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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Picture: Students embark on protest over registration at Vuselela FET College

By OBAKENG MAJE

The situation has returned to normal at Vuselela FET College in Pudimoe campus. This comes after the student representatives and the college reached an agreement. On Monday, the students embarked on protest and barricaded the entrance of the campus with burning tyres and shrubs demanding that the campus manager, Thamsanqa Mawele addressed their challenges before returning to class.

It is alleged that, the college demanded that students who were owing, should atleast settle their debts before being allowed to register. One of the student representatives (non-affiliated), Oratile Matsitle said they had a consultative engagement with the college management, but representatives from South African Students Congress (SASCO), budged out of the meeting.

“We had a good and progressive meeting with the college management and we have reached an agreement that the demand of the students will be addressed. The demand was that all students who owe the college must go and collect the agreement forms to individually commit themselves how they will pay the outstanding fee.

“However, SASCO leadership walked out of the meeting and alleged that they will continue with the protest. We kindly advise all students, who owe the college to go and take an agreement form as soon as possible so that they can arrange with management how they will pay their fee, as we have collectively agreed in the meeting,” he said.

The SASCO regional treasurer in Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati region, Phemelo Sedimo said: “We had a productive engagement with the campus manager, Thamsanqa Mawele. We have reached an agreement that students will be registered and return to their respective classes. So, we welcome the agreement.”   

Meanwhile, Mawele said some students were denied access into the campus because they do not have Proof of Payment for registration. He said this is the monitoring system they use to ensure that there is law and order.

“Those who cannot produce Proof of Payment were supposed to come to me and say they have a challenge. So, I was surprised to see students embarking on a protest and blocking the gates. Some students were denied access and I think if there are any challenges, the SRC leadership should come to me,” said Mawele.

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Picture: Taung Dam experiencing decline on water level

By OBAKENG MAJE

The Department of Water and Sanitation said the water levels across North West Dams have slightly dropped from last week’s 79.0% to 79.1% this week. The department spokesperson, Wisane Mavasa said, the scorching temperatures observed in certain parts of the province is the reason for this modest decline in the water storage.

“Ngotwane Dam fell from 42.6% to 42.1%, while Disaneng Dam slightly dipped from 92.5% to 91.9% this week. Additionally, Setumo Dam moved down from last week’s 104.7% to 103.7% this week.

“This week, Roodekopjes Dam experienced a plunge, going from 90.2% to 87.9%, while Buffelspoort Dam has recorded a slight decline going from 100.6% to 100,4%. Pella Dam has also experienced a notable decline from 52.8 % to 52.0% and Klipvoor Dam has dropped from last week’s 100.7% to 99.6%,” he said.

He further said Molatedi Dam in Zeerust, has decreased from 45.9% to 45.3%. Mavasa added that Lindleyspoort Dam has also experienced a decline descending from 67.4% to 67.1%.

“Marico-Bosveld Dam saw a slight drop, going from 76.6% to 75.7%. Taung Dam, which supplies water to Taung and the surrounding regions, has similarly decreased in dam levels going from 91.1% to 91.0% this week.

“Bospoort Dam has noted an increase this week moving from 101.9% to 102.2% this week. The levels of the Madikwe Dam have also seen an increase from 40.4 % to 42.2%. Vaalkop Dam had a notable increase as well, moving up from 88.5% to 90.9%,” said Mavasa.

He said Olifantsnek Dam has noted no changes this week and is sitting at 84,2%. Mavasa said the department urges communities to utilise water sparingly as most dams have recorded a decline this week.

The members of the community are encouraged to report water leaks and unlawful connections. Damaging water infrastructure should also be reported to the forums that have been established by the department in the communities,” he said.

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Picture: North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Sello Lehari  

By OBAKENG MAJE

The Democratic Alliance (DA) in North West calls for a probe in the North West Scholar Transport tender audit. The DA Spokesperson on Community Safety and Transport Management in the North West Provincial Legislature (NWPL), Freddy Sonakile said since the reopening of schools in January 2024, they have been inundated with complaints from parents, teachers and learners about the poor state of some scholar transport vehicles.

