Daily Archives: April 16, 2024

Officials who owe govt over R72m to be evicted 

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Picture: North West MEC for Public Works and Roads, Gaoage Molapisi

By OBAKENG MAJE 

The North West Public Works and Roads is set to evict rent-free government employees, who allegedly owe the department over R72 million. It is alleged that government employees continue to occupy houses belonging to the North West Public Works for years without paying any rent and are now in arrears. 

The North West Department of Public Works and Roads has appointed a law firm in a quest to recoup the money owed to them. It is alleged that the department might also evict those who fail to pay the rental money.

The North West Department of Public Works and Roads spokesperson, Lerato Gambu said, the department is aware of tenants (both private and government employees), who are not-up-to-date in terms of rental payment. Gambu said the department remains committed to running a well-managed and commercially viable property portfolio. 

“There are various interventions, which have been implemented to ensure the residential portfolio is effectively managed. We have capacitated our housing accommodation sub-directorate to do adequate rental management of its housing portfolio. 

“This involves regular calls to tenants, sending letters to those in arrears and calling tenants to remind them to update their stop orders. Should the Lessee default in any payment due under this agreement or be in breach of its terms in any other way and fail to remedy such default or breach within 14 days after receiving a written demand that such breach be remedied, the landlord shall be entitled, without prejudice to any other rights which it may have, to cancel this agreement with immediate effect, and be repossess the property,” he said.  

Gambu further said, given the high rental arrears, the department had decided to give tenants 90 days to settle the debt and failing which to institute legal actions against the defaulters. He added that letters have been sent to all the defaulters to put them in terms of their obligation in line with the signed lease agreement. 

“As the 90 days expire, the names get handed over to legal services. Most public servants are paying through the persal system and are paying on a monthly basis. However, what the department realised was that not all tenants were paying the correct tariff. 

“Now, there was a need to have the Head of Departments (HoDs) to implement automatic increase of rental. The department has through its HoD, written to other HoDs to assist in this matter by implementing automatic increase of rental prices, for those who are tenants,” said Gambu.  

He said the client department has responded positively to this call. Gambu said the arrears will be recovered through the legal process.

Meanwhile, The Democratic Alliance (DA) provincial spokesperson on Public Works and Roads, Freddy Sonakile said Molapisi must account for the department’s inability to recover lost rent, as well as for failure to implement the State Housing Policy.

According to Sonakile, the State Housing Policy only allows political office bearers and scarce-skill officials such as medical doctors, nurses, and other professionals in far-flung rural regions, not departmental employees, who work at provincial government departments.

“The Auditor General (AG) has for years indicated that the department suffers from internal control deficiencies, and a failure to implement its policies confirms this.

“The DA raised this matter several times at the Portfolio Committee. The department has previously indicated that it administers 1352 properties across the North West, which consist of freestanding houses, apartments, institutional accommodation, and single-quarter residences. These properties should be used to accommodate scarce skills in communities,” he said.

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Taung Treatment Centre non-functional   

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Picture: The EFF members doing oversight at Taung Treatment Centre/Supplied  

By OBAKENG MAJE 

The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) in North West said, most drug addicts will continue to suffer. This comes after the non-operational of Taung Treatment Centre. The centre that was supposed to open its doors to the public on 1 December 2023, was expected to help clients to overcome addiction. 

The EFF provincial deputy chairperson, Primrose Bogatsu said they have embarked on oversight visits to government institutions to ensure that the budget allocated to them is put to a good use. 

“As public representatives, it is our duty to do oversight in government institutions to ensure that the budget allocated to various institutions is used accordingly. We also want to ensure that our people get services. 

“This centre was supposed to play a pivotal role within the community by helping clients to overcome addiction. The centre was also supposed to offer clients a chance to work on their behaviours, which are aligned with their addiction in a safe and non-judgmental environment,” she said.

Bogatsu further said they have realised that, since the establishment of the institution in 2018, it is not fully functional. She added that, also, the institution has not been officially handed over. 

“There are still some challenges that make it difficult for the municipality to give the centre a go ahead to operate. Apparently, the water sprinkler system is not working, so that makes the building non-compliant. So far, the building does not serve any purpose. 

