Monthly Archives: April 2024

Bakgatlha Baga Kgafela Tribal Authority receives its financial report 

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Picture: The Chairperson of the North West House of Traditional Leaders and Khoi-San, Kgosi Thari Maotwe and North West MEC for Finance, Motlalepula Rosho, hand over financial report to a traditional leader from the Bakgatla ba Kgafela tribal council/Supplied  

By OBAKENG MAJE 

North West MEC for Treasury, Molalepula Rosho said, the provincial government has honoured its promise to the North West Traditional Authorities by handing over financial reports of their respective councils. 

Rosho said for many years, the North West Traditional Authorities have requested the provincial government to provide them with information relating to the financial transaction reports regarding their respective councils. 

In a meeting that was held last year in Sun City, Rosho and North West MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA), Nono Maloyi, have acceded to the call by the traditional authorities and committed that the request will be sanctioned.

“The North West Department of Treasury in collaboration with the North West Department of COGTA and Office of the Premier, have commenced with a series of roadshows that are aimed at providing traditional authorities with the information related to financial transactions processed since 1994 to March 2023. 

“These roadshows mark a significant step towards fostering transparency, collaboration, and accountability within our traditional communities. The initiative kick-started on 16 April 2024 in Phokeng, near Rustenburg with Dikgosi of Rustenburg and Mankwe,” she said. 

Rosho further said this will be followed by Madikwe, Moretele, Madibeng, Lehurutshe, Ditsobotla, Molopo, Taung and Ganyesa respectively. She added that, the exercise is envisaged to be concluded during mid-May.

“We acknowledged the importance of traditional authorities to be provided with these financial reports as they are expected to play a more significant role in overseeing the allocation of resources in their communities. 

“The need to foster clear and open communication channels and committed government towards building trust and ensure that traditional authorities are fully informed and engaged in decision-making processes that impact their communities,” said Rosho.

She emphasised that traditional authorities should also be equipped with knowledge that enables them to understand the financial information contained in the report. Rosho also indicated that traditional authorities have proven beyond reasonable doubt that they are valuable community builders, therefore it is imperative that they are empowered with knowledge. 

“Yet, amidst the trials of adversity, traditional leaders emerged as beacons of resilience and agents of progress. In the absence of adequate government infrastructure in the past, they assumed the mantle of development, spearheading initiatives to uplift their communities and foster sustainable growth. 

“The indomitable spirit and unwavering commitment of our traditional leaders to the well-being of their people, epitomize the essence of African leadership at its finest,” she said.

Meanwhile, the representative from the Office of the Premier, Zacharia Tolo, who is an advisor to the Premier, endorsed the session and commended the two departments for ensuring that the D-account has been shared with the traditional authorities. Tolo said it is public knowledge that this has been a thorny issue that ought to be dealt with in a transparent manner.  

“We draw inspiration from the rich tapestry of history that surrounds us and may we march forward with steadfast determination towards a future characterized by prosperity, inclusivity, and shared prosperity,” he said.

The Chairperson of the North West House of Traditional Leaders and Khoi-San, Kgosi Thari Maotwe, expressed his gratitude and said this move is an indication that intergovernmental relations are recognised in the province. 

Maotwe committed that the traditional leaders will always welcome any interventions that are brought by the government to empower traditional leaders as this will translate to better service delivery in the various communities of the province.

The traditional leaders that were present received envelopes containing various reports of their respective traditional councils and signed an acknowledged receipt to symbolise their commitment to the handover process. 

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Monna le mosadi ba shetse mo sejanageng kwa Morokweng

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Setshwantsho: Monna le mosadi ba shetse mo sejanageng kwa Morokweng 

Ka OBAKENG MAJE 

Batho ba le babedi ba shetse mo sejanageng sa modiro wa VW Jetta kwa motseng wa Morokweng, gaufi le Ganyesa, mo letsatsing la maabane. Go begwa fa sepodisi sene sa bilediwa kwa lifelong la tiragalo, mme ba fitlhela sejanaga se tuka. 

Sebueledi sa sepodisi mo sedikeng sa Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati, Warrant Officer Tryphosa van Rooyen are, tiragalo e ke ya mo letsatsing la Labobedi mo mosong. Van Rooyen are go fitlhetswe motho wa mosadi le monna ba shetse mo sejanageng seo. 

“Monna one a na le dingwaga di le 45, fa mosadi ane ana le dingwaga di le 29. Dipatlisiso tse di bontshang gore tiragalo e, e ka tswa e bakilwe ke eng di tsweletse,” van Rooyen wa tlhalosa. 

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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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A Nigeria man nabbed for dealing in drugs 

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Picture: A man arrested for being in possession of ammunition of a 38 special revolver/Supplied  

By REGINALD KANYANE 

A man (44) has been arrested for being in possession of five ammunition of a 38 special revolver. The suspect was arrested during the execution of vehicle patrols, stop and searches in Kimberley and surrounding areas on 14 April 2024. 

The Operation Vala Umgodi team followed up on intelligence-driven information in Homelite, in Kimberley. Further investigation allegedly led the police to a house in Phakamile Mabija Road in Kimberley, where a rifle ammunition was also discovered. 

