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.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

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.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

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.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

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.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

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.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

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.

taungdailynews@gmail.com