Monthly Archives: February 2024

Wildlife and Ecotourism industry contribute billions of rands to SA economy

NEWS Leave a comment

Picture: One of the hunting places in South Africa/Google

By BAKANG MOKOTO

The Wildlife and Ecotourism expert at Tourism Research in Economics, Environs and Society (TREES), Professor Peet van der Merwe said the South African private wildlife hunting industry should be treasured. Van der Merwe said this was made evident by the research conducted by the research unit for at the North West University (NWU), which was steered by him, Andrea Saayman and Elmarie Slabbert.

He further said the research showed that the industry ploughs billions of rands back into South Africa’s economy. According to van der Merwe, the research aimed to determine the socio-economic impact of the private wildlife industry in South Africa, with surveys conducted from June 2022 to August 2022.

“Questionnaires were distributed online, garnering responses from 1 685 local hunters and 415 international hunters. Concerning local hunters, 97% of the respondents were male with an average age of 47 and 82% were married.

“On average, they participate in 2.7 hunting trips a year and stay 4.16 nights at their destination of choice. Their preferred provincial destinations were Limpopo, North West, Free State and Northern Cape. The international hunters’ profile showed that 89% were male, with an average age of 57 years, 81% were married and they had hunted in South Africa at least three times in the past ten years,” he said.

Van der Merwe added that, the South African hunters each had a total yearly expenditure of R63 282. He said this figure took into account on accommodation, transport, food, meat processing, hunting permits, fees and game hunted.

“With an estimated 200 000 local hunters, it can be deduced that they contributed about R12,65 billion to the South African economy. On to international hunters, not all their expenses occur within the confines of the country.

“For example, international flights, shipping costs for trophies and the purchase of items such as clothing before coming to South Africa, but adjusting for these numbers and taking into account pre and post-tour spending, the amount per hunter per hunting trip that goes to our local coffers is R450 000,” said van der Merwe.

He said together, local and international hunters contribute R15,456 billion to the economy. Van der Merwe said, however, this is not where the benefits end.

“More than 80% of local hunters believe that hunting tourism generates more income for the involved communities that hunting tourism increases job opportunities within the specific hunting area, that hunting tourism improves the economy as well as the standard of living in the area, and that it helps to preserve cultural traditions for future generations.

“Since the last comprehensive survey was conducted by TREES, the private wildlife industry has shown a R1,81 billion increase, although the rand/dollar exchange rate and an increase in living costs will have contributed to this figure,” he said.

Van der Merwe said the private wildlife industry is not just an essential part of the country’s tourist offering, but also an integral part of our economy. He said its value cannot be underestimated and they must do all that they can to preserve, promote and expand it.

“As a tool for sustainable job creation and conservation, we must utilise the myriad of opportunities the industry has to offer,” said Van der Merwe.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

Banna ba le babedi ba kwa Dikhuting ba ba latofadiwang ka go utswa dipudi ba boela kgotlha-tshekelo

NEWS Leave a comment

Setshwantsho: Dipudi tse go belaelwang ele tsa bogodu di tshwerwe ke sepodisi

Ka OBAKENG MAJE

Kgetsi ya bogodu jwa leruo kgatlhanong le banna ba le babedi ba kwa motseng wa Dikhuting, gaufi le Taung, e tlile go boela kwa kgotlha-tshekelo ya Klerksdorp mo letsatsing la gompieno. Koronovea Modise le Keboikile Scotch Molefe, ba ne ba lelelwa ke ditshipi kwa tsela-kgolong ya N12, kwa motse-setoropong wa Jouberton, gaufi le Klerksdorp ka di 2 Ngwanatsele 2023.

Go begwa fa Modise le Molefe, ba ne ba tshwarwa morago ga go fitlhelwa ka dipudi di le 29 tse go belaelwang fa ele tsa bogodu. Go belaelwa fa dipudi tseo, di utstwitswe kwa motseng wa Manthe. Go ya ka sebueledi sa sepodisi mo Bokone Bophirima, Lieutenant Col Amanda Funani, batlhankela ba sepodisi ba ba ne ba le mo tirong, ba ne ba bona sejanaga se se belaetsang, mme ba se sala morago.

