The police in Ikageng request the community’s assistance in locating Tshepo Sois (28), who resides in Extension 7, in Ikageng Township, near Potchefstroom. According to the North West police spokesperson, Lieutenant Col, Amanda Funani, Sois was last seen by his mother on 10 January 2024.
“A search was conducted in the township and the surrounding areas, but that did not yield positive results. At the time of his disappearance, he was wearing a black trouser, black jacket and white shoes.
“He is dark in complexion, brown eyes, with a
medium body, 1.68m in height with black beard. Anyone who may have information regarding his whereabouts, is requested to contact the Investigating Officer, Sergeant Phale on 060 987 7601 or call the South African Police Service (SAPS) Crime Stop number on 08600 10111,” she said.
Funani said anonymous tip-offs can also be communicated via the My SAPS App from one’ smart phone.
Picture: The sod-turning of the rebuilding of Kagisano-Barolong Secondary School/Supplied
By OBAKENG MAJE
The North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi said they have undertaken a ceremonial sod-turning on Thursday at Kagisano-Barolong Secondary School in Logageng village, outside Mahikeng, which marks the commencement of another crucial infrastructural project.
Motsumi said the rebuilding of Kagiso-Barolong Secondary School, aimed at providing inclusive education to the community of Logageng. She further said Kagisano-Barolong Secondary stands as a ‘beacon of hope’ for the community of Logageng, which has long been in need of conducive educational facilities as the current demolished structure had dilapidated.
“This Freedom Month is fitting that, we take proactive steps towards realizing the ideals of freedom and equality in education. The sod-turning ceremony of Kagiso-Barolong Secondary School symbolizes our collective dedication to building a future, where every child has the opportunity to thrive and succeed.
“We also believe the project will uplift our communities, through job opportunities both for skilled and unskilled labour. The school will boost of 16 classrooms, a multipurpose classroom, science lab, computer lab, library, admin block, nutrition centre, ablutions and a change room,” she added.
Motsumi said this will include a tuckshop, a guard house, soccer fields, two combi courts, security fencing, 24 parking bays, electricity, water and sewer treatment plant among other facilities.
Picture: The deceased, Keogaile Hendrick Ditlhareng/Supplied
By OBAKENG MAJE
Former Chairperson of the South African National Civic Organisation (SANCO) in the Ngaka Modiri Molema District, Keogaile Hendrick Ditlhareng (56), is to be buried at the Itsoseng Cemetery on Saturday. A funeral service will commence at 07:00 at the Roman Catholic Church.
Various speakers representing revolutionary alliance structures such as SANCO, SACP and COSATU, spoke of his unwavering commitment to the cause of the struggle for liberation and the role he played in advancing community struggles.
They spoke about how Ditlhareng was undervalued and unappreciated, hence he was unceremoniously discharged from Ditsobotla Local Municipality, despite the difference he made to communities and households that benefitted from his services in the community services unit.
The ANC Provincial Executive Committee (PEC) member, Hendrick Botha, appealed for unity in order to sustain Ditlhareng’s legacy of selflessness and dedicated service that he epitomized.
“A befitting tribute to this servant leader and cadre of great wisdom of our movement would be to mobilise our communities to defend the gains of our freedom and democracy by voting for the ANC in the 29 May 2024 elections.
“Ditlhareng who was a widower after his wife passed away two years ago is survived by his brother, younger sister and his four children. Ditlhareng, who had also served a term as an African National Congress (ANC) councillor, as well as an employee of Ditsobotla Local Municipality, was a champion of service delivery, an agent of change,” he said.
Botha further said, indeed Ditlhareng was a transformational leader, disciplinarian, humble as well as a compassionate community builder, an epitome of love and a loving father. Those who were part of memorial service held at Itsoseng Community Hall were ANC PEC member, Molefe Morutse, Deployee to the Ditsobotla PCO, ANC MP, Tidimalo Legwase, SANCO Ngaka Modiri Molema Regional Secretary, ANC Veteran, Sticks Thebe, former Ditsobotla mayor, Lesego Holele, former councillor, Kedibone Matlhomane and other activists.
Meanwhile, the principal of P.P Phaladi Primary School, Lekwane Molamu, recounted how Ditlhareng who was recently elected to serve on the School Governing Body (SGB) loved his two children.
Picture: The drugs allegedly found in possession of illegal drugs/Supplied
By OBAKENG MAJE
A man (36) has been arrested for possession of drugs in Prieska. The suspect, who is a Nigerian national, was arrested by the Prieska Crime Prevention Unit on 17 April 2024. The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Timothy Sam said the police allegedly received a tip-off regarding drugs being delivered at a house in Madiba Square in Prieska and followed it up.
“Upon arrival, the police requested permission to search the premises, which was granted by the suspect. They allegedly found mandrax tablets, cocaine and crystal meth with an estimated street value of R68 490.