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Molefi Shemane said, the suspect was arrested for illegal possession of ammunition. Shemane said in Galeshewe Township, a Nigerian man (35) was arrested for allegedly dealing in drugs. 

“He was arrested after crystal meth with an estimated street value of R12 000, was found in his possession, as well as cash believed to be proceeds of crime. The suspects are expected to appear in court soon,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola, welcomed the arrests and commended the teams for their concerted efforts in addressing illicit mining activities as well as other crimes. 

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North West traditional authorities to receive financial transaction reports 

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Picture: North West MEC for Treasury, Motlalepula Rosho 

By OBAKENG MAJE 

The North West MEC for Treasury, Motlalepula Rosho said, in collaboration with the North West Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA) and Office of the Premier, is set to embark on a series of roadshows aimed at providing traditional authorities with the information related to financial transactions effected since 1994 of their respective councils. 

Rosho said these roadshows mark a significant step towards fostering transparency, collaboration and accountability within our traditional communities. She further said the initiative will kick-start on 16 April 2024, starting in Phokeng with Dikgosi in the Rustenburg and Mankwe areas. 

“This will be followed by Madikwe, Moeretele, Madibeng, Lehurutshe, Ditsobotla, Molopo, Taung and Ganyesa respectively. The exercise is envisaged to be concluded during mid-May. 

“The exercise underscores the North West Provincial Government’s recognition of Dikgosi as indispensable partners in driving sustainable development within our traditional communities,” said Rosho. 

She added that their profound understanding of local needs and cultural nuances, serves as a cornerstone for effective governance and community empowerment. Rosho said this effort will address the historical concerns surrounding the transparency of the D-Account, currently under the management of Standard Bank of South Africa. 

“The past shortcomings have led to feelings of mistrust and a sense of disconnection among Dikgosi regarding decision-making processes. The NWPG acknowledges these challenges and is resolutely committed to implementing stringent protocols to address them. 

“Going forward, Dikgosi will be provided with regular reports and will play a more significant role in overseeing the allocation of resources. By fostering clear and open communication channels, the government aims to rebuild trust and ensure that Dikgosi are fully informed and engaged in decision-making processes that impact their communities,” said Rosho.

She said the roadshows represent a vital opportunity for dialogue, collaboration and mutual understanding between the government and traditional authorities. Rosho said through transparent and collaborative efforts, they are poised to utilise available resources effectively, empower the communities and build a brighter future for all. 

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‘Poor service at Buxton clinic leaves EFF members fuming’

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Picture: The EFF members at Buxton Clinic

By OBAKENG MAJE 

The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) in Taung said there is overwhelming evidence that the quality of health care at Buxton clinic has been compromised. This comes after allegations that the clinic has only two nurses during the day. 

EFF councillor, Loeto Modise said, last Friday, he visited the clinic and it was heart-breaking to see patients being left unattended without any nurse on sight. 

“Indeed, the healthcare quality is at the brink of collapse at this clinic. Most patients alleged that they arrived at the clinic at around 5am, but only received assistance after I engaged with the staff. According to information, the clinic management allocates only two nurses per shift. 

“However, this has a negative impact towards service delivery and our people must bear the brunt. So, we decided to visit the clinic today and have a consultative engagement with the clinic management. Unfortunately, the manager could not give us satisfactory answers,” he said.

Modise further said the manager said only her superiors can be able to answer their questions. He added that they will sit-in at the clinic until the district manager attends to their grievances. 

“We call for improved quality care at the clinic. It cannot be 30 years of democracy, but our people continue to be subjected to this inhumane behaviour. Truly, a decline in quality health care has caused the public to lose trust in the healthcare system in South Africa.

“Some of patients come as far as Mokassa and other surrounding villages. They rely heavily on this clinic for quality healthcare. So, the clinic management must address the shortage of staff challenge that is being incurred and compromise quality in the healthcare at the clinic,” said Modise. 

Meanwhile, the North West Department of Health’s acting spokesperson, Keletso Ratlhagane said: “The district monitors the Human Resources vacancy rates. When health professional posts become vacant, they are filled. The two posts that were vacated by the end of March 2024, will be advertised and filled accordingly. 

“A post cannot be filled in less than a month as due process of recruitment and selection compliant with the Public Service Act, should be followed. The management has evidence of a professional nurse at the clinic, who communicated with a political party representative and Taung Media, regarding the shortage of staff at the clinic.”

Ratlhagane said this matter is viewed in a serious light as it is unethical for both the nurse and the journalist. She said the department has commenced with investigations to process a case of misconduct against the employee.

“The clinic is a 24-hour healthcare facility. So, there are nine professional nurses, a staff nurse and four nursing assistants and a medical officer, appointed at this facility. 

“The average daily head count at the clinic is 84 patients and according to norms and standards, nurse-patient ratio is 40 patients a day. Shortage is when the nurse sees more patients than as indicated above. There is a doctor who visits the clinic daily to consult patients that are referred by professional nurses at the clinic,” said Ratlhagane. 

She said their reports show that all patients, except those that arrived late, are seen before 4pm.

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