Daily Archives: April 14, 2024

Mogopela Wonderous FC sanitized COVID-19 FC in Top 8 final  

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Picture: The Mogopela Wonderous FC playing against COVID-19 FC during Thobela Top 8 Tournament 

By OBAKENG MAJE 

Mogopela Wonderous FC continues to show its pedigree against all odds. This was witnessed during the Thobela Top 8 Tournament final, which was held in Kgatlheng village, near Taung on Sunday.

Mogopela Wonderous FC was playing against underdogs, COVID-19 FC in the final and won 1-0 to secure a R10 000 prize money. During the game, Mogopela Wonderous FC players frequently visited the 18-yards of buoyed COVID-19 FC without any success. 

However, Mogopela Wonderous FC players built confidence and self-esteem, as the game went by. This resulted in them getting the much-needed goal. Mogopela FC coach, Kagisonyana Kgokane said, he is happy with his team’s overall performance. 

“It was not easy at all, but our players’ morale was high. They were also physically fit and showed resilience. What I like about them is that they showed inclusivity and diversity.  

“I would like to take my hat off for them, taking into consideration that, we managed to play four games in two days and win all of them. This includes the league game,” he said. 

`Kgokane further said, there were many challenges prior to this tournament, but that is now water under the bridge. He added that they have players who reside in various areas and it was difficult for them to attend training sessions all at once. 

“But, at least for the past two weeks, we managed to ensure that they are all part of training sessions. So, we are happy with the progress we see in our team,” said Kgokane.  

The COVID 19 FC coach, Reaobaka Maselo said even though he did not manage to win the game, he gave Mogopela Wonderous FC a ‘run for their money.’ Maselo said he pushed all barriers and there were crucial moments, where they put Mogopela Wonderous FC under pressure. 

“Honestly, I am happy with the performance of our players, considering the fact that we were duped as underdogs. Obviously, we will work on some grey areas and improve. Our aim is to work towards achieving our goal by becoming one of the best performing teams in Taung,” he said. 

Meanwhile, one of the organisers of Thobela Top 8 Tournament, Papi Dire Mabote praised the players who took part in the tournament. Mabote said Taung has an abundance of talent that need to be nourished. 

“I am actually lost for words. What I saw today, overshadowed my expectations. The tournament went so well, and also football lovers came out in numbers. This really shows that grassroots football is alive. 

“We just need the correct strategy to market these players and ensure that we lure scouts to our tournaments. It is really demoralising seeing these players displaying beautiful football like this without any scouts watching. 

“We tried to engage local business persons to give us a financial backing in order for us to bring scouts. However, our plea fell in deaf ears, but I would like to encourage these players not to lose hope,” he said. 

Mabote said it is difficult to keep tournaments like this afloat as they run them on a shoe-string budget. He said they will decide if this will be an annual tournament or not. 

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R23.8 billion set aside to create job opportunities 

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By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI 

The Minister of Employment and Labour, Thulasizwe Nxesi said, the Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) Labour Activation Programme (LAP) to provide training for employment and entrepreneurship programmes, is up-and-running and is set to be rolled-out in other provinces. Nxesi said this during an employer’s breakfast session at Kempton Park Civic Centre, in Johannesburg. 

He further said, South Africa finds itself in the throes of an ever changing technological era and this calls for adaptation. 

“We are living in a technological era. This massive training will now be needed to be implemented on a large scale to multi-skill the unemployed, so as to adapt to the ever-changing world of technology.  

“A week ago, we have announced that the Department of Employment and Labour, through the Unemployment Insurance Fund’s LAP, has launched a R23.8-billion programme to fund the training for employment and entrepreneurship programme,” said Nxesi.  

He added that the crime ravaging the country was threatening its stability and noted that the government needed to partner with the private sector to counter the threat. Nxesi said the government was intent to help business, especially small enterprises as the “big employer is small business”. 

“We appeal for partnerships at district level to ensure integrated interventions as part of the District Development Model (DDM). It is unacceptable that, Gauteng as the country’s economic hub, had a high unemployment rate and this situation could be even worse in other provinces. 

“During the employer breakfast, a number of service providers were handed their certificates confirming their participation in the training to employ programme and entrepreneurship development,” he added. 

Meanwhile, the Small Business Development Minister, Stella Ndabeni-Abrams, who shared the podium with Nxesi, reiterated the role of partnerships. Ndabeni-Abrams said the National Development Plan (NDP) envisioned the creation of 11 million new jobs by 2030 and that most of these should come from small businesses.