“The suspect was arrested and charged for illegal possession of drugs and will appear in the Prieska Magistrates Court soon,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola, commended the public for reporting criminality to the police. Otola, praised the Prieska Crime Prevention Unit members for the swift response.
“The public is encouraged to rate the police efforts in fighting crime by participating in the RATE OUR SERVICE online survey to assist the police in improving services,” she said.
A man (32) was sentenced to 28 years imprisonment by the Kuruman Regional Court for armed robbery. During the afternoon of 17 February 2022, a shop owner in Wyk 10, near Kuruman, was approached by four men, who pretended to be customers.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Mearapelo Pilane said, the accused pointed a firearm at the shop owner and robbed him of money, cell phones and cigarettes. Pilane said they took him to his bedroom to look for more money.
“The victim managed to call for help from his neighbours, who responded and assisted him. The three other suspects fled the scene with the money and stolen items from the shop, while another one, Keorapetse Kgaje, was cornered.
“The police were called and Kgaje was subsequently arrested. Sergeant Eunice Ngono and Constable Mpumelelo Maruping of Northern Cape Provincial Serious and Violent Crimes Unit, tirelessly investigated the matter and ensured that the accused was brought to book,” she said.
Pilane further said Kgaje received 12 years imprisonment for robbery with aggravating circumstances,10 years for illegal possession of a firearm and 6 years for illegal possession of ammunition. She added that the accused was also declared unfit to possess a firearm.
“The sentences will run concurrently. The public is urged to participate in the RATE OUR SERVICE online survey regarding the conduct of the investigators,” said Pilane.
Picture: One of the financed houses in Mahikeng/Generic
By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
A mother of three, Masego Motlhatlego (42) said she is happy that finally she can have a ‘place called home’. Motlhatlego who resides in Mahikeng, has recently moved into her new home after being assisted by the North West Human Settlement, through the First Home Finance program, which was formerly known as Finance Linked Individual Subsidy Programme (FLISP).
“I have been working for the government for almost ten years now. Before occupying the house, I was staying at my parents’ house with my children. I learnt about the subsidy through a workshop I attended and went to the department for further information.
“I was then advised to apply and I followed all the processes of buying a house. I am proud to say the department has really helped me a lot. Looking at the economy now, I am financially relieved,” she said.
The overwhelmed Motlhatlego further said, she is happy after what the department has done for her. She added that the department should also continue helping others like you did for her.
Meanwhile, the North West Department of Human Settlements spokesperson, Dineo Lolokwane said, the programme has been tailor-made for those who earn average to qualify for a free government home or low cost house, but too less to qualify for a mortgage in any financial institution.
Lolokwane said the department urges communities to apply for First Home Finance, so that they become home owners for the first time.
“The department has subsidized 48 beneficiaries in the last financial year and for this year the department has planned to subsidize 90 more. To qualify, a beneficiary must have to be a South African citizen, whose household income is from R3 501 up to R22 000 per month.
“The subsidy is paid into one’s bank or financial institution and will reduce the monthly loan instalments, making it more affordable to buy a home. The department, as it is mandated to ensure that people have a roof over their heads, urges communities to make use of this platform, especially those who earn average salaries to benefit from the subsidy.
Picture: The acting North West Premier, Nono Maloyi with one of the beneficiaries/Supplied
By BAKANG MOKOTO
The North West Department of Human Settlement said it will continue with its commitment of providing communities with adequate housing through the Provincial Government’s Accelerated Service Delivery Programme, Thuntsha Lerole, which was recently held in Mahikeng.
The acting North West Premier, Nono Maloyi said, during the programme, the department handed over 2 houses to the Montshane and Pontwane families, who are both residing at Lonely Park and Signal Hill villages respectively. Speaking during the handover, Maloyi said the handover is part of the provincial government’s commitment of ensuring that people are provided with decent and dignified housing.
“Ours as government is to ensure that all of us regardless of race, gender and belief, deserve a decent shelter and comfort. It is therefore that we have taken a decisive decision to tackle all the housing backlog we have been faced with and ensure that our people are living comfortably.
“Moreover, the department also issued 10 title deeds to Danville residents as part of the on-going Title Deeds Friday campaign which seeks to restore human dignity. We would like to caution against illegal occupations or disruptions of projects and further urged communities to protect all developments to ensure timeous completion and occupancy by rightful beneficiaries,” he said.
Maloyi further called on the beneficiaries to be agents of service delivery, especially to residents who may say that the government is not doing enough to assist its communities.
Meanwhile, one of the beneficiaries, Maria Pontwane said she is grateful for the assistance she has received from the government. According to Pontwane, she has been living in an old shack, which was on the verge of breaking down as it has been affected by severe winds and rainfalls for years, making their living condition unfavourable.