“Bane ba se emisa, mme ba kopa mokgweetsi go ka lekola sejanaga seo. Batlhankela ba sepodisi, ba kaile fa ba fitlhetse dipudi dile 29 kwa morago ga sejanaga seo (van). Banna ba, ba ne ba tshwarwa.

“Banna ba, ba lebagane le kgetsi ya go tshwara ka dipudi tse go belaelwang ele tsa bogodu,” Funani wa tlhalosa.

Kgabagare, sepueledi sa National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) mo porofenseng ya Bokone Bophirima, Henry Mamothame are, Molefe le Modise ba neetswe beile ya R700 mongwe le mongwe, mme kgetsi ya bone e buseditswe morago go fitlha 14 Tlhakole 2024, fa dipatlisiso di tsweletse.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

Banyana get down to business in local Olympic Qualifier preparation camp

NEWS Leave a comment

Picture: Banyana Banyana players during training

By SAFA

The South African senior women’s team have been hard at work in the local Olympic qualifier preparation camp ahead of a two-legged match against Tanzania.

The Sasol-Sponsored Banyana Banyana had a training session on Monday afternoon after assembling for camp in Johannesburg and another session on Tuesday morning ahead of the matches on 23 February (away) and 27 February (home).

Coach Desiree Ellis stressed the importance of the preparation camp with the Hollywoodbets season yet to return to action, and also gave credit to the players for their work ethic.

“Some players have really put on a lot of work. Thank you to the clubs as well for the work that they put in during the pre-season. Yesterday (Monday) was a bit rusty but today (Tuesday) was much better,” said Ellis.

“We are just trying to find that energy and find that connection because it is a group of players that have been together for a while. So it’s not difficult to find that connection.”

The final 23-member squad to play the Olympic qualifier against Tanzania will be announced on Friday, 16 February 2024.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

Operation Shanela yields positive results as 1009 suspects arrested

NEWS Leave a comment

By REGINALD KANYANE

More than 1000 suspects were arrested for various crimes in North West during Operation Shanela. The operation was conducted between 5 until 11 February 2024, which resulted in the apprehension of 1009 suspects.

The North West police spokesperson, Lieutenant Col Amanda Funani said the suspects were amongst others, arrested for rape, murder, assault GBH, malicious damage to property, burglary residential and business premises, theft of motor vehicle and theft out of / from motor vehicle and driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

She said of the 1009 arrested, 248 were wanted for contact crimes such as murder, attempted murder, rape, assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm, assault common, house robbery and business robbery.

“Moreover, 20 undocumented persons were taken in for processing. The arrests were effected through execution of several actions, which included stop and searches, road blocks, vehicle check points, visiting and inspecting of licensed liquor premises, Second-hand goods dealers, tracing of wanted suspects and many others.

“The operation also resulted in the confiscation of 170 cell phones, seven unlicensed firearms, drugs such as crack cocaine, crystal meth, nyaope,  seven rounds of ammunition, liquor and dangerous weapon,” said Funani.

Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, congratulated the police officers working together with other law enforcement agencies including Traffic and Home Affairs for working hard to ensure that suspects are arrested.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

Over 1000 persons searched during Operation Shanela

NEWS Leave a comment

Picture: The police conducting stop and search/Supplied

By REGINALD KANYANE

The Northern Cape Provincial Heads, District Commissioners and Station Commanders from throughout the province, joined forces in the Greater Kimberley area during the execution of Operation Shanela.

On 12 February 2024, a high density operation was executed in Kimberley, Galeshewe, Roodepan and Galeshewe. The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Colonel Cherelle Ehlers in a short period of time, the police squeezed the space for criminals by executing Vehicle Check Points (VCPs), visited the malls and shopping centres and intensified visible policing patrols.