“The only way to make South Africa work is to grow small businesses. We have to also look at developing new industries. We are continuously advocating for more incentives to be given to business, especially those geared towards promoting small business. 

“The informal businesses also needed to be supported to transition to formal business. The employer’s breakfast session was held alongside the Jobs and Careers Fair which was held at Rabasotho Community Hall, Tembisa,” she said. 

Ndabeni-Abrams said the event is part of an initiative to engage with individuals seeking employment, providing them with the opportunity to interact with potential employers and gain insights into crucial career paths.

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Learners receive specialised seating and communication devices

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Picture: Learners with disabilities receive specialised seating and communication device/Facebook   

By REGINALD KANYANE 

Learners at Oratile Semunza Disability Centre in Makhubung village, outside Mahikeng, received four specialized seating and Communication devices valued at R95 000. These devices that will provide essential support for learners with severe to profound intellectual impairments, was donated by the North West Department of Education. 

The North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi said this is part of the department’s commitment in improving the lives of learners with disabilities through the Thuntsa Lerole Accelerated Service Delivery Programme.  

“Our learners with disabilities deserve the same opportunities to thrive in a safe and supportive learning environment. These specialized seating devices will make a significant difference in the lives of these learners, allowing them to participate more actively in their education. 

“In a separate development, the North West Gambling Board (NWGB) under the North West Department of Economic Development, Environment, Conversation, and Tourism (DEDECT), announced major renovations for two schools in Mahikeng,” she said.

Motsumi further said the two schools that will undergo phased renovations aimed at improving their infrastructure before winter are, Kgosi Kebalepile Secondary School in Montshioa Townsip and Setumo Secondary School in Majemantsho village.

She added that these initiatives by the North West Department of Education and the NWGB, demonstrate a shared commitment to providing learners with the resources and infrastructure they need to succeed. 

“The Thuntsa Lerole Programme directly improves the lives of learners with disabilities, while the school renovations ensure a safe and comfortable learning environment for all learners during the colder months. 

“The Kgosi Kebalepile Secondary School in Montshioa and Setumo Secondary School in Majemantsho, received commitments for major renovations from the agency of the Department of Economic Development called Gambling Board. Both schools will be fully renovated in different phases until they are completed,” she said.  

NWGB CEO, Nareen Pillay said: “As winter approaches, it is crucial for our learners to have warm and conducive learning spaces. We will be replacing doors, windows, and roofs, and fixing ablution facilities based on the specific needs of each school. The exact cost of the renovations is yet to be determined according to each school’s identified needs. 

“The social cluster also conducted an oversight inspection at DP Kgetleng Primary School in Mahikeng, which is undergoing extensive renovations encompassing all classrooms and the construction of a new block for additional classes and an administration block.”

Meanwhile, the North West Department of Arts, Culture, Recreation and Sports, donated sporting kits to Onkgopotse Tiro Technical School, Batswana Commercial School, Slurry Primary School, Phakisa Primary and Melorana Primary Schools.

The sports kits consist of volleyball quick set, balls, netballs, soccer balls, morabaraba board and tokens and kgati ropes.

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Monna o bolailwe ka go tlhabiwa mo toropong ya Taung

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Ka OBAKENG MAJE 

Monna wa dingwaga di le 22 o tlhabilwe le go bolawa, gaufi le seporo sa terena kwa toropong ya Taung mo letsatsing la Tshipi. Go begwa fa moswi, Charlie Manopole wa kwa motseng wa Mokassa, a ne a eme le tsala ya gagwe fa a ne a tlhaselwa ke setlhotshwana sa batho ba ba neng ba tshwere digalapane. 

Go ya ka dipego, monna o, one a latofadiwa ka go kgothosa mongwe wa banna ba ba kukunelang batho ka setsaya-ditshwantsho tse di emeng (camera). Go begwa fa motsaya-ditshwantsho o, ane a lemoga moswi ka jerese e aneng a e apere gore ke ene o oneng a mo tshwera poo mo matsatsing a go feta. 

Go begwa fa morutshu o, o tshimolotse kwa tikwatikweng ya Taung, kwa moswi a ile a tlhabiwang teng. Fela, one a kgona go siela kwa ntlheng ya seporo sa terena, kwa go begwang fa a ileng a tlhokafalela teng. 