“I would like to thank the government for building me and my family a house. At my age I was even beginning to think that I would die and leave my children without having to own a proper house,” said an emotional Pontwane.
Another beneficiary, Kgomotso Montshane described the day as the best in her life. She says she can now sleep peacefully in her new house.
“Our living conditions have improved and I would like to thank the government and everyone who made all this possible”.
Picture: The upgrading of D506, Z559 and D332 roads on sight/Generic
By REGINALD KANYANE
North West MEC for Public Works and Roads, Gaoage Oageng Molapisi, will on Thursday, introduce consultants for the upgrading of Road D506, Z559 and D332. Molapisi is also expected to lead a sod-turning ceremony for the special maintenance project of Road P47/2 including Koster Town and sections of Road P34/2.
The North West Public Works and Roads spokesperson, Lerato Gambu said: “Molapisi will lead both activities ahead of the Accelerated Service Delivery Programme-Thuntsha Lerole scheduled to take place on Friday at Moses Kotane Local Municipality.
“The activity will start off by introduction of consultants for designs of upgrading projects at the Dwarsberg to Pachsdraai Road and Roads P51/2 and D56 (Sesobe to Brakkruil).”
Gambu said this event follows consultations with the community of Dwarsberg regarding conditions of the road. He said the first session will take place at Debrak Community Hall on 18 April 2024 at 10am.
The second session will be at the Municipal Hall in Koster at 2pm.
Picture: SAFA CEO, Lydia Monyapao, during the partnership announcement/Generic
By OBAKENG MAJE
The South African Football Association (SAFA) said is thrilled to announced Freddy Hirsch as Bafana’s new official Shisanyama Partner. SAFA has signed a three-year contract with Freddy Hirsch.
SAFA CEO, Lydia Monyepao said this collaboration blends the passion of South African football with the tradition of Shisanyama. Monyepao also expressed her enthusiasm about the partnership.
“Uniting with Freddy Hirsch allows us to bring together two of South Africa’s greatest loves— football and Shisanyama. This collaboration will enhance match-day experiences in stadia, as well as at home or fan’s favourite shisanyama spots and enrich our ties and cultural heritage over the next three years.
“Freddy Hirsch’s commitment to celebrating our heroes mirrors our vision of growing the Bafana Bafana’s relationship with South African fans, which in turn strengthens our national team brand,” she said.
Monyepao further said the partnership unveils ‘Heroes,’ a new spice blend from Freddy Hirsch, branded with the slogan ‘Our Heroes, Our Spice.’ She added that, this initiative invites South Africans to embrace and celebrate their heritage.
“It symbolises shared ownership over the stories that define the nation, making ‘Our Heroes, Our Spice’ a collective homage to South African unity. Rooted in “Sustainable Innovation” since its founding in 1956, Freddy Hirsch introduces the ‘Heroes Ishumi’ concept, reflecting the iconic number 10 jersey.
“This initiative, offering the premium spice blend at just R10.99, exemplifies the partnership’s forward-thinking and commitment to making quality brands accessible to all South Africans,” said Monyepao.
Meanwhile, The Head of Marketing at Freddy Hirsch, Clive Moore, said: “We’re excited to unite the passion of football with the tradition of Shisanyama. The ‘Heroes’ Brand is a celebration of our sporting and culinary heritage, designed to honour the legends of the game.
“In short, the partnership delivers to the consumer, braai products for Bafana Bafana fans by Freddy Hirsch. As SAFA and Freddy Hirsch embark on this journey together, the collaboration is set to elevate the fan experience over the coming years.”
Picture: The delegates during a sod-turning at Batho Batho Primary School/Supplied
By OBAKENG MAJE
The North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi said her department will continue to roll out its infrastructure development plan to improve schools across the province. Motsumi said this comes after they have marked another milestone with the sod-turning ceremony for the rebuilding of Batho Batho Primary School in Mareetsane village, near Mahikeng on 17 April 2024.
“Batho-Batho Primary School currently has mobile classrooms structures, which will be improved by a modern design boasting of 16 brand new classrooms, Grade R block comprising three classrooms with jungle gym and fencing.
“This also comprises of an administration block, a computer lab, a nutrition block eating area, a multipurpose hall, combo courts, and a guard house, amongst other facilities. The new structure will provide a conducive learning environment for learners, with a strong focus on creating employment opportunities for locals during the construction phase,” she said.
Motsumi further said by rebuilding Batho-Batho Primary School, they are creating a safe and stimulating learning environment ensuring inclusive and equitable for all learners in the province, as well as contributing to the economic empowerment of the Mareetsane community.
She added that, it is an important role to them as government, to ensure they use these programs to eradicate poverty, which is a much needed economic boost in the community.
“The construction of Batho Batho Primary School is another testament to the department’s ongoing commitment to replicate this success in communities across the North West,” said Motsumi.
TaungDailyNews 