Daily Archives: March 23, 2024

Symposium to empower cooperatives and SMMEs owners 

NEWS Leave a comment

Picture: The president of the NGO, DRRSM Women and Youth in Business 

By OBAKENG MAJE 

The president of DRSM Women and Youth in Business, Masego Twabile said, she has realised that many individuals do not know how to distinguish between effectuation and causation. Twabile said she has examined most entrepreneurs’ approach when faced with entrepreneurial challenges, especially in deep rural areas. 

Twabile, organised a symposium at Longstreet Lifestyle in Taung on Thursday, where she invited business owners to share their entrepreneurial journey with individuals, who are either potential business owners or having existing businesses.  

She further said there is uncertainty surrounding entrepreneurship, particularly with respect to challenges involving undefined end goals. Twabile added that many businesses collapsed because they are characterized by turbulence and uncertainty. 

“This is happening because most business owners do not have necessary skills. Either you are cooperative or Small Micro-Medium Enterprises (SMMEs) owner, you will need a necessary skill to be self-sufficient. 

“So, we came up with this initiative to empower our people, especially in deep rural areas. The aim is also to address treble challenges such as poverty, inequality and unemployment,” she said. 

According to Twabile, there are job opportunities that are being created by the government, but they are not enough. She said embarking on entrepreneurship is an enormous opportunity because many people could be turned into employers rather than employees. 

“Our people continue to live in abject poverty and learning the entrepreneurship languages is the only way to go in this ailing economy. We will bring all these business ideas together and create as many job opportunities as possible. 

“We do have the land and let us cultivate it and produce food. Our government poured millions of rands into cooperatives, but there is no monitoring. Now, what we are going to do, we will ensure that all SMMEs are registered in our database to ensure that they are productive,” said Twabile. 

The AgroVest Group founder, Lesedi Moseki said entrepreneurship journey is not for the fainted-hearts. Moseki said that success is not easily achieved, but by only those who have strategy.

“Entrepreneurship journey needs a strategic leader with innovative ideas. A leader who believes that they are in control of their own destiny. As AgroVest Group, we specialize in castor oil and we plant and process it. 

“Also, we have five pillars in our company which are seedling, farming, agro-processing, bio-technology and marketing. We offer training too and one of the things we do is to empower SMMEs, especially in local communities,” he said. 

Moseki said they empower local communities by providing seeds to plant and sell back to them. He said they are busy setting up a manufacturing plant for the project and their aim is to turn Taung into the first area that produces oil. 

“For many years, South Africa has been importing oil to manufacture castor oil. So, we want to tap into that space. There are many different kinds of oil that we are creating and some of our products can be found in various pharmaceutical areas,” said Moseki.

Meanwhile, the founder of Northern Cape Chamber of Commerce, Siphiwe Millicent George said: “Since 2017, I have been coordinating local businesses and sharing necessary information regarding compliance, business registration and policies in place. 

“So, after realising that many potential business owners are not well equipped, we decided to come up with the Hustle School in order to educate them how things are being done.” 

She said the aim of the symposium was to capacitate business owners and ensure that they break-through the barriers. George said they will have a warehouse here in Taung in order to assist all SMMEs to reach their target markets. 

taungdailynews@gmail.com

The committee emphasises the importance of enhanced voter education ahead of 2024 General Elections 

NEWS Leave a comment

By OBAKENG MAJE 

The Portfolio Committee on Home Affairs has emphasised the importance of enhanced voter education, especially given the new voting regime with three ballots. The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee, Mosa Chabane said, the committee has received an update from the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) yesterday on preparations for the upcoming national and provincial elections.

“It is important that the Electoral Commission of South Africa enhances its voter education initiatives to ensure that people are capacitated on how to vote during the elections, taking into consideration the three ballots that will be used during these elections.

“The committee heard that the IEC has planned extensive voter education initiatives that will focus on the three ballots, on special votes and voting where registered. These initiatives will focus on face-to-face education, social media platforms, television, radio, and printed information factsheets,” he said.

Chabane further said, the committee has called for the effective implementation of these plans to ensure that voters are adequately capacitated to vote correctly. He added that, meanwhile, the committee welcomed the assurance that recruitment of about 200 000 voting staff is underway. 