Kgabagare, sebueledi sa sepodisi mo sedikeng sa Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati, Warrant Officer Tryphosa van Rooyen are: “Ke nnete sepodisi se ile sa begelwa ka tiragalo e. Moswi one a kgorogelwa ke setlhotshwana sa batho, mme one a tlhabiwa mo mmeleng. Go fitlha ga jaana, ga go ope o tshwerweng, mme kgetsi ya polao e butswe fa dipatlisiso le tsone di tsweletse.” 

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North West MEC for Health, Madoda Sambatha refutes shortage of children vaccines allegations

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Picture: Shortage of children vaccines in healthcare centres in North West 

By OBAKENG MAJE 

The North West MEC for Health, Madoda Sambatha has refuted allegations that there is a shortage of children vaccines in various clinics across Mahikeng. This comes after SABC Newsreported that the alleged affected clinics were Magogoe, Montshioa Stadt and Gateway Clinic located at the Mahikeng Provincial Hospital.

However, Sambatha said they suspect that there could have been a gap in the effective communication regarding the introduction of a revised Immunization Schedule that came into effect from January 2024. He further said his department has confirmed the ‘availability of children vaccines’ in all health facilities across the province. 

Sambatha added that, therefore, this renders the reported shortage of children vaccines as non-factual.

“Unfortunately, all efforts to establish the veracity of the allegations, proved futile as available data and interviews conducted, confirmed that there was never a period in recent times when there were no vaccines.

“The department can confirm that it managed to maintain a satisfactory level of children vaccines availability at above 90% average for ages at birth, 6 weeks, 10 weeks, 14 weeks, 6 months, 9 months, 12 months, 18 months, 6 years, Grade 5 learners, 9 years of age and for 12 years old,” he said.

Sambatha said the introduction of the new schedule follows a phased in – phase out approach of new and old vaccines. He said according to the previous immunization schedule, children were vaccinated against Pertussis at the ages of 6 weeks, 10 weeks and 14 weeks with a booster dose at 18 months. 

“The revised immunization schedule includes Pertussis-containing (TdaP) vaccines at the same ages with two additional doses at 6 years and 12 years of age. The revised immunization schedule also includes Pertussis-containing (TdaP) vaccines in the immunization schedule during pregnancy.  

“The new Tdap vaccine is already being ordered and issued to facilities in the province. There are currently a total of 7974 x TdaP vaccines in stock in the province, which is a sufficient quantity in the transitioning process to the Revised Immunization Schedule as introduced,” said Sambatha.  

Meanwhile, he said they have established a Medicine Availability Intervention Team, which has been given the responsibility of monitoring medicines stock levels. Sambatha said to date, the work of this team has been to assess and intervene in among others, the pharmaceutical supply chain issues, systems effectiveness, distribution and delivery processes, storage capacity, human resources capacity and on safety issues.  

“The assessment has been conducted across the province starting at the Mmabatho Medical Depot and moving into the pharmacies in hospitals and clinics. The intervention has immediately resulted with improved communication between the medical depot and pharmacy managers in health facilities. 

“This is important for speedy resolution of any bottlenecks in the distribution and delivery of medicine between the depot and health facilities. The intervention team has also identified short to long term plans like establishing mini-depots in the districts and opening of bulk pharmacies closer to the facilities,” he said.

Sambatha said the new Dr Kenneth Kaunda District Bulk Pharmacy that has recently been officially opened, will improve medicine storage and distribution capacity in the Dr Kenneth Kaunda District.

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SAFA happy with Congress outcomes

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Picture: The SAFA president, Dr Danny Jordaan

By BAKANG MOKOTO 

The South African Football Association (SAFA) said it is happy with the outcome of the 32nd Ordinary Congress, held at the Birchwood Hotel and Conference Centre in Johannesburg on Saturday.

SAFA president, Dr Danny Jordaan said delegates from around the country, descended on the venue in the East of Johannesburg to attend an event that was also graced by representatives from, among others, FIFA, SASCOC, COSAFA, and the Special Member, the National Soccer League (NSL).

Jordaan further said about 60 women were part of the delegates from different regions and represented the structures of football. He added that some of them were presidents and some vice presidents.

“We are very happy with the progress that SAFA has made. The structure of South African football is in place. The congress also discussed the question of coaching and referee education. 

“SAFA recently launched CAF Licenses for coaches in the NSL. In our regions, we have offered C and D Licenses to coaches. Many of our former players have become coaches through SAFA structures and some of them have even entered the A License,” said Jordaan. 

He said many of their coaches, including Gavin Hunt, and many others, were there at the CAF A License courses. Jordaan said turning to financial matters, the association had an unqualified audited financial statement for the financial year under review.