Sonakile said yesterday’s accident involving scholar transport vehicles for learners at JM Lekgetho Secondary and Gaetsho High Schools is another sad reminder of the poor state of some of these vehicles. He further said an accident allegedly occurred after the steering wheel of the bus broke off and fell on the floor.

“Three learners were admitted to hospital, while more than 20 others received treatment for minor injuries. We are grateful that no serious injuries were recorded. Last year, the Special Investigating Unit (SIU), released damning findings against the department for irregularly awarding the previous scholar transport tender.

“This also saw some service providers having to return the payments they already received. Clearly, the North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Sello Lehari, did not take note of the findings when his department awarded new scholar transport tenders last year,” said Sonakile.

He alleged that the controversies surrounding the North West Scholar Transport tenders confirm the allegations that Lehari and his cabal use it as a political point scoring tool. Sonakile added that they will today write to Lehari, demanding him to submit all the details surrounding this new scholar transport tender.

“The request will include details of the vehicles, owners, roadworthiness certificates and all due processes that were followed by the department in awarding these contracts.

“The mere fact that vehicles that are not roadworthy have been awarded contracts is a cause for serious concern. The DA will not cower from putting pressure on Lehari and his department until the safety of school children are taken seriously,” said Sonakile.

Meanwhile, Lehari said: “According to the report presented, the bus steering wheel came off, whilst the bus was in motion and the driver lost control. The driver allegedly jumped out of the moving bus, which then hit the tree before coming to a stop.

“According to a learner (18) who uses the same bus, this is the second incident, where the bus steering wheel came off. On a previous occasion, I was told that the driver was able to put it back and there was no incident at the time.”

Lehari said this time, unfortunately 22 of the 51 learners on board were taken to the hospitals with injuries. He said the preliminary investigation by the Public Transport Directorate indicated that the operator had rented a bus on the day of the vehicle verification process.

“The service provider would not have been given a service level agreement if this was the bus that was inspected. As per the Service Level Agreement (SLA), this kind of contravention leaves us with no option, but to terminate the agreement with the service provider.

“Following challenges experienced since schools reopened, we have established the ‘War Room’. This is to address challenges as and when reported and where needs arise, operators who are breaching the agreement are replaced,” he said.

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Picture: Bafana Bafana players against Cape Verde/Google

By SAFA

Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos remains focused on seeing his charges over the line in Wednesday night’s Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) semifinal clash against Nigeria in Cote d’Ivoire. Broos is bidding for a second AFCON title after leading Cameroon to the winners’ medal in 2017, and he faced a barrage of questions from journalists on Tuesday reminding him about previous clashes against Nigeria.

“Yes, we know and understand who we are up against. We know the might of this team and that their players play all over Europe. We also know that last time in an AFCON what the result was, but this time it’s different. It’s different players, a different team and a different AFCON. Anything is possible,” said the Belgian tactician.

Happy to have come this far with his squad, the coach also delivered sad news on the status of Thapelo Maseko. “Sadly due to the third-degree tear (hamstring), Maseko is out for the rest of the tournament. But he remains with us till the end. We will not replace the player with another due to time (Visas and the travel time to get to Cote d’Ivoire at short notice), so we will continue the tournament with the squad we have.”

Captain and goalkeeper Ronwen Williams, who was the man of the match in the quarter-final clash against Cape Verde, shied away from taking credit after making several breathtaking saves during the penalty shoot-out.

“After seeing the players run for about 130 minutes non-stop, it was my turn to stand up and do my part. I’m happy it went our way but ultimately this is a team sport. I don’t like to take credit because they fought just as hard. So, reaching the semi-finals here means we did it together,” he said.