“Also, the information that the training of Presiding Officers, Deputy Presiding Officers and Voter’s Roll Officers will commence this month. The committee reiterated that training is important to make the voting process seamless. 

“It has called for the conclusion of the recruitment process of the 200 000-voting staff to ensure that they are also trained and equipped with information especially in view of the new system which will be implemented for the first time in 2024. It is also worth noting that the procurement process for electoral materials have been finalised,” said Chabane. 

He said also important is that, ballot paper printing capacity is in place and only awaits the finalisation of candidate nomination process and printing will happen between 10 April and 8 May 2024. Chabane said the committee welcomes the assurance that the IEC has put in place contingency plans to mitigate the impact of load-shedding on the voting and counting process.

“The committee appreciated the plans of mitigation that are in place for risks such as longer ballots which might result in longer queues. The IEC informed the committee that they will have queue walkers to ensure that voters are in the right voting stations and ballot orientation posters to help with orientation of ballots, and minimise the risk of miscast or spoilt ballots.

“Similarly, the committee accepted the assurances that the IEC is working well with the security cluster to maintain peace and stability prior and during elections. The clarification by the IEC that the invitation of election observers falls squarely under it,” he said. 

According to Chabane, the Department of International Relations and Cooperation has reaffirmed the committee’s strong belief that opportunism around this matter is unacceptable and has a potential to undermine the good name of the IEC. 

“The committee welcomes the clarification as it demystifies the assertions that political parties can invite electoral observers. South Africa’s electoral systems have been observed since the democratic electoral process started and the assurance that over 52 organisations have been certified to observe the elections is welcomed. 

“The committee is assured that the IEC is ready for the elections and the presentation it received reaffirms the confidence it has on the capacity of the IEC and systems within the IEC to deliver a credible, free, and fair electoral process. 

“Despite this, it has cautioned political parties against acting outside the set code of conduct and it has emphasised the need to utilise dispute resolution mechanisms in cases of disputes. The committee was unanimous in denouncing political parties fuelling violence and mayhem around democratic electoral processes,” said Chabane.  

He said the committee has resolved to undertake an oversight visit to the IEC to witness first-hand the preparations for the elections. Chabane said the date for that visit will be communicated in due course.

“The committee also received a briefing on the Marriage Bill [B43 -2023] introduced on 13 December 2023. The committee resolved that the IEC will in most probability not meet the Constitutional Court deadline of 27 June 2024. 

“An application to the Constitutional Court should be made for an extension of further 24 months to allow Parliament to conduct extensive public hearings. While the application for extension is underway, the committee will open the call for public comments on the Bill,” he said.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

Maloyi: “Traditional leaders displayed heroism and resilience during the struggle”

NEWS Leave a comment

 

Picture: The acting North West Premier, Nono Maloyi during the official opening of the North West House of Traditional and Khoi-San leaders/Facebook

By OBAKENG MAJE 

The acting North West Premier, Nono Maloyi said traditional leaders displayed heroism and resilience during the struggle for liberation. Maloyi said most of them were also being forced into exile, while fighting apartheid and its draconian laws.

Maloyi said this while addressing the official opening of the North West House of Traditional and Khoi-San leaders for the year 2024. He further said they take the hats off for leaders like Kgosi Lentswe II of Bakgatla ba Kgafela, who was at the centre of a trans-frontier network that played a crucial role in the struggle for liberation in our country.

“They were steadfast in their resolve to fight colonialism and apartheid. It is these heroic acts that have trickled down from one generation to the other that have served as a beacon of hope in the emancipation of our people. We are here today because of their sacrifices. 

“During the State of the Province Address (SOPA), I gave a candid assessment of the journey we have traversed since 1994. It is true that we have made significant progress in the roll-out of services such as provision of water, housing, and electricity. These services have benefited millions of our people,” said Maloyi.

He said, however, they are not oblivious to the challenges of the day. Maloyi further said they are doing everything in their power to address them.

“Our communities under the jurisdiction of the traditional leadership, still bear the imprints of an unjust past, while there is progress that has been made, more needs to be done to promote rural development and encourage investments in our villages, rural and traditional communities.

“Through the Accelerated Service Delivery Plan-Thuntsha Lerole, we are visiting our townships, rural and traditional communities to resolve service delivery backlogs in our communities,” he said. 