“SAFA CFO, Gronie Hluyo and the chairman of the finance committee, Mxolisi Sibam, submitted the report and it was accepted by the congress. This is the 32nd congress of SAFA and for 32 years, SAFA has delivered audited financial statements to each congress every year.

“We have not skipped one year, where we didn’t have an audited financial statement and were unqualified. So, that is just our record on finances. There are no issues, no problems,” he said.

Jordaan said the South African U17 men’s team have been invited to Santiago de Cali, Colombia, to play two international friendly matches as they continue with preparations for the upcoming COSAFA U-17 Championships and the 2025 AFCON qualifiers. He said Amajimbos reported for camp on 10 April 2024 and they are expected to depart for Colombia in the coming days.

“Why is it important that we focus on junior football, on the U17 and U20? This is because FIFA took a decision that soon they will have U17 and U20 World Cups every year. Every year there will be a World Cup in the U17 and U20s.

“In the past, we have argued that it does not make sense to have the U17 and U20 World Cups every second year because when you play U17 this year and not next year, then in the following year, you skip a whole generation of players,” he said. 

Jordaan said they see the effect of that in the progression of players into the senior teams of Bafana Bafana and Banyana Banyana. He said on both sides, men and women, they are going to focus on strengthening, consolidating and driving the building of competitive U17 and U20 teams.

“SAFA has engaged the Northern Cape about building a world-class stadium in the province that complies with international standards. Northern Cape did not host any FIFA World Cup matches in 2010.

“International matches cannot be hosted in the province, unless this issue is addressed. We will have further meetings with the government to emphasize that it is important that we have a FIFA-compliant and CAF-compliant stadium to host international matches,” said Jordaan.

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Residents in North West welcome General Intelligence Laws Amendment Bill

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Picture: The government officials during public hearing on General Intelligence Laws Amendment Bill/Generic  

By REGINALD KANYANE

The residents across North West said the country’s porous borders are the biggest threat to state security and that the improved intelligence services must address that. The residents told the Ad Hoc Committee during the public hearing on the General Intelligence Laws Amendment Bill that was held in Mogwase, near Rustenburg on Saturday. 

The chairperson of the Committee, Kenneth Mmoiemang said, the Ad Hoc Committee on the General Intelligence Laws Amendment Bill in the National Council of Provinces (NCOP), has the planned restructuring of South Africa’s intelligence services as envisaged in the General Intelligence Laws Amendment Bill (GILAB) that must also strengthen security at the country’s ports of entry.

Mmoiemang said the residents declared their full support for the Bill, which seeks to introduce reforms to the state intelligence services as per the recommendations of the High-Level Review Panel on the State Security Agency (SSA). He further said the citizens blamed weak border controls for the influx of foreign nationals, who come into the country illegally and allegedly commit crimes such as drug dealing, human trafficking, kidnappings, manufacture illegal goods and forcing out local small business operators through anti-competitive business practice.

“They told the committee that they support the Bill with the hope that it will result in improved state security and strengthen border controls and stop corruption at the Department of Home Affairs. Some residents raised fears and questioned whether the Bill will not compromise citizens’ privacy in the name of trying to protect them.

“While the Bill aimed to implement the recommendations of the 2018 High Level Review Panel on the State Security(SSA), the 2021 July unrests in KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng, also gave impetus to the need to reorganise the country’s intelligence services. 

He added: “We need to balance the work of the intelligence, in data collection, and the rule of law in protecting citizens’ privacy and from the lessons learnt in July 2021the national intelligence service must up their game so we are not caught by surprise.  

“The Bill proposes to split the SSA into domestic and foreign intelligence services. This restructuring aims to improve the efficiency, specialisation and accountability of the intelligence services, while strengthening coordination and oversight.”

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Two men sentenced to life imprisonment for murder 

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By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI 

Two men aged 35 and 37, were sentenced to life imprisonment by the Stilfontein Regional Court for murder of Mafooa Gift Fana Phushudi (28). On 9 July 2020, the police were called to a house in Extension 9 in Khuma Township, near Stilfontein, where Phushudi’s body was found lying face down in the living room with hands and feet tied up. 

The North West police spokesperson, Col Adele Myburgh said, a post mortem revealed that Phushudi died due to strangulation. Myburgh further said, the meticulous prosecution led investigations, resulting in the arrest of Thabiso Matthews (35) and Simon Tshimo (37), only a few days after the incident. 

“Matthews and Tshimo, made their first court appearance on 13 July 2020 and their bail applications were successfully opposed. In addressing the court on sentence, the state prosecutor put aggravating circumstances before the court. 