“A total of 1199 persons and 522 vehicles were searched. The traffic fines for various violations to the value of over R18 000 were issued. The operation was a prelude to the Provincial Review Session (PRS) to be steered by the Northern Cape Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola in Kimberley from 13 to 15 February 2024,” she said.

Meanwhile, Otola commended the police from throughout the province, who added to more boots on the ground and made a notable impact on the successful execution of the operation.
taungdailynews@gmail.com

Police urge community leaders to play a pivotal role in combating crime

NEWS Leave a comment

Picture: The police in a consultative engagement with learners at Pabalello Primary School in Upington/Supplied

By REGINALD KANYANE

The Community Policing Forum (CPF) in Paballelo Township, outside Upington embarked on a roadshow to raise awareness regarding community policing as a preferred policing strategy implemented by the South African Police Service (SAPS).

The ZF Mgcawu District police spokesperson, Sergeant Omphile Masegela said, On 12 February 2024, the CPF, Community in Blue Patrollers along with their CPF coordinators, visited Paballelo Primary School as part of their roadshow. Masegela said learners and staff were addressed on the crucial role that the community should play in the fight against crime.

“The principal was encouraged to take up space on the CPF as the school is a crucial stakeholder in community policing. The school management renewed their commitment in ensuring that, they will play an active role in crime prevention.
taungdailynews@gmail.com

Sejanaga sa moswi, Otimilwe Michael Mosimane se bonwe kwa Magogong

NEWS Leave a comment

Setshwantsho-papiso: Koloi e e thopilweng kwa seteisheneng sa Taung

Ka OBAKENG MAJE

Sepodisi se kaile fa dipatlisiso mo polaong ya monna wa dingwaga di le 47 wa kwa motseng wa Khibicwane, gaufi le Taung, di tsweletse pele. Seno se tla morago ga gore sepodisi se bone sejanaga sa ga Otimilwe Michael Mosimane kwa motseng wa Magogong mo bekeng e e fitileng.

Go begwa fa Mosimane a ne a timela ka di 3 Ngwanatsele 2023. Fela, setopo sa gagwe se seneng se hapilwe matsogo, sena le dintho tsa go teketiwa, ebile se kgaotswe kgokgotso, se ne sa bonwa kwa motseng wa Majaneng ka di 5 Ngwatsele 2023.

Fela ka nako eo, sepodisi se ne se sa itse gore ke setopo sa ga mang, gonne se ne se rurugile. Morago ga dipatlisiso, sepodisi se ile sa tlhalosa fa setopo seo se seneng se beilwe kwa mmoshareng wa puso kwa Vryburg, ele sa ga Mosimane.

Mo bekeng e e fitileng, sebueledi sa sepodisi mo Bokone Bophirima, Mokaptein Aaftje Botma, o ile a netefaletsa ba lekwalo dikgang la rona la Taung DailyNews fa setopo sa ga Otimilwe, se bonwe. Botma are ga jaana, kgetsi ya polao e ile ya bulwa, mme dipatlisiso di tsweletse.

“Re tla netefatsa gore setopo sa moswi se ne se teketilwe, mme re santse re emetse dipholo tsa morago ga loso. Ga gona yo o tshwerweng mo kgetsing e go fitlha ga jaana,” Botma wa tlhalosa.

Kgabagare, sebueledi sa sepodisi mo sedikeng sa Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati, Warrant Officer Tryphosa van Rooyen are: “Ke nnete sejanaga sa moswi se bonwe kwa legaeng lengwe kwa Magogong. Fela go fitlha ga jaana, ga go ope o tshwerweng, mme mmelaelwa o a fitlhetsweng ka sejanaga seo, o ineile naga.”

taungdailynews@gmail.com

Judgement Day on Manthe arson case set

NEWS Leave a comment

Picture: The accused persons, who were arrested for arson

By OBAKENG MAJE

An arson case against seven accused persons from Manthe village, near Taung, has been postponed to 28 February 2024 for judgement. The trial that commenced on 16 until 18 October 2023 and extended until 12 February 2024, was eventually completed.