According to Maloyi, since the inception of this initiative, they are crisscrossing the province handing out projects, opening schools and health centres to address challenges of socio-economic concern afflicting our communities. He said they are rolling out water provision projects through Operation Bulela Metsi to ensure that there is uninterrupted provision of water in our communities. 

“We are registering our people in the indigents database so that they can qualify for free electricity and water. We have sent officials in municipalities to assist with financial recovery plans. The skills audit initiative is in full swing and there are some municipalities that have completed this exercise.

“This is aimed at ensuring that municipalities employ qualified and skilled personnel. We are committed to align our District Development Model (DDM) objectives with the aspirations of Dikgosi in addressing service delivery backlogs in our rural and traditional communities,” said Maloyi. 

He said he would like to appeal to the house to join the provincial government in raising concerns with the implementation of Social Labour Plans and Corporate Social Investments by mining companies in their host communities. Maloyi said whilst the province is endowed with vast mineral resources, the communities continue to live in abject poverty with high levels of unemployment dictating the socio-economic narrative.

“North West forms part of the largest belt, which accounts for 70% of the world’s platinum reserves, yet unemployment in the province hovers around 38%. The implementation of SLP and CSI projects must be done in consultation with the provincial government and our traditional councils to address challenges of unemployment and poverty in our province.

“Last year, I had a series of meetings with you to try and address concerns you raised with the government. To that end from 12-14 April 2023, I had a working session with all Dikgosi. The working session entailed robust engagements with the MECs, HoDs, Business People, Representatives of the Mining Houses and Business Forums,” he said.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

A double murder case against Schweizer Reneke man postponed 

NEWS Leave a comment

Picture: The firearm allegedly used in killings/Generic

By OBAKENG MAJE 

A double murder case against an accused, Onkemetse Thaganyane (40), has been postponed to 25 March 2024. Thaganyane, who is facing two counts of murder and two counts of attempted murder, briefly appeared before the Schweizer Reneke Magistrate’s Court on 20 March 2024, following his arrest on 19 March 2024. 

The North West police spokesperson, Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone said, Thaganyane allegedly shot and killed two people and injured two. Mokgwabone said, a confrontation ensued during a protest action at Extension 5, Ipelegeng Township in Schweizer Reneke.

“It is alleged that some members of the community demanded to be employed on a sewer pipeline project. During the confrontation, a shot was allegedly fired towards two construction vehicles, which were also pelted with stones, thus causing damage.  

“One of the construction vehicle drivers reportedly fired shots and in the process, a boy (11) and a man (33) were shot at. The minor died on the scene, while the man succumbed to injuries at Schweizer Reneke Hospital,” he said. 

Mokgwabone further said in addition, two other men were taken to hospital due to serious injuries they sustained. He added that the police arrested the suspect and seized his firearm.  

Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, is shocked about the loss of lives and at the same time conveyed condolences to the deceased’s families. Kwena warned the public about the danger of violent protests, where even children and the innocent are often used.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

Two men sentenced to 30 years imprisonment in separate murder cases 

NEWS Leave a comment

By OBAKENG MAJE 

A man (27) was sentenced to 15 years’ imprisonment by the Bafokeng Regional Court for stabbing a patron to death in Lefaragatlhe village, outside Tlhabane in Rustenburg. Letlhogonolo Kole stabbed the deceased several times with a sharp object following an argument they had at a tavern on 5 February 2023. 

The North West police spokesperson, Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone said, the victim was consequently transported to Bafokeng Health Centre, where he was declared dead on arrival. He said Kole was later arrested and upon being sentenced, the court declared him unfit to possess firearms in terms of Section 103 of the Firearms Control Act, 2000 (Act No. 60 of 2000).

“In the second and separate incident, the court also handed down direct 15 years imprisonment to Olifilwe Moremi for the murder of his friend. The court heard that the convict was with friends including the victim, Tshwarelo Ditshwene at a tavern when an argument ensued during a dice game in December 2016 at Monakato, near Mogwase. 

“It was at that point that Ditshwene and his friend went home, unaware that Moremi was following them. Upon arrival at Ditshwene’s parental house, Moremi attacked the pair with a knife and ultimately stabbed Ditshwene to death,” said Mokgwabone. 