“He said the accused committed a heinous offence, which shocked the members of the community at large and that must be given a sentence that will serve as a deterrent. Matthews and Tshimo were further declared unfit to possess firearms in terms of section 103 of the Firearm Control Act, 2000 (Act No. 60 of 2000),” she added.  

Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena and the Director for Public Prosecution, Dr Rachel Makhari, welcomed the sentence. They also applauded the Investigation Officer, Warrant Officer Ettienne Fourie of Khuma Detectives, as well as the state prosecutor, Chris Kok, for their collaboration that resulted in the conviction. 

“The sentence, which was secured through collective efforts by the entities, will definitely send a clear message that those who commit crime will not be tolerated,” said Kwena.

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Livestock theft is prevalent in rural areas 

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Picture: The police discovered the alleged stolen cattle/Generic  

By REGINALD KANYANE 

Livestock theft continues to be prevalent, especially in rural areas. Some of the local farmers said from the earliest times, stock theft has had far-reaching consequences. 

One of the livestock theft victims, who refused to be named for fear of reprisal said: “We call on law enforcement agencies to increase the momentum in a fight against livestock theft. Livestock theft has a negative impact on our livelihoods, especially to the rural communities. 

“We are sick and tired of livestock crimes in our area. I had 25 goats, but they were all stolen at once. So, we call on law enforcement agencies to crack the whip against livestock theft. The livestock is our living wealth and often our only source of income and sustenance.” 

He further said when their livestock is stolen, many households and subsistence farmers lose their livelihoods. He added that what is disappointing is that most livestock theft cases are not thoroughly investigated. 

“Either the case is being thrown out of court or the accused persons are not found guilty due to insufficient evidence,” he said.   

Another victim of livestock theft, who also refused to be named for fear of reprisal shared the same sentiments. He alleged that the perpetrators commit these crimes with impunity because they know that they are well-protected. 

“Again, there is a well-orchestrated syndicate that is operating across the North West province. But, what makes us uneasy is that some police officers are conniving with these individuals. 

“When one opens a case against these perpetrators, the police do not put more effort in investigating these cases. We would like to see overhaul in various police stations. Police officers should be transferred to other police stations to disband the syndicate.” 

Meanwhile, the North West police spokesperson, Col Adele Myburgh said: “A joint operation by Makgobistad Visible Policing and Stock Theft & Endangered Species (STES) Unit members, resulted in the discovery of 49 goats and two sheep. It is alleged that a report was received on Thursday at around 11:30, regarding theft of goats and sheep at a grazing field in the vicinity of Makgobistad on 10 April 2024.

“Following the report, a search was launched at auctions and grazing fields. With assistance of farmers and Disaneng Headman, the goats and sheep were found at around 2pm at the grazing field in the Disaneng village. Despite not being brand marked, the livestock were identified by the owner’s shepherds.”

The North West Deputy Police Commissioner for Crime Detection, Major General Dintletse Molefe, thanked all the units involved and members of the community for their cooperation that led to the recovery of the livestock.

Meanwhile, the https://scielo.org.za/website said: “The literature indicates that animal livestock contributes significantly to the livelihoods of people living in the rural areas of developing countries and South African rural communities are no exception. The literature also asserts that among the difficulties faced by South African livestock farmers in general, stock theft remains one of the biggest challenges. 

“To add to this argument, Geldenhuys (2006: 34) explains that stock theft is an escalating, unnerving and destructive reality, facing or affecting all sectors of the farming community. This includes the commercial farmer, the stud breeder, and emerging farmers, who own only a few herds of cattle (Geldenhuys, 2009:49).”

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Mother and daughter who went missing found unharmed

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Picture: The mother, Carmen Noble went missing, but found unharmed/Supplied

By OBAKENG MAJE

A mother (41) and her daughter (14), who were reported missing were found sound and safe on Saturday. Carmen Noble and her daughter, Chailynn van Rensburg, who residing in Jeugd Street in Potchefstroom, were reported missing by Chailynn’s father, who was working overseas.

The North West police spokesperson, Col Adele Myburgh said, Chailynn’s father arrived back in Potchefstroom on 21 March 2024, but could not find them. Myburgh said a search was conducted and extensive investigations were done without any success.

“Rensburg and her mother, Noble, were found safe and unharmed on Saturday afternoon, due to the assistance of the media. The police appreciates the communities’ assistance. Keep following our social media page to stay informed,” she said.

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