“This means all those who are drug addicts, cannot get help as there is nothing happening here. We have to hold the North West MEC for Social Development, Lazarus Mokgosi accountable. Mokgosi was supposed to officially open the building on 1 December 2023, but that did not happen,” said Bogatsu. 

She said it was clear that he misled the public.    

Meanwhile, the North West Department of Social Development spokesperson, Petrus Siko said: “The department is aware of this matter and the processes to install the sprinklers and smoke detectors have commenced. The centre will be operational in the current financial year. 

“The building was allocated for the provision of substance abuse treatment services. The centre provides out-patient services in collaboration with the North West Department of Health. These services include prevention services and individual counselling.”

Siko said this also includes motivational sessions with service users, joint interviews, referrals to the hospital for drug testing and psychiatric evaluation, assessment and family engagements for support systems towards service users. He said people who require treatment services are being referred to a state-run JB Marks Treatment Centre in Potchefstroom.

“This is the only treatment centre in Taung and Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District. However, the province has another state-run treatment centre in Potchefstroom. There are also private treatment centres in Bojanala and Dr Kenneth Kaunda Districts.

“There is staff in the treatment centre and their role include providing outreach services and referring service users to treatment centres, as well as working with the

Taung District Hospital,” said Siko. 

He said they also provide services, which include prevention services, individual counselling, motivational sessions with service users, joint interviews, referrals to the hospital for drug testing and psychiatric evaluation, assessment and family engagements for support systems towards service users.

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Heroic welcome for the Two Oceans Marathon winner! 

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Picture: The 2024 Men’s Two Oceans Marathon winner, Onalenna Khonkhobe/Twitter  

By OBAKENG MAJE 

The award-winning athlete, Onalenna Khonkhobe (27) from Sekhing village, near Taung, said he is grateful and excited after winning the 2024 Men’s Two Oceans Marathon in Cape Town over the past weekend. Khonkhobe said it was not easy winning the 2024 Men’s Two Oceans Marathon, but through discipline, dedication and determination. 

“Honestly, I did not think I would win considering the elite athletes that I was up against. They exhibit unique traits and strong, admirable characteristics that help them succeed in their careers. 

“However, I was up to the test and I also developed these traits from my various experiences and opportunities. My preparation was well-orchestrated and I also embarked on intensive training,” he said. 

Khonkhobe further said his training program was marred with challenges prior to the competition due to rain. He added that, as an antithesis opposed to ordinary, he soldiered on and that paid dividends. 

“I took a look at myself through the mirror and said, you got this. So, I remembered all the traits that a successful athlete must demonstrate. When I entered the race, I was innately self-confident.

“So, to all aspiring athletes, especially in rural areas, kindly be the best that you can and most importantly, believe in yourself. They should also be upbeat to deal with any unexpected situations that may arise. 

“For the past two weeks prior to this competition, I could not train to the fullest due to rain. So, they need to know that, to be a high-performing athlete, one will need to be motivated and have the desire to be better than their opponent. They have to be patient and persevere when working on their skills. Also, focusing on their goals will be the cherry on top,” said Khonkhobe.

He said elite athletes know that success does not happen overnight. Khonkhobe encouraged them to have self-discipline to put in early morning training sessions, to sacrifice social activities in exchange for more practice, and to power through sore muscles and exhaustion. 

Meanwhile, the North West MEC for Arts, Culture, Sports and Recreation, Kenetswe Mosenogi said: “Following the two North West athletes’ incredible performances at the 2024 Two Oceans Marathon in Cape Town over the past weekend, the department will be hosting a welcome ceremony for Onnalenna Khonkhobe (marathon winner) and Thaba Mosiako (half-marathon winner).

“As the department, we are proud of the sterling performance of the athletes from the province, who continue to put us on the world map – joining the likes of Tete Dijana, Edward Mothibi, the Kelehe brothers and many others.”

She said Khonkhobe crossed the finish line in 3:09:30. Mosenogi said Mosiako, who came fourth in the same race last year, dashed home in 1:04:40. 

The welcome event will be held at Batlhaping Baga Mothibi Tribal Authority, Sekhing village, in Taung on April 17.