He further said the incident was reported to the police, who arrested Moremi shortly after the incident. Mokgwabone added that, after being released on bail, he used a television programme to ask for forgiveness from the family. 

“However, he was found guilty and sentenced. In addition to the murder sentence, he was given five years for assault with intent to do Grievous Bodily Harm (GBH). Both sentences are to run concurrently and Moremi was similarly declared unfit to possess a firearm,” he said.

Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, lauded both Investigating Officers, Detective Captain Daniel Koloi and Detective Sergeant Kefilwe Rampete, as well as the Prosecutor, Advocate Zola Mpayipheli who prosecuted both cases for their sterling work that resulted in the convictions. 

Kwena indicated that the South African Police Service (SAPS) and National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) will continue to collaborate to ensure that criminals are put behind bars.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

Police need your assistance to identified a man who was killed by a car  

NEWS Leave a comment

By OBAKENG MAJE

The police in Upington are requesting the public to assist with identifying a body of an unknown black man who died on 24 September 2023 around 7:30pm on Swartmodder Road, near Upington Industrial area. 

The ZF Mgcawu District police spokesperson, Sergeant Omphile Masegela said, an unknown black man was involved in a car accident and died on the scene. Masegela said the deceased is unknown and was never identified at Upington Forensic Pathology since the accident. 

“Now, the body is still at Upington mortuary. The estimated age is between 25-35 and he was wearing a black Jean, black jersey and black boots during the time of the accident.

“Anyone who can assist to trace the family of the deceased person or any information to get hold of his family can contact the investigating Office Detective, Sergeant Vuyani Silingile on (054) 337-3435 or 0824954615,” she said. 

taungdailynews@gmail.com

A man jailed for raping a minor

NEWS Leave a comment

By OBAKENG MAJE 

A man (26) has been sentenced to 6 years’ imprisonment by the Springbok Regional Court for raping a girl (14). Acording to the police, Abongile Sibekwa, raped the girl in Carolusberg, near Springbok between 1 April 2021 and 17 November 2021.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Timothy Sam said, the court heard that the accused and the victim were staying at the same block of rental flats in Carolusberg. Sam said Sibekwa would invite the victim over to his room and have sexual intercourse with her. 

“The victim’s mother learned about the conduct and reported it to the police. The court imposed a 6-year direct prison sentence for statutory rape. 

“Sibekwa was also declared unfit to possess a firearm. His name will be entered into the National Sex Offenders Register,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola, applauded the Investigating and Prosecution team, Detective Constable Agnes Vena and Mr Basil Kock for ensuring safer communities that are sensitive to the needs of women, children and LGBTQIA+ persons.

Otola urged all communities to rate the police efforts by participating in the “RATE OUR SERVICE” online survey to assist the police in improving services. 

taungdailynews@gmail.com

A suspected stolen Nissan vehicle recovered 

NEWS Leave a comment

Picture: A suspected stolen Nissan bakkie confiscated during operation/Supplied

By OBAKENG MAJE 

The police in Bojanala Platinum and Ngaka Modiri Molema Districts, arrested suspects for business robbery, theft of motor vehicle, possession of suspected motor vehicle, possession of drugs, illegal possession of firearm, business robbery and shoplifting between 20 and 22 March 2024.

North West police spokesperson, Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone said in Lichtenburg, a case of business robbery was reported after four armed men allegedly robbed a store of an undisclosed amount of cash and fled the scene with a grey Volkswagen Polo.  

Mokgwabone said the vigilant Visible Policing and Detectives members accompanied by an Administration Clerk, ended up at a certain house in Boikhutso Township, in Lichtenburg where Sibusiso Mahuza (25) and Kholisile Manyathela (46) were found and arrested.

“During the search, the police found and confiscated a firearm, an imitation firearm, 14 ammunition and suspected stolen goods. The pair appeared in court yesterday and were remanded in custody until 2 April 2024, for formal bail application. 

“In Mahikeng, K9 Unit members arrested two suspects aged 33 and 28 for possession of drugs on 21 March 2024. The suspects were arrested at Bradford Park Taxi Rank and Proctor Avenue in Golfview respectively. One of the suspects was found in possession of a pack of nyaope and the other with 172 rock drugs, all worth R7000,” he said.  