The former soccer star, Odiseng “Teenage” Komane (41), Obakeng “Prosto” Mogabale (46), Mothusi Motimeng, Pretty “Zero” Masibelele (36), Ali Sakiele (50), Ontiretse Patrick Gosenyegang (38) and the former Mega Stars FC goalie, Katlego “Makgasa” Tikane (32), were arrested and charged for arson.

The seven accused were arrested by the police in July 2022 during an intelligence-driven operation.

In May 2022, the community members embarked on a violent protest, torched three houses, and looted the Disoufeng tavern belonging to Katong’s family. They accused the alleged drug lord, Bakang Katong (32) of killing the late Thabiso Mothibedi (35).

North West police spokesperson, Brig Sabata Mokgwabone said: “We can confirm that the police have arrested seven suspects for arson and they were granted R500 bail each.”

Meanwhile, Bakang, and his brother, Phenyo “The Great” Katong (34), Thabang Lenyai (23), and Katlego “Makita” Mosimege (31) were arrested for Mothibedi’s murder and the case is still pending.

The police preliminary investigation revealed that, on 29 April 2022, Mothibedi was at Longaneng village near Taung, where Katong and his cronies allegedly fetched him. They allegedly transported him back to Manthe village after accusing him of stealing R20 000 and cigarettes worth R600.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

‘Provide more support to people living with epilepsy’

NEWS Leave a comment

Picture: North West MEC for Health, Madoda Sambatha

By BAKANG MOKOTO  

The North West MEC for Health, Madoda Sambatha has called on communities and workplace environments to provide more support for people living with epilepsy. Sambatha the National Epilepsy week campaign, which runs from 13-20 February 2024, aims to raise awareness about epilepsy, dispel misconceptions and advocate for the rights and well-being of people living with epilepsy.

He further said the campaign will serve as a platform for individuals to share their experiences with epilepsy and promote understanding about this neurological condition. Sambatha added that, the public fear and misunderstanding about epilepsy persists, making many people reluctant to talk about it. 

“That reluctance leads to lives lived in the shadows, lack of understanding about individual risk, discrimination in workplaces and communities. People with epilepsy die prematurely at a higher rate compared to the general population.

“The campaign’s role in challenging superstitions and eliminating discrimination to foster understanding about the neurological condition. Despite affecting people worldwide, epilepsy still carries stigma,” said Sambatha.

He said what the National Epilepsy Week seeks to achieve is to eliminate misconceptions, encourage open dialogue and create a supportive community for people living with this neurological ailment. Sambatha said epilepsy is a chronic non-communicable disease of the brain that affects around 50 million people worldwide. 

“It is characterized by recurrent seizures, which are brief episodes of involuntary movement that may involve a part of the body (partial) or the entire body (generalized). Sometimes it is accompanied by loss of consciousness and control of bowel or bladder function.

“Characteristics of seizures vary and depend on where in the brain the disturbance first starts and how far it spreads. Temporary symptoms occur, such as loss of awareness or consciousness and disturbances of movement, sensation (including vision, hearing and taste), mood, or other cognitive functions,” he said. 

Sambatha said people with epilepsy tend to have more physical problems such as fractures and bruising from injuries related to seizures, as well as higher rates of psychological conditions, including anxiety and depression. He said epilepsy is not contagious. 

“Although many underlying disease mechanisms can lead to epilepsy, the cause of the disease is still unknown in about 50% of cases globally. The causes of epilepsy are divided into categories such as structural, genetic, infectious, metabolic, immune and unknown. 

“Examples include brain damage from prenatal or perinatal causes (e.g. a loss of oxygen or trauma during birth, low birth weight), congenital abnormalities or genetic conditions with associated brain malformations, a severe head injury, a stroke that restricts the amount of oxygen to the brain,” said Samabatha. 

He said this includes an infection of the brain such as meningitis, encephalitis or neurocysticercosis, certain genetic syndromes and a brain tumour. Sambatha said seizures can be controlled and up to 70% of people living with epilepsy, could become seizure free with appropriate use of antiseizure medicines. 