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Total shutdown over shortage of water looming 

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Picture: Community members grappling with water challenges/Generic 

By OBAKENG MAJE 

A total shutdown over a shortage of water is looming in Taung, if what Tlhokego Ya Metsi Concerned Group is saying, is anything to go by. Tlhokego Ya Metsi Concerned Group representatives, had a consultative engagement with the Batlhaping Baga Phuduhucwana Chief, Kgosi Tshepo Mankuroane, at the tribal authority office on Tuesday, to discuss water shortage challenges. 

One of the Tlhokego Ya Metsi Concerned Group representatives, Otlotleng Jabari said, lack of access to clean and drinkable water is one of the most pressing challenges in Taung. 

Jabari said, it is deplorable for people to suffer from lack of water. He further said, it’s been months since engaging the Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District Municipality and Magalies Water, but their plea fell in deaf ears. 

“Lack of water provision affects various aspects of society and it seems this is not taken into consideration. What is disappointing is that, last month, we had a consultative engagement with all stakeholders and we were promised that there will be water running out of our taps within 24 hours. 

“However, that was a fib because there still no water coming out of our taps. They even promised to install a water pipe in Khibicwane as another means. Now, we came to meet with Mankuroane over that issue because all that was said in his presence,” he said. 

Jabari added that, now, they are declaring a war against what he regarded as inhumane treatment.

The Batlhaping Baga Phuduhucwana Chief, Kgosi Tshepo Mankuroane shared the same sentiments. Makuroane said water is life. He said he will engage with the relevant authorities and revert back to the community. 

“Shortage of water continues to be a challenging factor in our area. I agree that, last month, we had a consultative meeting with all relevant authorities and they promised the community that, there will be uninterrupted water provision. 

“So, it is sad to hear that nothing of all the promises were implemented. I will engage the municipality on this matter and give a feedback. Indeed, water is life and a human right. So, without water, there is no life,” he said. 

The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Water and Sanitation, Robert Mashego, has raised alarm at the water shortages currently being experienced across the country. Mashego called for intergovernmental interventions to manage this scarce resource and also for enhanced maintenance of water systems infrastructure to ensure water continues to be provided to citizens.

“The committee has since its inception called for increased investment in infrastructure maintenance to deal with water leaks and eradicate unacceptably high levels of non-revenue water. 

“Also, the committee has emphasised the critical need for behavioural change by consumers to pay for services and also use to water wisely. There is a critical role municipalities must play in the water value chain, a responsibility that municipalities have largely abandoned,” he said. 

Meanwhile, the Member of the Mayoral Committee (MMC) responsible for Infrastructure, at the Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District Municipality, Pico Seepamere, did not respond to our calls. 

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Mosimane oneng a timetse o bonwe 

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Setshwantsho: Mosimane oneng a timetse o bonwe

Ka OBAKENG MAJE 

Mosimane oneng a timetse kwa motseng wa Magojaneng, gaufi le Mothibistad, o bonwe. Go begwa fa mosimane o, a ne a tlogelwa kwa phaphosing ya borobalo kwa ntlung ya ga Koketso Thobega. 

Go ya ka sebueledi sa sepodisi kwa porofenseng ya Northern Cape, Mokaptein Nomvuyo Makoloi, Thobega o ba laetse fa ane a makadiwa ke go bona mosimane a robetse mo thoko ga gagwe fa a tsoga mo mosong ka di 14 Moranang. 

“Thobega one a tlhalosa fa a sa itse mosimane o, kgotsa batsadi ba gagwe. Go ya ka ene, ga se motho o lotlelang dikgoro fa a robala. Jaanong, o belaela fa mongwe a ile a itatlhela mo ntlung ya gagwe, mme a tlogela mosimane o mo thoko ga gagwe. 

“Mosimane o, one a isiwa kwa seteisheneng sa sepodisi sa Mothibistad, mme se se itumedisang ke gore, ba lelapa la gagwe ba ile ba tla go mo tsaya. Re le sepodisi, re romela molaetsa wa ditebogo go baagi ba ba ileng ba re neela tshedimosetso ya go golagana le ba lelapa la mosimane o,” Makoloi wa tlhalosa. 

Makoloi are mosimane o, one a isiwa ditekong, mme a neelwa ba lelapa la gagwe morago ga moo. 

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