Mokgwabone further said in another separate incident, the police arrested a suspect (25) for shoplifting after being summoned to a clothing store in Station Road, Mahikeng, where the suspect allegedly stole three caps worth R1 400. He added that, in Lomanyaneng village, the same team of members, arrested a suspect in Setlopo-Utlwanang village for possession of suspected stolen motor vehicle, a Nissan 1400 bakkie, which was positively linked with theft of motor vehicle case reported at Mahikeng Police Station on 16 March 2024.

“All four suspects are expected to appear in the Molopo Magistrate’s Court in Mmabatho on 25 March 2024. In Boitekong Township, the Rustenburg Flying Squad and Phokeng K9 Unit members arrested a woman (30) for possession of drugs at around 00:30 on 22 March 2024. 

“According to reports, the police received a tip-off about suspected drug dealing activity in Mosentlha village, outside Rustenburg. On arrival, the police found the suspect who consented to a search, which led to the discovery of 17 mandrax tablets, 14 crystal meth packets, 24 Khat, one ball of Khat, 48 rocks and 15 nyaope packets, all with estimated street value of R7 100,” said Mokgwabone. 

He said the suspect is expected to appear in the Bafokeng Magistrate’s Court in Tlhabane on 25 March 2024, for dealing in drugs.

Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, thanked the police for their tireless and continuous efforts in the fight against crime to ensure the safety of the community. 

taungdailynews@gmail.com

Suspects arrested during Operation Vala Umgodi   

NEWS Leave a comment

Picture: The police confiscated dagga/Supplied 

By OBAKENG MAJE 

With more boots on the ground, Operation Vala Umgodi continues to stamp the authority of the state in the Frances Baard and Namakwa Districts. This comes after four suspects aged between 21 and 45 were arrested for illegal mining in Kleinzee on 21 March 2024. 

Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Molefi Shemane said, the police also confiscated a toy gun from the suspects. Shemane said they were arrested during a multi-disciplinary team consisting of Limpopo Border Police, Cape Town Tactical Response Team, Pretoria Public Order Police, Cape Town Public Order Police, Paarl Public Order Police, The South African National Defence Force and Department of Home Affairs.

“A suspect (38) was arrested for dealing in liquor without a licence and cash believed to be the proceeds of crime was confiscated. Other suspects were arrested for various crimes, including illegal mining, driving under the influence of alcohol, possession of drugs and undocumented persons.

“On 17 March 2024, the police operationalised intelligence-driven information and arrested three suspects aged 27, 42 and 52 for possession of drugs as well as a suspect (35) for driving under the influence of alcohol,” said Shemane. 

He further said fines for traffic violations valued at R4250 were issued in Galeshewe. Shemane added that the police confiscated mandrax, crystal meth, nyaope, dagga and cash believed to be the proceeds of crime.

“On 18 March 2024, eight undocumented persons between the ages of 23 and 51, were arrested and fines valued at R3000 were issued for road traffic violations. Mining implements, believed to be used in the commission of illicit mining, were confiscated,” he said. 

Shemane said operations will continue unabated. 

taungdailynews@gmail.com

 

Three suspects nabbed for being in possession of drugs 

NEWS Leave a comment

Picture: One of the suspects arrested during the raids/Supplied   

By OBAKENG MAJE 

Three suspects were arrested for being in possession of drugs during Operation Vala Umgodi in Galeshewe Township, near Kimberly on 21 March 2024. The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Molefi Shemane said, the police were conducting patrols, illicit mining duties, including stop and search operations when they received a tip-off. 

Shemane further said the police received a tip-off regarding a suspect allegedly in possession of suspected drugs in Colville. He added that the police operationalised the information and raided the identified location.

“The police arrested a South African man (65) after mandrax tablets were found in his possession. The drugs with an estimated street value of R1400 and cash believed to be the proceeds of crime, were confiscated.

“In floors, the police intercepted a Nigerian national allegedly on his way to deliver drugs to clients. The man (39) was arrested with KHAT with an estimated street value of R700,” said Shemane.

He said the police also proceeded to Galeshewe and arrested a Nigerian national (33), who was allegedly found in possession of drugs estimated at R 3570 and cash believed to be the proceeds of crime. Shemane said the police remain committed to the fight against drugs.

taungdailynews@gmail.com