three accused were found inside the house and arrested, while the other four suspects fled the scene.

“The team managed to recover cell phones and other items,” said Funani.

Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, congratulated all the South African Police Service (SAPS) units involved and private security companies’ personnel, as well as other stakeholders for their concerted efforts and the sterling job, which resulted in the apprehension of the accused. 

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