“Discontinuing antiseizure medicine can be considered after 2 years without seizures and should take into account relevant clinical, social and personal factors,” he concluded.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

Indomitable Lions FC e tshwara dingwaga di le 3 e tlhamilwe

NEWS Leave a comment

Setshwantsho: Setlhopa sa Indomitable Lions FC 

Ka OBAKENG MAJE

Modulasetilo wa setlhopa sa kgwele ya dinao sa Indomitable Lions FC, Archie Seothaeng are ba tlile go tswelela go fokisa folaga ya Taung kwa godimo kwa liking ya ABC Motsepe le fa ba sa bone kemo-nokeng. Seothaeng are mo bekeng e e fetileng, setlhopa sa gagabo se ne se keteka dingwa di le tharo se tlhamilwe.

“Setlhopa se, se tlhamilwe morago ga gore re nne le batshamiki ba ba neng ba tshameka kwa ditlhopeng tse difarologaneng go ralala Taung, mme ba bona go le mosola gore re tlhame setlhopa se. Bangwe ba bone, ba ne ba tshameka kwa liking ya ABC Motsepe pele ba ka boela gae.

“Jaanong, re ile ra tlhama setlhopa se le go tsenela dikgaisano tse di farologaneng go ralala Taung le Hartswater. Re fentse dikgaisano di le dintsi, mme re ile ra lemoga fa re ka itepatepanya le ditlhopa tse di farologaneng go ralala porofense ya rona ya Bokone Bophirima,” Seothaeng wa tlhalosa.

Seothaeng are ka 2021, gone gona le setlhopa sa Taung Stars FC, se seneng sa tlhatlhosediwa kwa liking ya SAB Regional League) mo sedikeng sa Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati. Seothaeng are, ba ile ba bona fa go le mosola gore ba reke seemo sa setlhopa seo.

“Jaanong, re ile ra nna le kgatlhego ya go reka seemo sa setlhopa seo. Morago ga moo, re ile ra tshameka mo liking ya SAB, mme re ile ra e fenya. Re ile ra tshimolola ka kgaisano ya Nedbank Cup mo sedikeng sa rona sa Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati le go fenya ditlhopa tse di neng di tsenetse kgaisano eo.

“Re ile ra ya go emela sedika sa rona sa Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati kwa porofenseng kwa Klerksdorp, ka maswabi re ile ra seka ra kgona go fetela kwa legatong le le latelang. Fela, seo ga sa re diga mowa, mme rene ra boela gae le go tlhomela mogopolo mo liking,” Seothaeng wa tlhalosa.

Seothaeng are ba ne ba fenya ditlhopa tse ba neng ba tsameka le tsone mo liking, mme ba ya go emela sedika sa Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati kwa porofenseng. Seothaeng are fela ka maswabi, ba ile ba latlhegelwa kwa metshamekong ya mantshano. Seothaeng are fela, mo ngwageng o latelang, ba ile ra fetela gape kwa metshamekong ya mantshano, mme ba e fenya.  

“Re ile ra fetisediwa kwa liking ya ABC Motsepe e ga jaana re tshamekang mo go yone. Go fitlha ga jaana, re dira sentle mo liking eo le fa go le thatanyana. Mathata are kopanang le one ke go tlhoka sepalangwa, thata jang fa re tshamekela kwa ntle ga Taung. Gape, re na le batshamiki ba ba farologaneng go ralala Taung, mme re tshwanetse go ba isa kwa mafelong a ba dulang kwa go one morago ga ikatiso kgotsa metshameko.

“Se se ileng sa re utlwisa botlhoko ke go bona Lefapha la Botaki, Metshameko le Setso mo porofenseng le neelana ka tshegetso go ditlhopa tse pedi tse di tlhatlhositsweng kwa liking ya ABC Motsepe, ntle le rona,” Seothaeng wa tlhalosa.

Are o ile a kwala makwalo, mme ga go nko e tswa lemina.

taungdailynews@gmail.com