Apart from Maseko being ruled out, the team have no other injury concerns. Bafana Bafana take on Nigeria at the Stade De La Paix Bouake, at 7pm local time.

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 Picture: Banyana Banyana players during training

By SAFA

The South African senior women’s national team will kickstart their year when they return to camp ahead of the third round of the 2024 Olympic qualifiers. Banyana Banyana will have a goalkeepers’ camp that will run from 9-11 February 2024 before the start of a local preparation gathering that will run from 12-17 February 2024.

Coach Desiree Ellis has named her squad for both camps. The Goalkeeper Training camp will be held at the High Performance Centre in Pretoria with six goalminders in Andile Dlamini, Kaylin Swart, Katlego Moletsane, Dineo Magagula, Victoria Muroa and Dimakatso Ntsieane, who will get her first taste of senior national team experience.

“We are bringing in six goalkeepers again and ones that were not available last year. Andile was not available, she was recovering from an injury. We have brought in Tshidi from TUT and we have also brought in a new 18-year-old goalkeeper identified at the Sasol Championships. I was very impressed with her,” the Banyana Banyana coach said. “Goalkeeping is really an important component of the team and sometimes it’s neglected in terms of specialised coaching and that’s why we have this camp. The training camp is for the local-based players, the players abroad are currently playing.

“We are in a similar scenario like we were when we had to play Algeria in the final qualifier for the 2022 WAFCON where we only had two weeks of pre-season. However, this time around it’s different because the clubs are further ahead into pre-season and a big thank you to them.”

The Sasol-sponsored South African senior women’s team ended 2023 on a high after qualifying for the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations following a victory against Burkina Faso. Ellis will be hoping to carry that same spirit as the team goes into the third round of the qualifiers against Tanzania.

A squad of 24 local-based players will assemble for a preparation camp in Johannesburg on 12 February 2024 before Ellis trims it down to the list that will travel to Tanzania where they will be joined by the overseas-based players.

A Media Open day date and the confirmation of the Final squad announcement will be communicated in due time.

Banyana Banyana squad for 2024 3rd round Olympic qualifier and preparation camp

Goalkeepers
Andile DLAMINI (Mamelodi Sundowns FC)
Kaylin SWART (JVW FC)
Katlego MOLETSANE (Royal AM)
Dineo MAGAGULA (TS Galaxy)
Victoria MUROA (TUT FC)
Dimakatso NTSIENE (Ixias FC)

Defenders
Karabo DHLAMINI (Mamelodi Sundowns FC)
Noko MATLOU (SB Eibar, Spain)
Fikile MAGAMA (The University of the Western Cape)
Asanda HADEBE (Sunflower FC)
Tiisetso MAKHUBELA (Mamelodi Sundowns FC)
Lonathemba MHLONGO (The University of the Western Cape)
Lebohang RAMALEPE (Mamelodi Sundowns FC)

Midfielders
Kholosa BIYANA (Mamelodi Sundowns FC)
Refiloe JANE (Sassuolo, Italy)
Linda MOTLHALO (Racing Louisville, USA)
Nomvula KGOALE (TS Galaxy)
Sphumelele SHAMASE (University of Johannesburg)
Amogelang MOTAU (The University of the Western Cape)
Thalea SMIDT (University of Pretoria)
Lesego NKOANE (TS Galaxy)
Thubelihle SHAMASE (University of Johannesburg)

Forwards
Nicole MICHAEL (TS Galaxy)
Gabriela SALGADO (JVW)
Samkelisiwe SELANA (TS Galaxy)
Noxolo CESANE (The University of the Western Cape)
Melinda KGADIETE (Mamelodi Sundowns FC)
Wendy SHONGWE (University of Pretoria)
Nthabiseng MAJIYA (Richmond Ladies)
Jermaine SEOPOSENWE (Monterrey, Mexico)
Hildah MAGAIA (Mazatlan FC, Mexico)
Thembi KGATLANA (Tigres UANL, Mexico)

Source: http://www.safa.net

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